Document ZnQz2erwO2v4Em8181LDVYO4p

Department of Industry and Resources Safety, Health and Environment Division SURFACE DUST MANAGEMENT HIF AUDIT - 17/06/2003 03:46:59 PM 1. BLASTHOLE DRILLING Point 1.1 Standard Blasthole drills are fitted with a dust control device to control dust during drilling. 1.2 Dust is effectively controlled during drilling of blastholes. 1.3 Precautions are taken to protect the drill hole grade control sampler from exposure to dust. 1.4 Each drill is fitted with an enclosed airconditioned cabin to further protect the operator from dust exposure. 1.5 Drill cabin airconditioner is operable. 1.6 Airconditioner dust filters are regularly cleaned 1.7 The dust seals around the door and windows of drill cabins is in good condition. Guideline Intent: To verify each blasthole drill is fitted with a dust control appliance. Reg 9.17(2) Personnel: Drill operator Method: Inspect the drills. (Drill must be fitted with water injection system and/or a dust extraction system suitable to control or extract the dust at the hole during drilling.) Intent: To verify that dust produced during drilling is effectively controlled. Personnel: Drill operator Method: Observe drill during drilling. Is the dust adequately controlled at the drillhead/collar, sampling and disposal point? Are operators breathing the dust? Intent: To verify the drill hole sampler is protected from breathing dust and there is compliance with Reg 9.12(1). Personnel: Drill operator, sampler Method: Check PPE supplied and in use by sampler. Is it suitable? Observe sampler in action. Can improvements be made to work procedure to reduce exposure to dust? (eg. Design of sampling equipment, disposal of extra fines, ensure hose pipes etc are not leaking). Intent: To verify the drill is fitted with an airconditioned cabin. Personnel: N/A Method: Check to see the drill is fitted with an enclosed cabin and airconditioner is installed. Intent: To verify each airconditioner fitted to a drill cabin is operating effectively enabling the drill to be operated with windows and door closed. Personnel: Drill operator Method: Check the airconditioner is delivering cool air and the operator is satisfied with its performance. Intent: To verify the airconditioner is not a source of dust by recycling dust from the filter in compliance with Reg 9.25(1). Personnel: Drill operator Method: Check the filter is not contaminated with dust and determine from the operator if it is regularly cleaned or replaced. Intent: To establish the cabin or a drill is sealed from outside dust leakage. Personnel: N/A Method: Visual inspection of the condition of the rubber seals around the door and windows of the drill cabin. Observe that the seals are in good condition and there are no signs of dust leakage. Page 135 Department of Industry and Resources Safety, Health and Environment Division 1.8 The interior of each drill cabin is in a clean condition. Intent: To verify the inside of a drill cabin is being kept clean to reduce the risk of dust being made airborne by machine vibrations. Personnel: N/A Method: Visual inspection of the inside of the drill cabin to check that it is clean. 1.9 Dust samples taken over the last year to evaluate drill operator exposure to Intent: To verify drill operators are not being exposed to dust at a dust are all below the exposure standard. concentration over the exposure standard. Personnel: Ventilation Officer Method: Determine from CONTAM results prior to site visit. 2. LOADING AND HAULAGE Point 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Standard Dust is controlled during loading. Dust is controlled on haulage roadways. Each piece of mobile plant is fitted with an enclosed air conditioned cabin to protect the operator from dust exposure. The airconditioner is operable. Airconditioner dust filters are regularly cleaned Guideline Intent: To verify there is some form of dust control during the loading of broken material into trucks. Reg 9.12(2) Personnel: Loader operator, truck driver Method: This is dependent on the material being handled, its moisture content, availability of water, weather conditions and the ability of the material to be dampened. Is each bucket load being dropped into the truck tray causing unnecessary dust generation. Should each bucket load be placed carefully in the truck tray? Is there sufficient moisture content in the broken material being handled? Should the broken material be wet down prior to handling. Intent: To verify dust is controlled on haulage roadways and is not a health or safety hazard. Personnel: Line manager/supervisor, truck drivers Method: Check to establish water is used on unsealed haulage roadways. Binding agents are often used to reduce water requirement. Question truck drivers. Observe any vehicle traffic on roadways including crusher and stockpile areas. Intent: