Independent Review of MSHA's Actions at Crandall Canyon Mine

unless otherwise stipulated for more frequent sampling. The Health handbook further states,
“MSHA samples will be valid if production is at least 80% of the average of the previous 30
production shifts. At least one MSHA sampling inspection during the fiscal year must be
conducted at a production level equal to or greater than 100% of the average production over
the previous 30 production shifts. MSHA samples will be voided with the production (PRO)
void code on the dust data card by the inspector if the production is less than the 80/100%
level prior to the samples being submitted to the Pittsburgh laboratory.”
Three of the six regular E01 inspections conducted at the Crandall Canyon Mine from January
1, 2006, through July 2, 2007, did not have valid respirable dust samples collected.
During the E01 inspection, Event # 4476283, completed during the first calendar year quarter
of 2006, a respirable dust survey was conducted on March 22 nd . The Respirable Dust Sampling
and Monitoring Data form, MSHA Form 2000-86, required to be turned in with each survey
documented that the 30-shift average production was 740 tons. The Mine produced 299 tons
during that day’s survey, which was only 40.4% of the average production. The survey was
not voided as required, and the supervisor did not require a new survey.
During the E01 inspection, Event # 4476247, completed during the third calendar year quarter
of 2006, a respirable dust survey was not collected. When questioned, the inspector who
conducted the majority of the inspection stated the only time he had ever conducted a
respirable dust survey was when he assisted another inspector as a trainee. He stated he was
helping to complete this inspection and, as it progressed, he would be directed on what
inspection activities to conduct. Again, this oversight was not detected by the supervisor.
The respirable dust survey conducted during the second calendar year quarter of 2007, on E01
Event # 4474428, was also an invalid survey. On June 29 th , when the survey was conducted,
the mine produced 374 tons. The 30-shift average was documented to be 556 tons on the 2000-
86 forms for this survey. The production was only 67.3% of the average instead of the required
80%. Again, this oversight was not detected by the supervisor.
Conclusion: District 9 failed to conduct all respirable dust surveys as required at the Crandall
Canyon Mine.
Supervisory oversight was inadequate and did not detect the invalid or missing surveys.
Recommendation: The District 9 Manager should ensure that valid respirable dust surveys
are conducted in accordance with the Health Inspection Procedures Handbook.
The District 9 Manager should ensure adequate supervisory review of inspection activities.
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