Health and Safety Challenges in the Mining Industry

wellness and Safety Ch exclusivelyenges in the Mining Industry1. Outline near of the key health and pencil eraser challenges that is faced by a dig company you argon familiar with.The industry has experienced both high consequent low frequency hithertots (disasters such as Moura and Gretley) as well as low frequency high events (such as slips, strains and falls) contribute to the industrys high lost era harm rate (LTIR). It has too had its sh ar of occupational diseases. Historically, pneumonocosis (lung disease ca utilize by inhalation of mineral dust), asbestosis and mesothelioma have been key areas of concern. nose, vibration and fatigue are issues of pregnant health concerns. The management and control of major stakes associated with structural collapses, fires and explosions are key safety issues of the day.MouraDuring the past forty years there have been three mining disasters in the Moura district at a cost of 36 lives.The first occurred at Kianga Mine on 20 Septemb er 1975. Thirteen miners died from an explosion which was erect to have been initiated by spontaneous combustion. The mine was sloshed and the bodies of the men were never recovered.The aid occurred on 16 July 1986 at Moura No 4 Mine when cardinal miners died from an explosion thought to have been initiated by one of two possible sources, namely frictional ignition or a flame safety lamp. The bodies of the miners, in this case, were recovered.The third of the disasters occurred on 7 August 1994 at Moura No 2 Mine. On this occasion eleven miners died as a result of an explosion. The mine was sealed and, at this time, the bodies have non been recovered.2. What is the framework of the mine safety legislation in your state/country?Since Australia is a federation of states, individually state sets come on its own laws, which include its own regulatory standards for occupational health and safety. At beginning, each state was get around and applyd the old health codes (i.e., legi slation) and standards from the British strategy. This carcass relied heavily upon very detail (i.e., pieces based) system which was easy to enforce and simple to on a lower floorstand. However problems ensured as time and technology progressed which led to the health and safety re chance variable that began in 1972.The Current Framework for Mine Safety in Australia in 3 counsellingsRegulations under a general OHS Act (VIC/SA/TAS/NT)In separate Mine Safety Acts and Regulations (WA/QLD)In separate mine Safety Act and Regulations Subordinate to a general OHS Act (NSW)Since Victoria is my state, the following wakelessisation impart be used under 3 principal(prenominal) categories given as below.Dangerous Goods Act milieu cling toion conductOccupational health and Safety Regulationsa) As per Occupational Health and Safety RegulationsOccupational Health and Safety Act 2004. Act No. 107/2004 Enabling act. Sets out the key principles, duties and rights in relation to occupatio nal health and safety (OHS).Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007,Statutory Rule No. 54/2007 Specifies the way in which a duty compel by the OHS Act must be per dramatis personaeed, or prescribe procedural or administrative matters to support the OHS Act (eg requiring licences for specific activities, the keeping of records or openhanded notice).WorkSafe Positions Are guidelines made under section 12 of the OHS Act that state how WorkSafe will apply the OHS Act or Regulations or exercise discretion under a provision of the OHS Act or Regulations. WorkSafe Positions are intended to provide authorizedty to duty holders and other affected partiesb) As per Environment Protection ACT displacement No. 171, Environment Protection Act 1970, No. 8056 of 1970, Version incorporating amendments as at 1 January 2010.This sets out the key principles, duties and rights in relation to Environment Protection Act.c) As per Dangerous Goods ActThis sets out the key principles, duties and rights in relation to Dangerous Goods Act. But here personly they all made for individual categories as mentioned.Version No. 081Dangerous Goods Act 1985No. 10189 of 1985Version incorporating amendments as at 1 January 2010Version No. 003Dangerous Goods (HCDG) Regulations 2005S.R. No. 96/2005Version as at 14 March 2008Version No. 005Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2000S.R. No. 127/2000Version incorporating amendments as at 1 January 2009Version No. 001Dangerous Goods (Transport by Road or Rail) Regulations 2008S.R. No. 166/2008Version as at 1 January 2009Version No. 013Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2000S.R. No. 61/2000Version incorporating amendments as at 1 January 20093. Robens suggested two key issues were important in achieving high standards of safety.What are these two key