The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) received a petition from Wolf Run Mining, LLC, to modify existing safety standards for their Leer South Mine in West Virginia. Wolf Run Mining wants permission to use alternative respiratory protection equipment, the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs), instead of currently approved devices. The company argues that these new devices provide the same level of safety because they are lighter and have features suitable for a mining environment, despite not being MSHA-approved as permissible. The proposed change includes specific safety and training measures to ensure the equipment's safe use, including regular inspections and training for workers on the new equipment.
Simple Explanation
Wolf Run Mining asked for a rule change so they can use different safety masks that are lighter and easier to wear in their mine. But there's a concern because these new masks aren't officially approved, and using them might make safety rules a bit tricky for the workers to follow.