Wolf Run Mining seeks safety rule bend for miners
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
Wolf Run Mining, LLC asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different way that keeps miners just as safe. This affects miners at Wolf Run’s operations and could change how safety checks are done, but won’t cost extra or reduce protection. Everyone has until May 19, 2025, to share their thoughts on this petition.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Request to Use Two Alternative PAPRs
Wolf Run Mining asked MSHA to allow the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and the CleanSpace EX powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) as an alternative to the MSHA-permissible 3M Airstream under 30 CFR 75.507-1(a) at the Leer South Mine. The petition notes 3M discontinued the Airstream (last orders February 2020; final purchases June 2020) and requests these two models be permitted instead.
No MSHA‑Approved PAPR Replacement Exists
The petition states that after 3M discontinued the Airstream, mines that used the Airstream currently do not have an MSHA‑approved alternative PAPR to provide to miners. The petitioner asserts that application of the existing standard without an approved alternative "results in a diminution of safety."
Operational and Recordkeeping Requirements Increase Operator Burden
The petition proposes operational conditions that the operator would have to follow if the PDO is granted: weekly examinations by a qualified person with entries recorded in a PAPR logbook (examination entries may be expunged after one year); pre-use physical exams and unique ID assignment for each unit; maintenance per manufacturer recommendations with service dates in the logbook; use restrictions including deenergizing PAPRs when methane is detected at or above 1.0 percent and withdrawing equipment outby the last open crosscut; specified battery standards (use only 3M TR-830 or CleanSpace EX Power Unit meeting UL 1642 or IEC 62133); battery charging only on the surface in an area free of combustible material using specified chargers (3M TR-641N/TR-644N or CleanSpace Battery Charger EX PAF-0066); and change-out of battery packs in intake air outby the last open crosscut.
New Safety Conditions and Training for PAPR Use
If MSHA grants the proposed alternative method, affected miners must be trained on proper use and maintenance per manufacturer guidance and the Proposed Decision and Order (PDO). Training revisions to 30 CFR part 48 plans must be submitted within 60 days after the PDO becomes final, miners must be trained within 60 days of the PDO becoming final, annual retraining is required, and MSHA Certificates of Training (Form 5000-23) must note the training was for the Versaflo TR-800 or CleanSpace EX.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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.
Next: 2025-06724, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Wolf Run Mining, LLC asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different way that keeps miners just as safe. This affects coal mines and aims to keep safety strong without extra costs or delays. Everyone has until May 19, 2025, to share their thoughts on this change.