U.S. Department of Labor

Mine Safety and Health Administration 4015 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, Virginia 22203-1984

ISSUE DATE: April 6, 2001

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P01-5

FROM:           MARVIN W. NICHOLS, JR.
                        Administrator
                             for Coal Mine Safety and Health

SUBJECT:       Reporting "Sampling Start Time" on Redesigned Dust Data Card

Scope
This information bulletin applies to Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) Coal Mine Safety and Health personnel, coal mine operators, and independent contractors.

Purpose
This bulletin describes how operators should record "Sampling Start Time" on the dust data card which the manufacturer provides with each filter cassette.

Information
The dust data card has been revised to record Sampling Start Time as a two-digit number, based on a 24-hour clock. This entry goes in the two blocks for item 7A and ranges from 00 for midnight to 23 for 11 p.m. Minutes are not recorded. For example, if the start time is between 7:00 and 7:59 a.m., record "07," or if it is between 4:00 and 4:59 p.m., record "16." For a start time between midnight and 1 a.m., record "00."

If start time is not recorded, the start time recorded is invalid, or if the previous version of the dust data card is submitted, the computer-generated sampling report to the operator will display "99" as the Sampling Start Time.

Through September 30, 2001, the previous version of the dust data card may be used as long as the Sampling Start Time is written in the space to the left of item 7 (Sampling Time).

Beginning October 1, 2001, MSHA may void a sample if the start time is not recorded in item 7A. However, if item 7A is not properly completed on any sample for which the respirable dust concentration exceeds the applicable dust standard, MSHA will not void the sample and will use it to determine the average concentration.

Background
Although MSHA required operators to report the date and location of each sample on the old-style dust data card, the time of day when a sample was collected was not recorded. Because of this, it was not possible to identify the shift during which samples were collected if multiple shifts were worked each day. The revised dust data card, which has been reviewed and approved by the Office of Management and Budget, requires the reporting of the Sampling Start Time.

Posting sampling results is intended to inform miners of the respirable coal mine dust level in the working environment. With the addition of the Sampling Start Time on the dust data card, miners will be informed of the respirable dust level during their own work shift.

Authority
30 CFR 70.209, 71.209, and 90.209.

Internet Availability
This information may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA's home page http.//www.msha.gov and then choosing Statutory and Regulatory Information, Compliance Assistance Information, and Program Information Bulletins.

Issuing Office and Contact Person
Coal Mine Safety and Health, Health Division
George E. Niewiadomski, (703) 235-1358

Distribution
Coal and All-Volume Program Policy Manual Holders
Coal Special Interest Groups
Coal Mine Operators
Coal Independent Contractors