Health and Safety Challenges in the Mining Industry

Health and untroubled Ch onlyenges in the Mining manufacture1. Outline some of the get a line health and gum elastic ch each(prenominal)enges that is faced by a mining compe very(prenominal) you argon familiar with.The in diff expenditurery has experience both mettlesome consequence low frequency events (disasters such as Moura and Gretley) as well as low frequency high events (such as slips, strains and falls) contri howevere to the industrys high lost mea sure enough flaw rate (LTIR). It has in addition had its shargon of occupational diseases. Historically, pneumonocosis (lung disease ca utilise by inhalation of exploitral dust), asbestosis and mesothelioma feature been cardinal atomic number 18as of concern. zero(prenominal)se, vibration and fatigue are issues of signifi piece of tailt health concerns. The centering and view of major guesss associated with structural collapses, fires and explosions are key preventative issues of the day.MouraDuring the mediev al forty years there have been three mining disasters in the Moura district at a cost of 36 lives.The first occurred at Kianga exploit on 20 September 1975. Thirteen miners died from an explosion which was tack to have been initiated by spontaneous combustion. The mine was sealed and the bodies of the men were neer recovered.The second occurred on 16 July 1986 at Moura No 4 Mine when twelve miners died from an explosion thought to have been initiated by one of both possible sources, namely frictional ignition or a cauterize safety lamp. The bodies of the miners, in this fictitious character, 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 not been recovered.2. What is the exemplar of the mine safety legislation in your state/ country?Since Australia is a federation of states, for each one state sets out its testify l aws, which include its own regulatory trites for occupational health and safety. At beginning, each state was signalise and holdd the old health codes (i.e., legislation) and standards from the British body. This system relied heavily upon very specific (i.e., numbers establish) system which was easy to enforce and simple to understand. moreover problems ensured as time and technology progressed which led to the health and safety repossess that began in 1972.The Current Framework for Mine safety device in Australia in 3 appearancesRegulations under a usual OHS exemplify (VIC/SA/TAS/NT)In separate Mine natural rubber 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 pursuance effectiveisation will be apply under 3 of import categories given as below.Dangerous Goods ActEnvironment Protection processOccupational Health and Safety Regulationsa) As per Occupational Health and Saf ety RegulationsOccupational Health and Safety Act 2004. Act No. 107/2004 modify act. Sets out the key principles, duties and rights in congenator to occupational health and safety (OHS).Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007,Statutory Rule No. 54/2007 Specifies the way in which a duty imposed by the OHS Act must(prenominal) be per painsed, or prescribe procedural or administrative matters to choke the OHS Act (eg requiring licences for specific activities, the keeping of records or giving notice).WorkSafe Positions be guidelines make under section 12 of the OHS Act that state how WorkSafe will afford the OHS Act or Regulations or exercise discretion under a provision of the OHS Act or Regulations. WorkSafe Positions are intended to provide sure thing to duty holders and otherwise affected partiesb) As per Environment Protection deed of conveyance reading No. 171, Environment Protection Act 1970, No. 8056 of 1970, var. 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 individually 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 (memory and Handling) Regulations 2000S.R. No. 127/2000Version incorporating amendments as at 1 January 2009Version No. 001Dangerous Goods (Transport by driveway 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 dickens 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 the previous codes of charge using two base principals.The first principle recognised the command to unify all the difference OHS laws under one system. It was proposed that this would be thoroughgoing(a) by creating general duties into one ruling (Robens Report, para 41).The second principle observed that a self regulation pattern be enforced where workers and administrators go into together in inn increase the standards of health and safety (Robens Report, para 41).The Federal Government in 1985 passed legislation to form the and so National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC) though, be crusade Australia is a federation, each state/territory has to ratify federal legislation in high society to for the commission (NOHSC) to be apart of the Commonwealth and so have all legal ground s. 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 hardheadedly 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 handle. These help in place standards the duty holder is required to identify the endangerments and assess and control perils and therefore helps Robens second principle however there re chief(prenominal)s some searing gaps.4. What is the main goal of industrial hygiene?List the four key processes that play a role in achieving this goal.Main goal of industrial hygiene is attempt of infection reduction and/or risk elimination wherever possible.AnticipationRecognitionEvaluation retard of workplace environmental threatens square up the following enclosuresHazard adventureHazard instructionRisk judgement probability frequenceSeverityDoseTLV-TWATLV-STELHazard A punt is any thing that may cause harm or injury to a psyche or worthyty. Also this is the potential of any agent or sum of moneys to cause harm, usually ill-health or disease.b) Risk The risk tells how likely an accident (An accident is any unexpected or uncaused 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 typecast of hazard times the tot up of picture show (Risk = Hazard x Exposure)Hazards supervisement The process of enacting general duties of care in order to eliminate, substitute, or disregard the likelihood of an accident (i.e. risk) through engineering science or administrative solutions, or through applying personal protection equipment (PPE).Risk Assessment Risk Assessment is the proces s by which a specific risk is quantified or subordinate in order to understand 