What is MSHA Looking For?

Link to H.R. 2768: Supplemental Mine Improvement & New Emergency Responsibility Act of 2007 --- not brand new info, but it seems that this is what the enforcement focus currently is based on: http://www.cbo.gov/ftpdocs/88xx/doc8817/hr2768.pdf

 

MSHA's Current Focus: "RULES TO LIVE BY"

This inspection season, MSHA will be focusing on air and noise contamination. Learn as much as you can about these requirements, and fix such hazards at your site.

Other focuses for this year include the following areas, and tickets are being written in these areas:

56.9101 - Operating Speeds and Control of Equipment
56.12017 - Work on Power Circuits
56.14101 (a) - Brake Performance
56.14105 - Procedures During Repairs or Maintenance
56.14130 (g) & 56.1413 (a) - Seat Belt Use
56.14205 - Machinery, Equipment, & Tools Used Beyond Design
56.14207 - Parking Procedures for Unattended Equipment
56.15005 - Safety Belts and Lines
56.16002 - Bins, Hoppers, Silos, Tanks and Surge Piles
56.20011 - Barricades and Warning Signs
57.3360 - Use of Ground Support
Also: Staying Clear of Suspended Loads

Top Ten List of MSHA Citations:

• #1 - 56.14107 (a) Guarding Moving Machinery
• #2 - 56.14132 (a) ~ Horns and Backup Alarms
• #3 - 56.14100 (b) ~ Safety Defects
• #4 - 56.12004 ~ Electrical Conductors
• #5 - 56.14112 (b) Guard Construction
• #6 - 56.14101 (a)(2) ~ Parking Brakes
• #7 - 56.9300 (a) Berms or Guardrails
• #8 - 50.30 (a) ~ Quarterly Reporting
• #9 - 56.12028 ~ Ground System Tests
• #10 - 56.12008 ~ Wire & Cable Insulation and Fittings
• 
  

MSHA 2009 Safety Bulletin Links:

