Strategy for the monitoring and evaluation of means of reducing dust in open-cast mines

Ziel

The objectives are:

- to determine the laws of dust formation in time and space

- to study possible correlations between individual measurements and fixed-point measurements in specific cases (eg machine cabs)

- to make a critical study of the concept of statistical correlation between samples taken simultaneously in different places

- to develop a methodology for evaluating the effectiveness of dust control methods with regard to drilling (dry, wet, water, oil) or the condition of the roads

- to study the exposure conditions of plant operators (exposure profiles, link with working methods, influence of plant design).

A growing proportion of mining activity in France is open-cast. Because of the open air nature of the operation, the harmful dusts in these workings were not considered a problem. However, much of the equipment did have cabs with air filters in order to reduce the overall exposure.

Recently, a silicosis risk has been demonstrated in 'hard stone' quarries in France, which has caused a different view to be taken of the problems. Legislation being prepared both in France and at European level specifically concerns open-cast workings and quarries. Knowledge of dust formation in this type of working is scant compared with deep mining. Preliminary dust measurements have shown substantial levels.

It is therefore necessary to gather the pertinent facts as quickly as possible on which an effective monitoring strategy can be based, in order to provide the authorities with a scientific basis for the regulations. As the preliminary measurements show that concentrations of respirable dust can exceed 5 mg/m{3}, remedial action will have to be taken. A methodology for in situ assessment of dust control measures will be required. While not claiming to deal with all aspects of the problems, specific objectives have been identified in agreement with our partners from the Houilleres du Bassin du Centre Midi (HBCM) and the Institut voor Reddingswezen, Ergonomie en Arbeidshygiene (IREA).

Programm/Programme

ECSC-MINEHYG 6C - Sixth research programme (ECSC) "Industrial Hygiene in Mines", 1990-1993

Thema/Themen

3 - Dust measurement and determination of dust properties

Aufforderung zur Vorschlagseinreichung

Data not available

Finanzierungsplan

Data not available

Koordinator

INERIS PARC TECHNOLOGIQUE ALATA

EU-Beitrag

Keine Daten

Adresse

60550 Verneuil-en-Halatte
Frankreich

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