Evaluation of Respiratory Protection in Coal Preparation Plants

摘要

Surface coal mine (SIC-1211) and preparation facility operations were studied to determine respirable dust and vapor hazards and the effectiveness of respiratory protective equipment. Eight coal preparation facilities were surveyed. Dust samples were taken at strip mining, raw coal processing, coal preparation and coal loading operations, and at quality control laboratories. Area and personal air samples and area samples of methyl isobutyl carbinol (108112) (MIBC) were collected and quantitative respirator fit tests were performed. Concentrations of respirable coal dust in excess of Mining Safety and Health Administration's (MSHA's) permissible exposure limits (PEL) were found only in one coal loader at one facility. Respirable dust concentrations ranged from 0.01 to 2.73 milligrams per cubic meter (mg/cu m). The highest concentrations were measured on workers performing surface mine and coal loading activities. Only 1 out of 80 personal samples was greater than 2mg/cu m. Out of 51 area samples of respirable coal dust, 15 exceeded the MSHA PEL. Only 72 percent of the workers tested used acceptable respiratory protection. The occurrence of facial hair was significant in the workers who did not obtain satisfactory protection. The authors recommend that engineering controls be implemented to reduce dust concentrations, and a respiratory protection program be implemented.