2009 Program Information Bulletins

PIB09-01	Potential Safety Hazard on J. H. Fletcher & Co. Roof Bolting Machines with Independent Left and Right Tram Levers - 01/06/2009
PIB09-02	Filing of Ground Control Plans for Surface Coal Mines - 01/29/2009
PIB09-03	General Guidelines for the Use of Numerical Modeling to Evaluate Ground Control Aspects of Proposed Coal Mining Plans - 03/16/2009
PIB09-04	AMS Operator Training Guide and Part 48 Task Training Addendum - 03/03/2009
PIB09-05	Part 100 Safety and Health Conference Procedures - 03/27/2009
PIB09-06	Online Eligibility and Verification for the 2008 Sentinels of Safety Awards Program - 04/13/2009
PIB09-07	Neutral Start Methods on Mobile Electrical Equipment - 04/16/2009
PIB09-08	Methane Ignitions at Surface Highwall Auger Operations - 05/22/2009
PIB09-09	Re-Issue P07-04 - Clarification of Requirements of Title 30 Code of Federal Regulations §57.11050 Escapeways and refuges - 06/04/2009
PIB09-10	Re-Issue of P00-11 - Nondestructive Testing of Wire Rope -Electromagnetic Testing - 06/05/2009
PIB09-11	Re-Issue of P00-10 - Application of 30 C.F.R. §§ 77.405(b), 56.14211, 57.14211, 56.14105, and 57.14105 to Dragline Masts - 07/15/2009
PIB09-12	Escape Capsules in Underground Coal Mines - 07/17/2009
PIB09-13	Re-Issue P04-06 - Hazards Associated with Surface Mines Intersecting Abandoned or Underground Workings - 07/17/2009
PIB09-14	Re-Issue P06-01 - Compliance with the Testing and Maintenance Requirements of 30 C.F.R. 75.1911(i), Fire Suppression Systems for Diesel-Powered Equipment and Fuel Transportation Units. - 07/17/2009
PIB09-15	Re-Issue of P03-10 - Potential Safety Hazard Related to Explosion of Pumps - 07/17/2009
PIB09-16	Re-Issue of P97-20 - Gaseous Dilution Air Quantity and Particulate Index for the Caterpillar 3306 PCNA Diesel Engine - 07/22/2009
PIB09-17	Re-Issue of P97-29 - Gaseous Dilution Air Quantity and Particulate Index for the Isuzu QD100-306 Diesel Engine - 07/22/2009
PIB09-18	Re-Issue of P02-06 - Retrofit Program for Isuzu C240MA Diesel Engines - 07/22/2009
PIB09-19	Re-Issue P05-07 - Tree Cutting on Mine Property - 07/28/2009
PIB09-20	Re-Issue P97-24 - Portable Methane Detectors Magnetically Attached to Mining Machinery (The "Gizmo") - 07/31/2009
PIB09-21	Re-Issue P04-03 - Retrofit Program for Caterpillar Model 3306 PCNA Diesel Engines under Approval Numbers 7E-A002 and 7E-B003 - 07/31/2009
PIB09-22	Re-Issue of P05-21 - Non-Conforming Circuit Boards Used in GAI-Tronics GM1000A Ground Wire Monitors - 07/31/2009
PIB09-23	Re-Issue P05-13 - Underground Scoop Accidents - 07/31/2009
PIB09-24	Re-Issue of P06-06 - MSHA Approved Fan Assemblies that Incorporate Pipe Nipple Extensions - 07/31/2009
PIB09-25	Re-Issue of P97-17 - Determination of Diesel Fuel Sulfur Content - 08/12/2009
PIB09-26	Re-Issue of P99-10 - Potential Hazard to Roof Bolting Machine Operators Due to Inadvertent Control Actuation - 08/12/2009
PIB09-27	Re-Issue of P02-02 - Modifications to MSHA Approved Explosion-Proof Motors to Incorporate the Use of Pipe Nipple Extensions to Mount Conduit Boxes - 08/12/2009
PIB09-28	Re-Issue of P03-08 - Mine Rescue Stations - Onsite Training and Technical Assistance - 08/12/2009
PIB09-29	Re-Issue of P04-02 - Scrubber Overflow Port Used on Atlas Copco Wagner Incorporated Permissible Diesel Engine Power Packages - 08/12/2009
PIB09-30	Re-Issue P03-04 - Short Circuit Protection For Trailing Cables Longer Than 500 Feet

 

Sand and Gravel Part 46 Top Twenty Citations for 2007 (click on the blue numbers on the right hand side of the chart to find out what they are):

Most Frequently Cited Standards for 2007
Facility - SandAndGravel 01/01/2007 - 12/31/2007 Total Violations for this type of operation: 151

Rank	# of Viols.	Percent *	Standard
1	14	9.27%	56.12004
2	11	7.29%	56.14112(a)(1)
3	9	5.96%	56.14112(b)
4	8	5.30%	56.12032
5	6	3.97%	56.12030
6	5	3.31%	56.12028
7	5	3.31%	56.14100(b)
8	5	3.31%	56.12008
9	5	3.31%	56.14107(a)
10	4	2.65%	56.11012
11	3	1.99%	56.12018
12	3	1.99%	56.14132(a)
13	3	1.99%	56.14101(a)(2)
14	3	1.99%	56.18002(a)
15	3	1.99%	56.4201(a)(1)
16	3	1.99%	56.5001(a)/.5005
17	2	1.33%	62.120
18	2	1.33%	56.14130(g)
19	2	1.33%	56.4101
20	2	1.33%	56.18002(b)

Mine 46 Top Twenty MSHA Citations Explained:

#1:


30 CFR § 56.12004 Electrical conductors.

Electrical conductors shall be of a sufficient size and current-carrying capacity to ensure that a rise in temperature resulting from normal operations will not damage the insulating materials. Electrical conductors exposed to mechanical damage shall be protected.



