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.
Simple Explanation
Signal Peak Energy wants to use a different kind of mask to keep miners safe from dust. They believe the new mask works just as well and have asked for permission to use it. People can share their thoughts about this change until April 3, 2025.