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MSHA - Mine Safety and Health Administration

Definition

• The Mine Safety and Health Administration, MSHA, is a U.S. Federal agency under the U.S. Department of Labor. Their mission is to administer the provisions of the Federal Mine Safety & Health Act of 1977.

Additional Info MSHA uses mandatory safety and health standards as a means to eliminate fatal accidents; to reduce the frequency and severity of nonfatal accidents; to minimize health hazards; and to promote improved safety and health conditions in the Nation's mines. MSHA carries out the mandates of the Mine Act at all mining and mineral processing operations in the United States, regardless of size, number of employees, commodity mined, or method of extraction. The MSHA Approval and Certification Center approves and certifies certain mining products for use in underground coal and gassy underground metal mines. MSHA approvals issued by the Center is internationally recognized. The MHSA has faced criticism and challenges concerning recent mining disasters in the US. The agency has dealt with shrinking budgets and staffing while major coal companies have been gumming up the enforcement process with thousands of appeals meant to delay fines and compliance. Federal legislation is required to resolve these issues, however, such action has long been stymied by special interests and worker fears of losing their jobs. In the meantime, the health and safety of mine workers remains at risk.

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MSDS Relevance

You might see the term MSHA used on a material safety data sheet in reference to respirators. Both NIOSH and MSHA have respirator specifications.

Further Reading

• MHSA's Coal Mine Health Inspection Procedures Handbook, Chapter 1, Respirable Dust (240 kB PDF file) includes Appendix F - Basic Elements of an Acceptable Respiratory Protection Program.
• MHSA's Hazard Communication (HazCom) Interactive Training Course, also available in Spanish.
• Administrative Controls, a 302 Kb PowerPoint presentation by the MSHA on controlling noise exposure for miners.
• A Compendium of Links to International Mining Law at the MHSA.
• at Rock Products.

See also: Administrative controls, engineering controls, NIOSH, OSHA, respirator.

Additional definitions from Google and OneLook.

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is believed to be true and accurate, however ILPI makes no guarantees concerning the veracity of any statement. Use of any information on this page is at the reader's own risk. ILPI strongly encourages the reader to consult the appropriate local, state and federal agencies concerning the matters discussed herein.