Petition: Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards

Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory Safety Standards

DATES:

All comments on the petition must be received by MSHA's Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before May 4, 2026.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and Title 30 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) part 44 govern the application, processing, and disposition of petitions for modification.

I. Background

Section 101(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 (Mine Act) allows the mine operator or representative of miners to file a petition to modify the application of any mandatory safety standard to a coal or other mine if the Secretary of Labor determines that:

1. An alternative method of achieving the result of such standard exists which will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded the miners of such mine by such standard; or

2. The application of such standard to such mine will result in a diminution of safety to the miners in such mine.

In addition, sections 44.10 and 44.11 of 30 CFR establish the requirements for filing petitions for modification.

II. Petition for Modification

Docket Number: M-2026-002-C.

Petitioner: Marfork Coal Company, LLC, 500 Cutler Trico Road, Percy, IL 62272.

Mine: Glen Alum Tunnel Mine, MSHA ID No. 46-09375, located in Raleigh County, West Virginia.

Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.500(d), Permissible electric equipment.

Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of the existing standard, 30 CFR 75.500(d) to permit alternative methods of compliance to permit the use of additional respirable dust protection. Specifically, the petitioner is requesting to permit the use of a 3M Versaflow TR-800-HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) motor/blower and battery.

The petitioner states that:

(a) The petitioner seeks modification of 30 CFR 75.500(d), as it pertains to the use of battery-powered respirable protection.

(b) That standard 30 CFR 75.500(d) provides in relevant part:

All other electric face equipment which is taken into or used inby the last crosscut of any coal mine, except a coal mine referred to in § 75.501, which has not been classified under any provision of law as a gassy mine prior to March 30, 1970, shall be permissible.

(c) Currently, the petitioner does not use a battery powered respirator unit but would like to add a PAPR to the units available to miners in certain situations.

(d) Currently there are no battery powered respirators that meet applicable MSHA standards for permissibility. Electronic equipment used in underground mines in potentially explosive atmospheres is required to be approved by MSHA per 30 CFR. 3M and other competitor manufacturers do offer alternative products for many other environments and applications.

(e) One of the main benefits of a PAPR is that they provide a constant flow of air inside the headtop or helmet. This constant airflow helps to provide both respiratory protection and comfort in warm working environments.

(f) A strict application of the standard ( i.e., -objecting to the use of the requested PAPR) results in a diminution of safety at the mine.

(g) The petitioner is requesting to permit the use of a 3M product, the Versaflow TR-800-HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator motor/blower and battery.

(h) The Versaflow TR-800-HIK motor/blower and battery qualifies as intrinsically safe in the US, Canada, and any other country accepting IECEx reports. (IECEx is the International Electrotechnical Commissions System for Certification to Standards. Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive Atmosphere). The TR-800-HIK PAPR has a blower that is UL-certified with an intrinsically safe (IS) rating of Division 1: IS Class I, II, III; Division 1 (includes Division 2) Groups C, D, E, F, G; T4, under the most current standard (UL 60079, 6th Edition, 2013). ATEX-certified with an intrinsically safe (IS) rating of "ia". The TR-800 is rated and marked with Exia I Ma, Exia IIB T4 Ga, Ex ia IIIC 135 °C Da, −20 °C ≤ Ta ≤ +55 °C, under the current standard (IEC 60079).

(i) The 3M Versaflow TR-800 Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator is not MSHA approved as permissible and 3M is not pursuing approval to our knowledge.

(j) The standards for approval of these respirators are an acceptable alternative to MSHA's standards and provide an equivalent level of protection.

(k) The petitioner seeks an alternative method to the mandatory safety standard, asserting it will at all times guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded the miners under the mandatory standard.

The petitioner proposes the following alternative method:

(a) Affected mine employees must be trained in the proper use and maintenance of the Versaflo TR-800 PAPR in accordance with established manufacturer guidelines. This training shall alert the affected employee that the Versaflo TR-800 PAPR is approved under 30 CFR part 18 and must be de-energized when 1.0 or more percent methane is detected. The training shall also include the proper method to de-energize the PAPR. In addition to manufacturer guidelines, the petitioner will require that mine employees be trained to inspect the units before use to determine if there is any damage to the units that would negatively impact intrinsic safety as well as all stipulations in this petition.

(b) The PAPR, battery pack, and all associated wiring and any connections must be inspected before use to determine if there is any damage to the units that would negatively impact intrinsic safety. If any defects are found, the PAPR must be removed from service.

(c) The operator will maintain a separate logbook for the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR that shall be kept with the equipment, or in a location with other mine record books and shall be made available to MSHA upon request. The equipment shall be examined at least weekly by a qualified person as defined in 30 CFR 75.512-1 and the examination results recorded in the logbook. Since float coal dust is removed by the air filter prior to reaching the motor, the PAPR user shall conduct regular examinations of the filter and perform periodic testing for proper operation of the "high filter load alarm" on the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR.

(d) All 3M Versaflo TR-800 to be used in or inby the last open crosscut, shall be physically examined prior to initial use and each unit will be assigned a unique identification number. Each unit shall be examined by the person to operate the equipment prior to taking the equipment underground to ensure the equipment is being used according to the original equipment manufacturer's recommendations and maintained in a safe operating condition. The examinations for the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPRs shall include:

(1) Check the equipment for any physical damage and the integrity of the case;

(2) Remove the battery and inspect for corrosion;

(3) Inspect the contact points to ensure a secure connection to the battery;

(4) Reinsert the battery and power up and shut down to ensure proper connections; and

(5) Check the battery compartment cover or battery attachment to ensure that it is securely fastened.

