Search Results for agency_names:"Mine Safety and Health Administration"

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Peabody Midwest Mining, LLC requesting to modify a safety standard regarding the use of non-permissible radios in mines. The current rule mandates the use of approved radios, but with manufacturers no longer making these, Peabody seeks permission to use a battery-powered Motorola R-7 Portable Two-Way Radio. The company argues these radios are safe and necessary for effective communication, which is crucial for the safety of miners. Public comments on the petition are invited until January 6, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Signal Peak Energy, LLC, seeking to change the mandatory safety standards for its Bull Mountains Mine No. 1 in Montana. The company wants to use Dräger X-plore 8700 Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) instead of the currently approved 3M units to keep miners safe from airborne dust. Signal Peak argues that the Dräger PAPRs are just as safe and effective and have sought approval because these units meet safety standards for use in explosive or dusty environments. Comments on this petition are invited until April 3, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC, seeking a modification of existing safety standards for their Enlow Fork Mine. Consol wants permission to use specific battery-powered vibration analyzers and data collectors in the mine, despite these devices not meeting MSHA's current approval standards. The petition highlights that the requested devices are compliant with international safety standards and aims to demonstrate that their use offers equivalent protection to miners. MSHA is inviting comments on this petition until January 9, 2025.

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.

A petition has been submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Kanawha Eagle Mining, LLC, seeking permission to use certain types of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) that are not currently approved by MSHA at the Winchester Peerless Rachel Mine in West Virginia. The company argues that these PAPRs provide both safety and comfort for miners, especially in hot conditions or for those with facial hair. The alternative safety measures outlined in the petition claim to offer equal protection compared to existing standards. MSHA is inviting public comments on this petition until January 6, 2025.

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) 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) 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 Mingo Logan Coal, LLC to modify safety standards at Mountaineer II Mine in Logan County, West Virginia. The company seeks permission to use alternative breathing equipment, the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX, which are not currently approved by MSHA but are deemed safe under other safety certifications. The petition outlines training and safety measures to ensure these devices offer equivalent protection to existing standards. The public is invited to comment on this request by January 29, 2025.

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.