Geotechnical Risk in Quarries

The CMPA provides an exerpt from the “Working Safely with Geotechnical Risk in Quarries’” Guideline.

Tragically, there have been 2 fatalities in Victoria this year at separate quarries one in March and one in May. These are under investigation by WorkSafe with full details yet to be released. The following is an exerpt from the CMPA’s Guideline “ Working Safely With Geotechnical Risk In Quarries” 2016 which may assist Members and should be read in conjunction with the WorkSafe Safety Alert (also in this issue).  Click here for link.

The complete guideline is available through the CMPA Secretariat or ordered through www.cmpavic.asn.au and is referred to on WorkSafe’s website.

Bumper Dump Stockpiling

Dumping a load of material at safe distance back (one truck length) from the crest of the Dump Stockpile;

The load of material is then pushed over the edge by a dozer or a front-end loader using a “bumper” of other material to keep the equipment at a safe distance from the edge.

This method ensures mobile equipment stays away from the edge of the stockpile where the risk of engulfment or loss of control is significant.

Direct Dump Stockpiling 

• Dumping a load directly over the crest of the Dump Stockpile;
• Ensure an adequate Edge Protection Berm is established and maintained.
• Ensure that material is not removed from the toe of the stockpile face, whilst dumping is taking place at the top of the pile e.g. restrict access to toe.

This method requires constant vigilance by operators in ensuring face stability as the mobile equipment wheels closest to the dump point are directly load bearing on the edge of the stockpile where the risk of engulfment or loss of control is significant. Controls inclusive of physical barriers and Safe Work procedures must be established and implemented to ensure material is not removed from the toe of the stockpile face, whilst dumping is taking place at the top of the pile.

Edge Protection Berms must be established and maintained on all sides of the stockpile inclusive of the drop side of a suitably graded access ramp.

 

Laminated Stockpiling

• Loads being tipped along as layers on a multiple level linear stockpile;
• When a single level has the desired amount of material, it is then levelled out and compacted by a dozer, grader or loader;
• The layering continues until the desired height of the multiple level Laminated Stockpile is reached.

Laminated Stockpiles allow the side angle of the stockpile to be maintained less than the angle of repose, resulting in greater slope stability but require a large surface area due to the inclusion of Edge Protection Berms on each layer being laminated.

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