This document provides information from a small mines roadshow on dust safety and health surveillance. It discusses silicosis prevention, lowering the national silica exposure standard, and ensuring controls are effective. Monitoring results from a quarry showed exposures exceeding standards. Mine operators must review their plans, monitoring, and training to ensure compliance with the new standard of 0.05mg/m3 for respirable crystalline silica which took effect in July 2020. Health monitoring is important to complement safety controls and identify risks to workers.
The NSW Resources Regulator is committed to supporting the health and safety of those working in the mining industry through the development and distribution of relevant and flexible learning and development programs.
As part of our commitment, we have collaborated to develop three flexible learning programs that specifically incorporate the findings from investigations and independent reviews of mining incidents that have involved multiple fatalities or where the circumstances that occurred presented a significant risk of death to workers or the wider community.
The case studies selected have been deliberately designed to represent all mining contexts. This is to reinforce to the industry that the risk of fatalities occurs in all parts of the mining industry, which requires everyone to remain vigilant and proactive. For this reason, learning from disasters has been directly integrated into the requirements to maintain competence, where relevant, as part of the maintenance of competence scheme for practising certificates.
Learning from experience, preventing devastating reoccurrences and improving the health and safety of all working in this industry is a profound way of acknowledging and recognising all those who have been affected by mining safety incidents throughout history.
The NSW Resources Regulator is committed to supporting the health and safety of those working in the mining industry through the development and distribution of relevant and flexible learning and development programs.
As part of our commitment, we have collaborated to develop three flexible learning programs that specifically incorporate the findings from investigations and independent reviews of mining incidents that have involved multiple fatalities or where the circumstances that occurred presented a significant risk of death to workers or the wider community.
The case studies selected have been deliberately designed to represent all mining contexts. This is to reinforce to the industry that the risk of fatalities occurs in all parts of the mining industry, which requires everyone to remain vigilant and proactive. For this reason, learning from disasters has been directly integrated into the requirements to maintain competence, where relevant, as part of the maintenance of competence scheme for practising certificates.
Learning from experience, preventing devastating reoccurrences and improving the health and safety of all working in this industry is a profound way of acknowledging and recognising all those who have been affected by mining safety incidents throughout history.
In NSW mining, the number of workers injured in falls from mobile plant is increasing. These incidents make up a significant portion of the 62% of worker fatalities that involve the operation of mobile plant and vehicles in all industries across Australia.
In 2016 a mobile plant operator at Sibelco's Salt Ash sand plant suffered serious head injuries after falling from an articulated dump truck. This presentation shares the lessons from this incident to raise awareness and highlight the compliance requirements for fall prevention on mobile plant.
ILSM is one of the most important Joint Commission processes to understand. Test your ILSM knowledge and fill in the gaps regarding when and how to conduct an assessment.
JOGI SafeTech has been founded to provide EHS consultancy and training services to process industries.
Based in Surat (Gujarat State, India), our core area of services are:
PHA (Process Hazards Analysis),
HAZOP Study,
Risk Assessment Services,
Hazardous Area Classification,
PSM (Process Safety Management),
BBS (Behaviour Based Safety) training & Implementation and
EHS Training.
With his extensive experience in process industries, Mr. Nilesh Jogal, the founder; leads the organization with quality, processes and commitments that are commensurate with the highest international standards.
Under his stewardship, JOGI has developed methods and procedures for excellence in HSE services, while cultivating a high level of professionalism in team members.
Contact Details:
JOGI SafeTech Solutions
207, Pramukh Chambers,
Tadwadi, Rander Road,
Surat-395009
Gujarat
Inida
Visit www.jogisafetech.com for more details.
Artist: Jason Farnham
Track: World Map
Genre: Rock
Mood: bright
Source: YouTube Audio Library
Link: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FVAgeRFiO_Vg&redir_token=CD5Bz1qBU1WeXgk7relMKmvY-h98MTQ0NjA5NzYwNkAxNDQ2MDExMjA2
Learn how SiteFM's CMMS (Work Order application) provides the organizational capabilities to report by EC Discipline. Reports are accessed directly by the Safety Committee members to significantly reduce the workload required to prepare for these regular meetings, while also assisting in a Continuous Compliance model.
Code of Practice
C.O.P # 01
Fire Prevention Requirements
(Management of Combustible Materials & Electrical Inspections)
Table of Content
1. Fire Prevention and Combustible Material Management 3
2. Standards & Requirements for Combustible Stores and Temporary Structures 7
3. Fire Prevent Inspection Schedule 10
4. Fire Prevent Inspection Report 11
5. Fire Prevention Checklist 12
6. Office Porta cabin Inspection 18
7. Store Inspection 19
8. Electrical Inspections and Fire Safety 20
1. Fire Prevention and Combustible Material Management
Introduction
Fire is chemical reaction of three elements (fuel, heat and oxygen) if we remove 1 element, fire will end. Fire is a major risk both to persons and to property. You can either help prevent fires, or you can help start/allow them. In order to minimize the risk of fire in the workplace, it is vital that everyone is aware of the common causes of fire and the appropriate actions to take in the event of a fire.
Fire is one of our man risks in the construction Industry and due to many management, subcontractor and employee “cultural” issues, is even higher in the G.C.C. and the region. The cause of fire is generally combustible construction material and packing rather than incorporated items. However, even knowing this the planning, control and management of combustible materials are generally inadequate and this inadequate combustible material management is causing our project to be at higher risk levels than we should be. This document sets out to correct all the issues and short-comings in one consolidate “Company Name” Code of Practice. Combustible materials can be deemed to be at four levels of controls:
1. Stored safety in combustible materials stores.
2. Temporary stored in combustible materials managed area.
3. Stored uncontrolled.
4. In designated waste disposal area.
Life Safety Drawings for Accreditation:
The importance of accurate drawings
Advantages of the 2000 LSC Edition
Statement of Conditions Requirements
Managing Life Safety Drawings
Impact on Compliance
Impact on the BMP
Impact on Safety
How to update LS Drawings
HazWaste: Ten RCRA Compliance Issues that Can Trip You UpGeoEngineers, Inc.
A list of 10 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste)compliance issues that could trip up businesses in the manufacturing and painting industries, hospitals, chemical processing plants and other hazardous waste generators.
Summary of Significant Aspects and Controls - ISO 14001James Charles
Nice form to summarize significant aspects, operational controls, and monitoring & measurement requirements. ISO 14001 4.3.1, ISO 14001 4.4.6.
