Federal Register #2026-12656

Petition to Allow Intrinsically Safe Respirators at Fossil Rock Mine

This public notice from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) addresses a petition by Fossil Rock Resources, LLC to modify safety standards for respirator use at the Fossil Rock Mine in Utah. - Government Buyer: - Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances - OEMs and Vendors: - CleanSpace (CleanSpace EX) - 3M (Versaflo TR800 PAPR, Ultimate FX Full-Facepiece Respirator) - Products/Services Requested: - CleanSpace EX Respirator (NIOSH-approved, intrinsically safe, full-face or half-mask configuration) - 3M Versaflo TR800 Powered Air-Purifying Respirator (PAPR) (UL classified to ANSI/UL 6007911, intrinsically safe, operates only with TR830 battery pack) - 3M Ultimate FX Full-Facepiece Respirator (non-battery-powered) - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Petition seeks approval to use modern, intrinsically safe respirators in underground coal mine environments where MSHA-approved PAPRs are no longer available - Devices must meet hazardous-location electrical safety standards (e.g., NIOSH, UL, ANSI/UL 6007911) - Only manufacturer-approved charging equipment may be used - Operational safeguards and miner training are required - No specific purchase quantities or part numbers provided - This is a public notice for comment, not a procurement or solicitation for bids

Description

This notice summarizes a petition submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Fossil Rock Resources, LLC. The petition requests a modification of the mandatory safety standard 30 CFR 75.1002(a) to permit the use of intrinsically safe powered air-purifying respirators (PAPRs) and specified full face respirators within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces at the Fossil Rock Mine. The petitioner argues that MSHA-approved PAPRs are no longer manufactured and that the proposed devices provide equivalent or greater protection while meeting modern hazardous-location electrical safety standards. Comments on the petition must be received by July 24, 2026.

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