Mining Publication: A Review of Occupational Silica Exposures on Continuous Mining Operations
Original creation date: January 2000
Data on dust control practices, geology, and occupational exposures were gathered for approximately eighty underground continuous mining units. Despite silica contents in excess of 5 percent, nearly forty units successfully maintained silica concentrations at or below 100 micro g/m3 on a majority of occupational dust samples while the remainder had difficulty maintaining this level. These two sample sets were termed group A operations and group B operations, respectively. Analyses of productivities, geologies, and dust control parameters revealed only minor differences between these two groups. Subsequent analyses of face ventilation design showed considerable differences in silica exposure and silica content between group A and group B at the continuous mining machine and roof bolter operator occupations. These differences were minimal when using exhaust curtain ventilation with a dust scrubber. This face ventilation system may benefit operations having difficulty controlling silica dust exposure and silica dust content. Finally, the collected data showed that occupational samples from group b operations possessed generally higher silica exposures and silica content than similar samples from group A. The single head roof bolter (helper) possessed among the highest silica exposures and silica contents in both groups.
Authors: GV Goodman, JM Listak, JA Organiscak
Conference Paper - January 2000
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20025191
Proc 31st Annual Inst Min Health Saf Research, Blacksburg, VA, Bockosh GR, Karmis M, Langton J, McCarter MK, Rowe B, eds., Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Dept of Mining and Minerals Engineering, 2000 Jan; :105-113
See Also
- Best Practices for Dust Control in Metal/Nonmetal Mining
- Characteristics of Fugitive Dust Generated from Unpaved Mine Haulage Roads
- Engineering Considerations and Selection Criteria for Proximity Warning Systems for Mining Operations
- Evaluating Portable Infrared Spectrometers for Measuring the Silica Content of Coal Dust
- Guidelines for the Control and Monitoring of Methane Gas on Continuous Mining Operations
- Improving Silica Dust Control Through Targeted Research
- NIOSH Hazard ID 1 - Exposure to Silica Dust on Continuous Mining Operations Using Flooded-Bed Scrubbers
- A Portable Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy Instrument for Rapid Sampling and Analysis of Silicon-Containing Aerosols
- Reservoir Engineering Considerations for Coal Seam Degasification and Methane Control in Underground Mines
- Technology News 439 - Remote Reset Systems for Continuous Mining Machines Used In Extended Cuts
- Page last reviewed: 9/21/2012
- Page last updated: 9/21/2012
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program