Email and I will send WORD version. James.Charles(at)iso14001-training.com
Table of Content
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. PURPOSE
1.2. REVISIONS
1.3. DISTRIBUTION LIST
1.4. PROJECT DETAILS
1.5. PROJECT LOCATION
2. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS
3. DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATION
3.1. DEFINITIONS
3.2. ABBREVIATION
4 ARABTEC HSEQ POLICIES & CERTIFICATES HSE POLICY STATEMENT
NO SMOKING POLICY
SAFE DRIVING POLICY
WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY
WELFARE MANAGEMENT POLICIES
ISO CERTIFICATES
ABU DHABI EHSMS CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
5 PROJECT HSE OBJECTIVES
6 ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
7 HSE COMMUNICATION ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
7.1.1 SITE RULES
7.1.2 GENERAL SITE RULES
7.1.3 PERSONAL SAFETY SITE RULES
7.1.4 SAFETY REFRESHER - TRAINING
NOSA offers legal compliance audits to companies who wish to measure the exposure that the organisation has to appropriate statutory requirements. These audits are conducted against various legal requirements, which depend on the nature of the client’s operations. NOSA has qualified resources who are able to perform legal compliance audits against both the OHS Act and the MHS Act.
Each Legal Compliance Audit entails:
Audit preparation (including identification of relevant legislation)
Conducting an audit (on site)
Report writing and feedback
Duration
This will depend on the size of each site and the type of activities conducted, as well as the scope of the audit.
Benefits of a Legal Compliance Audit
An external evaluation of the organisation’s compliance with applicable SHE legislation.
A written report on audit findings is provided.
Understanding what airborne dust is, its potential health effects and how to manage dust in all areas of the workplace is fundamental to ensure that the respiratory health of your workforce is protected.
Generating potentially harmful levels of respirable airborne dust is not confined to production-based tasks within an operation. Engineering and maintenance tasks also have the potential to expose tradesmen and operators to respirable dust that can cause lung disease. Many of these tasks are also often conducted without the need for respiratory protection being taken into consideration.
Occupational dust disease is 100% preventable, and the key to workers making smart choices about their health is education.
This presentation is a generic version of the Airborne Dust Awareness sessions that have been rolled out to thousands of mineworkers in the NSW coal industry recently and has resulted in positive behavioural change in and around the workplace.
As industry leaders, we all need to understand the risks before we can identify them, then eliminate or control them.
What is your level of airborne dust awareness?
In NSW mining, the number of workers injured in falls from mobile plant is increasing. These incidents make up a significant portion of the 62% of worker fatalities that involve the operation of mobile plant and vehicles in all industries across Australia.
In 2016 a mobile plant operator at Sibelco's Salt Ash sand plant suffered serious head injuries after falling from an articulated dump truck. This presentation shares the lessons from this incident to raise awareness and highlight the compliance requirements for fall prevention on mobile plant.
ILSM is one of the most important Joint Commission processes to understand. Test your ILSM knowledge and fill in the gaps regarding when and how to conduct an assessment.
JOGI SafeTech has been founded to provide EHS consultancy and training services to process industries.
Based in Surat (Gujarat State, India), our core area of services are:
PHA (Process Hazards Analysis),
HAZOP Study,
Risk Assessment Services,
Hazardous Area Classification,
PSM (Process Safety Management),
BBS (Behaviour Based Safety) training & Implementation and
EHS Training.
With his extensive experience in process industries, Mr. Nilesh Jogal, the founder; leads the organization with quality, processes and commitments that are commensurate with the highest international standards.
Under his stewardship, JOGI has developed methods and procedures for excellence in HSE services, while cultivating a high level of professionalism in team members.
Contact Details:
JOGI SafeTech Solutions
207, Pramukh Chambers,
Tadwadi, Rander Road,
Surat-395009
Gujarat
Inida
Visit www.jogisafetech.com for more details.
Artist: Jason Farnham
Track: World Map
Genre: Rock
Mood: bright
Source: YouTube Audio Library
Link: https://www.youtube.com/redirect?q=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FVAgeRFiO_Vg&redir_token=CD5Bz1qBU1WeXgk7relMKmvY-h98MTQ0NjA5NzYwNkAxNDQ2MDExMjA2
Learn how SiteFM's CMMS (Work Order application) provides the organizational capabilities to report by EC Discipline. Reports are accessed directly by the Safety Committee members to significantly reduce the workload required to prepare for these regular meetings, while also assisting in a Continuous Compliance model.
Code of Practice
C.O.P # 01
Fire Prevention Requirements
(Management of Combustible Materials & Electrical Inspections)
Table of Content
1. Fire Prevention and Combustible Material Management 3
2. Standards & Requirements for Combustible Stores and Temporary Structures 7
3. Fire Prevent Inspection Schedule 10
4. Fire Prevent Inspection Report 11
5. Fire Prevention Checklist 12
6. Office Porta cabin Inspection 18
7. Store Inspection 19
8. Electrical Inspections and Fire Safety 20
1. Fire Prevention and Combustible Material Management
Introduction
Fire is chemical reaction of three elements (fuel, heat and oxygen) if we remove 1 element, fire will end. Fire is a major risk both to persons and to property. You can either help prevent fires, or you can help start/allow them. In order to minimize the risk of fire in the workplace, it is vital that everyone is aware of the common causes of fire and the appropriate actions to take in the event of a fire.
Fire is one of our man risks in the construction Industry and due to many management, subcontractor and employee “cultural” issues, is even higher in the G.C.C. and the region. The cause of fire is generally combustible construction material and packing rather than incorporated items. However, even knowing this the planning, control and management of combustible materials are generally inadequate and this inadequate combustible material management is causing our project to be at higher risk levels than we should be. This document sets out to correct all the issues and short-comings in one consolidate “Company Name” Code of Practice. Combustible materials can be deemed to be at four levels of controls:
1. Stored safety in combustible materials stores.
2. Temporary stored in combustible materials managed area.
3. Stored uncontrolled.
4. In designated waste disposal area.
Life Safety Drawings for Accreditation:
The importance of accurate drawings
Advantages of the 2000 LSC Edition
Statement of Conditions Requirements
Managing Life Safety Drawings
Impact on Compliance
Impact on the BMP
Impact on Safety
How to update LS Drawings
HazWaste: Ten RCRA Compliance Issues that Can Trip You UpGeoEngineers, Inc.
A list of 10 Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) hazardous waste)compliance issues that could trip up businesses in the manufacturing and painting industries, hospitals, chemical processing plants and other hazardous waste generators.
Summary of Significant Aspects and Controls - ISO 14001James Charles
Nice form to summarize significant aspects, operational controls, and monitoring & measurement requirements. ISO 14001 4.3.1, ISO 14001 4.4.6.
Email and I will send WORD version. James.Charles(at)iso14001-training.com
Table of Content
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1. PURPOSE
1.2. REVISIONS
1.3. DISTRIBUTION LIST
1.4. PROJECT DETAILS
1.5. PROJECT LOCATION
2. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND REGULATIONS
3. DEFINITIONS & ABBREVIATION
3.1. DEFINITIONS
3.2. ABBREVIATION
4 ARABTEC HSEQ POLICIES & CERTIFICATES HSE POLICY STATEMENT
NO SMOKING POLICY
SAFE DRIVING POLICY
WASTE MANAGEMENT POLICY
WELFARE MANAGEMENT POLICIES
ISO CERTIFICATES
ABU DHABI EHSMS CERTIFICATE OF COMPLIANCE
5 PROJECT HSE OBJECTIVES
6 ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES
7 HSE COMMUNICATION ORIENTATION AND TRAINING
7.1.1 SITE RULES
7.1.2 GENERAL SITE RULES
7.1.3 PERSONAL SAFETY SITE RULES
7.1.4 SAFETY REFRESHER - TRAINING
NOSA offers legal compliance audits to companies who wish to measure the exposure that the organisation has to appropriate statutory requirements. These audits are conducted against various legal requirements, which depend on the nature of the client’s operations. NOSA has qualified resources who are able to perform legal compliance audits against both the OHS Act and the MHS Act.
