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

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), part of the Labor Department, received a petition from ACNR Holdings, Inc. to modify existing safety standards for certain mines in West Virginia. They propose using the 3M Versaflo TR-800 Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) as an alternative for respirable dust protection near mining areas. ACNR Holdings argues that their proposed alternative method will provide the same or better safety for miners. The public is invited to comment on this petition by May 19, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC, to modify the safety standards for its Bailey Mine in Pennsylvania. Consol seeks permission to use certain battery-powered vibration analyzers that are not currently approved under existing MSHA standards within 150 feet of active mining areas. The request is due to a lack of available MSHA-approved equipment following the discontinuation of previously certified devices. Consol believes that their proposed equipment provides an equivalent level of safety and proposes checks and precautions to ensure miner safety. The public can comment on this petition until January 9, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company, LLC, requesting a modification of existing safety standards for the use of specific battery-powered equipment at the Bailey Mine. Consol wants to use vibration analyzers and portable data collectors to safely predict and prevent equipment failures, as the currently approved devices are no longer manufactured. The company's proposal includes safety measures such as regular equipment inspections and training for personnel. They assert that the alternative methods will maintain the safety standards required by federal regulations.

The Department of Labor is asking the public for comments on a new information collection about safety standards for roof bolts used in mines. This request is part of an effort to prevent injuries and deaths from accidents like roof falls in underground and surface mines. People have until April 21, 2025, to provide their feedback, and this process is part of a legal requirement to ensure public involvement and transparency. The department wants ideas on everything from the usefulness of this information collection to ways that it could be improved while reducing costs.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Peabody Midwest Mining, LLC requesting to modify a safety standard regarding the use of non-permissible radios in mines. The current rule mandates the use of approved radios, but with manufacturers no longer making these, Peabody seeks permission to use a battery-powered Motorola R-7 Portable Two-Way Radio. The company argues these radios are safe and necessary for effective communication, which is crucial for the safety of miners. Public comments on the petition are invited until January 6, 2025.

A petition for modification was submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Wolf Run Mining, LLC, requesting a change in the safety standard for respirable dust protection at the Leer South Mine in West Virginia. The mining company wishes to use alternative protective gear, specifically the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and the CleanSpace EX Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), which are not currently MSHA-approved. The petition argues that these respirators provide an equivalent or better level of protection compared to the existing standards. The proposal outlines specific safety measures and training programs to ensure the safe use of these devices. Public comments on this petition are open until May 19, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has received a petition from Blue Diamond Coal Co. requesting a modification to safety standards for using certain respirators in mines. The company wishes to use unapproved power purifying respirators near specific mining areas, arguing these provide better protection and comfort for miners, especially those unable to wear tight-fitting masks. The petition outlines safety procedures and training plans for the proposed respirators. Comments on this petition are open until March 21, 2025.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Rockwell Mining, LLC, seeking to modify an existing safety standard at the Flying Eagle Mine in West Virginia. The company wants approval to use specific powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) that are not MSHA-approved but are deemed intrinsically safe. They argue that these PAPRs provide better comfort and protection in hot conditions, especially for miners with facial hair. The company has outlined a detailed training and inspection plan to ensure these PAPRs are used safely.

The Department of Labor, specifically through the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), is asking for public comments on a proposed information collection regarding Roof Control Plans in underground coal mines. These plans aim to prevent accidents from roof collapses, which are a significant risk in mining. They require approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) under the Paperwork Reduction Act. The public has until January 17, 2025, to submit comments on the necessity and efficiency of this information gathering.