Product Overview

Summary: This SOP sets out a clear, practical framework for establishing, operating and maintaining reliable communication systems on remote drilling sites across Australia. It supports critical WHS obligations by ensuring workers can raise alarms, coordinate field activities and stay connected during routine operations and emergencies, even in harsh and isolated environments.

Remote drilling operations are often conducted in some of Australia’s most isolated and challenging environments, where terrain, distance and weather can severely impact communications. When radios fail, satellite links drop out, or there is no clear protocol for escalation, even minor incidents can rapidly escalate into serious safety events. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a structured, end‑to‑end approach to planning, installing, using and maintaining communication systems so that your drilling crews remain contactable and supported at all times.

The document outlines how to select appropriate communication technologies for remote drilling (such as UHF/VHF radio, satellite phones, cellular repeaters, data links and emergency beacons), how to integrate them into daily operations, and how to test and document their performance. It defines clear communication protocols for pre‑start meetings, permit to work, lone and remote worker monitoring, vehicle movements, and emergency response, ensuring that every person on site knows who to call, what to say and what information to record. By adopting this SOP, organisations can demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS legislation, reduce downtime caused by miscommunication, and significantly improve the speed and effectiveness of their emergency response in remote drilling environments.

Key Benefits

• Ensure reliable two‑way communication between field crews, supervisors and off‑site support in remote drilling locations.
• Reduce the risk of delayed emergency response due to unclear contact points, failed equipment or inconsistent communication protocols.
• Standardise radio, satellite and phone communication practices across contractors, shifts and multiple drilling rigs.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS requirements for remote and isolated work through documented systems and testing regimes.
• Improve operational efficiency by coordinating drilling, maintenance and logistics activities through clear, structured communication channels.

Who is this for?

• Drilling Supervisors
• Rig Managers
• WHS Managers
• HSE Advisors
• Remote Operations Managers
• Field Technicians
• Communications and IT Support Staff
• Emergency Response Coordinators
• OHS Consultants in Mining and Resources
• Contractor Management Coordinators

Hazards Addressed

• Delayed emergency response due to communication failure or lack of coverage
• Inability to raise an alarm during medical emergencies, fires or well control incidents
• Lone and remote worker exposure without effective monitoring or check‑in systems
• Vehicle and mobile plant collisions due to poor communication of movements on access roads and drill pads
• Confusion during critical operations caused by unclear radio protocols and call signs
• Increased psychological stress and fatigue from isolation and lack of reliable contact with supervisors and support
• Exposure to extreme weather or environmental hazards without timely warnings or updates

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Applicable Legislation, Standards and Company Policies
• 4.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Site Management, Supervisors, Operators, IT/Comms Support)
• 5.0 Communication System Overview (Radio, Satellite, Cellular, Data and Emergency Systems)
• 6.0 Planning Communication Coverage for Remote Drilling Sites
• 7.0 Equipment Requirements and Specifications
• 8.0 Installation, Commissioning and Configuration of Communication Systems
• 9.0 Call Signs, Channel Allocation and Radio Discipline
• 10.0 Routine Operational Communication Protocols
• 11.0 Remote and Lone Worker Monitoring Procedures
• 12.0 Vehicle and Mobile Plant Communication Requirements
• 13.0 Emergency Communication Procedures and Escalation Pathways
• 14.0 Communication Blackspots, Redundancy and Fail‑Safe Measures
• 15.0 Daily Pre‑Start Checks and Function Testing of Communication Equipment
• 16.0 Fault Reporting, Troubleshooting and Escalation
• 17.0 Training, Competency and Induction Requirements
• 18.0 Contractor and Visitor Communication Requirements
• 19.0 Recordkeeping, Logs and Communication Registers
• 20.0 Audit, Review and Continuous Improvement
• 21.0 Document Control and Revision History

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and equivalent state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Remote and isolated work provisions
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Work Environment and Facilities (including remote and isolated work)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks in Mining
• AS/NZS 2290.3: Underground mining – Shaft equipment – Operation and maintenance (relevant principles for communication and emergency systems)
• AS/NZS 4365: Radiocommunications equipment used in land mobile and fixed services – Safety aspects
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) – Radiocommunications licensing and frequency allocation requirements