Breathing Systems

THE recent national crisis from the dangers of crystalline silica has centered on stone-cutting but the risks of respirable silica is nothing new to the mining industry.

Miners have readily acknowledged silicosis as one of the primary diseases to affect miners since the industrialisation of drilling operations in the 20th century.

Silica dust is harmful when inhaled into the lungs as it is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand - so small it can be inhaled without knowing.

Respirable crystalline silica exposure can cause silicosis, a debilitating and irreversible lung condition that can cut short careers, reduce quality of life and lead to death.

Respirable silica is also linked to lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and kidney disease.

There are common industrial activities where people are frequently and regularly exposed to respirable crystalline silica, the most notable being quarrying, excavation, construction, mining, tunnelling and abrasive blasting.

Silica dust is 20 times more toxic than coal dust and is one of the most abundant minerals found in the earth’s crust.

For the mining industry, this is why it is the primary respiratory hazard.

When looking to protect yourself or your staff from any airborne contaminants, Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPRs) offer high and reliable protection, far exceeding disposable masks.

CleanSpace respirators are a revolution in the area of respiratory protection because while they provide all the protection of a PAPR, they are free from belts, battery packs and hoses, making them more comfortable and easy to deploy.

When used in hot or humid conditions, CleanSpace respirators provide cool, clean air to the user and eliminate fogging and moisture.

They are light, easy to put on, reliably safe and comfortable.

These smart powered devices are easily operated using a one-button smart system.

These unique features mean more workers wear these respirators for a full shift every time.

CleanSpace assists miners and their staff, to be safe and compliant when working around silica dust.

Compared to disposable masks, CleanSpace respirators are high protection reusable devices with economic advantages, as the annual cost of replacing disposables stacks up.

Disposable masks are well-known for causing fogging and discomfort, leading to low compliance, frequent stopping or mask changes.

To guard against silica exposure, State regulators have moved to recommending staff wear powered respiratory protection using the minimum of a P2 filter. CleanSpace respirators meet and exceed these requirements with a P3 filter.

Regardless of whether you see the dust or not, silica is a hazard you cannot afford to ignore.

Under the Standards, all worn tight fitting respirators (regardless of whether it’s a disposable mask or powered respirator), must achieve a correct fit to ensure the wearer is protected.

If there is facial hair, including stubble, beards, moustaches and sideburns, between the edge of a tight-facing facepiece and the face, respirator will be prevented from sealing properly.

CleanSpace offers both half face and full face masks. The full face mask also has a high impact rating.

CleanSpace respirators are compact systems that have up to six hours run time and fast top-up charging.

“The feedback we get from teams wearing CleanSpace Ultra, full face mask for mining activities, is that the mask is comfortable to wear all day, and the cool fresh air on the face is a dramatic improvement on disposable or reusable half masks,” CleanSpace chief executive Alex Birrell said.

“They have also told us there is no fogging or hot moisture on their face.”

CleanSpace respirators are available in different models with a range of particulate and combination gas filters depending on the task requirements.

CleanSpace EX is intrinsically safety-approved and can be worn in potentially explosive environments.

CleanSpace Ultra is IP-rated 66, making it water-tolerant, and CleanSpace2 is the standard model suitable for those that do not require the aforementioned features.

The newly launched CleanSpace HALO is designed specifically for laboratories and testing facilities.

CleanSpace Technology’s team of product specialists can assist with on-site product training, fit testing, trouble shooting and instructions on maintenance.

With the renewed focus of regulators and the industry on silica, it is a great time to re-evaluate your site’ respiratory program and equipment.