Overviews

Controlling Respirable Dust in Underground Coal Mines in the United States (PDF, 1285 KB, 2008)
This paper presents an overview of dust controls typically utilized in underground US coal mines and an update on ongoing NIOSH PRL research efforts that are evaluating new control technologies.

Current Dust Control Practices on U.S. Longwalls (PDF, 337 KB, 2007)
Results from underground dust surveys to identify current operating practices and the types of controls being used at longwall operations are presented as an update on longwall dust control technology and operating practices.

Determining the Spatial Variability of Personal Sampler Inlet Locations (PDF, 172 KB, 2007-08)
This article examines the spatial variability of dust concentrations within a coal miner´s breathing zone and the impact of sampling location at the cap lamp, nose, and lapel.

Dust Control on Longwalls: Assessment of the State of the Art (PDF, 2158 KB, 2006)
This paper presents an update on longwall dust control technology and practices in the U.S. It summarizes the results of NIOSH dust surveys conducted at longwalls throughout the country to document the types of controls that are being used and to quantify the relative effectiveness of these controls. It also presents longwall dust parameters provided by mine operators to the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) to assess the status of dust control technology being used throughout the industry.

Dust Control Practices for Underground Coal Mining (PDF, 368 KB, 2007)
This paper summarizes existing dust control technologies routinely being used in underground coal mine operations, and provides a review of new controls that are being pursued.

Methods for Controlling Explosion Risk at Coal Mine Working Faces (PDF, 242 KB, 2007)
At coal mine working faces, simultaneous application of three basic elements reduces the methane explosion hazard: (1) adequate ventilation, (2) regular monitoring of gas concentrations, and (3) the elimination of ignition sources. This paper reviews the application of these elements in a manner relevant to Chinese coal mines.

Summary of NIOSH Research Completed on Dust Control Methods for the Surface and Underground Drilling (PDF, 561 KB, 2008)
This paper summarizes the results of research that has been done on respirable dust control for surface mine blasthole drilling operations. Additionally, past dust control research for drilling operations of both underground and surface mines completed by the U.S. Bureau of Mines, created in 1910 and incorporated into NIOSH in 1997, is reviewed.

Measurement & analysis

Analysis of Particulate Contamination in Personal Dust Monitor Sampling (PDF, 276 KB, 2008)
This report examines the effect of oversize particles, cyclone inversion, and cleaning procedures on the Personal Dust Monitor (PDM).

Characteristics of Fugitive Dust Generated from Unpaved Mine Haulage Roads (PDF, 2516 KB, 2004-12)

A Company-Perspective Cost Analysis of the Personal Dust Monitor (PDM) (PDF, 340 KB, 2008-07)
This paper presents the results of a hypothetical cost comparison analysis of the PDM with the current MSHA-required coal mine dust personal sampling unit (CMDPSU).

Crystalline Silica Analysis: A Comparison of Calibration Materials and Recent Coal Mine Dust Size Distributions (PDF, 68 KB, 2006-01)
Since 1982, standard calibration materials recommended for respirable crystalline silica analysis by the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) P7 Infrared Method and the NIOSH X-ray Diffraction (XRD) Analytical Method 7500 have undergone minor changes in size distribution. However, a critical assumption has been made that the crystalline silica in ambient mine atmosphere respirable dust samples has also remained essentially unchanged in particle size distribution. The objective of this work is to compare recent particle size distributions of underground coal mine dust and the silica component of these dusts with estimated aerodynamic particle size distributions of calibration standard materials MIN-U-SIL 5, Berkeley 5, and SRM 1878 used by two crystalline silica analysis techniques.

Equivalency of a Personal Dust Monitor to the Current United States Coal Mine Respirable Dust Sampler (PDF, 197 KB, 2008-01)
The work presented in this paper focuses on the relationship between the PDM and respirable dust concentrations currently measured by a coal mine dust personal sampler unit utilizing a 10 mm Dorr Oliver nylon cyclone.

