Coal miners want safety rule tweak—same protection, new trick?
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
Mingo Logan Coal wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. They’re asking for approval and inviting everyone to share their thoughts by May 19, 2025. This could affect how safety checks are done but won’t cost more or put miners at risk.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Permission to Use Alternative PAPRs
Mingo Logan Coal petitioned MSHA to modify 30 CFR 75.500(d) to allow the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and the CleanSpace EX powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) to be taken into or used inby the last open crosscut at the Mountaineer II Mine. MSHA invited public comments on the petition through May 19, 2025.
Training, Inspections, and Methane Limits
If the modification is granted, affected miners must be trained on use and maintenance of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX, inspect units before use, and a qualified person must continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during use. The respirators must be deenergized and withdrawn if methane is detected at or above 1.0 percent.
Operator Recordkeeping and Training Burden
The petition proposes that the mine operator maintain equipment logbooks, record weekly examinations by a qualified person, record service dates, submit training-plan revisions within 60 days after a final PDO, complete MSHA Certificates of Training (Form 5000-23), and post the PDO for at least 60 consecutive days.
No MSHA-Approved Replacement for Airstream
The petitioner states that 3M discontinued the Airstream helmet in June 2020 and that, following that discontinuation, mines that used the Airstream do not have an MSHA-approved alternative PAPR available to provide to miners.
Battery, Charging, and Permissibility Rules
The petition would limit use to specified battery/power units (3M TR-830 Battery Pack and CleanSpace EX Power Unit) that meet UL 1642 or IEC 62133, require batteries be charged on the mine surface with specified charger models, prohibit battery use or charging where temperature limits or water exposure are exceeded, and require battery change-out in intake air outby the last open crosscut.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-06725, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Mingo Logan Coal, LLC is asking to change some safety rules at their mine by using a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This petition affects coal miners and could change how safety is managed without costing extra money. Everyone has until May 19, 2025, to share their thoughts on this change.
Next: 2025-06727, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
ACNR Holdings, Inc. asked to change some mine safety rules to use a different way that keeps miners just as safe. This affects coal and other 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.