2020 explosives incidents report | resources safety

Damage to explosives / packaging, 1

Fume Event, 1

Misfire, 26

Unintended initiation, 1

Vehicle Incident, 1

Unsecured explosives, 4

Degradation of Product, 1

Dislocation of column, 3

Down Lines Fell in Hole, 3

Downline Cut (Loading/ Stemming), 2

Explosives Found During Excavation, 2

Improper tie-in, 1

Initiation system (IS) failure, 1

Initiating Lead Line Failure, 1

Slumping of product, 2

Other/unkown, 7

Detonator failure, 1


Other/unknown, 1

Explosives incidents January 2020 report This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during January 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of January 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2019-20.

January 2020 Financial year to date (2019-20)

Community 0 fatality 0 injury 0 fatality 1 injury

Industry 0 fatality 0 injury 0 fatality 0 injury

Figure 1: Explosives incidents and complaints January 2019

Figure 2: Breakdown of misfire causes January 2019

General

Underground

Explosives incidents January 2020

Version 1, 12 February 2020,

© State of Queensland, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy 2020

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Drill into / near explosives

Ground Vibration

Overpressure

Pump incident

Flyrock

Illegal Activity

Storage

Suspicious activity

Explosives found

Product Failure

Unintended initiation

Other

Breach Exclusion Zone

Damage to explosives / packaging

Fume Event

Explosives Discrepancy

Unsecured explosives

Vehicle Incident

Incidents other than misfires (102)

Other incidents, 102

Misfire, 252

Figure 3: Past year incidents February 2019 – January 2020

Explosives incidents January 2020

Version 1, 12 February 2020,


Breakdown of incidents for January 2019

Security Description Explosives

involved Outcome/Possible causes

Unsecured explosives (4 incidents)

Loaded explosives holes left unsecured on mine site overnight.

Blasting explosives

Breach of site security plan with 23 loaded holes left overnight. Check next morning confirmed none missing. Site investigation ongoing.

Entry access system to a reload facility has failed.

Security sensitive ammonium nitrate

Site has implemented a new system with card reader. This failed. Site investigating to ensure failure does not recur.

Key to explosives magazine on a mine site were misplaced by shotfirer.

Blasting explosives

Magazine key located the following morning. Temporary additional lock installed prior to key being located.

Explosives were left inside unsecured carry boxes of a vehicle that was in a workshop for repair.

Blasting explosives

Incident was not immediately reported. Explosives secured and returned to magazine. No indication of follow on action by site.

Safety

Description Explosives involved

Outcome/Possible causes

Misfires – aboveground (23 incidents)

Degradation of product x 1

Dislocation of column x 3

Downlines fell in hole x 3

Downline cut (loading/stemming) x 2

Explosives found during excavation x 2

Improper tie-in x 1

Initiation system failure x 1

Initiating lead line failure x 1

Other/unknown x 7

Slumping of product x 2

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Misfires – underground (3 incidents)

Detonator failure x 1


Other/unknown x 1

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Damage to explosives/packaging (1 incident)

Tautliner support post dislodged during transit and damaged packaging of a box containing explosives

Blasting explosives

Stock was counted, no discrepancy identified, repackaged and sent to final destination. No indication of further action by transporter

Fume event (1 incident)

Level 5 fume event generated on mine site. Fume did not leave fume management zone.

Blasting explosives

Nil exposures. Nil unplanned evacuations.

Unintended initiation (1 incident)

Whilst conducting a scheduled inspection it was noted that there was an unacceptable level of risk present for the potential of loose overhanging rocks that may fall onto an active explosives loading area.

Blasting explosives

Mine operations ceased during risk assessment. Control measures implemented and operations resumed.

Vehicle incident (1 incident)

Strapping of a bulka bag loaded with explosives product has slipped off, tipping the bulka bag onto the ground.


Scene of incident secured. Product retrieved and repackaged. Residual product dispersed and dissolved by water truck. All drivers reminded to check load restraints.

-

Explosives incidents February 2020 report This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during February 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of February 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2019-20.

