In November 2013, while visiting clients in Shanxi, I was shocked by the sheer number of coal mines I encountered. However, with such extensive coal mining activities came a significant environmental issue: severe dust pollution. Coal mining and production generate large amounts of coal dust, which poses serious health risks to workers exposed over long periods. Prolonged exposure can lead to occupational diseases like pneumoconiosis and coal worker's pneumoconiosis. To protect themselves, workers must use proper respiratory protection, such as dust masks, which can significantly reduce the risk of developing these conditions.
Dust in coal mines mainly consists of two types: coal dust and rock dust. Coal dust is generated during various stages of coal extraction, including crushing, loading, unloading, and storage. Rock dust, on the other hand, comes from tunnel excavation. Both natural and technical factors contribute to dust generation. Therefore, it is essential to implement a "prevention-oriented" approach that combines comprehensive measures to control dust effectively.
To minimize dust accumulation, coal mines should focus on reducing dust at its sources—such as the coal face, loading areas, transfer points, and transport lanes. Integrated dust suppression methods, like spraying water, are commonly used to manage dust levels efficiently.
Here are some specific strategies for dust reduction:
1. **Ventilation and Dust Control**: Proper ventilation helps dilute and remove airborne dust, preventing excessive buildup. Maintaining an optimal wind speed (0.25–0.5 m/s for minimum dust emission and 0.5–2.0 m/s for efficient dust removal) ensures effective air flow without creating additional turbulence.
2. **Washing and Cleaning Roadways**: Before blasting, the roadway within 30 meters of the working face should be flushed thoroughly. This includes cleaning the walls, ceiling, floor, and supports. Water pressure should be maintained between 300–400 kPa. Regular sweeping and brushing of underground roadways help remove settled dust.
3. **Automatic Spraying Systems**: Installing automatic spray systems in key areas like coal bunkers, coal chutes, and conveyor belts can effectively suppress dust. These systems wet the dust, causing it to settle quickly. This method is simple and can reduce dust levels by up to 60%.
4. **Regulating Wind Speed**: The airflow in tunnels must follow the regulations set by the "Coal Mine Safety Regulations." Coal deposits should not be completely removed, and coal chutes should not be used as ventilation shafts. Proper ventilation must be ensured at conveyor belt heads.
5. **Water-Based Blasting Techniques**: Using water-packed cartridges in blasting operations helps reduce dust emissions. A well-designed sprinkler system with filtration or sedimentation devices ensures clean water supply for these operations.
6. **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**: Even with all dust control measures in place, some dust may still remain in the air. Workers should wear industrial-grade dust masks or respirators to protect their respiratory health.
Comprehensive dust prevention and management require regular monitoring and implementation by supervisors. Dust levels at the workplace should be tested periodically, and workers exposed to dust should undergo regular health check-ups. These measures help ensure that dust concentrations remain within acceptable limits, complying with regulatory standards.
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