Mining Gas Extraction and Hydraulic Fracturing Risk Assessment

Product Overview

This risk assessment covers mining gas extraction and hydraulic fracturing activities, including planning, plant operation, pressure work, chemical handling and emergency response. It supports identifying operational hazards and managing risks across active work areas.

Activities & Risks Covered

This assessment addresses activities and risks including:

• Plan site mobilisation and pre-start work
• Set up drilling plant and pressure equipment
• Manage excavations, pits, cellars and ground disturbance
• Handle fracturing fluids and hazardous chemicals
• Manage gas releases, vapours and flammable atmospheres
• Operate high-pressure pumping and pressurised lines
• Control silica dust, drilling dust and airborne contaminants
• Manage vehicle movements and mobile plant interaction
• Control electrical hazards, ignition sources and hot work
• Work around confined spaces, tanks and enclosed areas
• Manage spills, waste and environmental contamination
• Prepare for emergencies, remote work and fatigue

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out mining gas extraction and hydraulic fracturing activities.

Activities & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template records model guidance used to inform the documented controls. Applicable WHS/OHS laws and adopted Codes vary by state or territory, so confirm the current local requirements when tailoring the assessment:

• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Excavation work — 2.3. Controlling the risks; p. 17.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: First aid in the workplace — 3. First aid equipment, facilities and training; p. 12.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace — 2.1 How to identify which chemicals are hazardous; p. 15.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing electrical risks in the workplace — 2.1 Identifying the hazards; p. 14.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the work environment and facilities — 2. The work environment; p. 13.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing the risk of fatigue at work — Provide sufficient breaks while at work; p. 30.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing risks of plant in the workplace — Plant hazard identification — Traffic movements in the workplace; p. 17.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Construction work — 6.2 Workplace specific induction training; p. 41.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks — 4.1 The hierarchy of control measures; p. 31.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks — 3. Step 2 — How to assess risks; p. 15.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Managing noise and preventing hearing loss at work — 5. Controlling the risks; p. 29.
• Model guidance: Model Code of Practice: Confined spaces — 3.4 Assessing the risks; p. 24.

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Standard Risk Assessment Features (Click to Expand)

• Activity-specific hazard identification and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each activity
• Risk matrix and assessment classification
• Review, monitoring and sign-off fields
• Site-specific customisation before use