Federal Register #2026-06513

MSHA Approves Use of 3M Versaflo TR800 PAPR and Battery Chargers for Mine Safety Compliance

This notice from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) details recent affirmative decisions on petitions for modification of mine safety standards: - Government Buyer: - Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Department of Labor - OEMs and Vendors: - 3M Company (highlighted as the primary OEM) - Products/Equipment Mentioned: - 3M Versaflo TR800 Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) (Part Number: TR800) - 3M Battery Charger Kit TR641N (Part Number: TR641N) - 3M 4-Station Battery Charger Kit TR644N (Part Number: TR644N) - Includes Charger Cradle TR640, Power Supply TR941N, and 4-Station Charger Base/Power Supply TR944N - Services: - Training for personnel on the use, hazards, and emergency procedures related to the 3M Versaflo TR800 PAPR - Annual retraining and record-keeping requirements - Notable Requirements: - Alternative safety methods must provide protection equal to or greater than existing standards - Specific requirements for battery handling, training, and documentation - Mines/Operators Granted Petitions: - 3M Company (Corona Plant, Riverside County, CA) - Mach Mining, LLC (Mach #1 Mine, Williamson County, IL) - M-Class Mining, LLC (MC#1 Mine, Franklin County, IL) - Patton Mining, LLC (Deer Run Mine, Montgomery, IL) - Wolf Run Mining, LLC (Leer South Mine, Barbour County, WV) - Purpose: - Provides transparency on safety standard modifications and ensures alternative methods maintain or improve safety protections.

Description

This notice from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) reports on petitions for modification of mandatory safety standards at mines that were reviewed and granted between July 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. It details the process by which mine operators or representatives of miners may petition for alternative methods of compliance, and MSHA's review and decision process. The notice includes a list of granted petitions, providing transparency on safety standard modifications and ensuring no less protection for miners than the existing standards.

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