Description:
The Coal Dust Samples data set contains records of respirable dust samples collected from coal mines. These samples include two main types:
- Gravimetric samples, which use filter cassettes to collect dust particles. Each gravimetric sample is identified by a unique cassette number supplied by the manufacturer. The data set documents the initial and final weights of the cassette to calculate the dust concentration to which miners were exposed.
-
Continuous Personal Dust Monitor (CPDM) samples, which are real-time dust exposure measurements taken by devices worn by miners. CPDM samples are identified by a unique CPDM file name rather than a cassette number.
Links:
Date Range:
Coal Dust Samples Data Set: January 1, 2000, to present
Continuous Personal Dust Monitor (CPDM) samples: February 1, 2016, to present
What’s in the Data Set:
Each sample entry includes important details such as:
- The date the sample was taken
- SAMPLE_TAKEN_DT
- Whether the sample was collected by an inspector or an operator
- INSP_OPER_IND
- The type and usage of the sample (e.g., intake air, designated work area)
- SAMPLE_TYPE_CD
- The exact time duration of sampling (in minutes), with MSHA standards ensuring samples are taken over an appropriate length of time
- Whether the sample was voided due to any issues, along with void reason codes
- The specific area or entity within the mine where the sample was collected, identified by district numbers and descriptive codes
- Mine information, including the mine’s unique ID number, type (surface, underground, or facility), mining method used, and the office inspecting the sample
- MINE_ID
- MINE_TYPE
- MINING_METHOD
- INSPECTING_OFFICE
- Occupation codes that describe the job of the person who took the sample
- The COAL_TONS field represents the amount of coal produced when applicable (especially for samples taken from specific mining units)
Notes:
- The data set can be linked to other data sets using this key field:
- Mine ID – to connect it with the Mines data
Tools & Resources
Contact
For questions, please contact the MSHA Data Group.