Another Petition to Modernize Coal Mine Safety Standards
Published Date: 1/12/2026
Notice
Summary
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company wants to change some safety rules for their mine to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This petition could save time or money without risking safety. Everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts before a decision is made.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Safety Controls for Non‑Permissible Use
The petitioner says non-permissible testing equipment would be allowed only under specific safety steps: a qualified person must examine the equipment before use and continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during use; equipment must not be used when methane is at or above 1% and must be de-energized and withdrawn if 1% or more methane is detected. Other conditions include use of MSHA-approved hand-held methane detectors, stopping coal production except for troubleshooting time, liberal rock dusting, manufacturer safe-use procedures, and training miners on the terms.
Allow Certain Battery Testing Devices
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company asked MSHA for permission to use battery-powered, non-permissible testing and diagnostic equipment within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces at the Bailey Mine. The petition explicitly lists vibration analyzers (Emerson AMS 2140; Bentley Nevada vb7, Scout 100 EX, Commtest Scout 140/VBX/Scout) and also covers laptops, oscilloscopes, cable fault detectors, infrared temperature devices, ultrasonic devices, electronic testers, and tachometers when equivalent permissible equipment is not available.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-00339, Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps workers just as safe. They’ve asked the Mine Safety and Health Administration to approve this change, and everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts. If approved, this could mean safer, smarter ways to work without extra costs or delays.
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