Materials including crystalline silica (quartz), coal, stone, clay, granite, cement, limestone and calcium carbonate all create fine dust particles during processing applications which must be effectively controlled to ensure employers comply with COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations 2002.
Many of these materials have specific Workplace Exposure Limits (WELs) set out in HSE publication EH40 which must be adhered to in order to protect the health of employees and other people that may come into contact with them for prolonged periods of time.
The Dustcheck brand of dust collectors and venting filters, manufactured by Filtermist at our UK headquarters, includes several products suitable for effectively removing mineral dust from the air in processing plants and other industrial workplaces.
We also offer dust collectors from our sister company, Absolent. The AD range is constructed from Galfan pre-treated steel as standard, offering twice the corrosion resistance of conventional hot-dip galvanising. This makes the AD suitable for use in harsh and corrosive environments frequently associated with mineral processing.
Our dust extraction units and venting filters are suitable for numerous minerals applications including:
Contact our dust extraction experts now and they’ll help you find the best dust extraction system or venting filter for your specific minerals processing application.
Reducing exposure to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) by using effective control measures is a key focus for the HSE as the number of silicosis cases continues to rise. Silicosis, which is caused by exposure to RCS particles, can be life-limiting and even fatal in some cases. The HSE states; ‘Exposure to RCS over a long period of time can cause Silicosis and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Exposure to RCS must be either prevented or controlled in the workplace to reduce the risk of respiratory disease.’ The HSE website contains a dedicated section on how the risks of RCS should be minimised for people working with engineered stone – currently the leading cause of workers contracting silicosis.
“According to the HSE, in the non-metallic mineral industries the biggest respiratory risk comes from RCS which can be found in stone, rocks, sands and clays.”
More information about respiratory diseases caused by exposure to non-metallic minerals can be found on the HSE website.
The HSE recommends using Local Exhaust Ventilation (LEV) to reduce dust generated in minerals processing operations to minimise the risk to employees and help ensure employers are complying with regulatory requirements including COSHH.
Once an appropriate LEV system is installed, visual checks should be regularly undertaken to ensure the system is performing as intended, and COSHH Regulations require it to be thoroughly tested by a competent person at least once every 14 months.
It is the duty of employers to ensure that the health and safety of employees, as well as others entering their facilities, is protected. Comprehensive risk assessments should be carried out to identify where any potential issues lie, and procedures and policies put into place to control and minimise them. Employers should understand their duties under HSE regulations and should also undertake regular consultations with their team to provide information, instruction and training in relation to their health, safety and welfare.
Filtermist provides oil mist collectors in over 60 countries worldwide