I recently had the chance to attend the AIH Connect conference in Columbus, Ohio. It was incredibly inspiring to connect with a passionate group of professionals dedicated to enhancing workplace health and safety. This year's event held special significance as it was the first AIH Connect since the introduction of the MSHA silica rule in the USA. Understandably, much of the discussion focused on how miners can comply with this new regulation.
A major concern is the absence of a prescriptive "Table 1" approach in the rule. While this flexibility is wise, as it allows for various methods of compliance, it has also led to uncertainty about the best practices to follow. One common response to the “how” of compliance is the application of the hierarchy of controls. Although this approach is a useful starting point, it doesn't specifically address the changes needed in machinery to meet compliance standards.
ISO 23875:2021 with Amendment 1 offers comprehensive guidelines for engineering controls, performance testing, system maintenance, and the operational integration of operator enclosures. This standard aims to ensure that operator enclosures meet the action level threshold of 25 μg/m³ for silica dust.
The thorough nature of ISO 23875 is crucial for ensuring continuous compliance. It provides a clear and structured path to maintaining air quality in operator enclosures, which in turn creates a safer working environment for miners. As we adapt to the new MSHA silica rule, following ISO 23875 gives us a reliable roadmap to sustained compliance and improved workplace safety.
To learn more about ISO 23875 including information on the online ISO 23875 course go to iseee.net.
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