Evaluating the risks of occupational respiratory diseases of coal mine workers

Abstract

Purpose. To determine the degree of occupational risks in terms of respiratory diseases (pneumoconioses) of miners while using dust respirators. Methodology. The approach described in DSTU-P OHSAS 18001:2006 "Systems to control occupational safety and health. Requirements" has been used to assess occupational risks. findings. It has been determined that the area of safe use for filtering half-masks in the context of coal mines should be limited by 5 MAC. Calculation of the risk level while applying Risk score method has demonstrated that in terms of coal dust concentration being more than 20 mg/m 3 , dust respirators make it possible to provide only moderate degree of occupational disease risk. In this context, there is an excess in under-mask dust concentration in a respirator up to 18 %, in terms of 2 mg/m 3 MAC. It is noted that if respirators are not worn or if they are taken off for more than five minutes during the operating shift in terms of constant dustiness, it results in the increase in undermask dust concentration by almost three times. Originality. Originality is in scientific substantiation of the safe dust concentration, when it is possible to provide minimum pneumonoconiosis risk while using a filtering respirator. Practical value. Certain measures to reduce the level of pneumonoconiosis risk have been proposed. Increase in the protection efficiency for miners is possible owing to the intensification of the control of individual dust load which will be evaluated taking into consideration real time of respirator use and changes in dust concentration within the working zone. It is recommended to use of electronic monitoring means developed on the basis of pressure sensors, power units, control units, information process units, alarm blocks, and block for data record and storage.

Production risk management in the foundry

“…Step 5. We solve the problem for combined measures (1-4) and (5,6). The solution is given in Table 17.…”

“…In assessing occupational risks in [6], it was found that a safe area of using filter halfmasks in coal mines should be lim ited to 5 MPC. Calculation of the risk level when using "Risk score" method, showed that at a concentration of coal dust above 20 mg/m 3 , the presence of dust respirators allows pro viding only a moderate degree of risk of occupational diseases.…”

Statistical analysis of Samara River pollution impact on the population morbidity rate in Western Donbas (Ukraine)

“…Many studies have been conducted in order to assess the state of environmental components that are under the excessive influence of anthropogenic load in one or another region, but so far no correlation has been established between indicators of pollution of surface water bodies and disease classes of the population living in the investigated territory [36][37][38][39][40][41][42][43].…”

Substantiation of technological solutions for the protection of water resources in the development of coal deposits

“…The mining of mineral deposits is associated with the continuous pumping of mine and quarry water with their subsequent discharge into sedimentation tanks, storage ponds, beams, ravines, natural depressions and adjacent streams and reservoirs. The direct discharge of mine and quarry water into natural valley bottoms and surface water bodies causes significant damage to the environment reducing its level of environmental safety significantly [45][46][47][48][49][50][51].…”