Cutting light vehicle tracks and gridlines
The route of vehicle tracks should be chosen carefully, especially in rough or hilly terrain. It is best to traverse the route on foot initially, irrespective of whether the track will be cut by hand, bulldozer, excavator or grader.
When cutting tracks and grid lines by hand:
• maintain all hand tools such as picks, axes and chainsaws in good condition
• use only trained chainsaw operators
• wear appropriate personal protective equipment such as safety footwear, gloves, glasses and ear plugs
• cut protruding stumps flush with the ground. Stumps can cause trips, falls and cuts to those on foot, and can damage vehicle tyres and suspensions
• ensure that large trees are felled only by experienced people.
When cutting tracks and grid lines with earthmoving equipment:
• use only experienced operators with well-maintained equipment
• discuss gradients, slopes and means of working on steep or difficult terrain with the operators before starting work
• keep light vehicles and people on foot well clear of mobile equipment.
Trenches, costeans and pits
Narrow trenches, costeans and pits always present hazards to those sampling the sides or working in the bottom of the excavation. Many people have been buried and died in trenches that have collapsed on top of them. In general:
• develop standard work procedures for excavating and working in trenches, costeans and pits
• keep clear of bulldozers or excavators while they are operating
• cut back sides of the excavation to a 45o batter or shore them up with suitable supports
• avoid deep narrow trenches
• check sides and excavation surrounds for slips, faults and planes of weakness which can cause collapse, particularly in wet weather
• do not allow people to work alone in a trench or pit
• protect edges of excavations where necessary, so that no one can fall in
• do not use excavator buckets for working platforms
• leave excavations in a safe and stable condition on completion of work.
Working around mobile earthmoving equipment
Only properly licensed and trained personnel should operate earthmoving equipment. Operators of heavy equipment usually have restricted visibility and it is essential that those on foot or in light vehicles remain vigilant and keep clear. Operators must be made aware of their presence and movements. A formal communications system should be established between the machinery operator and those on foot or in light vehicles.
Heavy and earthmoving equipment
Heavy equipment such as bulldozers, excavators and drill rigs are seldom owned by exploration companies but are hired as needed from contractors. The explorer must provide the contractor with full details of the work to be done so that the correct equipment can be hired.
The following points should be considered when employing contractors:
• The equipment must be capable of carrying out the work required and the task must be within the design capacity of the equipment.
• Plant maintenance should be in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
• Operators must be fully trained and competent.
• Special instructions may be required for the safety of exploration staff working close to heavy equipment being used by contractors.
• Contractors must provide evidence that their employees have received all appropriate training and are competent. Refer to Section 4, Contractor relationships, in this guidance note.
Use mobile equipment designed for the job