WHEN YOU CAN’T SEE THE RISK

Respirable dust presents a particular risk because the particles are too small to see with the naked eye. An area that looks relatively clear can still contain particles capable of travelling deep into the lungs.

Why it matters

Exposure to harmful levels of respirable dust over time can cause mine dust lung diseases including coal workers’ pneumoconiosis, silicosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

These diseases are progressive and can get worse over time. They normally take at least 10 years of prolonged exposure to develop and produce symptoms, although early signs can appear sooner.

That delay is one reason prevention and monitoring are so important. Limiting exposure can stop the progression of disease in its early stages.

Control it at the source

The hierarchy of controls prioritises eliminating hazards and isolating or separating workers from them rather than relying on personal protective equipment.

Water sprays, scrubber systems, ventilation and other controls only protect workers when they are operating effectively. Water should be applied at the point of dust production because it will not control dust once it is airborne.

Check the controls

All dust controls need to be monitored and maintained to ensure they remain effective. Damaged, blocked or ineffective controls should be reported.

Keep the cab sealed

Aboveground workers can be exposed when door seals aren’t maintained, cabin windows are open or cabin ventilation fails to filter respirable dust.

When relying on a sealed cabin for protection, keep windows and doors closed and report damaged seals, filters or ventilation systems.

Don’t create more dust when cleaning

Using compressed air to clean can put settled dust back into the air. Where possible, use alternative cleaning methods such as vacuuming rather than compressed air.

Take monitoring seriously

Personal dust monitoring samples respirable dust within a worker’s breathing zone during a shift, providing information that can’t be reliably determined simply by looking at conditions.

If selected for monitoring, wear the equipment correctly and complete the monitoring log sheet with all relevant information. Workers who participate should also receive a copy of their individual results.

Know what happens when levels rise

A mine must take action if a personal exposure monitoring result exceeds the adjusted exposure limit. The site senior executive must report the result to RSHQ and investigate the exceedance.

Workers should understand their site’s dust controls, including triggered action response plans (TARPs) and restricted zones.

RPE is the last line of defence

Personal protective equipment is the last line of defence against respirable dust. Wear respiratory protective equipment correctly when required but remember it doesn’t replace higher-level controls such as elimination or isolation.