issue?Where in the Act (or regulation) are these two issues addressed in themine safety legislation of your state/country?In 1972, the British Robens report sought to modify th e previous codes of fare using two base principals.The first principle recognised the need to unify all the difference OHS laws under one system. It was proposed that this would be accomplished by creating general duties into one ruling (Robens Report, para 41).The second principle observed that a self regulation model be implemented where workers and administrators come together in order increase the standards of health and safety (Robens Report, para 41).The Federal Government in 1985 passed legislation to form the then National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) though, be establish Australia is a federation, each state/territory has to ratify federal legislation in order to for the commission (NOHSC) to be apart of the earth and therefore have any legal grounds. Each state reformed OHS laws, based on the Robens model and beyond.In fact, the OHS operates in a three way system. The first is the general duties which cover all employees regardless of job status (ie , contracted or not) and require the employee as practically possible to ensure a safe works environment. The second are the provisions in regulations are mandatory laws that are specific to each state. Finally, codes of practice are used as guidance which set the standards for the general duty of care. These help in setting standards the duty holder is required to identify the hazards and assess and control run a put on the lines and therefore helps Robens second principle however there remains some critical gaps.4. What is the main goal of industrial hygiene?List the four key bear ones that play a role in achieving this goal.Main goal of Industrial hygiene is risk reduction and/or risk elimination wherever possible.AnticipationRecognition valuationControl of workplace environmental hazards set apart the following destinationsHazardRiskHazard managementRisk AssessmentProbability relative frequency scratchinessDoseTLV-TWATLV-STELHazard A hazard is any thing that whitethorn caus e harm or injury to a person or property. besides this is the potential of any agent or unions to cause harm, usually ill-health or disease.b) Risk The risk tells how likely an accident (An accident is any unexpected or unintended event that may cause harm or injury to a person or property) will cause harm or injury to a person or property. Risk is a function of the type of hazard times the amount of exposure (Risk = Hazard x Exposure)Hazards management The process of enacting general duties of care in order to eliminate, substitute, or reduce the likelihood of an accident (i.e. risk) through applied science or administrative solutions, or through applying personalized protection equipment (PPE).Risk Assessment Risk Assessment is the process by which a specific risk is quantified or qualified in order to s groundwork how to manage a specific hazard. It is based upon the effect that a specific hazard may have, the magnitude of the hazard (I,e, how severe it may be), and the dura tion that the hazard may impact a person or property. The risk assessment helps ascertain how a hazard may be managed and how a risk may be controlled.Probability the likelihood for an event to occur. One of the component parts that serves as the dependant variable for risk (I.e. Risk=Probability * Severity) orIt is a way of expressing fellowship or belief that an event will occur or has occurred. In mathematics the concept has been given an exact meaning in probability theory, that is used extensively in such areas of study as mathematics, statistics, finance, gambling, science, and philosophy to draw conclusions about the likelihood of potential events and the underlying mechanics of complex systems.f) Frequency Frequency is the rate at which a person may come into contact with a hazard over a defined length of time. Or The number of times that a periodic function repeats the same sequence of value during a unit variation of the independent variableSeverity Severity is the magni tude, or intensity, with which a hazardous substance is exposed to a person. It is the dimension for classifying seriousness for Technical support issues.Dose Is the amount of the hazard which we are exposed. It is defined by the concentration of the hazardous substance times the length of time a person is exposed.Dose is the concept of dose is paramount for occupational hygiene and risk management. Dose refers to the amount of a substance to which we are exposed, and is a combination of the concentration of exposure and duration of exposure.Dose= concentration*duration of exposurei) TLV-TWATLV values generally refer to a national exposure standard for a hazard (i.e. chemical, dust, or