RARE AIR

AIR QUALITY IS AN ISSUE IN MINE CAMPS ACROSS AUSTRALIA, BUT VBREATHE HAS A SOLUTION.

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There’s nothing worse than feeling fatigued and lethargic while on the job.

This is the everyday reality for many mine workers, as they endure poor ventilation and air quality in their mining dongas. Given the dusty environments of most mine sites in Australia, if an operator isn’t proactive about managing poor air quality, their workers are likely at risk of cognitive and/or respiratory conditions. And with studies indicating indoor air quality on mine sites is up to five times worse than outdoor air, the health risks are further multiplied.

One fly-in, f ly-out (FIFO) mine worker can attest to the issue, detailing the conditions they are exposed to on every FIFO stint.

“While I’m not directly located at the working mine, I’m surrounded by red dirt and exposed to hot, dusty conditions,” the FIFO worker told Australian Mining.

“Our rooms must always remain closed due to the dust generated by high winds, moving vehicles and airconditioning fans.

“I can sense that the ventilation in my donga is poor, and the air quality feels noticeably bad every time I step inside. Everyone can clearly see the dust around the campsite.”

How does this make him feel? “I experience a dry, stuffy nose when waking up for my shift,” he said. “I don’t feel as refreshed as I do at home and often feel lethargic or tired. I also seem to get colds or the flu more frequently while working on-site.