Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC submitted a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requesting permission to use specific non-permissible battery-powered vibration analyzers and data collectors at the Bailey Mine in Pennsylvania. The issue arose because these devices were needed to replace older equipment that was no longer available, as there were no new MSHA-approved devices on the market. The company argues that using these devices does not compromise the safety of miners, as they are compliant with other international safety standards. The petition outlines various safety measures and training protocols that Consol will follow to ensure safe operation of the equipment in potentially hazardous mining environments.
Simple Explanation
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company wants permission to use new gadgets in their mine because the old ones are no longer made. They promise these new gadgets are safe and follow world safety rules, but some grown-ups are asking if they really are as safe or if they're just trying to save money.