Status of a Tapered Element, Oscillating Microbalance-Based Continuous Respirable Coal Mine Dust Monitor

Abstract The Mine Safety and Health Administration, Department of Labor, requires coal mine operators to measure compliance with federal respirable dust exposure standards periodically using approved gravimetric samplers. However, the gravimetric approach, with its inherent delays, cannot provide dust concentration data quickly enough to allow on-site correction of inadequate dust control strategies or removal of personnel from harmful environments. Furthermore, alleged tampering with dust samples collected to determine compliance with standards prompted the Secretary of Labor to appoint a special Respirable Dust Task Group to study options to improve monitoring and control of respirable coal mine dust. The Mine Safety and Health Administration's Task Group recommended that the U.S. Bureau of Mines develop a fixed-site monitor that would provide continuous information to the mine worker and mine operator regarding dust levels and the status of compliance with the applicable respirable dust standard. In re...