#2:


30 CFR § 56.14112 Construction and maintenance of guards.

(a) Guards shall be constructed and maintained to--

(1) Withstand the vibration, shock, and wear to which they will be subjected during normal operation; and

(2) Not create a hazard by their use.

(b) Guards shall be securely in place while machinery is being operated, except when testing or making adjustments which cannot be performed without removal of the guard.


#3:


30 CFR § 56.14112 Construction and maintenance of guards.

(a) Guards shall be constructed and maintained to--

(1) Withstand the vibration, shock, and wear to which they will be subjected during normal operation; and

(2) Not create a hazard by their use.

(b) Guards shall be securely in place while machinery is being operated, except when testing or making adjustments which cannot be performed without removal of the guard.


#4:


30 CFR § 56.12032 Inspection and cover plates.

Inspection and cover plates on electrical equipment and junction boxes shall be kept in place at all times except during testing or repairs.


#5:


30 CFR § 56.12030 Correction of dangerous conditions.

When a potentially dangerous condition is found it shall be corrected before equipment or wiring is energized.


#6:


30 CFR § 56.12028 Testing grounding systems.

Continuity and resistance of grounding systems shall be tested immediately after installation, repair, and modification; and annually thereafter. A record of the resistance measured during the most recent tests shall be made available on a request by the Secretary or his duly authorized representative.

For more information: See MSHA'S Program Policy Manual


#7:


30 CFR § 56.14100 Safety defects; examination, correction and records.

SAFETY DEVICES AND MAINTENANCE REQUIREMENTS

(a) Self-propelled mobile equipment to be used during a shift shall be inspected by the equipment operator before being placed in operation on that shift.
(b) Defects on any equipment, machinery, and tools that affect safety shall be corrected in a timely manner to prevent the creation of a hazard to persons.
(c) When defects make continued operation hazardous to persons, the defective items including self-propelled mobile equipment shall be taken out of service and placed in a designated area posted for that purpose, or a tag or other effective method of marking the defective items shall be used to prohibit further use until the defects are corrected.
(d) Defects on self-propelled mobile equipment affecting safety, which are not corrected immediately, shall be reported to and recorded by the mine operator. The records shall be kept at the mine or nearest mine office from the date the defects are recorded, until the defects are corrected. Such records shall be made available for inspection by an authorized representative of the Secretary.

For more information: See MSHA'S Program Policy Manual


#8:


30 CFR § 56.12008 Insulation and fittings for power wires and cables.

Power wires and cables shall be insulated adequately where they pass into or out of electrical compartments. Cables shall enter metal frames of motors, splice boxes, and electrical compartments only through proper fittings. When insulated wires, other than cables, pass through metal frames, the holes shall be substantially bushed with insulated bushings.


#9:


30 CFR § 56.14107 Moving machine parts.

(a) Moving machine parts shall be guarded to protect persons from contacting gears, sprockets, chains, drive, head, tail, and takeup pulleys, flywheels, couplings, shafts, fan blades, and similar moving parts that can cause injury.
(b) Guards shall not be required where the exposed moving parts are at least seven feet away from walking or working surfaces.

For more information: See MSHA'S Program Policy Manual


#10:



30 CFR § 56.11012 Protection for openings around travelways.

Openings above, below, or near travelways through which persons or materials may fall shall be protected by railings, barriers, or covers. Where it is impractical to install such protective devices, adequate warning signals shall be installed.


#11:


30 CFR § 56.12018 Identification of power switches.

Principal power switches shall be labeled to show which units they control, unless identification can be made readily by location.


#12:


30 CFR § 56.14132 Horns and backup alarms.

(a) Manually-operated horns or other audible warning devices provided on self-propelled mobile equipment as a safety feature shall be maintained in functional condition.

