Safe working distances from quarry faces
Member’s workshop and Site Visit to Fulton Hogan, Tynong Quarry
CMPA Secretariat reports on the successful day recently held in the south east of Victoria for CMPA members.
THE CMPA held a 2nd workshop (previously held in 2008) on 19 February 2015 to expand on the collective knowledge of its members and to inform them on their responsibilities with respect to safe working distances from quarry faces. The main objective for the day was to form a working group to develop guidelines specific to the industry which can be utilised by all members for their sites.
The day commenced at Cardinia Cultural Centre in Pakenham with in excess of 40 CMPA members in attendance including representatives from Worksafe Victoria Tony Ferrazza and DEDJTR Karen Sonnekus.
The workshop was facilitated by David McKelvie of DMcK Management Pty Ltd and presentations were made on the following topics:
- Basil Natoli from Bell Cochrane & Associates discussed the potential Geological and Geotechnical hazards when working near Excavated, Constructed and Natural embankments.
- Reza Ghaemi from Orica Quarry Services spoke about working near highwalls and crests in open pit mines and quarries.
- Rodney Krins from Full Bore Drill and Blast looked at the safety aspects of drilling.
- Tom Ross from Atlas Copco Mining also looked at safety in drilling as well as some new technological navigation equipment to help optimise the drilling process.
- Frank Allan from Komatsu Australia talked about Haul Roads safety and maintenance.
PHOTO: Workshop in Pakenham led by David McKelvie
PHOTO: The group at Fulton Hogan, Tynong Quarry
A workers lunch brought opportunities to network with fellow members and to discuss what was learnt during the morning’s presentations.
The bus trip involved a unique opportunity to visit a site which has a pit about to be completed (Pit 1) and the emergence of a new pit in its infancy (Pit 2).
On return to Pakenham attendees were divided into groups to discuss their quarry site findings and were given questions to answer which would help the CMPA and the working group to produce industry specific Guidelines.
Development of Guidelines
The development of the guidelines including photographs will require further support from CMPA members to get the document to completion this year.
The key focus areas are (information below was provided by attendees on the day):
Berm and Haul Roads
- Safe gradient for a haul road? – Less than 10% gradient
- Safe width and height for berms on haul roads? – Minimum of 1/2 height of largest vehicle (wheel) on site
Drilling and Blasting
- Safe distance from front row of drill holes to edge of face? – 2 metres
- Safe width and height for bunding (rock traps) at back of drilled shots and at toe of faces? This is dependent on contributing factors: Face Height, Face Stability, Type of material, site history.
Stockpiles
- Safe range in degrees for the angle of a stockpile face? – 45 degrees
- Methods of providing stockpile drainage – Spoon drains around area. Bunding for high flow areas to divert water. Sump or exit points on low side to prevent ponding.
Faces, overburden and rehabilitation
- Safe slope angle for rehabilitated benches? – Safe and stable for end use. 1:3 for soft rock and 1:1.5 for hard rock. This is dependent on geological structures, surrounding occupational activities and proposed after use for the site.
- Safe methods and benefits of progressive rehabilitation. – Build batters in layers and compact as we go. Trees can be established during the life of the quarry.
Expectations for the workshop were met with participants gaining a further understanding of the issues.
“Good coverage of activities with high risk / exposure to this area.”
“A great deal of experience and expertise passed around in discussion and site visit.”
“Very informative and topical presentations.”
Thanks to all who helped make the day such a success especially the presenters from Bell Cochrane & Associates, Orica, Fullbore Drill & Blast, Atlas Copco and Komatsu Australia.
Thanks also to our sponsors Orica, Atlas Copco and Fullbore Drill & Blast and to David McKelvie from DMcK Management Pty Ltd for facilitating the workshop. Lastly to Fulton Hogan for allowing us to visit their quarry.
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