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🌫️ SOP-MIN-008: Dust, Noise and Air Quality Monitoring

Rule zero: What you cannot measure you cannot control. Monitor, then protect.

FieldDetail
Company / siteRidgeline Copper Operations (fictional sample company)
Document No.SOP-MIN-008
Revision1.0 (approved)
Effective2026-10-06
Next review due2027-10-06 (or after any incident or change)
Applies toSupervisors, hygienists, operators and anyone exposed to dust, noise, fumes or hazardous air
OwnerOccupational Hygienist
Approved byMine Manager and Site Safety Manager

1. Purpose

To protect people from long-term health harm caused by silica and other dust, noise, diesel emissions and gases, by measuring exposure and applying controls.

2. Scope

Crushing, drilling, loading, hauling, processing, underground ventilation and workshops.

3. Roles and responsibilities

RoleResponsibilities
Occupational HygienistPlans sampling, reviews results, recommends controls.
SupervisorApplies controls, enforces PPE and respirator use.
WorkersWear personal samplers, use PPE, report symptoms.
MaintenanceKeeps dust suppression, ventilation and enclosures working.

4. Hazards and controls

HazardControl
Respirable dust and silicaWet suppression, enclosures, local exhaust ventilation, fit-tested respirators
NoiseEngineering controls, hearing protection, noise zones, audiometry
Diesel particulate and gases (CO, NO2)Ventilation, maintenance, gas monitoring, limits on idling
Heat and humidityHydration, rest, acclimatization, work-rest schedule

5. Site-specific parameters

ParameterValue at Ridgeline Copper Mine
Silica (respirable crystalline)Exposure limit 50 ug/m3 over 8 hours; action level 25 ug/m3
NoiseAction level 85 dBA (hearing protection and testing), limit 90 dBA over 8 hours
Diesel particulate (underground)Limit per the regulator; ventilation on, no idling more than 5 minutes
Gas alarmsCO 25 ppm, NO2 3 ppm, O2 below 19.5%: leave the area
SamplingPersonal dust and noise samplers worn by at least 5 workers per exposure group each quarter
RespiratorsFit-tested annually; half-mask P100 for silica work; clean-shaven at the seal
HeatHeat stress plan above 32 C: water, shade and 15 minutes rest per hour in direct sun

6. Procedure

Sampling plan

  1. Define similar exposure groups and the sampling schedule.
  2. Use calibrated instruments and approved methods. Record who, where, when and how long.

Controls

  1. Use the hierarchy: eliminate, substitute, engineer, administer, then PPE.
  2. Check that suppression sprays, extraction and ventilation run before work starts.

Action levels

  1. Compare results with the exposure limits and action levels.
  2. If a result exceeds the action level, apply extra controls and resample. If it exceeds the limit, stop exposure and escalate.

Health surveillance

  1. Offer hearing tests and lung function checks on the agreed schedule.
  2. Keep results confidential and follow up with affected workers.

7. Stop-work triggers

Stop the job, make the area safe and call the supervisor if any of these happen:

  • A measurement exceeds the exposure limit
  • Suppression or ventilation fails
  • A gas alarm sounds
  • Workers report breathing difficulty or symptoms

8. Emergency response

  1. Leave the area on any gas alarm and move to fresh air.
  2. Report to the supervisor and start first aid if anyone is affected.
  3. Do not return until the area is tested and cleared.

9. Records

  • Sampling results and trend reports
  • Equipment calibration records
  • Health surveillance (kept confidential)

10. Related documents

  • Pre-shift inspection (SOP-MIN-001)
  • Emergency response (SOP-MIN-007)
  • Job hazard assessment (JHA) template
  • Incident reporting and investigation SOP (SOP-MIN-010)
  • Applicable regulations for your jurisdiction, for example MSHA 30 CFR Parts 56 and 57 in the United States

Controlled document. The current version lives in this library. Printed copies are uncontrolled: check the revision before you use one. Questions or improvements go to the document owner.

11. Revision history

RevDateAuthorChange
1.02026-10-06Site HSE departmentFirst issue, approved for use

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