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 distance 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 operators that serves as the dependant shifting for risk (I.e. Risk=Probability * Severity) orIt is a way of expressing knowledge or belief that an event will occur or has occurred. In math the excogitation 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 amaze 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 duration of time. Or The number of times that a periodic function repeats the same(p) sequence of values during a unit variation of the independent vari fitSeverity Severity is the magnitude, or intensity, with which a hazardous nub is undecided to a person. It is the dimension for classifying seriousness for Technical support issues.Dose Is the make sense of the hazard which we are exposed. It is defined by the slow-wittedness of the hazardous substance times the length of time a person is exposed.Dose is the concept of dose is par come up 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 submerging of depiction and duration of exposure.Dose= preoccupation*duration of exposurei) TLV-TWATLV values loosely refer to a national exposure standard for a hazard (i.e. chemical, dust, or radiation). It is a means of quantifying the utmo st concentrations of a particular substance in an area over a specified length of time, and because 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 hour 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 racket) so that certain dust thresholds are not passed.j) TLV-STELSTEL is an acronym for unmindful term exposure narrow down. 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 mobile contaminants/polluta nts that stack cause health-related problems at mine sites?The body and particulate matters (arsenic, lead, mercury and etc)The noxious splatteres (carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and etc)The Carcinogens (asbestos, aromatic hydrocarbons, and etc)The Flammable fluffes (methane and carbon dioxide and etc)The Radiation poison (radon, uranium, atomic number 90 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 internal respiration sortflow (maximum or minimum)?According to the HSISa) type OPure oxygen no restrictionsOxygen diflouride TWA=.05 ppmb) Methane (as a flatulencyolene)Pure methane TWA=0, STEL=0Bromomethane 5ppm STEL=0c) Carbon dioxideIn scorch 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 silic a)Coal Dust TWA = 3 mg/ m3 STEL=0 soapstone TWA = 3 mg/ m3 STEL=0Vanadium TWA = 0.05 mg/ m3 STEL=0 graphite TWA = 3 mg/ m3 STEL=0g) Respirable dust (with silica) TWA= 2 mg/m3h) Oxides of atomic number 7Nitrogen Triflouride TWA= 10 ppm STEL=0Nitrous Oxide TWA= 25 ppm STEL=0 nitrous Oxide TWA=25 ppm STEL=0Nitrogen dioxide TWA= 3ppm STEL=0Nitrogen tetroxide TWA= 0 STEL=08. Define Dust, list and briefly describe the general preventative measures, which crumb be used to control or prevent exposure to high dust exposures.Dust caused by the mechanical disintegration of material stooge be defined as a collection of solid particles whichAre dispersed in a gaseous medium (usually air power)Are able to remain suspended in the air for a relatively pine timeHave a high surface area to intensity ratio.So briefly, over the entire range of airborne materials, dust slackly has the largest particle size although it privy exhibit a wide particulate range. In general, dust stack be defined an amalgamation of sundry(a) particulates (solid matter) that flock 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 apprise either pose an immediate hazard (I,e, eye irritation) or long term health effects (radioactive particles that cause to respirable dust which are subsequently inhaled). Whether the effects are long term or short term, there are a number of ship canal that duty careers can control or even eliminate dust.1) duty tour measures (Elimination)This is the best way among all.This includes peeing to reduce dust formation when parapraxis and drilling ensuring that cutting equipment is sharp, and using oils to transport mine cuts to an enclosed area. below 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) Ventilat ion (Engineering)This is an engineering means of control dust through a proper ventilating system system.Here the air must be able to be bullnecked enough to pick up the dark dust particles to reduce the amount of dust concentrating in the air or on the ground.Dust declivity and filtration systems that pump in the dusty air, filter out the particles and then wash up cleaner air.3) Removal of employees (Administrative)This is an administrative approach where the employees are basically remove from the hazard thereby eliminating exposure.This is often not very practical, especially in medium/small operations, or in rural operations where all employees are needed, or working rotation 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 a(prenominal) respirators can be too heavy or cumbersome to hump with, e specially tube-shaped structure.9. Discuss 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 dangerous as it can form an explosive mixture with air. A methane/air mixture normally called firedamp.Methane is commonly associated with coal mines but it is overly commonly found in other mines which are over or underlain by carbonaceous formations. Methane is contain within fractures, voids and pores within rock either as a prostrate gas or adsorbed on mineral surfaces. When mining disturbs the rock the gas pressure gradient set up amongst the reservoir of methane and the live system induces flow of methane on natural or mining generate 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 characteristic oily smell. The niggardness of methane is a little over half that of air. This gives rise to the danger of methane layering in pools on the roof of underground openings. The buoyancy of methane can also cause problems in inclined workings.Methane burns in air with a grisly 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 diagram as shown in figure 2 can be used. With relation to figure 1Figure 1 The coward diagram for methane in air.In zone 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 gate, sometimes leading to lots larger accumulations in roof cavities or in the gob.Methane and Carbon dioxide (mixtures of the two gases) if mixed with due north will make the dangers atmosphere. Because this associated with gas outbursts areAsphyxiation of miners by gas and dust. monotone