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

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

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 9921
    Reading Time:about 8 minutes

    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.

    Simple Explanation

    Blue Diamond Coal Co. asked for permission to use new breathing masks for miners that aren't officially approved yet because they think these masks work well and keep miners safe. They believe that using these masks might make it easier and more comfortable for miners to breathe while they work, even though some people might worry about trying something not yet fully approved.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 9926
    Reading Time:about 8 minutes

    The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Blue Diamond Coal Co. for a change to the safety standards related to the use of certain air-purifying respirators in coal mines. The petition proposes an alternative method to allow these respirators, which are not MSHA-approved, to be used if they meet other safety requirements. The company argues that the respirators will offer strong protection and comfort for miners, especially those who have difficulty using traditional masks. MSHA is accepting public comments on this petition until March 21, 2025.

    Simple Explanation

    Blue Diamond Coal Co. wants to use special breathing masks in mines that haven't been officially approved for use, and they're asking if they can do this since they believe the masks will help miners breathe better. The Mine Safety and Health Administration is asking people to share their thoughts on this idea by March 21, 2025.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 16573
    Reading Time:about 11 minutes

    The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Mingo Logan Coal, LLC to modify existing safety standards for the Mountaineer II Mine in West Virginia. The petition seeks permission to use two types of respiratory protection devices, the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and the CleanSpace EX, as an alternative to currently approved equipment, which has been discontinued. The petitioner claims these devices provide the same level of safety and protection against coal dust, although they are not MSHA-approved. The proposal includes specific safety measures and training requirements for the use of these devices.

    Simple Explanation

    A company that runs a coal mine wants to use new breathing masks to keep workers safe from dust, but these masks haven't been given the thumbs-up by the people who set the safety rules yet. They're saying the new masks are just as safe as the old ones, which aren't made anymore, but some grown-ups are worried about whether these new masks are really okay to use.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:89 FR 95244
    Reading Time:about 5 minutes

    The Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is seeking public comments on its information collection efforts regarding the use of explosive materials and blasting units in specific mines. The focus is on Category III metal and nonmetal mines, which are considered potentially gassy and require safe blasting practices. MSHA wants feedback on the necessity of the information collected, its burden on respondents, and methods to improve data quality and submission efficiency. Public comments will help MSHA reassess and potentially extend the current data collection practices.

    Simple Explanation

    The people in charge of keeping mines safe want to hear what people think about using explosives in some mines to make sure they're not dangerous; they're trying to figure out if the paperwork people have to fill out is really needed and if there's a way to make it easier.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 13213
    Reading Time:about 6 minutes

    Sunrise Coal, LLC has requested a modification to existing safety standards from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA). They want to use specific non-approved respirators at their Indiana mines due to their benefits, such as providing a continuous flow of fresh air and accommodating miners unable to use tight-fitting masks. Sunrise Coal argues that their alternative methods ensure equal or greater safety compared to the current standards. Interested parties can submit comments to MSHA by April 21, 2025.

    Simple Explanation

    Sunrise Coal wants to change safety rules so they can use special breathing masks at their Indiana mines. They say these masks are safe and helpful for workers who can't wear regular ones. People can share their thoughts about this idea with the Mine Safety and Health folks by April 21, 2025.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:89 FR 96686
    Reading Time:about 8 minutes

    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.

    Simple Explanation

    Kanawha Eagle Mining wants to use special safety masks for miners that aren't yet approved, arguing they're just as safe and comfy, especially for miners with beards or working in hot places. They're asking people to share their thoughts on this idea before January 6, 2025.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 13210
    Reading Time:about 11 minutes

    A petition has been submitted by ACI Tygart Valley to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requesting a modification to the current safety standards for the Leer Mine in West Virginia. The petition asks to use new respiratory protective equipment, specifically the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX powered air purifying respirators, as an alternative to existing equipment that is no longer available. Even though these new respirators are not MSHA-approved, the petitioner argues that they provide equivalent safety standards. The petition includes detailed safety and operational conditions, and public comments are invited until April 21, 2025.

    Simple Explanation

    A mine wants to use new air masks to keep its workers safe, but these masks haven't been officially approved yet. The mine believes these masks work just as well as the old ones that can't be used anymore and is asking for permission to use them.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:89 FR 101632
    Reading Time:about 8 minutes

    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.

    Simple Explanation

    Rockwell Mining wants to use special masks that help workers breathe better in their coal mine, but these masks aren't officially approved yet. They believe these masks will help people who have trouble using the regular ones.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:90 FR 16565
    Reading Time:about 5 minutes

    ACNR Holdings, Inc. has submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requesting a change to existing safety standards for mining equipment. They want to use a new type of air-purifying respirator, the 3M Versaflo TR-800, in their mines to protect workers from dust. The request is specific to certain mines in West Virginia and suggests that the new respirator meets necessary safety requirements for areas with potential methane gas. Miners will be trained to use and maintain the equipment safely.

    Simple Explanation

    ACNR Holdings wants to use a special new mask to keep miners safe while they work, and they say it will work well in certain West Virginia mines. They promise to teach the miners how to use it safely.

  • Type:Notice
    Citation:89 FR 96688
    Reading Time:about 8 minutes

    The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Kanawha Eagle Mining, LLC, requesting a modification of existing safety standards for their North Eagle Mine in West Virginia. The modification seeks permission to use certain Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) that are not currently approved by MSHA, such as the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800, to provide miners with additional respiratory protection options. The petitioner asserts that these PAPRs are intrinsically safe and offer protection at least equal to current standards, especially for miners with facial hair who cannot use traditional respirators. The proposal includes specific safety measures and training requirements to ensure the equipment is used safely.

    Simple Explanation

    Imagine there's a rule about wearing a special mask in a mine to keep everyone safe, but one company wants to try a different type of mask. They asked the safety people if they could use these new masks because they think they’re just as good, especially for workers with beards.