More Mine Safety Rule Tweaks from Blue Diamond, Zzz
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 affect how safety is managed but won’t cut corners on protecting miners or add extra costs.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow Unapproved PAPRs Within 150 Feet
Blue Diamond Coal Co. asks MSHA to allow use of two unapproved Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) models — the CleanSpace EX and the 3M Versaflo TR-800 — within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces at Mine No. 77 (MSHA ID 15-09636). The petition proposes specific inspections, unique ID assignment for each unit, and adherence to manufacturer maintenance if MSHA grants the modification.
Provides Respirator Option for Those Who Fail Fit Tests
The petitioner states that adding the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPRs to the mine's respiratory protection program will offer alternatives for miners who cannot pass fit testing for tight-fitting respirators (including miners with facial hair) and for miners who need constant airflow and comfort in hot conditions.
New Training and Recordkeeping for PAPRs
The petition would require Mine No. 77 to train all affected miners in accordance with 30 CFR 48.7 and provide annual retraining (30 CFR 48.8), keep training records available to MSHA, maintain a separate logbook for the specified PAPR units with weekly qualified-person examinations (records kept for one year), and follow manufacturer servicing and specific battery charging/storage rules.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2025-02771, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Blue Diamond Mining, LLC 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 risks.