Each Legal Compliance Audit entails:
Audit preparation (including identification of relevant legislation)
Conducting an audit (on site)
Report writing and feedback
Duration
This will depend on the size of each site and the type of activities conducted, as well as the scope of the audit.
Benefits of a Legal Compliance Audit
An external evaluation of the organisation’s compliance with applicable SHE legislation.
A written report on audit findings is provided.
Understanding what airborne dust is, its potential health effects and how to manage dust in all areas of the workplace is fundamental to ensure that the respiratory health of your workforce is protected.
Generating potentially harmful levels of respirable airborne dust is not confined to production-based tasks within an operation. Engineering and maintenance tasks also have the potential to expose tradesmen and operators to respirable dust that can cause lung disease. Many of these tasks are also often conducted without the need for respiratory protection being taken into consideration.
Occupational dust disease is 100% preventable, and the key to workers making smart choices about their health is education.
This presentation is a generic version of the Airborne Dust Awareness sessions that have been rolled out to thousands of mineworkers in the NSW coal industry recently and has resulted in positive behavioural change in and around the workplace.
As industry leaders, we all need to understand the risks before we can identify them, then eliminate or control them.
What is your level of airborne dust awareness?
Improper management of highly hazardous chemicals, including toxic, reactive or flammable liquids, can cause accidental releases and emergency responses. OSHA’s Process Safety Management of Highly Hazardous Chemicals standard (29 CFR 1910.119) regulates the management of highly hazardous chemicals. Violations can carry fines of up to $126,000. Do you have a PSM program in place?
Opira - Indoor Air Quality Risk Management PlanningOpira_Australia
Poor indoor air quality can impact the health and wellbeing of your building's occupants. This slide deck runs through the key factors that need to be considered when implementing an indoor air quality risk management plan.
Pollution being an endangerment to the living beings present all over the globe which impinges people's lives everyday. Major life threatening illnesses have been reported worldwide due to chronic exposure to pollution.WHO reports 6.5million premature deaths every year due to pollution which is a major threat to the human existence.This presentation discusses about the different types of pollution, its health effects, the steps being taken to control pollution in India and the ways to control the pollution. I hope this helps atleast a bit to make the world a better place for us to live!!
The death of a truck operator in the USA in 2018 at a Peabody mine as a result of a fire highlights the importance of installing fire suppression systems. Firestorm has been involved in the world's largest retrofit of fire supression systems on buses. While buses may be considered simple for fire protection versus a mining machine, buses can carry up to 100 passengers and typically there is a lack of mechanical protection with the majority of the body made of fibreglass, wood and plastics that burn very quickly and are highly toxic. The risk for multiple deaths is therefore a much higher factor compared with a mining machine with one operator. The risk assessment required in AS5062-2016 needs to consider the egress paths available for an operator/passenger to safely evacuate the machine and consideration for actuators and fire extinguishers along this path.
Changes to laws in 2016 required the removal of PFAS and PFOS in both Queensland and South Australia with penalties noe effective for non-compliance. Several NSW mines have been put on notice by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to prevent further contamination of waterways. Firestorm is now moving away from exposing our own people to PFAS/PFOS systems to ensure we are providing best practice even though laws are not yet in place for NSW. This presentation looks at what it means if you choose to move away from PFAS/PFOS systems.
Every organisation has a culture, and every culture is different. Every organisation has a culture around safety, which can often conflict with the culture around hydraulic systems.
Since the inception of the NSW Resources Regulator's MDG 41 - Guidleine for fluid power safety at mines there has been an explosion of interest in the safety of hydraulic systems. From the early days of MDG41 there was a significant drop in hydraulic incidents reported to the Regulator.
Recently there has been a spike in fluid power-related incidents around the industry, which suggests there is a disconnect between the perceived and real dangers of fluid power systems. As we now see the industry growing and less experienced workers joining the industry we must ensure that we demonstrate the correct culture when dealing with hydraulic systems.
Liberty Industrial was engaged by Glencore to complete the demolition of a former coal preparation plant on a redundant mine site in Teralba NSW. While the mine was non-operational and formerly underground, many of the mine systems, plant pass-in and permitting requirements were based on on the site being an operational underground mine. Both Liberty Industrial and Glencore worked together during the planning phase to ensure that both parties understood the work, the design-related aspects and aspects of the Glencore systems that were not appropriate for this type of work. The teams worked together to develop a risk-based approach that satisfied the Glencore internal systems while maintaining efficient execution processes.
This presentation outlines the approach taken by EnviroMist, in partnership with the University of Wollongong, to develop effective dust suppression systems for the mining industry.
A thorough approach using real-time dust monitoring, airspeed monitoring and material testing will be presented as the first step to define a dust problem. Following that, the use of modeling techniques such as CFD and DEM in combination with laboratory test data allows for the variables defining a problem to be investigated.
Finally, a solution can be proposed that is specific to the conditions of the application, based on the data collected and the results predicted from the simulation modelling. The presentation includes various case studies which demonstrate the effectiveness of this approach.
This presentation runs through case studies illustrating why machine failures are an invaluable source of knowledge. Yes, it comes at an expense, downtime, repairs and can have a significant impact on safety. However, it is the key lessons from a failure investigation that drive continuous improvement and, with it, commercial success and an environment where safety is paramount.
The studies draw on the concept of the price of non-conformance and why solely focusing on commercial short term gain can ultimately lead to long term pain. This is particularly true for critical assets that can affect production and safety if something goes wrong.
While critical control frameworks are becoming increasingly common in mines and quarries in NSW, effective implementation of these frameworks can be hampered by an inadequate grasp of the necessary data inputs, indicators and human psychology that govern whether the framework will create the intended outcome. As statutory mechanical officials in mines and quarries in NSW, assuring the effectiveness of critical risk controls can significantly reduce blidspots and improve your ability to know where you stand in relation to critical control effectiveness. This presentation will elevate your ability to:
• Identify and address complexity risk in developing critical control frameworks
• Recognise and respond to cognitive bias to maximise the performance of critical control frameworks
• Evaluate and apply key risk indicators and risk tolerances in order to effectively and honestly measure the performance of critical control frameworks.
The need to protect workers from diesel particulate matter (DPM) has led the underground coal mining industry to install disposable filter systems on their vehicles. While the disposable filters are efficient at removing significant DPM some major issues have arisen. ACARP, the Australian Coal Association Research Program funded two projects to research and develop solutions to these issues. This presentation provides the key findings from ACARP project C26070.
