Lung protection features high on safety agenda

The Chamber of Mines reported in its latest newsletter that a workshop on occupational safety for people working in the uranium industry, was recently conducted by the Uranium Institute in Swakopmund.
The Namibia Uranium Association and the Institute in Swakopmund, in conjunction with the Lung Clinic, 3M, and NEHC, held two one-day respiratory workshops earlier in March with over 50 people from local mines and industries attending and receiving certificates for their participation.
“The event was opened by the new Namibia Uranium Association Director, Dr. Gabi Schneider, while informative presentations were given by Dr. Wotan Swiegers on Occupational Lung Diseases, Sister K. Crowther on Lung Function Testing, Prof. C. von Garnier on Lung Cancer, and Mr and Mrs. Cornelissen of NHEC on Occupational Hygiene.”
The medical presentations were followed by practical demonstrations of respiratory safety equipment by Jaco Combrinck and Tony Nel of 3M’s Personal Safety division.
Attendees were shown various 3M disposable, re-usable, and powered air purification respiratory solutions, with appropriate filters for various occupational exposure levels, and had the opportunity to try some of these for themselves. They were shown how to do a proper respirator fitment test using the 3M Qualitative Fit Test Kit, according to the chamber.