Signal Peak Energy Petitions Mine Safety Rule Change
Published Date: 3/3/2025
Notice
Summary
Signal Peak Energy, LLC asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different way that keeps miners just as safe. This affects coal miners at their mine and could change how safety checks are done, but won’t reduce protection. Everyone has until April 2, 2025, to share their thoughts, and no extra costs are expected from this change.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Permit Dräger X-plore 8700 PAPRs
Signal Peak Energy asked MSHA to allow Dräger X-plore 8700 Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) to be used inby the last open crosscut at Bull Mountains Mine No. 1 in place of equipment covered by 30 CFR 75.507-1(a) to protect miners from respirable dust. The company says the Dräger units provide equivalent protection and are certified intrinsically safe under standards including CAN/CSA-C22.2 No. 60079-11:14 and ANSI/UL 60079-11:13.
Battery charging and placement rules
The petition proposes that Dräger X-plore 8700 PAPR batteries be charged only in intake air (surface or underground) and not within 150 feet of a worked-out area, and that battery inspections and replacements also occur in intake air. The petition specifies approved battery packs (High Capacity P/N R59575, 10.8 V, 6400mAh, Um=18 V DC; Standard Capacity P/N R59595, 10.8 V, 3350mAh, Um=18 V DC) and appropriate chargers.
Training, inspection, and methane-use limits
The petitioner would require miners to be trained on safe use, care, and inspection of the Dräger X-plore 8700 PAPRs with records kept and provided on request, and to assess the units for physical damage before each use. The petition also states the PAPRs must not be used if methane is at or above one percent and that equipment must be de-energized and removed from affected areas when methane exceeds one percent.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Peabody Twentymile Mining wants to change some safety rules at their mine by using a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This petition could affect how safety standards are applied, but won’t reduce protection. Everyone has until April 2, 2025, to share their thoughts, and no extra costs are expected from this change.
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Canyon Fuel Company wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This petition affects miners and the company, with a chance to comment by April 2, 2025. If approved, it could save time or money while still protecting workers.