Conducting a comprehensive baseline study for Diesel Particulate Matter

摘要

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) now mandate that metalon-metal mine operators comply with the newly enforced Diesel Particulate Matter (DPM) interim exposure limit of 400 μg/m~3 (30 CFR para 57.5060(a)). As a result, many operators are faced with difficult and sometimes costly decisions in how to reduce DPM exposure. Given the wide range of available controls, such as increased ventilation, improved equipment engine maintenance, diesel exhaust filters, and fuel additives, it is vital that a comprehensive DPM baseline study be performed in order to identify the most effective DPM reduction strategy for each individual mine. This paper describes the approach Mine Ventilation Services, Inc. (MVS) uses to perform such a study. A baseline study should be based upon a sampling program, which includes measurements of the present DPM exposure, diesel equipment utilization, equipment maintenance, ventilation rates, and other components that can affect the level of DPM exposure. The results of this sampling, when properly assessed, will assist operators in targeting the areas of greatest need/concern when developing a comprehensive compliance strategy for the reduction of DPM (e.g. increased ventilation in select areas with a combination of equipment exhaust filters and select engine replacement). The paper also describes the sampling strategy necessary to continue monitoring DPM exposure after control measures have been implemented, both for verifying the performance of any implemented controls and ensuring future compliance. The MSHA regulations and standards included in this paper are subject to change and revision, however, every effort was made to ensure that any such references were correct at the time of writing.