February 2020 Financial year to date (2019 20)



Figure 1: Explosives incidents and complaints February 2020

Breach exclusion zone, 3

Fume event, 1

Illegal activity, 1

Misfire, 16

Vehicle incident, 1 Explosives discrepancy, 2

Figure 2: Breakdown of misfire causes February 2020

Detonator Compression (Shrink Wrapping), 1


General

Underground


Electronic Detonator "No-Read/ No-Log", 1

Explosives Found During Excavation, 1Initiation system (IS) failure, 1

Other/unknown, 7


Water damage, 1

Figure 3: Past year incidents March 2019 – February 2020


Vehicle Incident




Fume Event



Other

Illegal Activity

Explosives found

Suspicious activity

Storage

Product Failure

Flyrock

Pump incident

Overpressure

Ground Vibration

Drill into / near explosives 1

1

1

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2

2

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7

8

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17

18

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0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18


Misfires, 236

Explosives incidents Version 1, 1 April 2020, Page 2 February 2020 © State of Queensland, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy 2020

20

Breakdown of incidents for February 2020 Security



Explosives discrepancy (2 incidents)

A detonator was found to be missing after stock take of magazine.

Detonators Missing detonator accounted for in a shot fired 3 days prior to stock take.

3 x extra boxes of explosives product incorrectly delivered to a mine site.

Detonators Picking slip error was the cause. Site investigating.

Safety




Detonator compression (shrink wrapping) x 1



Electronic detonator “no-read/no-log” x 1


Initiation system failure x 1

Other/unknown x 7


Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes


Water damage x 1 Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Breach exclusion zone (3 incidents)

An excavator has inadvertently dug into an area containing misfired explosives.

Detonator and booster

Operator ceased work and survey was conducted. Hole was identified, area barricaded and shotfirer attended. Full investigation into misfire cause ongoing.

A bushfire has occurred in the vicinity of an explosives magazine.

Blasting explosives

During emergency response, the fire has breached the implemented exclusion zone. Magazine was not affected by fire.

A number of light vehicles were identified to have breached a designated fume management zone after a blast was fired.

Blasting explosives

Nil exposures.

Fume event (1 incident)

A level 1-2 fume event generated on a mine site.

Blasting explosives

Nil exposures. Nil unplanned evacuations.

Illegal activity (1 incident)

A theft of dummy fireworks products has occurred at a property.

Fireworks Items held in secure storage in training area. Matter being addressed by QPS.


An unplanned movement of a charge truck has occurred on a mine site. Charge truck has rolled backwards into a wall at slow speed when gearbox has failed.

Blasting explosives

No injuries occurred.

Explosives incidents Version 1, 1 April 2020, Page 3 February 2020 © State of Queensland, Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy 2020


Misfire, 22

Other, 1

Vehicle Incident, 5

Explosives Discrepancy, 1



Downline Cut (Loading/ Stemming), 2

Improper tie-in, 2

Loading method, 1

Other/unknown, 4


Water damage, 2

Other/unknown UG, 1

Explosives incidents March 2020 report This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during March 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of March 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2019-20.

March 2020 Financial year to date (2019-20)



Figure 1: Explosives incidents and complaints March 2020

Figure 2: Breakdown of misfire causes March 2020

General

Underground

Explosives incidents March 2020

Version 1, 20 April 2020, Page 2


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Flyrock

Ground Vibration

Overpressure

Pump incident

Suspicious activity

Explosives found

Product Failure

Storage

Illegal Activity

Other



Fume Event




Vehicle Incident



Misfires, 225

Figure 3: Past year incidents April 2019 – March 2020

Explosives incidents March 2020

Version 1, 20 April 2020, Page 3


Breakdown of incidents for March 2020

Security Description Explosives involved Outcome/Possible causes

Explosives discrepancy (1 incident)

Explosives left in a charge vehicle following blasting at a mine site.

Detonators and packaged explosives

Following shift discovered discrepancy. Magazine and charge car secured during investigation. 20 0594

Safety






Downline cut (loading/stemming) x 2

Improper tie-in x 2

Loading method x 1

Other/unknown x 4


Water damage x 2

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes


Other/unknown x 1 Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Damage to explosives/packaging (4 incidents)

Explosives damaged during blasting on a mine site.

Booster Downhole was primed but not loaded. During stemming top booster has been damaged by stemming material. Site advised of seriousness of incident and responsibilities for reporting

A non-electric detonator lead was discovered to have been damaged by a mobile processing unit.

