If you’ve been tracking the Mine Safety and Health Administration’s (MSHA) new Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) standard, you may have noticed a recent shift in compliance timelines, at least for coal mines.
Originally, coal mine operators were required to comply with the new silica standard by April 9, 2025. However, just days before that deadline, MSHA paused enforcement of the compliance date following litigation filed by two separate organizations. The groups challenged the standard on multiple grounds, prompting a delay while the legal process unfolds.
What’s New:
- Coal Mines:
- New compliance date: August 18, 2025
- Why the delay? Two groups filed lawsuits against the standard. The cases are set to be heard in June 2025, with a decision potentially expected by fall though timing will ultimately depend on the courts or whether MSHA chooses to revise the rule.
- Metal and Nonmetal (MNM) Mines:
- No change: Compliance date remains April 8, 2026
This delay only applies to coal mine operators. If you’re operating a metal, nonmetal, or aggregate mine, your timeline hasn’t changed—and the new RCS rule still requires focused preparation.
A Refresher on the MSHA Silica Standard
The updated MSHA rule, which went into effect on June 17, 2024, brings more stringent requirements to protect workers from respirable crystalline silica exposure. Key changes include:
- Lower PEL: 50 µg/m³ for an 8-hour TWA
- New action level: 25 µg/m³ for an 8-hour TWA
- Mandatory silica surveys as outlined in 30 CFR 56.5002
These new thresholds require accurate and reliable sampling to stay in compliance—and that’s where SGS can help.
Simplify Compliance with the SGS MSHA Kit
Our all-in-one MSHA Compliance Kit includes everything you need for reliable silica sampling:
- Personal sampling pumps
- High-quality media
- Cyclones or easy-to-use PPIs
- Calibration units
With 5-day turnaround, secure online access, and expert support from CIHs, we make compliance straightforward—so you can stay focused on safety.
Be Ready No Matter the Date
Even with coal mine compliance now delayed, preparing your site remains crucial. Delays don’t eliminate the need for worker protection or exposure monitoring. And for MNM operators, your April 2026 deadline is still approaching.
For help navigating the updated MSHA silica standard, or to get started with our compliance kit, contact SGS at 888-432-5227 or reach out via our IHLive Chat, available weekdays from 8 AM to 8 PM EST.