Among the occupational activities that pose risks to the health of workers are those related to extractive industries. Hazards and protection measures hereunder.
Working in extractive industries: risks and dangers
The peculiarities of extractive industries and the associated risks are such that legislators have devoted specific laws to these activities. Occupational health standards have been set down for workers involved with the exploration and research of mineral substances whatever the environment in which the extractive operations take place, for example, in closed environments such as mines or in open pit ones such as quarries or marine platforms.
Health risks in extractive industries concern subsidence, collapse, underground gas fumes, explosions and risks connected to the equipment used. Additional risks are related to the inhalation of fine dust, which, in fact, can damage the bronchi and lungs. Certified protective helmets and safety shoes are to be worn for protection against collapse. Evacuation plans are to be drawn up in case of risks related to collapse and explosion to enable workers to leave the area involved safely. The health and safety file drawn up by the employer must contain an evacuation plan aimed at reducing or eliminating the risks associated with the extractive activities performed.
Among the risks to the respiratory system is the development of silicosis, a debilitating and often fatal occupational lung disease caused by the exposure and inhalation of crystalline silica dust. It is characterized by the development of fibrotic pulmonary nodules containing quartz crystals in the upper zones of the lungs.
The initial symptoms of simple silicosis are cough and expectoration. In the case of complicated silicosis, however, the decrease in lung volume is such that breathing becomes very difficult, the airways become obstructed and pulmonary hypertension develops.
How to protect the respiratory system when working in extractive industries
Preventing silicosis when working in extractive industries is possible thanks to the use of specific face masks. In fact, extractive industry workers are obliged to wear respiratory protective equipment where there is a risk of inhaling particles, explosions or intoxication. These devices should be lightweight and comfortable so that they can be worn for the entire work shift and should be powered by batteries with a running time of over 8 hours in order to cover the work shift without having to change or recharge them.
Furthermore, in order to maintain efficiency over time, the face masks should be easy to don but also easy to clean.
They should also be equipped with a demand type or breath responsive system to maximize user comfort as air is not continuously blowing on the wearer’s face and with a visor demisting system.
Only certified devices should be used and employers are to set up regular checking and maintenance schedules in order to keep the masks efficient over time.
Mar 5 2018
Health hazards in extractive industries – how to protect oneself?
Working in extractive industries: risks and dangers
The peculiarities of extractive industries and the associated risks are such that legislators have devoted specific laws to these activities. Occupational health standards have been set down for workers involved with the exploration and research of mineral substances whatever the environment in which the extractive operations take place, for example, in closed environments such as mines or in open pit ones such as quarries or marine platforms.
Health risks in extractive industries concern subsidence, collapse, underground gas fumes, explosions and risks connected to the equipment used. Additional risks are related to the inhalation of fine dust, which, in fact, can damage the bronchi and lungs. Certified protective helmets and safety shoes are to be worn for protection against collapse. Evacuation plans are to be drawn up in case of risks related to collapse and explosion to enable workers to leave the area involved safely. The health and safety file drawn up by the employer must contain an evacuation plan aimed at reducing or eliminating the risks associated with the extractive activities performed.
Among the risks to the respiratory system is the development of silicosis, a debilitating and often fatal occupational lung disease caused by the exposure and inhalation of crystalline silica dust. It is characterized by the development of fibrotic pulmonary nodules containing quartz crystals in the upper zones of the lungs.
The initial symptoms of simple silicosis are cough and expectoration. In the case of complicated silicosis, however, the decrease in lung volume is such that breathing becomes very difficult, the airways become obstructed and pulmonary hypertension develops.
How to protect the respiratory system when working in extractive industries
Preventing silicosis when working in extractive industries is possible thanks to the use of specific face masks. In fact, extractive industry workers are obliged to wear respiratory protective equipment where there is a risk of inhaling particles, explosions or intoxication. These devices should be lightweight and comfortable so that they can be worn for the entire work shift and should be powered by batteries with a running time of over 8 hours in order to cover the work shift without having to change or recharge them.
Furthermore, in order to maintain efficiency over time, the face masks should be easy to don but also easy to clean.
They should also be equipped with a demand type or breath responsive system to maximize user comfort as air is not continuously blowing on the wearer’s face and with a visor demisting system.
Only certified devices should be used and employers are to set up regular checking and maintenance schedules in order to keep the masks efficient over time.
By Kasco Srl • Blog •