Mining firm seeks safety rule tweak to save time, not lives
Published Date: 3/20/2025
Notice
Summary
ACI Tygart Valley, a mining company, asked to change some safety rules to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This change could affect how safety is managed in their mines and might save time or money without risking anyone’s well-being. Everyone has until April 21, 2025, to share their thoughts on this petition.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Request to Allow Two New PAPRs Underground
If you work at Leer Mine (MSHA ID 46-09192), ACI Tygart Valley has asked MSHA for permission to allow workers to take and use the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and the CleanSpace EX powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) inby the last open crosscut under a petition (Docket M-2025-023-C). The petitioner states these devices are intrinsically safe and would provide no less protection than the current 30 CFR 75.500(d) standard if used under the proposed conditions.
New Training, Inspection, and Record Rules for PAPRs
If these PAPRs are allowed, Leer Mine must follow many required steps: train affected employees per manufacturer guidance and MSHA training rules, submit proposed revisions to 30 CFR part 48 training plans within 60 days after the Proposed Decision and Order (PDO) becomes final, keep a separate equipment logbook with weekly examinations recorded by a qualified person (per 30 CFR 75.512-1), record service dates, and post the PDO for at least 60 consecutive days. The operator must also provide annual retraining (per 30 CFR 48.8) and complete MSHA Certificates of Training when training on PDO terms.
Methane Limits and Battery Charging Rules for Use
Under the proposed conditions, neither the 3M Versaflo TR-800 nor the CleanSpace EX may be used or remain energized when methane concentrations are at or above 1.0 percent; a qualified person must continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during use. The proposal also requires use of specific battery packs that meet UL 1642 or IEC 62133, charging those batteries only on the surface in areas free of combustible material with specified chargers, and that batteries be charged sufficiently before each shift so they are not expected to be changed underground.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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