The emergence of new technologies for collision management has prompted many mining operators to reassess their approach to addressing mobile equipment interaction risk. Drawing on his experience in South Africa, where the regulatory environment is driving the introduction of new technologies to reduce the risk of collisions, there are lessons that can be applied to Australian mining operations. Based on a recent analysis of interaction risk for Australian mines and quarries, this presentation provides a practical approach to addressing collision risk with examples of measures to reduce exposure.
Access systems for operator cabins and routine maintenance areas of earthmoving machinery have been a significant area of discussion and interest in the NSW mining industry for many years. This presentation continues that discussion and brings new perspectives into the design of earthmoving machinery and the inherent considerations and trade-offs.
This presentation is an overview of the work Mangoola Coal has done with Maintenance Technology Institute (MTI) within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Monash University to understand the causes of failure relating to an incident in October 2016, and developing strategies to prevent similar failures in the future.
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
Many ways to support street children.pptxSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
Jennifer Schaus and Associates hosts a complimentary webinar series on The FAR in 2024. Join the webinars on Wednesdays and Fridays at noon, eastern.
Recordings are on YouTube and the company website.
https://www.youtube.com/@jenniferschaus/videos
What is the point of small housing associations.pptxPaul Smith
Given the small scale of housing associations and their relative high cost per home what is the point of them and how do we justify their continued existance
Up the Ratios Bylaws - a Comprehensive Process of Our Organizationuptheratios
Up the Ratios is a non-profit organization dedicated to bridging the gap in STEM education for underprivileged students by providing free, high-quality learning opportunities in robotics and other STEM fields. Our mission is to empower the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and problem-solvers by offering a range of educational programs that foster curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking.
At Up the Ratios, we believe that every student, regardless of their socio-economic background, should have access to the tools and knowledge needed to succeed in today's technology-driven world. To achieve this, we host a variety of free classes, workshops, summer camps, and live lectures tailored to students from underserved communities. Our programs are designed to be engaging and hands-on, allowing students to explore the exciting world of robotics and STEM through practical, real-world applications.
Our free classes cover fundamental concepts in robotics, coding, and engineering, providing students with a strong foundation in these critical areas. Through our interactive workshops, students can dive deeper into specific topics, working on projects that challenge them to apply what they've learned and think creatively. Our summer camps offer an immersive experience where students can collaborate on larger projects, develop their teamwork skills, and gain confidence in their abilities.
In addition to our local programs, Up the Ratios is committed to making a global impact. We take donations of new and gently used robotics parts, which we then distribute to students and educational institutions in other countries. These donations help ensure that young learners worldwide have the resources they need to explore and excel in STEM fields. By supporting education in this way, we aim to nurture a global community of future leaders and innovators.
Our live lectures feature guest speakers from various STEM disciplines, including engineers, scientists, and industry professionals who share their knowledge and experiences with our students. These lectures provide valuable insights into potential career paths and inspire students to pursue their passions in STEM.
Up the Ratios relies on the generosity of donors and volunteers to continue our work. Contributions of time, expertise, and financial support are crucial to sustaining our programs and expanding our reach. Whether you're an individual passionate about education, a professional in the STEM field, or a company looking to give back to the community, there are many ways to get involved and make a difference.
We are proud of the positive impact we've had on the lives of countless students, many of whom have gone on to pursue higher education and careers in STEM. By providing these young minds with the tools and opportunities they need to succeed, we are not only changing their futures but also contributing to the advancement of technology and innovation on a broader scale.
ZGB - The Role of Generative AI in Government transformation.pdfSaeed Al Dhaheri
This keynote was presented during the the 7th edition of the UAE Hackathon 2024. It highlights the role of AI and Generative AI in addressing government transformation to achieve zero government bureaucracy
Understanding the Challenges of Street ChildrenSERUDS INDIA
By raising awareness, providing support, advocating for change, and offering assistance to children in need, individuals can play a crucial role in improving the lives of street children and helping them realize their full potential
Donate Us
https://serudsindia.org/how-individuals-can-support-street-children-in-india/
#donatefororphan, #donateforhomelesschildren, #childeducation, #ngochildeducation, #donateforeducation, #donationforchildeducation, #sponsorforpoorchild, #sponsororphanage #sponsororphanchild, #donation, #education, #charity, #educationforchild, #seruds, #kurnool, #joyhome
Russian anarchist and anti-war movement in the third year of full-scale warAntti Rautiainen
Anarchist group ANA Regensburg hosted my online-presentation on 16th of May 2024, in which I discussed tactics of anti-war activism in Russia, and reasons why the anti-war movement has not been able to make an impact to change the course of events yet. Cases of anarchists repressed for anti-war activities are presented, as well as strategies of support for political prisoners, and modest successes in supporting their struggles.
Thumbnail picture is by MediaZona, you may read their report on anti-war arson attacks in Russia here: https://en.zona.media/article/2022/10/13/burn-map
Links:
Autonomous Action
http://Avtonom.org
Anarchist Black Cross Moscow
http://Avtonom.org/abc
Solidarity Zone
https://t.me/solidarity_zone
Memorial
https://memopzk.org/, https://t.me/pzk_memorial
OVD-Info
https://en.ovdinfo.org/antiwar-ovd-info-guide
RosUznik
https://rosuznik.org/
Uznik Online
http://uznikonline.tilda.ws/
Russian Reader
https://therussianreader.com/
ABC Irkutsk
https://abc38.noblogs.org/
Send mail to prisoners from abroad:
http://Prisonmail.online
YouTube: https://youtu.be/c5nSOdU48O8
Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/libertarianlifecoach/episodes/Russian-anarchist-and-anti-war-movement-in-the-third-year-of-full-scale-war-e2k8ai4
Canadian Immigration Tracker March 2024 - Key SlidesAndrew Griffith
Highlights
Permanent Residents decrease along with percentage of TR2PR decline to 52 percent of all Permanent Residents.
March asylum claim data not issued as of May 27 (unusually late). Irregular arrivals remain very small.
Study permit applications experiencing sharp decrease as a result of announced caps over 50 percent compared to February.
Citizenship numbers remain stable.
Slide 3 has the overall numbers and change.
This session provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates to the Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (commonly known as the Uniform Guidance) outlined in the 2 CFR 200.
With a focus on the 2024 revisions issued by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), participants will gain insight into the key changes affecting federal grant recipients. The session will delve into critical regulatory updates, providing attendees with the knowledge and tools necessary to navigate and comply with the evolving landscape of federal grant management.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the rationale behind the 2024 updates to the Uniform Guidance outlined in 2 CFR 200, and their implications for federal grant recipients.
- Identify the key changes and revisions introduced by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the 2024 edition of 2 CFR 200.
- Gain proficiency in applying the updated regulations to ensure compliance with federal grant requirements and avoid potential audit findings.
- Develop strategies for effectively implementing the new guidelines within the grant management processes of their respective organizations, fostering efficiency and accountability in federal grant administration.
1. Small Mines Roadshow
October – December 2020
Dust Safety & Health Surveillance
Are your controls working?
