The road is straight. It’s the journey that’s twisted

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Birmingham

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Health IssuesHealth IssuesSoutheastern District – MSHA - Southeastern District – MSHA -

MNMMNM

Spring Thaw MeetingSpring Thaw MeetingBy By

Dave RosenauDave Rosenau

Headlines:Headlines:

60,000 people die each year from 60,000 people die each year from occupational diseasesoccupational diseases

We’d Like to KnowWe’d Like to Know

Is your occupational safety and healthProgram on

FULL ?

OR

Is it heading towards empty

?

Why do we sing the same Why do we sing the same song?song?

Dust and Noise exposures Dust and Noise exposures continue to exist…………continue to exist…………

Silicosis is…Silicosis is… A disabling lung disease A disabling lung disease

that is progressivethat is progressiveand and

IrreversibleIrreversible

Silicosis - What Silicosis - What is it ?is it ?

Medical DefinitionMedical Definition: A lung disease : A lung disease caused by the inhalation of caused by the inhalation of respirablerespirable silica particles. The particles induce an silica particles. The particles induce an immune response in the human lung immune response in the human lung causing scar tissue to form within the causing scar tissue to form within the air exchange sacs of the lung.air exchange sacs of the lung.

PneumoconiosisPneumoconiosis ( (dusty lungdusty lung) pulmonary ) pulmonary conditions related to dust inhalation.conditions related to dust inhalation.

Silicosis, chronic or Silicosis, chronic or acute?acute?

Most cases are found in older Most cases are found in older workers and retirees.workers and retirees.

Silicosis related deaths have Silicosis related deaths have been documented in workers been documented in workers as young as age 30.as young as age 30.

SilicosisSilicosis Exposure to Fine DustExposure to Fine Dust Respirable dustRespirable dust Particles Particles

with a diameter with a diameter of less than 3-5 of less than 3-5 microns. microns.

The diameter of human hair has a The diameter of human hair has a

diameter diameter of 50-80 microns.of 50-80 microns. How long does this dust stay in How long does this dust stay in

the air ?the air ?

SilicaSilicaSilicaSilicaSettling Rate for Dust in Still AirSettling Rate for Dust in Still Air

Size in MicronsSize in Microns Time to Fall 1 ft. Time to Fall 1 ft.

0.250.25 uu 590 minutes590 minutes

0.500.50 186186

1.01.0 5454

2.02.0 14.514.5

5.05.0 2.52.5

Impact of Impact of SilicosisSilicosis

Silica particle migration in the lungsSilica particle migration in the lungs Formation of a silicotic nodule,...the Formation of a silicotic nodule,...the

nodule reduces lung elasticitynodule reduces lung elasticity. . Normal Normal lung tissue area is reducedlung tissue area is reduced..

Reduced ability of the lung to Reduced ability of the lung to exchange Carbon Dioxide for Oxygen exchange Carbon Dioxide for Oxygen with the blood.with the blood.

To compensate for low Oxygen/CO2 To compensate for low Oxygen/CO2 exchange,....the heart enlarges to pump exchange,....the heart enlarges to pump more blood through the lungs.more blood through the lungs.

Action of Silica on the Action of Silica on the LungsLungs

There are still many There are still many theories on the physical theories on the physical impact of crystalline impact of crystalline silica on lung silica on lung

tissue.tissue.

a) Material hardnessa) Material hardness

b) Sharp edgesb) Sharp edges

c) Insolubilityc) Insolubility

d) Electrochemical propertiesd) Electrochemical properties

e) e) **Immunological responseImmunological response(macrophage enzymes and free (macrophage enzymes and free

radicals) radicals)

Impact of Impact of SilicosisSilicosis

Ultimately,..... a person with Ultimately,..... a person with chronic silicosis may expire chronic silicosis may expire from the cumulative from the cumulative cardiopulmonary effects of cardiopulmonary effects of silicosis.silicosis.

