{"id":81438,"date":"2023-05-22T04:12:23","date_gmt":"2023-05-22T04:12:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/globalroadtechnology.com\/\/?p=81438"},"modified":"2023-06-23T06:05:02","modified_gmt":"2023-06-23T06:05:02","slug":"discovering-and-monitoring-the-dust-hazards-in-mining","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/globalroadtechnology.com\/discovering-and-monitoring-the-dust-hazards-in-mining\/","title":{"rendered":"Discovering and Monitoring the Dust Hazards in Mining"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dust is an ever-present threat in mining operations around the globe.<\/span><\/p>\n

Each state and territory in Australia has its own set of rules and regulations dedicated to managing the risks. <\/span>And while the human body generally does a great job of stopping large particles from entering the airstream (thanks to our nose), smaller and more harmful particles can still get through.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

One of the most typical particles encountered is quartz or crystalline silica, often found on mine sites, construction jobs and in some manufacturing workplaces. <\/span>This particular mineral is inherent in various ore bodies, sands, concrete, bricks and engineered stone and represents a severe dust hazard.<\/span><\/h3>\n

Long-term exposure to respirable crystalline silica can cause silicosis, a harsh and sometimes fatal respiratory condition.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Multiple varieties of asbestiform minerals are also present in mining operations.<\/b><\/p>\n

These can be encountered during the exploration for and processing of iron ore, base metals and gold. <\/span>Asbestos is another well-documented dust hazard in mining.\u00a0<\/span>While regular mining work tasks like welding, abrasive blasting and grinding can also generate toxic dust and fumes.\u00a0 <\/span>Wet ore, concentrates and polymers can reduce dust exposure. <\/span>But dust inhalation can also happen due to dried spilled material produced from tailings storage, product stockpiles and during product transfer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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What are the Workplace Exposure Standards Relating to Dust?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

While it can differ from state to state, overarching codes of practice in Australia guide workplace dust control. <\/span>The government organisation Safe Work Australia provides a comprehensive overview of Workplace Exposure Standards (WES)<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Here are some of the key takeaways:<\/b><\/h3>\n
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  1. WES standards are based on the \u2018critical effect\u2019 of an airborne contaminant. I.e. the lowest airborne concentration that a person can usually be exposed to before they have an adverse effect.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. The critical effect can be considered a short-term health effect, like nausea or dizziness, to a long-term negative health outcome, like organ damage or cancer.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

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    Here are the three unique WES values:\u00a0<\/b><\/h3>\n