ISSUE DATE: 3/23/2011

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P11-10

FROM: KEVIN G. STRICKLIN

 Administrator for

 Coal Mine Safety and Health

SUBJECT: Reissue of P04-15 - Transmission of Respirable Dust Samples by

 Mine Operators and Correction of Dust Data Card Information

Scope

This Program Information Bulletin (PIB) applies to Mine Safety and Health 

Administration (MSHA) Coal Mine Safety and Health personnel, coal mine operators, 

and independent contractors.

Purpose

This bulletin clarifies that under 30 C.F.R. 70.209, 71.209, and 90.209, mine operators 

must transmit respirable dust samples within 24 hours of the end of the sampling shift. 

In addition, MSHA will not complete or correct the information mine operators are 

required to complete on dust data cards. 

Information

Sections 70.209(a), 71.209(a), and 90.209(a) require all respirable dust samples collected 

by an operator to be transmitted to MSHA within 24 hours after the end of a sampling 

shift. Failure to transmit samples within this time requirement will result in the 

sample(s) being voided as “DIS” (Discarded). Improperly completing the Date 

Sampled and Sampling Start Time on respirable dust data cards may result in samples 

being voided as “DIS”. 

The dust data card is designed for recording Sampling Start Time as a two-digit 

number, based on a 24-hour clock. This entry goes in the two blocks for item 7A and 

ranges from 00 for midnight to 23 for 11 p.m. Minutes are not recorded. For example, if 

the start time is between 7:00 and 7:59 a.m., record “07”. For a start time between 

midnight and 1 a.m., record “00”. In addition, the operator is required to record the 
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date of the sample. The Date Sampled should reflect the date that the sample is started, 

not completed.

In the case of a sample that is started at 11:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 29, 2004, the dust 

data card should note “23” for Sampling Start Time and “04 29 04” for the Date

Sampled. If another sample is collected on the day shift (start time of 7:00 a.m.) 

Saturday, May 1, 2004, the data card should note “07” for Sampling Start Time and 

“05 01 04” for the Date Sampled. The first sample must be transmitted to MSHA by 7:00 

a.m. on Saturday, May 1, 2004. The second sample must be transmitted by 3:00 p.m. on 

Sunday, May 2, 2004. Placing each of these samples in the possession of the U.S. Postal 

Service or other mailing service by the transmittal dates and times noted allows the 

mine operator to meet the requirements of the regulations. Placing a sample in the 

company controlled mailing system does not meet the requirements of the regulations 

because the mine operator is still in possession of the sample. 

Respirable dust samples with dust data cards not properly completed will be voided by 

MSHA in accordance with 30 C.F.R. 70.209(c), 71.209(c), and 90.209(c). MSHA will not 

correct or complete dust data cards submitted by mine operators. If incorrect or 

incomplete dust data card information is entered into MSHA’s computer system based

on the dust data card, MSHA personnel will not make changes to the computer record 

unless the entry is posted to the wrong mine identification number. However, MSHA 

will continue to correct all dust data card information improperly entered in the 

computer system by MSHA personnel. Respirable dust samples voided, due to

submission of improperly completed dust data cards, must be replaced during the

current bimonthly period to avoid a citation for failure to submit the required number 

of valid respirable dust samples. 

Background

MSHA has received inquiries regarding the voiding of operator samples under the void 

code “DIS” (Discarded Sample) for failure to transmit these samples within 24 hours after 

the end of the sampling shift. Some mine operators may be incorrectly reporting the 

Date Sampled and Sampling Start Time on dust data cards which has resulted in the 

voiding of some respirable dust samples. MSHA receives requests to complete and/or 

correct errors on mine operator dust data cards as well as to remove the incorrect 

information from the computer system. 

Authority

30 C.F.R. 70.209, 71.209, and 90.209

Issuing Offices and Contact Persons

Coal Mine Safety and Health, Health Division

Robert Thaxton, (202) 693-9515

E-mail: thaxton.robert@dol.gov
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Internet Availability

This information bulletin may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA’s home 

page (http://www.msha.gov), choosing “Rules & Regs” and “Compliance Assistance 

Information.”

Distribution

Coal and All-Volume Program Policy Manual Holders

Coal Mine Operators

Coal Independent Contractors

Coal Special Interest Groups