(b)(1) When the operator has an obstructed view to the rear, self-propelled mobile equipment shall have

(b)(1)(i) An automatic reverse-activated signal alarm;

(b)(1)(ii) A wheel-mounted bell alarm which sounds at least once for each three feet of reverse movement;

(b)(1)(iii) A discriminating backup alarm that covers the area of obstructed view; or

(b)(1)(iv) An observer to signal when it is safe to back up.

(b)(2) Alarms shall be audible above the surrounding noise level.

(b)(3) An automatic reverse-activated strobe light may be used at night in lieu of an audible reverse alarm.

(c) This standard does not apply to rail equipment.


#13:


30 CFR § 56.14101 Brakes.

(a) Minimum requirements. (1) Self-propelled mobile equipment shall be equipped with a service brake system capable of stopping and holding the equipment with its typical load on the maximum grade it travels. This standard does not apply to equipment which is not originally equipped with brakes unless the manner in which the equipment is being operated requires the use of brakes for safe operation. This standard does not apply to rail equipment.

(2) If equipped on self-propelled mobile equipment, parking brakes shall be capable of holding the equipment with its typical load on the maximum grade it travels.

(3) All braking systems installed on the equipment shall be maintained in functional condition.
For more information: See MSHA'S Program Policy Manual
(b) Testing. (1) Service brake tests shall be conducted when an MSHA inspector has reasonable cause to believe that the service brake system does not function as required, unless the mine operator removes the equipment from service for the appropriate repair;
(2) The performance of the service brakes shall be evaluated according to Table M-1.

                                 Table M-1

+---------------------------+------------------------------------------------------------+
|                           |                Equipment speed, MPH                        |
| Gross vehicle weight lbs. |-----|-----|-----|-----|-----|------|------|------|------|------|------|
|                           | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 |  15 |  16 |  17 |  18 |  19 |  20 |
+---------------------------+----+----+----+----+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
|                                    Service Brake Maximum Stopping Distance--Feet       |
+---------------------------+----+----+----+----+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+
| 0-36000...................| 34 | 38 | 43 | 48 | 53 |  59 |  64 |  70 |  76 |  83 |  89 |
| 36000-70000...............| 41 | 46 | 52 | 58 | 62 |  70 |  76 |  83 |  90 |  97 | 104 |
| 70000-140000..............| 48 | 54 | 61 | 67 | 74 |  81 |  88 |  95 | 103 | 111 | 119 |
| 140000-250000.............| 56 | 62 | 69 | 77 | 84 |  92 | 100 | 108 | 116 | 125 | 133 |
| 250000-400000.............| 59 | 66 | 74 | 81 | 89 |  97 | 105 | 114 | 123 | 132 | 141 |
| Over 400000...............| 63 | 71 | 78 | 86 | 94 | 103 | 111 | 120 | 129 | 139 | 148 |
+---------------------------+----+----+----+----+----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+-----+

Stopping distances are computed using a constant decleration of 9.66 FPS(super)2 and system response response times of .5.1, 1.5, 2, 2.25 and 2.5 seconds for each increasing weight category respectively. Stopping distance values include a one-second operator response time.


#14:


30 CFR § 56.18002 Examination of working places.

(a) A competent person designated by the operator shall examine each working place at least once each shift for conditions which may adversely affect safety or health. The operator shall promptly initiate appropriate action to correct such conditions.
(b) A record that such examinations were conducted shall be kept by the operator for a period of one year, and shall be made available for review by the Secretary or his authorized representative.
(c) In addition, conditions that may present an imminent danger which are noted by the person conducting the examination shall be brought to the immediate attention of the operator who shall withdraw all persons from the area affected (except persons referred to in section 104(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977) until the danger is abated.

For more information: See MSHA'S Program Policy Manual


#15:


30 CFR § 56.4201 Inspection.

(a) Firefighting equipment shall be inspected according to the following schedules:

(1) Fire extinguishers shall be inspected visually at least once a month to determine that they are fully charged and operable.

(2) At least once every twelve months, maintenance checks shall be made of mechanical parts, the amount and condition of extinguishing agent and expellant, and the condition of the hose, nozzle, and vessel to determine that the fire extinguishers will operate effectively.

