Objective The aims of the project are to provide data from a variety of different drivages on the relationship between the dust concentration measurements taken at the present routine sampling position close to the machine operator [this sampling position was specified when the Coal Dust (Respirable Dust) Regulations were introduced in 1975], and those in the other zones where men work in a drivage.Results from a small scale survey carried out recently indicate that in exhaust or overlap ventilated drivages routine measurements may now represent the maximum dust level rather than the mean value. In some force ventilated drivages, however, the routine position was found to yield a value lower than the average. Analysis of the results from this project and the IOM project on coalfaces will show if a new sampling strategy and standards should be defined to provide equivalent levels of risk for all working areas. With the move to retreat mining in the UK a higher proportion of the workforce are employed in drivages, so it is important that future sampling strategies are not based on a limited amount of data gathered many years ago at sites which are not representative of the current situation. An additional reason for the project is the present trend for dust levels to be increasing in drivages within the UK. Information obtained will enable the effect of such increases at the routine sampling point to be quantified with respect to the exposure of all the workers in the drivage. Plan of work: Trials will be carried out in about 25 drivages, using at least six gravimetric dust samplers sited within the working area to establish the pattern of dust concentrations. One instrument will be mounted on the machine beside the operator to give a more representative measure of his exposure than the present routine position, where the instrument is hung in his vicinity. Sampling will take place during the normal duration of the working shift, and a minimum of four valid shifts will be sampled at each site. The positions of workmen during the shift will be noted to assess their relative exposure in comparison with a sample taken at the normal routine sampling position. Note will be kept of dust control techniques in use. Samples will be taken in drivages using force, exhaust, and exhaust overlap ventilation systems. The number of each type sampled will be in proportion to their usage within British Coal's mines. In-seam and arch section drivages will be visited, covering the range of drivage machine types in use. Room and pillar workings using continuous miner machines will also be sampled, because there may be an increase in this method of working in the future. Use will be made of information already obtained during a short survey of dust levels in drivages undertaken during the current project on dust control. Results will be analysed for total respirable mass and quartz content. In addition to evaluation of the patterns of concentration within the working area, the effect of duration of the sample working shift relative to the total shift will be assessed to provide a measure of relative exposure at different drivages. Programme(s) ECSC-MINEHYG 6C - Sixth research programme (ECSC) "Industrial Hygiene in Mines", 1990-1993 Topic(s) 3 - Dust measurement and determination of dust properties Call for proposal Data not available Funding Scheme Data not available Coordinator British Coal plc EU contribution No data Address Eastwood Hall NG16 3EB Eastwood United Kingdom See on map Total cost No data