Risk mitigation, how your business should respond to the
lowering of the national exposure standard for SiO2
2.
3. Learning Outcomes
Silicosis is entirely preventable (video)
Review of the video messages:
• Reoccurrence of dust related incidents (short history)
• Resources Regulators continued approach
• Applying hierarchy of controls
• Ensuring a safe work environment (dust sampling – real time)
• Meeting the new SiO2 national exposure standard (what to do?)
• Reviewing controls due to new standard (exercise)
• Providing health monitoring
8. Regulator’s published objectives (2019)
Results of the targeted assessment programs (TAPs) and
planned inspections (PIs) for dust and airborne contaminants
will be reviewed. A program to revisit those mines identified
as requiring improvement in worker health monitoring,
management and control of dust will be implemented.
We undertake the following activities:
An analysis will be carried out to identify mines operating in
high silica environments. These mines will undergo further
planned inspections to verify that suitable strategies have been
implemented to control the risks associated with dust.
Develop an awareness package covering worker
monitoring and reporting requirements and
communicate this to mines in the non-coal sector.
There is a clear need to
focus on dust diseases in
our mining industry.
9. Meeting
these
objectives
Information and
awareness packages
• Review & republish
”Dust Safety” guide
• New dust fact sheets
• 2020 Small Mines
Road shows
• 2019 IQA seminar,
• 2019 Silica Rd show
• RR & Minerals
Council (MSAC)
toolkit
• Stage 2 Targeted
Interventions
(Nov 2019)
• Stage 3 Follow up
assessments – review
of notices & health
monitoring (Nov 2019
– ongoing)
• Stage 1 Planned
Inspections
• (2017 – ongoing for
new sites)
• Stage 4 Legislation
Change
assessments (July
2020 – ongoing)
41 Site
Assessments
146
assessments
24 Site
Assessments
36 Site
Assessments
10. What are we finding ?
Targeted Intervention Program - Nov 2019
24 Quarries
(17 small & 7 large)
The assessment process highlighted:
• Some operators believe that respiratory protection equipment (RPE) is the only control
necessary. Operators do not understand that they are required to control workers’
exposure.
• Risk assessments to identify the risks and controls for dust on sites were typically not
completed, did not identify all activities that generated dust, had not been reviewed
and/or controls were not detailed.
• Not all activities that generated dust were identified.
• The critical controls used by quarry operators to manage the risk of worker exposure to
dust were common, such as sealed, air conditioned and/or air filtered pressurised cabins
of mobile plant to isolate workers from exposure to dust and water sprays to suppress
dust generation.
• Workers were not aware of the adverse health effects. They had not been trained in the
methods to control dust and had not received RPE training.
• The induction process for workers lacked information, training and instruction on the
risks to their health from exposure to dust and methods for controlling the hazard.
• The procedure for personal protective equipment (PPE) did not state the mandatory
RPE required for tasks and areas of the mine where workers were at increased risk due to
exposure to dust
11. Reality check - How did you determine what
controls to use?
• No involvement of subject
matter experts
• Reverse engineered risk
assessments
• No evaluation of known
controls
• No involvement of workers
• Cut and paste risk
assessments within
organisations
12. Cement Concrete &
Aggregates Australia
• Guidance material produced by
CCAA in Sept 2018
• Workplace Health & Safety
Guideline – Management of
Respirable Crystalline Silica in
Quarries
13. WHSR 2017 clause 36
clause applies if it is not reasonably
practicable to eliminate risks
Duty holder must minimise risk, by 1 or
more of the following
a) substitute
b) isolate
c) engineering
before
d) administrative, and
e) Personal Protective Equipment (RPE)
14.
15. Administrative
controls and PPE should only
be used:
• To supplement higher order control
measures as a means of further
mitigating the risk of exposure;
• As an interim measure until a more
effective way of controlling the risk can
be used;
• When the PCBU has done all that is
reasonably practicable and no other
practical control measures are available
P1 & P2 P1 & P2 P2 & P3
Powered
filtering
respirators
Negative pressure filtering respirators
P2 & P3
Supplied air
respirators
16. How do you confirm that your controls are working?
How do you ensure that you meet
the requirements of clause 39?
Work Health and Safety (Mines and
Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2014 clause 39
“ The operator of a mine or petroleum site
must, so far as is reasonably practicable,
minimise the exposure of persons at the mine
or petroleum site to dust and must ensure that
no person at the mine or petroleum site is
exposed to 8-hour time-weighted average
atmospheric concentrations of airborne dust
that exceed:
for respirable dust—3 milligrams per cubic
metre of air,
for inhalable dust—10 milligrams per cubic
metre of air.
for crystalline silica—0.05 milligrams per cubic
metre of air.
17. Respirable Dust
Monitors
• Lots of real time dust
monitors available
(some examples)
• Typically $5 -15K
• Instantaneous reading
of airborne particulate
concentrations
• Indicator of worker
exposures
19. Results
• Sandstone Quarry Sio2 (54.0%)
• Monitor location 5 m from cone crusher
• Crushing & screening with dust sprays on
• 15 minute duration
• Average reading 3.56 mg/m3
• Change of wind direction @ 12 min mark
• 3 minute duration
• Max reading 29 mg/m3
• If operators were working in this area their
personal exposure would exceed the Workplace
Exposure Standard (3mg/m3 Respirable Dust)
20.
21.
22. Resources Regulator approach on new
exposure standard
• On 21 February 2020, the Minister for Better Regulation announced
that the new respirable crystalline silica workplace exposure standard
of 0.05mg/m3 will take effect in NSW from 1 July 2020.
• The new exposure standard is prescribed following a revision of the
Workplace Exposure Standards for Airborne Contaminants (WESFAC).
Mines and petroleum sites will need to report exceedances of the
new exposure standard to the NSW Resources Regulator from
1st July 2020.
• We recognise that the ability to meet the new standard, in a relatively
short time frame, will be a challenge to some mine operators.
• It is our position that a reduction in the exposure standard is
appropriate and compliance is achievable through the application of the
hierarchy of controls
This position paper
details our regulatory
approach during the
period July - December
2020 to assist the NSW
mining industry in
managing the transition
to compliance with the
new exposure standard.
23. Resources Regulator approach to a reported
exceedance (July – Dec 2020)
• Does not exceed previous standard (0.1mg/m3) and mine operator provides
evidence of appropriate review of controls.
• Exceeds previous standard (0.1mg/m3) by up to 100% and mine operator
provides evidence of appropriate review of controls, compliance action may
be taken, subject to specific circumstances, (e.g. improvement notice).
• Exceeds previous standard (0.1mg/m3) by more than 100% normal
compliance and enforcement action taking into account subject to specific
circumstances and actions taken by mine operator, (e.g. range of notices, site
follow-up)
A moderated approach to compliance and enforcement
No Action
Compliance
action may be
taken
Normal
compliance
action
25. What do I need to review ?
• Review & update PHMP (Dust)
• Are existing controls effective ?
• Monitoring frequency ?
• Trigger levels for action ?
• Is current RPE effective ?
