Silicosis

COURSE/CLASS DESCRIPTION

Issue 3:Silicosis Prevention

DESCRIPTION OF THE ISSUE:

Silicosis is a disease that afflicts the uninformed. It is sometimes a long term process from exposure to critical lung disease. This is the reason it is so important that we present the issues to the mining industry. We must stop the exposure in its acute stages before our miners suffer its effects in time. The number of mines that are overexposed in silica dust samples is alarming. We feel that with prevention and awareness programs we will offer, we can effectively stop Silicosis before the miners in the state begin to suffer its long term effects.

PROPOSED SOLUTION:

We have the perfect vehicle to inform the miner about silicosis and how to prevent its spread. Annual Refresher, New Miner and seminars on the subject will reach the mines and miners that are not targeted as high exposure mines. We will have to develop a special emphasis program aimed at the 49 mines that have higher exposure levels as indicated by the statistics provided. With the help of the Missouri Limestone Producers Association and the Southeast Missouri Mine Safety Association we will be able to reach the 49 mines targeted as high exposure.

Informational handouts and media releases from the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations will reach a large number of employers explaining the training programs offered. These media releases are targeted at the Mining Industry. At every speaking engagement by the Division of Labor Standards Director and the Safety Program Managers the subject will be addressed. Handouts about the programs will be presented to the mine employers and safety organizations.

GOAL:

We will train the miner in the identification, hazards, effects and prevention of silicosis.

Objective:

The state has 49 mines that have been sampled and found to be above the PEL in concentrations of silica dust at their operation. This impacts 1,244 miners we know of. The mines that are not overexposed will be targeted to further reduce their exposure through proper prevention techniques and site preparation.

We will present Silicosis Prevention classes to the individual mine site. We will present seminars to the Missouri Limestone Producers Association and other mine safety and health organizations. We will conduct round table discussions at the Southeast Missouri Mine Safety Association Spring Seminar. We will share videos, powerpoint presentations and classroom materials with the mine, miner, union and other state grantees. Through safety meetings we will urge the miner to use proper precautions when working around areas of exposure.

Outline:

1. What is silica, and what is silicosis
   1. Where is silica found and percentages
      1. Most common element on earth
      2. Quartzite, almost pure
      3. Sandstone, 20-40%
      4. Granite, 20-50%
      5. Limestone, 4-20%
   2. Particle size
      1. 3 to 5 microns most dangerous
      2. 10 microns or greater are too large to be taken into the lung.
2. Exposure levels
   1. Permissible Exposure Level
   2. Causation
   3. What constitutes exposure
      1. Concentration
      2. Duration
   4. If you can see a cloud of dust you may have a possible source of exposure.
   5. The type of material handling may be a possible source.
3. Why should a miner care about silicosis.
   1. We are the largest group exposed to silica on the job.
   2. There is no cure for silicosis
   3. 100% preventable
4. What jobs have the highest silica exposure risk.
   1. Highwall drill operators and helpers
   2. Equipment operators
   3. Crusher operators
   4. Underground drillers and roof bolters.
   5. Clean up personnel and plant maintenance personnel.
5. Why and how can you reduce the risk.
   1. Employee
      1. Assessment of the exposure
      2. Proper personal protective devices
      3. Hygiene
   2. Operator
      1. Installation and maintenance of ventilation systems
      2. Engineering controls
      3. Adjust work procedures
   3. MSHA
      1. MSHA/NIOSH medical screenings in selected areas
      2. Special emphasis programs on silicosis prevention.
      3. Public awareness campaigns to eliminate silicosis.
      4. Sampling and enforcement.
6. Controlling the exposure
   1. Find the source
   2. Reduce the concentration
   3. Reduce the time factor
   4. Explore alternative processes
   5. Use respiratory protection
   6. Medical surveillance
7. Silicosis Prevention Safe Work Practices
   1. Sampling is the most important component of a prevention program.
   2. Use dust controlling devices
      1. Water sprays
      2. Detergent kits
      3. Dust collection systems
   3. Do not operate dust generating equipment unless controls are in place.
   4. Keep floors and work areas free of dust
      1. Where possible vacuum instead of sweeping.
      2. Use wetting agents.
   5. Avoidance of dusty areas when possible
      1. If not use respirator.
   6. Pay attention to warning signs, barricades and restricted areas.
   7. Maintain a complete respirator program
   8. Ensure proper fit testing of respirators.
   9. Site and equipment preparation
      1. Wetting of the road
      2. Wetting of the face or highwall
      3. Maintain vehicle cab integrity.
      4. Repair faulty equipment, windows, seals and air conditioners.
8. Your rights as a miner.
   1. You have the right to complain about work conditions
      1. Section 103.(g) of the Mine Act; 30 CFR Part 43
   2. Right to participate in an inspection.
      1. Section 103(f) of the Mine Act: 30 CFR Part 40
   3. Right of Workers to contest citations
      1. Section 105(d) of the Mine Act
   4. Whistle Blower Protections
      1. Section 195(c) of the Mine Act: 29 CFR 2700 (Subpart E)
9. Symptoms of Silicosis
   1. Shortness of breath
   2. Severe cough
   3. Fatigue
   4. Loss of appetite
   5. Chest pains
   6. Fever
   7. These symptoms are the same as many other illnesses
   8. You must pay attention to your possibilities of exposure.
   9. Get a silicosis medical screening if the symptoms are prolonged.
10. How can a miner determine if he or she has silicosis.
    1. Work History
       1. Were you exposed
    2. Checkup to determine the early signs of lung disease
    3. Chest x-ray
    4. Pulmonary function test
    5. Tuberculosis evaluation

Time:

Each class will be tailored to be mine specific and the time will fluctuate depending on class participation. This class will be extended into surveillance techniques, Silicosis Prevention Program Development for the particular mine site, and development of engineering and administrative controls.