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

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from ACNR Holdings, Inc. to modify current safety standards, allowing the use of 3M Versaflo TR-800 Powered Air Purifying Respirators in specific mines. This proposal seeks to replace the discontinued 3M airstream helmets and introduces an alternative method to ensure miner safety in hazardous locations, compatible with methane potential. The petition includes guidelines for equipment examination, battery handling, and miner training to maintain safety and compliance with federal regulations. Comments on this petition can be submitted until May 19, 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 Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) invites the public to comment on an information collection request regarding ground control in coal mines and surface work areas of underground coal mines. This effort aims to ensure mine operators maintain safe conditions in highwalls, pits, and spoil banks. The goal is to minimize reporting burdens and enhance the clarity and utility of the information collected. Comments must be submitted by February 25, 2025, through the Federal e-Rulemaking Portal or by mail.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, seeking to modify an existing safety standard at the Flying Eagle Mine in West Virginia. The company wants approval to use specific powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) that are not MSHA-approved but are deemed intrinsically safe. They argue that these PAPRs provide better comfort and protection in hot conditions, especially for miners with facial hair. The company has outlined a detailed training and inspection plan to ensure these PAPRs are used safely.

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.

A petition for modification has been submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Rockwell Mining, LLC, seeking to change the existing safety standards. They request permission to use non-approved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), specifically the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 models, near certain mining areas. The petition outlines the safety and training measures that would accompany the use of these devices to ensure they maintain or improve safety standards for miners. The petition emphasizes alternatives for miners with facial hair and those who find regular respirators uncomfortable, ensuring safety is not compromised.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Peabody Twentymile Mining, LLC, requesting a change to safety standards at the Foidel Creek Mine in Colorado. The company wants permission to use a new type of respirator, the Drager X-plore 8700 PAPR, due to the discontinuation of the previously used 3M Airstream helmet. To ensure miner safety, Peabody has proposed several conditions for using the new equipment, including inspections, training, and compliance with methane safety requirements. The goal is to maintain the same level of protection for workers as the original safety standards.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company for a modification of a safety standard involving the use of certain vibration analysis equipment in mines. The company wants permission to use specific battery-powered devices that have not been approved by MSHA but meet other safety standards. Consol argues that the alternative equipment provides the same level of safety and points out that no other approved devices are currently manufactured. The proposed changes include detailed inspection and training requirements to ensure safety while using this equipment in potentially explosive environments. Comments on the petition are due by January 9, 2025.

Signal Peak Energy, LLC submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requesting a change in the safety standards for their Bull Mountains Mine No. 1. The company wants to use a different brand of respirators, the Dräger X-plore 8700 Powered Air Purifying Respirators, to protect miners from dust because they offer better performance than their current equipment. Although the new respirators don't have MSHA approval, they are certified as safe for use in hazardous environments. The proposal outlines detailed conditions for using these respirators, such as battery charging procedures and safety checks, to ensure they provide the same level of protection as the current standards.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), part of the Labor Department, received a petition from ACNR Holdings, Inc. to modify existing safety standards for certain mines in West Virginia. They propose using the 3M Versaflo TR-800 Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) as an alternative for respirable dust protection near mining areas. ACNR Holdings argues that their proposed alternative method will provide the same or better safety for miners. The public is invited to comment on this petition by May 19, 2025.