Safety Alert

Effective Powered Air-Purifying Respirators and Proximity 
Detection Systems Positioning

Since 2024, 33 mines have been granted the use of a Powered Air Purifying Respirator (PAPR) through the Petition for Modification process. Electromagnetic interference can cause failure of a miner-worn Proximity Detection System (PDS) if it is not worn as recommended, such as being worn too close to the battery or motor/blower of a PAPR. The illustrations show how miners can position these devices when using belt-worn and neck-supported PAPRs and maintain the recommended separation distance.

Best Practices

To prevent interference, miners must maintain at least six inches of separation between their PDS and the battery or motor/blower of their PAPR.

Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov.