Federal Register #2026-13227

Petition to Permit Use of Non-MSHA Approved Kenwood Radios at Mountain View Mine

This opportunity concerns a regulatory petition for the use of non-MSHA approved Kenwood radios at the Mountain View Mine in West Virginia. - Government Buyer: - Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Department of Labor - Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances - OEMs Mentioned: - Kenwood (manufacturer of radios and battery packs) - Products Requested: - Kenwood Model NX3200 portable radio (Part Number: NX3200) - Kenwood KNB79LC 7.4-volt intrinsically safe battery pack (Part Number: KNB79LC) - Both products are CSA and UL certified as intrinsically safe, but not MSHA-approved - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Petition seeks approval to use these radios underground in or inby the last open crosscut - Radios must undergo daily inspections and be used only by trained underground miners - Radios are prohibited in areas with methane concentrations of 1.0% or greater - Kenwood has discontinued MSHA-approved radios, and no compatible alternatives are available - The petition asserts that the alternative method provides equivalent miner protection - No specific purchase quantities or direct procurement is specified; this is a request for regulatory modification, not a solicitation for goods or services

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 a modification of the application of 30 CFR 75.500(d) to permit the use of non-MSHA approved handheld radios, specifically the Kenwood Model NX3200 with a Kenwood KNB79LC battery pack, in or inby the last open crosscut of the Mountain View Mine. The petitioner asserts that the alternative method will provide no less protection than the existing mandatory standard and includes detailed safety and training requirements for the use of these radios. Comments on the petition must be received by July 31, 2026.

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