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

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has updated its regulations for testing and approving electric motor-driven equipment in gassy mines. The new rules allow manufacturers to use eight ANSI-approved standards for safety, which can replace some specific MSHA requirements but offer flexibility while maintaining safety. These changes are intended to encourage the use of innovative technology in mines and make the approval process more efficient for manufacturers. The rule becomes effective on January 9, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Wolf Run Mining, LLC, to modify existing safety standards for their Leer South Mine in West Virginia. Wolf Run Mining wants permission to use alternative respiratory protection equipment, the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), instead of currently approved devices. The company argues that these new devices provide the same level of safety because they are lighter and have features suitable for a mining environment, despite not being MSHA-approved as permissible. The proposed change includes specific safety and training measures to ensure the equipment's safe use, including regular inspections and training for workers on the new equipment.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a request for a change in safety rules from the 3M Company. They want to alter the current regulation that affects the use of compressed air for cleaning dust off miners' clothing at their Corona Plant in California. The proposed method involves using a special booth and equipment that the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has tested and approved as safe. The complete details of the proposal, including safety measures and training plans, are open for public comment until May 19, 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.

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.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC to modify safety regulations regarding equipment used at their Coal Branch No. 2 Mine in West Virginia. The company seeks permission to use two types of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), which are not MSHA-approved, because they believe these PAPRs offer better respiratory protection and comfort for miners, especially those with facial hair or who cannot wear tight-fitting respirators. The proposal outlines detailed training, inspection, and maintenance guidelines to ensure safety and compliance. Public comments on the petition are to be submitted by January 15, 2025.

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) 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.

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 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.