Product Overview

This Quarry Blasting Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is a detailed, pre-filled safety document designed to identify hazards, assess risks, and implement controls for blasting operations in quarry environments. It provides comprehensive coverage of all key phases of quarry blasting activities to support strong WHS compliance and effective risk management on Australian worksites.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of active blasting site work, including exclusion zones and traffic management
• Assessment and preparation of blast rock surfaces, faces, and benches prior to drilling and charging
• Execution of blasting activities, including initiation, firing sequences, and post-blast verification
• Selection, handling, storage, and security of explosives, detonators, and blasting accessories
• Safe loading and stemming of blast holes to control flyrock, overpressure, and ground vibration
• Management of misfires, partial detonations, and emergency response procedures for blasting incidents
• Control of dust, noise, and vibration impacts on workers, neighbouring properties, and the environment
• Communication protocols, warning signals, and clearance procedures before and after the blast
• Use of plant and equipment associated with blasting operations, including drill rigs and mobile plant
• Access control, signage, and barricading to protect workers, visitors, and the public around blast areas
• Inspection of the blast area post-detonation, including scaling, rock stability checks, and re-entry controls
• Manual handling and ergonomics associated with lifting, carrying, and positioning explosives and equipment
• Health and safety management for working near highwalls, benches, and potentially unstable rock formations

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for quarry operators, blasting contractors, drill and blast crews, shotfirers, and site supervisors responsible for managing blasting operations in Australian quarries.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Explosives in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on the safe storage, handling, and use of explosives.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Controls for noise exposure from blasting and associated plant.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Risk controls for working near quarry faces, benches, and edges.
• Safe Work Australia – Hazardous Manual Tasks Code of Practice: Management of musculoskeletal risks from handling explosives and equipment.
• Safe Work Australia – Managing Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Safe use of drill rigs, mobile plant, and associated equipment in blasting areas.
• Safe Work Australia – Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice: Requirements for consultation between PCBUs, workers, and contractors during blasting operations.
• AS 2187 Explosives – Storage, Transport and Use (Series): Australian Standards for the safe use of explosives in blasting operations.
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017