Federal Register #M2026015C

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

This opportunity concerns a petition to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for approval to use non-MSHA approved Kenwood radios at the Mountain View Mine in West Virginia. - Government Buyer: - Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), U.S. Department of Labor - Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances - OEMs and Vendors: - Kenwood (manufacturer of radios and battery packs) - Products Requested: - Kenwood Model NX3200 portable radio (Part Number: NX3200) - CSA and UL certified as intrinsically safe - Not MSHA-approved - Kenwood KNB79LC 7.4-volt intrinsically safe battery pack (Part Number: KNB79LC) - Certified intrinsically safe, C UL US listed - To be used exclusively with the NX3200 radio - Services Requested: - Training for underground miners on safe use, inspection, and handling of Kenwood NX3200 radios and KNB79LC battery packs - Includes initial and annual refresher training per 30 CFR 48.5, 48.6, 48.7, and 48.8 - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Radios and battery packs must be CSA and UL certified as intrinsically safe - Detailed safety, inspection, and battery handling protocols required - Comprehensive miner training plan, with revisions to be submitted within 60 days of approval - Petition prompted by discontinuation of MSHA-approved Kenwood TK290 radios and lack of compatible alternatives - Public comments are invited on the proposed modification

Description

This notice summarizes a petition submitted by Mettiki Coal WV, LLC to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) requesting a modification to the application of existing mandatory safety standards. The petition seeks approval to use 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 standards and includes detailed safety and training requirements to ensure miner safety. Comments on the petition must be received by July 31, 2026.

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