Dust control handbook for industrial minerals mining and processing. Second edition.

The New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) recognizes the important hazard control information contained in a newly published handbook entitled " Dust Control Handbook for Industrial Minerals Mining and Processing " (1/12) and is distributing copies to all active mine operators in the state. The handbook represents a successful collaborative effort by government and industry in protecting the health of U.S. mine workers. The two principal partnerships active in creating this handbook were between the Office of Mine Safety and Health Research (OMSHR) of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Industrial Minerals Association – North America (IMA-NA). This handbook was written by a task force of safety and health specialists, industrial hygienists, and engineers to provide information on proven and effective control technologies that lower workers' dust exposures during all stages of minerals processing. Implementation of the engineering controls discussed can assist mine operators, health specialists, and workers in reaching the ultimate goal of eliminating pneumoconiosis and other occupational diseases caused by dust exposure in the mining industry. Designed primarily for use by industrial minerals producers, this handbook contains detailed information on control technologies to address all stages of the minerals handling process, including: Primary dumping Crushing and grinding Transfer points Conveying Screening Packaging/bagging product for shipment The NJDOH's Silicosis Surveillance and Intervention Project has tracked cases of work-related silicosis in the state since 1979. In that time period, 81 workers in the state's mine industry were identified with this chronic but preventable lung disease. They performed a variety of jobs in the state's iron mines (now abandoned) and the many active sand, gravel, and stone mines. Many more workers have gone undiagnosed. Our hope is that the information contained in the handbook will empower New Jersey's minerals industry personnel to apply state-of-the-art dust control technology to help reduce or eliminate mine and mill worker exposure to hazardous dust concentrations – a critical component in ensuring the health of our nation's mine workers.