Health Alert

Housekeeping

Good housekeeping practices can greatly reduce miners’ exposures to
respirable dust and silica.

• Dusty work clothes are a significant source of secondary exposures

  • Regularly wash work clothes including jackets and sweatshirts

  • Install and use solutions such as cleaning stations and booths

  • Compressed air cannot be used to clean clothes! 

• Dirt and dust can be carried into work areas on miners’ boots

  • Install boot washing stations near production areas

  • Install boot brushes outside of equipment cabs, control rooms, and offices 

• Cloth seats can collect and release dust every time they are used

  • Use leather and vinyl chairs in equipment, break rooms, and offices

  •  Wipe down chairs regularly 

• Wash equipment and floors on a regular basis

  • Start by slowly wetting the area with a wide spray nozzle, then move the wetted material with a more forceful nozzle

  • Use floor sweeping units and HEPA vacuums in high-traffic areas

  • Use a sweeping compound to reduce dust when dry sweeping

Miners and mine operators can find safety and health information on MSHA.gov.