Mine Safety Agency Reopens Debate on Powered Air-Purifying Respirators
Published Date: 10/16/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is reopening the comment period and holding a virtual hearing on new rules about using Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in underground mines. This affects miners and mine operators by aiming to improve safety with better breathing gear. Comments are open until December 8, 2026, and the hearing is on November 17, 2026—no big costs announced yet, just safer air for miners!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Allows non‑permissible PAPRs underground
The proposed rule published July 1, 2025 would allow non-permissible Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) that have not been evaluated and approved by MSHA under 30 CFR part 18 to be used in specified underground areas of gassy mines. This would change which breathing gear miners may use in those underground mine areas.
New equipment and maintenance requirements for PAPRs
The proposed rule would establish requirements for the features and maintenance of non-permissible PAPRs and specify the mining conditions where those PAPRs can be used. Mine operators would need to follow those feature, maintenance, and condition rules for any non-permissible PAPRs used in covered underground areas.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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