2026-12656NoticeWallet

Fossil Rock Mine Files Safety Rule Petition

Published Date: 6/24/2026

Notice

Summary

Fossil Rock Resources, a mining company, asked to change some safety rules to use a different method that keeps miners just as safe. This could affect how they work and might save time or money without risking safety. Everyone has until July 24, 2026, to share their thoughts on this change.

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Permit intrinsically safe PAPRs near workings

Fossil Rock Resources asked MSHA to change 30 CFR 75.1002(a) so miners at the Fossil Rock Mine in Utah may use intrinsically safe powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) and specified full-face respirators within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces. The company says these devices meet hazardous-location electrical safety standards and give positive-pressure respiratory protection comparable to the current standard.

MSHA-approved PAPRs discontinued; alternatives proposed

The petitioner states that MSHA-approved permissible PAPRs for gassy underground coal mines are no longer manufactured or commercially available. Fossil Rock proposes using intrinsically safe devices certified to hazardous-location standards (for example, ANSI/UL 60079-11) such as the CleanSpace EX and 3M Versaflo TR-800.

Required safeguards and training for alternative PAPRs

The petitioner proposes conditions for using the alternative respirators, including charging PAPR batteries outby the last open crosscut, using only manufacturer-approved chargers, operating the 3M Versaflo TR-800 with the TR-830 battery pack, training miners under the mine respiratory program, examining each unit before use, and taking actions required by 30 CFR Part 75 if methane reaches 1.0 percent or greater.

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Key Dates

Published Date
Comments Due
6/24/2026
7/24/2026

Department and Agencies

Department
Independent Agency
Agency
Labor Department
Mine Safety and Health Administration
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