Federal Register #MSHA_FRDOC_0001

Regulatory Petition to Allow Use of Intrinsically Safe Respirators at Fossil Rock Mine

This notice concerns a regulatory petition, not a procurement opportunity, from Fossil Rock Resources, LLC regarding safety equipment at the Fossil Rock Mine in Utah. - Government buyer: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Department of Labor - Petition requests modification of mandatory safety standards to allow use of specific respirators in underground coal mining - Seeks approval for intrinsically safe powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) and full-face respirators - OEMs and products mentioned: - CleanSpace EX (NIOSH-approved, intrinsically safe PAPR) - 3M Versaflo TR800 (UL classified to ANSI/UL 6007911, intrinsically safe PAPR) - 3M Ultimate FX Full-Facepiece Respirator (non-battery-powered) - No specific purchase quantities or part numbers provided - Notable requirements: - Use of only manufacturer-approved components and accessories - Battery charging restricted to surface areas - Miner training on proper use and maintenance - Compliance with modern hazardous-location safety standards - The petition is due to the lack of commercially available MSHA-approved PAPRs - Notice is for public comment, not a solicitation for products or services

Description

This notice summarizes a petition for modification submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Fossil Rock Resources, LLC. The petition requests modifications to existing mandatory safety standards related to mine safety equipment and procedures at Fossil Rock Mine in Utah. The petitioner proposes alternative methods that they assert will provide no less protection than the current standards, including the use of intrinsically safe powered air-purifying respirators and changes to deluge-type water spray system requirements. Comments on the petition must be received by July 24, 2026.

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