radiation). It is a means of quantifying the utmost concentrations of a particular substance in an area over a specified length of time, and then applying it as a standard for health and safety inspectors and duty carriers to use as a way of assessing risk.TWA is an acronym for time weighted average . In this case, the duration of contaminant exposure is expressed over an eight instant working day and a five day working week. In this way, this exposure standard incorporates the maximum and minimum exposure rates a person experiences during a regular working day. The emphasis of an exposure free time is implicitly involved (as would be the case for noise) so that certain body thresholds are not passed.j) TLV-STELSTEL is an acronym for short term exposure limit. For some substances, a short term exposure standard is needed since acute and chronic health affects may result. Instead of an eight hour day, this exposure standard is measure over no more than fifteen minutes.6. Whatare the main melodyborne contaminants/pollutants that bum cause health-related problems at mine sites?The Dust and particulates (arsenic, lead, atomic number 80 and etc)The Toxic gases (carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and etc)The Carcinogens (asbestos, aromatic hydrocarbons, and etc)The Flammable gases (methane and carbon dioxide and etc)The Radiation poison (radon, uranium, thorium and etc)The Mixture of viruses and bacteria.7. For a particular legal jurisdiction (state/country) what are the legal requirements for the concentration of the following in the general body of dissemination air lam (maximum or minimum)?According to the HSISa) OxygenPure oxygen no restrictionsOxygen diflouride TWA=.05 ppmb) Methane (as a gas)Pure methane TWA=0, STEL=0Bromomethane 5ppm STEL=0c) Carbon dioxideIn coal mines TWA= 12,500 ppm STEL= 30000 ppmRegular TWA= 5000 ppm STEL= 30,000 ppmd) Carbon monoxide TWA= 30 ppm STEL=0e) Hydrogen sulphide TWA= 10 ppm STEL= 15ppmf) Respirable dust (no silica) scorch Dust TWA = 3 mg/ m3 STEL=0Soapstone TWA = 3 mg/ m3 STEL=0Vanadium TWA = 0.05 mg/ m3 STEL=0Graphite TWA = 3 mg/ m3 STEL=0g) Respirable dust (with silica) TWA= 2 mg/m3h) Oxides of NitrogenNitrogen Triflouride TWA= 10 ppm STEL=0Nitrous Oxide TWA= 25 ppm STEL=0Nitric Oxide TWA=25 ppm STEL=0Nitrogen dioxid e TWA= 3ppm STEL=0Nitrogen tetroxide TWA= 0 STEL=08. Define Dust, list and briefly describe the general preventative measures, which can be used to control or prevent exposure to high dust exposures.Dust caused by the mechanical disintegration of material can be defined as a collection of firm soupcons whichAre dispersed in a gaseous medium (usually air)Are able to remain suspended in the air for a relatively abundant timeHave a high surface area to volume ratio.So briefly, over the entire range of airborne materials, dust generally has the largest particle size although it can exhibit a wide particulate range. In general, dust can be defined an amalgamation of various particulates (solid matter) that can separate and remain in suspension in air.Dust is generally caused by mechanical weathering through, in the case of mines, the use of very large machines (drills and crushers) and blasts. Dust can either pose an immediate hazard (I,e, eye irritation) or long term health effect uate (radioactive particles that stick to respirable dust which are subsequently inhaled). Whether the effects are long term or short term, there are a number of ways that duty careers can control or even eliminate dust.1) Preventative measures (Elimination)This is the best way among all.This includes watering to reduce dust formation when cutting and drilling ensuring that cutting equipment is sharp, and using oils to transport mine cuts to an cover area.Under these conditions, the means of control is through elimination.A final piece of equipment is a blind hole borer which traps the dust generated through an enclosure.2) Ventilation (Engineering)This is an engineering means of control dust through a proper ventilation system.Here the air must be able to be strong abounding to pick up the heavy dust particles to reduce the amount of dust concentrating in the air or on the ground.Dust extraction and filtration systems that pump in the dusty air, filter out the particles and then expel cleaner air.3) Removal of employees (Administrative)This is an administrative approach where the employees are basically removed from the hazard thereby eliminating exposure.This is oftentimes not very practical, especially in medium/small operations, or in rural operations where all employees are needed, or working gyration is not an option.4) Use of gasmask (PPE)This is the least way control however we have no other option.Here a worker uses a respirator in order to filter out the dust, thereby minimising risk by reducing exposure.However, many