Hazards in the working environment and environmental protection

• Pages: 65-68

65

18. Hazards in the working environment and

environmental protection

18.1. General provisions

18.1.1. It should be the duty of the operator of an opencast mine to ensure that

persons are not exposed to airborne contaminants, harmful physical and chemical

agents or other hazards present in the working environment.

18.1.2. The manager should establish a suitable system of determining the quality

of the air, and identifying any physical or chemical agent likely to be hazardous in the

atmosphere in the vicinity of the mining operation, and of all locations in or about the

mine where workers may be called upon to work or travel.

18.1.3. National laws or regulations should specify and regularly review exposure

limits for all airborne contaminants, harmful physical and chemical agents, and other

hazards which may be encountered in the working environment.

18.1.4. The mine operator should make the necessary provisions to ensure that:

18.1.4.1. the safe working methods and, as far as is reasonably practicable, the safest

physical and chemical agents are chosen and used;

18.1.4.2. special procedures, approved by the competent authority, are enforced

wherever workers may be exposed to ionising radiation hazards from any

source; and

18.1.4.3. the exposure limits specified by national laws and regulations are not

exceeded.

18.1.5. Where it is necessary in order to minimise the risk to workers, the

manager should prepare written instructions specifying the correct procedure to be

observed in these circumstances. The manager should also take the necessary steps to

inform all workers of the possible hazards and the precautions to be taken when

hazardous substances are likely to be encountered at the mine.

18.1.6. National legislation should specify the standards necessary to protect

workers in opencast mines situated at high altitudes. Specific regard should be paid to

the particular characteristics of these mines and the hazards to which the miners are

exposed because of the location of such mines.

18.2. Precautions against airborne dust

18.2.1. Where dust is being produced during the course of operations in or about a

mine the manager should:

18.2.1.1. make provision for such dust to be controlled or suppressed; or