PEL = 10 mg / m3

% Quartz + 2

Air Testing and

PERMISSIBLE EXPOSURE LIMIT

Engineering Engineering ControlsControls

Let’s assume we’ve discovered Let’s assume we’ve discovered several areas of dust over-several areas of dust over-exposure .......exposure .......

a.a. Engineering control options are Engineering control options are to be to be evaluated first.evaluated first.

b. b. Look at isolating the employee from Look at isolating the employee from the the process if possible.process if possible.

c. c. Engineering controls can be more Engineering controls can be more cost cost effective over time.effective over time.

Engineering Engineering ControlsControls

1) Check ventilation system2) All ductwork solid ?3) Fan motor performance4) Fan motor mounts5) Belts tight6) Fan blade wear7) System balanced8) System changes9) Capture velocities10) Duct transport velocity11) How often is system serviced.

What’s thecost vs. payback

Preventive Preventive MaintenanceMaintenance

Note the condition of your existing Note the condition of your existing ventilation system. As illustrated, ventilation system. As illustrated, leaks in this flex duct allow room air leaks in this flex duct allow room air to reduce transport velocity.to reduce transport velocity.

How much dust was inHow much dust was in the air, did it settle inthe air, did it settle in the duct ?the duct ?

So,….is it dust with So,….is it dust with

Silica in it Silica in it ? ?

HousekeepinHousekeepingg

When the dust contains respirable When the dust contains respirable silica:silica:

1)1) First priorityFirst priority is to prevent dust is to prevent dust release.release.

2) 2) EducateEducate employees on what equipment employees on what equipment to to use,... and how to most effectively do use,... and how to most effectively do the the job. (Document training sessions)job. (Document training sessions)

3)3) Consider HEPA vacuum methodsConsider HEPA vacuum methods

4)4) Consider wet collection methods Consider wet collection methods where where practical.practical.

Personal Protective Personal Protective Equipment Equipment

Respiratory Protection:Respiratory Protection: Only permissible if engineering controls are Only permissible if engineering controls are

not feasible, (and other special exceptions)not feasible, (and other special exceptions) There must be a written respirator program There must be a written respirator program

that conforms to 30 CFR 56/57.5005(b)that conforms to 30 CFR 56/57.5005(b) Employees must be trained in the use, care, Employees must be trained in the use, care,

and limitations of respirators.and limitations of respirators. Do we document the educational program ? Do we document the educational program ? Who oversees the program success ?Who oversees the program success ?

Air Purifying Air Purifying Cartridge-style Cartridge-style

RespiratorsRespirators

Air PurifyingDisposable Respirators

Respiratory Respiratory ProtectionProtection

What type of respiratory protection do What type of respiratory protection do we need ?we need ?

For respirable silica NIOSH recommends For respirable silica NIOSH recommends P100 filters (99.97% effective).P100 filters (99.97% effective).

MSHA encourages you: MSHA encourages you: Do notDo not use the thin use the thin disposable respirators for respirable silica. disposable respirators for respirable silica. These are preferred for nuisance dust and These are preferred for nuisance dust and where non-oil aerosols are present. What where non-oil aerosols are present. What else…? fit ?else…? fit ?

In most mining environments oil aerosols could In most mining environments oil aerosols could be present.be present.

ANSI Z88.1969 Respirator ANSI Z88.1969 Respirator Program Program

Required Elements of a Written Respirator Required Elements of a Written Respirator ProgramProgram

Written operating proceduresWritten operating procedures Medically qualified to wear respiratorMedically qualified to wear respirator Proper selection of respirator based on hazardProper selection of respirator based on hazard Trained in use and application limitationsTrained in use and application limitations Fit tested…… and trained in how to fit checkFit tested…… and trained in how to fit check Trained in how to clean and inspect prior to useTrained in how to clean and inspect prior to use Proper storage of any respiratorProper storage of any respirator Surveillance of exposure conditions by Surveillance of exposure conditions by

supervisorsupervisor Regular Program review Regular Program review

Silicosis reportingSilicosis reporting NIOSH oversees the “B” reader program NIOSH oversees the “B” reader program

for physicians who make the final for physicians who make the final determinations of silicosis. Refer determinations of silicosis. Refer to the website: to the website: www.cdc.gov/niosh/readstat.htmlwww.cdc.gov/niosh/readstat.html