Evaluation of Dust Exposure To Truck Drivers Following The Lead Haul Truck (PDF, 722 KB, 2005-02)
This analysis will indicate safe following distances for haul trucks and other heavy equipment to avoid overexposure to respirable dust from the lead haul truck.

Evaluation of Dust Exposures Associated with Mist Drilling Technology for Roof Bolters (PDF, 290 KB, 2008-12)
This work presents the findings from NIOSH field and laboratory studies comparing respirable dust levels on mist drilling roof bolter machines to dust levels measured on machines using a conventional vacuum drilling system.

Evaluation of the SKC, Inc. Dust Detective (PDF, 159 KB, 2006)
The SKC, Inc., Dust Detective (SKCDD) is an affordable, person-wearable, real-time dust monitor. The relationship of dust concentrations measured by personal gravimetric samplers to those measured by the SKCDD was determined in a laboratory aerosol chamber. Results demonstrated that the SKCDD is a viable alternative means for measuring dust. While it provides accurate measurements for specific coal types, it requires correction factors (which still need to be calculated) for other coal types.

An Expanded Model for Predicting Surface Coal Mine Drill Respirable Dust Emissions (PDF, 292 KB, 2008-09)
The focus of this work is drill shroud dust leakage and the relationships of various drill parameters on this leakage. Given that exposures of surface coal mine rock drillers to respirable crystalline silica are of particular concern, substantial reductions of airborne silica dust during drilling may be estimated and achieved through use of the analysis presented.

Field Evaluation of the Coal Dust Explosibility Meter (CDEM) (PDF, 240 KB, 2008)
This paper describes the testing and reliability of results of a NIOSH developed Coal Dust Explosibility Meter (CDEM), a hand-held instrument that uses optical reflectance to measure the explosibility of a rock dust and coal dust mixture.

Full-Scale Testing of the Float Dust Deposition Meter (PDF, 234 KB, 1998-05)
Full-scale testing and results are described for an automated system that continuously monitors the accumulation of coal dust in mine entries.

Haul Road Dust Control: Fugitive Dust Characteristics from Surface Mine Haul Roads and Methods of Control (PDF, 549 KB, 2007-10)
This truck haulage dust study showed that primarily wind, distance, and road treatment conditions notably affected the dust concentrations at locations next to, 50 ft from, and 100 ft away from the unpaved haulage road.

Implementing Infrared Determination of Quartz Particulates on Novel Filters for a Prototype Dust Monitor (PDF, 340 KB, 2008-05)
This article describes the results from analysis of open-face samples which suggest that the new formulations for PDM filters have fully addressed the analytical obstacles that existed with the original filter design.

Investigation of Coal Properties and Airborne Respirable Dust Generation (PDF, 266 KB, 1998-10)
Laboratory testing and results are presented where five bituminous coals were prepared and processed through a double roll crusher located in a low-velocity wind tunnel. The results indicate that a combination of several factors are associated with airborne respirable dust generation.

Key Design Factors of Enclosed Cab Dust Filtration Systems (PDF, 1354 KB, 2008-11)
NIOSH experimentally investigated various factor effects on cab air filtration system performance. This paper describes the laboratory experiments which were performed on an enclosed cab test stand examining the independent factor effects of intake filter efficiency, intake filter loading (airflow resistance), intake air leakage around the filter, recirculation filter use, and wind on cab performance.

Laboratory Investigation of Enclosed Cab Filtration System Performance Factors (PDF, 150 KB, 2008)
NIOSH experimental investigation results indicate that the intake filter efficiency and recirculation filter were the two most influential factors on cab protection performance.

Lower Respirable Dust and Noise Exposure with an Open Structure Design (PDF, 988 KB, 2006-11)
NIOSH performed an evaluation to determine to what extent building types could impact respirable dust and noise levels. This report discusses the evaluation of three different types of product sizing silica sand structures: a masonry design, a steel-sided design, and an open structure design. The data obtained in this study indicate that the open structure design (no walls) was superior from both a dust and noise (health) standpoint compared to the other two structures.

