May 26, 2020 – The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced the cancellation of a proposed Program Policy Letter on escapeways and refuges in underground metal and nonmetal mines. MSHA has determined that the proposed clarification is not needed. The proposed Program Policy Letter was published in the Federal Register on July 29, 2019, (84 FR 36623) for public comment. The guidance targeted miners in order to enable them to escape in an emergency and, when they cannot escape, for refuges to enable miners to shelter safely in place until they can be rescued.
MSHA Cancels Escapeways Guidance