Each loader, truck or other mobile plant used for loading, haulage or road maintenance is fitted with an enclosed air conditioned cabin. Personnel: Operators, supervisor etc. Method: Visual check a sample of the fleet to ensure an enclosed cabin is fitted. Intent: To verify each airconditioner fitted to a piece of mobile plant cabin is operating effectively enabling the equipment to be operated with windows and door closed. Personnel: Operators etc Method: Canvas a sample of the operators are they satisfied with their A/Cs performance. Intent: To verify the airconditioner is not a source of dust by recycling dust from the filter in compliance with Reg 9.25(1). Personnel: Operators etc. Method: Check the filter is not contaminated with dust and determine from the operator if it is regularly cleaned or replaced. Page 136 Department of Industry and Resources Safety, Health and Environment Division 2.6 The dust seals around the door and windows of the cabin are in good condition. 2.7 The interior of each mobile plant cabin is in a clean condition. 2.8 Dust samples taken over the last year to evaluate operator exposure to dust are all below the exposure standard. 3. CRUSHING AND SCREENING Point 3.1 Standard Dust control appliances are fitted at the primary crusher feed hopper. 3.2 Dust is effectively controlled at the primary crusher feed hopper during dumping. 3.3 Primary crusher is fitted with dust control appliance. 3.4 Dust is effectively controlled at the primary crusher. 3.5 Secondary crusher is fitted with dust control appliance. Intent: To establish the cabin is sealed from outside dust leakage. Personnel: N/A Method: Visual inspection of the condition of the rubber seals around the door and windows of the cabin. Intent:To verify the inside of any mobile plant cabin is being kept clean to reduce the risk of dust being made airborne by machine vibrations. Personnel: N/A Method: Visual inspect a sample of a range of equipment cabins to check that dust is not accumulating inside of them. Intent: To verify loading, haulage and road maintenance operators are not being exposed to dust at a concentration over the exposure standard. Personnel: Ventilation Officer. Method: Determine from CONTAM results prior to site visit. Guideline Intent: To verify that control appliances such as dust extractors or water sprays are fitted above the primary crusher feed hopper. Reg 9.10 Personnel: Crusher operator Method: Visual check that an appliance is installed at the primary crusher feed hopper. Intent: To verify dust is effectively controlled during dumping into the primary crusher feed hopper. Reg 9.12(1)(a) Personnel: Truck/loader operator, crusher operator Method: Check that all installed appliances are working. Observe material being dumped into hopper by truck or loader and determine whether dust is effectively controlled. Intent: To verify that a dust control appliance are fitted to the primary crusher. Reg 9.10 Personnel: Crusher operator Method: Check if an appliance is fitted to the primary crusher. Intent: To verify dust is effectively controlled at the primary crusher during crushing. Personnel: Crusher operator Method: Check all water sprays or extraction system are operating. Observe crusher during crushing. Use personal judgement to determine if dust is controlled effectively. Check condition of any dust covers, skirting or ducting. Intent: To verify that a dust control appliance is fitted to the secondary crusher. Reg 9.10 Personnel: Crusher operator Method: Check if an appliance is fitted to the secondary crusher. Page 137 Department of Industry and Resources 3.6 Dust is effectively controlled at the secondary crusher. 3.7 Tertiary crusher is fitted with dust control appliance. 3.8 Dust is effectively controlled at the tertiary crusher. 3.9 Dust is controlled at the screens. 3.10 Dust is controlled at conveyor belt transfer points. 3.11 Dust is controlled on return belt. 3.12 Dust is controlled at conveyor belt discharge points. Safety, Health and Environment Division Intent: To verify dust is effectively controlled at the secondary crusher during crushing. Personnel: Crusher operator Method: Check all water sprays or extraction system is operating. Question operator. Use personal judgement to determine if dust is controlled effectively. Check condition of any dust covers, skirting or ducting. Intent: To verify that a dust control appliance is fitted to the tertiary crusher. Reg 9.10 Personnel: Crusher operator. Method: Check if water sprays are fitted to the tertiary crusher or that it is connected to a dust extraction system. Intent: To verify dust is effectively controlled at the tertiary crusher during crushing. Personnel: Crusher operator Method: Check all water sprays or extraction system is operating. Question operator. Observe crusher during crushing. Use personal