Product Overview

Summary: This Core Sampling Techniques Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, step-by-step framework for planning and carrying out core sampling activities safely and accurately in Australian workplaces. It helps control the significant risks associated with drilling, cutting and handling core samples while ensuring the integrity of test results and compliance with WHS and environmental obligations.

Core sampling is a critical activity across mining, civil construction, geotechnical, and environmental projects, but it introduces a combination of high-risk plant, manual handling, and environmental hazards. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, end‑to‑end method for performing core sampling – from planning and site preparation, through drilling and core recovery, to logging, transport, and storage. It emphasises safe interaction with drilling equipment, correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and robust controls for dust, noise, vibration, and ground stability.

Developed for Australian conditions, the SOP supports businesses to meet their primary duty of care under WHS legislation while also protecting the quality and defensibility of sampling results. It defines clear roles and responsibilities, standardises how samples are collected, labelled, and documented, and embeds risk management into everyday field practice. By implementing this procedure, organisations can reduce incidents, minimise re‑drilling and sampling errors, and demonstrate due diligence to clients, regulators, and auditors across mining, infrastructure, and environmental projects.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, defensible core sampling methods that improve data quality and project decision‑making.
• Reduce the risk of injury from drilling equipment, slips, trips, manual handling, and exposure to dust and noise.
• Demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS legislation, mining and construction site rules, and relevant standards.
• Standardise training and competency expectations for drill crews, geologists, and field technicians.
• Minimise costly re‑work, schedule delays, and disputes caused by poor sampling technique or lost core.

Who is this for?

• Geotechnical Engineers
• Exploration Geologists
• Site Supervisors
• Drilling Contractors
• Laboratory Managers
• WHS Advisors and HSE Managers
• Civil and Mining Project Managers
• Field Technicians and Offsiders
• Environmental Consultants

Hazards Addressed

• Entanglement and crush injuries from rotating drill rods and moving plant
• Struck-by injuries from falling or ejected core, tooling, or debris
• Exposure to respirable crystalline silica and other hazardous dusts
• Noise-induced hearing loss from drilling operations and support equipment
• Musculoskeletal injuries from repetitive handling of core trays and heavy samples
• Slips, trips, and falls around wet, uneven, or cluttered drill pads
• Ground instability, borehole collapse, and working near open holes
• Contact with pressurised fluids, lubricants, and hydraulic systems
• Heat stress, fatigue, and environmental exposure during remote field work
• Chemical exposure from drilling fluids, additives, and core preservatives
• Vehicle and mobile plant interaction on busy or confined drill sites

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 References, Definitions and Abbreviations
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities (Drill Crew, Geologist, Supervisor, WHS Representative)
• 4.0 Pre‑Start Planning and Risk Assessment (JSA/SWMS, permits, environmental considerations)
• 5.0 Site Preparation and Drill Pad Setup
• 6.0 Required Plant, Tools and Equipment
• 7.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements
• 8.0 Hazard Identification and Control Measures for Core Sampling
• 9.0 Core Sampling Methods and Technique Selection (diamond, sonic, auger, etc.)
• 10.0 Step‑by‑Step Core Sampling Procedure
• 11.0 Core Recovery, Handling and On‑Site Quality Control
• 12.0 Core Logging, Labelling and Chain of Custody
• 13.0 Manual Handling of Core Trays and Ergonomic Controls
• 14.0 Dust, Noise and Vibration Management
• 15.0 Environmental Protection and Waste Management
• 16.0 Working in Remote or Isolated Locations
• 17.0 Emergency Preparedness and Response (entanglement, exposure, ground failure)
• 18.0 Equipment Inspection, Maintenance and Isolation Procedures
• 19.0 Training, Competency and Authorisation Requirements
• 20.0 Recordkeeping, Reporting and Continuous Improvement

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth and relevant state/territory equivalents)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Hazardous Manual Tasks
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces
• AS/NZS 4801:2001 Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018 Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use
• AS 1726:2017 Geotechnical site investigations
• AS/NZS 1715:2009 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1801:1997 Occupational protective helmets
• AS/NZS 2161 (series): Occupational protective gloves
• AS/NZS 1270:2002 Acoustics – Hearing protectors