NIOSH Hazard ID 1 - Exposure to Silica Dust on Continuous Mining Operations Using Flooded-Bed Scrubbers (HTML, 8 KB, 1997-08)
A study was conducted examining the risk of silica dust exposure in mine workers exposed to continuous miners equipped with flooded bed scrubbers.

NIOSH Takes on Coal and Rock Dust (PDF, 215 KB, 2008-05)
This article describes the first comprehensive survey since the 1920s to determine the range of coal particle sizes found in dust samples collected from intake airways of US coal mines.

Performance Evaluation of a Dust-Dispersion Model for Haul Trucks (PDF, 2045 KB, 2004-01)
This paper presents the results of testing of the Dynamic Component Program model with the ISC3 model of predicting dispersion of dust from haul trucks at two surface mine sites.

Performance of a Light Scattering Dust Monitor at Various Air Velocities: Results of Sampling in the Active Versus the Passive Mode (PDF, 2476 KB, 2007)
The Thermo personal DataRam (pDR) is an instantaneous sampler that uses light-scattering technology to provide relative measures of airborne respirable dust. The pDR can be used in active and passive modes to measure respirable dust levels. Tests were conducted to evaluate the sampling performance of active and passive pDR operation relative to each other and against a gravimetric sampler (the accepted standard for respirable dust measurement). The purpose of the test was to determine if the pDR can be used effectively in the passive mode in higher velocity airflows.

Respirable Dust Evaluation of Two Portland Cement Operations: Part 1 of 2 (http://cementamericas.com/mag/cement_respirable_dust_evaluation_2/) (HTML, 2000)
A recent study evaluated respirable dust at Portland cement operations to quantify areas of high dust levels and make recommendations for lowering levels in these areas. Part 1 of 2.

Respirable Dust Evaluation of Two Portland Cement Operations: Part 2 of 2 (http://cementamericas.com/mag/cement_respirable_dust_evaluation/) (HTML, 2000)
A recent study evaluated respirable dust at Portland cement operations to quantify areas of high dust levels and make recommendations for lowering levels in these areas. Part 2 of 2.

Status of Dust Control Technology on U.S. Longwalls (PDF, 1805 KB, 1997)
NIOSH conducted dust surveys at 13 longwalls operating throughout the U.S. and collected information to: identify current operating practices on these longwalls, identify the types of dust controls in use, document the levels at which these controls are being applied, and measure the respirable dust levels present. This data was analyzed to quantify the dust levels generated by the major sources on the longwall section and to evaluate the relative effectiveness of the control technologies in use.

Technology News 463 - Machine-Mounted Continuous Respirable Dust Monitor (PDF, 131 KB, 1997-07)
A machine-mounted continuous respirable dust monitor is discussed that can accurately monitor, display, and record concentration levels of respirable coal mine dust in mines for extended periods.

Thermally Induced Filter Bias in TEOM® Mass Measurement (PDF, 1164 KB, 2007-07)
Researchers at the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have long used stationary tapered element oscillating microbalances (TEOMs®) in laboratory settings. They have served to assess the mass concentration of laboratory-generated particulates in experimental dust chambers and they provide a reference method for comparison with other particulate-measuring instruments. Current NIOSH research is focused on further adapting TEOM technology as a wearable personal dust monitor (PDM) for coal mining occupations. This investigation's goal is to help identify, quantify, and provide means for resolving certain TEOM-related error. The present research investigated bias caused by thermal effects on filter assemblies.

Engineering controls

Airborne Dust Capture and Induced Airflow of Various Spray Nozzle Designs (PDF, 1837 KB, 2007-07)
Water spray characteristics, including droplet size and velocity, airborne dust capture potential, and induced airflow quantity for various spray nozzle designs were evaluated to provide basic information for improving spray applications. Test results indicate that there are trade offs between airflow inducement and dust capture efficiency. This information can be utilized to improve the performance of water sprays for reducing airborne dust levels.

