Coal Bosses Seek Permission to Skip Minefield Bathrooms
Published Date: 3/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info from coal mines that ask to skip certain surface bathroom rules. This helps make sure miners stay safe while cutting down on paperwork hassle. If you’re involved with coal mines, you can share your thoughts by May 26, 2026—no extra costs or big changes, just a smooth extension!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.
Information Collection Extended Without Change
MSHA is proposing to extend, without change, the information collection for applications seeking waivers of surface sanitary facilities requirements for coal mines. Stakeholders can submit comments on this extension by May 26, 2026 at https://www.regulations.gov (docket MSHA-2026-0067).
Quantified Annual Burden on Mine Operators
MSHA reports the ICR affects 204 annual respondents with 612 annual responses, a total annual time burden of 86 hours, and annual recordkeeping costs of $1,020. The collection is for applications and related posting and waiver processes.
What Applications Must Include and Posting Rules
When applying for a waiver, coal mine operators must submit the operator name and address, the mine name and location, and a detailed statement of the grounds or explanation why the facilities are impractical or unnecessary. Operators must post a copy of the application (showing District Manager and Regional Program Director addresses) for at least 30 days on the mine bulletin board when filing, and post any granted waiver for at least 30 days.
Waiver Duration and Extension Filing Window
MSHA may grant a waiver for up to 1 year if it finds equivalent facilities are available or the operator cannot meet the requirement. To seek an extension, an operator must file an application no later than 30 days and no more than 60 days before the waiver's expiration.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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