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Mining

Safety Considerations in Mining

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Mining consists of several complex processes that require a keen focus on safety, starting with a proper risk assessment to reduce, mitigate or remove risks. Whether working in extraction and exploration, crushing ore, or preparing and transporting product, workers are exposed to different hazards each day.

Additionally, mining infrastructure requires constant construction activity, and the heavy equipment used throughout daily processes require service and maintenance. Therefore, mining workers need the appropriate combination of oil, mechanic, chemical and impact protection.

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INDUSTRY HAZARDS

Open-cast and underground mining face different types of hazards, as the instruments and materials used for the manual work have their own peculiarities. Ansell is the ideal safety partner when identifying hazards and injury risk associated with each task and equipping mining workers with the right solution from our extensive portfolio of hand and body protection. Whether facing risk of cut, impact, abrasion, chemical or other hazards, Ansell can help reduce on-the-job injuries and deliver the comfort, performance and protection needed to keep mining workers safe and productive throughout the day.

Ansell Solutions

Impact Protection
Throughout upstream, midstream, or downstream where high risk activities are performed daily during exploration, construction, extraction, crushing and preparation or transportation and refining, work is often done in extreme environments and hands may easily be exposed to hazards of crush and pinch impacts. High performance PPE hand protection is required for medium to heavy duty tasks including the use of hand tools, pipe handling, valve operation or positioning of heavy equipment. Ansell’s Ringers Impact Protection System provides effective protection of knuckles, fingers and thumbs while maintaining maximum durability, dexterity and comfort.
Oil Protection
When working at the mine, transporting fluids, or at the shop, mining workers are exposed to oil, diesel and other hydraulic fluids. Workers require certified barrier protection to prevent oils and other lubricants from making contact with the skin as well as enhanced grip to mitigate muscle fatigue and proper handling of medium to heavy duty tools and equipment. Ansell offers ANSELL GRIP™ Technology, a coating treatment that minimizes the force required to grip dry, oily and wet tools or materials, reducing hand and arm fatigue while improving dexterity, safety and productivity.
High Chemical Protection
Workers who use hazardous chemicals during work processes such as during hydraulic fracturing could be exposed to hazardous byproducts of mining extraction. Possible hazards include chemical burns from caustic substances and toxic vapors.

It is also important to know the potential means for contamination, such as vapors, spray, splash and immersion; and the route of exposure to the worker, such as inhalation or skin absorption. Many studies from OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) have shown that absorption of chemicals through the skin can occur without being noticed by the worker.
Low Chemical Protection
Workers can be exposed to concentrated chemicals and binding agents in the preparation or product. Without proper PPE, workers may experience chemical burns or any other type of skin irritation. Repetitive and prolonged exposure to these chemicals can prove toxic to the worker and severely affect their skin or respiratory system. Thick, nonporous PPE is needed that will prevent liquids from leaking inside and touching the skin, with the durability to withstand scrubbing and sharp corners. Ansell’s industry-leading chemical protection portfolio includes solutions with varying levels of resistance against acids, organic and inorganic chemicals, and biological agents.
Heat and Cold Protection
Mining workers are exposed to extreme temperatures and should take precautions to stay safe. Dressing properly is extremely important to preventing cold or heat stress. The type of fabric worn also makes a difference. Cotton loses its insulation value when it becomes wet. Wool, silk and most synthetics, on the other hand, retain their insulation even when wet. Just as important as having the proper body apparel, using the right-hand protection for any given environment, such as knit, cotton, insulated or water-resistant gloves is just as crucial to mitigate the effects of cold or heat related hazards.
Cut Protection
Mining workers are exposed to puncture and cuts through sharp objects including razor blades, sharp steel edges, and dangerous tools and machinery. These hazards are prominent during the machining, assembly, installation, operation, and field repair of oil field assets. To reduce the risk of cuts and infectious diseases, PPE plays an important role and full protection of the hand and arm can be achieved when combining the right gloves.

Ansell’s cut resistant gloves are made with innovative technologies to provide outstanding cut protection with enhanced dexterity, grip and comfort. INTERCEPT™ Technology is a proprietary cut resistant yarn that provides a lighter weight and more comfortable alternative to other branded yarns.
Abrasion Protection
When working in with heavy equipment, ore and finished product, grip and abrasion resistance are essential to hand safety for miners. A compromised grip increases hand fatigue as the muscle becomes overexerted. If a glove isn’t providing the necessary grip, workers may remove their gloves and expose their hands to significant hazards. According to OSHA, 70% of hand injuries in the United States occur when people are not wearing gloves.

AnsellGUARDIAN®

The most appropriate PPE solutions to protect against hazards will vary based on each individual company's unique set of needs, applications and processes. AnsellGUARDIAN® is our consultative service to help companies select and implement the right PPE solutions to improve safety, increase productivity and reduce costs. Using our 125 years of experience, proprietary software system, and database of over 30,000 chemicals, we have implemented PPE recommendations in over 15,000 facilities worldwide, reducing injuries and saving companies a total of $165M.

There is no cost for an AnsellGUARDIAN® assessment. Request an assessment now.

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Tools & Resources

Ringer's impact protection gloves are designed specifically for common tasks performed by workers in the machinery and equipment industry

Ansell and Ringers Impact Protection System

As part of Ansell's safety solutions, Ringers' leading impact protection gloves are designed specifically for common tasks performed by utility workers daily. View our video to see why Ringers is Built for Impact.

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Mining Industry Guide

Review our industry guide for solutions to protect workers in the mining industry from the primary hazards they face.

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