Assessment of Airborne Dust Generated From Small Truck-Mounted Rock Drills (PDF, 1400 KB, 1995)
Dust control modifications were implemented on small, truck-mounted rock drills at surface coal mines. The control techniques showed noticeable improvement in measured dust concentrations around the drills.

Closing the Door to Dust When Adding Drill Steels: Uni-directional Cab Filtration and Pressurization System Tested (PDF, 817 KB, 2007-10)
During a recent NIOSH field evaluation of a newly designed filtration and pressurization system for an enclosed cab of a surface drill, it was determined that the drill operator's respirable-dust exposure was significantly increased during time periods when the cab door was opened to manually guide another section of drill steel into place. An alternative method is being investigated to guide the drill steel in place in order to eliminate this increased exposure.

Continuous Respirable Mine Dust Monitor Development (PDF, 1560 KB, 1997)
NIOSH initiated the development of a fixed-site machine-mounted continous respirable dust monitor. The technology chosen for monitor development is the Rupprecht and Patashnick Co., Inc. tapered element oscillating microbalance. Laboratory and in-mine tests have indicated that, with modification, this sensor can meet the humidity and vibration requirements for underground coal mine use.

Development of a Lower-Pressure Water-Powered Spot Scrubber for Mining Applications (PDF, 1015 KB, 2006-01)
NIOSH recently investigated the performance of a lower-pressure, water-powered in-line series spray scrubber for removing localized airborne dust emitted at the source. Results showed noticeable improvements in airborne dust capture efficiency through the operation of multiple in-line series hollow cone spray nozzles within a round duct of pipe at the same water pressure as a single spray.

Dial Down Dust and Noise Exposure (PDF, 1541 KB, 2007-07)
Although structure type and building material were not viewed as significant factors affecting the health of employees in mineral processing facilities when they were built, NIOSH has found that building type can impact respirable dust and noise levels. NIOSH performed a study in which it evaluated three building types: masonry, an open-structure design, and a steel-sided design.

Dust Considerations When Using Belt Entry Air to Ventilate Work Areas (PDF, 4300 KB, 1992)
Dust surveys were conducted to determine factors affecting belt entry dust levels and how using belt air to ventilate work areas affected dust exposures.

The Effects of Ventilation Controls and Environmental Cabs on Diesel Particulate Matter Concentrations in Some Limestone Mines (PDF, 311 KB, 2008)
In this investigative study NIOSH measured for sub-micrometer elemental carbon (EC) using two types of control technologies (ventilation and cabs) which are being implemented in limestone mines.

The Effects of Water Spray Placement for Controlling Respirable Dust and Face Methane Concentrations (PDF, 132 KB, 2006)
A series of laboratory evaluations examined the impact of water spray pressure, curtain setback distance, and external and underboom spray use for controlling respirable dust levels and sulfur hexafluoride tracer gas concentrations around a continuous mining machine.

Emerging Technologies Control Respirable Dust Exposures for Continuous Mining and Roof Bolting Personnel (PDF, 292 KB, 2006)
This paper discusses NIOSH studies evaluating the impacts of emerging technologies that may reduce dust exposures for continuous mining and roof bolting personnel. These technologies include use of a wet-head cutting drum on a continuous mining machine, a canopy air curtain for protecting roof bolting personnel, and mist drilling technology for controlling respirable dust exposures of bolting personnel.

Handbook for Dust Control in Mining (PDF, 4167 KB, 2003-06)
This handbook describes effective methods for the control of mineral dusts in mines and tunnels. It assumes the reader is familiar with mining. The first chapter deals solely with dust control methods, regardless of the application. It is a brief tutorial on mining dust control and will be of help to the reader whose dust control problem does not conveniently fit any of the mining equipment niches described in later chapters.

