Dust control during the drilling and mucking phases in a tunnel is essential primarily to
- AProtect the health of workers from respiratory diseases like silicosis.Correct
- BPrevent the machinery from getting dirty.
- CIncrease the temperature inside the tunnel.
- DReduce the weight of the muck for easier disposal.
Solution
Concept
Tunnel Dust Control and Worker Safety
Formula
N/A
Step-by-step solution
1. Read the question regarding the primary reason for dust control in tunnel construction. 2. Recognize that controlling dust protects workers from respiratory diseases like silicosis caused by inhaling fine silica particles. 3. Match this purpose with Option (a) as the correct choice.
Explanation
Dust generated during drilling and mucking contains harmful fine particles like silica. Controlling this dust prevents workers from inhaling it, protecting them from serious lung diseases such as silicosis and ensuring safe working conditions inside the tunnel.
Shortcut
To remember the primary purpose of tunnel dust control, use the mnemonic "Dust = Doctor": - Dust Control: Direct protection against inhaling harmful silica dust. - Doctor/Health: Prevents serious occupational respiratory diseases like silicosis to safeguard workers' health.
Common mistake
A common mistake is selecting Option B by assuming that protecting equipment or machinery from dust accumulation is the primary goal. While dust control does benefit equipment longevity, the absolute primary and life-critical purpose of dust suppression in tunneling is protecting workers' health from occupational hazards like silicosis. Another mistake is choosing Option D by confusing water spraying (used for dust control) with a method to alter the weight or bulk properties of the muck.
Correct answer: A) Protect the health of workers from respiratory diseases like silicosis.