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
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-15717, Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Ventilation Plan Approval Criteria."
2026-15670, Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria
In response to a public request, the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the rulemaking record and is scheduling a virtual public hearing on the Agency's proposed rule published on July 1, 2025, titled, "Roof Control Plan Approval Criteria."
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2026-19837, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Certification and Qualification To Examine, Test, Operate Hoists and Perform Other Duties
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2026-15140, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Sealing of Abandoned Areas
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-15138, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Hazard Communication (HazCom)-30 CFR Part 47
The Department of Labor (DOL), as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork and respondent burden, conducts a pre- clearance consultation program for all information collections, to provide the public and Federal agencies with an opportunity to comment on proposed collections of information, in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This program helps to ensure that requested data can be provided in the desired format, reporting burden (time and financial resources) is minimized, collection instruments are clearly understood, and the impact of collection requirements on respondents can be properly assessed. The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is soliciting comments on the information collection titled "Hazard Communication (HazCom)--30 CFR part 47."
Next: 2026-15140, Proposed Extension of Information Collection: Sealing of Abandoned Areas
The Mine Safety and Health Administration wants to keep collecting info about sealing off abandoned mine areas to keep miners safe. They’re asking for public feedback by September 25, 2026, to make sure the process is clear and not too much work. This extension won’t add extra costs but helps keep safety rules up to date for everyone involved in mining.