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DOL/MSHA | RIN: 1219-AB36 | Publication ID: Spring 2009 |
Title: Respirable Crystalline Silica Standard | |
Abstract: Current standards limit exposures to quartz (crystalline silica) in respirable dust. The coal mining industry standard is based on the formula 10mg/m3 divided by the percentage of quartz where the quartz percent is greater than 5.0 percent calculated as an MRE equivalent concentration. The metal and nonmetal mining industry standard is based on the 1973 American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) Threshold Limit Values formula: 10 mg/m3 divided by the percentage of quartz plus 2. Overexposure to crystalline silica can result in some miners developing silicosis, an irreversible but preventable lung disease, which ultimately may be fatal. Both formulas are designed to limit exposures to 0.1 mg/m3 (100ug) of silica. The Secretary of Labor's Advisory Committee on the Elimination of Pneumoconiosis Among Coal Mine Workers made several recommendations related to reducing exposure to silica. NIOSH recommends a 50 ug/m3 exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica, and ACGIH recommends a 25 ug/m3 exposure limit. MSHA will publish a proposed rule to reduce the exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica. | |
Agency: Department of Labor(DOL) | Priority: Other Significant |
RIN Status: Previously published in the Unified Agenda | Agenda Stage of Rulemaking: Long-Term Actions |
Major: No | Unfunded Mandates: No |
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 56 to 57 30 CFR 70 to 72 30 CFR 90 | |
Legal Authority: 30 USC 811 30 USC 813 |
Legal Deadline:
None |
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Timetable:
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Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined | Government Levels Affected: None |
Federalism: No | |
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No | |
RIN Information URL: www.msha.gov/regsinfo.htm | Public Comment URL: www.regulations.gov |
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No | |
Agency Contact: Patricia W. Silvey Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances Department of Labor Mine Safety and Health Administration Room 631, 1100 Wilson Boulevard, Room 2350, Arlington, VA 22209-3939 Phone:202 693-9440 Fax:202 693-9441 Email: silvey.patricia@dol.gov |