Miners Want to Rewrite Safety Rules—Safely?
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow unapproved PAPRs within 150 feet
ICG Beckley asked MSHA to let miners use two unapproved powered air purifying respirators (3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX) in locations within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces. The petition notes these PAPRs are not MSHA-permissible, manufacturers are not pursuing MSHA approval, and the equipment may only be used after MSHA's initial inspection and a final Proposed Decision and Order (PDO).
Methane monitoring and battery rules for PAPRs
The petition would require methane testing per 30 CFR 75.323(a) before energizing these PAPRs and continuous monitoring by a qualified person (30 CFR 75.151) while in use; neither PAPR may be used if methane is detected at or above 1.0 percent and must be de-energized immediately at that level. The petition also requires specific lithium battery standards (3M TR-830 and CleanSpace EX Power Unit must meet UL 1642 or IEC 62133), charging only on the mine surface in areas free of combustible material (specific charger models are named), and changing out batteries in intake air outby the last open crosscut.
New training and recordkeeping conditions
If MSHA grants the petition, miners and affected personnel must receive initial training on the PDO requirements in accordance with 30 CFR 48.7 within 60 days of the PDO becoming final, and annual retraining under 30 CFR 48.8. The operator must keep logbooks and records (including MSHA Form 5000-23 certificates noting training for the TR-800 or CleanSpace EX), post the PDO for at least 60 consecutive days, and submit proposed revisions to approved 30 CFR part 48 training plans within 60 days after the PDO is final.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-04718, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
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.
Next: 2025-04721, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request; Safety Standards for Roof Bolts in Metal and Nonmetal Mines and Underground Coal Mines
The Department of Labor is asking for public feedback on how it collects info about safety rules for roof bolts in metal, nonmetal, and coal mines. These bolts help keep miners safe by preventing dangerous roof collapses. Comments are open until April 21, 2025, and the goal is to keep mining safer without adding extra paperwork or costs.