More Mine Safety Rule Changes Proposed by Coal Giant
Published Date: 1/12/2026
Notice
Summary
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company wants to change some safety rules at their mine to use a different method that keeps workers just as safe. This petition could affect miners at their Pennsylvania site and might save time or money by using new safety steps. Everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts before any changes happen.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Allow specified non‑permissible diagnostic gear
Consol Pennsylvania Coal Company asked MSHA to allow use of specific battery‑powered, non‑permissible testing and vibration analyzers (including Emerson AMS 2140 and several Bentley Nevada models) within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces at the Enlow Fork Mine (MSHA ID 36-07416). The petition says this alternative method would guarantee no less protection for miners and might save time or money when troubleshooting equipment.
Methane monitoring and 1% cutoff rule
Under the proposed alternative, a qualified person must continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during use of non‑permissible electronic testing equipment within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces, and non‑permissible equipment must be de‑energized and withdrawn if methane is detected at or above 1 percent. All hand‑held methane detectors must be MSHA‑approved and maintained per 30 CFR 75.320.
Training, examinations, and posting requirements
The petitioner would require that non‑permissible equipment be examined by a qualified person before use with the examination recorded in the weekly examination book, include the petition's terms in initial and annual Part 48 training, and post the petition on mine bulletin boards for at least 60 consecutive days. The petition also requires that non‑permissible equipment be used only when equivalent permissible equipment is not available.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous: 2026-00343 — 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. This petition could affect miners at their Pennsylvania mine and might change how safety checks are done, but won’t cut corners on protection. Everyone has until February 11, 2026, to share their thoughts before any decisions are made.
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