Please read this before using presentation

1. Please read this before using presentation • This presentation is based on content presented at the industry information session on risk-based hygiene management planning held in May 2015 • It is made available for non-commercial use (e.g. toolbox meetings, OHS discussions) subject to the condition that the PowerPoint file is not altered without permission from Resources Safety • Supporting resources, such as brochures and posters, are available from Resources Safety • For resources, information or clarification, please contact: RSDComms@dmp.wa.gov.au or visit www.dmp.wa.gov.au/ResourcesSafety

2. Our commitment To work with industry to reduce serious accidents and incidents, and provide tangible support in achieving a positive cultural change.

3. Resources Safety’s focus

4. Diesel emission management plans

5. Management of diesel particulates in underground mines - status

6. Current situation Mines should have a diesel emission management plan based on the 10-point checklist in guideline Plan should be: • being implemented • include measures that demonstrably reduce diesel emissions

7. 10-point checklist Examples of 10-point checklist from: • companies at individual mine sites • new technology available from service providers Aim: Reduce diesel emissions

8. Point 1. Appoint a champion To be successful: • each site or company must have a driving force or person • sites need to commit to improvements • development and implementation of plan needs the support of all parties on site (or it will fail) • responsibility rests primarily with Ventilation Officers, working in conjunction with site’s OHS department

9. Point 2. Buy clean • Major advances in equipment will lower or reduce the level of exhaust emissions • Tier 4 engines beginning to be fitted to new equipment on the market • Companies trialling these include St Barbara (Gwalia Deeps mine) • Use replacement of old equipment as an opportunity to “Buy Clean”

10. Point 3. Scrutinise fuel and oil supplies • Source and storage of fuels and lubricating oils is a significant component of management plan • Sites using 10 ppm or better sulphur content diesel fuels - may not appreciate the importance of low ash oils • Retro-fitted reduced emission packages will only produce reduced emissions if used in conjunction with low ash oil • Storage of fuels is important • introduced dust, water, algae, etc. lower the cetane value • large quantities of on-site fuel going “stale” upon standing

11. Fuel additives currently available Some sites are trialling fuel additives: • intended to improve the burning characteristics of diesel fuels, reducing emissions and make DP filters more effective • examples include a fuel-borne catalyst, in use with fleet at St Barbara’s Gwalia mine • some sites are already considering the use of a urea-based product, intended to absorb the increased levels of Nox (associated with some reduction methods)

12. Point 4. Conduct baseline monitoring Carry out an evaluation of site’s diesel fleet’s engine performance: • helps to know the baseline operating characteristics • if new, any deterioration in performance can quickly become evident • if old, the decision to retire or retrofit with filters is aided by this baseline information • variations between the performance characteristics of identical items of equipment (e.g. 2900s) can indicate a drop off in performance of one asset

13. Real time monitoring of the diesel fleet • Technology allows diagnosis of the undiluted exhaust emissions of diesel engines • Used in conjunction with a gas analyser, can do a complete diagnosis of a vehicle • Results can be related to traditional NIOSH 5040 methods

14. Point 5. Retro-fit diesel particulate filters This measure is still the most potent in any management plan: • sites that have utilised filters have seen greatest reduction in exhaust emissions • quality of filters has improved considerably, with less maintenance issues • equipment is monitored before and after fitting of filter • despite the success of new technology, such as the Tier 4 engines and one OEM’s emission reduction package, manufacturers are still fitting DP filters to the tail end of their exhaust emission systems

15. Point 6. Role of maintenance Ongoing maintenance is a significant factor in management plan: • includes maintaining engine performance and testing of retro-fitted DP filters to ensure they are functioning, and check integrity of enclosed cabins • diesel engine will be properly maintained if specific maintenance checklist followed • poor maintenance has resulted in build up of back pressure in DP filters → blown up engines • cannot overstate importance of good maintenance in the management plan!

16. Point 7. Establish the ventilation requirements • Ventilation available in the mine must be adequate to support diesel fleet in use • If ventilation is inadequate, or cannot be improved, the size of the diesel fleet must be reduced • Well-maintained ventilation system is essential to ensure exhaust emissions are as low as possible • Actual air flow required to keep the DP levels below 0.1 mgs/cubic metre is much greater than that required to satisfy the dilution of carbon monoxide and oxides of nitrogen

17. Real-time monitoring of the mine environment New system to monitor the entire mine environment: • comprises a range of sensors for gases, DPs, temperatures and humidity that report back to the mine control room or Ventilation Officer’s computer • used in conjunction with V.O.D. devices, such as remotely operated blast doors (or regulators), ventilation can be controlled by turning fans on and off at will, and opening and closing regulators to disperse and dilute fumes

18. Point 8. Monitoring of the environment To measure reductions in the levels of exhaust emissions, ongoing real-time monitoring is required. • Emissions emanating from the diesel fleet - carry out undiluted tailpipe emission monitoring • Level of DPs present in ambient atmosphere of work environment - use real-time air monitoring units • Degree of exposure of workers to DPs present in their work environment (e.g. inside enclosed air conditioned cabins) - use either • real time monitors or • dust collecting cassettes containing filters that are later analysed

19. Examples of real-time monitoring of the environment

20. Point 9. Develop and implement a training program • Enlisting all parties involved in diesel emission management plan is essential to its success • Develop training programs for all personnel, from line managers, maintenance mechanics, OHS technicians, to operators • Important that everyone understands their role and its importance to the success of the program

21. Point 10. Evaluate exposure controls and PPE While the management plan will reduce emissions, it is still necessary to deal with the reality of workers exposed to diesel particulates: • regularly review the effectiveness of enclosed cabins and PPE • consider the integrity of cabin seals, air conditioner filters, dust masks and respirators • some sites using HEPA filters on cabin air conditioners have halved the exposure values

22. Example of what is possible CAT 2900 Bogger photographed loading four 50t underground mine trucks while conducting DP sampling from return air drive Clarity of air is testament to effective emissions management at the source

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