Certain industries and work processes are more likely to generate hazardous dusts and fibres. Understanding where the risks are highest helps target control measures effectively. Any activity that disturbs dust-containing materials can put workers at risk if controls are not in place.
Where are dust and fibres found?
Mining
Workers can be exposed to dust almost anywhere on a mine site, but activities such as drilling, blasting, hauling, stockpiling and crushing of ore have the potential to create unacceptable dust exposures if not controlled.
Wet ore or concentrates will reduce dust exposure, but workers can be exposed to dust from dried spilled material, or generated from tailings storage facilities, product stockpiles and during product transfer.
Some metals that are mined or present as processing reagents are potentially toxic if inhaled or ingested, such as lead, arsenic and mercury. Hazardous gases and mists such as sulphur dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, hydrogen cyanide and ammonia can also be generated in process plants and refineries. Fibrous minerals such as crocidolite asbestos, chrysotile asbestos and grunerite can be encountered during exploration and mining.
Mineral exploration drilling
Drilling operations can generate substantial amounts of dust that not only reduce visibility but, more significantly, can result in long-term health effects from the inhalation of particles and fibres. Although nuisance or general dust has no specific toxic properties, it can overload lung clearance mechanisms.
Exposure to some particle types in dust can lead to:
- lung disease (e.g. asbestos and other fibrous minerals, silica)
- systemic toxicity (e.g. radioactive particles, toxic metal bearing minerals)
- scarring or irritation of the respiratory tract.
In addition to the dusty environments commonly encountered at mineral exploration sites, dust is generated during drilling, particularly at the:
- T-piece or stuffing box
- splitter
- cyclone (top vent)
- collar
- outlet for the outside return.
The Mineral exploration drilling: Code of practice contains practical guide to assist those involved in mineral exploration to develop and implement safe systems of work for drilling operations, particularly in remote areas.
Fibrous mineral hazards
Fibrous minerals present a hazard only if fibres of respirable size become airborne. The danger from airborne asbestos fibres is not immediately obvious because the fibres are too small to be seen with the naked eye. Also, there is often a long period between exposure and the onset of disease.
Asbestos-related diseases are most commonly found in workers who have been exposed to high concentrations of asbestos fibres in the work environment. In the past, such exposures were typically to concentrations one hundred (or more) times greater than present workplace exposure standards.
Most fibres are removed from the respiratory system by the body’s natural defences (e.g. coughing). However, fibres that remain in the lungs can cause several health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer, Mesothelioma and Pleural plaques.
- Management of fibrous minerals in Western Australian mining operations: Guideline
This guideline can assist the mining industry understand the hazards associated with exposure to airborne asbestiform mineral fibres and other common naturally occurring mineral fibres, and to identify, assess and control these hazards. - Managing naturally occurring asbestos and fibrous minerals in mining
- Frequently asked questions on cracker dust: Information sheet
General industries
Dust and fibres are found in a wide range of general industries, such as:
- Construction and demolition: Cutting, grinding, or drilling concrete, stone or brick can release silica dust and other particulates.
- Manufacturing: Woodworking, metalworking and handling synthetic materials can release a variety of dusts and fibres.
- Transport: materials handling (e.g. grain, cement, bulk foods, ore, chemicals, sand)
- Agriculture: Grain handling, animal feed production, and soil disturbance can produce organic and inorganic dusts.
- Renovation and asbestos removal: Disturbing old buildings or insulation materials may release asbestos fibres.
Diesel emissions
Diesel engines can emit diesel particulate matter (DPM), exhaust gases, including a wide range of organic vapours, and a small amount of metallic compounds, which are collectively referred to as diesel emissions.
The potential short- and long-term health effects from exposure to diesel emissions are well documented and range from irritation to nausea, increased allergy risks and increased risk of heart or lung disease, including lung cancer. Exposure may occur in vehicle workshops and where diesel equipment is used in confined areas, such as underground, in ore and concentrate storage sheds or in large tanks.
- Guidance for managing the risks of diesel exhaust, Safe Work Australia
This guide provides information on how to manage risks associated with exposure to diesel exhaust in the workplace - Management of diesel emissions in Western Australian mining operations: Guideline
This guideline should be used by anyone planning or conducting underground mining where diesel engines are likely or are being used.
Legionella
Legionella pneumophila is a bacteria found in cooling towers, air conditioners and other water systems. In rare cases, the inhalation of contaminated aerosols may cause Legionnaires’ disease, which is a form of pneumonia caused by an acute bacterial infection of Legionella.
- Prevention and control of Legionnaires’ disease: Code of practice
This code of practice provides general guidance on the identification and control of safety and health hazards and risks associated with Legionnaires’ disease. While this Code was approved under previous legislation, it remains an approved WHS Code due to transitional legislation.