MSHA HANDBOOK SERIES - PH13-V-1 - Mine Safety and Health ...

GENERAL COAL MINE INSPECTION PROCEDURES AND
INSPECTION TRACKING SYSTEM HANDBOOK CHAPTER 5
red “S” on the front of the MSHA Form 2000-43, IPAL printout in the upper left
corner and on the outside shipment holder/mailer. Such samples are given
preference over other samples and the analytical results will be promptly reported to
the appropriate office.
Procedures for Processing Air Samples taken to substantiate violations:
a. Describe in the citation or order the location where the air samples were taken to
substantiate the violation.
b. Make a notation on the Mine Atmosphere Sample Record, in the “Remarks”
section, stating the number of the citation or order, the initials of the inspector,
and the date and time of issuance.
Determine the number of samples necessary to calculate total methane liberation
(TL) for a mine - All total methane liberation bottle samples should be collected and
submitted for analysis the first month, or at the beginning of a newly opened event of
the inspection quarter at mines that are on mandated 103(i) spot inspections. If
possible, all air samples collected to satisfy the mine TL calculations should be
collected on the E01 event; this helps the laboratory with the data retrieval and
tracking process. If duplicate samples are collected at any location for any reason
during a Regular Safety and Health Inspection, both samples shall be sent to the lab
immediately but only one sample should be marked for use in the calculation of total
methane liberation for the mine if taken in a TL sample (do not hold duplicate
samples). To the extent possible, TL samples should be collected during normal
production times so an accurate TL calculation can be conducted. If major air
changes are planned in the early part of the inspection that may seriously affect the
TL calculation the inspector may wait until those changes are made as long as the TL
samples can be collected in a timely fashion.
Where possible, mail the maximum number of samples that a holder/mailer will
accommodate at one time. Send all air samples to the Gas Laboratory Dust Analysis
Section within 3 working days (postmarked) of collection. Samples collected from
more than one mine may be mailed in the same holder/mailer. A copy of the
completed MSHA Form 2000-43 shall be included in the shipment holder/mailer, a
copy submitted to the Mine Safety and Health Assistant, and a copy retained by the
inspector until the analysis report is received. Mail all air samples (in accordance
with postal regulations) to MSHA’s Gas Laboratory Dust Analysis Section at 100
Bluestone Road, Mount Hope, WV 25880-1000. The results of all air samples sent to
the MSHA laboratory for analysis will be emailed to the appropriate field and district
office supervisor and assistant. The results should be included with the inspection
Release 1 (February 2013) 5-2