Category: Breathing Systems

Dangerous silica dust can be formed on site from concrete cutting, grinding or polishing and using power tools on stone. Breathing the silica dust can result in irreversible, untreatable diseases, including silicosis and lung cancer. Some dust particles can be so small that they are not visible: these are referred to as respirable particles. Respirable silica dust particles are those that are small enough to breathe in and penetrate deep into the lungs causing permanent damage that can lead to serious illness or death. Dust-related diseases caused by respirable crystalline silica, such as silicosis, is on the rise. There is no known treatment to stop the progression. Silicosis is permanent and untreatable. In Australia, there are more than 350 cases…

IT goes without saying that for safety reasons, solid ventilation systems need to be in place in mining environments, whether above or below the ground. Ventilation is the control of air movement, its amount, and direction, and although it contributes nothing directly to the production phase of an operation, the lack of proper flow can cause lower worker efficiency and decreased productivity, increased accident rates, and even absenteeism. Air is necessary not only for breathing, but also to disperse the chemical and physical contaminants such as gases, dusts, heat, and humidity. Underground mine ventilation provides a flow of air to the workings of a mine of sufficient volume to dilute and remove dust and noxious gases (typically nitrous oxide, sulphur…

RELIABLE ventilation in underground mines is literally as important as breathing, which is why a Low profile, fixed shape, low friction ventilation duct, developed by Polyline, WA, is transforming how air flows for underground miners. Ventilation is vital for maintaining workable temperatures, oxygen flowing for both humans and machines and to remove diesel particulates from machinery being used in the tunnel. Polyline, for the past 21 years has specialised in underground ventilation. Polyline is excited to introduce a new low friction ventilation duct called “Split PolyDuct”, designed specifically to minimise transportation, handling, running costs and mine downtime. To enhance its usability, Split PolyDuct comes with reusable storage and transport cradles. Polyline managing director Justin Reed emphasised the importance of this…

THE recent national crisis from the dangers of crystalline silica has centered on stone-cutting but the risks of respirable silica is nothing new to the mining industry. Miners have readily acknowledged silicosis as one of the primary diseases to affect miners since the industrialisation of drilling operations in the 20th century. Silica dust is harmful when inhaled into the lungs as it is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand – so small it can be inhaled without knowing. Respirable crystalline silica exposure can cause silicosis, a debilitating and irreversible lung condition that can cut short careers, reduce quality of life and lead to death. Respirable silica is also linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and…

EQUIPMENT failure is responsible for roughly 30pc of deaths on-site. The lives of all site personnel depend on their safety equipment. But safety isn’t just about having the right equipment, it is about having the right mind frame, knowledge and behaviours. No matter what the job is, every second workers spend on the site they are exposed to potential risks. It is imperative that businesses have the best safety gear, the right training and an ingrained culture of safety to ensure everyone goes home to their families. Integrated Safety Group (ISG) has more than two decades of experience keeping Australian workers safe, and its reputation has been built upon three core values: prevention is the best medicine, quality is the…