# Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure of Underground Metal and Nonmetal Miners
> **Mine Safety and Health Administration** · Final rule. · Published 2005-06-06 · Effective 2005-07-06 · 70 FR 32868
## Document
- **Document number:** 05-10681
- **Category:** mine-safety
- **Sub-agency:** Mine Safety and Health Administration
- **Federal Register citation:** 70 FR 32868
- **CFR reference:** 30 CFR 57
- **Publication date:** 2005-06-06
- **Effective date:** 2005-07-06
## Abstract

This final rule revises MSHA's existing standards addressing diesel particulate matter (DPM) exposure in underground metal and nonmetal (M/NM) mines. In this final rule, MSHA changes the interim concentration limit measured by total carbon (TC) to a comparable permissible exposure limit (PEL) measured by elemental carbon (EC), which renders a more accurate DPM exposure measurement. Also, this final rule increases flexibility of compliance for mine operators by requiring MSHA's longstanding hierarchy of controls for its other exposure-based health standards at M/NM mines, but retains the prohibition on rotation of miners for compliance. Furthermore, this final rule: Requires MSHA to consider economic as well as technological feasibility in determining if operators qualify for an extension of time in which to meet the final DPM limit; deletes the requirement for a control plan; and makes conforming changes to existing provisions concerning compliance determinations, environmental monitoring and recordkeeping.

## Source
- [Federal Register document](https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2005/06/06/05-10681/diesel-particulate-matter-exposure-of-underground-metal-and-nonmetal-miners)
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