Local Geotechnical Risk Control in Surface Operations

In early 2023 the CMPA Guideline “Working Safely with Geotechnical Risk in Quarries” was reviewed and updated by geotechnical engineers and a safety consultant, for example, for Earth Resources Regulation (ERR) Guidance. It has also been amended for comments received from ERR, WorkSafe and CMPA Members. Material from the Guideline was also
collated to put together a new accredited training unit that encompasses the following:

Objective:
To create awareness amongst CMPA members of the risks that arise from common geotechnical hazards and provide examples of practical methods of either eliminating or reducing that risk to an acceptable level.

Target Audience:

• Quarry owners, managers, supervisors and workers.

Emphasis:
The emphasis is on the inspection and control of:

• Geotechnical structures inclusive of haul roads, faces, stockpiles, slimes dams, water dams
• Drainage
• Blasting

Targeted Risk Activities and Outcomes:

• Vehicles that have lost control or persons working close to edges from falling to another level.
• Working in proximity of a face or a stockpile and being engulfed
• Working in proximity of a slimes or water dams and being submerged

The first training session was conducted by Box Hill Institute back in May 2023 attended by half a dozen CMPA Voting Member businesses’ employees.

This accredited unit describes the skills and knowledge required to conduct local geotechnical risk control in surface operations, including identifying ground conditions and implementing geotechnical risk controls.

It applies to those working in operational roles. They generally work under minimal supervision to undertake a broad range of skilled applications in varied work contexts, using some discretion and judgement in selecting equipment, services, or contingency measures.

Licensing, legislative and certification requirements that apply to this unit can vary between states, territories and industry sectors. Users must check requirements with the relevant body before applying the unit.

The training covers:
Planning and preparing for assessment of ground conditions

• Do you understand the task at hand?
• Do you understand what the key pit design features are?
• What are the types of hazardous ground movement?

Inspect, assess and implement ground condition controls

• What are the specific risks and controls of hazardous equipment movement?
• What are the actual installation of controls for instability concerns?

Record and report ground conditions, and conduct
housekeeping activities

• Keep records are critical
• Assessments, inspections and remedial control installation records need to be kept
• Use digital photography – best way to track changes
• Use inspection checklists to ensure nothing is missed
• Ensure all findings from inspections and subsequent controls are communicated to everyone

The candidate must demonstrate the ability to complete
the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria
and foundation skills of this unit, including evidence of the ability to:

• conduct local geotechnical risk control in surface
• operations on at least two occasions, including:
• identifying ground conditions, including stable and unstable ground
• identifying key pit design features
• identifying and understanding the requirements of the ground control management plan relevant to own job role
• selecting and using tools, equipment and techniques for the inspection of ground conditions
• identifying and inspecting work areas for geotechnical hazards, including:
  • ground deformation
  • blocky ground
  • structure
  • subsidence
  • open cracks
  • water
  • loss of catch capacity
  • rockfall
  • overhanging walls
  • communicating geotechnical risks to
  • relevant personnel
  • identifying and clarifying the location that requires
  • ground controls and installing barricades.

During the above, the candidate must:

• locate and apply relevant documentation, policies and procedures and confirm that the work activity is compliant
• implement the requirements, procedures and techniques for conducting local geotechnical risk control in surface operations
• working with others to conduct local geotechnical risk
• control in surface operations
• communicate clearly and concisely with others to receive and clarify work instructions and to resolve
• coordination requirements prior to commencing and during work activities.

The candidate must be able to demonstrate knowledge to complete the tasks outlined in the elements, performance criteria and foundation skills of this unit, including knowledge of:

• key policies, procedures and documentation required to conduct local geotechnical risk control in surface operations, including:
  • the ground control management plan
  • safe operating procedures

• principles of basic geology, including:
  • rock types
  • geological processes
  • geological structures

• common survey and slope design terminology and surface operation design parameters
• characteristics, limitations and placement of plant and equipment to reduce exposure to geotechnical hazards, including:
  • exclusion zones
  • catch troughs
  • Catch bunds
  • cab placement
  • safe load and dump methods
• principles and techniques for the use of plant and equipment within manufacturer specifications
• factors impacting on slope stability, including:
  • material properties
  • fault zones
  • blasting
  • pit wall profile
  • surface and ground water
  • changes in ground temperature
  • presence of underground workings
• visual signs of ground instability, including:
  • blocky conditions
  • adverse jointing
  • tension cracks
  • batter movement or deformation
  • water seepage and infiltrations
  • rock fall
  • undercut/overhang
• backbreak or underbreak techniques for controlling instability through:
  • excavation control and scaling
  • waste dump and stockpile formation methodology
  • groundwater and surface water control
• principles and techniques for identifying relevant emergencies
• recording and reporting according to workplace procedures
• techniques for coordinating and communicating job activities with others.

If you or your employees are interested in undertaking the accredited training unit RIIMEX303 Conduct Local Geotechnical Risk Control in Surface Operations, please contact CMPA on: (03) 5781 0655 or [email protected]

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