Impact of Fan Type for Reducing Respirable Dust at an Underground Limestone Crushing Facility (PDF, 752 KB, 2006-06)
NIOSH researchers have demonstrated that mine-wide ventilation in large-opening stone mines can be improved by using low-pressure, high-volume propeller fans and constructing stoppings in key locations to direct and control airflow. In light of these findings, a comparative study was conducted to determine if a portable diesel-powered propeller fan could perform more efficiently for dust dilution and transport than an axial vane fan for localized ventilation. Results showed an improvement with the propeller fan to dilute both the respirable dust and the respirable silica dust around the dump/crusher facility.

Implementing a New Personal Dust Monitor as an Engineering Tool (PDF, 166 KB, 2004-12)
A unique method to collect and measure respirable coal mine dust using the tapered element oscillating microbalance has demonstrated potential use as an effective engineering tool to help dust control.

Improve Dust Capture on Your Surface Drill (PDF, 284 KB, 2008-09)
NIOSH researchers have developed a model to describe airborne respirable dust (ARD) generation on surface coal mine drills.

Improving Silica Dust Controls for Metal/Nonmetal Mining Operations in the United States (PDF, 924 KB, 2007)
During the last few years, PRL researchers have conducted research related to the following goals: improving protection provided by enclosed cabs on mobile surface mining equipment, reducing dust generation from surface drills, reducing dust levels in iron ore operations, and developing a new method to clean dust from workers' soiled clothes. A description of each of these controls and subsequent dust reductions quantified through site surveys is provided.

Improving the Performance of Fan-Powered Dust Collectors in Stone-Cutting Applications (PDF, 522 KB, 2008)
The objective of the research was to cost-effectively increase the air cleaning volume and improve dust capture efficiency of an off-the-shelf dust collector with a larger motor and blower.

Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Dust Collector Bags for Reducing Dust Exposure of Roof Bolter Operators (PDF, 742 KB, 2008-07)
This paper presents the results of NIOSH laboratory and field tests to evaluate the effectiveness of dust collector bags for reducing dust liberation and operator exposure from a roof bolter's dust collection system.

Lowering Respirable Dust at an Iron Ore Concentrator Plant Through Improved Ventilation Practices (PDF, 294 KB, 2006)
A cooperative research effort was established to lower respirable dust levels in an iron ore grinding and concentrator plant. The most significant improvement was realized by changing the ventilation profile throughout the entire facility. Another successful modification was to improve the sealing of a reclaim tunnel to the outside and to barricade the access point from the reclaim tunnel to the concentrator plant. These two modifications illustrate the impact that improvements in ventilation can have on lowering respirable dust concentrations in iron ore processing facilities.

New Approach Controls Dust at the Collector Dump Point: NIOSH Finds a Simple, Cost-Effective Solution for Reducing Dust for Blasthole Drills (PDF, 310 KB, 2004-06)
Discusses a simple, quick fix to reduce dust from blasthole drills by installing a dust collector shroud. This can reduce respirable dust conventrations at the dust collector dump point by more than 63%.

Performance of a New Personal Respirable Dust Monitor for Mine Use (PDF, 408 KB, 2004-06)
A personal dust monitor (PDM) was developed to measure respirable coal mine dust mass to provide accurate exposure data at the end of a work shift. In tests, the PDM demonstrated that it was convenient to wear, robust, provided accurate data, provided timely data that could be used to prevent overexposure, and was easy to use.

Reducing Dust Exposure from Contaminated Work Clothing with a Stand-Alone Cleaning System (PDF, 268 KB, 2008)
An alternative method to the original system developed by NIOSH and Unimin Corporation to provide for a stand-alone clothes cleaning system has been developed to quickly, effectively, and safely remove dust from the clothing of a worker without dust exposure to the worker, the work environment, or co-workers during the cleaning process.

