Fourth Time's the Charm? Mine Safety Petition Repeat
Published Date: 2/19/2025
Notice
Summary
Blue Diamond Mining 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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Request to Use Two Unapproved PAPRs
Blue Diamond Mining asks MSHA to allow the CleanSpace EX PAPR and the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR to be taken into or used inby the last open crosscut and to be used in return air outby the last open crosscut at the Bear Branch 2 mine (MSHA ID 15-18565). The petition notes neither unit is MSHA-approved and comments are due to MSHA by March 21, 2025.
PAPRs Offer Option for Those Who Fail Fit Tests
The petitioner says the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPRs provide a constant flow of filtered air and would serve as respirator options for miners with facial hair or miners who cannot wear a tight-fitting respirator and therefore may not pass the required fit test. The petition cites the June 17, 2024 MSHA rule that requires a written respiratory protection program and proposes adding these PAPRs as options in that program.
Conditions: Training, Inspection, Battery Rules
The petition would allow use of these PAPRs only under conditions including pre-use training in accordance with 30 CFR 48.7 and annual retraining per 30 CFR 48.8, weekly examinations by a qualified person per 30 CFR 75.512-1 with records kept for one year, unique ID numbers for units, and battery/charging limits (e.g., only 3M TR-830 battery pack or CleanSpace EX power unit meeting UL 1642 or IEC 62133; battery charging and change-outs only in intake air outby the last open crosscut; specified manufacturer chargers such as 3M TR-641N/TR-644N or CleanSpace EX Product Code PAF-0066).
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2025-02773, 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 new method that keeps workers just as safe. This petition affects miners at Blue Diamond’s site and asks for approval by March 21, 2025. If approved, it could save the company money while still protecting miners, so everyone wins!