Federal Register #MSHA-2026-0760

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

This opportunity concerns a regulatory petition, not a procurement action, regarding radio equipment at the Mountain View Mine in West Virginia. - Government Buyer: - Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances - OEMs Mentioned: - Kenwood (manufacturer of radios and battery packs) - Products/Equipment Involved: - Kenwood Model NX3200 portable radios - Part number: NX3200 - Intrinsically safe, CSA and C UL US certified (not MSHA-approved) - Kenwood KNB79LC 7.4-volt intrinsically safe battery packs - Part number: KNB79LC - Certified for use with NX3200 radios - Unique/Notable Requirements: - Petition seeks approval to use non-MSHA approved, but CSA and C UL US certified, Kenwood radios and batteries underground - Detailed safety, inspection, and training protocols required for use, maintenance, and charging - No other compatible MSHA-approved radios are available due to discontinuation by Kenwood - The alternative method is asserted to provide equivalent miner safety - No procurement of goods or services is being solicited; this is a regulatory modification request

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) 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 than the same measure of protection as the existing mandatory standard and proposes specific conditions and training requirements to ensure safety. Comments on the petition must be received by July 31, 2026.

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