SIMRAC, silicosis control programme - phase 1

Abstract

In 2002 SIMRAC established a long-term project to eliminate silicosis in the South African mining industry (SIM 02-06-03). Phase 1 of this project was to scope the Phase 2 researches required to work towards eliminating silicosis and included two regional workshops on silicosis elimination and a National Workshop. Research efforts aimed at the elimination of silicosis in the SA mining industry will be long term and will require considerable funding and resources. Collaboration will be required from a broad range of personnel in the industry including management, health and safety personnel, human resources, employees, government and trade unions. The primary objective should be reducing dust at source by means of improved engineering control. This will require the identification of the best practices to control the various dust sources underground and on the surface. Those responsible for dust control need to be fully aware of the engineering controls required to reduce dust generation to minimize exposure