MSHA Extends Comment Period for Coal Mine Dust Rules

Aug. 23, 2000
MSHA has extended the\r\npublic comment period for two proposed rules dealing with dust\r\nsampling in underground coal mines by two weeks -- until Sept. 8.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has extended the public comment period for two proposed rules dealing with dust sampling in underground coal mines by two weeks -- until Sept. 8.

The original deadline for comment was Aug. 24.

According to the Federal Register notice, the extension is in response to requests from the mining community for additional time to review the proposals and submit comment.

In the first comprehensive change in 30 years, MSHA is proposing to take over all sampling in underground coal mines to check for compliance with dust limits set to prevent lung disease.

At the time the proposed rules were released, MSHA explained that there are two proposals because the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act requires the secretaries of Health and Human Services and Labor to make a joint finding of what kind of dust samples to use.

One of the proposed rules covers the type of sample that will be required, and the other specifically concerns coal dust sampling, compliance and controls.

Under the joint HHS/MSHA proposed rule, a single full-shift sample would replace the multiple sampling technique that is now in use.

Under the proposed rule governing dust control plans and compliance sampling, MSHA would verify the effectiveness of mine ventilation plans.

The agency also would collect full-shift respirable dust samples, called "verification samples," to ensure that the concentration of respirable coal mine dust is at or below 2 milligrams per cubic liter for quartz dust.

Dust samples previously had been collected by mine operators.

Comments on the proposed rule can be submitted to MSHA by electronic mail at [email protected].

by Virginia Sutcliffe

About the Author

EHS Today Staff

EHS Today's editorial staff includes:

Dave Blanchard, Editor-in-Chief: During his career Dave has led the editorial management of many of Endeavor Business Media's best-known brands, including IndustryWeekEHS Today, Material Handling & LogisticsLogistics Today, Supply Chain Technology News, and Business Finance. In addition, he serves as senior content director of the annual Safety Leadership Conference. With over 30 years of B2B media experience, Dave literally wrote the book on supply chain management, Supply Chain Management Best Practices (John Wiley & Sons, 2021), which has been translated into several languages and is currently in its third edition. He is a frequent speaker and moderator at major trade shows and conferences, and has won numerous awards for writing and editing. He is a voting member of the jury of the Logistics Hall of Fame, and is a graduate of Northern Illinois University.

Adrienne Selko, Senior Editor: In addition to her roles with EHS Today and the Safety Leadership Conference, Adrienne is also a senior editor at IndustryWeek and has written about many topics, with her current focus on workforce development strategies. She is also a senior editor at Material Handling & Logistics. Previously she was in corporate communications at a medical manufacturing company as well as a large regional bank. She is the author of Do I Have to Wear Garlic Around My Neck?, which made the Cleveland Plain Dealer's best sellers list.

Nicole Stempak, Managing Editor:  Nicole Stempak is managing editor of EHS Today and conference content manager of the Safety Leadership Conference.

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