AIRBORNE DUST SURVEY PROCEDURE
Procedure for conducting air-borne respirable dust surveys (See regulation 143(2) of the Coal Mines Regulations 2017) 1.0 Instruments and Accessories 1.1 Sampling Instruments
Air borne respirable dust sampling of air is to be done by
dust sampler of a type approved by Chief Inspector of Mines.
1.2 Weighing Balance The balance to be used for measuring the weight of dust filters before and after sampling should be very sensitive and capable of weighting upto one hundredth of a milligram and it should be maintained properly. 1.3 Calibration The sampling instrument and the balance shall be calibrated as per manufacturer’s instructions but on a date, which is not later than one year. Adequate number of approved type dust sampling instruments and accessories should be maintained in a mine or a group of mines so that the requirement of dust survey as required under Reg. 143 of CMR 2017 can be fulfilled. 2.0 Laboratory for determining dust content As required under Reg. 143(7) of CMR 2017, respirable dust content or the quartz content shall be determined within 14 days of collection of the dust sample at an approved laboratory. Determination of quartz content shall be made at-least once for each seam being worked in the mine and when there is substantial change in the coal property in the working section of the seam. 3.0 Air-borne Dust Survey In-charge Air-borne dust survey in a mine shall be conducted by a suitable person, designated as Air-Borne dust Survey In-charge, in a manner specified in Reg. 143 of CMR 2017, and the provisions of these guidelines. Manager of every mine shall appoint an Air Borne Dust Survey In-charge, having minimum qualification and experience as mentioned below and trained as per the training schedule given below for the purpose of carrying out air-borne dust survey in the mine. 3.1 Minimum qualification : Holder of Overman’s Certificate of Competency(Coal). 3.2 Experience : Minimum three (03) years as overman including minimum one year in that mine. 3.3 Training of air-borne dust survey incharge : 3.3.1 Training Course: the course of the training of air-borne dust survey incharge should cover, among others, the following major subjects or areas: • Detailed procedure for conducting air-borne dust survey in mines covering location and duration of sampling, types of sampling and instruments/accessories used for survey. • Details about checking and operation of the instruments. • Method of determination of air borne dust concentration including method of weighing filter papers, collection of dust. • ‘Permissible limit’ and other statutory provisions regarding airborne dust survey in mines. • Various dust control measures. 3.4 The Airborne dust survey In-charge shall be assisted by adequate number of trained dust survey assistants. 4.0 Sampling Procedure 4.1 Places to be sampled: 4.1.1 General : As required under Reg. 143(3) & ( 5) of CMR 2017, all the workplaces in a mine, where respirable dust is evolved, shall be sampled to ascertain the air borne dust concentration of that area
and the dust exposure profile for different categories of
work persons working in that area. In view of the above, Manager of every mine
shall identify such places in the mine.
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