Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Coal Miners. Final RegulatoryEconomic Analysis and Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. Final Rule on 30 CFR Parts 72 and 75. Final Standards and Regulations

摘要

This rule is designed to reduce exposures of miners in underground coal mines todiesel particulate matter (DPM). Of all groups in the U.S. work force and population at large, underground miners are the population that is by far the most exposed to DPM. MSHA field studies indicate that median DPM concentrations observed for underground miners range up to 200 times as high as average environmental exposures in the most heavily polluted urban areas and up to 10 times as high as median exposures estimated for the most heavily exposed workers in other occupational groups. The DPM rule will reduce DPM exposures in underground coal mines to levels similar to the highest exposure levels found in other occupational groups. These reduced DPM exposure levels will result in reductions in significant health risks of illness and premature death for underground miners. The rule sets standards for tailpipe DPM emissions of permissible, non-permissible heavy duty, and newly introduced light duty diesel powered equipment in underground coal mines. These standards can be met by use of paper or ceramic DPM filtration systems. In the case of light duty equipment, meeting listed EPA standards for diesel engines is an alternative means of compliance.