Federal Register #M2026017C

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

This opportunity concerns a petition to allow the use of non-MSHA approved handheld radios 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) - Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and C UL US (certification bodies) - Products Requested: - Kenwood Model NX3200 portable radios (part number: NX3200) - Kenwood KNB79LC 7.4-volt intrinsically safe battery packs (part number: KNB79LC) - Quantities: - Not specified in the petition - Unique or Notable Requirements: - Radios must be CSA-approved as intrinsically safe, but are not MSHA-approved - Only specified Kenwood battery packs (KNB79LC) may be used - Radios may be used within 150 feet of pillar workings or longwall faces - Use is subject to regular inspection, training, and restrictions in areas with elevated methane concentrations - Petition is due to the discontinuation of MSHA-approved radios by Kenwood and lack of available alternatives - The alternative method is asserted to provide equivalent miner protection

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 conditions for use, inspection, training, and safety measures to ensure miner safety.

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