Cementitious grout support packs are usually assessed for their strength and durability from a safety perspective. Formulations of these packs range from cement mixed with water to resin-based formulations. Over time, these packs start to crumble and fine dust is released into the workplace atmosphere. This paper presents the outcomes of a pilot study that was undertaken to assess the crystalline silica content in the fine fraction of different support-pack materials. The bulk materials had a fine fraction of between 0.2% and 1.3%. However, the crystalline silica concentrations in the fine fractions were between 2.5% and 41.9%. The amount of crystalline silica is significant and loose dust that is made airborne over prolonged periods of time, may pose a considerable health threat to mine employees.
Reference:
Pretorius, C.J. and Teleka, S.R. 2017. Assessing support packs from an occupational hygiene perspective. The Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa 2017 Conference: Meeting the challenges of the 21st Century mining, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, 27-28 July 2017
Pretorius, C. J., & Teleka, S. R. (2017). Assessing support packs from an occupational hygiene perspective. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/9711
Pretorius, Cecilia J, and Seipati R Teleka. "Assessing support packs from an occupational hygiene perspective." (2017): http://hdl.handle.net/10204/9711
Pretorius CJ, Teleka SR, Assessing support packs from an occupational hygiene perspective; 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10204/9711 .
Paper presented at The Mine Ventilation Society of South Africa 2017 Conference: Meeting the challenges of the 21st Century mining, Emperors Palace, Johannesburg, 27-28 July 2017
