ACNR Holdings petitions to modify mine safety standards—public comments welcome
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
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPRs near longwall faces
If you work as a miner at one of ACNR's listed West Virginia mines (Ohio County Mine MSHA ID 46-01436; Marshall County Mine MSHA ID 46-01437; Marion County Mine MSHA ID 46-01433; Harrison County Mine MSHA ID 46-01318), the petitioner asks MSHA to allow use of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces as an alternative to complying with 30 CFR 75.1002(a). The petitioner asserts this alternative will provide no less than the same measure of protection as the existing standard.
Required inspections, battery and training rules
If the Versaflo TR-800 PAPRs are used under the proposed modification, mine operators must meet detailed conditions: examine the equipment at least weekly with records kept (per 30 CFR 75.512-2); monitor methane and follow 30 CFR 75.323 if methane is 1.0 percent or more; use only the 3M TR-830 battery pack (or manufacturer equivalent) and charge batteries only on the surface using specified chargers (3M TR-641N or TR-644N or equivalent); perform specified battery inspections and not use battery packs past a >20% performance decrease; and provide training with records before miners use the equipment.
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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.
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