Dust
Many activities generate or release airborne dust into the atmosphere, creating a significant health risk if not properly managed. In Western Australia’s mining operations, personal air monitoring is essential for evaluating whether airborne contaminants exceed the relevant Workplace Exposure Standards (WES) and for determining the risk to worker health.
Dust in mining can take several harmful forms, including:
- The provided RPD is suitable for your workers
- Is based on their work tasks
- Recommendations for other HPD options, if necessary
- Ensures that worker know how to correctly fit ear plugs.
Exposure to these contaminants can lead to long-term and irreversible health conditions affecting the lungs, heart and overall respiratory function.
In WA mining, controlling dust is critical. Effective management includes:
- Proper engineering controls (ventilation, suppression, extraction)
- Regular personal exposure monitoring
- Static monitors in high-risk zones
- Worker training, education and correct PPE use
- Reviewing results against the current WEL and updating controls when required
Keeping dust levels below exposure standards is not just a compliance requirement, it’s a life-long health protection measure for every worker on site.
