Lung diseases could be prevented among miners / effective masks could be available
By Hicbd
Sat Feb 11 2023 11:35 am
"The severity of silicosis or CWP is directly related to the amount of dust deposited in the lungs. Therefore, prevention depends on limiting the amount of dust breathed by miners. An effective prevention programme requires:
- use of engineering controls and their proper maintenance to reduce worker exposures to airborne dust. Examples of controls include: ventilation and dust collection systems, water sprays, wet drilling, enclosed cabs and drill platform skirts.
- training of workers on the hazards of respirable dust, engineering controls and work practices that reduce dust exposure, the importance of maintenance, good housekeeping and which operations and materials present a respirable dust hazard.
- sampling of workplace air to determine dust exposure levels, to help determine where controls may be necessary and to monitor the effectiveness of engineering controls
- a written respiratory protection program. Ensure employees have properly fitted, approved respirators when engineering controls alone are insufficient to keep exposures within safe levels. Be sure respirators are kept clean and properly maintained and that employees are trained in their use
- medical screening to identify miners who have early evidence of the development of respiratory diseases
- auditing of the silicosis prevention program"
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