Synergist - December 2010

The proposed rule would reduce the existing concentration limits for respirable coal mine dust from 2 mg/m3 to 1 mg/m3 over a 24-month phase-in period, require the use of continuous dust monitors, enforce the utilization of a single, full-shift sample to verify compliance, and expand medical surveillance so miners could better manage their health. The proposed rule also addresses extended work shifts and production shifts.

According to data from NIOSH, cases of black lung are on the rise. Young miners are even developing advanced and debilitating lung disease due to exposure to excessive amounts of dust, and more than 10,000 miners have died from black lung within the past decade.

To read the complete proposed rule as published in the Federal Register, visit http://bit.ly/axmHr3. Comments are due Feb. 28, 2011, and may be submitted via the federal e-rulemaking portal at www.regulations.gov, via mail to MSHA, 1100 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, Va. 22209-3939, or by fax to (202) 693-9441.

To read the MSHA press release, visit www.msha.gov/MEDIA/PRESS/2010/NR101014.pdf. Videos from MSHA’s “End Black Lung–Act Now” Campaign are available at www.dol.gov/dol/media/webcast/20101013-coal/.

NIOSH data on black lung disease can be found at www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/pneumoconioses/.

OSHA Revises Policy on Training

OSHA has modified the guidelines of its Outreach Training Programs to reduce the number of hours students spend each day in 10- and 30-hour training classes. The new policy limits classes to a maximum of

7. 5 hours per day; prior to this change, classes could last up to 13 hours a day.

OSHA instituted this policy change to prevent students from being overloaded with information in a single day of training.

In accordance with the new training policy, 10-hour courses must be conducted over a minimum two-day period and 30- hour courses must be given over at least four days. OSHA will not accept classes that do not meet all program requirements or exceed 7. 5 hours per day. The agency has also set up an outreach fraud hotline at (847) 725-7810 where the public can report program fraud or abuse.