Reducing Enclosed Cab Drill Operator's Respirable Dust Exposure at Surface Coal Operation With a Retrofitted Filtration and Pressurization System (PDF, 224 KB, 2002-02)
This report discusses a cooperative research study performed on a surface drill retrofitted with a new pressurization and filtration system. Respirable dust concentrations were substantially reduced from 0.64 mg/m3 during pre-testing to 0.05 mg/m3 during post-testing with the new system, representing a 92% reduction in dust levels in the drill cab.

Reducing Enclosed Cab Drill Operator's Respirable Dust Exposure with Effective Filtration and Pressurization Techniques (PDF, 1999 KB, 2005)
Discusses a cooperative research effort to lower respirable dust levels in an enclosed cab on an older surface drill at a silica sand operation. A number of modifications were incorporated into the drill's filtration and pressurization system, as well as in other areas, to improve its design and performance. The goal was to identify cost-effective improvements that could be implemented on all types of enclosed cabs to lower respirable dust concentrations.

Reducing Respirable Dust Concentrations at Mineral Processing Facilities Using Total Mill Ventilation Systems (PDF, 876 KB, 1993)
The design and evaluation of two total mill ventilation systems are described. Both systems proved to be very effective at reducing respirable dust levels in a cost-effective manner, were easy to install, and required minimal maintenance.

Reducing Respirable Dust Exposure of Workers Using an Improved Clothes Cleaning Process (PDF, 8726 KB, 2007-04)
A quick, safe, and effective method has been developed that allows workers to clean their dust laden work clothing periodically throughout the day. The newly designed clothes cleaning process has potential application to any industry where workers' clothing becomes contaminated with most any type of dust or product.

Technology News 440 - Improved Dust Control for Surface Coal Mine Drills With Rotoclone Collectors (PDF, 80 KB, 1994-10)
A method is described to increase the dust-control effectiveness of the Rotoclone dry-dust collection systems used on surface coal mine drills.

Technology News 447 - Dust Collector Discharge Shroud Reduces Dust Exposure to Drill Operators at Surface Coal Mines (PDF, 94 KB, 1995-03)
Dust collector discharge shrouds were used to reduce airborne respirable dust generated from emptying dry dust collectors on small truck-mounted drills at surface coal mines.

Technology News 486 - Floor Heaters Can Increase Operator's Dust Exposure in Enclosed Cabs (PDF, 539 KB, 2001-03)
Floor heaters are identified as contributing to dust levels in enclosed cabs. Two methods are identified to minimize the problem of dust generation inside cabs.

Technology News 487 - Sweeping Compound Application Reduces Dust From Soiled Floors Within Enclosed Operator Cabs (PDF, 442 KB, 2001-03)
A method is described to reduce the dust generated from soiled floors within enclosed operator cabs.

Technology News 523 - Evaluation of Dust Collector Bags for Reducing Dust Exposure of Roof Bolter Operators (PDF, 475 KB, 2007-02)
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of dust collector bags for reducing dust liberation from a roof bolter dust collection system.

Technology News 528 - Recirculation Filter Is Key to Improving Dust Control in Enclosed Cabs (PDF, 130 KB, 2007-10)
NIOSH has investigated various cab filtration system factors on a basic HVAC system in the laboratory to evaluate their effects on overall cab dust protection performance. The factors experimentally investigated were intake filter efficiency, intake air leakage, intake filter loading (filter flow resistance), recirculation filter use, and wind penetration. The use of the recirculation filter remarkably improved the average cab protection factor by an order of magnitude over what was provided by the intake filter.

Technology News 533 - Minimizing Respirable Dust Exposure in Enclosed Cabs by Maintaining Cab Integrity (PDF, 151 KB, 2008-09)
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been performing research to retrofit cabs with new filtration and pressurization systems in an effort to improve the air quality in enclosed cabs of older mining equipment.