(3) Fire extinguishers shall be hydrostatically tested according to Table C-1 or a schedule based on the manufacturer's specifications to determine the integrity of extinguishing agent vessels.

(4) Water pipes, valves, outlets, hydrants, and hoses that are part of the mine's firefighting system shall be visually inspected at least once every three months for damage or deterioration and use-tested at least once every twelve months to determine that they remain functional.

(5) Fire suppression systems shall be inspected at least once every twelve months. An inspection schedule based on the manufacturer's specifications or the equivalent shall be established for individual components of a system and followed to determine that the system remains functional. Surface fire suppression systems are exempt from these inspection requirements if the systems are used solely for the protection of property and no persons would be affected by a fire.

(b) At the completion of each inspection or test required by this standard, the person making the inspection or test shall certify that the inspection or test has been made and the date on which it was made. Certifications of hydrostatic testing shall be retained until the fire extinguisher is retested or permanently removed from service. Other certifications shall be retained for one year.

Table C-1 Hydrostatic Test Intervals for Fire Extinguishers

      +-------------------------------------------------+----------+
|                                                 |   Test   |
|               Extinguisher type                 | interval |
|                                                 |  (years) |
+-------------------------------------------------+----------+
| Soda Acid.......................................|     5    |
| Cartridge-Operated Water and/or Antifreeze......|     5    |
| Stored-Pressure Water and/or Antifreeze.........|     5    |
| Wetting Agent...................................|     5    |
| Foam............................................|     5    |
| AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam)................|     5    |
| Loaded Stream...................................|     5    |
| Dry-Chemical with Stainless Steel Shells........|     5    |
| Carbon Dioxide..................................|     5    |
| Dry-Chemical, Stored Pressure, with Mild        |          |
|  Steel Shells, Brazed Brass Shells,             |          |
|  or Aluminum Shells.............................|    12    |
| Dry-Chemical, Cartridge or Cylinder             |          |
|  Operated, with Mild Steel Shells...............|    12    |
| Bromotrifluoromethane Halon 1301................|    12    |
| Bromochlorodifluoromethane Halon 1211...........|    12    |
| Dry-Powder, Cartridge or Cylinder-Operated,     |          |
|  with Mild Steel Shells1........................|    12    |
+-------------------------------------------------+----------+
1 Except for stainless steel and steel used for compressed gas
cylinders, all other steel shells are defined as "mild steel" shells.

#16:


30 CFR § 56.5001 Exposure limits for airborne contaminants.

AIR QUALITY
Except as permitted by §56.5005--
(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, the exposure to airborne contaminants shall not exceed, on the basis of a time weighted average, the threshold limit values adopted by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists, as set forth and explained in the 1973 edition of the Conference's publication, entitled "TLV's Threshold Limit Values for Chemical Substances in Workroom Air Adopted by ACGIH for 1973," pages 1 through 54, which are hereby incorporated by reference and made a part hereof. This publication may be obtained from the American Conference of Governmental industrial Hygienists by writing to the 1330 Kemper Meadow Drive, Attn: Customer Service, Cincinnati, OH 45240; http://www.acgih.org , or may be examined in any Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health District Office of the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Excursions above the listed thresholds shall not be of a greater magnitude than is characterized as permissible by the Conference.
(b) (b) Asbestos standard--(1) Definitions. Asbestos is a generic term for a number of asbestiform hydrated silicates that, when crushed or processed, separate into flexible fibers made up of fibrils. As used in this part--

Asbestos means chrysotile, cummingtonite-grunerite asbestos (amosite), crocidolite, anthophylite asbestos, tremolite asbestos, and actinolite asbestos.

Asbestos fiber means a fiber of asbestos that meets the criteria of a fiber.

Fiber means a particle longer than 5 micrometers ([mu]m) with a length-to-diameter ratio of at least 3-to-1.

