`[Federal Register Volume 89, Number 248 (Friday, December 27, 2024)]
[Notices]
[Pages 105629-105631]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2024-30944]


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DEPARTMENT OF LABOR

Mine Safety and Health Administration


Petition for Modification of Application of Existing Mandatory 
Safety Standards

AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Labor.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: This notice is a summary of a petition for modification 
submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Wolf 
Run Mining, LLC.

DATES: All comments on the petition must be received by MSHA's Office 
of Standards, Regulations, and Variances on or before January 27, 2025.

ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Docket No. MSHA-2024-
0113 by any of the following methods:
    1. Federal eRulemaking Portal: https://www.regulations.gov. Follow 
the instructions for submitting comments for MSHA-2024-0113.
    2. Fax: 202-693-9441.
    3. Email: [email protected].
    4. Regular Mail or Hand Delivery: MSHA, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances, 201 12th Street South, Suite 4E401, 
Arlington, Virginia 22202-5452.
    Attention: S. Aromie Noe, Director, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances. Persons delivering documents are required 
to check in at the receptionist's desk, 4th Floor West. Individuals may 
inspect copies of the petition and comments during normal business 
hours at the address listed above. Before visiting MSHA in person, call 
202-693-9455 to make an appointment.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: S. Aromie Noe, Office of Standards, 
Regulations, and Variances at 202-693-9440 (voice), 
[email protected] (email), or 202-693-9441 (fax). [These 
are not toll-free numbers.]

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.

[[Page 105630]]

    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-2024-088-C.
    Petitioner: Wolf Run Mining, LLC, 21550 Barbour County Highway, 
Philippi, WV 26416.
    Mine: Leer South Mine, MSHA ID No. 46-04168, located in Barbour 
County, West Virginia.
    Regulation Affected: 30 CFR 75.507-1(a), Permissible electric 
equipment.
    Modification Request: The petitioner requests a modification of 30 
CFR 75.507-1(a) to allow the use of an alternative method of respirable 
dust protection. Specifically, the petitioner is requesting to use the 
3M Versaflo TR-800 Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator 
(PAPR) and the CleanSpace EX PAPR in return air outby the last open 
crosscut.
    The petitioner states that:
    (a) Leer South Mine has previously used the 3M Airstream Headgear-
Mounted PAPR System to provide additional protection for its miners 
against exposure to respirable coal mine dust. There are clear long-
term health benefits from using such technology. One of the benefits of 
PAPRs 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 hot working environments.
    (b) 3M elected to discontinue the 3M Airstream helmet, replacing it 
with the 3M Versaflo TR-800, which benefits from additional features 
and reduced weight. Because of its reduced weight, it provides 
significant ergonomic benefits.
    (c) For more than 40 years the 3M Airstream has been used by many 
mine operators to help protect their workers. During those years there 
have been technological advancements in products and services for 
industrial applications. 3M indicated that they faced multiple key 
component supply disruptions for the Airstream product line that 
created issues with providing acceptable supply service levels. Because 
of those issues, 3M discontinued the Airstream in June 2020, and that 
discontinuation was global.
    (d) 3M announced that February 2020 was the final time to place an 
order for systems and components and that June 2020 was the final date 
to purchase Airstream components.
    (e) Currently there are no replacement 3M PAPRs that meet 
applicable MSHA standards for permissibility. Electronic equipment used 
in underground mines in potentially explosive atmospheres are required 
to be approved by MSHA in accordance with 30 CFR. 3M and other 
manufacturers offer alternative products for many other environments 
and applications.
    (f) Following the discontinuation, mines that currently use the 
Airstream do not have an MSHA-approved alternative PAPR to provide to 
miners.
    (g) Application of the standard results in a diminution of safety 
at the mine.
    (h) The 3M Versaflo TR-800 motor/blower and battery qualify as 
intrinsically safe in the U.S., Canada, and any other country accepting 
IECEx (International Electrotechnical Commission System for 
Certification to Standards Relating to Equipment for Use in Explosive 
Atmospheres) reports. The 3M Versaflo TR-800 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). 
It is ATEX-certified with an IS rating of ``ia.'' (ATEX refers to 
European directives for controlling explosive 2 atmospheres.) It is 
rated and marked with Ex ia I Ma, Ex ia IIB T4 Ga, Ex ia IIIC 135 
[deg]C Da, -20 [deg]C <= Ta <= +55 [deg]C, under the current standard 
(IEC 60079).
    (i) Leer South Mine seeks modification to also permit the use of 
the CleanSpace EX powered respirator under the same conditions as it 
proposes with respect to the 3M Versaflo TR-800. It too has been 
determined to be intrinsically safe.
    (j) The 3M Versaflo TR-800 is not MSHA approved as permissible, and 
3M is not pursuing approval.
    (k) The CleanSpace EX Power Unit is not MSHA approved as 
permissible, and CleanSpace is not pursuing approval.
    (l) The standards for approval of these respirators are an 
acceptable alternative to MSHA's standards and provide an equivalent 
level of protection.
    (m) The alternative method will 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 shall be trained in the proper use and 
maintenance of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and the CleanSpace EX in 
accordance with established manufacturer guidelines. This training 
shall alert the affected employee that neither the 3M Versaflo TR-800 
nor the CleanSpace EX is approved under 30 CFR part 18 and shall be 
deenergized when 1.0 or more percent methane is detected. The training 
shall also include the proper method to deenergize these PAPRs. In 
addition to manufacturer guidelines, the petitioner shall 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 the Proposed Decision 
and Order (PDO) granted by MSHA.
    (b) The PAPRs, battery packs, and all associated wiring and 
connections shall 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 shall be removed from service.
    (c) Leer South Mine shall maintain a separate logbook for the 3M 
Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX PAPRs 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 and the ``blocked filter'' alarm on the CleanSpace 
EX. Examination entries may be expunged after one year.
    (d) All 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX PAPRs to be used in 
the return air outby the last open crosscut shall be physically 
examined prior to initial use, and each unit shall be assigned a unique 
identification number. Each unit shall be examined by the person who 
will be operating 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.
    (e) The examination for the 3M Versaflo TR-800 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;
    (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.