respirators can be too heavy or unenviable to deal with, especially hugger-mugger.9. reason how methane is generated in mines. What are the key risks associated with methane, and how can the risks be managed?Methane generation in minesThis is produced by bacterial and chemical action on organic material and is evolved during both the formation of coal and petroleum. One of the most common strata gases. It is not toxic but is dan gerous as it can form an explosive mixture with air. A methane/air mixture ordinarily called firedamp.Methane is commonly associated with coal mines but it is also commonly found in other mines which are over or underlain by carbonaceous formations. Methane is retained within fractures, voids and pores within rock either as a compressed gas or adsorbed on mineral surfaces. When mining disturbs the rock the gas gouge gradient set up between the reservoir of methane and the ventilation system induces flow of methane along essential or mining induced fractures towards the opening.Key RiskMethane has no odour, but it is often accompanied by traces of heavier hydrocarbons in the paraffin series, which have a indication oily smell. The density of methane is a little over half that of air. This gives rise to the danger of methane layering in pools along the roof of underground openings. The buoyancy of methane can also cause problems in inclined workings.Methane burns in air with a pal e blue flame. The explosible range for methane in air is generally quoted as 5-15% with maximum explosibility at 9.8%. The lower limit remains fairly constant, the upper limit reduces as the oxygen content of air falls. To track the flammability of methane air mixtures a coward plat as shown in figure 2 can be used. With relation to figure 1Figure 1 The coward diagram for methane in air.In partition A the mixture is not flammable but is likely to become so if further methane is added.In zone B the mixture is explosive and has a minimum nose value at 12.2% oxygenZones C and D illustrate mixtures that may exist in sealed areas.Methane layers have two main hazards associated with themLayers extend the zones within which ignitions can occurWhen an ignition occurs the methane layer acts as an effective fuse along which the flame can propa door, sometimes leading to more larger accumulations in roof cavities or in the gob.Methane and Carbon dioxide (mixtures of the two gases) if mixed w ith nitrogen will make the dangers atmosphere. Because this associated with gas outbursts areAsphyxiation of miners by gas and dust. Compressed air lifelines may be hold on or close to faces that are prone to outbursts.The violence of the outburst may molest equipment, causing sparking that may ignite the highly flammable gas/dust mixture.The sudden expansion of a large volume of gas can fragmentise the ventilation system of the mine.To control and ManageTo control and manage the risk of Methane, first of all need to know the sources and nature of methane, and how the methane is releasing and migrating. And then consciousness of risks can considerably lead to learn of the methane risk management. The major systems as follows,In its cancelly occurring state in a coal seam, firedamp does not make out an explosive risk. However, where firedamp unthawd from adjacent seams meets fresh-air in the goaf, the firedamp is diluted and explosive mixtures (around 5% to 15% methane in air) are formed. Effective firedamp control is essential for safe working and involves providing eitherFace-End Ventilation and Gas Control well designed Ventilation flow avoid the risk of methane gas.Firedamp drainage on Retreat foresightedwalls Firedamp capture efficiencies on longwall faces typically lie between 60% and 80% of the total gas on advancing faces and from 30% to 60% of the total gas on retreat faces.Alternatives and Supplements to Firedamp Drainage There are ventilation options applicable to some retreat longwall coalfaces which can obviate the need for costly firedamp drainage. Such methods (eg. bleeder roads and sewer gate systems) are aimed at diverting gas away from working coalfaces along routes separate from those used to service the face.Goaf Flushing Goaf flushing has been used for temporarily amelioration of firedamp concentrations in a district return but it is not a recommended gas control solution. The method is generally applied to a fully-developed goaf ( ie. where sufficient goaf has been created to form a square(p) gas reservoir). The ventilation pressure across a district is reduced, after men have been withdrawn, allowing high gas concentration gas to migrate ship into the return airway. Transport activities in the main return may have to be suspended. Eventually, the equilibrium between gas flow into the waste and gas flow into the return is restored, the gas concentration in the district