HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES DOES THE MINING


INDUSTRY HAVE THE MOST WORKPLACE HAZARDS?


From hazardous materials and unstable structures, to dangerous chemical gases and dust, when it comes to environmental hazards, those working in mining,


construction or industrial operations are regularly exposed to potentially fatal hazards explains Group CEO at Trolex, Glyn Jones.


While modern safety solutions have improved mining safety, any misstep, equipment failure, or change in atmosphere could be disastrous. Below you will find some of the most dangerous materials and chemicals present in hazardous operations across mining, industrial operations and construction – as well as what can be done to combat these elements.


SILICA DUST The natural substance found in most rocks, sand and clay, as well as common construction materials, is the biggest risk to construction workers after asbestos. Generated through mining, processing, transportation operations and “fracking”, it is fine enough to get into your lungs and too hard to see with normal lighting. In its crystalline form, known as Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS), prolonged exposure can cause lung cancer and other respiratory-related diseases.


In the US alone, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) estimates that more than 2.3million workers are potentially exposed to dust containing RCS, with 90% of those workers employed in the construction industry.


CARBON MONOXIDE Referred to as ‘white damp’ or the ‘silent killer’, carbon monoxide is a colourless, tasteless gas produced by appliances, where there is not sufficient air for them to work correctly, or by the combustion of coal. Carbon monoxide is present wherever fuel is burned and can be produced by home appliances, but is most prevalent in mining operations


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that are poorly ventilated or have confined spaces. In the UK, carbon monoxide poisoning accounts for 50 recorded deaths per year and as many as 4,000 medical visits, according to the Department of Health.


“BREATHING IN FINE DUST PARTICLES


CAN LEAD TO


VARIOUS HEALTH HAZARDS.”


DUST Large amounts of dust can be generated during drilling operations and explosive operations in dry conditions. Mining operations are generally the largest generator of dust, due to drilling and crushing – and as a consequence, managing the volume of dust in mining operations can be difficult. Breathing in fine dust particles can lead to various health hazards. In some instances, the effects of long-term exposure to dust may not be noticeable for years or decades, but it can cause considerable damage to the body.


METHANE AND OXYGEN


DEFICIENCY Methane, or ‘firedamp’ (a collective term given to a number of flammable gases) is produced through the extraction of fossil fuels from the


earth, whether natural gas, coal or petroleum. Methane has an unpleasant ‘rotten egg’ smell – and is flammable over a range of concentrations (5.4 – 17%) in air at standard pressure. It has caused a number of disastrous mining and oil rig explosions and as it explodes, it produces deadly carbon gases, rapidly consuming oxygen in the process.


HOW CAN THESE PROBLEMS


BE AVOIDED? With the right technology, all these risks can be mitigated and readily identified before operations begin.


Dust detection and filtration technology helps protect from hazardous and fine dust emitted into the atmosphere – and ensure that Permitted Exposure Levels (PELs) are not exceeded.


Mine ventilation monitoring systems protect assets, machinery and personnel, using intelligent and energy efficient systems to track, monitor and remove hazardous particles in the operational environment. Ventilation on demand (VOD) solutions, utilise airflow sensor information to optimise the usage of ventilation fans, improving energy efficiency, airflows and overall air quality.


By utilising the above solutions, safety across operations, whether in mining, construction or industrial, can be increased significantly – and operators have the tools and protection they need to conduct their activities in the most hazardous environments with confidence.


www.trolex.com www.tomorrowshs.com


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