Respirable dust from lignite coal in the Victorian power industry

The results from a 12-month program of static sampling for respirable dust in various work sites of the Victorian power industry are presented. Lignite coal is the major source of dust in this industry. The data appear to be nearly lognormal in distribution and are similar in magnitude to levels reported from North American surface mines and surface work sites. Average 8-hour, time-weighted-average dust concentrations of 0.3 mg/m3 (SD = 0.3) were found in open areas. In enclosed coal handling areas, average concentrations of 0.7 mg/m3 (SD = 0.6) were found.