In November 2013, while visiting clients in Shanxi, I was shocked by the sheer number of coal mines, far exceeding my expectations. However, with the rapid development of the coal industry came a serious problem—severe dust pollution. Coal mining and production generate large amounts of coal dust, which poses a significant risk to workers who are exposed over long periods. Prolonged exposure can lead to occupational diseases such as pneumoconiosis and coal worker’s pneumoconiosis. To protect themselves, workers should wear proper respiratory protection, such as dust masks, which can effectively reduce the risk of these illnesses.
Dust in coal mines mainly comes from two sources: coal dust and rock dust. Coal dust is generated during the process of coal extraction, crushing, loading, unloading, and storage. Rock dust, on the other hand, is produced when tunneling through rock. Both types of dust pose health risks, and it is crucial to implement comprehensive dust control measures. The principle of “prevention first, integrated prevention and control†must be followed to minimize the impact of dust on workers and the environment.
To reduce dust levels in coal mines, it's essential to minimize dust generation and prevent it from settling quickly. Key areas like the coal face, loading points, transfer stations, and transport roads are major sources of dust. Sprinkling water or using other dust suppression techniques at these locations can significantly reduce airborne dust particles.
Here are some specific methods for dust reduction:
1. **Ventilation and Dust Control**: Proper ventilation helps dilute and remove suspended dust, preventing excessive accumulation. The wind speed should be controlled within safe limits, ideally between 0.25–0.5 m/s for minimal dust emission and 0.5–2.0 m/s for optimal dust removal. Ensuring sufficient airflow while keeping wind speeds low is key to effective dust management.
2. **Washing and Cleaning Roadways**: Before blasting, the roadways within 30 meters of the working face should be flushed with water. This includes the walls, ceiling, floor, and support structures. Water pressure should typically be between 300–400 kPa. Regular cleaning of underground roadways also helps remove accumulated dust.
3. **Automatic Spraying Systems**: Installing automatic spray systems in areas like coal bunkers, coal chutes, and conveyor belts can effectively suppress dust. These systems wet the dust, causing it to settle more quickly. This method is simple and efficient, achieving a dust reduction rate of 30% to 60%.
4. **Compliance with Ventilation Standards**: The wind speed in roadways must follow the "Coal Mine Safety Regulations." Underground coal mines should maintain certain coal deposits and avoid empty operations. Coal chutes should not be used as air vents, and proper ventilation holes must be installed at conveyor belt heads.
5. **Water-Based Blasting Techniques**: Using water cannon clay or water-packed cartridges during blasting helps control dust. These devices are filled with special plastic bags that contain water, reducing dust emissions. A complete water supply system with filtration or sedimentation devices ensures clean water for use.
6. **Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)**: Even with all preventive measures in place, some dust may still remain in the air. Workers should always wear appropriate respiratory protection, such as industrial-grade dust masks, to safeguard their health.
Comprehensive dust prevention strategies must be implemented and monitored annually by supervisors. Regular dust monitoring at work sites and routine health check-ups for workers exposed to dust are essential. By following these measures, dust concentration in the air can be kept within regulatory standards, ensuring a safer working environment.
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