Product Overview

This Mining Gas Extraction and Hydraulic Fracturing Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for gas extraction, stimulation and associated high-risk activities on Australian mining and petroleum sites. It is a comprehensive, project-ready document that covers multiple aspects of mining gas extraction, coal seam gas operations and hydraulic fracturing to support WHS compliance and effective control of High Risk Construction Work.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of coal seam gas extraction operations, including site layout, access and emergency arrangements
• Management of drilling, casing and well preparation activities prior to hydraulic fracturing or re-stimulation
• Safe operation of hydraulic fracturing equipment, including pumps, blenders, manifolds and pressure control systems
• Handling, mixing and transfer of fracturing fluids, proppants and chemical additives, including spill prevention and containment
• Pressure testing of well components, lines and equipment, including isolation, exclusion zones and monitoring for leaks
• Execution of direct re-stimulation projects on existing wells, including integrity checks and workover coordination
• Control of ignition sources and management of flammable and explosive atmospheres around gas extraction and fracturing activities
• Gas monitoring, ventilation and control of exposure to hazardous substances, fumes and vapours
• Traffic and mobile plant management around drilling rigs, pump trucks, sand trucks and support vehicles
• Manual handling and mechanical lifting of pipes, hoses, valves, chemical containers and proppant bags using cranes, forklifts and lifting gear
• Isolation, lock-out/tag-out and verification of energy sources for high-pressure and high-voltage equipment
• Emergency response planning for loss of containment, well control incidents, fire, explosion and worker injury
• Environmental protection measures for managing wastewater, flowback, noise, dust and waste materials

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for coal seam gas operators, drilling and well services contractors, hydraulic fracturing and stimulation crews, mining and petroleum companies, and site supervisors responsible for gas extraction activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017
• Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on safe storage, handling and use of fracturing chemicals and additives
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Controls for high noise levels from pumps, compressors and drilling equipment
• Confined Spaces Code of Practice: Entry and work in tanks, pits, sumps or enclosed process vessels associated with gas extraction systems (where applicable)
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Access to drilling platforms, well heads, tanks and elevated work areas
• Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use of drilling rigs, pump units, cranes, forklifts and associated plant
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Provision of first aid facilities and response for chemical exposure, burns and traumatic injury
• Safe Work Australia – Guide for Managing Risks from High Pressure Fluid and Gas Injection: Controls for high-pressure hydraulic fracturing systems and lines
• AS/NZS 60079 (Explosive atmospheres series): Electrical equipment and practices in hazardous areas where flammable gases may be present
• AS 2865 Confined spaces: Additional guidance for confined space risk management where relevant to gas extraction infrastructure