The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) has recently announced a final rule to curb miners’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica, a known carcinogen. This rule aims to significantly improve miners’ health and safety by reducing the permissible exposure limit (PEL) to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift.
The Final Rule from MSHA.gov
This new rule took affect on June 17, 2024. Coal miner operators are required to be compliant by April 14 2025. MNM mine operators will also need to be compliant but the deadline is in April 2026.
- Establishes a uniform permissible exposure limit (PEL) of 50 micrograms per cubicmeter of air (μg/m3) and action level of 25 μg/m3 for all mines.
- Uniform requirements for monitoring and controlling respirable crystalline silicaRequires medical surveillance at MNM mines, modeled after existing requirements forcoal mines.
- Updates the existing respiratory protection requirements to the ASTM F3387-19Standard.
This is a big change for the mining industry, and it requires mine operators to implement engineering controls, work practices, and respiratory protection programs to ensure compliance. You can learn more details on the new Final Rule from MSHA here. But where do industrial vacuums fit into all of this?
Industrial Vacuums and Dust Collectors: Crucial Equipment in the Fight Against Silica Dust in Mines
Industrial vacuums and Dust Collectors are not just for cleaning up spills and debris. They are powerful tools that can play a critical role in controlling silica dust at its source. Here’s how:
- Dust Collection During Drilling and Cutting: By attaching industrial vacuums to drilling and cutting equipment, you can capture silica dust as it’s generated, preventing it from becoming airborne and posing a risk to miners.
- Surface Cleaning: Regularly cleaning surfaces with an industrial vacuum equipped with HEPA filtration can remove settled dust, preventing it from becoming resuspended in the air.
- Confined Space Ventilation: Industrial vacuums can be used to ventilate confined spaces such as mines before and during work, removing hazardous dust and ensuring a safer environment for miners.
If you are looking for a solution to meet the critical standards of the new MSHA rule, contact us to learn about whether an Industrial Vacuum or Dust Collector would fit your project.
Compliance and Beyond
Meeting the new MSHA silica rule is essential for protecting miners’ health and avoiding costly fines. Industrial vacuums and dust collectors are valuable assets in achieving compliance and creating a safer, healthier work environment. Learn more about our experience serving the mining industry with our powerful equipment. By investing in the right equipment and implementing effective dust control strategies, mine operators can demonstrate their commitment to worker safety and well-being.
Want to learn more about how our industrial vacuums can help your mine meet the new MSHA silica rule? Contact us today or request a quote!