(6) For equipment utilizing lithium type cells, ensure that lithium cells and/or packs are not damaged or swelled in size. The pre-use examination is limited to inspecting the equipment for indications of physical damage.

(e) The petitioner shall ensure that all 3M Versaflo TR-800 units are serviced according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Dates of service will be recorded in the equipment's logbook and shall include a description of the work performed.

(f) The 3M Versaflo TR-800 units that will be used in or inby the last open crosscut, or in areas where methane may enter the air current, shall not be put into service until MSHA has initially inspected the equipment and determined that it is in compliance with all the terms and conditions of the Proposed Decision and Order (PDO) granted by MSHA.

(g) Prior to energizing the 3M Versaflo TR-800 inby the last open crosscut, methane tests must be made in accordance with 30 CFR 75.323(a).

(h) All hand-held methane detectors shall be MSHA-approved and maintained in permissible and proper operating condition as defined by 30 CFR 75.320. All methane detectors must provide visual and audible warnings when methane is detected at or above 1.0 percent.

(i) A qualified person as defined in existing 30 CFR 75.151 shall continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during the use of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR in or inby the last open crosscut or in areas where methane may enter the air current.

(j) The 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR shall not be used if methane is detected in concentrations at or above 1.0 percent methane. When 1.0 percent or more of methane is detected while the Versaflo TR-800 is being used, the equipment shall be de-energized immediately and the equipment withdrawn outby the last open crosscut.

(k) The petitioner will use only 3M TR-830 Battery Pack, which meets lithium battery safety standard UL 1642 or IEC 62133, in the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR.

(l) The battery packs must be "changed out" in intake air outby the last open crosscut. Before each shift when the 3M Versaflo TR-800 is to be used, all batteries and power units for the equipment must be charged sufficiently so that they are not expected to be replaced on that shift.

(m) The following maintenance and use conditions shall apply to equipment containing lithium-type batteries:

(1) Always correctly use and maintain the lithium-ion battery packs. The 3M TR-830 Battery Pack may not be disassembled or modified by anyone other than persons permitted by the manufacturer of the equipment.

(2) The 3M TR-830 Battery Pack must only be charged in an area free of combustible material, readily monitored and located on the surface of the mine. The 3M TR-830 Battery Pack is to be charged by either:

(i) 3M Battery Charger Kit TR-641N, which includes one 3M Charger Cradle TR-640 and one 3M Power Supply TR-941N, or,

(ii) 3M 4-Station Battery Charger Kit TR-644N, which includes four 3M Charger Cradles TR-640 and one 3M 4- Station Battery Charger Base/Power Supply TR-944N.

(3) The batteries must not be allowed to get wet. This does not preclude incidental exposure of sealed battery packs.

(4) The batteries shall not be used, charged or stored in locations where the manufacturer's recommended temperature limits are exceeded. The batteries must not be placed in direct sunlight or used or stored near a source of heat.

(5) The batteries will not be used at the end of their life cycle ( i.e., when there is a performance decrease of greater than 20% in battery-operated equipment). The battery will be disposed of properly.

(n) Personnel engaged in the use of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and shall be properly trained to recognize the hazards and limitations associated with the use of the equipment in areas where methane could be present. Additionally, personnel shall be trained regarding proper procedures for donning Self Contained Self Rescuers (SCSRs) during a mine emergency while wearing the 3M VersaFlow TR-800 or PAPR. The mine operator shall submit proposed revisions to update the Mine Emergency Evacuation and Firefighting Program of Instruction under 30 CFR 75.1502 to address this issue.

(o) Within 60 days after the PDO becomes final, the operator shall submit proposed revisions for its approved 30 CFR part 48 training plans to the Mine Safety and Health Enforcement District Manager. These proposed revisions shall specify initial and refresher training regarding the terms and conditions stated in the PDO. When training is conducted on the terms and conditions in this Order, an MSHA Certificate of Training (Form 5000-23) shall be completed. Comments shall be included on the Certificate of Training indicating that the training received was for use of the 3M Versaflo TR-800.

(p) All personnel who will be involved with or affected by the use of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR shall receive training in accordance with 30 CFR 48.7 on the requirements of this Order within 60 days of the date the PDO becomes final. Such training must be completed before any 3M Versaflo TR-800 can be used in or inby the last open crosscut. The operator shall keep a record of such training and provide such record to MSHA upon request.

(q) The operator shall provide annual retraining to all personnel who will be involved with or affected by the use of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR in accordance with 30 CFR 48.8. The operator shall train new miners on the requirements of the PDO in accordance with 30 CFR 48.5, and shall train experienced miners on the requirements of the PDO in accordance with 30 CFR 48.6. The operator shall keep a record of such training and provide such record to MSHA upon request.

(r) Once approved, the operator shall post the PDO in unobstructed locations on the bulletin boards and/or in other conspicuous places where notices to miners are ordinarily posted.

There are no representatives of miners at Glen Alum Tunnel Mine. A copy of this Petition has been posted on the bulletin board as of January 7, 2026.

The petitioner asserts that the alternative method will guarantee no less than the same measure of protection afforded the miners under the mandatory standard.

[FR Doc. 2026-06517 Filed 4-2-26; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 4520-43-P