Unplanned explosive incident at underground mine

SafeWork SA has urged all mine operators and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs) to develop, implement and maintain safe systems of work following an unplanned initiation of explosives in an underground mine.

On 29 October 2020, the health and safety of underground workers was put at risk following the unplanned electronic initiation of two development headings. The development headings were unintentionally initiated at the same time as a decline heading, which was planned to be fired independently.

SafeWork SA has reminded mine operators to develop, implement and maintain safe systems of work to control the risk of unplanned initiation of explosives. Mine operators and PCBUs are also advised to undertake comprehensive risk assessments for the use of explosives, including independent firing, and ensure that firing systems are designed, installed and maintained by a competent person.

Mine operators and PCBUs must also ensure that independent firing systems are segregated from the main firing system, and that workers are trained and assessed as competent in the type of initiation system at the mine.

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