SafeDrill Australia

27/10/2022

Not a very common risk in West Aust but there have been several incidents of unexpected gas intersects in the WA mining industry resulting in equipment damage. However, it is detailed in the state Code of Practise for exploration drilling in section 22.http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Documents/Safety/MSH_COP_MineralExplorationDrilling.pdf

Some links to state guidance and incidents local and overseas.

US EPA 2013. Case study - Methane recovery at non-coal mines:https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2016-03/documents/cmop-noncoal_flyer.pdf

DMP 1999. Significant incident report 102:http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Documents/Safety/MSH_SIR_102.pdf

NRC US 1984. Emergency and Continuous Exposure Limits for Selected Airborne Contaminants. National Research Council (US) Committee on Toxicology. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1984.: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK208284/

DCEP WA 2005. Mines safety bulletin 74. Explosive gases associated with mining:https://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Documents/Safety/MSH_SB_074.pdf

Herbert A. Pierce, Gregory J. Walsh, Robert C. Burruss, and James R. Degnan 2007. US Geological Survey. Borehole characterization of a methane-yielding bedrock well, Massachusetts. Retrieved on 14th April 2022 from:https://pubs.usgs.gov/of/2007/1399/ofr2007-1399.pdf

DMP 1997. Significant incident report 85. do websearch

Gov WA 2022(A). Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994. Retrieved on 14th April from: https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/law_a515.html

Gov WA 2022(B). Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995: https://www.legislation.wa.gov.au/legislation/statutes.nsf/law_s4641.html

Fred N. Kissell, Ph.D 2006, CDC - Handbook for Methane Control in Mining:https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/mining/userfiles/works/pdfs/2006-127.pdf

U.S. Geological Survey2021. Igneous and metamorphic-rock aquifers: https://www.usgs.gov/mission-areas/water-resources/science/igneous-and-metamorphic-rock-aquifers

17/12/2021

V**e incident.
Read more at:https://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Documents/Safety/MSH_SB_181.pdf

16/09/2021

08/09/2021

Update for the new WA WHS Act & Regs coming into effect soon.

When do the new WHS laws come into effect? WA’s Work Health and Safety legislation is not expected to come into force until January 2022. This means that the current occupational, mines safety and petroleum safety legislation still applies. Download an overview to the new WHS laws The Overview of ...

13/08/2021

A great source of drilling safety information.
http://www.dmp.wa.gov.au/Safety/Guidance-about-exploration-6803.aspx

13/08/2021

NIHL. Please wear your PPE, its there for a reason, the last line of defense.
Exposure to prolonged or excessive noise has been proven to cause permanent hearing loss and
tinnitus (a high pitched ringing in the ears). Both conditions are debilitating with serious impacts on
the health and quality of life of affected persons and their families. A range of other issues are also
associated with exposure to excessive noise. These include stress, high blood pressure, poor concentration, productivity loss, communication difficulties and cardiovascular disease.

13/08/2021

Close call for some crew on the pit floor!
http://dmp.wa.gov.au/Documents/Safety/MSH_SB_171.pdf

03/08/2021

A South Coast drilling company has been fined $375,000 after a worker was fatally crushed by a truck in October 2017.

23/07/2021

More than ever for the crews in the Eastern States watch out for your crews mental health, the covid lock downs are extending a lot of swings and some have family members at home in full lock down. Look after yourself, and watch your look out for your work mates.
http://dmp.wa.gov.au/Documents/Safety/MSH_SB_139.pdf