Federal Register #MSHA-2026-0101

Regulatory Petition for Use of 3M Versaflow TR800HIK PAPR in Federal Mine

This notice concerns a regulatory petition, not a procurement opportunity, regarding mine safety equipment at a federal mine site: - Government Buyer: - U.S. Department of Labor, Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) - OEM Highlighted: - 3M (manufacturer of the Versaflow TR800HIK PAPR) - Product Referenced: - 3M Versaflow TR800HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) motor/blower and battery - Part Number: TR800HIK - Certified as intrinsically safe under UL and IECEx standards (not MSHA-permissible) - Unique Requirements: - Petition seeks approval to use the 3M Versaflow TR800HIK as an alternative to current permissible electric equipment in the Glen Alum Tunnel Mine - Comprehensive safety protocols required, including training, inspection, maintenance, battery handling, and methane monitoring - Place of Performance: - Glen Alum Tunnel Mine, Raleigh County, West Virginia - No procurement of goods or services is being solicited; this is a regulatory modification request involving a specific OEM product

Description

This notice summarizes a petition submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Marfork Coal Company, LLC. The petition requests a modification to existing mandatory safety standards to allow the use of a 3M Versaflow TR800HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) motor/blower and battery as an alternative method of compliance. The petitioner asserts that this alternative method will provide no less protection than the current standards and includes detailed training, inspection, and maintenance requirements to ensure safety. Comments on the petition must be received by May 4, 2026.

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