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

A petition for modification was submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Rockwell Mining, LLC, requesting changes to safety standards at the Gateway Eagle Mine in West Virginia. The petition seeks to use certain Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), which are not MSHA-approved, to provide miners with more protective and comfortable respiratory options. The proposal includes using specific products like the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPRs and outlines their safe usage and maintenance. Comments on this petition are invited and must be submitted by January 9, 2025.

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.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Blue Diamond Mining, LLC, to modify a safety standard for using unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in specific areas of their mine. They wish to allow the use of certain PAPRs, like the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800, which are not approved by MSHA but are considered safe by the manufacturer. The company argues that these respirators offer effective and comfortable protection, especially for workers with facial hair or those unable to wear tight-fitting respirators. The proposed modification includes detailed inspection, training, and maintenance protocols to ensure safety measures are upheld.

The U.S. Department of Labor is updating the civil monetary penalties it can impose, based on inflation, as part of the Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act. This requires an annual review and adjustment of penalty amounts to ensure they keep pace with inflation. These updates are set to take effect on January 15, 2021, and apply to penalties assessed after this date. Different divisions within the Department, such as Occupational Safety and Health Administration and Mine Safety and Health Administration, are involved in overseeing these changes, which aim to maintain their deterrent effect.

Blue Diamond Coal Co. submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requesting permission to modify safety standards at the Calvary No. 81 mine in Kentucky. The company wants to use certain unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) to provide better respiratory protection and comfort for miners, especially those with facial hair or who have difficulty wearing tight-fitting masks. The petition outlines safety checks, training, and maintenance procedures for the PAPRs, emphasizing that these alternatives could provide equal or greater safety for miners. Public comments on the proposal are invited until March 21, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Peabody Twentymile Mining, LLC, requesting modifications to existing mandatory safety standards for their Foidel Creek Mine. The petition seeks permission to use the Drager X-plore 8700 Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) as an alternative to currently approved equipment, due to the discontinuation of the 3M Airstream system. MSHA outlines detailed conditions and safety measures to ensure that the Drager equipment provides the same level of protection to miners. Public comments on this petition must be submitted by April 2, 2025.