MSHA issues final rule for respirable crystalline silica

The Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA’s) respirable crystalline silica rule, which lowers miners’ exposure to silica dust and improves respiratory protection against all airborne hazards, was published in the April 18 Federal Register.

The final rule lowers the permissible exposure limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air over an 8-hour time-weighted average (TWA). The rule also:

• Increases silica sampling and enforcement at metal and nonmetal mines,
• Includes medical surveillance programs to provide regular health exams at no cost to miners, and
• Revises the standard for respiratory protection to reflect the latest advances in respiratory protection and practices. This update will provide better protection for miners against airborne hazards, including silica dust, diesel particulate matter, asbestos, and other contaminants.

The final rule takes effect June 17.