The Mine Safety and Health Administration will hold a virtual-only public hearing for the Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) in Underground Mines (90 FR 28406). This proposed rule would codify technical specifications and working conditions to allow the use of non-permissible PAPRs in underground gassy mines.
Public Hearing Details
Webinar link:
Webinar number: 2436 009 4126
Webinar password: MSHA (6742 when dialing from a phone or video system)
Join by phone: +1-415-655-0002 US Toll
Access code: 2436 009 4126
The public hearing is on November 17, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. EST and will end after the last presenter speaks.
The meeting’s agenda is:
- Opening statement given by MSHA representative
- Statement(s) made by registered attendees
- Statement(s) made by attendees who did not register
- Conclusion
The public hearing will be conducted in an informal manner. Formal rules of evidence and cross examination will not apply.
Speaker and Participant Registration for the Public Hearing
Registration is not required to attend the public hearing. However, all speakers are encouraged to register, especially those who plan to use a slide deck or other digital presentation materials during their presentation.
Please register at the link below and email a copy of all presentation files to Public_Hearing@abtglobal.com by 11:59 p.m. EST on November 13, 2026. This will reduce technical difficulties and wait time between presentations.
We ask that speakers limit their comments to 10 minutes to ensure there is time for everyone who wishes to participate. If your comments exceed the 10-minute limit, you may submit additional testimony as part of your written comments to Docket Number MSHA-2025-0089 at www.Regulations.gov by December 8, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., EST.
Written Comments and Transcript
MSHA will accept post-hearing written comments and materials for the record from any interested party, including those not presenting at the public hearing, received by 11:59 p.m. EST on December 8, 2026.
Submit written comments and materials electronically at the following link – “Docket No. MSHA-2025-0089” for Powered Air Purifying Respirators in Underground Mines. Follow the online instructions for making electronic submissions.
A verbatim transcript of the proceeding will be prepared and made a part of the rulemaking record. MSHA will make a copy of the transcript available to the public at the Federal eRulemaking Portal