(2) Permissible Exposure Limits (PELs)--(i) Full-shift limit. A miner's personal exposure to asbestos shall not exceed an 8-hour time- weighted average full-shift airborne concentration of 0.1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air (f/cc).

(ii) Excursion limit. No miner shall be exposed at any time to airborne concentrations of asbestos in excess of 1 fiber per cubic centimeter of air (f/cc) as averaged over a sampling period of 30 minutes.

(3) Measurement of airborne asbestos fiber concentration. Potential asbestos fiber concentration shall be determined by phase contrast microscopy (PCM) using the OSHA Reference Method in OSHA's asbestos standard found in 29 CFR 1910.1001, Appendix A, or a method at least equivalent to that method in identifying a potential asbestos exposure exceeding the 0.1 f/cc full-shift limit or the 1 f/cc excursion limit. When PCM results indicate a potential exposure exceeding the 0.1 f/cc full-shift limit or the 1 f/cc excursion limit, samples shall be further analyzed using transmission electron microscopy according to NIOSH Method 7402 or a method at least equivalent to that method.
(c) Employees shall be withdrawn from areas where there is present an airborne contaminant given a "C" designation by the Conference and the concentration exceeds the threshold limit value listed for that contaminant.
For further information: See MSHA's Program Policy Manual


#17:


30 CFR § 62.120
Action level

If during any work shift a miner's noise exposure equals or exceeds the action level the mine operator must enroll the miner in a hearing conservation program that complies with § 62.150 of this part.


#18:



30 CFR § 56.14130 Roll-over protective structures (ROPS) and seat belts.

(a) Equipment included. Roll-over protective structures (ROPS) and seat belts shall be installed on--
(1) Crawler tractors and crawler loaders;
(2) Graders;
(3) Wheel loaders and wheel tractors;
(4) The tractor portion of semi-mounted scrapers, dumpers, water wagons, bottom-dump wagons, rear-dump wagons, and towed fifth wheel attachments;
(5) Skid-steer loaders; and
(6) Agricultural tractors.
(b) ROPS construction. ROPS shall meet the requirements of the following Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) publications, as applicable, which are incorporated by reference:
(1) SAE J1040, "Performance Criteria for Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Construction, Earthmoving, Forestry, and Mining Machines,", 1986; or
(2) SAE J1194, "Roll-Over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Wheeled Agricultural Tractors", 1983.
(c) ROPS labelling. ROPS shall have a label permanently affixed to the structure identifying
(1) The manufacturer's name and address;
(2) The ROPS model number; and
(3) The make and model number of the equipment for which the ROPS is designed.
(d) ROPS installation. ROPS shall be installed on the equipment in accordance with the recommendations of the ROPS manufacturer.
(e) ROPS maintenance. (1) ROPS shall be maintained in a condition that meets the performance requirements applicable to the equipment. It the ROPS is subjected to roll-over a abnormal structural loading, the equipment manufacturer or a registered professional engineer with knowledge and experience in ROPS design shall recertify that the ROPS meets the applicable performance requirements before it is returned to service.
(2) Alterations or repairs on ROPS shall be performed only with approval from the ROPS manufacturer or under the instructions of a registered professional engineer with knowledge and experience in ROPS design. The manufacturer or engineer shall certify that the ROPS meets the applicable performance requirements.
(f) Exemptions. (1) This standard does not apply to--
(i) Self-propelled mobile equipment manufactured prior to July 1, 1969;
(ii) Over-the-road type tractors that pull trailers or vans on highways;
(iii) Equipment that is only operated by remote control; and
(2) Self-propelled mobile equipment manufactured prior to October 24, 1988, that is equipped with ROPS and seat belts that meet the installation and performance requirements of 30 CFR 56.9088 (1986 edition) shall be considered in compliance with paragraphs (b) and (h) of this section.
(g) Wearing seat belts. Seat belts shall be worn by the equipment operator except that when operating graders from a standing position, the grader operator shall wear safety lines and a harness in place of a seat belt.