Downline Pegs and signage ineffective as on incorrect side of blast hole. Accessories positioned in vicinity of vehicle movements.

A mobile processing unit has reversed into a loaded pre-split hole.

Blasting explosives

Spotter was located at front of vehicle during movement and so unsighted. Detonating cord was impacted and lost down blast hole.

A downline has been cut by a loader prior to blasting.

Blasting explosives

Hole was misidentified as not loaded. Leads recovered and fired with production blast.

Other (1 incident)

An explosives transit container became blocked.

SSAN Approximately 2 tonne of explosives product affected. Affected area bunded to prevent environmental damage.


A fire has occurred on a mobile processing unit.

Blasting explosives

Cause was battery cable under cab. Fire extinguished. Suppression system activated and results observed

Suspected fire on a truck carrying explosives. SSAN Auxillary air conditioning unit over-fueled and emitted excessive black smoke. QFES advised

A truck transporting approximately 60 tonnes of explosives has rolled over.

Ammonium nitrate prill

No injury to driver. Emergency services responded. Approximately 10 tonne of product leaked through box front hatches.

A B-double has separated from the lead trailer and prime mover of a vehicle while transporting explosives.


Spillage of product occurred. No injuries. Ring feeder included on maintenance sheet, other enhancements under consideration

The rear trailer of a B-double transporting explosives has tipped into a nearby drain.


Driver miscalculated turning circle.


Flyrock, 1

Misfire, 17

Product Failure, 1

Vehicle Incident, 2







Improper tie-in, 1

Initiating Lead Line Failure, 1Other, 2


Bulk product failure, 2


Water damage, 1

Explosives incidents April 2020 report This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during April 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of April 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2019-20.

April 2020 Financial year to date (2019-20)


Industry 0 fatality 2 injuries 0 fatality 2 injuries

Figure 1: Explosives incidents and complaints April 2020

Figure 2: Breakdown of misfire causes April 2020

General

Underground

Explosives incidents April 2020

Version 1, 21 May 2020, Page 2



Misfires, 227

Figure 3: Past year incidents May 2019 – April 2020

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16

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Ground Vibration

Overpressure

Suspicious activity

Explosives found

Flyrock

Illegal Activity

Pump incident

Storage

Other


Product Failure

Fume Event





Vehicle Incident


Explosives incidents April 2020



Breakdown of incidents for April 2020


Explosives discrepancy (1 incident)

A booster unaccounted for after reconciliation of explosives remaining prior to blast.

Booster Immediate inspection of bench conducted to ensure explosives weren’t left unsecured. A number of discrepancies in associated bench procedures noted that contributed to belief booster has fallen down drill hole.

Safety







Electronic detonator “no read/no log” x 1


Improper tie-in x 1

Initiating lead line failure x 1

Other/unknown x 2


Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes


Bulk product failure x 2

Dislocation of column x 1 (reported late - occurred March 2020)

Water damage x 1

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Damage to explosives/packaging (1 incident)

A rock has fallen on two mine workers while a blast was being prepared in an underground mine.

Blasting explosives

Injuries sustained by workers. Both were discharged from hospital. No impacted explosives.

Flyrock (1 incident)

Damage to floor of section of underground mine.

Blasting explosives

Damage found to be rifling through a drill hole which intersected the area of a stope firing on a lower level of the mine.

Product failure (1 incident)

Faulty packaged explosives discovered during loading. Packaged explosives not completely filled, producing air pockets that allowed product to distort its shape.

Blasting explosives

Supplier investigating matter with manufacturer.

Vehicle incident (2 incidents)

A dewatering vehicle has reversed and made contact with a water truck on a mine site.

Nil Driver reversing without required spotter. Minor damage only. No effect on explosives.

A gasser tank had been dislodged from a mobile processing unit while travelling on a road near a mine site.

Ammonium nitrate emulsion

Mines Inspectorate task. Investigation into cause ongoing.

Illegal activity, 1

Misfire, 27

Suspicious activity, 1

Vehicle Incident, 3


Unsecured explosives, 1

Booster failure, 1





Explosives Found During Excavation, 1Other/unknown, 3


Bulk product failure, 1


Lead line cut, 1

Loading method, 1

Other/unknown, 1

Water damage, 2

Explosives incidents May 2020 report This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during May 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of May 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2019-20.

