Health and Safety Resources

Caution to Users

Many of the resources in this archive were originally

prepared by WSN’s predecessor organizations for use by

industry clients. While much of the information and

many of the forms included with them are still valuable,

users should recognize that examples, contact

information and data such as legislative references may

be out of date. The resources are offered as free tools for

companies to use in an effort to continuously improve

their health and safety systems. But users of these

resources also need to ensure that they are aware of the

most recent legislation, equipment and processes, as

well as current practices.

Air Contaminants1

Air Contaminants2

Air Contaminants

The quality of the air we breath has a direct impact on our health.

Depending on the type of contaminants, concentration and duration of exposure, air contaminants may cause acute and chronic health effects.

Air Contaminants3

The Mining Industry

Air contaminants can be found almost anywhere. Contaminants typically found in the mines include:

• Silica• Asbestos• Nuisance Dust• Diesel Particulate Matter• Carbon Monoxide• Radon• Volatile Organic Compounds• Gasoline Vapours• Bacteria and Fungi

Air Contaminants4

Respirable SilicaSourceSilica is a naturally occurring substance. Respirable silica is created through the mechanical process when rock containing silica is drilled, blasted, crushed or transported

CharacteristicsRespirable silica is very small (<10 micrometers) and breaks down into particles similar to glass shards; they are not visible to the naked eye

Health EffectsScarring of the lungs resulting in silicosis with long term exposure; other health complications as a result of exposure

PrecautionsWetting down areas to prevent dust from becoming airborne; ventilation to remove or dilute dust; air sampling for silica

Air Contaminants5

AsbestosSourceNaturally occurring substance can be contained in a variety of rock types; used in a variety of products e.g. insulation, shingles, ceiling tiles, wall plaster, brake pads, etc.

Characteristics Long thin fibre (3:1 ratio) <10 micrometers; visible only with a microscope

Health EffectsReaches deep into the lungs and cannot be removed which may result in asbestosis; or a cancer known as mesothelioma

PrecautionsRespirators and other appropriate PPE must be worn; containment and proper disposal; air sampling

Air Contaminants6

Nuisance DustSourceCreated through the mechanical process when rock is drilled, blasted, conveyed or transported

CharacteristicsSmall minute solid particles with diameters less than 500 micrometers

Health EffectsShort-term effects such as difficulty breathing and red, watery eyes; varies depending on mineral contained in dust

PrecautionsWetting down areas to prevent dust from becoming airborne; ventilation through removal or dilution of dust; air sampling for total dust

Air Contaminants7

Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM)SourceEmissions of diesel-powered equipment

CharacteristicsContains oxides of nitrogen, sulphur dioxide, benzene, formaldehyde, hydrocarbons, soot

Health EffectsImmediate irritation to the respiratory tract; classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as a ‘probable cancer-causing’ substance with repeatedexposure

PrecautionsMaintenance of equipment, diesel particulate filters; sampling of equipment, air sampling forTotal Carbon; adherence to air flow requirements in underground environment

Air Contaminants8

Carbon Monoxide (CO)SourceIncomplete combustion; blasting operations; confined spaces

CharacteristicsColourless, tasteless and odourless gas

Health EffectsHigh concentrations can cause chemical asphyxiation and death

PrecautionsMonitor air concentrations in the area; provide adequate ventilation; preventive maintenance on vehicles to reduce CO emissions; monitor CO from equipment

Air Contaminants9

RadonSourceDecaying uranium; seeps through cracks and fissures; absorbs into ground water; found in unventilated areas, sumps, dead-end headings, refuge stations

CharacteristicsColourless, odourless and radioactive gas

Health EffectsHigh incidence of lung cancer with exposure to repeated high concentrations

PrecautionsAir sampling of various locations; ventilation; review geology reports for uranium content

Air Contaminants10

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)SourceFound in the fumes of solvents, paints, adhesives, photocopiers, air fresheners, fabric softeners, and tobacco smoke

CharacteristicsCompounds that easily evaporate at room temperature

Health EffectsLow levels: fatigue, headache, dizziness and general discomfortHigh levels: respiratory irritation, tightness in chest, and nausea

PrecautionsClean up and maintain good housekeeping; ventilate areas; use proper PPE during handling

Air Contaminants11

Vapours and FumesSourceFuels (gasoline, diesel); welding, cutting and burning processes

CharacteristicsCreated through evaporation or heating process; varies depending on source

Health EffectsImmediate nose and throat irritation; dizziness, headaches; damage to the nervous system and lungs

PrecautionsProper housekeeping; local ventilation and immediate removal of vapour or fumes from work area

Air Contaminants12

Bacteria and FungiSourcePoorly maintained ventilation systems, oldtimbers, sump areas, lunchrooms, washrooms, shower rooms or damp areas

CharacteristicsVaries depending on bacteria and fungi

Health EffectsDepending on the organism, exposure may result in no effect, or asthma/allergy symptoms; or, in extreme cases, death.

PrecautionsClean up the area and maintain good housekeeping practices, ventilate areas for air movement to prevent damp areas

Air Contaminants13

Controlling Air Contaminants

• Air contaminants can be controlled if worksites are aware of the type and quantity of air contaminants present

• An assessment must be conducted to determine which air contaminants are present at the worksite. Control measures then need to be developed and maintained.

• Continuous air sampling and monitoring helps ensure conditions at the worksite haven’t changed or deteriorated

Air Contaminants14

Personal Gravimetric Sampling Train

• Workers may be asked to wear a Personal Gravimetric Sampling Train for a work shift

• The train can be used to collect a number of different air contaminants

• At the end of the shift, the train will have collected a sample of the worker’s exposure to the selected air contaminant

Air Contaminants15

Analysis of the Collected Samples

• Results from the sample are analyzed at a lab off-site

• Results help determine if the exposure level is safe or if further control measures need to be taken

Air Contaminants16

Control MeasuresControl measures for air contaminants include:Elimination: Eliminating the hazardous material or process completelySubstitution: Substituting less-hazardous materials or processesEngineering: Adding barriers, ventilation or air filtersAdministrative: Policies and procedures that minimize exposure, preventive maintenancePPE: Certain areas may require workers to wear respirators, gloves, goggles, etc.