judgement to determine if dust is controlled effectively. Intent: To verify dust is controlled at any screen within a crushing and screening plant. Personnel: N/A Method: If screens are covered check condition of flexible seals around screen and note any sections which need repairing or replacing. Where the screen cover is connected to a dust extraction system check the system is working. If water sprays are used check they are all working effectively. It is a requirement of Reg 9.10 that dust control appliances are fitted to screens. Total enclosure is acceptable. Intent: To verify dust is effectively controlled at all belt transfer points. Personnel: Crusher operator. Method: Check all points in the crushing and screening plant where material is transferred from one conveyor belt to another. Depending on the type of material and the moisture content dust can be produced during the fall from one belt to another. Methods of control can be water sprays, connection to a dust extraction system and/or enclosure of transfer point. Intent: To verify dust is controlled on conveyor return belt within a crushing and screening plant. Personnel: N/A Method: Inspect the condition of conveyor belt returns and condition of belt scrapers or cleaners where they are fitted. Intent: To verify where dust is produced or likely to be produced during the free fall from a conveyor belt discharge into a storage bin or on to a stockpile some form of dust control is used. Personnel: Line manager/supervisor Method: Use visual assessment. Is dust a problem? Check if water sprays are installed at the conveyor discharge. Are the sprays operating? Enclosure of the top of a storage bin of a rill tower at a stockpile reduces the height of free fall resulting in less dust. Are any of these measures in place? Page 138 Department of Industry and Resources Safety, Health and Environment Division 3.13 3.14 3.15 3.16 3.17 3.18 Dust is controlled at stockpiles. Dust is controlled at conveyor feed points. Dust is controlled within the stockpile tunnel. Spillage and dust build up on and around the plant and equipment is kept under control. Crusher operators are protected from dust by an enclosed airconditioned cabin. The airconditioner fitted is operable. Intent: To verify dust is controlled at a stockpile. Personnel: Line manager/supervisor Method: Dust usually dependent on weather conditions. Is there evidence of the surrounding area being covered in dust? Is dust control needed? If control is needed water sprays in most cases is the easiest control method. Where water is a problem a cover over the stockpile may be needed. Intent: To verify dust is adequately controlled where material is fed on to a conveyor belt from a hopper, crusher, grinder, screen, bin or draw point from a stockpile. Personnel: N/A Method: Visual check of belt feed points. Use personal judgement to determine if dust is controlled effectively. If water sprays are used check they operate effectively. Check condition of rubber skirting between any covers and the belt. If connected to a dust extraction system make sure it is operating. Intent: To verify dust control measures or appliances are in place in the stockpile tunnel. Personnel: Line manager/supervisor Method: Are operators required to enter the stockpile tunnel during operation? Where operators are barred from entering the tunnel during operating conditions it would be acceptable to have a less stringent requirement for dust control. If an operator is required to enter the tunnel then the dust levels should be controlled to as low as practicable. Check the tunnel is regularly cleaned or washed out. Check for ventilation. The main source of dust will be feeders on to the conveyor. Intent: To verify the general housekeeping of the plant with regard to dust and spillage is of an acceptable standard. Personnel: Line manager, supervisor, and operators. Method: A visual inspection throughout the plant. Check for any build up of spillage. Check with operators and management to determine if a regular program for clean up exists. Is the frequency of clean up sufficient for the operation. Intent: To verify that crusher operators are provided with an enclosed airconditioned cabin for protection against dust. Personnel: Operators, line manager, supervisor. Method: Check plant to determine if crusher operators are provided with a control cabin. Make sure the operator can operate the crusher from within the cabin and is not required to stand outside to see into the crusher. Intent: To verify the airconditioner is operating effectively and of sufficient power to cool the cabin to enable the door and windows to be kept shut. Personnel: Operators Method: Check physical comfort with regard to temperature within the cabin. Feel if the air coming from the airconditioner is cool. Question operator on effectiveness of airconditioner. Page 139 Department of Industry and Resources 3.19 Airconditioner dust filters are regularly cleaned. 