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(SIM 030603)
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Motivation
The Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee (SIMRAC) is a partner in the WHO/ILO initiative for the global elimination of silicosis.
Since its establishment in 1994, the Mine Health and Safety Council (MHSC) has funded SIMRAC research projects in dust measurement and
control, but silica exposure, with related silicosis and tuberculosis, remains a
priority challenge for the mining industry. It is essential to evaluate the existing
practice in relation to control requirements, set exposure reduction targets, and
established best practice for these targets for silica exposure to be met. In addition,
new technologies for preventing or allaying dust pollution should be reviewed and
research conducted, if necessary. This project is to research the containment/elimination
of silicosis in the South African mining industry as identified in regional and
national workshops and is known as the SIM 030603 project.
Last Updated:8/7/2008
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The Project
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The project consists of three parts namely:
- Part A - Dust Measurement and Reporting;
- Part B - Environmental Engineering / Dust Control; and
- Part C - Human Resources Training and Management,
and these parts are described below.
Last Updated:8/7/2008
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Part A: Dust Measurements and Reporting
Previous SIMRAC research and the lack of progress in eliminating silicosis highlighted
the problem of measurement, analysis and reporting of respirable dust exposures.
SIMRAC has prioritised dust measurement and reporting as an area for research in
the Silicosis Control Programme.
Last Updated:8/7/2008
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Part B: Environmental Engineering/ Dust Control
The most important intervention for any silicosis control programme is the elimination
or reduction of dust at source and the prevention of exposure. SIMRAC has targeted feasible or
cost-effective environmental control engineering and dust control technology as a
research priority area for the Silicosis Control Programme.
Last Updated:8/7/2008
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Part C: Human Resources Training and Management
In the 1960s the South African mining industry held a leading position in research
on dust exposure and control and also in education and training about dust. This
position needs to be re-established through the use of current educational methods and technology, which
have developed in the intervening years, to raise awareness about dust exposure
and health effects. SIMRAC has targeted the area of human resources training/
technology transfer as one of the priority areas for the Silicosis Control Programme.
Close collaboration is required with the dust measurement and dust control projects
on silicosis elimination.
Last Updated:8/7/2008
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Close up of fine silica dust
Healthy lung
Diseased lung
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