Federal Register #MSHA-2026-0762

Petition to Use Kenwood NX3200 Radios with Intrinsically Safe Batteries at Mountain View Mine

This summary covers a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) regarding communications equipment at the Mountain View Mine in West Virginia. - Government Buyer: - Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances - OEMs and Vendors: - Kenwood (manufacturer of radios and battery packs) - Products Requested: - Kenwood Model NX3200 portable handheld radios - Part number: NX3200 - CSA-approved as intrinsically safe, but not MSHA-approved - Kenwood KNB79LC 7.4-volt intrinsically safe battery packs - Part number: KNB79LC - C UL US listed for safety - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Petition seeks approval to use non-MSHA approved, but CSA-certified, radios and battery packs within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces - Kenwood has discontinued MSHA-approved models, leaving no compliant alternatives - Radios must be used only with specified battery packs - Detailed safety, inspection, and miner training requirements are outlined to ensure equivalent protection to existing standards

Description

This notice summarizes a petition for modification submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) by Mettiki Coal WV, LLC. The petition requests modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.500(d) at the Mountain View Mine to permit the use of non-MSHA approved handheld radios within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces. The petitioner proposes using Kenwood Model NX3200 portable radios with intrinsically safe battery packs as an alternative method, asserting it will provide no less protection than the existing standard. The petition includes detailed safety and training requirements to ensure miner safety.

View original listing