Application of a ventilation management program for improved air quality

Abstract

The purpose of Ventilation Management Systems is to ensure the health and safety of underground workers by creating and incorporating structured Plans, Procedures and Processes on the day-to-day operations of the mine ventilation system. Application of Ventilation Management Programs consists of audit, verification and corrective action procedures used to, i) ensure adherence to regulatory standards or to ii) return to compliance and safety standards when an upset condition arises. The paper describes how a Ventilation Management Program can be developed and implemented to ensure regulation compliance, to increase safety, to improve operational efficiency and to reduce the operating costs of an operating mine. A case study is presented in which air quality conditions have been substantially improved with the development and implementation of a Ventilation Management Program for an operating underground hard rock mine.