Acronyms
What does TLV stand for
Threshold limit value (ACGIH)
How large is a fiber of asbestos?
A particle longer than 5 micrometers with a length to diameter ratio of 3-1
What is silica?
Silica is a common component of rock composed of silicon and oxygen (chemical formula SiO2). Respirable crystalline silica (also known as RCS, silica dust, or quartz dust) is a common occupational hazard for coal and metal/nonmental (MNM) miners
What is a time weighted average?
Time-weighted average (TWA) is a method of calculating a worker’s daily exposure to hazardous substances such as dust, fumes, chemicals, gases, or vapors. It is averaged to an 8-hour workday or 40-hour work week, along with the average levels of exposure to the hazardous substance and the time spent exposed to them.
An individual capable of providing first aid shall be available during which shifts?
All shifts
What does PEL stand for?
Permissible exposure limit
When can employees work for reasonable amounts of time in concentrations of airborne contaminants exceeding permissible levels?
If they are protected by appropriate respiratory protective equipment.
Is silicosis curable?
No - it is chronic, irreversible, and potentially fatal.
But... It is preventable
What is MSHA's PEL for noise?
8-hour time-weighted average (TWA8) sound level of 90 dBA
What needs to be available where corrosive chemicals or other harmful substances are stored, handled or used.
Water or neutralizing agents
What does STOT stand for?
Specific target organ toxicity
What is needed whenever respiratory protective equipment is used?
A program for selecting, maintaining, training, fitting, supervision cleaning and use of respirators that meets ANSI Z88.2-1969
What is MSHA's PEL for respirable crystalline silica?
50 micrograms per cubic meter (µg/m3)
Is there a maximum exposure level for noise?
Yes - no miner should be exposed at any time to sound levels exceeding 115 dBA, even if the miner is wearing hearing protectors.
What is needed when in or around an area of a mine or plant where a hazard exists which could cause injury to the eyes
Safety glasses, goggles or face shields
What does STEL stand for?
Short term exposure limit
Are there chemicals that I cannot use under MSHA standards?
Yes - 56.5006 Restricted use of chemicals.
16 chemicals that shall not be used or stored except by competent persons under approved laboratory conditions.
What is MSHA's action level for respirable crystalline silica
25 µg/m3 over a full shift, calculated as an 8-hour time weighted average (TWA) for all mines.
When does MSHA require a hearing conservation program (HCP)
When a miner’s noise exposure equals or exceeds the action level.
What personal protective equipment or clothing is required when welding, cutting, or working with molten metal.
Protective clothing, or equipment and face shields, or goggles
What does IDLH mean?
Immediately dangerous to life and health
What are the requirements for use of respiratory protection in atmospheres immediately harmful to life?
At least one other person with backup equipment and rescue capability.
What is an example of an engineering control for respirable crystalline silica.
dust suppression systems - enclosed cabs with filtered breathing air
Each miner enrolled in a hearing conservation program needs to have a _____
a baseline audiogram, The baseline audiogram must be provided within 6 months of enrolling a miner in an HCP, or 12 months if a mobile test van is used.
____ is required when operating a grinding wheel.
Face shields or googles in good condition.