Yet More Mine Safety Changes from Blue Diamond
Published Date: 2/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Blue Diamond Coal Co. wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. They’ve asked the Mine Safety and Health Administration to approve this change, and everyone has until March 21, 2025, to share their thoughts. This could mean safer or more efficient mining without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Request to Use Two Unapproved PAPRs
Blue Diamond Coal Co. filed a petition to modify 30 CFR 75.500(d) so Mine No. 77 (MSHA ID 15-09636) may use the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) inby the last open crosscut. The petition notes neither unit is MSHA-approved and asks MSHA to allow their use as an alternative method of compliance.
Option for Miners Who Fail Fit Tests
The petitioner states adding the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPRs will give miners alternatives to the NIOSH-approved series 100 respirators currently used and will provide protection for miners with facial hair or those unable to wear a tight-fitting respirator. The petition asserts the PAPRs provide a constant flow of filtered air and increased comfort in hot conditions.
Training, Inspection, and Record Conditions
If approved, the petition requires training in accordance with 30 CFR 48.7 before miners may use the 3M Versaflo TR-800 or CleanSpace EX PAPRs, annual retraining per 30 CFR 48.8, and training for new and experienced miners per 30 CFR 48.5 and 48.6. It also requires pre-use and weekly inspections by a qualified person, maintenance per manufacturer recommendations, unique ID assignment, and keeping examination records for one year.
MSHA-Approved PAPR Discontinued, No Approved Replacements
The petitioner notes the 3M Airstream Headgear-Mounted PAPR System has been discontinued by the manufacturer and asserts there are no other MSHA-approved units available that can be taken into or used inby the last open crosscut. The petition seeks permission to use the specified unapproved PAPRs because approved units are not available.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15717, Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-15670, Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-10456, Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-19837, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Certification and Qualification To Examine, Test, Operate Hoists and Perform Other Duties
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info on certifying and qualifying people who operate hoists and do related tasks in mines. This helps keep miners safe by making sure only qualified folks handle this important equipment. They’re asking for public comments by November 30, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just a smooth extension of the current process.
2026-19266, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Refuse Piles and Impoundment Structures
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about refuse piles and impoundment structures to keep miners safe. They’re asking for public feedback by November 20, 2026, to make sure the paperwork isn’t too much trouble. This update won’t cost extra but helps keep safety rules clear and easy to follow for mining companies.
2026-15141, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about safety programs for surface mobile equipment used in mines. This helps make sure workers stay safe while keeping paperwork easy and clear. If you’re involved with mining equipment, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026—no extra costs or big changes are planned right now.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-02767, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Blue Diamond Coal Co. wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. They’ve asked the Mine Safety and Health Administration to approve this change, and everyone has until March 21, 2025, to share their thoughts. This could affect how safety is managed on the mine site but won’t cut corners on protection or add extra costs.
Next: 2025-02769, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Blue Diamond Coal Co. wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. They’ve asked the Mine Safety and Health Administration to approve this change, and everyone has until March 21, 2025, to share their thoughts. This could mean safer or more efficient mining without extra costs or delays.