Development of a safety monitoring device for the quarrying sector in Uganda

Abstract

Mining has one of the highest average fatality rates among Uganda’s major industries since the days of the shovel. Although miners’ health and safety have improved throughout the years, mining is still one of the most dangerous occupations. This has triggered the need for the development of a safety monitoring device for the quarrying sector in Uganda. An assessment conducted identified and ranked risks in quarries based on their severity (Rs) and degree of control (Rc), which were used to acquire a total risk score (R), with R=1 being the lowest and R=5 the highest. The identified risks with the highest R were considered for the monitoring. These included: particulate matter (PM2.5), excessive heat (temperature), and air quality (CO, CO2, H2, CH4 levels). Using Ashby’s systematic design process, a safety monitoring device was developed and tested for performance and statistical evaluation. Performance evaluation showed PM2.5 as the only parameter that exceeded its set threshold (50 μg/m3) specifically during peak hours (11:30AM to 14:30PM). The statistical evaluation conducted using Pearson Correlation Coefficient (r) with P-Value approach revealed PM2.5 as having the most positive correlation and statistical significance with CO (r = 0.937, P = 0.00019) and CO2 (r = 0.903, P = 0.00084). Humidity showed the most negative correlation, specifically with PM2.5 (r = -0.875, CH₄ r = -0.869), and H2 showed the weakest, statistically non-significant correlations with other parameters. Mitigation measures like dust suppression and the use of masks to prevent PM2.5 infections were suggested.

Key words: Quarrying, Mining, Risks and Hazards, Safety monitoring device, Temperature, Particulate Matter, and Air Quality.