The Importance of Safety in Mines and for Mine Workers
The mining industry is constantly increasing the demands of minerals therefore more miners need to be employed to perform hazardous tasks. This means that proper safety training and measures are required to protect the miners from the dangerous diseases, injuries, disabilities and even deaths that can result from performing various hazardous tasks. We’ve all heard the big saying “safety is our top priority”, “safety first”, “our number one priority is the safety of our employees”, in this article we will talk through why exactly safety is so important in the mining industry.
There are plenty of factors that pose as a threat to mine workers such as injuries by accidents, exposure to dust, chemicals, toxic fumes, extreme temperature or humidity, noise and vibration and more. Another hazard is the possibility of mine fires, explosions, floods or rock collapses which can lead to mass destruction.
1. Injuries Caused by Accidents or Rock Collapses
Without the correct precaution and safety measures, the possibility of having an accident in the mine is higher. When mines are unaware of what do to in an event of an emergency, they could possibly do something wrong and cause an even bigger injury, injure other mine workers or even unnecessarily complicate the situation. We highly recommend LIFELINE® which is a product that provides directional guidance and enables escapees to maintain balance, speed of escape and maximum travelling distance to the Self-Contained Self- Rescuer (SCSR).
2. Exposure to Dust, Harmful Chemicals and Toxic Fumes
Mining, maintenance or processing activities can result in the release of dust particles into the air therefore miners are always exposed to elevated levels of toxic aerosols including respirable dust, diesel particulate matter (DPM), and crystalline silica. Long-term exposure to these harmful chemicals, dust and toxic fumes can lead to debilitating respiratory diseases that can severely affect the health of mine workers. Exposure to dust can also cause irritation to the eyes, skin and respiratory tract, and prolonged exposure can lead to a range of serious lung diseases including silicosis, coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (CWP), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. We recommend that mine workers where the correct safety gear around their mouth and nose to prevent any harmful chemicals from entering their respiratory system. We also recommend that an Underground Refuge Bay Fan is used to ventilated the air.
3. Mines Fires and Explosions
A fire or explosion in a mine is a serious health hazard. It can cause extreme burns, injuries and even loss of life. Mine fires are usually caused by bad ventilation, frictional heat, electrical sparks, or spontaneous combustion in coal heaps lying in airways that form a part of the active ventilation system. Underground fires not only endanger the valuable lives of mine workers, but also causes considerable economic losses to organisations affected by fires. It is in the best interest to use a product such as FRONTLINE® which is an early warning detection system that will detect smoke/co from up to 1000m away from the section of the mine where people are working. FRONTLINE® releases a very powerful fragrance in the Intake Air Flow System of the Mine. It works on the same principle as a stench gas system. The fragrance is atomised in the air flow and will travel along the intake airways at the same speed as the air flow. A an early warning detection system like this can save numerous lives and prevent injuries.
It is so important to protect and educated mine workers about all of the dangers in mines. Rescue One Equipment offers all of the emergency evacuation systems and early warning detection systems which are mentioned above. Prevention and protection is better than cure. Contact us today for a free quote or for more information about our products.