Quarry Blasting

Targeted Inspection of Quarries

The emphasis of quarries inspection is on the management of health and safety and Inspectors assess compliance at each location in relation to the following issues:

  1. That the Authority has been notified of person/company appointed as the "Operator of the quarry"
  2. The existence of, and competence of, the manager and any health and safety training the manager has received
  3. That a site-specific safety statement, with appropriate risk assessments, is in place and actively implemented
  4. That daily inspections are carried out by a competent person of all active quarry faces and fixed and mobile plant
  5. That the quarry is operated and worked in a safe manner. In particular, the inspectors will consider the stability of quarry faces and the safety of  haul roads, ramps and other excavations
  6. That adequate site-specific blasting procedures are in place, including detailed shot-firing rules
  7. That all mandatory appointments have been made in relation to blasting operations, particularly the appointment of a competent explosives supervisor and shotfirer
  8. That mobile plant is maintained and brake testing has been carried out
  9. That all vehicles have the necessary reversing aids such as mirrors, reversing sirens, flashing beacons and CCTV systems
  10. That traffic routes are managed with well maintained haul roads, bunding and edge protection in place, clear directional signage is provided and reversing is minimised. Inspectors actively encourage the introduction of one-way traffic system
  11. Pedestrians are segregated from transport routes where this is possible, and high visibility clothing is provided and worn by all
  12. The inspection of fixed and mobile plant by a competent person to ensure that all tail drums, idler rollers, head drums, screw conveyors and drive systems are guarded and that all necessary emergency stops, pull wires and isolation systems are present and operational
  13. That boundaries are protected to prevent inadvertent access to lagoons, settling ponds and quarry benches and any areas that are not in use. In particular the Inspector will be checking that the Quarry Operator has measures in place to prevent inadvertent or unauthorised access, and that necessary signage and rescue equipment is in place