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

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Blue Diamond Mining, LLC, to modify a safety standard for using unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in specific areas of their mine. They wish to allow the use of certain PAPRs, like the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800, which are not approved by MSHA but are considered safe by the manufacturer. The company argues that these respirators offer effective and comfortable protection, especially for workers with facial hair or those unable to wear tight-fitting respirators. The proposed modification includes detailed inspection, training, and maintenance protocols to ensure safety measures are upheld.

ICG Beckley, LLC has asked the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to allow the use of certain air purifying respirators to protect miners at its Beckley Pocahontas Mine in West Virginia. These respirators, specifically the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800, are not currently approved under MSHA standards, but the company argues they offer comparable protection and comfort, especially in hot working conditions. The petition highlights issues with the supply and discontinuation of previously used equipment and outlines rigorous inspection and training procedures to ensure safety. MSHA is accepting public comments on the petition until April 21, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC, requesting a modification of existing safety standards for the use of specific battery-powered equipment at the Bailey Mine. Consol wants to use vibration analyzers and portable data collectors to safely predict and prevent equipment failures, as the currently approved devices are no longer manufactured. The company's proposal includes safety measures such as regular equipment inspections and training for personnel. They assert that the alternative methods will maintain the safety standards required by federal regulations.

The U.S. Department of Labor is updating the civil monetary penalties it can impose, based on inflation, as part of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This requires an annual review and adjustment of penalty amounts to ensure they keep pace with inflation. These updates are set to take effect on January 15, 2021, and apply to penalties assessed after this date. Different divisions within the Department, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration, are involved in overseeing these changes, which aim to maintain their deterrent effect.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Peabody Midwest Mining, LLC requesting a change to existing safety rules. The petition seeks permission to use battery-powered radios in mining operations, arguing these radios provide the same level of safety as the current standards. Peabody explains that the previously approved radios are no longer available, hence the need to use alternative radios that are safe and practical for the work environment. Comments on this petition are being accepted until January 6, 2025.

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.

Rockwell Mining, LLC has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requesting a change to existing safety rules at its Coal Branch No. 1 Mine in West Virginia. The company wants permission to use certain powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs), which are not MSHA-approved, in various parts of the mine. They argue that these devices provide a safe and comfortable alternative for respiratory protection, especially for miners who struggle with existing equipment due to facial hair or inability to fit-test. The petition outlines training and inspection protocols to ensure safety and seeks to expand respirator options for miners under new regulations concerning silica exposure.

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.

The Department of Labor is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection related to ventilation in underground coal mines. This request is being reviewed by the Office of Management and Budget as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act. The safety and health standards aim to ensure proper ventilation to protect miners from harmful gases and dust. The proposal includes tests and recordkeeping requirements to maintain and adjust ventilation systems, ensuring miner safety in harsh underground conditions.

The Department of Labor is seeking public comments on a proposed information collection regarding the safety and maintenance of diesel-powered equipment in underground coal mines. This request, submitted under the Paperwork Reduction Act, aims to ensure necessary safety measures are in place, such as maintenance records and exhaust emission tests, to protect miners from fire and health hazards associated with diesel equipment. The public can comment on the proposal until January 9, 2025, focusing on the necessity and implications of the data collection. The information collection's purpose is to enhance safety standards and reduce the risk associated with diesel machinery.