Occupational exposure to respirable dust remains a major cause of occupational lung disease across mining and other heavy industries. While traditional gravimetric sampling provides important exposure data, it offers only a time-averaged view of workplace conditions. This project combines real-time dust monitoring technology with advanced dust characterisation methods to better understand exposure dynamics and improve dust control strategies in mining environments.
The project is a collaboration between The University of Queensland’s Dust and Respiratory Health Program and BreatheSafe, a developer of real-time in-cab air quality monitoring and filtration systems. By integrating real-time monitoring data with detailed particle-level dust characterisation, the research aims to improve confidence in monitoring technologies and generate practical insights that can directly reduce worker exposure to airborne contaminants.
This collaboration demonstrates how industry partnerships and applied research can translate advanced scientific methods into tools that improve health outcomes for workers.
Project aims
Project aims include:
- Validating real-time in-cab dust monitoring systems by linking monitor outputs with detailed dust characterisation, including particle size distribution, morphology, and mineral composition.
- Analysing real-time monitoring data to identify patterns in dust exposure that can guide proactive dust control and equipment maintenance strategies.
- Understanding how operators interact with real-time monitoring systems and determining optimal alarm thresholds and messaging that improve protection while minimising alarm fatigue.
Project objectives
The project aims to advance the interpretation and practical application of real-time dust monitoring technologies in mining environments. By combining continuous monitoring data with particle-level dust characterisation, the research will generate new insights into how dust composition and particle properties influence monitor readings and worker exposure.
Laboratory validation and field trials will be conducted at multiple surface coal mines to compare real-time monitor outputs with paired respirable and inhalable dust sampling and advanced microscopy analysis. These studies will support the development of correction factors and guidance that improve the reliability and interpretation of real-time monitoring systems.
The research will also examine behavioural and operational factors that influence how monitoring systems are used in practice. Through operator surveys, alarm threshold trials and behavioural analysis, the project will identify how real-time data can most effectively influence work practices and exposure control.
This work builds on the Dust and Respiratory Health Program’s expertise in particle-by-particle dust characterisation and occupational exposure science, combining advanced analytical techniques with field-based research to improve prevention of dust-related lung disease.
Project lead
Dr Nikky LaBranche
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Team members
Dr Danellie Lynas
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Dr Joseph Pak
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This project is conducted in partnership with BreatheSafe, a leading provider of real-time in-cab dust monitoring and filtration systems. Field trials will be undertaken at mine sites where BreatheSafe systems are already deployed, allowing the research team to evaluate monitor performance across a range of operational conditions, cabin configurations and dust environments.
By combining independent university research with industry technology development, the collaboration aims to produce practical guidance that helps mines use real-time monitoring data more effectively to reduce worker exposure.
Journal papers, conference presentations, and industry-facing communication materials coming soon.
Contact us
Get in touch to learn more about this research.
Dr Nikky LaBranche
Senior Research Fellow and Dust and Respiratory Health Program Lead
Minerals Industry Safety and Health Centre
The University of Queensland
n.labranche@uq.edu.au