MSHA Keeps Collecting Data on Underground Mine Airflow Rules
Published Date: 7/27/2026
Notice
Summary
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info on how underground coal mines use belt entries for fresh air while installing or removing mining gear. This helps keep miners safe by making sure ventilation rules are followed. If you’re involved in coal mining, you can share your thoughts by September 25, 2026, with no new costs or big changes planned.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Specific ventilation and sensor thresholds
The rules require operational limits and monitoring: air velocity minimums of 50 feet per minute (and belt-entry velocities between 100 and 1,000 feet per minute in specified contexts), a limit that no more than 50% of intake air come from belt air in areas developed after the rule's effective date (unless approved), point-feed regulator monitoring at a point within 50 feet upwind and a second point 1,000 feet upwind (unless a lesser distance is approved), carbon monoxide alerts at 5 ppm above ambient and alarms at 10 ppm above ambient, and AMS time delays limited to no more than three minutes.
Paperwork extension keeps operator burdens
MSHA is seeking to extend an existing information collection that affects underground coal mine operators. The notice says there are 96 annual respondents, 405 annual responses, a total annual time burden of 1,447 hours, and annual recordkeeping costs of $200; comments are due September 25, 2026.
AMS testing and recordkeeping duties
If your mine uses an Atmospheric Monitoring System (AMS), you must perform shift visual exams, test AMS alarms at least once every seven days, calibrate sensors at intervals not to exceed 31 days, record alerts, malfunctions, tests, calibrations, and maintenance by the end of the shift, and keep these records for at least one year at the surface.
Annual AMS and miner training required
All miners must receive annual training on basic AMS operation and actions required if an AMS alert or alarm activates, and AMS operators must receive annual training in AMS operation. Records of training content, the trainer, and the date must be kept at the mine for at least one year and training must be done before working underground in mines using belt air.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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