WorkSafe Mines Safety recently discovered substandard control measures for cyanide use on mine sites. Cyanide is a fast acting, poisonous chemical that can exist as a solid, liquid or gas.
In the mining sector, cyanide salts are used in metallurgy, mainly gold extraction, electroplating and metal cleaning. Hydrogen cyanide is aby-product from blast-furnaces, coke ovens, gas works and petroleum refining. All forms of cyanide are poisonous and hydrogen cyanide is extremely flammable.
The main route of exposure to cyanides is through inhalation resulting in fast absorption and circulation around the body. Within seconds of inhalation, the person may experience:
- facial flushing
- headache, nausea and vomiting
- difficulty breathing
- feeling faint or dizzy
- confusion.
Without immediate treatment, coma, seizures and death may occur within minutes.
Managing cyanide on site
It is essential that mine operators maintain control processes and monitor preventive procedures to reduce the risks of cyanide gas release, and potential for exposure to solid or liquid cyanide.
Key strategies to manage potential risks include:
- limiting exposure to high-risk areas
- maintaining fixed gas monitors and personal detectors
- evacuating to fresh air areas if leaks are detected.
Attention should also be paid to preventing skin and eye contact as well as inhalation. If skin or hair contact occurs, remove contaminated clothing and wash the affected area for at least 20 minutes under running water.
Onsite facilities must have trained medical personnel prepared and equipped to treat multiple patients, with a sufficient supply of antidote on standby in readiness for multiple casualties. Equally, prior agreements should be in place with local hospital facilities to allow rapid response in the event of casualties being delivered.
The uncontrolled release of cyanide into a work area is a notifiable incident requiring a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to immediately notify WorkSafe on 1800 678 198 (24 hours).
To assist mine operators to improve the safe management of cyanide, WorkSafe is developing new safety and exposure management information for the sector.
