CMSP Occupational Health & Industrial Hygiene Flashcards

Whole-body vibration (WBV) in mining is primarily associated with which type of equipment operation?

Answer: Haulage vehicles, scoops, and load-haul-dump (LHD) units

Operators of mobile haulage and LHD equipment experience significant WBV transmitted through the seat, which over time can cause musculoskeletal disorders.

Under MSHA's mandatory medical surveillance requirements for dust-exposed miners, chest X-ray examinations must be offered:

Answer: Initially and at periodic intervals based on years of dust exposure

MSHA requires chest X-rays at specified intervals tied to the miner's duration of exposure to coal dust to enable early detection of pneumoconiosis.

What is the IDLH (Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health) concentration for hydrogen sulfide (H₂S)?

Answer: 100 ppm

NIOSH establishes the IDLH for H₂S at 100 ppm, the concentration above which escape without respiratory protection becomes impaired or life-threatening.

Which of the following is a key component of an effective hearing conservation program (HCP) in mining?

Answer: Annual audiometric testing for noise-exposed miners

Annual audiometric testing is a core HCP element required by MSHA to detect early signs of NIHL and trigger further protective measures.

In industrial hygiene risk assessment, the 'anticipation' step involves:

Answer: Identifying potential hazards before operations begin or change

Anticipation is the proactive step of recognizing potential hazards in advance of work activities, enabling preventive controls to be designed in from the start.

Which document does MSHA require mine operators to maintain to demonstrate compliance with the Part 90 dust standard for coal miners?

Answer: Dust control plan and sampling records

Mine operators must maintain a current approved dust control plan and associated sampling records to demonstrate Part 90 compliance for miners who elect this protection.