Mining is thought of as a dangerous occupation, and that’s true. The safety standards in the mining industry have improved a lot over recent years though. And this means that fewer accidents occur, and fewer people get hurt. Technology is also shaping the way in which modern mining is done. But how do mine maintenance and safety standards work in practice?

Safety Inspections

There are many legal rules and regulations that relate to safety in the mining industry. In different states, there are authorities that are in charge of monitoring these standards. It’s often the case that inspectors will check mines on a regular basis. This will also happen when specific changes, an expansion or a large operation is being undertaken at a local mine. In many states, these checks have to be carried out about four times a year. That might seem like a lot, but it’s the only way to ensure that safety standards are kept as high as they should be. In such a risky industry, it’s not worth taking any more risks.

Closed Mines

Closed mines also have to be kept very safe. If they’re not, all kinds of other problems can occur. One of the best initiatives out there for closed mines is the Mining Rehabilitation Fund. Many mining companies pay into this and help to keep disused mines safe. A mine can’t simply be ignored once it’s no longer in use because it can still damage the surrounding land. When a mine goes through the mine site closure process, it has to be closed and shut off properly. A process of remediation can then be gone through to make the land usable in some way again. This can take many years though.

Machine Maintenance

In the modern mining industry, machinery and technology play a part at every stage of the mining process. It’s important that this machinery is maintained and checked before and after being used. This has to be carried out by trained experts who know how to maintain mining machinery. They can look for problems and carry out small fixes and repair work when necessary. When this is done, the machinery should be safe to use, avoiding any problems that come with malfunctioning machinery. The inevitable wear and tear that machinery sustains have to be monitored closely so as to make sure it doesn’t become a problem too.

Hygiene and Sanitation

Although you might not think it, hygiene and sanitation are seen as being very important in the mining industry. Mine conditions can often leave people exposed to hazardous materials, and mitigating these risks is vital. It’s one of the main aspects of health and safety standards in the mining industry. The law states that mining companies have to have records relating to all hygiene measurements. All employees also have to be provided with water that is safe and drinkable. People who work with hazardous materials must also be provided with change houses. This is where clothing can be changed in a safe way and employees can get clean.