Failure to conduct effective post blast inspections | Resources Safety & Health Queensland
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Explosives Inspectorate | Alert | No.118 V 1 | 28 January 2025

Failure to conduct effective post blast inspections

Summary

  • Routine inspections by RSHQ have revealed an issue with the checking of blast hole remnants prior to drilling at metalliferous mines.
  • Potential misfires should be identified, so tips on how to do this are outlined below.
  • RSHQ’s explosives inspectors continue to monitor mines to ensure that they are conducting thorough post blast inspections.

Issue Explained

  • During recent routine inspections by RSHQ’s explosives inspectors, it was identified that several underground metalliferous mines were failing to ensure that all blast hole remnants (butts) were being thoroughly inspected and deemed free of explosives prior to conducting drilling operations at development headings.
  • Several high potential incidents (HPIs) occurred in Queensland mines in 2024 whereby misfired explosives were impacted and detonated during drilling and excavation processes.
  • It is not physically possible for jumbo operators to thoroughly check butts located in the upper portion of development faces from the cabin of a drill rig even when butts are not of significant length.
  • Drilling and/ or mechanical scaling of a face that has not been effectively checked for misfires is extremely hazardous.
  • Even small amounts of explosive can release significant amounts of energy when impacted by force.
  • Unplanned initiation of explosives has the potential to harm people and damage equipment being struck by flyrock.

Learnings

  • Sufficient time must be allocated to ensure all blast hole remnants are checked and deemed free of explosives prior to conducting drilling operations.
  • Inspections should be conducted in a manner that allows for all butts to be checked including those located in the upper portion of the face.
  • Reliance should not be placed solely on Jumbo Operators to check faces for misfires as it is not possible to checks butts in the upper portion of the face from a Jumbo cabin.
  • Where possible the upper portion should be checked from an elevated position, i.e. man basket.
  • Unless butts or remaining portions of blastholes have been shown to be free of explosives then they are to be treated as misfires. Refer to Australian Standard 2187 Part 2 (Use of Explosives) Section 10.1(h).

Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.

We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.

References and further information

Authorised by Hermann Fasching - Chief Inspector – Explosives

Contact:

Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland

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Acknowledgement of Country

RSHQ respectfully acknowledges all Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the country on which we live and work. We acknowledge their continuing connection to land, waters and culture and commit to ongoing reconciliation. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present.