Product Overview

Summary: This Borehole Surveying Techniques SOP sets out a clear, step-by-step framework for planning and conducting borehole surveys safely, accurately and in full alignment with Australian WHS requirements. It helps mining, civil and geotechnical teams control the significant underground, equipment and environmental risks while delivering reliable survey data for drilling and excavation decisions.

Borehole surveying underpins critical decisions in mining, civil construction and geotechnical projects, from ore body definition and tunnel alignment through to slope stability and groundwater management. However, the work is often carried out in remote, constrained or underground environments using powered survey tools, winches and electronic instruments around open holes, pressurised fluids and heavy mobile plant. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, WHS-focused approach to borehole surveying that integrates safe work methods with clear technical steps for planning, set-out, instrument deployment, data capture and retrieval.

The document addresses the full lifecycle of a borehole survey, beginning with pre-start planning, risk assessment and communication protocols between drilling crews, surveyors and site management. It sets out detailed controls for working around open boreholes, managing dropped-object risks, handling survey tools and cables, operating winches and hoists, and working in proximity to rigs, vehicles and high-pressure drilling fluids. It also embeds quality checks, calibration requirements and data verification steps so that survey results are both defensible and repeatable. By implementing this SOP, businesses can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS law, reduce the likelihood of serious incidents, and improve the accuracy and consistency of subsurface information that drives high-value project decisions.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian WHS legislation and mining-specific safety obligations for drilling and surveying activities.
• Reduce the risk of falls, entanglement, struck-by and dropped-object incidents around open boreholes and moving equipment.
• Improve the accuracy, repeatability and traceability of borehole survey data for better mine planning and geotechnical decision-making.
• Standardise communication, handover and permit processes between drilling contractors, survey teams and site management.
• Streamline induction and competency-based training for survey technicians and drilling crews using a clear, documented procedure.

Who is this for?

• Drilling Supervisors
• Mine Surveyors
• Geotechnical Engineers
• Exploration Geologists
• Project Managers (Mining and Civil)
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Field Technicians and Offsiders
• Contract Drilling Company Owners
• Site Managers
• Underground Shift Supervisors

Hazards Addressed

• Falls into open boreholes or sumps
• Dropped objects into boreholes and onto personnel below
• Entanglement in cables, winch lines and rotating equipment
• Struck-by incidents involving drill rigs, vehicles and moving plant
• Exposure to high-pressure drilling fluids and unexpected borehole discharge
• Manual handling injuries from lifting and moving survey tools and equipment
• Electrical hazards from powered survey instruments and cables
• Slips, trips and falls on uneven, wet or debris-covered ground around boreholes
• Fatigue and environmental exposure during remote or extended field operations
• Miscommunication leading to simultaneous operations conflicts (SIMOPS) near active drilling

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 References and Applicable Legislation
• 4.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Competency Requirements
• 5.0 Pre-Planning, Permits and Communication Protocols
• 6.0 Risk Assessment and Job Safety Analysis for Borehole Surveying
• 7.0 Required Plant, Equipment and Survey Instruments
• 8.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 9.0 Site Preparation and Borehole Area Controls (Barricading and Signage)
• 10.0 Pre-Use Inspection and Calibration of Survey Equipment
• 11.0 Safe Set-Up of Winches, Tripods and Cable Management
• 12.0 Step-by-Step Borehole Surveying Procedure (Surface and Underground)
• 13.0 Working Around Active Drilling Rigs and Simultaneous Operations (SIMOPS)
• 14.0 Manual Handling and Ergonomic Controls for Survey Tools
• 15.0 Environmental and Weather Considerations for Field Surveys
• 16.0 Data Recording, Verification and Quality Assurance
• 17.0 Emergency Procedures and Incident Response (Falls, Entanglement, Fluid Release)
• 18.0 Housekeeping, Demobilisation and Post-Job Review
• 19.0 Training, Induction and Competency Assessment
• 20.0 Document Control, Review and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Regulations
• Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of falls at workplaces (Safe Work Australia)
• Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace (Safe Work Australia)
• Model Code of Practice: Excavation work (Safe Work Australia)
• AS/NZS ISO 31000:2018 Risk management – Guidelines
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still widely referenced)
• AS/NZS 3000:2018 Electrical installations (Wiring Rules) – for safe use of electrical equipment in the field
• Relevant state and territory mining or resources safety legislation and guidelines (e.g. NSW Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2022, Qld Coal Mining Safety and Health Regulation 2017)