3.20 The interior of each crusher control cabin is in a clean condition. 3.21 Crusher control cabins are effectively sealed to prevent dust entry. 3.22 Dust samples taken over the last year to evaluate crusher operator exposure to dust are all below the exposure standard 4. MILLING AND PACKAGING Point 4.1 Standard Crusher is fitted with a dust control appliance. 4.2 Dust is effectively controlled at each crusher. 4.3 Dust is effectively controlled at each grinder. Safety, Health and Environment Division Intent: To verify the dust filter fitted to an airconditioner is kept in a clean condition to stop the recycling of dust. Reg 9.25(1) Personnel: Operators. Method: Remove airconditioner filter and check condition. Determine from operator if the filter is cleaned regularly. Intent: To verify the inside of each crusher control cabin is kept in a clean condition. Personnel: Operators. Method: Check inside of each crusher control cabin. Note condition of floor. Is it clean? Check with operator on frequency of cleaning. Intent: To verify the crusher control cabin is effectively sealed to prevent entry of dust. Personnel: N/A Method: Check the door fits correctly and closes properly. Check condition of seal around the door. Check the windows are sealed. Check there are no open holes in the floor or walls and there is adequate seal around the airconditioner. Intent: To verify operators are not being exposed to dust levels above the exposure standard. Personnel: Ventilation officer Method: Check CONTAM dust results prior to site visit. Verify with site records. Note any exceedances. Guideline Intent: To verify any crusher is fitted with a dust control appliance. Personnel: N/A Method: Visual check that crusher is connected to a dust extraction system or has water sprays fitted. Intent: To verify the dust control system at the crusher provides adequate dust control during crushing. Personnel: N/A Method: Check condition of any covers, skirting and ducting. Note any poorly fitting or missing sections and any holes in the ducting or covers. Intent: To verify dust is effectively controlled at each grinder. Personnel: N/A Method: Observe grinder during grinding. Grinder can be a sealed unit or may be fitted to a dust extraction system. Note any dust escaping. Use personal judgement to determine if the dust is effectively controlled. Page 140 Department of Industry and Resources Safety, Health and Environment Division 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 Dust is effectively controlled at each packaging machine. Intent: To verify dust is effectively controlled at each packing machine (packaging refers to paper or plastic bags which are small enough to be handled, eg. 25 kg, 10 kg, 2 kg). Personnel: Machine operator. Method: Observe packing machine in operation. Use personal judgement to determine if dust is controlled effectively. Check past dust sampling results. Are there different grades/types of material bagged? What grade/type is being bagged during observation? Are other grades/types likely to be a greater dust problem? Is there adequate seal between bag and feeder tube? If there is a rubber expander seal on the feeder tube is it expanded during filling? Is there a dust extraction inlet behind the feeder tube? Is the dust extraction inlet connected to the dust extraction system? Is there adequate dust extraction draw at the feeder tube? Is the feeder setting synchronised to stop in sufficient time before the bag is released? Are the holes in the bag to let the air out too large for the size of the material being bagged? Dust build up on internal building structures is kept under control. Intent: To verify that as far practicable dust build up on the internal building structures is kept to a minimum. This reduces the possibility of dust becoming airborne as it is shaken or falls from the structure. Personnel: N/A Method: Observe amount of dust built up on handrails and internal building structures. Is it excessive? When was it last cleaned down? Check if it is regularly cleaned down? Use personal judgement. Spillage and dust buildup on and around plant and equipment is kept under Intent: To verify spillage and dust buildup on and around plant and equipment control. is regularly cleaned up and kept under control as operating conditions may require. Personnel: N/A Method: Observe conditions throughout mill. Note any spillage or excessive dust build up on or around any plant and equipment. Use personal judgement to determine if conditions are acceptable. Dust samples taken over the last year to evaluate operator exposure to Intent: To verify operators are not being exposed to dust levels above the dust are all below the exposure standard. exposure standard. Personnel: Ventilation officer Method: Check CONTAM dust sampling results prior to site visit. Verify with site records. Note any exceedances. 