October 3, 2022
A new standard for workplace exposure to coal dust came into force in Queensland on Saturday.
From October 1, the workplace exposure standard for respirable coal dust has been halved, from an average of 3 milligrams per cubic metre to 1.5 mg/m3.
According to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, coal dust which can be inhaled can be generated during a number of work processes, including:
- Breaking, crushing or milling of coal
- Coal combustion processes
- Handling and transport of coal and fly ash
- Storage or stockpiling of coal
- Shutdown maintenance activities
- Cleaning of workplaces where coal is used