Use of a Directional Spray System Design to Control Respirable Dust and Face Gas Concentrations Around a Continuous Mining Machine (PDF, 140 KB, 2004-12)
A laboratory study assessed the impacts of water spray pressure, face ventilation quantity, and line brattice setback distance on respirable dust and SF6 tracer gas concentrations around a continuous mining machine using a sprayfan or directional spray system. The results showed that changes in all three independent variables significantly affected log-transformed dust levels at the three operator sampling locations.

Water Separator Shows Potential for Reducing Respirable Dust Generated on Small-Diameter Rotary Blasthole Drills (PDF, 2225 KB, 2007-09)
Tests have been conducted by NIOSH on a newly designed device for smaller diameter drills that separates the water from the bailing air before it reaches the bit and thus provides the cost benefit of dry drilling while providing the benefit of wet drilling for dust suppression.

Administrative controls

Laboratory and Field Performance of a Continuously Measuring Personal Respirable Dust Monitor (PDF, 1735 KB, 2006-09)
This report includes the theory of operation, description, and the performance of the Personal Dust Monitor (PDM) compared to gravimetric-based reference dust sampling methods and laboratory verification of the instruments accuracy. There is also a detailed underground evaluation that includes measurement of the instruments precision, durability under mine use conditions, and the functionality of the instrument when used by miners.

A New Method to Clean Dust from Soiled Work Clothes (PDF, 1019 KB, 2006)
Dust from worker's clothes has been shown to be a problematic source of personal dust exposure. A recently completed effort between NIOSH and Unimin Corp. has resulted in a quick and effective way to clean worker clothing. Field testing indicated that the manifold cleaned the clothes 10 times faster and removed 50% more dust than cleaning methods used by workers today.

Training

Coal Miner Responses to the Personal Dust Monitor (PDF, 188 KB, 2008-04)
This paper describes the findings of a project that was developed to systematically document how workers react to wearing the PDM and evaluate how it is used on the job.

Dust, Dust Reduction, and Coal Workers Pneumoconiosis: A Listing of Educational Materials Developed by MSHA and NIOSH From 1990-2003 (PDF, 450 KB, 2003-10)
This is a table with the complete listing of educational materials developed by MSHA and NIOSH from 1990 - 2003.

Miners' Views about Personal Dust Monitors (PDF, 2423 KB, 2007)
This NIOSH paper documents coal miners´ reactions to the new Personal Dust Monitor (PDM), and how they make use of the information th PDM provides.

Miners' Views About Personal Dust Monitors (PDF, 285 KB, 2008-02)
This report summarizes a field study by NIOSH that documented the reactions of 30 miners at 4 underground coal mines concerning the use of personal dust monitors (PDMs) and how they make use of the information it provides.

Videos

Clothes Cleaning Process: Instructional Materials (PDF, 804 KB, 2004)
Dirty worker clothing has been identified as a source of exposure to respirable dust. If this respirable dust contains silica it may cause the inhaler to develop Silicosis, an irreversible lung disease. NIOSH and Unimin Corporation, the largest manufacturer of silica sand in the United States, have developed a new method for cleaning dusty work clothes.

Reducing Dust Inside Enclosed Cabs
Many studies have investigated retrofitting older cabs at surface operations with new filtration and pressurization systems. This research has identified a number of significant factors that determine how effective an enclosed cab will be at protecting a worker.

Clothes Cleaning Process
NIOSH and Unimin Corporation, the largest manufacturer of silica sand in the United States, have developed a new method for cleaning dusty work clothes.

Laboratories

Full Scale Continuous Miner Dust Gallery
Evaluation of technologies for control of respirable dust and face methane gas on continuous mining machines.

Full Scale Longwall Dust Gallery
Development and testing of new dust control technologies for longwall mining operations in underground coal mines.

Information gateways

Silica
This NIOSH Topic Page presents information and links to publications about Silica and Silicosis, and povides information to help workers protect themselves from occupational exposure to Silica.

Silicosis: Learn the Facts!
This NIOSH web document presents information in an easy to read format describing silica exposures, the effects of silicosis, and methods to protect against silicosis.