Federal Register #MSHA-2026-0100

Notice of Petitions for Modification of Mine Safety Standards: 3M Versaflow TR800HIK PAPR and Alternative Backfill Methods

This notice summarizes two petitions for modification of mine safety standards submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA): - Government Buyer: - Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances - OEMs and Vendors: - 3M (Original Equipment Manufacturer of Versaflow TR800HIK PAPR and accessories) - Products/Services Requested: - 3M Versaflow TR800HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) motor/blower and battery (Part Number: TR800HIK) - 3M TR830 Battery Pack (Part Number: TR830) - 3M Battery Charger Kit TR641N (Part Number: TR641N) - 3M 4-Station Battery Charger Kit TR644N (Part Number: TR644N) - High density polyethylene (HDPE) pipe, 6-inch SDR 17 (Quantity: 5) - Coarse coal refuse (for backfill) - Underdrain system materials (rock cobbles, perforated pipe, filter fabric) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Use of 3M Versaflow TR800HIK PAPR as an alternative to MSHA-approved respirators, with strict protocols for training, inspection, and maintenance - Equipment must be intrinsically safe and certified to IECEx and UL standards - Use of coarse coal refuse as backfill for mine openings, with engineered drainage and reclamation controls - No procurement of goods or services is being solicited; this is a regulatory notice for public comment on proposed safety standard modifications - Places of Performance: - Glen Alum Tunnel Mine, Raleigh County, WV - Kepler No. 1 Prep Plant, Pineville, Wyoming County, WV - Kepler Sewell Mine portal area, Wyoming County, WV

Description

This notice summarizes petitions for modification submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Marfork Coal Company, LLC and Kepler Processing Company, LLC. Marfork Coal Company requests to use a 3M Versaflow TR800HIK Intrinsically Safe Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) as an alternative to existing respirable dust protection standards. Kepler Processing Company seeks approval to backfill abandoned mine openings with coarse coal refuse as an alternative to standard refuse pile regulations. Both petitions assert that their alternative methods provide equal or greater safety protections for miners. Comments on these petitions must be received by May 4, 2026.

View original listing