Since the 1990s we have seen a gradual increase in the efforts to eliminate or control dust in the Mining and Industrial sector. This rapid increase in airborne dust control measures is due to studies and new technology exposing all the negative effects of airborne dust in both the environment, employee health, production loss, and an increased running cost.

 

The question then should be, how it is possible that we have managed to overlook or minimise airborne dust as a low to medium level  hazard, when in fact it is probably the most costly and dangerous hazard of them all?

 

The answer to this is quite simple. 

We prioritise quick acting and dangerous hazards (fall of ground, energy isolation…) , and act to avoid them immediately as best possible. 

Psychologically, we are wired to avoid any immediate danger immediately or to act swiftly if the danger is unavoidable. Like driving slower in heavy rainfall or steering away from a possible vehicle accident. 

Of Course there is nothing wrong with this principle. The problem is, that after we have avoided, isolated, or controlled the immediate dangers/hazards, we tend to relax, and go about our day (Production) normally, while the most costly hazard/danger is literally right in front of our eyes, and that is uncontrolled airborne dust. 

 

A Bold statement??? Consider the following:

In order to avoid an endless list of all the negative effects of airborne dust, we have abbreviated the most expensive and detrimental impacts.

 

Environmental impact:

Ground, Water, and Air contamination of surrounding farmlands/community settlements, resulting in expensive settlements, fines, protest action (Production loss), and even having to buy the surrounding property while having to relocate residents, and/or possibly having to build a water treatment (RO) Plant. The list is endless, but ultimately the result is always expensive, time consuming, and bad publicity for the holding company.

 

Employee Health: 

Causes lung decease (Silicosis, etc.…) and acts as a carrier of T.B, resulting in employee deaths, disability, etc. Again the result is the same; Costly settlements and creating friction with the community.

 

Production Loss & Dangers:

The main contributors here are poor visibility on the roads, which increases the risk of vehicle accidents, and decreases the potential haulage rate due to slower haulage. Field studies concluded an average loss of 1,38 loads per dump truck per 8 hour shift, compared to treated haul roads with similar hauling conditions (Production loss per day = Qty dump trucks x 1.38 x value per load). Additionally, work performance of employees are effected when they are exposed to dust, inherently also slowing down the production process even further. Again the result is substantial financial loss, and community and employee unrest. 

In addition to dust slowing down production, wet and muddy (Untreated) roads also result in huge production losses because of production/mining stoppages, due to the hazard of dump trucks slipping on the ramps, and most vehicles unable to operate on level ground/roads. due to slippery muddy and wet conditions. 

 

Increased running cost (Maintenance):

Numerous studies have been conducted where unpaved or untreated roads have been compared with paved or treated roads where the following facts have been proven/determined. An average of min 5% to 15% increase in fuel usage on all vehicles due to lower traction and energy loss, an average of 30% increased tyre lifespan on all vehicles, Reduced lifespan of all machinery due to dust/particle  penetration engines, gearboxes, bearings, etc, other damage caused by dust in computer systems on machinery and on site offices.