Petition for Modification of 30 CFR 75.507-1(a) for Use of 3M Versaflo TR-800 Intrinsically Safe PAPR at Glen Alum Tunnel Mine
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Marfork Coal Company, LLC has petitioned MSHA to modify the mandatory safety standard 30 CFR 75.507-1(a) at its Glen Alum Tunnel Mine in West Virginia. The company seeks permission to use the 3M Versaflo TR-800-HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) in return air outby the last open crosscut, even though the device is not MSHA-approved as permissible equipment. The petition argues that strict application of the standard would diminish miner safety by denying access to superior respiratory protection and comfort in warm environments. The company proposes extensive alternative safety measures including specialized training, weekly inspections, methane monitoring, battery management protocols, and record-keeping to ensure the equipment provides at least equivalent protection to the existing standard.
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Key Changes
- Modification of 30 CFR 75.507-1(a) to allow use of non-MSHA-approved 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR in return air outby last open crosscut
- Comments due by May 4, 2026 on Docket No. MSHA-2026-0101
- Continuous methane monitoring required; equipment must be de-energized at or above 1.0% methane
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Submit all comments on the petition to MSHA's Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before May 4, 2026, using one of four specified methods: Federal eRulemaking Portal (regulations.gov), Fax (202-693-9441), Email (petitioncomments@dol.gov), or Regular Mail/Hand Delivery to MSHA, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, Room C3522, 200 Constitution Ave. NW, Washington, DC 20210
Train all affected mine employees in proper use and maintenance of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, including notification that the PAPR must be de-energized when 1.0 or more percent methane is detected and instruction on the proper method to de-energize the equipment
Train mine employees to inspect PAPR units before use to determine if there is any damage that would negatively impact intrinsic safety and ensure compliance with all petition stipulations
Inspect the PAPR, battery pack, and all associated wiring and connections before each use to determine if there is any damage that would negatively impact intrinsic safety; remove equipment from service immediately if any defects are found
Maintain a separate logbook for the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR kept with the equipment or with other mine record books, recording examination results from at least weekly inspections by a qualified person as defined in 30 CFR 75.512-1, and make the logbook available to MSHA upon request