Diesel Particulate Matter Exposure to an Operator of LHD Loader Working in an Active Ore Heading Area

Extended Abstract Underground mines are particularly hazardous environments where miners have exposure to toxic fumes and gases. To ensure mine safety a sufficient mine ventilation must be provided. Ventilation of underground mines should be estimated considering diesel equipment's engine power, blasting toxic fumes, gases, aerosols, dust and the unit airflow needed. Diesel engines are main sources of toxic gases (CO, CO 2 , NOX, SO 2 , hydrocarbons) and diesel particulate matter (DPM). DPM is related to elemental carbon (EC) and organic carbon (OC) and numerous gases and aerosols produced by incomplete combustion. Relationship between EC and OC fractions in untreated exhaust depends on engine operating conditions, engine type, fuel type, and a number of other parameters [5]. The total carbon (TC) is calculated by adding the EC and OC numbers together, and it typically represents 80% of the DPM [6]. Only 5-10% of all DPM are greater than one micrometer diameter [2]. Particulate Matter (PM 1 ) concentration is commonly thought to be used as a DPM level since it is the size range that encompasses practically all DPM [5]. Mine ventilation, diesel emission rate, exhaust flow direction,