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DOL/MSHA RIN: 1219-AB36 Publication ID: Spring 2018 
Title: Respirable Crystalline Silica  
Abstract:

Current MSHA standards limit exposures to quartz (crystalline silica) in respirable dust. Overexposure to crystalline silica can result in some miners developing silicosis, an irreversible but preventable lung disease, which ultimately may be fatal. 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. The formula is designed to limit exposures to 0.1 mg/m3 (100 ug/m3) of silica. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recommends a 50 ug/m3 exposure limit for respirable crystalline silica. MSHA continues to review to determine an appropriate next step that would address miners' exposure to 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 
EO 13771 Designation: Regulatory 
CFR Citation: 30 CFR 58   
Legal Authority: 30 U.S.C. 811   
Legal Deadline:  None
Timetable:
Action Date FR Cite
Next Action Undetermined  To Be Determined 
Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined  Government Levels Affected: Local, State 
Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions  Federalism: No 
Included in the Regulatory Plan: No 
RIN Data Printed in the FR: No 
Agency Contact:
Sheila McConnell
Director, Office of Standards, Regulations, and Variances
Department of Labor
Mine Safety and Health Administration
201 12th Street South, Room 4E401,
Arlington, VA 22202-5452
Phone:202 693-9440
Fax:202 693-9441
Email: mcconnell.sheila.a@dol.gov