SAFETY users ’ backs cooler with greater air flow . A Revolver™ Vertical Torso Adjuster and Tri-Lock Revolver™ Connectors , which offer added security around the legs , allow wearers to adjust their harness to the perfect fit . An EZ-Link™ Quick SRL Adapter helps workers efficiently attach their personal SRL — such as the DBI-SALA Nano-Lok™ SRL — reducing the time it takes to connect and disconnect by up to 80 %. Tech- Lite™ Aluminum D-Rings allow for optimal reliability without adding significant weight to the harness .
Noise mitigation and mapping
Despite new technologies and innovations , one thing that hasn ’ t changed much is that mining is a noisy business . Exploration , mining , and processing all involve potentially harmful levels of noise . As the comminution process combines blasting , crushing and grinding there is an inevitability about high noise levels .
Although surface mining is generally more advantageous than underground mining in terms of ore recovery , operational flexibility , productivity , safety , and cost , the prevalence of underground mining will undoubtedly increase as surface mineral deposits are exhausted . This will , in turn , increase health risks , including exposure to noise .
Arne Berndt , Owner and Adviser at SoundPLAN GmbH , a developer and supplier of noise modelling software states : “ High levels of noise are a problem in operational situations as they hamper worker communications ; reducing productivity and increasing the chance of an accident . They also mean additional PPE is required . This increases costs and can cause additional discomfort and distraction , for instance ear muffs are often uncomfortable , especially in hot , confined work areas . Along with these not-insignificant operational issues comes the longer term and potentially life changing health effects of exposure to excessive noise . The most obvious impact is hearing loss ( both temporary and permanent ), but there are a myriad of health problems linked to noise , including sleep disturbance , cardiovascular disease and psychological issues .”
Along with the human costs , businesses need to be aware of the likelihood of litigation from workers whose health is affected if the correct steps haven ’ t been taken to protect them . In addition to the court costs and potential pay
outs , there is the management time involved when dealing with issues such as absences and staff cover .
As well as more general occupational health and safety regulations , many countries have specific noise rules . These include the USA ’ s Noise Control Act , Canada ’ s
A noise map generated using SoundPLAN software around an industrial facility
Occupational Exposure Limits , the European Union ’ s Environmental Noise Directive ( Directive 2002 / 49 / EC ) and the United Kingdom ’ s Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 . Employers should make sure they are aware of the relevant rules affecting their employees .
Across the developed world , it is now accepted that exposure to noise should be kept below a level equivalent to 85 decibels ( dBA ) to minimise occupational noise induced hearing loss , which in comparison to the majority of mining equipment is not a lot . It ’ s worth noting that on average , a persons pain threshold is around the 110 dB level ( 16 times as loud as 70 dBA ), so long-term damage can occur long before pain is felt . The risk of hearing loss increases with the magnitude and exposure time and the frequency of the noise ; with higher frequencies doing more damage .
Technology can play its part in improving this aspect of the mining industry . While noise can ’ t be eliminated , if it is accurately identified and mapped , it can be mitigated and workers ’ exposure reduced . Noise emissions in the mining industry come from a wide variety of sources . These sources vary widely in sound power , emitted frequency spectra , directivity and also in their timings . This makes evaluation and mitigation difficult .
The main problem in noisy locations is finding and documenting where the noise reaches 85 dBA , ( the noise contour line ). Workers must wear hearing protection in areas where noise levels exceed this . Failure to clearly define and mark the 85 dBA line can leave companies liable to fines . It is the role of the supervisor to ensure protection is always worn inside the line . It does not matter whether the high noise levels are inside or outside a building , the 85 dBA contour line needs to be enforced . If a workplace has areas that may be close to or above 85 dBA ( often the case if workers have to shout to make themselves heard even in close proximity to each other ), it is wise to invest in a noise study to define all areas where hearing protection is required . Alternatively , workers can be supplied with noise dosimeters that keep track of their daily dosage of noise . Although there is an initial monetary outlay with this approach , it is better than paying for lawsuits from workers with hearing problems and paying for disability because of tinnitus and hearing loss . There can also be a benefit to being seen as an employer which cares about its workers – this helps recruitment , retention , moral and ultimately productivity .
For many years , noise control engineers had to measure noise levels and then use their best judgment to control it . However , over the past 30 years , researchers have measured noise and developed different interpretations of cause and effect , so the equations are better able to represent the complex nature of sound propagation in the environment . A reliance on hand calculations and rough estimates with spreadsheets is no longer necessary .
By using noise simulation software from SoundPLAN , it is possible to create a noise map of a mining operation and to show exactly what noise is coming from where . More importantly , it can show how mitigation measures can affect the flow of noise and protect workers . Noise mapping is mostly an exercise of tapping into existing data sources and compiling a simulation model from the data representing the mining situation involved .
Each noise map is unique according to project size , the geography , the objective , but most of
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OCTOBER 2016 | International Mining