3M Petitions to Tweak Mine Safety Rules Without Cutting Corners
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
3M Company asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different way that keeps miners just as safe. This affects miners and mine operators, aiming to keep safety strong without extra costs or delays. Everyone has until May 19, 2025, to share their thoughts on this change.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow NIOSH‑tested compressed‑air cleaning booths
3M asked MSHA to allow a NIOSH‑tested clothes cleaning booth process at the 3M Corona Plant that uses controlled compressed air at less than 30 pounds per square inch in an enclosed booth that captures dust and exhausts it outside. The petitioner says contaminated worker clothing can increase dust exposure and reports that air monitoring showed minimal to no respirable dust inside the respirator and no increase in respirable dust anywhere inside the plant. The petition was presented to miners' representative and posted at the mine on February 28, 2025, and comments are due May 19, 2025.
Detailed equipment and operational specifications required
The petitioner proposes detailed technical and operational requirements for the booths, including limiting air pressure to 30 psig; a manifold constructed of specified tubing with a 20+ safety factor; 27 total nozzles (26 of Spraying Systems Co. No. AA727-23 at 18.4 SCFM at 30 psig and one AA707-23 at 19.2 SCFM at 30 psig); an uppermost nozzle no higher than 56 inches; recessed nozzles; automatic electrical interlock to stop airflow if differential or line pressure is outside preset limits; negative‑pressure downward airflow; and an air receiver sized to permit at least 20 seconds of continuous cleaning time. The petitioner plans to install three booths at the 3M Corona Plant.
Mandatory training and PPE for booth users
Under the proposed alternative, only miners trained in the NIOSH‑tested clothes cleaning booth process may use it; the training would be added to the mine's 30 CFR part 46 training plan. Miners entering the booth must wear full indirect vented safety goggles (or safety glasses if using a powered air‑purifying respirator), hearing protection (plugs or muffs), and a half‑mask or full‑face respirator that meets or exceeds the listed 30 CFR parts. A caution sign notifying required respiratory, hearing, and eye protection must be posted at the booth.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15717, Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-15670, Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-10456, Department of Labor Federal Civil Penalties Inflation Adjustment Act Annual Adjustments for 2026
Good news for businesses and workers: the Department of Labor won’t raise any fines or penalties in 2026 because the usual inflation data wasn’t available. This means all civil penalties stay the same starting May 27, 2026. So, no surprise cost hikes this year—just steady rules and steady fees!
2026-19837, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Certification and Qualification To Examine, Test, Operate Hoists and Perform Other Duties
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info on certifying and qualifying people who operate hoists and do related tasks in mines. This helps keep miners safe by making sure only qualified folks handle this important equipment. They’re asking for public comments by November 30, 2026, and there’s no new cost or big changes—just a smooth extension of the current process.
2026-19266, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Refuse Piles and Impoundment Structures
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about refuse piles and impoundment structures to keep miners safe. They’re asking for public feedback by November 20, 2026, to make sure the paperwork isn’t too much trouble. This update won’t cost extra but helps keep safety rules clear and easy to follow for mining companies.
2026-15141, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Safety Program for Surface Mobile Equipment
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about safety programs for surface mobile equipment used in mines. This helps make sure workers stay safe while keeping paperwork easy and clear. If you’re involved with mining equipment, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026—no extra costs or big changes are planned right now.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06719, Certain Components for Injection Molding Machines, and Products Containing the Same; Notice of a Commission Determination To Issue a Limited Exclusion Order; Termination of Investigation
The U.S. International Trade Commission is blocking certain parts for injection molding machines made by Ningbo AO Sheng Mold Co. (AOSIMI) from entering the U.S. because they violated patent rules. This means AOSIMI can’t sell these parts or products containing them in the U.S. anymore, and the investigation into this issue is now officially over. Companies using these parts should watch for changes soon, as this could impact their supply and costs.
Next: 2025-06722, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Wolf Run Mining wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This petition could affect miners and the company by possibly making safety checks easier or different, but still safe. Everyone has until May 19, 2025, to share their thoughts, and no extra costs are expected right now.