ROCD

The project titled: “Reduction of risks associated with harmful effects of coal dust (Reducing risks from occupational exposure to coal dust),” acronym: “ROCD,” is funded under the RFCS-2016 – EU Research Fund for Coal and Steel, based on a contract with the European Commission, No. 754205 – ROCD – RFCS-2016, as well as from research funds allocated by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education (MNiSW) for the implementation of an internationally co-financed project.

PROJECT OBJECTIVES:

The aim of the ROCD project is to conduct research on the analysis and prevention of dust hazards concerning health risks, with a particular focus on:

• Development of integrated methods and tools for analyzing and continuously monitoring dust hazards based on data from newly developed devices that monitor the physicochemical and toxicological properties of dust.
• Development of algorithms for analyzing and continuously monitoring dust concentration that consider a much wider range of parameters compared to previous models, including humidity, toxicological parameters, mining methods, and ventilation.
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of currently used dust reduction methods concerning the smallest dust fractions.
• Evaluation of the effectiveness of currently used dust reduction methods concerning the smallest dust fractions.
• Development of a real-time dust concentration monitoring system.
• Development of intelligent air-water curtains, controlled based on continuous dust concentration measurements, to optimize dust suppression while reducing energy and water consumption.
• Development of training materials for employers, employees, and legislators.
• Provision of consulting services and implementation of modern training methods for predicting and preventing dust hazards.

The aim of the tasks undertaken by the EMAG Institute within the project will be:

• Determination of the needs and scope of experimental research.
• New technological solutions for continuous monitoring and mitigation of dust hazards.
• Training and informational activities.
• Participation in the development of e-learning modules.

PLANNED OUTCOMES:

As a result of the part of the project involving the EMAG Institute, the following outcomes are expected:

• Improved methods for assessing the impact of coal dust on worker health, more efficient dust reduction systems, and recommendations for respiratory protection measures.
• A modern device for real-time dust concentration monitoring in high-dust environments.
• Development of e-learning modules, publications, presentations, and training workshops.

PROJECT VALUE: 3 692 902 EUR.
CONTRIBUTION OF EUROPEAN FUNDS: 2 215 741 EUR.

Consortium members:

• University of Exeter
• Główny Instytut Górnictwa
• Instytut Techniki Górniczej
• Premogovnik Velenje DD
• DMT GmbH & Co. KG
• Universitaetsklinikum Freiburg
• Spanish National Research Council
• Polska Grupa Górnicza (PGG – Polish Mining Group)
• Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa S.A.