Base
Proposed Rule2025-117432025-07-01

Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in Underground Mines

Labor Department, Mine Safety and Health Administration

Abstract

MSHA is proposing to allow the use of non-permissible Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in specified underground areas of mines, if the equipment meets certain technical specifications and is operated under specific conditions. This proposed rule would codify technical specifications and working conditions to allow the use of non-permissible PAPRs in underground gassy mines. This proposed rule would reduce burden because mine operators would no longer need to submit a petition for modification to use non-permissible PAPRs.

Action & Dates

Action
Proposed rule; request for comments.
Dates
Comments must be received on or before July 31, 2025.

CFR References

Topics

ChemicalsCommunications equipmentElectric powerEmergency medical servicesExplosivesFire preventionGasesHazardous substancesIncorporation by referenceMetalsMine safety and healthMinesNoise controlRadiation protectionReporting and recordkeeping requirementsUnderground mining

Public Comment

Comments Close
2025-07-31

Document Excerpt

Document Headings Document headings vary by document type but may contain the following: the agency or agencies that issued and signed a document the number of the CFR title and the number of each part the document amends, proposes to amend, or is directly related to the agency docket number / agency internal file number the RIN which identifies each regulatory action listed in the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions See the Document Drafting Handbook for more details. Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration 30 CFR Parts 57 and 75 [Docket No. MSHA-2025-0089] RIN 1219-AC17 AGENCY: Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA), Labor. ACTION: Proposed rule; request for comments. SUMMARY: MSHA is proposing to allow the use of non-permissible Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in specified underground areas of mines, if the equipment meets certain technical specifications and is operated under specific conditions. This proposed rule would codify technical specifications and working conditions to allow the use of non-permissible PAPRs in underground gassy mines. This proposed rule would reduce burden because mine operators would no longer need to submit a petition for modification to use non-permissible PAPRs. DATES: Comments must be received on or before July 31, 2025. ADDRESSES: All submissions must include RIN 1219-AC17 or Docket No. MSHA-2025-0089. You should not include personal or proprietary information that you do not wish to disclose publicly. If you mark parts of a comment as “business confidential” information, MSHA will not post those parts of the comment. Otherwise, MSHA will post all comments without change, including any personal information provided. MSHA cautions against submitting personal information. You may submit comments and informational materials, clearly identified by RIN 1219-AC17 or Docket No. MSHA-2025-0089, by any of the following methods: 1. Federal E-Rulemaking Portal: https://w

Read full document on FederalRegister.gov →

Related Documents

Other Federal Register documents from the same docket.

Full Document

Citation: 90 FR 28406