July 15, 2024 - Recent levels of respirable dust nearly four times the acceptable limit at a New South Wales open cut coal mine has caused the state regulator to issue a warning to operators. 

A dozer and grader operator at the mine recorded a respirable dust result of 4.9mg/m3, which exceeds the relevant shift adjusted occupational exposure limit of 1.37mg/m3.

The worker did not specify any ‘unusual’ exposure conditions and was not wearing any respiratory protection during the exposure period.

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“Mine operators are reminded to ensure the highest level of controls, education and training of workers are in place to prevent exposure of workers to the hazards of respirable dust,” the NSW Resources Regulator said. 

“The order in which controls are implemented must follow the hierarchy of controls. Personal protective equipment is a last line of defence against exposure.”

Dust can wear down equipment, harm vegetation and wildlife, and affect the quality of air, water and soil in an area. But most of all, dust affects the workers on the front lines of the mining industry.

Coal dust is second only to crystalline silica dust in the dangers posed to workers, but a combination of the two can be deadly.

Silicosis caused by silica exposure is estimated to currently affect around 100,000 people in Australia. Left untreated there is very real risk of those affected developing incurable lung diseases. 

As of July 1, the world-first engineered stone ban is now in effect to protect workers from the threat of silicosis, but it doesn’t extend to the mining industry as of yet.

For Australia’s miners exposed to silica and coal dust alike, control measures such as constant monitoring, proper ventilation and the use of effective personal protective equipment like dust-specific face masks are essential.