Product Overview

Summary: This Explosive Materials Handling Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, defensible framework for safely receiving, storing, transporting, preparing and using explosives in Australian workplaces. It supports compliance with WHS legislation and dangerous goods requirements while protecting workers, contractors and the public from the catastrophic consequences of incorrect explosive handling.

Handling explosive materials is one of the highest-risk activities undertaken in mining, quarrying, civil construction and some specialised manufacturing environments. A single error in storage, transport, preparation or initiation can lead to fatalities, severe injuries, structural damage and long-term business disruption. This Explosive Materials Handling SOP sets out a structured, step-by-step approach to managing these risks, from initial delivery and manifest checks through to controlled firing, post-blast clearance and disposal of misfires and surplus explosives.

Developed with Australian WHS obligations and dangerous goods requirements in mind, the procedure helps businesses demonstrate that they have implemented a robust, systematic method of controlling explosive-related hazards. It clarifies roles and authorisations, standardises pre-use inspections and segregation practices, and embeds critical controls such as exclusion zones, misfire protocols and communication procedures. By implementing this SOP, organisations can improve operational discipline, reduce the likelihood of serious incidents, and provide clear, practical guidance for both experienced shotfirers and newer team members working around explosives.

Key Benefits

• Ensure consistent, legally defensible handling of explosives across all sites and shifts.
• Reduce the risk of accidental detonation, misfires and uncontrolled blasts through clear, practical controls.
• Standardise training and competency expectations for personnel authorised to handle explosives.
• Support compliance with WHS legislation, dangerous goods licensing and regulator expectations.
• Improve coordination between drilling, blasting, transport and site management teams to minimise delays and rework.

Who is this for?

• Shotfirers
• Explosives Supervisors
• Quarry Managers
• Mining Engineers
• Blasting Contractors
• Construction Project Managers
• Drill and Blast Supervisors
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Dangerous Goods Safety Officers
• Operations Managers in Mining and Quarrying
• Civil Engineering Site Supervisors
• Explosives Magazine Keepers

Hazards Addressed

• Unintended detonation of explosives during handling, storage or transport
• Misfires and delayed detonations presenting post-blast hazards
• Fire, heat and impact sources igniting explosive materials
• Fragmentation and blast overpressure causing serious injury or fatality
• Security risks including theft, loss or unauthorised access to explosives
• Exposure to hazardous fumes and gases generated during or after blasting
• Vehicle and plant interactions during explosives loading and stemming
• Manual handling injuries associated with lifting and positioning explosive products

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Regulatory Context
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Authorisations
• 4.0 Competency, Licensing and Training Requirements
• 5.0 Explosives Receipt, Documentation and Chain of Custody
• 6.0 Storage Requirements and Magazine Management
• 7.0 Transport of Explosives On and Off Site
• 8.0 Site Preparation, Exclusion Zones and Signage
• 9.0 Handling, Mixing and Loading of Explosives
• 10.0 Initiation Systems and Firing Procedures
• 11.0 Misfire Management and Post-Blast Inspection
• 12.0 Security, Inventory Control and Theft Prevention
• 13.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Safety Devices
• 14.0 Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment and Control Measures
• 15.0 Emergency Response and Incident Reporting
• 16.0 Inspection, Maintenance and Housekeeping Requirements
• 17.0 Recordkeeping, Auditing and Continuous Improvement
• 18.0 Document Review and Change Management

Legislation & References

• Model Work Health and Safety Regulations – Hazardous Chemicals and Major Hazard Facilities (Safe Work Australia)
• Australian Code for the Transport of Explosives by Road and Rail (AEC)
• AS 2187.1: Explosives – Storage, transport and use – Storage
• AS 2187.2: Explosives – Storage, transport and use – Use of explosives
• AS 2187.0: Explosives – Storage, transport and use – Terminology and definitions
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace
• Relevant State/Territory Explosives and Dangerous Goods legislation and regulations (e.g. Explosives Act and Regulations in each jurisdiction)
• AS/NZS ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems – Requirements with guidance for use