(h) Seat belts construction. Seat belts required under this section shall meet the requirement of SAE J386, ``Operator Restraint System for Off-Road Work Machines'' (1985, 1993, or 1997), or SAE J1194, ``Roll- Over Protective Structures (ROPS) for Wheeled Agricultural Tractors'' (1983, 1989, 1994, or 1999), as applicable, which are incorporated by reference.
(i) Seat belt maintenance. Seat belts shall be maintained in functional condition, and replaced when necessary to assure proper performance.

(j) Publications. The incorporation by reference of these publications is approved by the Director of the Federal Register in accordance with 5 U.S.C. 552(a) and 1 CFR part 51. Copies of these publications may be examined at any Metal and Nonmetal Mine Safety and Health District Office; at MSHA's Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2349, Arlington, Virginia 22209- 3939; or at the Office of the Federal Register, 800 North Capitol Street, NW., Suite 700, Washington, DC. Copies may be purchased from the Society of Automotive Engineers, 400 Commonwealth Drive, Warrendale, Pennsylvania 15096-0001.

[53 FR 32521, Aug. 25, 1988; 53 FR 44588, Nov. 4, 1988; 60 FR 33719, June 29, 1995]

For more information: See MSHA'S Program Policy Manual


#19:


30 CFR § 56.4101 Warning signs.

Readily visible signs prohibiting smoking and open flames shall be posted where a fire or explosion hazard exists.

#20:


30 CFR § 56.18002 Examination of working places.

(a) A competent person designated by the operator shall examine each working place at least once each shift for conditions which may adversely affect safety or health. The operator shall promptly initiate appropriate action to correct such conditions.
(b) A record that such examinations were conducted shall be kept by the operator for a period of one year, and shall be made available for review by the Secretary or his authorized representative.
(c) In addition, conditions that may present an imminent danger which are noted by the person conducting the examination shall be brought to the immediate attention of the operator who shall withdraw all persons from the area affected (except persons referred to in section 104(c) of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977) until the danger is abated.

For more information: See MSHA'S Program Policy Manual

MSHA has announced that they will increase their testing of mine contaminants.

MSHA's Occupational Illness and Injury Prevention ProgramHealth Topic "Mineral Dust Hazard and Sampling"

"The main hazard of exposure to mineral dusts is pneumoconiosis. When very fine dust particles are breathed, they can accumulate in the lungs, and this can result in disease. Tissue reactions such as fibrosis, or scarring, of lung tissue can result from the inhalation of certain dusts.

Pneumoconiosis is a general term for disease of the lungs caused by dusts. There are many kinds of pneumoconiosis such as silicosis, siderosis, etc. Respirable dust consists of particles which are very fine in size, such that they can enter the inner most parts of the lungs. Respirable dust is not visible to the naked eye. The hazard of breathing mineral dust depends greatly on the composition of the dust, the concentration, particle size and duration of exposure. The presence of crystalline free silica, commonly called quartz, can cause silicosis, which a is disabling irreversible pneumoconiosis. Cristobalite and tridymite, which are other forms of free silica, are more toxic than quartz, and thus have lower exposure limits.

To evaluate the hazard of exposure to mineral dusts, the content of quartz or other crystalline form of free silica is first considered. The permissible exposure limit or threshold limit value (TLV), for mineral dust containing crystalline free silica is determined by analysis of a sample of respirable dust. Undercurrent regulations, the TLV will vary depending on the percentage of free silica in the dust. For the great majority of respirable mineral dusts, the TLV will be in the range of 0.1-3.3 milligrams per cubic meter of air (mg/m³). When the percentage of free silica is higher, the TLV will be lower. This means that the amount of silica-bearing dust that a miner can be exposed to will also be lower.

