Real-time monitoring in mines now imperative for compliance
As the mining industry continues to confront significant occupational health hazards, the need to adopt advanced digital monitoring technologies has never been clearer.
In May, the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate of Gauteng issued new directives aimed at enhancing the health and safety standards in the South African mining industry, emphasising the vital role of real-time monitoring systems in mitigating risks associated with occupational hazards including airborne pollutants, noise, and heat stress.
Mobuso Matyobeni, Principal Inspector of Mines at the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy (DMR), says real-time monitoring should be integrated into broader occupational health and safety management systems.
“Real-time monitoring systems can enable proactive management of environmental conditions, thereby significantly reducing the risk of occupational diseases and accidents. To mitigate the risks associated with high exposures to health hazards in the South African mining industry, the implementation of real-time monitoring systems is crucial.”
M3SH Technology
In alignment with these directives, mining solutions company Probe IMT implements M3SH Technology’s tried and tested suite of environmental monitoring sensors, designed to optimise health and safety compliance in mines.
“We are dedicated to helping mining clients achieve compliance by leveraging M3SH Technology’s state-of-the-art environmental monitoring tools, says Probe IMT CEO, Gert Roselt. “Advanced, real-time monitoring technologies enable immediate data collection and alert management, facilitating proactive interventions to minimise exposure to harmful conditions.”
These solutions have been tested and piloted at a number of South African mines, incorporating 5G network solutions to ensure secure and seamless data transmission. “By providing ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity, the 5G network allows for immediate data transmission from the advanced sensors to the surface, facilitating detailed data analysis of underground conditions, including dust levels, diesel particulate matter, toxic gas emissions, and fire detection,” says Roselt.
M3SH Technology solutions include the P50 Environmental Monitor, which provides real-time data on environmental conditions, enabling proactive risk management. This monitor is crucial in alerting to dangerous levels of airborne pollutants, temperature changes, and other critical factors, ensuring immediate intervention to reduce the risk of occupational diseases and accidents.
The S50 Smoke and Early Fire Monitor plays a critical role in the early detection of fire and smoke. By identifying potential fire hazards at their earliest stages, it allows for rapid response and mitigation, safeguarding both assets and workforce. Early detection minimises damage and enhances overall safety protocols, ensuring a safer mining environment.
Another significant tool is the D52 Dust Particulate Matter Monitor, which sends real-time alerts when dust levels exceed predetermined thresholds. Maintaining air quality and preventing respiratory issues among workers, this monitor is essential for proactive dust management. It is vital in reducing long-term health risks such as pneumoconiosis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Ideal for ensuring optimal ventilation and air flow management, the P511 Air Velocity Monitor measures air velocity in real-time.
The NM20 Noise Monitor continuously monitors noise levels to protect against noise-induced hearing loss and associated hazards. By maintaining compliance with regulatory noise standards, this monitor contributes to a safer and more comfortable work environment, preventing the detrimental effects of excessive noise exposure.
The newly launched DPM50 Diesel Particulate Monitor ensures adherence to emissions standards by monitoring emissions in real-time. Demonstrating a commitment to environmental and worker safety, reliable emissions data supports adherence to legal requirements and promotes sustainable mining practices.
By integrating these state-of-the-art environmental monitoring solutions, Probe IMT helps mining clients comply with the Mine Health and Safety Act (MHSA) and the latest guidelines, which require employers to conduct thorough risk assessments, implement real-time monitoring for airborne pollutants, noise, and heat stress, establish criteria that do not exceed set occupational exposure limits, and develop procedures for prompt response to overexposure alerts.
The MHSA places a clear responsibility on employers to ensure, to the fullest extent reasonably practicable, that mines are operated safely and without health risks to employees, explains Roselt. In the recent directive from the Inspectorate, employers are now required to take a phased approach to implementing real-time monitoring.
“We conduct thorough risk assessments and planning to identify significant hazards, says Roselt. By strategically deploying monitoring devices in critical areas right to the last mile underground, we ensure effective coverage and protection. Continuous evaluation of our monitoring systems’ performance allows us to adjust strategies as needed, ensuring that the highest safety standards are consistently met,” says Roselt. Probe IMT further provides comprehensive training and maintenance education to personnel, maximising the effectiveness of the equipment.
“By leveraging M3SH Technology’s advanced environmental monitoring tools, we are empowering the mining industry to achieve unparalleled levels of safety and compliance,” Roselt concludes.”We will keep harnessing market-leading technology to transform mine safety and productivity, aligning our efforts with regulatory mandates and the evolving needs of the industry to secure a safer future for all our clients.”
