Proactive prevention is key to mitigating silica dust exposure and ensuring miners’ safety.
When rocks with crystalline silica are cut, drilled or disturbed, silica dust forms. And if this airborne dust is inhaled, it can potentially lead to serious health complications.
The respirable dust particles are so small that they are invisible under normal lighting conditions. This extremely small size also means they can easily be breathed deep into the lungs. Silicosis, an irreversible lung disease, occurs when silica particles cause lung inflammation and scarring, reducing lung capacity.
Prolonged exposure also increases the risk of respiratory diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and lung cancer. It is therefore vital that mining companies prioritise dust control through the implementation of engineering solutions, administrative controls, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
The importance of hierarchy of controls
The hierarchy of control framework is crucial for minimising hazardous substance exposure, including silica dust.
Elimination
The most effective control measure is to eliminate hazardous processes or materials. While it may not always be feasible to entirely remove silica dust from mining, eliminating processes that generate dust can significantly reduce the associated risks.
Substitution
Where complete elimination is not possible, substituting hazardous materials or processes with less hazardous alternatives can help reduce risks.
Engineering controls
These controls involve physical modifications to the workplace designed to isolate workers from exposure. Examples include the installation of water sprays and ventilation systems to suppress and remove airborne silica dust.
Administrative controls
Implementing policies and procedures to limit workers’ exposure time to silica dust is crucial. This includes practices such as rotating shifts, scheduling adequate breaks, and designing work processes to minimise dust generation.
Personal protective equipment
PPE serves as a “last line of defence” against silica dust exposure. When other control measures cannot fully eliminate the risk, high-quality respirators are crucial for safeguarding workers. Choosing PPE that addresses hazards and suits the work environment’s needs is essential.
Advanced respiratory protection
CleanSpace, an Australian company established in 2009, aims to lead innovation in preparatory protection for mining. It offers intelligent, user-friendly powered air-purifying respirators that are effective and easy to use.
CleanSpace CST ULTRA is one of the company’s leading respirator models, incorporating features such as Bluetooth connectivity and real-time compliance reporting.
This respirator is designed to be lightweight, compact – with no hoses or battery pack – and comfortable, making it more ideally suited for workers who need to carry out physically demanding tasks.
According to CleanSpace, the CST ULTRA’s battery can last up to 14 hours (at moderate work rates at sea level), depending on factors like filter type, filter loading, mask seal, work rate and altitude.
Thanks to its fast-charging capabilities, the CST ULTRA helps to ensure workers are continuously protected throughout their shifts.
The device also provides real-time data on protection levels, battery status and filter usage, helping site managers ensure comprehensive reporting for compliance management.
Another respirator in the company’s arsenal is CleanSpace EX, designed for potentially explosive environments and certified for use in underground mining in Australia. Weighing in at less than 500g and with a battery that lasts for up to eight hours depending on work conditions, the respirator is particularly suited for underground coal mines where methane presents a significant explosion risk.
CleanSpace is dedicated to creating high-quality respiratory protection solutions.
Recognising the crucial need to protect the health of miners, CleanSpace equipment is designed to be highly effective and comfortable.
CleanSpace’s mission is to assist mining operations in upholding stringent safety standards and shielding their workers from the hazards of silica dust exposure.
This feature also appears in the September-October issue of Safe to Work.