MNO2608
ASSIGNMENT 5 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 5 NOVEMBER 2025
, MNO2608 – ASSESSMENT 5 (WRITTEN)
ECTION A: DECLARATION OF HONESTY
Declaration of honesty
I hereby declare that the material that I submit for assessment is entirely my own work
and has not been taken from the work of others. In addition, any information that has been
compiled from other sources has been duly referenced.
Module code: ______________________________________
Full name and surname: ______________________________________
Student number: ______________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________
(electronic or handwritten signature / initial(s) and surname)
Cellphone number: ______________________________________
5
, MNO2608 – ASSESSMENT 5 (WRITTEN)
QUESTION 1 [20]
CASE STUDY ONE (1): Respirable Silica Dust Exposure and Heat Stress in an
Underground Gold Mine.
In 2022, twenty-five (25) mine workers at an underground gold mine in South Africa
were exposed to dangerously high levels of respirable crystalline silica dust during
routine drilling operations. The dust suppression systems, including water sprays and
misting, were not functioning properly, and the underground ventilation system was
underperforming due to delayed servicing. Exposure monitoring later revealed silica
dust levels exceeding 0.25 mg/m³, which is more than double the legal limit of 0.1
mg/m³. Additionally, the underground working environment was extremely hot. Workers
faced heat stress due to inadequate cooling systems and limited access to water in the
work area. Prolonged exposure to heat stress, combined with poor air quality, put
workers at risk for both heat-related illnesses and respiratory problems.
Note: This case study is fictional and intended solely for portfolio assessment
purposes. Any resemblance to actual persons or real events is purely
coincidental.
Make use of Case Study 1 and conduct additional research to answer the question.
Remember to reference the sources of your information.
1.1. Identify the key failures that led to workers being exposed to respirable silica dust
and heat stress. (5)
1.2. Discuss the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to respirable
crystalline silica dust and heat stress in an underground mining environment. (5)
6
ASSIGNMENT 5 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 5 NOVEMBER 2025
, MNO2608 – ASSESSMENT 5 (WRITTEN)
ECTION A: DECLARATION OF HONESTY
Declaration of honesty
I hereby declare that the material that I submit for assessment is entirely my own work
and has not been taken from the work of others. In addition, any information that has been
compiled from other sources has been duly referenced.
Module code: ______________________________________
Full name and surname: ______________________________________
Student number: ______________________________________
Signature: ______________________________________
(electronic or handwritten signature / initial(s) and surname)
Cellphone number: ______________________________________
5
, MNO2608 – ASSESSMENT 5 (WRITTEN)
QUESTION 1 [20]
CASE STUDY ONE (1): Respirable Silica Dust Exposure and Heat Stress in an
Underground Gold Mine.
In 2022, twenty-five (25) mine workers at an underground gold mine in South Africa
were exposed to dangerously high levels of respirable crystalline silica dust during
routine drilling operations. The dust suppression systems, including water sprays and
misting, were not functioning properly, and the underground ventilation system was
underperforming due to delayed servicing. Exposure monitoring later revealed silica
dust levels exceeding 0.25 mg/m³, which is more than double the legal limit of 0.1
mg/m³. Additionally, the underground working environment was extremely hot. Workers
faced heat stress due to inadequate cooling systems and limited access to water in the
work area. Prolonged exposure to heat stress, combined with poor air quality, put
workers at risk for both heat-related illnesses and respiratory problems.
Note: This case study is fictional and intended solely for portfolio assessment
purposes. Any resemblance to actual persons or real events is purely
coincidental.
Make use of Case Study 1 and conduct additional research to answer the question.
Remember to reference the sources of your information.
1.1. Identify the key failures that led to workers being exposed to respirable silica dust
and heat stress. (5)
1.2. Discuss the health risks associated with prolonged exposure to respirable
crystalline silica dust and heat stress in an underground mining environment. (5)
6
