Silica (MSHA Part 60)

Run the mine respirable-crystalline-silica program of 30 CFR Part 60 as written: similar-exposure-group monitoring (§60.12), PEL-exceedance evidence packets (§60.13), and medical surveillance (§60.15).

Preparedness mode. Part 60 is stayed by the courts (8th Cir.; MSHA PIB P26-01 enforces the pre-2024 standards meanwhile). The module runs the rule as written so you're ready the day the stay lifts — then set the enforcement effective date in Program settings.

Run the monitoring cycle (§60.12)

1. Add each similar-exposure group with Add exposure group. The baseline sample is due immediately.
2. Click Record sample on a plan row and enter the full-shift 8-hr TWA result (mg/m³), date, worker, and accredited-lab reference. The plan moves itself:
   • Below the action level (0.025 mg/m³): resample within 3 months; two consecutive below-AL samples ≥ 7 days apart discontinue sampling.
   • Between AL and PEL: keep sampling every 3 months.
   • Above the PEL (0.050 mg/m³): an exceedance opens (below).
3. Click Re-evaluation done to record the §60.12(d) semiannual re-evaluation. Reopen a discontinued plan after a production, process, or geology change (reason required, §60.12(e)).

Work a PEL exceedance (§60.13)

An above-PEL sample automatically opens an exceedance evidence packet and raises a CAPA. Work the checklist:

• Mark reported — the report to the MSHA District Manager,
• Mark provided — respirators available before the next shift,
• Mark posted — the sampling record on the mine bulletin board (31 days),
• Add each corrective action with its date,
• record the verification resample on the monitoring plan (links automatically).

Close exceedance enables only once the resample is at/below the PEL with corrective actions recorded (plus the MSHA report where required).

Medical surveillance (§60.15)

Enroll miners from the program page. New to mining sets the initial exam due within 60 days, then a 3-year cycle; existing miners are due within 12 months, then about every 5 years. Exams schedule through industrial hygiene surveillance; results filed as health records keep 30-year retention and consent-gated access.

What happens automatically

• The site's program coordinator is escalated to for samples due or overdue, an overdue semiannual re-evaluation, and any open exceedance with outstanding steps.
• A §60.15 watchdog flags recent hires (90 days) at active-program sites not yet enrolled in surveillance — enrollment stays a human act.
• The dashboard shows open exceedances, overdue samples, and SEGs monitored/below the action level.

Settings worth knowing

Per site: PEL/AL values, the enforcement effective date (blank = preparedness mode), MSHA-reporting and medical-surveillance switches, resample-prompt interval (default 30 days), and the program coordinator.

Related

• Silica (29 CFR 1926.1153) — The OSHA construction-and-general-industry silica counterpart
• Industrial hygiene — Exposure sampling and medical surveillance mechanics
• Mine profile (your MSHA public record) — Your mine's MSHA record alongside this program
• Recordkeeping & MSHA — MSHA Part 50 reporting tied to the mine
• Respiratory protection — Fit tests protecting workers from silica exposure