[[Page 105631]]

    (f) The CleanSpace EX does not have an accessible/removable 
battery. The battery and motor/blower assembly are both contained 
within the sealed four power pack assembly and cannot be removed, 
reinserted, or fastened. The pre-use examination is limited to 
inspecting the equipment for indications of physical damage.
    (g) Leer South Mine shall ensure that all 3M Versaflo TR-800 and 
CleanSpace EX PAPRs are serviced according to the manufacturer's 
recommendations. Dates of service shall be recorded in the equipment's 
logbook and shall include a description of the work performed.
    (h) The 3M Versaflo TR-800 and CleanSpace EX PAPRs that will be 
used in the return air outby 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 
following all the terms and conditions of the PDO granted by MSHA.
    (i) Prior to energizing the 3M Versaflo TR-800 or the CleanSpace EX 
in the return air outby the last open crosscut, methane tests shall be 
made in accordance with 30 CFR 75.323(a).
    (j) 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 shall provide visual and audible 
warnings when methane is detected at or above 1.0 percent.
    (k) A qualified person as defined in 30 CFR 75.151 shall 
continuously monitor for methane immediately before and during the use 
of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 or CleanSpace EX in the return air outby the 
last open crosscut or in areas where methane may enter the air current.
    (l) Neither the 3M Versaflo TR-800 nor the CleanSpace EX shall be 
used if methane is detected in concentrations at or above 1.0 percent. 
When 1.0 percent or more of methane is detected while the 3M Versaflo 
TR-800 or CleanSpace EX is being used, the equipment shall be 
deenergized immediately and the equipment withdrawn outby the last open 
crosscut.
    (m) Leer South Mine shall use only the 3M TR-830 Battery Pack, 
which meets lithium battery safety standard UL 1642 or IEC 62133 in the 
3M Versaflo TR-800. The petitioner shall use only the CleanSpace EX 
Power 5 Unit which meets lithium battery safety standard UL 1642 or IEC 
62133 in the CleanSpace EX.
    (n) The battery packs shall be ``changed out'' in intake air outby 
the last open crosscut. Before each shift when the 3M Versaflo TR-800 
or CleanSpace EX is to be used, all batteries and power units for the 
equipment shall be charged sufficiently so that they are not expected 
to be replaced on that shift.
    (o) 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. Neither the 3M TR-830 Battery Pack nor the CleanSpace EX Power 
Unit may be disassembled or modified by anyone other than persons 
permitted by the manufacturer of the equipment.
    (2) The 3M TR-830 Battery Pack shall 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.
    (iii) The CleanSpace EX Power Unit is to be charged only by the 
CleanSpace Battery Charger EX, Product Code PAF-0066.
    (iv) The batteries shall not be allowed to get wet. This does not 
preclude incidental exposure of sealed battery packs.
    (v) The batteries shall not be used, charged, or stored in 
locations where the manufacturer's recommended temperature limits are 
exceeded. The batteries shall not be placed in direct sunlight or used 
or stored near a source of heat.
    (p) Personnel engaged in the use of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 and 
CleanSpace EX PAPRs 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 Versaflo TR-800 or 
CleanSpace EX. 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.
    (q) Within 60 days after the PDO granted by MSHA becomes final, 
Leer South Mine 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 
granted by MSHA. When training is conducted on the terms and conditions 
in the PDO granted by MSHA, 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 or CleanSpace EX.
    (r) All personnel who will be involved with or affected by the use 
of the 3M Versaflo TR-800 or CleanSpace EX shall receive training in 
accordance with 30 CFR 48.7 on the requirements of the PDO granted by 
MSHA within 60 days of the date the PDO granted by MSHA becomes final. 
Such training shall be completed before any 3M Versaflo TR-800 or 
CleanSpace EX can be used in return air outby the last open crosscut. 
The operator shall keep a record of such training and provide such 
record to MSHA upon request.
    (s) Leer South Mine shall provide annual retraining to all 
personnel who will be involved with or affected by the use of the 3M 
Versaflo TR-800 or CleanSpace EX in accordance with 30 CFR 48.8. The 
operator shall train new miners on the requirements of the PDO granted 
by MSHA in accordance with 30 CFR 48.5 and shall train experienced 
miners on the requirements of the PDO granted by MSHA in accordance 
with 30 CFR 48.6. The operator shall keep a record of such training and 
provide such record to MSHA upon request.
    (t) Leer South Mine shall post the PDO granted by MSHA in 
unobstructed locations on the bulletin boards and/or in other 
conspicuous places where notices to miners are ordinarily posted for a 
period of not less than 60 consecutive days.
    (u) There are no representatives of miners at Wolf Run Mining, LLC, 
Leer South Mine. A copy of this petition has been posted on the 
bulletin board as of November 22, 2024.
    The petitioner asserts that the alternative method will guarantee 
no less than the same measure of protection afforded the miners under 
the mandatory standard.

Song-ae Aromie Noe,
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances.
[FR Doc. 2024-30944 Filed 12-26-24; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4520-43-P`