Abstract
This study evaluated sources of airborne quartz and research control methods that would assist underground mine operators in complying with respirable dust standards that had been reduced because of quartz in the dust exceeding 5%. The work involved (1) evaluating sources of quartz dust at the roof bolter work location, (2) evaluating the relationship between the quartz content of the coal and adjoining rock strata and quartz exposure at the roof bolter and continuous miner locations, and (3) conducting laboratory tests to determine performance parameters for roof bolter dust collector systems. Underground surveys were conducted. The continuous miner typically was the greatest source of quartz exposure for the miner and roof bolter operators when single-split ventilation was utilized. A statistically significant relationship between quartz content in face material and operator exposure was not determined; data suggested that mining equipment and procedures may be more critical. The lab tests indicated the use of dust hog-type bits, filter cartridges, maximized collector airflow, and reduced bit revolutions per minute should be utilized to minimize dust liberation at the roof bolter.