• Review & update HCP
• Who is at significant risk ?
• Is increased health monitoring required?
• Review and update incident reporting?
• Must notify Regulator ? (0.05mg/m3)
• Review information and training material ?
• Induction ?
• Contractor management ?
The new respirable crystalline
silica workplace exposure
standard of 0.05mg/m3 took
effect in NSW from 1 July
2020.
0.1 mg/m3
0.05 mg/m3
26. What does your Health Control Plan (HCP) say
about health monitoring ?
• Do have a HCP?
• Which workers are monitored?
• Where is the monitoring undertaken?
• How often are workers monitored?
• What do you do with the results?
Around the
room ?
27. Name Work task
Respirable
Crystalline Silica
mg/m3 – 8hr TWA
Respirable Dust
mg/m3 – 8hr TWA
Inhalable Dust
mg/m3 – 8hr TWA
Fitter 1 Screen changes 4hrs; replace conveyor drive
motor 4hrs 0.078 0.198 8.89
Fitter 2 Screen changes 4hrs; replace conveyor drive
motor 4 hrs 0.065 0.205 9.24
Operator 1 Fixed plant cleaning 5hrs; plant inspections
3hrs. 0.124 0.256 11.34
Current Workplace Exposure Standard
(8hr TWA, mg/m3) 0.05 3.0 10.0
You are the Quarry Manager at hard rock quarry producing aggregate for use in concrete production from a
granite deposit. You have recently engaged an occupational hygienist to conduct personal dust monitoring at
your operation. The diagram below is a cut down version of the hygienist’s report highlighting the results for 3
out of the 15 workers who participated.
The monitoring was conducted for an 8-hour period on a day that the fixed plant was down for maintenance.
Normal sales and pit extraction activities were conducted during the monitoring period. You have viewed the
monitoring results, what action if any, would you take in response?
28. Who are we?
icare dust diseases care
Dust Diseases Care2
Dust Diseases Care provides no-fault
compensation and support for people who have
developed work-related dust diseases in NSW, and
their dependents
Relevant legislation:
Workers’ Compensation (Dust Diseases) Act 1942
We provide:
medical examinations
health monitoring
compensation payments
payment of medical & healthcare expenses
information & education about dust diseases
funding for research into, and support for, dust diseases
29. A convenient and flexible screening service – Since 2000, over 67,800 workers screened
Dust Diseases Care7
DDC Screening
Workers screened per dust type
Mobile Lung Bus
115 Pitt St. Sydney Local Doctor
2,409 1,154 1,722
Silica Silica and Asbestos Asbestos
4,299 for 72 employers 920 for 153 employers 66 for 9 employers
30. Worksites across NSW with our regional lung screen visits, making it easier for employers to proactively provide
their workers with essential health-monitoring for potential dust diseases
Dust Diseases Care8
Mobile Lung Screening Service
62
Worksites / Locations
visited across NSW
55,000 kms
Travelled across NSW
31. 1st stage of screening – 3 simple steps, quick and painless, takes 20 to 25 minutes
Dust Diseases Care9
Lung Screen: One stop service
Chest X-Ray Lung Function Test
(Spirometry)
Respiratory health
examination
32. Dust Diseases Care12
Key Messages
icare services are free for retired workers and individuals with exposure in previous employment and subsidised for
current workers on behalf of employers
Health monitoring should complement or validate the safety measures that employers have put in place. It should not
be used as a control measure
Workers can be screened through the Pitt Street clinic, the Lung Bus and local doctors
The 1st screening stage consists of a Chest X-ray, Spirometry Test and respiratory health exam
The 2nd stage of screening involves a CT Scan, full Lung Function Test and detailed work history
Silicosis is irreversible and there is compensation entitlements from DDC
Contact us on 139 444 or lungscreen@icare.nsw.gov.au
33. Silicosis is preventable if appropriate
dust control, atmospheric monitoring
and worker monitoring procedures are
in place.
36. Dust Safety & Health Surveillance
2020 Small Mines Roadshow
Editor's Notes
Introduce the topic and yourself
Discuss the purpose of this workshop
This presentation is designed to go for 30 – 40 minutes
Play this video to set the scene for the rest of the presentation.
We have just watched a video that contains many messages from our CIM Garvin Burns about the management of dust.
It is no surprise that the Resources Regulator continues to focus on the identification and control of dust hazards as its # 1 priority.
We make no apologies about our continued program of work relating to the education and assessment of mine operators controls with respect to the management of dust hazards.
We plan to continue these programs until such time as we are satisfied that industry has the necessary knowledge and controls in place to manage this hideous disease.
So lets brake down the messages from the video which will form our Learning Outcomes for the session
Very quick refresher… to set the scene
Summarise this blurb in your own words and reinforce the severity of managing the hazards with Sio2
Below is background information…(it is not expected that you cover all this) the message is that it has been around forever and we have taken our foot off the pedal.
The hazard of silica is nothing new to our industry, we have known and been managing the effects of silica for more than a century.
Quartz is the most common form of crystalline silica and is the second most common mineral on the earth’s surface.
Silicosis was directly related to the introduction of new technology and mechanisation and was abundant in the workplace.
The first major inquiry into miners health was in WA in 1905 with the ‘Royal Commission on the Ventilation and Sanitation of Mines”
Shortly following was the 1910 Royal Commission of Pulmonary Disease Amongst Miners.
- This required Commonwealth intervention
In 1921 the Commonwealth established the Industrial Hygiene Division as part of its new Department of Health, and “so the journey continues.”
- A quick overview… summary of information provided below
Crystalline silica presents a hazard when fine particles are inhaled into the lungs, these are termed respirable particles.
The respirable fraction of a dust cloud is generally less than about 7um in size.
Just to put this in context a human hair is typically 80-100 microns
Silicosis: Silicosis is a fibrosis of the lung – in other words a scarring making breathing more difficult by reducing lung function or capacity and increases the risk of lung infections. Classic Silicosis usually follows exposure to RCS after 15 years or more, Accelerated silicosis occurs after 5 – 10 years heavier exposure. Acute silicosis can occur after a few months of very high concentrations and lead rapidly to ill health.
Lung cancer: There is sufficient evidence to conclude that the relative risk of lung cancer is increased in persons with silicosis. Respirable crystalline silica is classified as carcinogenic to humans (IARC Group 1)
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): COPD is a group of lung diseases, including bronchitis and emphysema, resulting in severe breathlessness, prolonged coughing and chronic disability. It may be caused by breathing in any fine dusts, including RCS. It can be very disabling and is a leading cause of death. Cigarette smoking can make it worse.
Source: UK Health and Safety Executive “ Control of Exposure to Silica Dust – A Guide for Employees” 2013
The slide on the left is of from a worker that has a normal chest x-ray while the worker on the right is approximately 40 yrs old and has severe silicosis.
What is concerning is that this worker was exposed to RCS for about 6 years – therefore has accelerated silicosis.
This worker is now unable to do any normal activities and his prognosis is very poor without a lung transplant.
Fact I learnt the other day is that a lung transplant might only be good for approx 10 -15 years.