May 2020 Financial year to date (2019-20)



Figure 1: Explosives incidents and complaints May 2020

Figure 2: Breakdown of misfire causes May 2020

General

Underground

Explosives incidentsMay 2020

Version 1, 25 June 2020, Page 2


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0 5 10 15 20 25 30


Ground Vibration

Explosives found

Flyrock

Pump incident

Storage

Suspicious activity

Illegal Activity

Other


Product Failure

Fume Event





Vehicle Incident



Misfires, 237

Figure 3: Past year incidents June 2019 – May 2020

Explosives incidentsMay 2020

ty



Breakdown of incidents for May 2020Securi Description Explosives involved Outcome/Possible causes


Discrepancy discovered during stocktake of stored explosives

Detonators Consignment note error identified as cause. No loss of explosives.

A sealed box of packaged blasting explosives was found to be short by one unit of the specified full quantity.

Packaged blasting explosives

Manufacturer notified by mine site. Supplier investigation ongoing.

Unsecured explosives (1 incident)

y

Magazine keys left inside of a vehicle overnight at a mine site.

Blasting explosives Electronic key safe failed to notify that keys were missing. Software update to Win10 removed programmed security alerts.

Safet




Booster failure x 1



Electronic detonator “no read/no log” x 4


Other/unknown x 3


Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes


Bulk product failure x 1


Lead line cut x 1

Loading method x 1

Other/unknown x 1

Water damage x 2

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Illegal activity (1 incident)

An intruder has breached security fence of a compound on a mine site.

Blasting explosives

No explosives, or explosives areas, were affected during breach.

Suspicious activity (1 incident)

An unauthorised vehicle has been observed entering a manufacturing plant by a worker on site outside of business hours.


Security plan risk assessment conducted. Workers to ensure gates locked after entering site after hours to prevent unauthorised access.


A fire has occurred on an air compressor attached to a trailer within an explosives reload facility.


Investigation ongoing. Compressor pulled out of service. No explosives involved in fire.

A mobile processing unit has driven for a distance after reloading with hose still attached.

Ammonium nitrate emulsion

Spillage of approximately 3kgs of product. Minor damage to manufacturing plant occurred. Operator did not follow procedures.

A light vehicle carrying explosives has contacted a wall in an underground mine.

Blasting explosives

Misjudgment of a turn. No injuries. Minor damage to vehicle. No impact to explosives.

Explosives incidents – June 2020 This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during June 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of June 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2019-20.

June 2020 Financial year to date (2019-20)



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2

4

23


Flyrock

Fume Event

Illegal Activity

Unauthorised Possession of Explosives

Breach exclusion zone


Vehicle Incident

Misfire

0 20 40

Explosives incidents June 2020

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

4

5Other/unknown

Dislocation of column

Slumping of product

Initiation system (IS) failure

Detonator failure

Connector failure

Improper tie-in

Explosives Found During Excavation

Degradation of Product

(Underground) Other/unknown

(Underground) Improper tie-in

(Underground) Bulk product failure

0 5 10

Misfire causes June 2020

1

1

1

2

2

2

3

3

3

4

4

4

8

11

14

19

29

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Ground Vibration


Explosives found

Pump incident

Storage

Suspicious activity

Flyrock

Other


Fume Event

Illegal Activity

Product Failure





Vehicle Incident

Past year incidents July 2019 - June 2020 (111)

Other incidents,

111

Misfires, 246

Explosives Inspectorate | Resources Safety & Health Queensland 2 of 2

Breakdown of incidents for June 2020


Explosives discrepancy (2 incidents) A package of explosives has been labelled with incorrect quantity (length)

Detonators Package labelled correctly, however extra label was added. No further discrepancy.

Explosives unaccounted for during reconciliation.

Booster Search of magazine did not locate booster. Blast site shut down. QPS attended site. Booster likely lost down hole.

