Ventilation focus of Ontario mining blitz

In October and November, mining inspectors in Ontario are focusing on hazards involving ventilation systems at selected underground mines across the province.

Ministry of Labour inspectors will check that mine ventilation systems are being maintained and provide an adequate supply of clean air. They will also check that diesel equipment is being properly maintained and employers are regularly testing the air quality in underground mines.

Blitz focus

Inspectors will target underground mines that use diesel equipment. This includes the following:

• mines with large fleets of diesel equipment operating in the underground environment
• recently reopened or new mines operating diesel equipment
• mines where previous ventilation concerns were observed
• mines with a poor health and safety compliance history

Inspectors will check on two types of equipment:

• ventilation systems used to deliver fresh air to underground mines
• diesel equipment used for underground transportation of workers and materials and blasting of rock

Priorities

Mining inspectors will focus on the following key priorities:

Ventilation systems: Inspectors will check that ventilation systems are providing an adequate clean air supply in underground mines. This includes auxiliary ventilation systems which are used to bolster the air quality in areas where diesel equipment is operated.

Diesel equipment: Inspectors will check that diesel equipment is being properly maintained. This equipment is used for underground transportation of workers and materials and blasting of rock.

Workplace air sampling: Inspectors will check that employers are regularly testing the air in underground mines to ensure concentrations of toxic substances do not exceed levels set in Regulations for Mines and Mining Plants.

Between 2005 and 2009, 176 workers died and another 36 workers developed occupational diseases related to respiratory illnesses in the mining sector, according to the WSIB.