Respirable Crystalline Silica and Respiratory Protection

Official abstract: This proposed rule clarifies and modifies provisions of the respirable crystalline silica and respiratory protection standards that were established in MSHA's 2024 final rule titled "Lowering Miners' Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Improving Respiratory Protection." The changes provide clarity and make improvements to the requirements for methods of compliance, exposure monitoring, respiratory protection, medical surveillance, and recordkeeping while maintaining strong protection of miners. The proposal also includes related conforming amendments.