4.1. STOCK CONTROL
4.1.1. Person in Charge of Magazine
A person in charge of the magazine will demonstrate competency and be assessed in the storage and handling of explosives before being appointed. The duties of the person appointed to be in charge of a magazine are given in Section 4 of AS 2187.1 and include the following.
4.1.1.1. Access to Magazine
The person appointed in charge of the magazine is obligated to ensure that only authorised persons have access to the magazine. The person needs to also ensure that the magazine is secured at all times and the magazine key is in the care of an authorised person or locked in a secure location (AS 2187.1).
4.1.1.2. Explosive Limits
The person appointed in charge of the magazine needs to ensure that the explosives stock levels in the magazine are within the licensing limits. For determining the quantity of explosives that can be held within a specific magazine refer to AS 2187.1. Best practice is for a record of the licence to store to be kept at the magazine location. This will ensure that all authorised personnel with access to the magazine are aware of the explosive capacity of the magazine.
4.1.1.3. Stacking Packages
The person appointed in charge of the magazine is obligated to check that the packaging for the explosives, to be stored in the magazine, is of such construction strength and character that it cannot break or open accidentally and are required to be stacked to a height no greater than that recommended by the explosives manufacturer. If the person in charge of the magazine is not satisfied with the condition of packaging supplied there is no obligation to store the product in the magazine. To ensure adequate ventilation, an air space is to be maintained between the explosives and the magazine walls and ceilings (AS 2187.1).
4.1.1.4. Rotation of Stock
The person appointed in charge of the magazine needs to ensure that the explosives stock is rotated on a regular basis and that the explosives are within the expiration dates indicated by the manufacturer. Explosives that are more than one year old should not be used without first contacting the explosives manufacturer (source: Orica Explosives).
Figure 10: Explosives stacked with their labelling towards the access way for easy identification.
4.1.1.5. Record Keeping
The person appointed in charge of the magazine is required to keep a record of incoming and outgoing stocks. These records need to be kept for a period of not less than five years (AS 2187.1). The record is to include the date of receipts and the quantities received, the date and quantity booked out and a balance of all explosives stored at the magazine. Every attempt has to be made to account for individual explosive items that are distributed collectively. Best practice is for a second record of the explosive stock levels to be kept in a separate location. An audit and inspection of the magazine, its contents and surrounds needs to be conducted and recorded frequently, preferably monthly and usually not more than every three months.
4.2. HOUSEKEEPING
4.2.1. Magazine Rules
Magazine rules for the operation of the magazine are to be displayed inside the magazine in a prominent position (AS 2187.1 – Appendix J). These rules should include explosives quantities and segregation requirements for correct storage, security procedures, housekeeping rules and whom to contact for maintenance work approval.
Figure 11: Magazine rules displayed in an easily viewable position inside the magazine
4.2.2. Prohibited Articles
Articles that are likely to cause fire or explosion such as cigarettes, matches, radio transmitters, mobile phones or rubbish of any description shall not be taken into the magazine (AS 2187.1). A receptacle should be provided at the magazine compound for discarding of such items before entering the magazine.
4.2.3. General Tidiness
The floor of the magazine should be kept clean of dirt, empty packaging and explosives. Floor mats, dustpans and brooms should be provided in the magazine to clean up. Spillages of explosives should be cleaned up and properly disposed of immediately (AS 2187.1). It is the responsibility of the magazine keeper to maintain
the magazine in correct condition.
4.2.4. Opening Packages
Free flowing or friction/impact sensitive explosives should not be opened or left in the magazine in a condition that could instigate premature ignition. Only suitable tools appropriate for the opening of explosives shall be used to open packages (AS 2187.1). Explosives such as detonating cord and primers are at risk of explosion by friction and packages should be open using non-sparking tools.
4.2.5. Safety Equipment
Where appropriate safety equipment should be provided for all persons entering the magazine. This may include personal protective equipment such as anti-static footwear; fire retardant clothing, eye protection and gloves. Appropriate personal protective equipment signs should be displayed at the magazine entrance.
4.3. PROCEDURES
4.3.1. Theft or Loss of an Explosive
A system or written procedure is required to manage the situation following any attempted forced entry, theft or unaccountable shortage of an explosive (AS 2187.1). On detecting a theft or loss of an explosive, the authority holder, who is the person licensed to use or store explosives, is required to immediately give the Chief Inspector of Explosives written notice of the loss (s55 Explosives Act 1999). The site senior executive then needs to further notify an inspector of mines, district worker representative and the police (s195 Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Act 1999 and s198 Coal Mining Safety and Health Act 1999).
4.3.2. Accountability of Explosives
Sections 79 and 79A of the Mining and Quarrying Safety and Health Regulation 2001 detail the regulatory requirements for dealing with the theft or loss of explosives and for personal accountabilities. Every person who has immediate custody or control of any explosives, or a mine, has an obligation to account for and accurately detail what happens to the explosive when it leaves that person’s custody or control.
4.3.3. Maintenance
A system or written procedure should be in place to inspect and maintain the magazine installations to the required standard. Any maintenance work is to be authorised in writing by the person appointed in charge of the magazine. Where any activity that is likely to generate heat is to be undertaken inside or on the outside of a magazine the contents of the magazine are to be emptied and cleaned (AS 2187.1). For hot work, a permit system is required, that includes a fire watch to be conducted extending at least one hour after the completion of the maintenance work.
4.3.4. Fire
An appropriate fire emergency procedure should be in place to deal with fire at or near the magazine. It should address evacuation of all personnel to a safe location and securing access to the magazine. The person in charge of the magazine in conjunction with the local emergency services should develop an emergency procedure. In the case of a magazine fire if the explosive is not burning, carefully remove as much explosive as possible to a safe distance. However, if explosive is burning evacuate the area and do not attempt to fight the fire.
4.3.5. Thunderstorm and Dust Storms
A system or written procedure should be in place to deal with atmospheric electrical activity or a dust storm approaching a magazine area. The procedure should include provision for all uncharged explosives to be placed in the magazine, the magazine secured and any mobile manufacturing units should be relocated to a area that has been predetermined for such an event. All personnel are to be withdrawn to a designated safe area and no person should return until an authorised person determines that it is safe to do so.