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



ISSUE DATE: JUNE 19, 2001

PROGRAM INFORMATION BULLETIN NO. P01-6

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

                        JEFFREY A. DUNCAN
                        Director, Educational Policy and Development

SUBJECT:       Diesel Particulate Matter in Underground Coal Mines - Training Program
                        Guide

To whom does this bulletin apply?
This information bulletin applies to underground coal mine operators, independent contractors working at underground coal mines, and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) enforcement personnel.

What is the purpose of this bulletin?
This bulletin provides the underground coal mining industry with a training guide and sample lesson plan for use in complying with the newly promulgated miner health training regulations for diesel particulate matter (30 CFR Section 72.510) that were effective May 21, 2001. The attached guide is designed to assist mine operators and independent contractors, along with the persons who will provide this training at the mines, in developing effective mine-specific training programs.

The use of this guide is strictly voluntary, and you are encouraged to modify the program to meet your own specific needs.

Does this training have to be included under my Part 48 Training Program?
The training required by Part 72 can be conducted within a Part 48 training program or as a separate program. If you choose to incorporate this training into Part 48, you must submit a revised training plan to the appropriate MSHA district office for approval; and all applicable Part 48 requirements must be met. If conducted separately from Part 48, there are no specifications on trainer qualifications, no minimal training time, and no training plans. This guide is designed to be used whether you choose to conduct the training under Part 48 or as a separate program under Part 72.

What is the background information for this bulletin?
Underground coal miners who are exposed to high concentrations of diesel particulate matter may face a significantly greater risk than other workers of developing such diseases as lung cancer, heart failure, serious allergic responses, and other cardiopulmonary problems. The Mine Safety and Health Administration standard to protect underground coal miners from diesel exhaust particulate matter was effective as of May 21, 2001. The new rules, which require annual training for all underground coal miners who can reasonably be expected to be exposed to diesel emissions, will help to ensure that miner exposures do not exceed dangerous levels and cause injury or disease.

What is the authority for this bulletin?
The Federal Mine Safety and Health Act of 1977 and 30 CFR Part 72.

Who is the contact person for this bulletin?
Coal Mine Safety and Health, Division of Health
Larry Johnson, 703-235-1358

Educational Policy and Development
Joseph Hoffman, 703-235-1400

Is this bulletin on the Internet?
This bulletin may be viewed on the Internet by accessing MSHA's home page (http://www.msha.gov) and finding this under the "Diesel Particulate Final Rules Single Source Page." Or you may choose "Statutory and Regulatory Info" and then, under "Compliance Assistance Information," select "Program Information Bulletins."

Who will receive this bulletin?
Program Policy Manual Holders
Underground Coal Mine Operators
Independent Contractors at Underground Coal Mines
Special Interest Groups

Attachment




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Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA)
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