Surface exploration drilling checklist

Guidance Note
August 2010
Background
In surface exploration drilling, a number of holes are drilled
in the ground to retrieve samples from varied depths. This
often presents potential hazards due to the variety of drill
rigs and auxiliary equipment used in diffcult or rugged
areas, and new or changing conditions.
As an employer, you must have an OHS plan and ensure
workers onsite are aware of it. In this plan, you must identify
all hazards and implement adequate control measures to
eliminate or reduce the risks to safety.
The main hazards in surface exploration drilling are associated
with four critical areas:
1. Access to drill site.
2. Establishing drill site.
3. Drill rig work area including:
work place ergonomics
exposure (dust and aerosol or noise)
working at heights
objects falling from heights
fre hazards
overhead or underground infrastructure and services
hazards (eg pipelines).
4. Equipment:
high pressure systems (such as hydraulic pressure or
compressed air)
worn or fatigued parts
malfunction of operational safety systems
operator error
handling of objects.
These four areas are addressed in part 1 of the checklist.
Part 2 focuses on additional OHS considerations and part 3
is a prompt for your Safety Management System.
Using the checklist
Use the checklist as a starting point to ensure health and
safety is being maintained and controls are regularly
reviewed at your work site.
Complete parts 1 and 2 of the checklist. Part 3 has been
included as a prompt for your safety management system.
If you answer NO anywhere on the checklist, this means
action must be taken to make your workplace safer and you
should seek advice from a suitably qualifed person.
GUI0112/01/08.10
This checklist has been developed for employers such as mining and exploration licence holders and drilling
contractors to help identify and eliminate common safety issues associated with surface exploration drilling.

Note: This guidance material has been prepared using the best information
available to the Victorian WorkCover Authority and should be used for general
use only. Any information about legislative obligations or responsibilities
included in this material is only applicable to the circumstances described in
the material. You should always check the legislation referred to in this
material and make your own judgement about what action you may need to
take to ensure you have complied with the law. Accordingly, the Victorian
WorkCover Authority cannot be held responsible and extends no warranties
as to the suitability of the information for your specifc circumstances; or
actions taken by third parties as a result of information contained in the
guidance material.
Further information
Contact the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service on
1800 136 089 or go to worksafe.vic.gov.au
Related WorkSafe publications
Guidance Note, Occupational health and safety in surface
exploration
Guidance Note, First aid in the workplace
Guidance Note, Workplace amenities and work environment
Other publications
Queensland Resources Council, 2004, Minerals
exploration safety (Guidance Note)
Checklist overleaf
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Guidance Note Safety in surface exploration drilling checklist
Part 1. The four critical areas
1. Access to drill site Yes/No Action
Are the access roads/tracks to the drill site well formed: steepness and width?
Are roads suitable for the vehicles and machines in use?
Is access to the drill site on an exploration or mining licence clearly marked?
Is edge protection in place where required?
2. The drill site Yes/No Action
Is the drill site safe from natural hazards (eg falling rocks, trees or branches,
vertical openings, sheer drops)?
Have overhead powerlines or underground services been identifed?
Does the drill site allow:
clear access
good visibility (no blind spots)
suitable working space
parking area
escape routes in case of emergency?
Are deep ponds fenced or equipped to prevent people falling into them?
Is the drill site free of litter and slips, trips and falls hazards?
Is the drill site level and stable?
3. Drill rig work area Yes/No Action
3.1 Set up
Are the drill rig jacks on a suitable foundation?
If jacks can be locked in position, are they secure?
3.2 Access
Is the ground around the drill rig free from litter and slips, trips and falls hazards?
Are walkways clear?
Are ladders used according to the Australian Standard AS 1567 1992?
3.3 Inspection and maintenance
Are there specifcation/service manuals on site covering the rig and additional
equipment?
Are there records relating to pre-start checks including third party inspections?
Is there a system for recording/reporting mechanical faults?
Are gauges, warnings, emergency stop buttons and controls on the drillers
console labelled (eg clean, legible and operational)?
3.4 Mast and lifting
Is the rig mast in good condition (eg no bends, twists, cracked welds or supports)?
