Working at Quarry Faces

Working at Quarry Faces

This Tool Box Talk is intended to provide guidance and information on the safe erection and use of edge protection and to outline the necessity for providing fall protection and fall prevention to those persons carrying out work close to the quarry face edge.

Hazard: Fall from height

Any person who works close to the edge of a quarry face has the potential to fall from that edge. The people exposed to this hazard include drillers, shot firers, quarry workers, explosive truck personnel, etc. A safe system of work must be put in place to protect workers from falling off the quarry face.

Control Measures

1. Minimize the number of personnel working on the bench.
2. Only competent supervisors and workers must be involved in this work.
3. Always ensure that the edge protection system is available for use and in good order.
4. Holes must be pre-drilled by the driller to accommodate the edge protection system (at least 2m from the crest of the face).
5. When installing the poles and attaching ropes/straps ensure that you are wearing fall protection equipment attached to an adequate anchor point.
6. To maximize protection ensure that the upper rope/strap is positioned at a height approximately 1.1m from the floor and the lower rope/strap at least 600mm from the floor.
7. The ropes/straps are a physical barrier to the danger, not just an indication of the danger and must be adequately tensioned at all times.
8. Never go beyond the edge protection system unless you are wearing fall protection equipment attached to an adequate anchor point.
9. The edge protection system should not be disassembled or removed until charging and connecting is complete and the round is ready for firing.
10. Ensure that the workers are trained/instructed in the safe use of the edge protection system.
11. Always be aware of the conditions underfoot and minimize slip/trip hazards through good housekeeping by removing plastic bags and boxes.

Mobile Plant Safety (Quarry)

Typically, nearly half of all fatal accidents in quarries involve vehicles at quarries e.g.

Hazard: Being struck by or run over by a vehicle; vehicles going out of control.

All employees and visitors should be aware that the greatest risk of fatal injury at the quarry is from interaction with vehicles. They must follow site rules and remain vigilant at all times for their own safety and the safety of others.

Control Measures

1. You must not drive any vehicle on site unless trained and authorized to do so.
2. Always drive your machine with due care and consideration for others.
3. Drivers must carry out daily vehicle checks and report any defects or poor road conditions immediately.
4. Never allow passengers to ride on the vehicle.
5. Ensure that all loads are secure and evenly distributed and within the load-carrying capacity of the machine. Loose loads must be tied down.
6. Avoid harsh acceleration and braking.
7. Vehicle operators should ensure that flashing amber beacons, reversing lights, reversing sirens and other reversing aids such as CCTV are operational and clean.
8. Drive at a speed where any obstructions in the road will not present a danger.
9. Never take for granted that everyone else is on the lookout for you.
10. Ensure you know the position of any overhead cables at the quarry and never drive with the tipper body in the raised position.
11. Pedestrians must wear high visibility clothing.
12. Pedestrians must ensure they stay outside of the vehicle’s operating radius and turning circle and ensure that the driver is aware that they are in the area.
13. Pedestrians should not approach vehicles unless the driver is aware of their intentions and has signaled that it is safe to approach.