Metal and Iron Ore Mining

Metal and Iron Ore Mining

While iron makes up 98 percent of the earth’s core, we get most of this metal from the earth’s crust, which contains about 5 percent. We use iron to make steel, which allows for building cars, buildings, ships, and weapons. Our bodies also require iron to transport oxygen through our bodies. Most of the iron we get in the United States is from Michigan and Minnesota. Iron mine workers need personal protective equipment (PPE) to reduce the risk of injury while working in the mines. Abolox carries gloves, overalls, hi-vis clothing, and other PPE to protect those in the mining industry.

Metal and Iron Ore Mining Occupations

The metal and iron ore mining industry has several occupations that require personal protective equipment to keep workers safe. These various occupations locate and build mines and keep the mines running. Occupations include:

• Chemical processing machine operators operate the equipment that controls chemical reactions during the processing of the product. Workers draw samples of products and detect equipment leaks.
• Construction laborers and extraction workers provide physical labor at the mining sites. They might drill, blast, set explosives, operate derricks, and operate mining machines. They repair drilling equipment, transport materials, and use hand tools.
• Continuous mining machine operators use machines to rip rock, ores, coal, sand and stone from the mine face. They load it into shuttle cars or onto conveyors. They also assist in cleaning equipment and checking roof stability.
• Electricians install, repair and maintain the electrical wiring, fixtures and equipment the mine requires to run. They connect wiring to transformers and breakers.
• Explosive workers set and detonate explosives to loosen or remove rock and earth to access the mined material. They also account for the explosives and must know the special handling rules and storage rules for explosives.
• Extraction workers supply equipment, repair drilling equipment, and clean areas.
• Kiln, furnace, drier, oven and kettle operators operate the heating equipment used in mining.
• Mobile equipment and heavy vehicle service techs and mechanics repair vehicles, hydraulic equipment and pneumatic equipment, including conveyors, bulldozers, cranes, graders, and other equipment.
• Industrial maintenance workers change parts, lubricate machines, and maintain machinery. They use cleaning solvents, metalworking fluids, oil, and other chemicals.
• Industrial machinery mechanics install, adjust and repair industrial machinery. They cut and weld metal and use hand tools.
• Plastic and metal workers cut, form and shape metal. They fabricate metal products, work with their hands and lift heavy materials.
• Welding machine operators operate soldering, welding and brazing machines to join metal components, work pieces, and anneal finished work pieces.
• Welding cutters and fitters hand solder, hand weld, and use flame cutters to form metal components. They might fill holes, cut, weld, and make seams on metal products.

Hazards in the Mining Industry and the Personal Protective Equipment Required for Metal and Iron Ore Mining Occupations

Metal and iron ore industry workers run into several types of hazards, depending on their jobs. Some of the hazards that you’ll find in this industry include the following:

• Abrasive handling requires abrasive-resistant gloves. These jobs include working in confined spaces, around low roofs, shoveling, climbing, and lifting. Other PPE required might include hard hats, hi-vis clothing, FR clothing, and face and eye protection.
• Crush and impact injuries usually happen in confined spaces or while working on big equipment. Falling rocks, loading materials, and using grinding equipment could also contribute to crush and impact injuries. Protect your hand with impact-resistant gloves from Abolox.
• Weather, dirt and grime affect many working in the mines. Raingear for those working outside, plus coveralls or overalls, helps protect your clothing and keep you a bit cleaner while doing dirty jobs.
• Electricians should have fire-resistant clothing to protect themselves against flash fires that may happen when working with high-voltage and high-amperage electrical components.
• Impaired vision can happen in several mining occupations. Rock chips, sand, metal chips and other debris fly around. Wearing goggles and face shields significantly reduces the risk of face and eye injuries.

Additional occupations such as material handling, operator grip, surveying and welding all need the proper personal protective equipment to reduce the risk of worker injuries.

Visit Abolox for Metal and Iron Ore Mining Personal Protective Equipment

Whether you need personal protective equipment for yourself or you are purchasing it for your employees, you’ll find what you need at Abolox – and if you don’t, call the office, and we’ll source it for you. Visit Abolox today to make an order for top-quality personal protective equipment for yourself or your employees.