Coal Dust is Hazardous to Health

In areas where coal dust is a hazard to health, workers should use proper protective clothing and equipment that can prevent skin contact with coal dust. Suitable protective equipment that includes gloves, sleeves, encapsulating suits should be chosen based on the level of exposure to coal dust. Manufacturers’ data should be carefully studied to evaluate the performance of the protective equipment.

Any chemical-resistant clothing that is used should be periodically evaluated to determine its effectiveness in preventing dermal contact. Safety goggles or face shields can be worn during an operation in which coal dust can infect the eyes. For safety, eye wash stations and showers should be located close to operations that involve coal dust.

Coal workers should wear work uniforms and coveralls that can be washed daily. Employers should provide workers with lockers to store work and street clothing separately. Employers should collect work clothing at the end of each work shift and provide for its laundering. Laundry personnel should be knowledgeable about the potential danger of handling contaminated clothing and instructed about procedures to minimize their health risk.

Protective wear should be kept free of oil and grease and should be inspected and maintained regularly to preserve its effectiveness. As a coal dust remedy, JNB Labs offers Coal Seal 140 that can build a crust on the surface of the coal and prevent the coal from making hazardous dust.