The CPDM must also be used to sample air for all Part 90 miners, and may be used for sampling at surface mines if approved by the district manager, the Mine Safety and Health Administration said.

The new requirements are contained in the final rule issued by MSHA to protect miners from black lung disease.

All who sample, maintain or calibrate CPDMs must complete an MSHA Course of Instruction, pass an examination, and be certified by MSHA.

MSHA is scheduling courses of instruction and certification exams at locations across the US. Each class and exam, held separately for sampling and for maintenance & calibration, will last about eight hours.

“MSHA encourages all candidates for certification to review the materials in order to prepare for the certification process and to be better educated about the responsibilities and duties of those who hold these MSHA certifications,” it said.