Air Sampling Programs for Asbestos, Gases and Vapors

We recommend you read the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) report about the gases and vapors to which miners are exposed. In addition, miners are routinely exposed to dangerous and carcinogenic dusts, including asbestos.

The hazards associated with certain mine gases are some of the most documented health and safety hazards in the mining industry.

The purpose of the measurement and control of these contaminants is to prevent the occurrence of mine fires, unplanned explosions, and both acute and chronic occupational illnesses or injuries. Another purpose is to provide miners with environmental conditions that will not cause or contribute to an accident.

The gas sampling methods used for personal exposure or area monitoring are quite diverse. Mine operators may already be familiar with the vacuum bottles, Bistables, detector tubes, charcoal tubes, and direct-read instruments.

However, certain gaseous contaminants may require the use of other less familiar sampling methods, such as gas bubblers with various collection fluids, adsorbent tubes other than charcoal, or the great variety of passive dosimeters on the market.

Gases are formless fluids at room temperature and pressure, retaining no specific volume or shape. Gases diffuse, completely filling any space into which they are introduced. They can be expanded or compressed between wide limits.

A vapor is the gaseous form of a substance which is a liquid or solid at room temperature and pressure. Substances with a low boiling point will usually have a high vapor pressure at ambient temperatures.

Courtesy of MSHA

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