Search Results for keywords:"petition for modification"

The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 allows mine operators or miner representatives to propose alternative safety methods if they can ensure equal or better safety compared to current standards. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reviews such petitions and provides decisions which can include approval, partial approval, or denial. This notice lists petitions that were approved by MSHA between April 20, 2019, and December 14, 2020. The document includes detailed information on the affected regulations and corresponding mines.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Kanawha Eagle Mining, LLC, requesting a change to current safety standards. The petition seeks to use the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) that are not currently MSHA-approved, but provide an alternative method of protection for miners. These PAPRs offer constant airflow and are said to be more comfortable, particularly for miners who have facial hair or cannot wear tight-fitting respirators. The proposed modification includes specific conditions for training, maintenance, and use to ensure safety is not compromised.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Peabody Midwest Mining, LLC, requesting a modification to existing safety regulations. Peabody seeks permission to use battery-powered non-permissible radios within certain mining areas, as current permissible radios are no longer available. They propose alternative safety measures, including using intrinsically safe radios and conducting thorough safety checks. Comments on the petition are open until January 6, 2025, and can be submitted through various methods provided by MSHA.

In a petition submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Blue Diamond Coal Co. seeks to modify safety standards to allow the use of specific Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) that are not currently MSHA-approved. They argue that these devices, the CleanSpace EX and the 3M Versaflo TR-800, are intrinsically safe and provide continuous airflow for respiratory protection in harsh conditions. The company believes that offering these PAPRs will give miners additional options for respiratory protection and comfort, especially for those who have difficulty with fit requirements. The petition outlines detailed procedures and safety checks to ensure the PAPRs' safe use, ensuring they provide no less protection than existing standards.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from ICG Beckley, LLC for a modification to existing mine safety standards. The company wants to use unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), specifically the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800, in certain mining environments. These devices are suggested as alternatives to the discontinued 3M Airstream helmet, providing respiratory protection from coal mine dust. ICG Beckley argues that their use will maintain or enhance miner safety, even though these devices aren't MSHA approved. They propose extensive training, regular inspections, and strict conditions for using these PAPRs to ensure miner safety.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Grefco Minerals, LLC, asking to modify existing safety regulations that ban intoxicating beverages at mines. The company requests permission to store and use beer at its Nevada plant for quality control and research purposes. The beer, with alcohol content below 10%, is used to test the company's diatomaceous earth products, which help filter beer during production. Grefco plans to keep the beer securely stored and used under controlled conditions to protect miners from any exposure.

Rockwell Mining, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to modify an existing safety standard. They propose using two types of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) that are not currently approved by MSHA, arguing these devices offer equivalent protection and comfort compared to the existing standards. The company believes this modification will provide better options for respiratory protection, especially for miners with facial hair or those unable to wear tight-fitting masks. All interested parties are invited to submit comments on this petition by January 9, 2025.