Personal respirable dust sampling is carried out to determine the concentration of respirable dust in the breathing zone of the worker. The dust sampling unit consists of a battery operated air pump and a sampling head worn on the worker in the breathing zone. The sampling head contains a filter-cassette in which the respirable dust is collected. Prior to passing through the filter, the sampled air passes through a nylon cyclone, a size-selective device which removes the larger non-respirable particles. As indicated, the purpose is to measure only respirable dust, that is, particles fine enough that they can enter the inner most parts of the lungs. Only the respirable dust collected on the filter is weighed for calculation of the respirable dust concentration. Analysis of the dust collected on the filter gives the free silica content, which then allows determination of the applicable TLV.

Some dusts are evaluated and sampled in a different way. A sampling unit consisting of a battery-operated air pump and a filter-cassette is still used, but there is no cyclone in the sampling train. All airborne particles, or total dust, are measured. The TLV for dusts evaluated in this way found at metal and nonmetal mining operations is 10 mg/m³. In the event any of these dusts would have associated with it a free silica (or quartz) content of 1% or more, the method of sampling and evaluation would be that for respirable dusts.

For certain dusts consisting of silicates such as mica, soapstone, perlite, and a few others (containing less than 1% free silica), evaluation of the hazard may include sampling by a different method, the midget impinger, and determination of concentration by microscopic counting. For these dusts, the TLV is expressed in millions of particles per cubic foot of air (mppcf).

When a dust sampling unit is placed on a worker for determination of dust concentration, the miner must exercise reasonable care that he does not upset or damage the sampling head or restrict the airflow through the unit. In particular, when sampling is done for respirable dust, the miner should be careful that he does not cover the inlet of the cyclone or overturn the cyclone which must remain upright. The miner must be aware of the sampling head fastened in or near the breathing zone, of the pump fastened to the belt, and to the greatest degree possible, attempt to carry out his/her work in a normal manner. The inspector will attached the sampling unit at the start of a shift and remove it at the end of the shift or when the exposure being measured has ended.

MSHA regulations require that exposures for airborne contaminants including respirable dust and total dust be controlled insofar as feasible, by prevention of contamination, removal by exhaust ventilation, or by dilution with uncontaminated air. Personal respirator protection is not acceptable except when engineering controls are being developed or for occasional entry into hazardous atmospheres to perform maintenance or investigation. When respirators are used in such cases, a respiratory protection program consistent with ANSI Z88.2-1969 American National Standard Practices for Respiratory Protection, is required.

The program must include provisions for proper selection, maintenance, training, fitting, supervision, cleaning, and use.

If you have any questions about this or any other occupational health matter, feel free to ask us. Our job is protecting your health.

Contact:

Mine Safety and Health Administration
Metal and Nonmetal Health Division
1100 Wilson Boulevard
Arlington, Virginia 22209-3939

Phone: (202) 693-9630"

The Art of Air Sampling:
http://www.aggman.com/the-art-of-air-sampling/

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Health Standards for

Occupational Noise Exposure

Single Source Page

from MSHA's Website

In 1999, MSHA published new Health Standards for Occupational Noise Exposure. The rule took effect on September 13, 2000. This page is a single source page for all documents and resources related to this new rule to protect miners from hearing loss. Most of the documents are in PDF format.

Resources

	Resource Page This page contains the Noise Control Resource Guide, as well as many more useful tools.

Rules and Regulations

	30 CFR Part 62 - Occupational Noise Exposure
	Federal Register notices and related documents
	Transcripts of Public Hearings
	Commonwealth of Massachusetts Link to Section 721.560 - Construction Noise Control - "Big Dig Noise Control Law"

Compliance Assistance Materials

	Compliance Guide A Guide to MSHA's Occupational Noise Exposure Standard
	Program Information Bulletin P08-12 The purpose of this PIB is to provide guidance to operators, miners, miners’ representatives, contractors, and equipment manufacturers on technologically and administratively achievable engineering and administrative noise controls.
	Program Information Bulletin P04-05 Basis for Assigning a P-Code for Noise Overexposure
	Fact Sheet PDF Version Wordperfect Version