Coal Mine Petitions Safety Rule Swap: Same Safety, New Method
Published Date: 3/3/2025
Notice
Summary
Canyon Fuel Company wants to change some mine safety rules to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This affects miners at their coal mine and could change how safety checks are done, but won’t cost extra money or reduce protection. Everyone has until April 2, 2025, to share their thoughts on this petition.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow Drager PAPR as alternative respirator
Canyon Fuel Company asked MSHA to allow the Drager X-plore 8000 powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) as an alternative to meet 30 CFR 75.507-1(a) for respiratory protection at the Sufco Mine (MSHA ID 42-00089). The company says the Drager unit would be used in return air outby the last open crosscut, would reduce miners' exposure to respirable dust, would help relieve shortages/backorders of 3M Versa Flo filters and parts, and would provide "no less than the same measure of protection."
Required operational rules for Drager PAPRs
The petitioner proposes specific operational requirements if the Drager X-plore 8000 PAPR is used: batteries must be charged outby the last open crosscut using the Drager X-plore 8000 standard charger and only the Drager X-plore 8700 battery; affected miners must be trained in proper use and care; instruments must be checked for physical damage and case integrity; and if methane is detected at 1.0 percent or more, procedures under 30 CFR 75.323 must be followed.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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