New mining guideline for auxiliary ventilation underground Supplying proper quantity and quality of fresh air key to helping prevent lung disease and other illnesses
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new best practices document on proper auxiliary ventilation in underground mines has been introduced by an Ontario mining industry technical advisory committee that focuses on the health and safety of the underground mining workplace environment. In 2017, mining industry volunteers who make up the Workplace Environment Technical Advisory Committee Workplace Safety North (WSN) undertook the development of a practical guidebook for workers and frontline supervisors about the proper installation and maintenance of auxiliary ventilation in underground mines.
“In hard rock mines, there are various methods for supplying ventilation to the underground work areas,” says Keith Birnie, WSN industrial hygienist and ventilation specialist and committee co-ordinator. “There are several common mistakes and oversights, which lead to ineffective or inefficient ventilation systems.” To make the best use of the available air supply in underground mines, the document addresses the following points: • Focus on auxiliary ventilation systems that provide air directly to the face • Highlight examples of common mistakes • Provide simple and practical solutions for employees and frontline supervisors “The proper installation and maintenance of auxiliary ventilation is extremely important for supplying sufficient quantity and quality of breathable air to mine working areas,” says Birnie, “as well as to dilute and remove airborne contaminants, and to control temperature and humidity of the mine air.”
Auxiliary Ventilation: Good Installation and Maintenance Practices for Miners
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“The topic is relevant considering the recommendations of the Mining Health and Safety Prevention Review,” says Birnie. “Workplace Safety North and this advisory committee believe ventilation is an important control strategy for occupational disease prevention and ensuring the health of workers in underground mines.” A variety of factors can cause inadequate air volume reaching the underground workplace. In most instances, the ventilation duct is in poor condition, and basic ongoing maintenance of the auxiliary system is the solution. Workers in the field must have the tools, equipment, knowledge, and materials available to them to be able to solve the ventilation deficiencies.
