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What can I do to eliminate our silica dust?

MSHA Updates Silica Dust Standards for Mining Facilities

In April 2024, MSHA issued its final ruling on the silica dust exposure standard — requiring a reduction in exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust at all mining sites.

MSHA’s final rule lowers the permissible exposure limit of respirable crystalline silica from 100 µg/m3 to 50 µg/m3 (micrograms per cubic meter of air) for a full-shift exposure, calculated as an 8-hour time-weighted average.

Suitable silica dust engineering controls must be installed and properly maintained to satisfy the new mandate.

MSHA's final ruling requires compliance by:

  • April 14, 2025 for coal mine operations
  • April 8, 2026 for metal and nonmetal mine operations

Benetech — Your integrated solution provider for silica dust control, safety, & compliance.

Silica-Dust-Table-Graphic_Powerful-Solutions
MaxZone Safe+ - Before & After

What makes Benetech a step ahead of other companies?

  • NIOSH-approved — Benetech is the only supplier chosen by NIOSH to collaborate on the development of cutting-edge engineering controls specifically designed to combat silica dust.
  • MaxZone Safe+ Silica Dust Control System – Benetech's silica dust control system satisfies MSHA's engineering controls requirement by performing all three vital processes: (1) containment, (2) collection, and (3) agglomeration. Preliminary testing showed that the MaxZone Safe+ eliminated up to 93% of silica dust emissions.
  • Patented technologies — Holding multiple U.S. and international patents for Benetech products, our engineering team is first class. Our team specializes in the turnkey engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) projects using wide-ranging technologies for all types of bulk material handling operations.
  • Our innovative products save you time & money — Our equipment is designed to eliminate the need for confined space entry to quickly perform inspection and routine maintenance operations, resulting in optimal safety with minimal downtime.
  • Over 40 years' experience — For more than 40 years, Benetech has been the leader in product development and project management for total dust control. We know how to handle the dirtiest jobs!
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Silica Dust FAQs

How is silica dust dangerous, and why is it important to remove it?
Inhalation of Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) dust is an occupational hazard faced by workers at nearly all operations of coal mines and metal/nonmetal (MNM) mines. RCS is an known carcinogen that puts employees at risk for developing severe diseases including: silicosis, emphysema, bronchitis, lung cancer, and kidney disease. Each of these illnesses is chronic, irreversible, and potentially disabling or fatal. Therefore, a focus on prevention is highly critical.
What happens if we don't fix our problems by MSHA's deadline?
If compliance is not met, MSHA could issue citations or enforce partial or complete shutdowns of certain operations or entire facilities if they discover violations. Therefore, it is imperative to perform clean-up operations and install proper engineering controls as soon as possible.
What do you recommend to control silica dust at transfer points?
The best solution is Benetech's MaxZone Safe+® system which reduced up to 93% in silica dust emissions testing. Developed under a Research Collaboration Agreement with NIOSH, MaxZone Safe+® consists of three proprietary Benetech technologies that operate synergistically. As bulk material travels through the system, fugitive dust is contained, filtered, and chemically agglomerated before it exits the containment area. Once the MaxZone Safe+® is installed and running, the air-filtering system runs continuously and automatically, eliminating up to 93% of fugitive silica dust emissions.
How can we control airborne dust from stackouts?
Benetech's MiniPak is a self-contained, portable unit that applies environmentally-friendly, non-toxic chemical agents wherever silica dust suppression is needed. The MiniPak is highly effective at locations such as stackouts, conveyor belts, and transporting operations that generate a significant amount of dust.
I'm not quite sure what we need to do. Can you help us get an assessment of our facility first?
Absolutely! Ask about Benetech's Plant Professionals® services. Our P2 team helps address your site's compliance efforts by conducting technical assessments of troublesome areas. At the end, we provide a final confidential report that recommends the most effective engineering control solutions for your particular problems. Contact us in the form above and we'll have one of our team members contact you immediately.

Your dust won't go away on its own – get in touch with us today!

Resources

MaxZone Safe+ Published Article: Reducing Dust and Respirable Crystalline Silica Near Conveyors Using a Hybrid Dust Control System

Federal Register - MSHA's Ruling: "Lowering Miners' Exposure to Respirable Crystalline Silica and Improving Respiratory Protection"

MSHA FAQs: Respirable Crystalline Silica (30 CFR Part 60) – Frequently Asked Questions