# Presentation: 713540

##  On-Shift Examination of 

- Dust Control Parameters

## Background 

- In 1996, MSHA expanded the on-shift examination requirement to address respirable dust control
- This action was prompted by Agency experience that needed attention was not always given to proper functioning of respirable dust controls
- Assuring full compliance with approved dust control measures prior to beginning production is most effective in safeguarding the health of miners

## Review of requirements...

- CFR 30 75.362(a)(2)
- Examination must be conducted by one or more individuals designated by the mine operator to assure full compliance with the respirable dust control parameters specified in the approved mine ventilation plan
- Can be conducted by non-certified individuals but only under the direction of a certified person

## Review of requirements... 

- The certified individual directing the examination must be present at the site of the examination while the examination is  conducted
- §75.362(g)(2) requires the certified individual who directed the examination to  certify by initials, date and time that the examination has been completed

## Review of requirements ...

- Dust controls parameters must be examined any time within 1 hour of the shift change when a shift change is accomplished without an interruption in production on a section, such as when miners change out at the face or “hot seat”
- If production is interrupted during a shift change,  dust controls must be examined before production begins on a section

## Review of requirements... 

- The examination includes:
- Measuring air quantities and velocities, water pressures and flow rates
- Checking for excessive leakage in the water delivery system
- Check of the number of water sprays and their orientations
- Placement of section ventilation and control devices

## Review of requirements...

- The examination includes:
- Checking any other dust suppression measures required by the ventilation plan
- However, if continuous monitoring is used and indicates that the dust controls are functioning properly, measurements of the air, velocity and quantity, water pressure and flow rates are not required

## Review of requirements...

- Addressing parameter deficiencies:
- Specified in §75.362(a)(2)
- All deficiencies found during the on-shift examination must be corrected before production begins, or when crews are changed without an interruption in production, before production resumes

## Review of requirements...

- Addressing parameter deficiencies:
- Record of identified deficiencies not required unless the examiner determines the deficiencies create a hazard for the miners
- If determined to be hazardous, the mine operator must record the identified hazard(s) under the requirements of §75.363 Hazardous Conditions; Posting, Correcting, and Recording

## Summing-up...

- 	To assure that dust exposures are controlled during mining, MSHA considers conducting a thorough on-shift examination of dust controls for proper functioning prior to the beginning of production to be an important practical measure and critical for protecting miners’ health
- 	Therefore, individuals required to perform this important function must be familiar with the dust control parameters specified in the approved ventilation plan and must have the instruments necessary to determine that the dust controls are in place and functioning properly