Surface mining dust control

Personal exposure to respirable dust at surface mines primarily results from overbinden drilling. Both wet and dry methods are available to suppress dust from this source. Haul road dust control is also... 

Page, S.J. 1998. New Shroud Design Controls Silica Dust from Surface Mine and Construction Blast Hole Drills. DHHS (NIOSH) PubUcation No. 98-150. Hazard Control 27.4 pp. 

Inspections are conducted for a variety of reasons. Besides regular inspections—two times a year for surface mines and four times a year for imdergroimd mines—there are any number of special occasions for particular inspections such as what are commonly called spof inspections. Inspections may be conducted to evaluate the entire operation, monitor dust control, evaluate electrical compliance, or inquire into any other compliance issue. Inspections are always conducted without prior notice. Indeed, as a matter of criminal law under the Mine Act, any person who gives advance notice of an inspection stands to be criminally prosecuted. "... 

Coal workers pneumoconiosis is also a concern at surface coal mines and preparation plants, but not to the extent as in underground mines for high-risk occupations. Dust control measures for surface mines (primarily for dust generated from drilling, hauling, and crushing) are different from the ones implemented in underground mines, and these will be covered in the section on control of hazards. 

Optimizing dust control on surface coal mines drill. Technology News No. 286. 

Whereas an explosion from methane tends to be localized, it may start coal dust explosions resulting in more widespread injury and loss of life. AH coal breaking operations result in formation of fine coal particles some are controlled with water during the mining operation. Breakage associated with hauling disperses dust, and dust accumulations can be made safe by rockdusting. Powdered limestone is spread over the mine surfaces to cover the dust. 

---