Opportunity
Federal Register #2026-12796
MSHA Removes Outdated Flame Safety Lamp Regulations for Underground Coal Mines
Buyer
US DEPT OF LABOR - MINE SAFETY HE
Posted
June 25, 2026
Identifier
2026-12796
This regulatory update from the Department of Labor's Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) addresses the use of flame safety lamps in underground coal mines. - MSHA is removing flame safety lamps from the list of permissible electric face equipment - Flame safety lamps are considered outdated technology - Modern electric cap lamps and portable methane/multi-gas detectors have replaced them - No products, services, or equipment are being requested or procured - No OEMs or vendors are mentioned in this notice - The rule is intended to streamline regulations without reducing miner protections - No new requirements or purchases are introduced by this action
Description
The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) is issuing a final rule to remove flame safety lamps from the list of permissible electric face equipment in underground coal mines. This change is due to flame safety lamps being outdated technology that is no longer used, having been replaced by electric cap lamps and portable methane and multi-gas detectors. The rule aims to streamline current requirements without reducing miner protections. The effective date of this final rule is July 27, 2026.