Petition for Modification of MSHA Permissible Electric Equipment Standard to Allow 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR at Glen Alum Tunnel Mine
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
Marfork Coal Company, LLC has petitioned the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to modify 30 CFR 75.1002(a), which requires electric equipment within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces in coal mines to be MSHA-permissible. The company seeks approval to use the 3M Versaflo TR-800-HIK Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR), a battery-powered device not MSHA-approved but certified intrinsically safe under UL, ATEX, and IECEx standards for explosive atmospheres. They argue strict application diminishes safety by denying superior respirable dust protection and comfort in hot environments. The proposed alternative includes rigorous training, pre-use inspections, weekly examinations by qualified persons, methane monitoring with MSHA-approved detectors, immediate de-energization at 1.0% methane, specific battery handling (using 3M TR-830 packs charged surface-only with designated chargers), and logbook records. MSHA must initially inspect units before use in restricted areas. Training updates to mine emergency and Part 48 plans are required within 60 days of approval, with annual retraining. Comments are due by May 4, 2026, via regulations.gov (Docket MSHA-2026-0102) or other methods. The petition applies only to Glen Alum Tunnel Mine (MSHA ID 46-09375) in West Virginia. No miner representatives exist, and the petition was posted January 7, 2026.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- Permit 3M Versaflo TR-800-HIK PAPR use within 150 feet of pillar workings/longwall faces despite lacking MSHA permissibility
- Require de-energization at ≥1.0% methane detected by MSHA-approved detectors
- Mandate pre-use inspections, weekly exams by qualified persons per 30 CFR 75.512-1, and equipment logbook
+ 3 more changes with Pro
Obligations
What this law requires
Submit comments on the petition for modification by May 4, 2026, via regulations.gov (Docket MSHA-2026-0102), fax (202-693-9441), email (petitioncomments@dol.gov), or mail to MSHA Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances
Train all affected mine employees on proper use and maintenance of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR in accordance with manufacturer guidelines, including requirement to de-energize the unit at 1.0% or more methane detection and proper de-energization methods
Inspect the PAPR, battery pack, and all associated wiring and connections before each use to determine if any damage would negatively impact intrinsic safety; remove from service if defects are found
Maintain a separate logbook for the 3M Versaflo TR-800 PAPR kept with the equipment or with other mine record books; make logbook available to MSHA upon request
Examine all PAPR equipment at least weekly by a qualified person as defined in 30 CFR 75.512-1 and record examination results in the logbook