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Statement of Need: Respirable coal mine dust levels in this country are significantly lower than they were over two decades ago. Despite this progress, there continues to be concern about our current sampling programs’ ability to accurately measure and maintain respirable coal mine dust at or below the applicable standard. The new PCDM, unlike the technology that has been employed since 1970 to measure concentrations of respirable coal mine dust, offers the capability to provide accurate and timely continuous readings of the dust level during the shift. Responses to this Request for Information (RFI) will assist the Agency in determining: (1) How to deploy the PCDM in coal mines and utilize its coal dust monitoring capability to further improve miner health protection from disabling occupational lung disease; and (2) the regulatory and non-regulatory actions that are needed to promote its use for exposure monitoring and control.

Summary of the Legal Basis: This RFI is authorized by sections 101 and 103 of the Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977.

Alternatives: This RFI would explore options for amending and improving health protection from that afforded by the existing standards.

Anticipated Costs and Benefits: MSHA will develop a preliminary economic analysis to accompany any proposed rule that may be developed.

Risks: Respirable coal dust is one of the most serious occupational hazards in the mining industry. Occupational exposure to excessive levels of respirable coal mine dust can cause black lung, which is potentially disabling and can cause death. MSHA is pursuing both regulatory and nonregulatory actions to eliminate this disease through the control of coal mine respirable dust levels in mines and reduction of miners’ exposure.