Emergency analytical testing: things to consider

Abstract

Circumstances may dictate that samples from mining operations are analysed for unknown compounds that are potentially harmful to humans. These circumstances may be out of the ordinary, unique or isolated incidents. Emergency analytical testing may be part of an investigation following a safety incident or part of a risk assessment. The outcome of the testing is usually required within a short time and the testing needs are not always clearly defined. The main concern is generally the health and safety of mine employees and various disciplines from the mine’s operations that may be involved in the investigation. This paper provides guidance to individuals tasked with such an investigation or risk assessment on what to consider when emergency testing is required, particularly on how to take samples to protect sample integrity, what type of testing to request from the analytical facility, and how to treat the results and outcomes of such testing.