Federal Register #2026-13223

Petition to Use Kenwood Intrinsically Safe Radios at Mountain View Mine

This notice from the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) details a petition for modification submitted by Mettiki Coal WV, LLC for 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) - Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) as certifying bodies - Products Requested: - Kenwood Model NX3200 portable radios - Part number: NX3200 - Quantity: Not specified - Kenwood KNB79LC 7.4-volt intrinsically safe battery packs - Part number: KNB79LC - Quantity: Not specified - Unique Requirements: - Radios and battery packs are certified as intrinsically safe by CSA and UL, but are not MSHA-approved - Use permitted within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces - Strict safety, inspection, and training requirements for miners - Radios must not be used in areas with elevated methane concentrations - Regular inspections and operational procedures to ensure miner safety

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.

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