The effects of SEVERE WEATHER

The drought has definitely broken, how will the severe weather affect the stability of our quarries?

OVER the last few months we have witnessed unusual weather patterns throughout Victoria. The drought has definitely broken and we have seen unseasonable storms, floods and days of severe weather events.

Typical ‘severe weather’ events may involve high velocity destructive winds, lightning strikes, heavy rain and hail causing widespread flash flooding.

It’s important that after a severe weather event all aspects and structures of the quarry are inspected to ensure the site is a safe and stable working environment.

Appropriate risk management practices should be applied to all activities associated with flood recovery. In particular, the following hazards should be addressed:

• Increased likelihood of some form of pit wall instability due to ingress of water and lubrication of joint/fault planes, and undercutting as surrounding areas are soaked and ground water tables are recharged, possibly at some distance from the operation.
• Ramp and road (in) stability: In rebuilding haul roads and other infrastructure, mobile equipment hazards, including damaged bunds, undercutting, washouts, loss of traction and soft edges, must be effectively addressed. These issues also extend to pedestrian traffic.
• Re-establishing water management infrastructure, pumping and working near the water’s edge.
• Stability of waste dumps, stockpiling areas, sedimentation ponds and dams must be established prior to reopening and use.
• In towing or recovery of equipment and procedures, safe working loads of recovery equipment, including attachment points, must be reliably established prior to recovery. The only recovery points to be used are those approved by the original equipment manufacturer; so called ‘vehicle tie down points’ must not be used as they can fail.
• Electrical work to reinstate infrastructure and systems must address hazards including water ingress into switch gear, degradation of materials, mechanical damage due to submersion, residue on contacts, damage or destruction of drawings and plans, and possible damage to fire and other alarms.
• Hazards due to water ingress into mobile equipment, including into braking, electrical systems, and vehicle batteries, must be addressed.
• Personnel and equipment hazards when using mobile equipment in and around water must be identified and effectively addressed. This work might include setting up pumping stations, ‘righting’ of pumps, reinstating drains, sumps, suction and discharge lines, pontoons, restoring fuel and electrical supplies etc. Potential drowning hazards must be managed, and hazards in handling mud must be considered.

For further information refer to Safety Bulletin number 102 – Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation Queensland which can be downloaded from www.dme.qld.gov.au/mines/mining_safety_health.cfm

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