5. SAMPLE PREPARATION Point 5.1 Standard Jaw crushers are connected to a dust extractor. Guideline Intent: To verify that sample jaw crushers are connected to a dust extraction system. Reg 9.10. Personnel: Supervisor, operators Method: Check jaw crusher is connected to dust extractor. Dust extraction points are needed at the gullet of the crusher and at the sample collection box under the crusher. Page 142 Department of Industry and Resources Safety, Health and Environment Division 7.11 7.12 Employees have been educated on the hazards associated with the exposure to dust. Workplace improvements have been made in response to dust exposure assessment results. Intent: To verify there is a formal system of training employees in dust management activities on site. Personnel: Ventilation officer, employees, H &S representatives. Method: Examine the induction manual, minutes of safety meetings or the training program for evidence of training relating to dust management activities on site. Verify by interviews - Can employees readily access information? Are they aware of the hazards with dust? Intent: To verify management reacts to high dust concentrations by implementing workplace improvements. Personnel: Line manager, ventilation officer Method: Where dust concentrations are recorded there is a program which applies the hierarchy of controls (ie. elimination, substitution, isolation, engineering controls, safe work practices and personal protective equipment). 8. STOCKPILING AND SHIPLOADING Point 8.1 Standard Dust is controlled during train unloading 8.2 Dust is controlled on stockpile roadways 8.3 Dust is controlled at the stockpile stacker. 8.4 There is a means available to control dust off stockpiles during strong winds. 8.5 Dust is controlled at the stockpile reclaimer. Guideline Intent: To verify dust is controlled during the unloading of ore from rail cars. Personnel: Train unloader operator Method: Check to see if dust extraction system or water sprays are installed. Observe unloading of rail trucks. Decide if an adequate level of dust control is being achieved. Intent: To verify dust is controlled on stockpile roadways and is not a health or safety hazard. Personnel: N/A Method: Check for methods of control, water truck, sprinklers, sweeping sealed surface. Observe vehicle traffic and decide if a problem with dust is present. Intent: To verify dust is controlled during the stacking of ore on the stockpile. Personnel: Stacker operator Method: Check if stacker is fitted with water sprays to control dust. Observe stacker in operation Is adequate dust control being achieved. Intent: To verify dust is controlled on stockpiles during adverse weather conditions. Personnel: Operators Method: Check if a control measure is in place. Eg water sprays, sprinkler system, sealing agent, physical cover. Intent: To verify dust is controlled during stockpile reclaiming where a mechanical reclaimer is used. Personnel: Reclaimer operator Method: Check if a control measure is in place. Observe if dust is a problem. Page 147 Department of Industry and Resources Safety, Health and Environment Division 8.6 8.7 8.8 8.9 8.10 8.11 Dust is controlled at the stockpile draw chutes in the loadout tunnel. Dust is controlled within the stockpile loadout tunnel. Dust is controlled at conveyor belt transfer points. Dust is controlled at screens Dust is controlled at the shiploader. Spillage and dust build-up on and around plant and equipment is kept under control. Intent: To verify dust is controlled at the stockpile draw chutes. Personnel: N/A Method: Check condition of rubber seals and skirting. If chutes are connected to a dust extraction system check the ducting is not blocked with dust. Is it practicable to improve dust control? Intent: To verify dust control measures and appliances are in place in the stockpile tunnel. Personnel: Line manager/supervisor Method: Are operators required to enter the stockpile tunnel during operation? Where operators are barred from entering the tunnel during operating conditions it would be acceptable to have a less stringent requirement for dust control. If an operator is required to enter the tunnel then the dust levels should be controlled to as low as practicable. Check the tunnel is regularly cleaned or washed out. Check for ventilation. The main source of dust will be feeders on to the conveyor. Intent: To verify dust is effectively controlled at all belt transfer points. Personnel: Operators Method: Check all points in the plant where material is transferred from one conveyor belt to another. Depending on the type of material and the moisture content dust can be produced during the fall from one belt to another. Methods of control