Blue Diamond Mining Seeks Safety Swap for Cost Savings Cheer
Published Date: 2/19/2025
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow two unapproved PAPRs within 150 feet
Blue Diamond Mining asks MSHA to allow the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800 Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) to be used within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces at the Bear Branch 2 mine (MSHA ID 15-18565) by modifying 30 CFR 75.1002(a). The petition notes these units are not MSHA-permissible but the company says they provide constant airflow and would be additional respirator options for miners, including those who cannot pass tight-fit tests.
Training and record rules for PAPR use
If the petition is approved, all miners who will use or be affected by the 3M Versaflo TR-800 or CleanSpace EX PAPRs must receive training per 30 CFR 48.7 before use, with annual retraining per 30 CFR 48.8 and initial/experienced miner training per 30 CFR 48.5/48.6. The operator must keep training records and maintain a logbook with weekly examinations by a qualified person (per 30 CFR 75.512-1), retain examination records for one year, and provide records to MSHA on request.
Battery, charging, and maintenance constraints
The petition would require use of only the 3M TR-830 Battery Pack or the CleanSpace EX power unit that meet lithium battery safety standards UL 1642 or IEC 62133, prohibit disassembly of batteries, limit battery change-outs and charging to intake air outby the last open crosscut, and require charging only with manufacturer's recommended chargers (e.g., 3M TR-641N/TR-644N or CleanSpace EX Charger PAF-0066). It also requires storage/temperature limits, prohibition on exposure to water, and that units be serviced per manufacturer recommendations.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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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.
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