Bezpieczeństwo Pracy i Ochrona Środowiska w Górnictwie Number 11/2018

Entry into force the new regulation of the Minister of Family, Labor and Social Policy on the maximum admissible concentrations and intensities for agents harmful to health in the working environment of June 12, 2018 causes changes in the occupational exposure limits values, which will also affect in the working environment in hard coal mining. Proposed changes related, among others, to the occupational exposure limit value for crystalline silica: quartz and cristobalite are important from the working environment in mines point of view. Crystalline silica becomes a separate agent harmful. The subject of this publication is the analysis of the occupational exposure assessment for crystalline silica in the working environment in hard coal mining.

The article describes the course, consequences and analysis of the cause of accident in the mining hoist with two-compartments-shaft, equipped with shaft plug and residue-collecting tank. This accident consisted in the collision of the skip with the elements of the residue-collecting tank and caused a long-term of shutting down the shaft. After the analysis of the course and causes of the accident, it was found that in order to prevent accidents similar to the described in the article, appropriate actions should be taken in the safe operation of residue-collecting tank in the shafts. Special attention should be paid to:

–             propriety of technical solutions for the construction of tanks in terms of their strength from loads from the output taking into account the possibility of the occurrence of waterlogged spoils and maximum level of their fulfillment,

–             establishing organizational and technical rules to control the residue-collecting tank, defining the scope of control activities as well as methods and ways of control,

–             identification of hazards and risks resulting from the filling the residue-collecting tank with waterlogged spoils.

Tne of the advantages of the RS 6.5/220Bf excavator manufactured by Rohr Bagger GmbH, used in the “Dębowiec IV” mine operated by Szczecińskie Kopalnie Surowców Mineralnych S.A. is its ability to extract the deposit from significant depths and the possibility of continuing extraction in the presence of gases, trunks, etc. in the deposit. The technology applied in the excavator, combined with its unique structure, provide multiple optimal solutions for the company. The excavator’s fully automated control, performed from an industrial-grade computer, complete coverage of the machine with sensors, remote servicing and diagnostics and a system of industrial cameras facilitate its operation and improve the safety of use, whenever extracting from under the water surface.

The article presents issues related to the cooperation and communication of the LW “Bogdanka” S.A. with the community (stakeholders). Being part of the responsible and transparent management practices applied, cooperation and communication comprise the Corporate Social Responsibility (SCR) of business. According to the principles of CSR, the company takes responsibility for the impact of its own decisions and actions on the society and the environment by employing transparent and ethical behaviours. Hence the need to implement ongoing dialogue and hold meetings before major investment tasks or projects to discuss environment protection and land development plans, etc. The purpose of these meetings is to share information on the mining company’s plans, learn the suggestions and expectations of the stakeholders in response to these plans, and to nourish dialogue with the stakeholders as the ultimate form of communication, thus superseding the exchange of “raw” information on events. All strategic objectives will be formulated on this basis, and considering the company’s own needs, and will be successively implemented in the upcoming years