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.
Simple Explanation
Blue Diamond Coal Co. wants to use special new masks at their Kentucky mine to help miners breathe better, especially if they have beards or trouble with regular masks, and they promise these new masks will keep everyone safe. They're asking for people's thoughts on this idea until March 21, 2025.