Changes to the use of Explosives
BRUCE MCCLURE, CMPA General Manager provides an update to changes to the use of explosives in the extractives industry.
WORKSAFE Victoria (WSV) has implemented over the last twelve months a number of changes to the use of explosives in the extractives industry.
The major change was with the adoption of the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2011 which came into effect from the 26th June 2011. It should be noted that there is a twelve month transition period where any activity that is carried out complying with the Dangerous Goods (Explosives) Regulations 2000 will remain lawful for twelve months after the new regulations come into effect.
One aspect of the use of explosives that has changed is that blast management plans are now mandatory rather than just recommended for all people with a licence to use blast explosives.
To help all users of explosives two guidance notes have been released by WSV. These are ‘blast management plans’ and ‘safe distances when using explosives’.
Some of the content in the ‘safe distances when using explosives’ guidance note has resulted in considerable concern from a number of CMPA members with considerable experience in the use of explosives. It is believed by these members that the information contained on this guideline could lead to serious injury to people and damage to property if used without the caution gained by experience and an understanding of all the factors that need to be considered when planning your blast.
The main concern is with the stemming lengths shown for various blast hole diameters and evacuation distances. If simply applied as shown on the guidance note without consideration of a number of factors, this could have serious consequences.
The issue was highlighted to WSV at the CMPA Blast Management Workshop held on 21st October 2010 where participants had over 1040 years of combined experience in using explosives.
Members of the CMPA met recently with officers from WorkSafe where the ‘safe distances when using explosives’ guideline and other issues were discussed. The WorkSafe officers have agreed to revisit this guideline.
Another concern raised at the meeting with the ‘safe distance when using explosives’ guidance note was that CMPA members felt that the notes did not provide enough information within the general blasting area, that is, roadwork’s, subdivisions, pipelines to name but a few. One of the CMPA members present at the meeting stated that he will send information to WSV that can be used as part of the guidelines.
The CMPA has been working with members and WSV for the last few months to produce a ‘Magazine management safety checklist’ and a ‘Shotfirers blast management book’.
These documents are close to finalisation and it is proposed to send twenty or so copies out to members for them to trial. The WSV were impressed by the documents and see great merit with them.
There will be further work done by the CMPA to see what needs to be incorporated in existing documentation or new documentation developed to cover the mandatory need for a blast management plan.
A couple of other topics discussed at the meeting with WSV Officers included treatment of misfires and the mandatory five year renewal of the shotfirers licence. Further comments on these issues and those discussed above will be provided in future additions of Sand & Stone when comments are received back from WSV on CMPA concerns expressed at this meeting.
The meeting with the Officers from WorkSafe Victoria and CMPA members was most informative and shows good cooperation between the Department and the CMPA. It is intended that future meetings will be held with WorkSafe to achieve documentation and outcomes that are beneficial for all parties involved.
Sequence of photos below capture before, during and after a blast at Allstone Quarries, Newbridge
Many thanks to CMPA members who provided comments on the guidelines especially Frank Santoro from Orica Australia and Ron Kerr from Conundrum Holdings Pty Ltd.
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