Whilst it is essential that both industry and representatives of Government travel widely to keep abreast of developments in coal mine safety issues and technological progress, I find it frustrating to note that there seems to be little recognition of the research carried out here in Australia.

I would recommend that anyone concerned with diesel emissions take time to visit the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists web page, www.aioh.org.au and read the document “A GUIDELINE FOR THE EVALUATION AND CONTROL OF DIESEL PARTICULATE IN THE OCCUPATIONAL ENVIRONMENT” by Brian Davies, Victorian University of Technology and Alan Rogers, Alan Rogers OH&S Pty. Ltd. I believe this research leads the world in control of DPM emissions in underground coal mining.

Comments that the issue of DPM is being closely monitored in Australia by the industry are reassuring provided it is followed by actions. It would appear that David well recognises the potential health risks associated with DPM and indeed even concludes that ongoing technological developments will produce even smaller, and more dangerous particles in the exhaust emissions. Now is the time for the department to take a proactive roll in controlling the problem.

One has to be optimistic to believe this will happen when the statement, “Additional steps are now in hand to establish an overview committee to implement and monitor other issues associated with the management of diesel particulates in underground coal mines in Queensland” is made.

Why is the Queensland department about to carry out, at considerable cost the same testing as that already carried out in NSW over the last 5 years? Once again the health and safety issue is put on hold.

Yes, “Pollutants from diesel engines in mines could be cut further” but only if we want to.

Ray de Jersey

Managing director

Microfresh Filters