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

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Blue Diamond Mining, LLC, seeking to modify existing safety standards regarding the use of Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in mines. The company wants to use specific types of PAPRs that are not currently MSHA-approved, arguing they provide adequate protection for miners, especially those with facial hair who struggle with traditional respirators. MSHA is inviting public comments on this petition until March 21, 2025, and details on how to submit comments are provided in the notice.

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) has received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, requesting a change to existing safety standards for specific equipment used in mines. The petition seeks approval for the use of unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in the Flying Eagle Mine in West Virginia. Rockwell Mining argues that the PAPRs, which are not currently MSHA-approved, offer equivalent or better protection for miners compared to the existing standards. As part of the petition, Rockwell proposes safety procedures, regular equipment checks, and training for miners to ensure the PAPRs can be safely used in mine conditions. Comments on this petition are due by January 13, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from South32 Hermosa Inc. seeking to modify safety standards for their Hermosa Mine in Arizona. The company proposes using portable MineARC Refuge Chambers with onboard life-support supplies instead of external systems for air and water, arguing these provide at least equal protection in emergencies. MSHA is accepting comments on this petition until January 6, 2025. The modification aims to enhance safety by ensuring refuges are self-contained and less vulnerable to mine hazards.

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) is reviewing a request from ICG Beckley, LLC to change a safety regulation. Specifically, they want to use newer, unapproved air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) in certain mining areas where older versions were used but have been discontinued. The petition explains why these new devices are safe and why sticking to the old rule could make things less safe for miners. Comments on this request must be sent to MSHA by April 21, 2025.

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.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has issued a notice regarding a petition for modification submitted by Harrison County Coal Resources, Inc. The company seeks to change the existing safety standards by increasing the allowed length of certain electrical cables used in the Harrison County Mine. They argue that their proposed alternative methods provide equal or greater safety measures as compared to current standards. If granted, this modification would apply to trailing cables providing power to mining equipment, ensuring safety through specific conditions and training requirements.

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) 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.