return being at a higher concentration than before due to the reduced air quantity. On restoring the original airflow, the gas is forced into the goaf, away from the face, thus reducing the emission into the return until equilibrium conditions are once again obtained. This approach is not advised due to the uncontrolled release of elevated firedamp concentrations into airways and across electric equipment.Methane DrainageTo produce gaseous fuel and/or to reduce methane emissions in to ventilation system its been used. Methane that is drained needs to be transported safely to the point of delivery, the infrastructure that is required to achieve this consists of the following Pipe ranges, Monitors, Safety devices, Controls, Extractor pumpsOther than all above mentioned, in individual countries they are following up rules and regulations to control and manage the risk of Methane. Here is an example UK legislation states,Electrical power must be switched off when the general body concentration of methane exceeds 1.25%.If methane concentration exceeds 2% personnel other than those associated with improving the ventilation in the area should leave the area.10. Discuss the sources and risks associated with arsenic, quicksilver and cyanides. How can the risks be managed?A) hydrargyrum SourcesNatural sourcesVolcanoesVolatilization from oceansErosion of natural depositsHuman ActivitiesEstimated to be 1/3-2/3 of the total mercury released into the environment.Sources include troop losses from cinnabar roastingThe working and smel ting of metalsCoal fired power plantsDischarges from mines, refineries and factoriesCombustion of coal and municipal wastes, industrial wastes and boilersMedical waste incineratorsPesticidesRunoff from landfills/croplandsB) mercury RisksPersistenceCan change form,Cannot be destroyedSolubilityCinnabar (HgS) is insoluble (and resists weathering)Liquid Hg is slightly soluble in water.BioaccumulationHg methylation forms CH3Hg+ which is easily absorbed by organisms and biomagnifies from the bottom to the top of the food chainBioaccumulates (concentrates) in muscle and tissue of slant and other wildlifeCH3Hg+ generally increases by a factor of ten or less with each step up the food chainC) Arsenic SourcesArsenopyrite (FeAsS) is the most common arsenic mineral in ores and is also a byproduct associated with copper, gold, silver, and lead/zinc mining.Arsenic trioxide (Fe2As3) is present in flue gases from copper ore roastingcoal-fired power plants and incinerators also may release As into atmosphere.Water average concentration is 1 ppb, but can be 1,000 ppb in mining areas As+5 most prevalent many compounds dissolve in water.D) Arsenic RisksArsenic is a merciful carcinogenIn humans the primary target organs are the skin and vascular systembirds, animals, plants, and freshwater fish can become contaminatedToxicity in water is determined by water temperature, pH, organic content, phosphate concentration, suspended soils, heading of oxidants, and speciationE) Cyanides SourcesCan leach from landfills and cyanide-containing road salts as well as to the atmosphere from car exhaust (hydrogen cyanide gas HCN).Some foods (almonds and lima beans) contain cyanides naturallyIt can be produced by some bacteria, fungi, and algaeSpills Cyanide and other heavy metal pollutants overflowed a dam at Baia Mare, Romania, contaminating 250 miles of rivers, and killing millions of fishMost persistent in groundwater at higher pHF) Cyanides RisksOral lethal dose of KCN for an adult is 2 00 mgAirborne concentrations of 270 ppm is fatalLong term exposure to lower levels results in heart pains, breathing difficulties, vomiting, blood changes, headaches and thyroid gland enlargementCN does not bio-accumulate in fishG) Cyanide risk Control MethodsProduction Encourage responsible cyanide manufacturing by purchasing from manufacturers who operate in a safe and environmentally protective manner.Transportation Protect communities and the environment during cyanide transport.Handling and Storage Protect workers and the environment during cyanide handling and storage.Operations Manage cyanide process solutions and waste streams to protect human health and the environment.Decommissioning Protect communities and the environment from cyanide through development and implementation of decommissioning plans for cyanide facilities.Worker Safety Protect workers health and safety from exposure to cyanideEmergency Response Protect communities and the environment through the development of emergency response strategies and capabilities.Training Train workers and emergency response personnel to manage cyanide in a safe and environmentally protective manner.Daily inspection of leach residue storage ponds and tailings delivery pipelinesIncident reporting and a system of emergency proceduresSystems for