can be water sprays, connection to a dust extraction system and/or enclosure of transfer point. Another source of dust can be caused by the fine particles sticking to the belt and falling off the underside of the belt return. In this case a brush or belt scraper may be needed. Intent: To verify dust is controlled at any screen used at the stockpile area. Personnel: N/A Method: If screens are covered check condition of flexible seals around screen and note any sections which need repairing or replacing. Where the screen cover is connected to a dust extraction system check the system is working. If water sprays are used check they are all working effectively. It is a requirement of Reg 9.10 that dust control appliances are fitted to screens. Total enclosure is acceptable. Intent: To verify dust is controlled at the shiploader Personnel: Shiploader operator Method: Control depends on size and moisture content of material being loaded. Material such as alumina or phosphate will require a chute with a dust extraction system. The main concern will be whether the dust is creating a health or safety hazard. Observe loading in operation and determine if control is adequate. Intent: To verify the general housekeeping of the plant with regard to dust and spillage is of an acceptable standard. Personnel: Line manager/supervisor Method: A visual inspection throughout the plant. Check for any build-up of spillage. Check with operators and management to determine if a regular program for clean up exists. Is the frequency of clean up sufficient for the operation. Page 148 Department of Industry and Resources Safety, Health and Environment Division 8.12 Operators are protected from dust by an enclosed airconditioned cabin. 8.13 Operator control cabins are effectively sealed to prevent dust entry. 8.14 8.15 The interior of each operator control cabin is in a clean condition. The operator control cabin air conditioner is operable. 8.16 Air conditioner dust filters are regularly cleaned. 8.17 Dust samples taken over the last year to evaluate crusher operator exposure to dust are all below the exposure standard. 9. PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT Point 9.1 Standard A site wide risk assessment has established the tasks which require respiratory protection devices to be used. Intent: To verify both mobile plant and fixed plant operators are provided with an enclosed air conditioned cabin for protection against dust. Personnel: Operators, line manager/supervisor Method: Check mobile plant and fixed plant installations. Discuss with operators. Intent: To verify the control cabins are effectively sealed to prevent entry of dust. Personnel: N/A Method: Check the door fits correctly and closes properly. Check condition of seal around the door. Check the windows are sealed. Check there are no open holes in the floor or walls and there is adequate seal around the airconditioner. Intent: To verify the inside of each control cabin is kept in a clean condition. Personnel: Operators Method: Check inside of each crusher control cabin. Note condition of floor. Is it clean? Check with operator on frequency of cleaning. Intent: To verify the air conditioner is operating effectively and of sufficient power to cool the cabin to enable the door and windows to be kept shut. Personnel: Operators Method: Check physical comfort with regard to temperature within the cabin. Feel if the air coming from the airconditioner is cool. Question operator on effectiveness of airconditioner. Intent: To verify the dust filter fitted to an airconditioner is kept in a clean condition to stop the recycling of dust. Reg 9.25(1). Personnel: Operators. Method: Remove airconditioner filter and check condition. Determine from operator if the filter is cleaned regularly. Intent: To verify operators are not being exposed to dust levels above the exposure standard. Personnel: Ventilation officer Method: Check CONTAM dust results prior to site visit. Verify with site records. Note any exceedances. Guideline Intent: To verify that employees exposed to dusty conditions have been identified. Section 9(1)(d) of MSI Act Personnel: Employees. Method: Inspect location where respiratory equipment is used. Verify by interviews. Page 149 Department of Industry and Resources Safety, Health and Environment Division 9.2 There is a program to select the appropriate respiratory protection for a Intent: To verify the existence of a standard operating procedure which person. provides for the selection of respirators. AS 1716 and AS 1715 Personnel: Safety officer, employees, ventilation officer. Method: Verify by examining operating procedures or equivalent document. All respirators must conform with AS 1716. Respirator selection should be based on recommendations and limitations available from relevant recognised standards. Selection process needs to consider the contaminant, the task and the operator. Where practicable, there should be provision for respirators to be issued on a personal basis. 