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Mining Publication: Current NIOSH Dust Control Research for Noncoal Surface Mines
Keywords: Cabs Filtration systems Respirable dust
This page is archived for historical purposes and is no longer being maintained or updated.
Original creation date: September 2001
Authors: AB Cecala, JA Organiscak, SJ Page, WA Heitbrink, ED Thimons
Conference Paper - September 2001
Download PDF Document (2.50 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20022776
Proc National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Environment, Safety & Health Forum 2001 Sept Arlington, VA: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, 2001; :87-100
Miners at noncoal surface mining operations are often exposed to high levels of respirable dust. In an effort to lower the respirable dust exposure of these surface miners, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has been conducting research to address this problem in a practical and economically viable manner. One successful effort deals with lowering the dust exposure of equipment operators in enclosed cabs. Many types of surface mining equipment utilize enclosed cabs to protect equipment operators from dust exposure. Normally when the equipment is new, the cabs are fairly airtight. These tightly sealed cabs, combined with good filtration systems, generally provide the operator with good dust protection. However, most mining equipment is older, and as aging occurs, many components of the enclosure deteriorate. The structural integrity of the cab diminishes and the effectiveness of the air filtration system fails. NIOSH has been successfully researching cost-effective methods to improve both filtration effectiveness and cab integrity of these older cabs in order to provide a healthier work environment for equipment operators. Dust sampling records indicate that drill operators and helpers have the highest dust exposure of all workers at surface mining operations. Since much of the overburden contains a high percentage of silica, the health hazard associated with this dust can be even more serious. NIOSH research is addressing techniques to lower respirable dust levels at surface drilling operations.
Image of publication Current NIOSH Dust Control Research for Noncoal Surface MinesConference Paper - September 2001
Download PDF Document (2.50 MB)
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 20022776
Proc National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association Environment, Safety & Health Forum 2001 Sept Arlington, VA: National Stone, Sand & Gravel Association, 2001; :87-100
See Also
Clearing the Air
Closing the Door to Dust When Adding Drill Steels: Uni-directional Cab Filtration and Pressurization System Tested
Design, Testing, and Modeling of Environmental Enclosures for Controlling Worker Exposure to Airborne Contaminants
Doing the Math: The Effectiveness of Enclosed-Cab Air-Cleaning Methods Can Be Spelled Out in Mathematical Equations
Dust Underfoot: Enclosed Cab Floor Heaters Can Significantly Increase Operator's Respirable Dust Exposure
Effects of MERV 16 Filters and Routine Work Practices on Enclosed Cabs for Reducing Respirable Dust and DPM Exposures in an Underground Limestone Mine
Laboratory and Field Evaluation of Dust Collector Bags for Reducing Dust Exposure of Roof Bolter Operators
Maximizing Air Quality Inside Enclosed Cabs with a Unidirectional Filtration and Pressurization System
Technology News 487 - Sweeping Compound Application Reduces Dust From Soiled Floors Within Enclosed Operator Cabs
Technology News 533 - Minimizing Respirable Dust Exposure in Enclosed Cabs by Maintaining Cab Integrity - TN-No. 533
Page last reviewed: June 10, 2016
Page last updated: September 21, 2012
Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program
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