The major provisions of the proposal would lower the existing respirable dust exposure limit from 2 milligrams per cubic metre to 1mg/cu.m over a 24-month phase-in period, require full-shift sampling, and redefine the term “normal production shift”

The proposed rule would also provide for the use of a single full-shift compliance sampling under the mine operator and MSHA’s inspector sampling programs, establish requirements for use of the Continuous Personal Dust Monitor (CPDM) to monitor exposure, and expand medical surveillance of coal miners.

“The proposed rule would significantly improve health protections for coal miners by reducing their occupational exposure to respirable coal mine dust and lowering the risk that they will suffer material impairment of health or functional capacity over their working lives,” MSHA said.

The percentage of US coal mine workers with coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP) has risen from 5% in 2000 to more than 10% in 2006 for mine workers with more than 25 years industry experience, according to New South Wales-based Coal Services.

Coal Services will be introducing its expertise and training services to main players in the US mining industry to help it lift health and safety standards and open new markets for Australia-developed training technology.

Australia is a health and safety leader in the elimination of CWP or “black lung disease”, which has been eradicated from the Australian coal industry, according to Coal Services chairman Ron Land.

“US deaths from CWP have been rising since the mid-1990s,” Land said.

“Coal Services’ [occupational health and safety] monitoring of industrial hygiene issues, for example dust, noise, vibration, lighting, is unique.

“Coal Services’ experience, services and technical expertise is world class.

“Note the incidence of black lung in Australia compared to USA: the NSW coal industry has not had any new CWP cases for 20 years. Regular health screening by Coal Services has assisted in identifying early signs of problems.”