Mining Publication: Silica...It's Not Just Dust
Original creation date: January 1997
This pamphlet provided information on what rock drillers can do to protect themselves from silica (14808607) dust, which may cause silicosis. The role of exposure to silica dust in the development silicosis was discussed. Silicosis can be prevented, but it cannot be cured and it increases the chances that a person with this disease will suffer lung infections and heart failure. Methods for controlling silica dust were itemized. Dry dust collection should be maximized by providing inside corner flaps for deck shrouds, installing an air ring seal where the drill pipe passes through the drill deck, and taking several other precautions listed in this pamphlet. Proper maintenance of dry dust collectors is important. Several steps to ensure that wet suppression is maximized were mentioned, along with proper maintenance of wet suppression devices. Proper use and maintenance of enclosed cabs were discussed and several general health tips were provided as well. Several suggestions were offered for obtaining additional information on this subject.
Authors: Mine Safety and Health Administration, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
NIOSH/USBM Numbered Publication - January 1997
NIOSHTIC2 Number: 00236564
Cincinnati, OH: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Public Health Service, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, HC27, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-118, 1997 Jan
See Also
- Best Practices for Controlling Respirable Dust in Coal Mines
- Best Practices for Dust Control in Coal Mining
- Best Practices for Dust Control in Metal/Nonmetal Mining
- Control of Respirable Dust
- An Evaluation of Methods for Controlling Silica Dust Exposures on Roof Bolters
- Improving Silica Dust Control Through Targeted Research
- NIOSH Hazard Controls 27 - New Shroud Design Controls Silica Dust from Surface Mine and Construction Blast Hole Drills
- Respirable Dust
- Silica Dust Sources in Underground Limestone Mines
- Silica Dust Sources in Underground Metal/Nonmetal Mines - Two Case Studies
- Content source: National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Mining Program