Yet Another Mine Safety Rule Mod Petition Drops
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Notice
Summary
ICG Beckley, LLC asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different way that keeps miners just as safe. This could affect how safety is managed at their mines, and the public has until April 21, 2025, to share their thoughts. The change aims to keep miners safe without extra costs or delays.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Permit use of specific unapproved PAPRs underground
ICG Beckley, LLC asked MSHA to allow miners at Beckley Pocahontas Mine (MSHA ID 46-05252) to take into or use inby the last open crosscut two specific Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) — the CleanSpace EX and the 3M Versaflo TR-800 — even though those units are not MSHA-approved under 30 CFR part 18. The petitioner asserts the alternative methods will "guarantee no less than the same measure of protection" as 30 CFR 75.500(d) if MSHA grants a Proposed Decision and Order (PDO).
New training, recordkeeping, and inspection duties
If MSHA grants the PDO, ICG Beckley must implement detailed requirements: submit revisions to approved 30 CFR part 48 training plans within 60 days after the PDO becomes final; provide initial training before use and annual retraining; complete MSHA Form 5000-23 entries noting the PAPR training; keep a separate equipment logbook with weekly examinations (entries may be expunged after one year); and service equipment per manufacturer guidance.
Methane and battery safety limits for PAPR use
The petition would require continuous qualified methane monitoring immediately before and during PAPR use and that PAPRs be de-energized and removed if methane is detected at or above 1.0 percent. It also requires specified battery safety practices: use only designated battery/power units meeting UL 1642 or IEC 62133, change out battery packs in intake air outby the last open crosscut, charge 3M TR-830 packs on the surface in an area free of combustible material, and use only specified chargers for each unit.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04717, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Sunrise Coal, LLC asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different way that keeps miners just as safe. This affects coal miners and could change how safety checks are done, but won’t reduce protection. People have until April 21, 2025, to share their thoughts, and no extra costs are expected.
Next: 2025-04719, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
ICG Beckley, 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 review their plan, and everyone has until April 21, 2025, to share their thoughts. This could affect how safety is managed at the mine without extra costs or risks.