Document G6EVjk64j2b85EN4NbRDpKm54

anglogold TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION Close-out Report Respiratory Protection Equipment Prepared by: Kobus Dekker Prepared on: 28 February 2003 Introduction Because of a variety of ergonomic constraints, the 'PPE route' should always be regarded as the last resort in any strategy designed to protect employees from workplace hazards. However, despite some significant advances with respect to dust control in local Anglogold mines, occupational dust exposure and its consequences have led to a situation possibly more serious than ever before. The extent of the problem is such that an urgent revision of PPE selection and allocation was called for. To gain the maximum benefit of any intended PPE; the most fundamental issue is employee acceptance. This is a complex requirement and was also the single most important motivation for the field trial. Related issues are communication, education, instruction, logistics and, obviously, the selection and available range of PPE. Performance Indicators The project achieved its original purpose of assessing ergonomic acceptance of RPE for different realistic scenarios. Resource Utilisation 329 Employees participated in the project. 8 Types of respirators (1360 units) were evaluated. Trails were conducted at Savuka Mine, TauTona Mine, Great Noligwa Mine and SA Metallurgy. Strengths and Weaknesses Employees were not willing to test equipment that was similar to the equipment already being used. Success Factors The project was launched through the Operations Health and Safety Committees. This assisted in proper communication of the project aim and eventual success. Findings A summary of the findings is depicted in Appendix A. It is clear that most employees prefer disposable respirators, fitted with expiration valves. Although employees prefer respirators fitted with expiration valves, it is also evident that fold-up capability is required. An AngloGold South African Region Directive was issued (Appendix B). RPR on standard stock was rationalised and generic equipment was made available on standard stock (Appendix C). Overall Findings APPENDIX A Summary findings of RPE trail. Savuka Mine: People were not willing to test disposable half-mask respirators without expiration valves, which is similar to types already used on mine. Only 4/20 employees were willing to participate in this comparison. Only one (1) out of twenty (20) employees were willing to test the non-disposable respirator. This employee preferred any other disposable respirator above any of the two non-disposable respirators. SA Metallurgy: One (1) employee preferred the MSA Microguard 20710 (non-valved) above both of the 3M products. 1 x A Group, 3 x B Group and 9 x C Group employees preferred the 3M 8822 disposable respirators above any of the non-disposable respirators. 9 tests were conducted BUT employees preferred none of the non-disposable half masks. Group A (Infrequent use of RPE) Findings Group B (Intermittently and frequently on a daily full-shift basis use of RPE) Findings APPENDIX B anglogold ANGLOGOLD LTD OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT SALETYAND HEALTH DIRECTIVE RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS Guideline title Number Countries of application Date of first issue Date of issue of this revision Requirements for the implementation and utilisation of respiratory protective equipment. 88 South Africa 06 December 2002 Prepared by: D.E. Wrigley Manager Occupational Environment Issued by: N.F. Nicolau Executive Officer South African Region APPENDIX C Respiratory Protective Equipment (for dust) available as standard stock Attached the list of RPE that will be placed on standard stock. Current (old type) stock will be depleted before new items is made available. Commercial Services (Martin Els) to communicate new items stock codes as soon as available. Picco 20 Non Disposable Half Mask approved for TauTona Mine and then only on special order (will not be placed on standard stock). Operations to ensure that they comply with all aspects of Directive 88 (6 December 2002). NON DISPOSABLE DUST RESPIRATORS SUPPLIER Product Stock Code Description Approved for Estimated Price* Brain Velleman North Safety Products PO box 739 Welkom 057 355 1328/9 Single Half Mask Twin Half Mask P3 (Dust) Cartridge 766160112 All SA Operations R 35-00 New Item All SA Operations R 42-66 766165212 All SA Operations R 23-37 Ammonia Cartridge 766165413 All SA Operations R 45-79 Quinton Taylor Drager SA PO Box 68601 Picco 20 Only per TauTona Mine special order Only R 222-00 * Spot price and might alter due to discount on bulk order DISPOSABLE DUST RESPIRATORS SUPPLIER Product Stock Code Description Approved for Estimated Price* Jannie Pretorius MSA PO Box 9460 057 355 Affinity FR Code 301 New Item All SA Operations R 9-00 * Spot price and might alter due to discount on bulk order