SO, what happens if your controls are not working ?
This is a question to all of you…………“Can we take that risk ???
Challenge everyone in the room to sit for one minute to imagine what the consequences will be if ‘your controls are not working’ !!!
The alternative and outcome are simply not acceptable.
As an industry we must ask ourselves, are we doing everything that is reasonably practicable to prevent workers from being exposed to a contaminated atmosphere.
As recently as last week (this was 2019) I confirmed with I care that there are currently 21 cases of silicosis under investigation, with many more expected to arrive on their books due to the increased awareness campaign of the Silica Rd shows and an increased number of peopled being included in a health monitoring program.
- This article was taken from the SMH earlier last year in regard to silica and engineered stone, however this gentleman was a brickie. Of concern in the article was that he had not realised breathing in silica dust was hazardous. He was first diagnosed at 33 after working 15 years into his job as brickies labourer
- Early detection of silicosis is vital so that those still in the workforce can be removed from further exposure. Tragically, many potential sufferers continue to work in dusty conditions while their condition remains unidentified. A diagnosis may be easily missed, or assumptions made that the loss of function associated with silicosis is due to reduced fitness, age, or lifestyle factors such smoking. It remains of great concern that a number of workers may have early onset of silicosis, without knowing.
- I ask you again … how do you know that ‘your controls are working ??
- Are you monitoring your workplace atmosphere?
- Do you have a health monitoring program and are all workers that are at significant risk part of that program?
Slide is designed to show that the Resources regulator has been working to a plan for the past couple of years
Our commitment from last year (2019) (what we said we were going to do)
Quickly run through slide
- Key issues are highlighted in bold
Summary of our performance so far in meeting our objectives
This is what we have done and what we are going to continue to do
Work through the slide e.g. Stage 1 to 4
We have also continued to develop information and awareness packages
Hold up the new dust book, fact sheet and talk about the information toolkit on the website
There is a slide at the end of the presentation that shows the information available on the RR website
RESULTS OF WHAT WE SEE.
Draw the audience’s attention to this publication which summarises the results of the 2019 TIP
It is a good summary of the commonly identified shortcomings
I would also add the failure to include; (next slide)
Subject matter experts (hygienist and the workers on site)
Reverse engineered risk assessments (may have to explain to the audience what this means… doing a risk assessment to suit a pre determined outcome)
- Background information below.
- “Reverse engineered risk assessments are the curse of our industry”
- Time and time again as regulators we are provided with risk assessments that clearly have a predetermined outcome.
They are managed, manipulated, twisted and often illogical as to how they have determined the result.
They are often nothing more than a piece of paper that attempts (and in many cases poorly) to demonstrate that they have thought about the issue.
They often do not include any subject matter expert involvement, do not involve the workers, do not consider known controls, and are regularly passed from organisation to organisation
It is time for a reality check – How did you determine what controls to use ?
I read from the CCAA’s guideline :
And most importantly…
• Is the exposure reduced to an acceptable level and, at a minimum, consistently below the exposure standard of 0.05mg/m3 on an 8 hour TWA for any activity or task that may create an unacceptable RCS exposure?
• Is there monitoring and verification in place to ensure the ongoing effectiveness of controls and that exposures are kept to an acceptable level?
Background information below
So you may ask ‘how do I determine what is reasonably practicable’ ?
Many of you in the room work for companies that are members of the Cement Concrete & Aggregates Australia Association
Amongst other publications, of which there are many, and I mean many, the CCAA has produced a publication titled ‘Management of Respirable Crystalline Silica in 2018
This publication is an excellent starting point and provides general guidance to assist operators in the appropriate management of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) and gives many examples of controls that will assist you in determining what is ‘reasonably practicable’ for your site.
Please be aware that this document is not a substitute for obtaining expert advice (including an expert occupational health and safety assessment), which should be obtained by operators prior to the commencement of quarrying activities and on an ongoing basis.
However, it is an excellent lifecycle summary of how to approach the management of silica dust.
I encourage you to get a copy as it is your associations document and it has been written for you.
The CCAA document promotes exactly the same approach as that required by clause 36 and details a comprehensive list of control examples.
Example of list of controls from CCA document
The document gives an excellent account of control selection
Clause 36 outlines that the Duty Holder MUST minimise the risk by a), b),c) before using administrative or PPE controls
- NEED TO REINFORCE THIUS CONCEPT (REQUIREMENT)
Background information below
Another way of looking at where the controls fit
To better explain this concept it is often easier to display the controls laid out in clause 36 in the following manner.
This bow tie approach centralises the exposure to dust as the unwanted hazard and places the preventative (higher order controls) to the left and the protection controls (often referred to as the mitigating controls) to the right.
Clause 36 requires the duty holder to consider the higher order preventative controls, so far is reasonably practicable, and only if the risk remains should they adopt the lower order protection controls.
In all cases, the primary goal should be to minimise exposure to RCS so far as reasonably practicable and ensure exposure is no greater than the exposure standard.
Controlling dust at the source is the key to effective control. It is far more effective to prevent and minimise the generation of RCS dust than it is to manage the risk in the air, or reduce the risk to each worker.
- As before … the primary duty under WHS Legislation is for the PCBU to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and other people are not exposed to health and safety risks arising from the business or undertaking.
Background info below…
Just to reconfirm.
Administrative controls and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) are lower order controls that rely on human behaviour and supervision to minimise exposure to a hazard.
In the right circumstance PPE is an effective control. It’s lowly position in the hierarchy is not because it doesn’t work, but rather that in order for it to work it relies on human interaction and we know that this introduces a higher level of uncertainty. Firstly, it relies on the PPE being correctly selected to reduce the risk, but more fundamentally, it relies on the PPE fitting the individual and then that person wearing it properly every time.
Most in the room will have heard of the term ‘fit testing’ and many have adopted the process on their site.
In brief, as fit testing is a whole other presentation, various research papers have established that 98 % of Workers that are fit tested will achieve a Workplace Protection Factor of 10 while only 50 % of those that are not fit tested will achieve the same protection level.
If you have not adopted fit testing as a method to ensure a satisfactory protection level on site I strongly encourage you to talk to an occupational hygienist to discuss the benefits and pitfalls of poorly fitted PPE.
So in to finish this slide I remind you that…
Administrative controls and PPE should only be used:
• To supplement higher order control measures as a means of further mitigating the risk of exposure;
• As an interim measure until a more effective way of controlling the risk can be used;
• When there are no other practical control measures available. This is reinforced in “Safe Work Australia” May 2018 - publication
- So how do we confirm that our controls are working?”
Clause 39 of the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites ) Regulation 2014 states…
“ The operator of a mine or petroleum site must, so far as is reasonably practicable, minimise the exposure of persons at the mine or petroleum site to dust and must ensure that no person at the mine or petroleum site is exposed to 8-hour time-weighted average atmospheric concentrations of airborne dust that exceed:
So how is everyone doing this ??? (ASK THE AUDIENCE if anyone hasn’t do personal dust monitoring as yet)
If NOT why NOT ?
