Introduction

Development of a health and hygiene system for a major underground metals mine including associated monitoring systems and training support to local site staff for implementation.

Mandate

Due to our integrated approach, Palaris was selected to develop a comprehensive Health Plan using technical specialists for an underground metalliferous mine with 15,000 employees in Mongolia.

Priority areas for the plan included diesel exhaust emission, crystalline silica, dust, noise, blasting fumes, temperature and other airborne contaminants. The scope included provision of a detailed assessment of what equipment and resourcing would be required for ongoing monitoring as well a training manual developed for the  local site team to undertake the monitoring.

The plan was to be integrated within the existing site systems. Site specific management procedures were developed for the key hazards control.

Approach

Our solution went beyond the traditional “Occupational Hygienist” monitoring plan approach, with specialists from engineering disciplines integrated into the team to develop robust controls.

The team included risk and safety, occupational hygiene, mechanical, electrical and mine engineering, ventilation and even IT to provide a comprehensive end view of the scope.

A seven-step approach was taken:

• Site Engagement
• Site Risk Profile
• Definition of a Monitoring Program
• Data Analysis
• Reporting Template Development
• Data Management Systems Recommendation & Implementation
• Health System Management System Documentation

Outcome

Key control documentation was developed along with monitoring program.

To supplement this, Palaris implemented a ‘real time’ monitoring framework, administrated on the ground by trained local personnel who reacted and remediated exceedances as they arose using a simple trigger action response plan approach.

A key document for the site was the detailed monitoring manual that was translated into the local language.