Search Results for keywords:"respirators"

Sunrise Coal, LLC has requested a modification to existing safety standards from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). They want to use specific non-approved respirators at their Indiana mines due to their benefits, such as providing a continuous flow of fresh air and accommodating miners unable to use tight-fitting masks. Sunrise Coal argues that their alternative methods ensure equal or greater safety compared to the current standards. Interested parties can submit comments to MSHA by April 21, 2025.

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) 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) has received a petition from Blue Diamond Coal Co. requesting a modification to safety standards for using certain respirators in mines. The company wishes to use unapproved power purifying respirators near specific mining areas, arguing these provide better protection and comfort for miners, especially those unable to wear tight-fitting masks. The petition outlines safety procedures and training plans for the proposed respirators. Comments on this petition are open until March 21, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Blue Diamond Mining, LLC, seeking to modify existing safety standards regarding the use of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in mines. The company wants to use specific types of PAPRs that are not currently MSHA-approved, arguing they provide adequate protection for miners, especially those with facial hair who struggle with traditional respirators. MSHA is inviting public comments on this petition until March 21, 2025, and details on how to submit comments are provided in the notice.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Wolf Run Mining, LLC to modify a safety standard for their coal mine, the Leer South Mine. The company wants to use new respirators, the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX, which provide better protection from dust but are not currently approved by MSHA. Wolf Run Mining argues that these new respirators are safer and that using the old standard diminishes safety. The petition details how they plan to ensure safety and training for the use of these new devices, even though they are not MSHA-approved. They assure that their plan will offer the same level of protection required by the existing safety standards.