View Rule

View EO 12866 Meetings Printer-Friendly Version     Download RIN Data in XML
DOL/MSHA RIN: 1219-AA48 Publication ID: Fall 1998 
Title: Air Quality, Chemical Substances, and Respiratory Protection Standards 
Abstract: MSHA's current air quality standards for exposure to hazardous airborne contaminants were promulgated over 25 years ago. They do not fully protect today's miners, who are potentially exposed to an array of toxic chemicals, including lead, cyanide, arsenic benzene, asbestos, and other well-documented hazards. Some miners have developed occupational illness (e.g., lead poisoning, acute cyanide poisoning, and silicosis) as a result of their exposure. MSHA has concluded that a gradual phase-in of provisions in the air quality rulemaking will be less burdensome for the industry and provide more immediate protection for the miners exposed to the most serious hazards. MSHA will be issuing the final rule in phases. Phase 2 addresses respiratory protection. Phase 3 will address selected PELs. MSHA is also considering subsequent phases to update PELs applicable to hazards encountered in metal and nonmetal and coal mines, revise requirements for exposure monitoring, improve precautions for handling restricted use chemicals, provide for observation of monitoring, and establish provisions for medical surveillance and transfer of miners required to use respirators and miners exposed to certain carcinogens. 
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL)  Priority: Other Significant 
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Proposed Rule Stage 
Major: No  Unfunded Mandates: State, local, or tribal governments 
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56    30 CFR 57    30 CFR 58    30 CFR 70    30 CFR 71    30 CFR 72    30 CFR 75    30 CFR 90   
Legal Authority: 30 USC 811   
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
ANPRM  07/06/1983  48 FR 31171   
ANPRM  11/19/1985  50 FR 47702   
NPRM  08/29/1989  54 FR 35760   
NPRM Comment Period End  08/30/1991  56 FR 29201   
NPRM Phase 3 - PELs - Reproposal  06/00/1999    
Final Action Phase 2 - Respiratory Protection  06/00/1999    
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes  Government Levels Affected: Federal, Local, State, Tribal 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
Agency Contact:
Marvin W. Nichols Jr.
Director, Office of Standards
Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
Room 2352, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350,
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone:202 693-9440
Fax:202 693-9441
Email: nichols-marvin@dol.gov