The Importance of Heavy Plant Enclosures in Protecting Workers from Silica Dust
Silica dust exposure is a significant occupational health hazard, particularly in industries such as mining, construction, and tunnelling. Prolonged exposure to silica dust can lead to severe respiratory diseases, including silicosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. While some may believe that simply enclosing heavy machinery and keeping doors and windows shut is enough to safeguard workers, this approach is often insufficient - particularly in work environments with high levels of silica dust.
The Shortcomings of Relying on Sealed Cabins
A common misconception is that a closed cabin alone can effectively protect workers from silica dust exposure. However, heavy plant machinery regularly operates in high-dust environments, and fine airborne particles can still infiltrate through small gaps, ventilation systems, and air leaks. Over time, these particles accumulate inside the cabin, creating a hazardous environment for operators.
Without appropriate pressurisation and filtration, workers remain vulnerable to breathing in harmful levels of silica dust. This is where AS/NZS ISO 23875:2023 comes into play, establishing a benchmark for ensuring effective air quality control within heavy machinery cabins.
Understanding AS/NZS ISO 23875: Why It Matters
AS/NZS ISO 23875 is a standard that defines the design and performance requirements for air quality control systems in operator enclosures, along with guidelines for monitoring their effectiveness. This framework ensures that cabins are not just enclosed but actively protect workers from hazardous airborne contaminants.
Some key elements under ISO 23875 include:
✅ Pressurisation System – A positive pressure system prevents dust from entering the cabin by maintaining air pressure higher than the surrounding environment.
✅ Filtration – Requirements for filtration with a recirculation filter for additional air cleaning.
✅ Carbon dioxide control – Ensures a continuous supply of clean air, preventing the build-up of contaminants inside the enclosure.
Beyond Compliance: A Commitment to Worker Safety
Adopting AS/NZS ISO 23875 compliant enclosures is about actively protecting the workforce. Employers have a duty to provide safe working conditions, and investment in proper cabin enclosures demonstrates a commitment to long-term occupational health.
For companies operating in high-risk environments, ensuring pressurised, filtered, and properly maintained enclosures should be a non-negotiable safety measure. As technology evolves, so too should our approach to worker protection, moving beyond basic cabins and PPE to implementing robust engineering controls.
I recently had the opportunity to inspect an AS/NZS ISO 23875-compliant enclosure above ground at the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists annual conference. This standard represents a significant step forward in protecting machinery operators through effective engineering solutions, rather than relying solely on conventional cabin designs and personal protective equipment.
Some helpful sources of information on this standard are available here:
