S. Cheberiachko1, O. Yavors’ka1 & M. Ikonnikov1
To determine the degree of occupational risks in terms of respiratory diseases (pneumoconioses) of min-ers while using dust respirators.
The approach described in DSTU-P OHSAS 18001:2006 “Systems to control occupational safety and health. Requirements” has been used to assess occupational risks.
It has been determined that the area of safe use for filtering half-masks in the context of coal mines should be limited by 5 MAC. Calculation of the risk level while applying Risk score method has demonstrated that in terms of coal dust concentration being more than 20 mg/m3, dust respirators make it possible to provide only moder-ate degree of occupational disease risk. In this context, there is an excess in under-mask dust concentration in a res-pirator up to 18 %, in terms of 2 mg/m3 MAC. It is noted that if respirators are not worn or if they are taken off for more than five minutes during the operating shift in terms of constant dustiness, it results in the increase in under-mask dust concentration by almost three times.
Originality is in scientific substantiation of the safe dust concentration, when it is possible to provide minimum pneumonoconiosis risk while using a filtering respirator.
Certain measures to reduce the level of pneumonoconiosis risk have been proposed. Increase in the protection efficiency for miners is possible owing to the intensification of the control of individual dust load which will be evaluated taking into consideration real time of respirator use and changes in dust concentration within the working zone. It is recommended to use of electronic monitoring means developed on the basis of pressure sensors, power units, control units, information process units, alarm blocks, and block for data record and storage.
Keywords: coal mine, dust, pneumonoconiosis, risk value, specific dedusting, coal shearer, dedusting means