Investigations have revealed if inhaled mould and fungi found on emergency face masks stored underground may cause allergic reaction, such as asthma, or other more serious effects.
Fungi and mould require certain conditions to promote growth, including humidity/moisture, suitable light conditions, temperature and a host. These conditions can often be found where emergency escape equipment is stored in underground mines – making equipment the perfect breeding ground for moulds and fungi.
In response to health concerns, the department of Mineral Resources introduced sections 61 and 63 in March this year to all underground coal mines in New South Wales.
Section 61 highlighted the problem whilst section 63 required mines to identify all affected CABA equipment to be removed/isolated and monitored to ensure units are free from contamination; replacement units must be contamination free; clearly demonstrate cleaning process is satisfactory; and suppliers to provide information on cleaning and storage.
The sections apply to all mines which use CABA equipment as part of their safety systems.
Whilst not compulsory in Queensland, a safety alert has been issued and awareness work is being carried. Coal Services Health environmental monitoring technician Peter Adlington presented at the GAG Inertisation Seminar in Mackay last month to reinforce the message.
Adlington said to prevent mould/fungi mines need to:
use a specified detergent
rinse in cold water first
luke warm water with neutral detergent (temperature below 32 degrees)
fresh water rinse
dry and heat to 42 degrees (at least)
equipment should be stored where one the three main parameters promoting the growth of mould or fungi are eliminated ie. moisture/humidity, darkness and heat. Some of the ways this can be achieved is through vacuum sealing of apparatus with drying agent, increase ventilation in the storage area and routine inspection.
Adlington said mould/fungi can affect any mine, not just underground, depending on where units are stored.
