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MSHA ‘actively working’ on a proposed rule on silica, Williamson says

Christopher Williamson
Photo: US Department of Labor

Arlington, VA — The Mine Safety and Health Administration is “actively working” toward publishing a proposed rule on respirable crystalline silica, agency administrator Chris Williamson said Oct. 20.

The Department of Labor’s Spring 2022 regulatory agenda – published in June – showed MSHA’s intent to publish in September a notice of proposed rulemaking on silica. During a conference call for agency stakeholders, Williamson didn’t offer an updated timetable during the call but said the rule “is one of the top priorities” at the agency.

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“Right now in this country, there’s only one worker population that does not have a certain level of protection when it comes to silica, and that is miners. Right now, under our existing standards, the permissible exposure limit (100 micrograms per cubic meter of air) is double what every other worker in this country has. So I just want to put that out there, that people know that’s the reality. We’re working very hard on an improved health standard that we think will make a difference and will definitely better protect miners.”

During the call, MSHA Chief of Health Gregory Meikle cited NIOSH-supported data that contends silica dust can be up to 20 times more toxic than other dusts. Meikle called on stakeholders to tailor existing best practices toward their individual mines and mine activities.

“Some of the levels we’re seeing on overexposures, we’ve got to get proactive if we’re going to protect miners,” Meikle said.

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Joseph A. Sbaffoni
November 18, 2022
The intent of the 1969 Mine Act was to eradicate lung disease in the mining industry. Fifty-three (53) years and lung disease is still occurring in our nations mines. I do not believe changing the permissible exposure limit to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air will accomplish the intent of the 1969 Mine Act. It will only protect the miner being monitored, when being monitored. You can't manage the disease if you don't track it. Manditory survelance of all miners on a regular basis will identify miners developing disease. Real time coal and silica monitors for all miners will provide the information necessary to remove individuals from dusty areas before their health is affected. Manditory survelance and continuous monitoring will enable MSHA to identify problem areas and target enforcement action, when and where needed. Permitting the use of personal protective equipment to prevent miners from breathing hazardous dust will protect miners. We need to make the necessary changes ASAP to protect our nations miners! Long overdue! I retired as Director, PA Bureau of Mine Safety in 2015. Presently manage JAS Mine Consulting LLC - offering safety, emergency response and mine rescue expertise to the mining industry. Refer to the Consensus Study Report - 2018 -Overall Conclusions and Recommendations - Committee on the Study of the Control of Respirable Coal Dust Exposure in Underground Mines, The National Academies of Sciences-Engineering-Medicine - Committee Member