ACNR Holdings petitions mine safety rule workaround again
Published Date: 4/18/2025
Notice
Summary
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Request to Use 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPRs
ACNR Holdings, Inc. asked MSHA to allow the 3M Versaflo TR-800 powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) to be used in return air outby the last open crosscut as an alternative to 30 CFR 75.507-1(a) at four mines: Ohio County Mine (MSHA ID 46-01436), Marshall County Mine (46-01437), Marion County Mine (46-01433), and Harrison County Mine (46-01318). Comments on the petition are due to MSHA by May 19, 2025.
Methane Monitoring and 1.0% Threshold
Under the proposed alternative, a qualified person must monitor for methane as required by 30 CFR 75.151 in the affected area of the mine, and if methane is detected at 1.0 percent or more, procedures in accordance with 30 CFR 75.323 must be followed.
Battery and Charging Restrictions for PAPRs
The proposal limits power packs to the 3M TR-830 battery pack or manufacturer equivalent, requires charging only on the mine surface using specified chargers (3M TR-641N or 3M TR-644N or equivalent), forbids disassembly of the TR-830, requires storage and use within manufacturer's temperature limits, and prohibits using a TR-830 pack past end of life (defined as >20% performance decrease). Battery changeouts, if spares are provided, must occur in intake air outby the last open crosscut.
Required Training and Recordkeeping
Before using the Versaflo TR-800 in the relevant parts of the mine, miners must receive training on safe use, care, and inspection of the PAPR and on the Proposed Decision and Order; a record of the training must be kept and made available upon request.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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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.