Are mast pivot points and locking pins secured and in good condition?
Are all bolts tightened and in place (not loose or missing)?
Are pull-down/pull-back chains or cables in good condition?
Checklist for safety in surface exploration drilling.
If you answer no to anything in the checklist, you should develop a safety action plan using the template at the end of the
checklist. This may also be used to update your OHS plan.
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Guidance Note Safety in surface exploration drilling checklist
Are hoisting cables, wire lines and slings free from knots, kinks, whiskers or
broken wires?
Is all lifting gear (eg chain, swivels, shackles, wire rope and slings) tagged or
stamped with safe working load?
Are winch drums and sheaves in good condition (free from signs of excessive
wear, visible damage or cracks)?
Do wire ropes conform to the original manufacturers specifcations?
Are hoist limits regularly checked and tested?
3.5 Drill rod handling
Does the site layout reduce the need to handle, move or carry drill rods?
Do drill rod handling procedures assist to prevent injury and include:
pre-drilling/collaring activity
production
pack up
jammed drill rods?
Is there a drill rod handling carousel and procedure for loading the carousel?
Are drill rod break-out tools and equipment in good condition?
Have drill rod break-out tools been checked for wear?
Are the drill rods stored securely?
4. Equipment Yes/No Action
4.1 Pressure
If pressure relief valves are ftted, is there a testing procedure?
Are hydraulic hoses inspected for leaks, cuts and torn outer casing?
Is any double braid wire showing?
Are all high pressure hoses in good condition and free from sharp edges?
Are high pressure hoses equipped with whip checks or fogger chains?
Are manifolds, exhaust pipes, turbo-chargers and muffers in good condition
and adequately guarded or heat shielded?
4.2 Electrical
Is a residual-current device ftted to generators and regularly tested?
Are electric cables and tools in good condition and ftted with current test tag?
Are electrical cables safely positioned (not a tripping hazard) and protected
from damage?
Are the drill rig night lights and electrical fttings waterproof, clean and adequate?
4.3 Dangerous parts
Is suitable guarding in place for hot surfaces and rotating, moving and
electrical parts?
Is the area free from potentially dangerous objects (eg falling objects,
whipping ropes or gas bottles)?
Does the drill rig have an automatic cut-off device to the operators position/seat?
If there are any potentially explosive gases around, are potential ignition
sources guarded and checked?
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Guidance Note Safety in surface exploration drilling checklist
Part 2. Additional OHS considerations
People and amenities Yes/No Action
Are all site personnel aware of and working free from entanglement hazards
(eg loose/ragged clothing, loose bootlaces, jackets with draw strings, long hair
and loose jewellery)?
Is personal protective equipment used and suitable for purpose?
Are precautions against extreme weather conditions (eg UV exposure or cold)
taken?
If a heating system is in use, are there procedures in place to prevent and
protect from any additional hazards posed such as fre, electrics, burning?
Are the crib room, toilet or washing facilities adequate?
Emergency Yes/No Action
Is there an emergency plan?
Does it cover vehicle incidents, communication for assistance including numbers/
authorities, extraction of personnel, bush fres and notifcation?
Are these facilities adequate and up to date:
frst aid
back up communication
transport
fuel/chemicals storage
fre extinguishers
fre break?
Do operators hold current frst aid certifcates?
Are operators trained in fre prevention and fre fghting?
Site procedures Yes/No Action
Are drill rig operators aware of procedures for:
camping (if applicable)
checking ftness for work (fatigue, heat, drugs and alcohol)
manual handling
fre prevention and fghting
working at heights
noise and dust
use of vehicles
use of portable tools
use of dangerous goods and hazardous substances
use of heaters and electricity including emergency shutdown?
Are processes in place to ensure drill rig operators comply with the above
procedures or requirements?
Part 3. Safety Management System (SMS)
Is a licence holder SMS kept on site and does the licence
holder SMS cover:
training
management of contractors
hazard and risk management
maintenance
management of change
communication and consultation
inspection, auditing and verifcation
continuous improvement
emergency management?
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Guidance Note Safety in surface exploration drilling checklist
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