Product Overview

This Quarry Excavation Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is designed to identify, assess, and control the significant hazards associated with quarrying operations to support demonstrable WHS compliance on Australian worksites. It is a comprehensive document covering multiple aspects of Quarry Excavation SWMS, from initial site preparation and blasting through to material handling and traffic management.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and coordination of quarry blasting activities, including exclusion zones and authorised personnel access
• Safe handling, storage, transport, and security of explosives and detonators used in quarry blasting
• Pre-blast inspections, drilling of blast holes, and verification of face stability and ground conditions
• Management of fly rock, air blast, vibration, dust, and noise impacts on workers and surrounding areas
• Post-blast inspection, misfire management, and safe re-entry procedures to blasted areas
• Excavation of blasted rock using excavators, loaders, and other mobile plant in quarry pits
• Traffic management for haul trucks, light vehicles, and mobile plant within the quarry, including designated routes and signage
• Control of ground instability, bench design, batter slopes, and edge protection around high faces
• Dust suppression measures for drilling, blasting, excavation, and haul roads to minimise respiratory risks
• Management of noise and vibration exposure for workers operating or working near heavy quarry equipment
• Safe access and egress to and from quarry pits, benches, and work platforms
• Emergency response planning for blasting incidents, ground collapse, vehicle collisions, and worker injury
• Environmental controls for runoff, sediment, and waste material generated during quarry excavation

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for quarry operators, drill and blast contractors, civil and mining contractors, earthmoving companies, and site supervisors responsible for managing quarry excavation and blasting activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• Managing the Risks of Plant in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on controlling risks associated with excavators, loaders, haul trucks, and other quarry plant
• Managing Noise and Preventing Hearing Loss at Work Code of Practice: Requirements for managing noise from blasting and heavy equipment
• Hazardous Chemicals (including Explosives) Codes of Practice: Guidance on the safe storage, handling, and use of explosives and blasting agents
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Controls for working near quarry edges, benches, and high faces
• Work Health and Safety Consultation, Cooperation and Coordination Code of Practice: Requirements for consultation with workers and contractors during quarry and blasting operations
• First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice: Guidance on first aid arrangements for high-risk quarry environments
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017