Pennsylvania Coal Company Files for Mine Safety Rule Change
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. This petition asks the Mine Safety and Health Administration to approve the change, which could affect how safety checks are done and might save time or money. Everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts before a decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Request to Use Specific Diagnostic Devices
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company asked MSHA to allow use of specific battery-powered, non-permissible testing and diagnostic devices (including Emerson AMS 2140; Bentley Nevada vb7, Scout 100 EX, Commtest Scout 140/VBX/Scout units) and other devices (laptops, oscilloscopes, cable fault detectors, infrared temperature devices, ultrasonic devices, electronic tachometers, etc.) within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces under 30 CFR 75.1002(a). The petition says using these devices could change how safety checks are done and might save time or money at the Harvey Mine in Greene County, Pennsylvania.
1% Methane Limit and Continuous Monitoring
The petition would require a qualified person to 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%. If one percent or more methane is detected while the equipment is in use, the equipment must be de-energized immediately and withdrawn to more than 150 feet from pillar workings or outby the longwall faces.
Production Pause During Troubleshooting
Under the proposed alternative method, coal production in the affected section must cease except for the time necessary to troubleshoot under actual mining conditions. Coal may remain in or on equipment to allow testing under load.
Pre-use Exams and Written Records Required
All non-permissible testing and diagnostic equipment used within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces must be examined by a qualified person (per 30 CFR 75.153) before use, and the examination results must be recorded in the weekly examination book and made available to MSHA and miners at the mine.
Posting and Training Requirements
The petitioner must post the petition in unobstructed locations on bulletin boards at all applicable mines for at least 60 consecutive days and include the petition's listed terms and conditions in initial and annual refresher training required under the mine's approved Part 48 training plans.
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