data recording, evaluation, interpretation and reportingProcess technician training and awareness of potential cyanide related problems, including personal safety and impacts on the surrounding natural environmentsystematic records management and documentation of animal mortalitiesIncorporating cyanide management procedures into the site Environmental Management Plan which is currently being updated.H) Arsenic and mercury risk control methodsThe above mentioned methods are suited to adopt Arsenic and mercury as well. However in practical world, it depends upon the harmness, will vary to importances of handling.11. Define the purpose of ventilation in underground mines. What types of ventilations systems are common?The purpose for ventilation in mines is to dilute various forms of gases. These gases could be either a chemical hazard (as in carbon-monoxide and dust) or explosive physical hazards such as methane accumulation along the roofs of mine shafts.Ventilation systems often come in the form of,fans which control air flowstoppages and seals will seal leakages in particular to older minesDoors and airlocksRegulators which is a door with an appropriate passage to maintain air pressure gradientsAircrossings which allow suction and blowing ventilation systems to easily by pass one another and not allow for cross contamination12. Electrical power is commonly employed in mines, what work practices would you define for the maintenance of electrical equipment?Always to be Maintained, reviewed and modified mine power supply systems.Make sure consistently inspect machineraries and carry out tests for faults and hazardsMake sure always the electrical equi pment is properly viewed, so that arrange some lights near electrical equipment in underground mines to ensure to be visible.Make sure while Create procedures to ensure noise and electrical hazards over voltages, current regulation, noise level reductions etc., are maintained to appropriate legislative standards.Without too much stress, try to provide machinery that can be moved easily that are also within legislative requirements and can supply adequate electricityCreate an alternative power supply source in case of machinery breakdown which allows to do maintenance activities.For the quick identification, erect proper mine cables with appropriate falsify coding system.And following safety rules and regulations also makes the good work practices for the maintenance of electrical equipment.Failure to exercise watchfulness may result in injury, so caution must be used when operating or repairing electrical equipmentWhen performing electrical work, always use the proper protective equipment, such as safety glasses, protective gloves, and a properly rated meter.State regulations, Australian Standards and company policies are designed to guard against electrical hazards in the mining industry. So following up those are very essentialWet conditions may corrode metal electrical components and cause their failure. travel rock may damage an electrical cable or component. So need to avoid those kind of dangerous conditions before installing at specific places or need to take care to avoid those problems.Exercise caution to be used to use proper protective equipment when working with batteries. Because batteries could explode and cause injury or could ignite and cause fires.All have to be aware and especially all electrician properly trained to Be tremendous and knowledgeable of the hazards of electricity.Make sure always keeping attitude tono electrical work can be performed until the electrical circuit is knocked, locked, and tagged.Always make certain the frame ground is properly connected.No electrical work shall be performed except by a qualified person. Circuit breakers and disconnects shall be mark for identification. Circuit breaking devices or proper fuses, shall be installed to protect against short circuit and overloads. Disconnecting devices shall be locked and tagged out. All electrical equipment shall be examined, tested, properly maintained, and results record as required13. Your mine employs pipelines to convey the followingCompressed airService waterMethaneRun of mine drainage waterHow would you ensure that each pipeline can be readily identified by a quick visual inspection?Colouring the pipes with divers(prenominal) kind of colours may give solution to this case.ExampleBlue colour for service waterRed colour for Compressed airGreen colour for MethaneYellow colour for mine drainage waterThis way each pipe is easily visualised in the mine. A sign that demarcates the colour coding system will also be necessary to clarify the colour coding system.14. Distinguish, with the use of examples, the difference between major, chronic and minor incidents. What are the legal requirements for reporting these different types of