Reducing enclosed cab drill operator's respirable dust exposure with effective filtration and pressurization...

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Mining Engineering
• Environmental Science

Background:

• Surface mining operations generate significant dust, posing health risks to equipment operators.
• Enclosed cabs are crucial for protecting operators, but their effectiveness against dust exposure can vary.
• Previous research highlighted the need for improved dust control within mining equipment cabs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate and implement modifications to reduce respirable dust levels inside enclosed surface mining equipment cabs.
• To enhance the filtration and pressurization systems of an older surface drill cab.
• To identify cost-effective improvements applicable to various enclosed cabs in mining, agriculture, and construction.

Main Methods:

• A cooperative research effort involving industry and government agencies (NIOSH, U.S. Silica Co., Clean Air Filter Co., Red Dot Corp.).
• Incorporation of modifications to the drill's filtration and pressurization system.
• Performance evaluation using gravimetric sampling instruments to compare interior and exterior dust levels.

Main Results:

• The final design of the modified enclosed cab achieved an average dust reduction efficiency of 93.4%.
• Improvements focused on filtration, pressurization, structural integrity, and cab cleanliness.
• The study identified key components for effective enclosed cab dust control systems.

Conclusions:

• Effective dust control in enclosed cabs relies on optimized filtration, pressurization, structural integrity, and cleanliness.
• The developed improvements offer a cost-effective solution for reducing respirable dust exposure in mining.
• Findings are transferable to agricultural and construction equipment with enclosed cabs, broadening applicability.