Many cases of silicosis are misdiagnosed Many cases of silicosis are misdiagnosed because physicians are unaware of their because physicians are unaware of their patient’s work history / and or signs of silicosis.patient’s work history / and or signs of silicosis.

Act and Communicate to Act and Communicate to Eliminate Silica Eliminate Silica

ExposuresExposures Considering the consequences of exposure Considering the consequences of exposure to silica dust,...we must:to silica dust,...we must:

-- Identify respirable silica exposures Identify respirable silica exposures NOW,NOW,

-- Retrofit with engineering controls,Retrofit with engineering controls,

-- As a manager… it is your responsibility As a manager… it is your responsibility to to adequately safeguard your employees.adequately safeguard your employees.

-- The cost to companies has been The cost to companies has been devastating over the years,...devastating over the years,...andand

-- The The costcost to human life to human life ISIS terminal.terminal.

Are you a........•Supervisor, •Mid-level manager,

* “The Guy” who signs checks !

Are you an effective communicator ??

Need Some Need Some Direction ?Direction ? Is your compass just a

little off ?

Hearing LossHearing Loss““No one needs to lose his or No one needs to lose his or her hearing in order to her hearing in order to earn a living.”earn a living.”

2004 motto by the National 2004 motto by the National Hearing Conservation Hearing Conservation

AssociationAssociationhttp://www.hearingconservatiohttp://www.hearingconservation.org/n.org/

Noise induced hearing loss is Noise induced hearing loss is preventable.preventable.

30 million Americans are estimated 30 million Americans are estimated to be exposed to noise levels in to be exposed to noise levels in excess of 85 dBAexcess of 85 dBA..

One in every four workersOne in every four workers will will develop a permanent hearing loss as develop a permanent hearing loss as a result of trying to earn a living.a result of trying to earn a living.

There is current There is current research associating research associating hearing loss with an hearing loss with an elevated incidence of elevated incidence of occupational injuries occupational injuries

and fatalities.and fatalities.

Consequences of Hearing Impairment

Five Elements Five Elements for an for an AcceptableAcceptable HHearing earing CConservation onservation PProgramrogram

System of Monitoring...System of Monitoring...62.11062.110

Hearing Protectors…......Hearing Protectors…......62.16062.160

Audiometric Testing…....Audiometric Testing…....62.170 - 62.170 - 62.17562.175

Training (education)…......Training (education)…......62.18062.180

Recordkeeping....……..........Recordkeeping....……..........62.19062.190

What type of hearing protection do we What type of hearing protection do we need?need?

The key is to provide protectors that will fit the The key is to provide protectors that will fit the miners’ and be comfortable.miners’ and be comfortable.

If the protection is not worn properly or worn at If the protection is not worn properly or worn at all the effective noise reduction rating will be all the effective noise reduction rating will be low !low !

““The best hearing protector is the one that gets The best hearing protector is the one that gets worn !”worn !”

Hearing Protection Hearing Protection DevicesDevices

YellowYellow Polyurethane PlugsPolyurethane Plugs

GreenGreen Foam Plugs Foam Plugs Poured (Cast) Poured (Cast)

Foam PlugsFoam Plugs Hardhat MuffsHardhat Muffs Over-the-Head Over-the-Head

MuffsMuffs

30%YP

75%Muffs

0 %

100 %

PLUG TYPE

50% GF PF

Percent of NRR actually provided at the ear drum

Ask yourself the Ask yourself the followingfollowing::

Have you conducted monitoring ….. or has a Have you conducted monitoring ….. or has a representative of your company been periodically representative of your company been periodically testing for health hazards at your mine ?testing for health hazards at your mine ?

