One of the challenges that workers in heavy construction and mining industries continue to face is exposure to harmful airborne particles and high CO2 levels. Continuously inhaling toxins and working in elevated levels of CO2 can lead to serious long-term health issues such as:
- Asthma
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Lung cancer
- Occupational lung disease
- Asbestosis
- Byssinosis
- Pneumoconiosis
The above are just a few of the health implications that construction and mining workers are faced with. The new ISO 23875 standard is in place to lower incidents of serious health complications, equipment failure, employee turnover, and liability.
Owners, managers, and workers must familiarize themselves with the proper protocols and safety practices to create a healthier work environment and improve operations. Depending on the industry, mobile cabins must meet the new standards of mining equipment certification and construction equipment certification.
What is the ISO 23875?
ISO 23875 is an international standard to ensure cleaner air in mining and heavy construction machine cabs, protecting workers from health hazards and improving machinery. The new requirements limit exposure to airborne particles and CO2, and minimize liability.
New & Retrofit Design Requirements
- Must meet safety requirements to ensure structural integrity, reduced levels of hazardous noise, and keep engine exhaust away from external air intake system
- Must allow proper access and a clear view for operators
- The enclosure must be completely sealed at all points to prevent toxic airborne particles from filtering in
- Any modifications of protective structure systems must be permitted by the machine manufacturer
Performance & Designing Requirements
- Regular testing and maintenance to improve the quality of breathable air
- CO2 tests are performed with an operator inside to determine concentration
- Maximum CO2 level = Ambient CO2 level +400ppm
- Decay tests are performed without an operator inside
<25 ug/m3 is the maximum respirable particulate matter concentration allowable at the beginning and end of a decay test with a maximum of 120 seconds decay time - All test findings are properly recorded and documented
- Any material kept in the cab should not easily accumulate particles
- When in operation, external devices must be simultaneously activated to prove proper air exchange
- Flexible connectors must relieve vibration stress
- Improve HVAC filter efficiency using ISO 15 E or ISO 35 H HEPA filter
- Regular testing for pressure – minimum sustained pressure is 20 Pa or higher (with machine key in “on” position), and the maximum sustained pressure is not to exceed 200 Pa
- Audible and visible monitoring devices must meet ISO standards for pressure and CO² in varying conditions
- Real-time airborne particulate monitors will identify external leakage from filters, seals, intake areas, or damaged parts
How Polar Mobility Can Help
The new health and safety standard for the mining and construction industry includes the ISO 23875, mobile equipment cabins, CO2 and respiratory particulate levels. At Polar Mobility, we can test, supply solutions, and provide certification. We supply solutions that will ensure better air quality in the cabs of heavy-duty equipment to keep your workers safe. Contact us to learn more.
