Coal Firm Petitions for Safer, Smarter Mine Rule Changes
Published Date: 1/12/2026
Notice
Summary
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps workers just as safe. They’ve asked the Mine Safety and Health Administration to approve this change, and everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts. If approved, this could mean safer, smarter ways to work without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Methane monitoring and 1% cutoff rule
As part of the proposed alternative, a qualified person must continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during use of non‑permissible electronic testing equipment and non‑permissible equipment must not be used if methane is detected at or above 1 percent; if 1 percent or more methane is detected while equipment is being used, the equipment must be de‑energized immediately and withdrawn outby the last open crosscut. Hand‑held methane detectors used must be MSHA approved and maintained in permissible condition per 30 CFR 75.320.
Allow specified non‑permissible diagnostic tools
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company asked MSHA to allow use of specific battery-powered, non‑permissible vibration analyzers (Emerson AMS 2140; Bentley Nevada vb7, Scout 100 EX, Commtest Scout 140/VBX/Scout Unit) and other battery-powered testing devices in return air outby the last open crosscut at the Bailey Mine (MSHA ID 36-07230). The petition requests permission to use these devices under an alternative method that the petitioner says will provide the same level of miner protection as 30 CFR 75.507-1(a).
Posting and training requirements for miners
The petitioner must post the Petition at Bailey Mine and any other applicable mines in unobstructed locations for at least 60 consecutive days and include the listed terms and conditions in initial and annual refresher Part 48 training so miners are aware of the petition's stipulations. The petition was posted at Bailey Mine as of October 3, 2025.
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