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Dust exposure can cause serious lung disease, including black lung/pneumoconiosis and silicosis. However, overexposure is preventable with proper controls, monitoring, and employee participation.
Key Regulatory Requirements Under 30 CFR
- Under the final rule by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) for coal mines, the standard for respirable coal mine dust was reduced. For example, under the rule effective Aug. 1, 2016, (Phase III), the concentration limit for underground coal mines was reduced from 2.0 mg/m³ to 1.5 mg/m³.
- Also, when the respirable dust contains quartz (crystalline silica) above certain percentages, the limit is further adjusted.
Sampling Requirements and Methods
- Operator sampling is required to determine exposures. Under the coal dust rule, MSHA can determine noncompliance based on a single full-shift sample.
- When operator sampling shows excessive concentrations, immediate corrective action is required.
- Engineering controls, administrative controls, proper ventilation, water sprays, dust suppression systems, and housekeeping are critical.
What We Must Do
- Ensure that dust suppression systems (water sprays, scrubbers, enclosures, conveyors) are maintained and functioning.
- Ensure operator and MSHA required sampling is scheduled, carried out properly, documented, and follow-up actions taken immediately if elevated dust is found.
- Ensure training is given to all miners about dust hazards and controls.
- Monitor for tasks/jobs that produce higher dust levels (coal/rock cutting, drilling, roof bolting, cutter-loaders, and some maintenance activities).
- Investigate suspected dust control failures, damaged suppression equipment, or ventilation issues and immediately take corrective action.
- Use the mine ventilation to work upwind of dust.
- Participate in training and understand what controls are in place and how they work.
- If you see dust controls not working properly, ventilation reduction, coal dust accumulation, or heavy dust clouds, report it immediately.
Following is a checklist of specific parameters that should be monitored throughout the shift:
- Air quantity and velocity in the intake, return, and working faces.
- Dust suppression systems working properly, such as water sprays, scrubbers, enclosures at longwall/cutter-loader, on conveyors, and roof bolting machines.
- Ventilation plan compliance: Are the controls in the approved plan effective and operating correctly?
- Housekeeping and dust removal: Are settled dust deposits being controlled? Are rock dusting practices maintained (to prevent explosion risk as well as respiratory hazards)?
- Respiratory protection program: If a task exceeds controls (or in emergencies), ensure the correct respirator is provided, fits properly, and is maintained.
- Training: Employees must receive training on dust hazards, dust controls, sampling, and health.
- Corrective action: If an operator sample shows overexposure, immediate action is required.
Respirable coal mine dust and silica-containing dust is a known hazard. The exposure guidelines are in place to protect the health of every miner. It’s important to remember that complying with these standards goes beyond regulatory compliance and should be a part of every miner’s daily duties.
KEMI does not assume liability for the content of information contained herein. Safety and health remain your responsibility. This information is to be used for informational purposes only and not intended to be exhaustive or a substitute for proper training, supervision, or manufacturers’ instructions/recommendations. KEMI, by publication of this information, does not assume liability for damage or injury arising from reliance upon it. Compliance with this information is not a guarantee or warranty that you will be in conformity with any laws or regulations nor does it ensure the absolute safety of any person, place, or object, including, but not limited to, you, your occupation, employees, customers, or place of business.
