Another Petition to Modernize Coal Mine Safety Standards
Published Date: 1/12/2026
Notice
Summary
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company wants to change some safety rules for their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This petition could save time or money without risking safety. Everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts before a decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Safety Controls for Non‑Permissible Use
The petitioner says non-permissible testing equipment would be allowed only under specific safety steps: a qualified person must examine the equipment before use and continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during use; equipment must not be used when methane is at or above 1% and must be de-energized and withdrawn if 1% or more methane is detected. Other conditions include use of MSHA-approved hand-held methane detectors, stopping coal production except for troubleshooting time, liberal rock dusting, manufacturer safe-use procedures, and training miners on the terms.
Allow Certain Battery Testing Devices
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company asked MSHA for permission to use battery-powered, non-permissible testing and diagnostic equipment within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces at the Bailey Mine. The petition explicitly lists vibration analyzers (Emerson AMS 2140; Bentley Nevada vb7, Scout 100 EX, Commtest Scout 140/VBX/Scout) and also covers laptops, oscilloscopes, cable fault detectors, infrared temperature devices, ultrasonic devices, electronic testers, and tachometers when equivalent permissible equipment is not available.
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