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The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, requesting to modify the safety standard regarding the use of certain unapproved air purifying respirators in their Coal Branch No. 2 Mine. This modification seeks to incorporate alternatives to the currently available NIOSH-approved respirators, specifically the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 units, which provide continuous filtered air and suit miners with facial hair who cannot use traditional respirators. The petition argues that this alternative method offers protection equal to the existing standards, and the equipment will be maintained and operated under strict conditions to ensure safety. Public comments on this request are open until January 15, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, requesting a modification to current safety standards. The petition concerns the use of unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) at the Flying Eagle Mine in West Virginia. The company proposes using alternative respirators, which they claim offer safety and comfort benefits over existing options, although these devices are not MSHA-approved. The petition outlines that the proposed changes will maintain miner safety and includes detailed conditions for their use, inspection, and maintenance.

Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) seeking permission to use certain battery-powered vibration analyzers and data collectors at the Enlow Fork Mine in Pennsylvania. These devices, the SCOUT100EX, SCOUT140EX, and vb7 models, are intended to replace a discontinued model and help prevent equipment failures in hazardous areas within the mine. Consol argues that these devices provide an equivalent level of safety as required by current standards, even though they are not MSHA-approved. The alternative method proposed by Consol is to ensure miners' safety while using these devices under specific conditions, including regular inspections and training.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, to allow the use of certain powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) in specific areas of a mine, such as near pillar workings or longwall faces. These PAPRs, which include the CleanSpace EX and the 3M Versaflo TR-800s, are not MSHA-approved, but the petitioner claims they are intrinsically safe and offer better protection and comfort in hot conditions. The company proposes a detailed alternative method for ensuring safety, including training, inspections, and compliance with specific maintenance requirements. The notice invites public comments on the petition until January 15, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Blue Diamond Coal Co. to modify existing safety standards that require the use of permissible electric equipment in coal mines. The company requested permission to use specific types of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), which are not MSHA-approved, as alternatives to currently used respirators. They argue these devices can offer air filtration and comfort, especially for miners with facial hair who might otherwise struggle with current equipment. The proposal includes specific guidelines and conditions to ensure the safety of miners when using these PAPRs underground.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from ACI Tygart Valley requesting permission to use alternative respirable dust protection equipment at the Leer Mine, due to the discontinuation of previously used equipment. They propose to use the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) as replacements, despite these not being MSHA-approved. ACI Tygart Valley argues that the proposed equipment provides equivalent safety measures and includes training and inspection protocols to ensure miner safety. MSHA will consider public comments on this proposed modification until April 21, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, to modify safety standards for their Eagle #3 Mine in West Virginia. The company seeks approval to use specific powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) near pillar workings or longwall faces, arguing these provide at least the same level of safety as current MSHA standards. The new equipment offers better protection for miners, especially those unable to use tight-fitting masks. Comments on the petition can be submitted through various channels until January 10, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Canyon Fuel Company, LLC, to modify a mandatory safety standard concerning the use of electric equipment at the Sufco Mine in Utah. The company wants to use the Drager X-plore 8000 powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) to help protect miners from dust, complementing the already approved 3M Versa Flo units. Canyon Fuel argues that the Drager PAPR could ease parts shortages and still ensure miner safety. The petition outlines alternative safety measures to ensure the proposed equipment provides equal protection to the current standards.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC, to modify the safety standards for its Bailey Mine in Pennsylvania. Consol seeks permission to use certain battery-powered vibration analyzers that are not currently approved under existing MSHA standards within 150 feet of active mining areas. The request is due to a lack of available MSHA-approved equipment following the discontinuation of previously certified devices. Consol believes that their proposed equipment provides an equivalent level of safety and proposes checks and precautions to ensure miner safety. The public can comment on this petition until January 9, 2025.