The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Blue Diamond Coal Co. seeking to modify existing safety standards to allow specific types of powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) in certain mining areas. The company requested permission to use the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPRs, which are not MSHA-approved but are claimed to be intrinsically safe. These respirators offer continuous airflow and may better protect miners, including those with facial hair, from harmful dust than the current equipment. The proposal includes specific training and safety checks to ensure the devices' safe use.
Simple Explanation
Blue Diamond Coal Co. asked if they could use special air masks, called PAPRs, in their mines to help workers breathe better and stay safe. These masks aren't the usual ones approved by safety experts, but the company thinks they are safe and work well, even for people with beards.