9.3 Respiratory protection devices are freely available and employees are Intent: To verify employees have been instructed on method of acquiring aware of where and how to obtain the correct device. respiratory protection. Personnel: Employees Method: Verify by interviews. 9.4 Employees are fit tested for the type of respirator issued to them. Intent: To verify the respirator is properly fitted to the individual to whom it is assigned. AS 1715 Personnel: Ventilation officer, safety officer, employees Method: Examine records of fit tests carried out. Verify by interviews. 9.5 Employees are trained in the use of the respirator provided. Intent: To verify the existence of a training program in which employee can become familiar with the respirator. Reg 4.1(1)(b) and AS 1715 Personnel: Ventilation officer, safety officer, employees Method: Examine training program. Program should include the proper use, cleaning and maintenance, and the limitations of the equipment. Training should occur at the commencement of employment and at routine intervals thereafter (ie. at least annually). Verify by interviews. 9.6 There is a maintenance program for non disposable respiratory protection. Intent: To verify the existence of a maintenance program which ensures a readily available supply of clean functional respirators. Reg 4.1(2) and AS 1715 Personnel: Ventilation officer, safety officer, employees Method: Examine the maintenance program. Program should follow the manufacturer's instructions and provisions for - cleaning and disinfection of equipment, storage, repair and inspection for defects. These aspects are particularly important for non-disposable respirators. Verify by interviews. 9.7 Respirators are cleaned, maintained and stored as specified in the Intent: To verify the care of respirators is maintained to standard maintenance program. requirements. AS 1715 Personnel: Operators, safety officer, ventilation officer. Method: Examine records to validate periodic maintenance of respirators (ie. weekly or monthly checklist). Physical check of selected locations to verify respirators are maintained and stored in a clean state as required. Verify by interviews. 10. ABRASIVE BLASTING Page 150 Department of Industry and Resources Safety, Health and Environment Division Point 10.1 10.2 10.3 10.4 10.5 Standard Material used for abrasive blasting contains less than 5% silica by weight. Material used for abrasive blasting contains less than 1% of any one of the following - arsenic, beryllium, lead, cadmium, nickel, antimony, cobalt, chromium or tin. Material used for abrasive blasting contains no radioactive substance as defined in the Radiation Safety Act 1975. Recycled dry abrasive blasting material is treated to remove respirable dust. The person operating the abrasive blasting machine wears an airline respirator of the hood or helmet type. Guideline Intent: To verify material used for abrasive blasting contains no more than 5% silica by mass. Reg 9.9(2)(a) Personnel: Supervisor, operator Method: Examine abrasive blasting procedures to ensure it specifies that materials used must not contain more than 5% silica by mass. Also check records of previous work done to verify that this is actually the case. Verify by interviews with supervisors. Intent: To verify material used for abrasive blasting contains no more than 1% of any one of the listed materials. Reg 9.9(2)(b) Personnel: Supervisor, operator Method: Examine abrasive blasting procedures to ensure it specifies that materials used must not contain more than 1% of any of the materials listed. Also check records of previous work done to verify that this is actually the case. Verify by interviews with supervisors. Intent: To verify material used for abrasive blasting contains no radioactive substance. Reg 9.9(2)(c) Personnel: Supervisor, operator Method: Examine abrasive blasting procedures to ensure it specifies that materials used must not contain any radioactive substance. Also check records of previous work done to verify that this is actually the case. Verify by interviews with supervisors. Intent: To verify respirable dust is removed from recycled dry abrasive blasting material. Reg 9.9(d)(i) Personnel: Supervisor, operator Method: Examine abrasive blasting procedures to ensure it specifies that recycled dry abrasive blasting material is treated to remove respirable dust. Intent: To verify the operator of an abrasive blasting machine wears suitable respiratory equipment. Reg 9.9(3)(a) and AS 1716 Personnel: Supervisor, operator Method: Visual check of respirator to verify operator using abrasive blasting equipment wears a properly maintained air-fed helmet conforming to AS 1716. Page 151