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A major part of the newly updated dust regulation requires mine operators to begin collecting respirable dust samples using Continu- ous Personal Dust Monitors (CPDMs) for designated occu- pations (DO) and "other" des- ignated occupations (ODO) beginning February 1. With the regulation now in place, mine operators, mine-workers and stakeholders are each responsible for various tasks to ensure an appropriate amount of CPDM 3700 samples are completed per quarter. With the CPDM providing miners with near real-time feed- back about their level of respirable coal dust exposure on the job, a new opportunity is arising for management, in collaboration with their employees, to use this information to determine methods for reduced exposure. Some researchers have effective- ly argued that the use of information technology can enhance organizational communication around health and safety. 1 In line with that argument, taking a nonjudgmental yet proactive approach to discuss the dust data produced by the CPDM may help to identify and support actions to limit future exposure dur- ing reoccurring work tasks. In light of the new regulation, it is highly important for mine operators and miners to not only understand how they can use the technology to monitor personal exposure to respirable dust, but exactly what and how they can engage in actions to reduce exposure. Researchers from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) recently met with several coal miners who were learning how to use the technology during their shifts. During the discussions with these miners, they learned key points about how the CPDM can be introduced and used to encourage positive health communication efforts among miners. Miner Training — What is the CPDM? Our discussions showed the importance of introducing the CPDM to everyone during group or shift safety meetings and providing usability training for the technology so everyone understands the purpose of the sampling device. Previous research about the introduction of oth- er mine health and safety technologies, such as proximity detection systems, has shown that miners desire communication and training about the what, why and how of these technologies in the workplace. 2 Therefore, miners should understand what information is provided by the CPDM and how that information may affect how they perceive their surrounding environment so they can respond accordingly. Miner Discussions — What Does the CPDM Tell Us? When the CPDM is in use, dust data cards are produced from end- of-shift CPDM downloads each day. These dust data cards provide a 30-minute mass concentration (milligrams per cubic meter, mg/m 3 ) and cumulative mass concentration (mg/m 3 ), so miners are able to see when their concentrations were higher during their work shift. Going over these dust data cards with miners as soon as possible after their shift could help them recall and identify where and what their work tasks were during the times of higher exposure. Those workers who wear the technology are the most qualified to discuss causes for variations in and possible ways to mitigate their res- pirable coal dust exposure, because they are familiar with their work activities and conditions. 3 These discussions could help to identify specific work practices to help reduce future exposures, such as changing a stance relative to a machine, curtain or another worker. Additionally, previous research with miners and new technology has shown that, with more communicative support from managers and coworkers, miners are more inclined to behave in ways that limit their exposure. 4 40 www.coalage.com February 2016 CPDM 3700 with lapel clip. o p e r a t i n g i d e a s Using CPDM Dust Data B Y E M I L Y H A A S , D A N A W I L L M E R A N D J J M E A D O W S A Solution in Search of a Problem It has been 18 months since the Mine Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA) rule aimed at lowering a miner's exposure to respirable coal mine dust was implemented, and on February 1, the second phase of the rule went into effect. The first phase of the rule increased operator sampling and required operators to take immediate corrective action when a sample showed excessive concentrations. Under the second phase of the rule, continuous personal dust monitors (CPDMs) must be used to monitor occupations exposed to the highest respirable dust concen- trations, as well as all miners with evidence of black lung. For high-exposure occupa- tions, 15 valid samples must be obtained every quarter, instead of the five samples previously collected every two months, followed by sampling of 15 shifts for other occupations. Finally, operators must post results of CPDM sampling within 12 hours of the sampled shift. The implementation comes after a January 25 U.S. Court of Appeals decision to deny a legal challenge by the National Mining Association (NMA) and operators seek- ing to delay it on the grounds that the federal regulator overstepped its authority in issuing the rules. The 11 th Circuit Court in Atlanta court rejected the claim. NMA spokesman Luke Popovich said that the decision was disappointing to the group. "First, the court deferred to MSHA's definition of the problem — some- thing we disagree with. As we have said, this rule was a solution in search of a problem and the court, rather than addressing this, chose to accept MSHA's defi- nition of the problem," he said. "Additionally, the court believes that the consul- tation process that took place between National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and MSHA is an adequate substitute for the statutory require- ments for joint action. It diminishes NIOSH's role in regulatory matters impacting miners' health and removes one of the checks envisioned by the Mine Act on MSHA's regulatory powers." The third and final phase becomes effective in August. It will lower the dust con- centration limit for the dustiest areas of coal mines from 2 to 1.5 mg/m 3 of air.