MNO2608
Assignment 5 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: May 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Key Failures Leading to Exposure
The following critical failures contributed to the mine workers' exposure to respirable silica
dust and heat stress:
1. Malfunctioning Dust Suppression Systems: The water spray and misting
systems—essential for controlling dust at the drilling face—were not functioning
properly, allowing silica dust to become airborne.
2. Ineffective Ventilation: The underground ventilation system was underperforming
due to delayed servicing. This limited the removal of airborne contaminants and heat.
3. Lack of Maintenance: Delayed servicing and poor maintenance of dust suppression
and ventilation systems show a failure in preventative maintenance planning.
4. Inadequate Cooling and Hydration: Workers had limited access to water, and the
cooling systems were insufficient, intensifying the heat stress conditions.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
1.1 Key Failures Leading to Exposure
The following critical failures contributed to the mine workers' exposure to respirable
silica dust and heat stress:
1. Malfunctioning Dust Suppression Systems: The water spray and misting
systems—essential for controlling dust at the drilling face—were not
functioning properly, allowing silica dust to become airborne.
2. Ineffective Ventilation: The underground ventilation system was
underperforming due to delayed servicing. This limited the removal of airborne
contaminants and heat.
3. Lack of Maintenance: Delayed servicing and poor maintenance of dust
suppression and ventilation systems show a failure in preventative
maintenance planning.
4. Inadequate Cooling and Hydration: Workers had limited access to water,
and the cooling systems were insufficient, intensifying the heat stress
conditions.
5. Lack of Real-time Monitoring: No evidence of real-time dust or heat
monitoring was indicated, leading to delayed detection of hazardous
conditions.
Reference: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), 2021;
Hermanus (2007)
1.2 Health Risks of Prolonged Exposure
Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust
Prolonged inhalation of respirable silica dust can cause:
Silicosis: A chronic and irreversible lung disease caused by the accumulation
of silica particles, leading to inflammation and scarring (ILO, 2019).
Assignment 5 Semester 1 2025
Unique Number:
Due date: May 2025
QUESTION 1
1.1 Key Failures Leading to Exposure
The following critical failures contributed to the mine workers' exposure to respirable silica
dust and heat stress:
1. Malfunctioning Dust Suppression Systems: The water spray and misting
systems—essential for controlling dust at the drilling face—were not functioning
properly, allowing silica dust to become airborne.
2. Ineffective Ventilation: The underground ventilation system was underperforming
due to delayed servicing. This limited the removal of airborne contaminants and heat.
3. Lack of Maintenance: Delayed servicing and poor maintenance of dust suppression
and ventilation systems show a failure in preventative maintenance planning.
4. Inadequate Cooling and Hydration: Workers had limited access to water, and the
cooling systems were insufficient, intensifying the heat stress conditions.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +27 81 278 3372
QUESTION 1
1.1 Key Failures Leading to Exposure
The following critical failures contributed to the mine workers' exposure to respirable
silica dust and heat stress:
1. Malfunctioning Dust Suppression Systems: The water spray and misting
systems—essential for controlling dust at the drilling face—were not
functioning properly, allowing silica dust to become airborne.
2. Ineffective Ventilation: The underground ventilation system was
underperforming due to delayed servicing. This limited the removal of airborne
contaminants and heat.
3. Lack of Maintenance: Delayed servicing and poor maintenance of dust
suppression and ventilation systems show a failure in preventative
maintenance planning.
4. Inadequate Cooling and Hydration: Workers had limited access to water,
and the cooling systems were insufficient, intensifying the heat stress
conditions.
5. Lack of Real-time Monitoring: No evidence of real-time dust or heat
monitoring was indicated, leading to delayed detection of hazardous
conditions.
Reference: Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMRE), 2021;
Hermanus (2007)
1.2 Health Risks of Prolonged Exposure
Respirable Crystalline Silica Dust
Prolonged inhalation of respirable silica dust can cause:
Silicosis: A chronic and irreversible lung disease caused by the accumulation
of silica particles, leading to inflammation and scarring (ILO, 2019).
