Mine Operators Request Changes to Air Respirator Compliance

The federal agency charged with ensuring the safety of mine workers plans to hear modifications to existing methods of compliance for respirators.

At least 14 petitions were submitted for the US Mine Safety and Health Administration to modify the application of existing mandatory safety standards, according to notices posted online.

Most of the petitions center around permission to use a non-MSHA-approved battery-powered air purifying respirators. The petitioners argue that their miners would have better options of protection from the harmful dust that causes lung diseases.

These requests seek an alternative method of complying with a safety standard as long ...