MSHA Announces Proposed Rule to Reduce Crystalline Silica Exposure

In June, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) announced a proposal to amend current federal standards to better protect the nation’s miners from health hazards due to exposure to respirable crystalline silica.

MSHA warns:

Unhealthy levels of silica, a carcinogen, and exposures over time cause severe illnesses, including silicosis; progressive massive fibrosis; non-malignant respiratory disease, such as emphysema; kidney disease; and lung cancer. Exposure to mixed coal mine dust that contains respirable crystalline silica can lead to the development of coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, commonly known as black lung disease; multi-dust pneumoconiosis; and progressive massive fibrosis.

The proposed rule would require mine operators to maintain miners’ Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) to respirable crystalline silica at or below 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air for a full shift exposure, calculated as an 8-hour time weighted average. In the event a miner’s exposure exceeds the limit, the proposed rule would require operators to take immediate corrective actions to come into compliance.

“The proposed rule change would ensure miners have at least the same level of protection as workers in other industries according to MSHA,” said Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President of Marketing at EMSL Analytical, Inc. “The agency also shared that in addition to reducing the existing exposure limit, the proposal also includes exposure sampling and replacing existing outdated requirements for respiratory protection with a standard that reflects the latest advances in respiratory protection technologies and practices.”

EMSL Analytical, with decades of experience identifying respirable crystalline silica, offers industrial hygiene, environmental, and material laboratory testing services. They also provide sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments, and a wide selection of personal protective equipment (PPE). These resources can be essential for supporting existing, and proposed, health and safety regulations designed to protect workers.

To learn more about testing for crystalline silica or for access to sampling supplies, air monitoring instruments ,and PPE, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800) 220-3675 or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.

EMSL Analytical is one of the leading testing laboratories with locations throughout the United States and Canada. EMSL is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider specializing in fast laboratory results for mold, bacteria, Legionella, USP 797, pathogens, asbestos, lead, soot, char & ash from fires, VOCs, odors, radon, formaldehyde, indoor air quality, microbiology, environmental, industrial hygiene, radiological, food, beverage & consumer products and material testing services for the identification of unknown substances. EMSL services both professionals and the general public. EMSL maintains an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies including, but not limited to A2LA, AIHA LAP, LLC. (AIHA EMLAP, AIHA IHLAP, AIHA ELLAP), NVLAP, CDC ELITE, CPSC, CA ELAP, NY ELAP, TX DOH, NJDEP and multiple other state accrediting agencies. Please visit our website at www.EMSL.com for a complete listing of accreditations. In addition, EMSL carries a wide range of Sampling Equipment and Investigative Products for environmental professionals.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical, Inc.

(1) 856-303-2503

Contact via E-mail