62.110(a) Occupational Noise Exposure62.110(a) Occupational Noise Exposure oror 56.5002 Exposure Monitoring56.5002 Exposure Monitoring

Or, do you rely solely on the MSHA inspector to Or, do you rely solely on the MSHA inspector to test noise, dust, and other parameters at your mine test noise, dust, and other parameters at your mine ??

Questions, continued…Questions, continued…

Have you developed a Have you developed a policy for the type of policy for the type of personal protective to be personal protective to be used at your mine…..and used at your mine…..and for special tasks ?for special tasks ?

Questions, continued…Questions, continued…

Have you developed Have you developed a respiratory a respiratory protection program protection program or…………… or……………

A hearing A hearing conservation conservation program (HCP) ?program (HCP) ?

Question of the Question of the DayDay

Part 46 and 48 require training in the Part 46 and 48 require training in the health and safety aspects of the job,… health and safety aspects of the job,…

How can serious health issues be How can serious health issues be taught….. and discussed with employees taught….. and discussed with employees if the if the %% silica in bulk rock and silica in bulk rock and respirable fraction is respirable fraction is NOT KNOWNNOT KNOWN !! !!

OROR Never having done noise Never having done noise

dosimetry ?dosimetry ?

No man is an island.No man is an island.

MSHA has a goal of reducing the MSHA has a goal of reducing the number of elevated exposures to number of elevated exposures to respirable crystalline respirable crystalline

silica and noise.silica and noise.

We need your help !We need your help !

So we ALL benefit.So we ALL benefit.

Regulations to Regulations to PonderPonder

Regulations to Regulations to PonderPonder 56.5001 Air Quality Exposure Limits56.5001 Air Quality Exposure Limits

56.5005 Control of Exposure Eng 56.5005 Control of Exposure Eng + Resp+ Resp

56.15006 PPE for the Hazard56.15006 PPE for the Hazard 56.18002 Workplace Exam - Comp. 56.18002 Workplace Exam - Comp.

PersonPerson 56.18006 New Employee - Safe Work 56.18006 New Employee - Safe Work

Practices Practices 56.20003 Housekeeping56.20003 Housekeeping

What about your supervision? What about your supervision? MSHA has train-the-trainer courses MSHA has train-the-trainer courses

available. available.

EFSEFS and and State GrantsState Grants are able to assist are able to assist with management training and education. with management training and education.

They’re a phone call awayThey’re a phone call away..

Compliance assistance visits are an option Compliance assistance visits are an option for new mines and new processes.for new mines and new processes.

Questions, continued…Questions, continued…

Here’s the Message:Here’s the Message:1)1) Effective safety programs have Effective safety programs have test test data on-hand todata on-hand to communicate.communicate.

2)2) Good occupational health data Good occupational health data assists educators.assists educators.

3)3) Educators freely share Educators freely share knowledge,knowledge,

TToday,..oday,..knowledgeknowledge is the is the ONLYONLY remaining competitive remaining competitive edge. edge.

Top 10Top 10 Items to have on-hand for an Items to have on-hand for an InspectionInspection

Mine Legal Identity form..……………....Part 41Mine Legal Identity form..……………....Part 41 Quarterly Employment form 7000-2….…Part 50Quarterly Employment form 7000-2….…Part 50 Bulletin Board ………....Sec 109 of Act, Public Law Bulletin Board ………....Sec 109 of Act, Public Law

91-17391-173 Electrical Continuity and Resistance……. 56.12028Electrical Continuity and Resistance……. 56.12028 Workplace exam…………………………56.18002Workplace exam…………………………56.18002 Independent Contractor List……………..Part 45Independent Contractor List……………..Part 45 Emergency Call List……………………...56.18012Emergency Call List……………………...56.18012 First Aid Training record.………………..56.18010First Aid Training record.………………..56.18010 Part 46/48 Training Plan and documents, (46.3, 46.8, Part 46/48 Training Plan and documents, (46.3, 46.8,

46.11)46.11) Part 47 HazCom program - 5 parts completePart 47 HazCom program - 5 parts complete Part 62 Hearing Conservation Program (if applicable)Part 62 Hearing Conservation Program (if applicable)

Thank you for Thank you for participating!participating!

