DPI Update (Issue 31)
Targeted Audit of Tailings Storage Facilities (TSFs)
Have you ever asked yourself where tailings storage facility management begins? Well, now is the time to refresh your memory, because MPR will be conducting tailings storage facilities audits during the months of March, April and May 2007.
Tailings Storage Facilities contain unrecoverable and uneconomic metals, minerals, chemicals, organics and process water which are discharged for storage to the TSF normally as slurry.
You will find all you need to know on the Minerals and Petroleum page of the DPI website, under Environment Guidelines, November 2004 – Management of Tailings Storage Facilities Guidelines.
MPR aims to obtain a position report about TSF management across the state, as well as the approach used by mine and quarry owners to meet their obligations with regard to safe and stable containment of tailings and slimes. Specifically, MPR will:
- Carry out inspections of the TSF
- Look at your records about inspections, maintenance, environmental monitoring, auditing and tailings transfers
- Assess the adequacy of TSF emergency response plans in case of incidents and accidents (such as an uncontrolled release of tailings, or containment failure)
During the inspection a number of key risk areas will be assessed. These include (but may not be limited to) TSF siting issues, embankment stability, lining and seepage issues, available freeboard, any discharges, pipes and associated equipment, fencing and signage.
If a site is storing tailings containing chemicals of concern, MPR may also review management practices specific to those chemicals.
The inspection is the ideal time to ask questions and discuss options for waste minimisation and rehabilitation of the TSFs in the context of the site Work Plan.
MPR will be looking for adequate controls that demonstrate site performance against requirements and standards.
The environmental monitoring and auditing or inspection records are of significance and may highlight seasonal and operational issues for consideration and discussion.
Accurate records inform management decision making and provide continuity during staff changes.
DPI officers will be assessing the contents of the emergency response plan against each site’s TSF specifications as well as the proforma provided as Appendix V in the November 2004 guidelines.
Importantly, the plan allows for organised and timely control of abnormal circumstances, thereby reducing risks to health, safety and the environment. All personnel must be aware of their role during an emergency, and where to find the necessary information for management and reporting of incidents.
Refining Your Safety Management System/Plan Workshops
The DPI will be holding a number of Refining Your Safety Management System/Plan Workshops over the coming months at DPI offices.
- Melbourne: 21/2/2007
- Ballarat: 18/4/2007
- Bendigo: 6/6/2007
- Traralgon: 22/8/2007
- Benalla: 3/10/2007
The workshops are an extension to those held previously which explained the need for safety management systems/plans and provided guidance in their development. They will update those already underway with their safety improvement and provide additional guidance.
Workshop facilitators include regional DPI Inspectors and IQA representative Graham Terrey (formerly Director Mine Safety & Chief Inspector, NSW DPI).
The workshops will suit those who already have a safety management plan and who wish to gain additional insight into critical components in their implementation.
The workshops will help meet today’s increased levels of due diligence and duty of care in making sites safe and in systematically managing risks.
There have been numerous calls for help in turning safety management plans into a practical document that makes a valuable contribution throughout the year.
Particular emphasis will be given to:
- Is your Safety management Plan working?
- Is it easy to use and easy to communicate?
- Are you measuring progress and using appropriate standards?
- Identifying and accomplishing improvements (such as hazard identification, workplace inspections, keeping appropriate records, annual safety improvement actions, risk control strategies & major hazard plans)
- Contractor safety
The workshops will be practical, with additional resources supplied and the ability to share experiences with others at a similar step in the safety journey.
You are asked to bring your Mine Safety Management System/Plan to the workshop as there will be an opportunity for individual feedback/assistance from the facilitators.
Numbers will be limited to provide individual feedback so please register early; if there is a big demand additional workshops will be convened.
The registration fee covers the cost of catering, venue hire and resource material. Participants will receive, in addition to presentation material, a copy of Risk Management Pocket Guide and General Workplace Inspection Checklist, with new forms to assist with risk management and contractor management.
For a copy of the registration form please contact the CMPA on 03 5781 0655 or via email to enquiries@cmpavic.asn.au
Please note that second and subsequent registrations from the same site may be made at a significant discount.
Please register no later than one week prior to the workshop.
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