Organization of 30 CFRThe Mine Health and Safety Act

A Look at General Provisions

Part 62 Noise Regulation

©Feb 2003 Dr. Bradley C Paul

CFR Structure

Coal Mines Metal-Non Metal Quarry/Gravel

ChapterH

EducationAnd

Training

Part 48 Miner Training

Part 49 Mine Rescue Teams

Part 47 Hazard Communications (HAZCOM) (June 2002)Part 46MinerTraining

ChapterM

UniformMine Health

Regs

Part 62 Occupation Noise Exposure

Background on Sound Levels

• Measured with logarithmic scale called dB (decibels)– Can detect sound around 10 db– Audible at 40 db– Typical Conversation is 60 db / Dishwasher

running– Vacuum, TV, Radio about 70 db

• Side of a Freeway about 76 db

Continued Sound Levels

• Things around 85 dB– Garbage Disposal (80) Food Blender (88)– Diesel Trains (83) and Trucks (84)

• Things around 90 dB– Car Wash Jets (89) / Motorcycle (90)– Power Mower (96)

• Things around 105 dB– Jet Flyovers and Landings (103-106)– Riveting Machine (110)

• Things around 115 db– Rock Band (108-114)– Turbo Aircraft at take-off and 200 feet (118)

Part 62 Noise Regulations

• In 2000 new standards took effect• Standard is built around 3 levels

– Permissible Exposure limit remains 90 db• Change Action Level is set at 85 db (50% of limit)

– Need to enroll in Hearing Conservation Program• Must offer hearing protection• Must provide training• Must offer hearing tests and monitoring

– If loss of 10 db or more is found then hearing protection becomes mandatory

– If 25 db of loss then loss is a reportable medical problem to MSHA

More Changes

• At 90 db the operator must take all technical means possible to reduce exposure– Not enough anymore to provide and require hearing

protection– Still have to offer protection, but only if attempts to

reduce do not work

• At 105 db must go to double hearing protection– Means both ear plugs and ear muffs

Ultimate Limits

• No exposure to 115 db allowed– Violation for too loud a noise– And for MSHA inspector yelling at 120 db

• MSHA is providing guidance documents on how exposures may be reduced

• Must monitor work place for noise level– Miners must be allowed to witness the tests– Results must be reported

Performance Base

• Standard requires testing be done and time disclosed but not how often rechecked– Standard enforcement is based heavily on results on

miners hearing• At least yearly hearing monitoring required by Hearing

Conservation Program standards

• Results of all workplace monitoring, corrective actions must be reported to miners

• Individual results must be reported to the individual