Feel free to contact the Macon Field Feel free to contact the Macon Field OfficeOffice

oror

Birmingham District Office:Birmingham District Office:

Office: 205/290-7294Office: 205/290-7294

How does this affect my How does this affect my mine?mine?

Almost every mine in the Southeast Almost every mine in the Southeast is a GPRA mine. These include:is a GPRA mine. These include:

Crushed Stone, Sandstone, Crushed Stone, Sandstone, Limestone, Sand & Gravel, Limestone, Sand & Gravel, Dimensional stone, Dimensional Dimensional stone, Dimensional GraniteGranite

GPRA mines will be sampled GPRA mines will be sampled frequently by MSHA.frequently by MSHA.

Jobs believed to be at risk include:Jobs believed to be at risk include: CrushersCrushers BaggersBaggers Cleanup manCleanup man LaborersLaborers Drill operatorsDrill operators Stone polishers/cuttersStone polishers/cutters

What about the mines What about the mines covered by the Bartow covered by the Bartow Field Office?Field Office?

The Bartow Field Office has 193 The Bartow Field Office has 193 surface mines and facilities in Florida. surface mines and facilities in Florida.

Mine TypeMine Type StatusStatus CountCount

UndergroundUnderground ActiveActive 00

UndergroundUnderground IntermittentIntermittent 00

UndergroundUnderground NonproducingNonproducing 00

SurfaceSurface ActiveActive 156156

SurfaceSurface IntermittentIntermittent 1515

SurfaceSurface NonproducingNonproducing 33

FacilityFacility ActiveActive 1818

FacilityFacility IntermittentIntermittent 11

Bartow Field OfficeBartow Field Office 193 mines of the 1601 for the 193 mines of the 1601 for the

Southeastern DistrictSoutheastern District

Occupations With Health Occupations With Health Citations in Bartow in 2003:Citations in Bartow in 2003:

DustDust BaggingBagging

Hearing ConservationHearing Conservation DrillersDrillers Truck driversTruck drivers Cleanup personnelCleanup personnel operatorsoperators

Don’t wait for MSHA to tell Don’t wait for MSHA to tell you!you!

Set a goal. Set a goal. Put your goals in a written plan and Put your goals in a written plan and

tell everyone at the mine. Post a tell everyone at the mine. Post a copy.copy.

Set implementation dates. Assign Set implementation dates. Assign responsible parties.responsible parties.

Meet as often as necessary to assure Meet as often as necessary to assure the plan is working.the plan is working.

Using this photo as an Using this photo as an example, what can be done example, what can be done

for dust and noise?for dust and noise?

Try this:Try this:

•Install sound absorbing batting.

•Close up all openings.

•Provide tight seals at doors and windows.

•Insulate the flooring.

Potential Airborne Contaminants, Potential Airborne Contaminants, as Dustas Dust

Asbestos – According to the EPA contour Asbestos – According to the EPA contour maps asbestos minerals follow the maps asbestos minerals follow the Appalachian chain across NC, SC, KY, TN, Appalachian chain across NC, SC, KY, TN, AL and Georgia.AL and Georgia.

Crystalline SilicaCrystalline Silica

Trace metals, such as arsenic (ubiquitous)Trace metals, such as arsenic (ubiquitous)

And other stuff….cement board building And other stuff….cement board building materials include silica, chrome….materials include silica, chrome….

What are the control methods What are the control methods at a mine such as the previous at a mine such as the previous

one?one? Wet methods. Use water trucks.Wet methods. Use water trucks.

Cab enclosures with filtered air.Cab enclosures with filtered air.