- This slide is to show mine operators that there are other options that may assist with better understanding the correlation between dust levels (visual) and exposure standards.
- Realtime Respirable dust monitors are becoming more readily available and affordable
Many different types of dust monitors
Understand that real time hand held dust monitors are not going to give the user a Sio2 reading, however if you know the % of SiO2 in your material you can make a calculated estimated of the Sio exposure to workers.
Be clear that the RR is not promoting any one type, but can see the benefits of being able to make real time assessments as opposed to waiting up to 3 weeks (sometimes more) to receive results back from NATA lab.
This slide is designed to show the audience how the dust monitor works and to also let the audience know that Resources regulator Inspectors have three (3) units and that we are doing demonstrations when we are doing field assessments.
Next slide shows the audience the type of real time data that can be obtained.
The photos are from Woodburn Quarry (Steve Kohler and myself were doing the demonstration)
Reasonably self explanatory
Idea is to work through the dot points and the graph to show the audience the type of information that comes out of the monitor.
Idea of re showing this picture is for the audience to ponder the relationship between a dust exceedance by a factor of 10 and the dust levels seen in the picture.
Stress the point “that it didn’t look too bad” and there was an exceedance by 10.
Another recent example of how easy it is to exceed the national standard when a control has failed
Everyone in the room can probably relate to this, however probably wouldn’t have thought that it would have resulted in an exceedance
Site (Calga Sands – audience doesn’t need to know that) is a rip and push sandstone site that washes the material to produce sand.
It has a SiO2 level that exceeds 80%
This photo is typical of the work being carried out on the day and was taken two weeks from the time of the sampling program
Very little dust was being generated by the dozer due to the inherent moisture in the base material yet the personal dust monitoring exceeds the exposure standard for a 10 hour shift by a factor of 10 (ooouch)
Trying to get through the audiences head that it does not take much for a worker to be exposed.
Site now understands that if such an event (failure of air con) then ripping should stop.
How many times do we see machines working with windows down (in this case door open) despite the air con working ??? ASK THE AUDIENCE IF THEY LET IT HAPPEN ON THEIR SITES ?
When you are explain to the audience note that the 0.035 exposure standard has been adjusted for a 10hr shift (e.g. would normally be 0.05 for 8 hour shift)
Slide is designed to reconfirm with the audience that the SiO2 national standard has been lowered to point 0.05
Don’t need to read it all, just let them know it has occurred and that we have published a position paper on it implementation, and more particularly the reporting of exceedances.
- Slide describes what is going to happen when they report an exceedance?
Background info from the position paper.
The NSW Resources Regulator is committed to ensuring that the NSW mining industry understands its obligations and our expectations. We accept that compliance with the revised exposure standards will present a significant challenge to some mine operators in the short term, and that achieving compliance may take some time, based on requirements to upgrade or modify equipment.
However, improving conditions relating to the health and safety of workers and reducing the potential risk of all airborne contaminants is an absolute necessity and we expect that all mine operators are actively working to reduce exposure, not only to below the prescribed maximum, but to as low as reasonably practicable.
We will moderate our approach to compliance in recognition of this and provide additional support and guidance to industry and workers. Moderation will not be applied where mine operators cannot demonstrate they have made a genuine attempt to address the causes of an exceedance to protect workers.
Slide is designed to demonstrate to the audience our commitment to educational material and awareness packages, particularly with respect to the implementation of the new national exposure standard
Background information below
The Resources Regulator, combined with the NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council, have developed a toolkit to help you through this transition.
The information is on our website (link attached) and contains lots of resources
I encourage you to take the time to familiarise yourself with the information
Little bit of info about MSAC if you need it…
The NSW Mine Safety Advisory Council (MSAC) was established in 1998 following recommendations from two enquiries (Gretley & Mine safety review)
It provides the Minister with advice on WHS issues of critical importance to NSW govt.
Made up of industry stakeholder (Coal, Met, CCAA, CFMEU,AWU, independent experts, Resources Reg)
- Members have combined Resources to create the toolkit - “Just because you cant see it, doesn’t mean its not there !”
- The tool kit is designed to provide mine workers and mine operators with information, advice and guidance related to managing dust
- Slide is self explanatory
- We have now been through what the Resources Regulator is going to do, now we need to discuss what you need to do.
Presenter to talk through the revision of documents and systems that a mine operator should have on site
Remember to involve your work force and a subject matter expert (where possible)
Exercise # 1
Spend 5 minutes working around the room asking the following questions (it will promote plenty of conversation)
Do they have a documented HCP?
How did they determine who will receive health monitoring ?
What was their criteria for establishing ‘significant risk’ ?
Is health monitoring being performed in accordance with schedule 14 (WHSR 2017) general health, spirometry, chest x-ray
What frequency have you determined that monitoring will be completed at ?
How long are you keeping the records for?
Where are you keeping the records
Exercise # 2 (5 minutes)
Given that we have COVID restrictions this will have to be done on the screen as a whole of audience exercise (normally I envisaged this would be done in a ground at the table)
Let the audience read the example and then ask them what they would do ?
Hopefully the answer will include: (this is from this years QM CoC exam)
Report the three exceedances (SiO2) to the Resources Regulator via the portal or by phoning the CAU. What are you reporting and (clause 128 r) ? SiO2 limit 0.05mg/m3, respirable 3mg/m3, inhalable 10mg/m3 (not required to report)
Commence an investigation (using the mine incident reporting procedures)
Consult the workforce and explain results and health implications.
Review the hygienist’s recommendations listed in the report.
Review tasks undertaken during monitoring (investigate), interview participants to gain a good understanding of tasks undertaken and possible exposure points.
With a relevant cross section of workers, review the risk assessment for the tasks undertaken where exceedances were recorded.
Review the risk assessment- dust and airborne contaminants
In consultation with relevant workers, develop additional control measures. (considering hierarchy of controls)
Review PHMP- Dust and airborne contaminants
Review HCP
Implement new control measures
Train workers in new methods
Supervise and monitor compliance of new controls
- Quick information transfer about I Care (five slides)
During our site assessments, there are lots of conversations about how to go about organising ‘Health Monitoring’ for your workers
Mine operators often find it difficult about where to start and who to engage.
The following slides provide the audience with some basic information about I Care and the LUNG BUS
They are taken straight out of the 2019 state wide Silica Roadshow
Work through the slides.
- Self explanatory
- Message is that the lung bus does a lot of people and is available
Last time I was speaking to I care they were thinking of maybe getting another bus
I Care can also help with putting you in contact with a local doctor
- Self explanatory
- Self explanatory
Contact details of I Care
https://www.icare.nsw.gov.au
To finish - reinforce
- Pneumoconiosis and silicosis are preventable if appropriate dust control, atmospheric monitoring and worker monitoring procedures are in place.
- You don’t have to show this slide if you don’t want to
“Just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean its not there !”
- A photo taken from my recent climb (Oct 2019) to 4,400 m in the Lang Tang Valley, where the air is clear and free of silica.
- It is time for change !!!