A federal appeals court has temporarily blocked The Mine Safety and Health Administration\u2019s silica dust rule to limit silica dust exposure for coal miners. It was supposed to take effect on April 14.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The National Sand, Stone and Gravel Association recently sought an emergency stay of the rule in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis and the court granted a temporary administrative stay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The rule would cut in half the amount of silica dust that can be in the air during an eight-hour shift. The mining industry claims it can not economically meet the requirements of the rule.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Though the rule was due to impact coal operations this year, metal and nonmetal mine operators had another year to comply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
According to MSHA, respirable crystalline silica, or silica dust, is a common occupational hazard for coal and metal\/nonmetal (MNM) miners. Silica dust is released through many mining and milling operations, including cutting, drilling, excavating, sanding, and crushing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Silica dust can be inhaled easily because the dust particles are so small. Once the silica dust particles are inhaled, they may remain in the lung for a long time. Adverse health effects caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica include silicosis (acute, accelerated, or chronic silicosis and progressive massive fibrosis), lung cancer, nonmalignant respiratory diseases (e.g., emphysema and chronic bronchitis), and kidney disease. Each of these illnesses is chronic, irreversible, and potentially disabling or fatal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To reduce miner exposures to silica dust and other airborne hazards, MSHA issued a final rule entitled Lowering Miners’ Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Improving Respiratory Protection. This final rule went into effect on June 17, 2024. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
To assist miners and mine operators in understanding the risks of silica dust and complying with the rule, MSHA offers a range of compliance assistance materials for mine operators, informational materials for miners, and other resources.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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