Mine Wants to Swap Safety Rules—Safer or Sketchy?
Published Date: 1/24/2025
Notice
Summary
Canyon Fuel Company asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different way that keeps miners just as safe. This affects coal mines and could change how safety checks are done, but won’t cost more or reduce protection. Everyone has until February 24, 2025, to share their thoughts with the Mine Safety and Health Administration.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow Drager X-plore 8000 PAPR Use
Canyon Fuel asked MSHA to let the Sufco Mine (MSHA ID 42-00089) in Sevier County, Utah, use the Drager X-plore 8000 powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) as an alternative to meet 30 CFR 75.500(d) for respiratory protection in or inby the last open crosscut during normal mining conditions. The company says the Drager unit gives a constant flow of filtered air, is UL-certified, and would relieve shortages/backorders of 3M Versa Flo filters and parts while providing no less protection to miners.
PAPR Operational and Safety Conditions
The petition proposes specific conditions for using the Drager X-plore 8000 PAPRs: batteries must be charged outby the last open crosscut when not in use; charging must be done with the Drager X-plore 8000 standard battery charger and only Drager X-plore 8700 batteries may be used; affected miners must be trained per the manufacturer; units must be checked for physical damage and case integrity; and if methane is detected at 1.0 percent or more, procedures in 30 CFR 75.323 must be followed.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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