Explosives
Explosives must be used and handled only by qualified, experienced and competent people. Other people must leave them alone. In Queensland the Explosives Act 1999 covers the manufacture, purchase, transport, storage and use of explosives. Anyone involved in shotfiring during exploration activities must have a licence issued under the Explosives Act.
The main requirements are as follows:
• Explosives may be bought only from a licensed dealer by a licensed or authorised person.
• Vehicles used for transporting explosives must comply with standards laid down by the law, and the Australian Code for Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail. Correct signage must be carried on the vehicle.
• A licence for carriage of explosives is required, and drivers must be competent.
• Ten kilograms or more of explosives must be stored in licensed magazines.
• A licensed shotfirer must be in control and personally supervise all charging up and blasting operations.
• Only licensed shotfirers may initiate blasts.
• Storage and use of explosives must comply with Australian Standards AS 2187.
A permit to fire shots may be required from the local shire council, particularly if blasting near townships.
Dangerous and hazardous goods, flammable materials
Dangerous goods, flammable liquids and flammable gases are always present on exploration sites, camps and drill sites. Well-established safety precautions must be taken when these substances are stored and used. Often standard work procedures will need to be established.
Typical substances which must be stored and used in accordance with relevant standards and codes include:
• oxygen, acetylene and liquid petroleum gas (LPG)
– store LPG in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1596
The storage and handling of LP gas
– separate oxygen cylinders from all flammable materials and gases
– keep cylinders upright and held in position
– store cylinders away from heat sources and clear of dry grass, bushes, etc.
– keep firefighting equipment readily available
• petrol and other flammable liquids
– store flammable liquids in accordance with Australian Standard AS 1940
The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
– consider bunds for bulk storage of flammable liquids to prevent spillage escaping
– pay special attention to storage of aircraft fuels
– use proper containers for storage and transport
– do not transport petrol and other flammable liquids inside vehicles
– store petrol and other flammable liquids away from heat sources and clear of dry grass, bushes, etc.
– keep firefighting equipment readily available
• toxic drilling additives
– avoid using toxic additives where possible
– use correct personal protective equipment
– store chemicals such as caustic soda, soda ash and lime away from the workplace and keep them dry
– make sure Material Safety Data Sheets and correct personal protective equipment are available
• hydrofluoric acid
– avoid, if possible, having this substance on an exploration site
– use it only in analytical laboratories, unless no other alternative is available
– ensure that it is transported, stored and used only by fully trained people
– make sure correct first aid treatment is available at all times
– comply with Worksafe Australia’s Code of practice for hydrofluoric acid
– establish standard work procedures that incorporate emergency procedures
• other reagents, acids, alkalis, etc.
– clearly label all reagents and make sure they are properly and securely stored
– establish standard work procedures and train operators in correct usage
– make sure Material Safety Data Sheets and correct personal protective equipment are available
• radioactive probes
– obtain a licence from the Radiation Health section of the Department of Health in accordance with the Radiation Safety Act 1999 before use
– appoint a radiation safety officer
– establish standard work procedures incorporating emergency procedures
– ensure activities comply with the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear
Safety Agency’s (ARPANSA) Code of practice for the safe use of sealed radioactive sources in borehole logging
– ensure transport complies with the ARPANSA document Code of practice for the pafe transport of radioactive substances.
Where no Australian Standard applies, refer to either Worksafe Australia’s Code of practice for the control of workplace hazardous substances or to the Queensland Division of Workplace Health and Safety’s Advisory standard hazardous substances.