Diesel emissions in mines - new technical reference groups for coal and metal mines

Earlier this year, Mine Safety presented workshops to the NSW mining industry to improve awareness of diesel engine exhaust emissions in mines and identify methods to reduce their risk to health and safety. The workshops were held after the International Agency for Research on Cancer reclassified whole diesel exhaust as a carcinogen to humans.

As an outcome of these workshops, two diesel emissions technical reference groups are being created - one each for the coal and metal industries.

The groups will meet every six months with the inaugural meetings expected to be held in October 2013. The advisory groups should have at least one representative from each mine and a mix of people including manufacturers, maintenance, health, ventilation, plant operators, unions, consultants, mining industry and health experts.

Nominations are being sought before 13 September 2013 for the representatives. For more information, visit the website.