Monday, April 12, 2010
MSHA Approves New Dust Monitor
KENTUCKY....
MSHA has approved the use of continuous personal dust monitors. However, their use is not required. The 6.6 pound device a miner would wear into the mine would provide immediate feedback about the dust they're breathing throughout a shift, instead of sampling the air after a shift. MSHA rules requiring a sample averaging exposure over an eight-hour shift have not changed, but the new dust monitors must be able to measure dust levels over a 12-hour period. Officials say MSHA is considering lowering personal dust exposure limits.
MSHA has approved the use of continuous personal dust monitors. However, their use is not required. The 6.6 pound device a miner would wear into the mine would provide immediate feedback about the dust they're breathing throughout a shift, instead of sampling the air after a shift. MSHA rules requiring a sample averaging exposure over an eight-hour shift have not changed, but the new dust monitors must be able to measure dust levels over a 12-hour period. Officials say MSHA is considering lowering personal dust exposure limits.
# posted by Homer Owens @ 8:40 PM 
