The Act has established the tripartite Mine Health and Safety Council that advises the Minister on all aspects of health and safety. This committee advises the Council on all legislation pertaining to health and safety. With respect to radiation protection of workers and the public, the new NNR should be invited to comment. It has been well received internationally. The position in SA mines There are significant worker radiation risks above ground, but since the number of workers involved is relatively small these risks will not be discussed.
Radon is the radioactive decay product of uranium.
It is a ubiquitous gas and it is present in the atmosphere, in our homes and in our offices. Due to the higher uranium concentrations in the gold ore in some SA mines, elevated radon concentrations can and does occur underground. An important function of the DME is to ensure that mine air is safe to breathe. Radon is one of the hazards in mine air - there are also diesel particulates, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide and silica dust. Like the other pollutants, radon concentrations are intimately associated with underground ventilation.