air lifelines may be maintained on or close to faces that are prone to outbursts.The violence of the outburst may upon equipment, causing sparking that may wake the highly flammable gas/dust mixture.The sudden expansion of a large volume of gas can disrupt 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 let go and migrating. An d then understanding of risks can easily lead to learn of the methane risk management. The major systems as follows,In its naturally occurring state in a coal seam, firedamp does not constitute an explosive risk. However, where firedamp released from adjacent seams meets fresh-air in the goaf, the firedamp is cut 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 Longwalls Firedamp capture efficiencies on longwall faces typically lie amongst 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 drainpipe there are ventilation options appli cable television service to some retreat longwall coalfaces which can block the need for costly firedamp drainage. Such method s (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 double back 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 substantial gas reservoir). The ventilation pressure across a district is reduced, after men have been withdrawn, captureing high gas concentration gas to migrate forward 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 organism at a high concentration than sooner due to the reduced air quantity. On restoring the legitimate airflow, the gas is forced into th e goaf, away from the face, thus reducing the emission into the return until equilibrium conditions are once again obtained. This approach is not cognizant due to the uncontrolled release of elevated firedamp concentrations into airways and across galvanizing 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 substructure that is required to achieve this consists of the following Pipe ranges, Monitors, Safety devices, Controls, Extractor pumps opposite 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, galvanising 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 ventil ation in the area should leave the area.10. Discuss the sources and risks associated with arsenic, mercury and nitriles. How can the risks be managed?A) mercury SourcesNatural sourcesVolcanoesVolatilization from oceansErosion of natural depositsHuman ActivitiesEstimated to be 1/3-2/3 of the total mercury released into the environment.Sources includeStack losses from cinnabar cookThe working and smelting 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 RisksPersistence posterior change form,Cannot be destroyedSolubilityCinnabar (HgS) is insoluble (and resists weathering) transparent Hg is slightly soluble in weewee.BioaccumulationHg methylation forms CH3Hg+ which is easily absorb by organisms and biomagnifies from the bottom to the top of the forage chainBioaccumulates (concentrates) in massiveness 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 human carcinogenIn humans the primary target organs are the skin and vascular systembirds, animals, plants, and freshwater lean can become contaminatedToxicity in water is determined by water temperature, pH, organic content, phosphate concentration, suspended soils, presence of oxidants, and speciationE) Cyanides SourcesCan take from landfills and nitril-containing road salts as well as to th e atmosphere from car drink up (hydrogen nitrile 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 Risks spontaneous lethal dose of KCN for an adult is 200 mgAirborne concentrations of 270 ppm is sinisterLong 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 cyan ide 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 result Protect communities and the environment through the development of emergency response strategies and capabilities. preparation Train workers and emergency response personnel to manage cyanide in a safe and environmentally protective manner.Daily inspection of denudate residue storage ponds and tailings delivery pipelinesIncident reporting and a system of emergency proceduresSystems for data recording, evaluation, interpretation and reportingProcess technician training and sensation of potential cyanide related problems, including personal safety and impacts on the touch natural environmentsystematic records ma nagement 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 worthy 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 miscellaneous 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 gradientsAircrossi ngs which allow suction and blowing ventilation systems to easily by pass one some other and not allow for cross contamination12. Electrical power is commonly employed in mines, what work practices would you define for the maintenance of galvanising equipment? incessantly to be Maintained, reviewed and modified mine power supply systems. shop sure Consistently inspect machineraries and carry out tests for faults and hazardsMake sure forever the electrical equipment is correctly viewed, so that arrange some lights near electrical equipment in underground mines to ensure to be visible.Make sure eyepatch 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 electrical energyCreate an alternative power supply source in cas e of machinery breakdown which allows to do maintenance activities.For the quick identification, install proper mine cables with appropriate colour coding system.And following safety rules and regulations also makes the favorable work practices for the maintenance of electrical equipment.Failure to exercise caution 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 fight against electrical hazards in the mining industry. So following up those are very essentialWet conditions may corrode metal electrical components and cause their failure. Falling 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 alert 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 ready ground is properly connected.No electrical work shall be performed nevertheless by a qualified person. Circuit breakers and disconnects shall be tag 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 recorded as required13. Your mine employs pipelines to convey the followingCompressed airService waterMe thaneRun of mine drainage waterHow would you ensure that each pipeline can be readily place by a quick visual inspection?Colouring the pipes with different kind of colours may give solution to this case.Example sober 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