Airborne pollutants and extreme thermal conditions are recognised as constant occupational hazards in the mining and quarrying sectors, impacting operator health and productivity. The mining sector, in particular, faces mounting pressure and more stringent legislation to ensure safer and healthier working environments. In addition, industry efforts have shifted from reactive to proactive occupational hazard management with a greater emphasis on the monitoring, control and reporting of worker exposure to environmental risks.

Booyco Engineering says its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, which include Sy-Klone filtration units, for mining machinery cabins (cabs) ensure compliance with ISO 23875 by managing air quality, cab pressure and CO2 levels in harsh environments. The integrated solutions are designed to protect operator health, enhance productivity and provide valuable data for mine-wide health and safety compliance.

“Mobile machinery operators are often confined to enclosed cabs for extended periods in high-risk areas where dust, heat and toxic gases such as CO₂ can quickly compromise their health,” explains Booyco Engineering MD Brenton Spies.

ISO 23875 specifically governs air quality in enclosed cabs, with key performance criteria including the provision of fresh air into the cab, positive pressurisation to prevent ingress of contaminated air and effective control and management of CO₂ levels.

High levels of airborne particulates, diesel fumes and fluctuating ambient temperatures experienced in harsh mining and quarrying environments make the implementation of effective climate control systems difficult, requiring technically complex solutions. Booyco Engineering asserts that its HVAC systems are engineered to meet these exacting standards. The company’s solutions incorporate Sy-Klone filtration technology to introduce clean filtered air into the system. The solution ensures that air is cooled and distributed into the cab while maintaining the required internal pressure and limiting CO₂ buildup.

“Our integrated system continuously monitors cab air pressure, dust concentrations, CO₂ levels and particulate contaminants, ensuring a controlled internal atmosphere at all times,” adds Spies.

Real-time data can also be downloaded for analysis, enabling mines to track operator exposure levels, demonstrate compliance with health and safety standards and improve overall risk management.

Booyco Engineering adds that its technology helps support broader environmental, social and governance initiatives while enhancing machine uptime, reducing maintenance downtime as a result of clogged filters or overheating and improving productivity across mine and quarry sites.