Vacuum systems for drills.Vacuum systems for drills.

Compressed air for cleaning should be Compressed air for cleaning should be prohibited.prohibited.

Drilling DustDrilling Dust

Drilling dust must be controlled by Drilling dust must be controlled by either vacuuming or wet methods.either vacuuming or wet methods.

However, despite best efforts, However, despite best efforts, uneven bench conditions exist, uneven bench conditions exist, making it more difficult to control making it more difficult to control the dust.the dust.

As in this case,As in this case,

When the dust skirt does When the dust skirt does not reach the ground, try not reach the ground, try

this approach:this approach:

Vacuum systemVacuum system Check the vacuum unit. It may be Check the vacuum unit. It may be

defective or the air pressure may be defective or the air pressure may be too low.too low.

A wet medium around the base of A wet medium around the base of the drill will further control the dust.the drill will further control the dust.

Refer to the MSHA website for Refer to the MSHA website for other controls:other controls:

MSHA has recently published a new MSHA has recently published a new Program Information Bulletin Program Information Bulletin regarding feasible engineering and regarding feasible engineering and administrative controls for noise.administrative controls for noise.

http://www.msha.gov/regs/complian/http://www.msha.gov/regs/complian/PIB/2003/2003draftpib.pdfPIB/2003/2003draftpib.pdf

Other health issues:Other health issues:

AsbestosAsbestos – proposed rulemaking is in – proposed rulemaking is in progress – no new requirements, but progress – no new requirements, but recommendations are provided. Refer to recommendations are provided. Refer to the MSHA website.the MSHA website.

DPMDPM – MSHA has devoted many – MSHA has devoted many compliance efforts to this subject – refer compliance efforts to this subject – refer to the website or call your local field office to the website or call your local field office or District office.or District office.

RememberRemember

Safety and health efforts are Safety and health efforts are sometimes difficult to sometimes difficult to measure, but if you have measure, but if you have saved the life of only one saved the life of only one person you have succeeded!person you have succeeded!

Submit your safety and Submit your safety and health ideas to MSHA so health ideas to MSHA so that others can gain from that others can gain from your experience.your experience.

Join safety & health Join safety & health organizations. organizations.

Speak up! Speak up!

Generation of Generation of Rock DustRock Dust

Sources of Respirable Sources of Respirable DustDust::

Drilling,Drilling,Crushing, Crushing, Bagging of a finished Bagging of a finished

product,....and any otherproduct,....and any otherAbrasive operationsAbrasive operations

An Important An Important Condition Condition !!

Silica may be present in the Silica may be present in the rock ........rock ........

Know the percent silica in the rock !Know the percent silica in the rock !

Does the silica content change ?Does the silica content change ?

Does your company maintain ongoing Does your company maintain ongoing analytical records of the percent silica analytical records of the percent silica content ?content ?

Silicosis - A Closer Silicosis - A Closer LookLook

Silicosis - A Closer Silicosis - A Closer LookLook

Description Frequency Percent

Coal & Metal Mining & Quarrying 185 20

Construction 97 10.5

Steelworks and metal finishing 67 7.2

Misc.nonmetallic mineral products 54 5.8

Iron & Steel foundries 46 5.0

All other industries 477 51.0

Total 926 100%

When it Comes to a When it Comes to a Health Hazard Like Health Hazard Like Silica Dust........Silica Dust........ TestTest the work environment the work environment DocumentDocument exposure levels exposure levels ScheduleSchedule regular medical exams for employees regular medical exams for employees ImplementImplement engineering controls first engineering controls first SpecifySpecify methods for effective housekeeping methods for effective housekeeping PPE is a last measure,...PPE is a last measure,.....NOT a 1st choice.NOT a 1st choice. Hold regular Hold regular educational meetings educational meetings to keep all to keep all

staff informed, staff informed, share informationshare information to maintain to maintain an elevated awareness for personal safety. an elevated awareness for personal safety.