Limiting a gold miners exposure to crystalline Silica
Personal Protective Respirators (PPRs) in the mining sector are designed to limit the wearers exposure to harmful airborne dust particles, such as crystalline silica. Yet, their ultimate success depends on whether the intended user (e.g., Hewers) find the product useful.
The Problem:
Gold miners are exposed to large quantities of crystalline silica when working within the mine. Inhalation of Silica can lead to Silicosis. Silicosis, which reduces the elasticity of
the lungs causing chest pains and breathing problems, is a progressive and irreversible fibrotic lung disease, which can either be acute after high exposure to respirable crystalline silica or chronic, manifesting years after the initial exposure.
Gold miners are exposed to large quantities of crystalline silica when working within the mine. Inhalation of Silica can lead to Silicosis. Silicosis, which reduces the elasticity of
the lungs causing chest pains and breathing problems, is a progressive and irreversible fibrotic lung disease, which can either be acute after high exposure to respirable crystalline silica or chronic, manifesting years after the initial exposure.
Despite regulations in place regarding the use of protective equipment, miners are still breathing in Silica, leaving them vulnerable to contracting Silicosis. Current product solutions fall short as they do not effectively filter the inhaled air. Research indicates that as a miners discomfort increases when wearing the current respirator, the effectiveness
decreases with prolonged use.
Tjommie was designed to bridge the gap between the miner and their respiratory safety when working, acting as a companion for the wearer.
Why User Centered Design?
Incorporating UCD principals in the overall development of PPRs keeps the focus on meeting the user’s needs. This is important as it bridges the gap between the identification of the health hazard in literature, existing product solutions which are intended for use by miners and the miners themselves.
Secondary Research
Secondary research which included a literature review and a persona indicated that due to the health hazard that crystalline silica presents when inhaled, miners need some form of protection. The current respirators do not offer an effective means of limiting the inhalation of silica.
Primary Research
Primary research consisted of a focus group of 5 miners and a Semi structured interview with an industry professional. The aim was to understand the user’s experience of existing respirators and what new technology may be in development.
The data was examined for patterns and themes. The data was then organised and integrated, creating a visual representation. The findings lead the researcher to formulate a list of requirements to act as parameters in the design phase.
The Design phase is an iterative cycle which begins with Ideation and concept development. This is then followed by prototyping which is tested with users. Based off of their experiences with the solution, the ideation process either starts again or the data is deemed adequate for a design solution to be implemented
