Ministry of Labour l Fact Sheet #20 l September 2011

Underground Mining: Ventilation

During a blitz in October, 2011, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) will be increasing
enforcement activity related to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and
Reg. 854 (Mines and Mining Plants) applicable to mechanical ventilation systems in
underground mining operations, and focusing on the supply and maintenance of
these systems.
Ministry of Labour mining inspectors will focus on hazards associated with low
ventilation volumes resulting from the inadequate supply and maintenance of mechanical ventilation systems.
In addition, inspectors will ensure that diesel powered equipment used in underground mines is being
maintained according to requirements. They will also check to ensure employers are regularly testing
the air quality in the underground mine.
There are approximately 35 underground mines that will be the focus of the month-long, province-wide blitz
to commence October 1, 2011. Mines with diesel equipment used for production, development and support
of underground mining will be visited by inspectors. Ventilation systems and practices will be inspected to
ensure that adequate flows of clean air are being provided and that prescribed substances are below the
requirements set out in the regulation. Inspectors will also check that diesel equipment used for underground
transportation of workers, materials and blasting of rock is being maintained as prescribed.
Inspectors may take enforcement action if they find violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act
and its regulations.

Priority areas
Inspectors will pay particular attention to the following priority areas at each workplace:

Mechanical ventilation systems

Employers must provide and maintain a mechanical ventilation system that will provide a partial
pressure of oxygen of more than 18 kilopascals to dilute and remove contaminants from underground
workplaces. (Subsection 253(1) of Reg. 854).

Ventilation systems plans

Accurate plans and records of maintenance for the mechanical ventilation systems must be available
at the mine site. (Subsection 253 (2) of Reg. 854).

Diesel equipment

Equipment used for underground transportation of workers and materials and blasting of rock
must be maintained as prescribed. (Subsection183.2(1)2 of Reg. 854)

Diesel operating procedures

Employers must maintain a chart of procedures for the use and operation of diesel-powered
equipment that sets out the actual air volumes and total volume requirements for the equipment
in the areas of operations within the mine (Section183 of Reg. 854).

Air testing requirements

Employers must conduct weekly air volume tests of haulageways and workings where diesel
powered equipment is operating. (Subsection183.2(1)1 of Reg. 854).
1

 Air volume requirements

Employers must ensure that a flow of air provided by a mechanical ventilation system:
Be at least 0.06 cubic meters per second for each kilowatt of power of diesel-powered equipment
operating underground in the workplace. (Subsection 183.1(3) of Reg. 854).
Reduce the concentration of toxic substances in diesel exhaust emissions to prevent exposure
of a worker to a level of no more than the concentration limits prescribed under section 4 of
Regulation 833 (Control of exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents). (Subsection183.1(4)(a)
of Reg. 854).
Reduce the time-weighted average exposure of a worker to airborne respirable combustible
dust to not more than 1.5 milligrams per cubic meter of air. (Subsection 183.1(5) of Reg. 854).

Dust control

Mechanical ventilation systems must be provided and used to dilute and remove contaminants
from the underground environment to prevent exposure of a worker as prescribed.
(Subsection 253(1) (b) of Reg. 854)

More Information

Ministry of Labour, mining safety: www.ontario.ca/MiningSafety

Ministry of Labour, mining guidelines:
Health and Safety Guideline Underground Ventilation.
Health and Safety Guideline Auxiliary Ventilation.
Copies of these guidelines can be obtained by contacting the Provincial Coordinator,
Mining, at 705-670-3050.

Workplace Safety North (health and safety association):

http://www.healthandsafetyontario.ca/WSN/Home.aspx

Workplace Safety & Insurance Board: http://www.wsib.on.ca

Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards referenced in occupational health and
safety legislation: http://ohsviewaccess.csa.ca

Call toll-free
Call 1-877-202-0008 anytime to report workplace health and safety incidents or for general inquiries
about health and safety at the workplace.
Note: This document does not constitute legal advice and has no legal effect. To determine your
rights and obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations,
please contact your legal counsel or refer to the legislation at
http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/html/statutes/english/elaws_statutes_90o01_e.htm.

Ministry of Labour l Fact Sheet #20 l September 2011