Safety Description Explosives


Misfires – aboveground (20 incidents) Connector failure x 2 Degradation of product x 1 Detonator failure x 2 Dislocation of column x 4 Explosives found during excavation x 1 Improper tie-in x 1 Initiation system failure x 2 Other/unknown x 5 Slumping of product x 2

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes


Bulk product failure x 1 Improper tie-in x 1 Other/unknown x 1

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Breach exclusion zone (1 incidents) A vehicle has breached management zones on a mine site. Blasting

explosives Blast guards failed to secure site. Blasting was resumed once area cleared.

Damage to explosives packaging (1 incident) A stemming truck has impacted and dislodged a booster at a downhole.

Blasting explosives

Booster location identified and dug under.

Flyrock (1 incident) Flyrock from a nearby blast has travelled outside the blast zone and impacted a vehicle.

Blasting explosives

No injuries. Damage to dragline vehicle. Face burst and overpressure likely cause.

Fume event (1 incident) A level 2 fume event was generated on a mine site. Fume left fume management zone.

Blasting explosives

No exposures. No unplanned evacuations.

Illegal activity (1 incident) Downhole primers have been impacted by backfill, however after being reprimed, the shotfirer did not tie in, or mark all leads, resulting in a misfire.

Leads and boosters

Site unable to determine which leads were fired, in addition to an incorrect explosives quantity during reconciliation (since corrected).

Unauthorised possession of explosives (1 incident) A number of illegal fireworks have been initiated on a public street.

Fireworks No injuries reported.

Vehicle incident (4 incidents) A mobile processing unit operator has overloaded a number or presplit holes with bulk explosives.

Blasting explosives

Remediation plan implemented. Product diluted and removed where possible.

A forklift has made contact with a shipping container loaded with explosives, resulting in a spillage.


Approximately 10 tonne of product spilt. Controls put in place. Area secured and cleaned.

While charging production holes, workers have identified smoke emitting from a charge car.

Blasting explosives

Charge car shutdown and isolated. Explosives product removed. Faulty spotlight found to be cause.

Retarder on a mobile processing unit was found not working during movement down a decline.

Blasting explosives

Inspection of unit found switch that activates retarder was turned off during previous service.

Explosives incidents – July 2020

This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during July 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of July 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2020-21.

July 2020 Financial year to date (2020-21)



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1

1

2

2

2

3

3

3

4

4

6

6

10

13

20

31

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Ground Vibration


Explosives found

Pump incident

Storage

Suspicious activity

Flyrock

Other


Illegal Activity

Product Failure


Fume Event




Vehicle Incident

Past year Incidents August 2019 - July 2020 (112)

Other Incidents,

112

Misfires, 261

1

2

2

3

3

28

0 20 40

Other

Fume Event


Vehicle Incident


Misfire

Explosives Incidents July 2020

0

1111111111

22

79

5 10

Bulk product failureConnector failureDetonator failure

Explosives Found During ExcavationImproper tie-in

Other(Underground) Bulk product failure

(Underground) Explosives found mucking out(Underground) Initiating Lead Line Failure

(Underground) OtherDownline Cut (Loading/ Stemming)

Unknown/unidentified(Underground) Unknown/unidentified(Underground) Dislocation of column

Misfire Causes July 2020


Breakdown of incidents for July 2020 Security



Issued out of date class 1.1D product to a mine site

Blasting explosives Human error, magazine keeper did not follow proper process. Extension requested for shelf life of product.


2 x boosters not able to be accounted for by a mine site

Boosters Various checks and searches conducted. Could not locate missing boosters.

Missing Primer and Detonator Primer and Detonator Routine stocktake has revealed 1 x D Primer and 1 x LP #14 Detonator are not accounted for. Site security procedures updated.

Unsecured Explosives (2 incidents)

During the last night shift whilst the OCE was undertaking the inspection of the mine explosives compound the gate to the magazine compound was found to be unsecured and open.

Blasting explosives The OCE reported to the D&B Supervisor who attended the compound and inspected the chain, lock, magazine doors, magazine locks. There were no signs of any forced entry or foul play. A stock count was conducted on explosives. all were found accounted for.

Magazine gates left open for a period of time

Blasting explosives Magazine compound undergoing restructure to include alter licencing requirements, as a result a new gate was installed to the compound and pad lock was not fully secured through chain.

Safety Description Explosives involved Outcome/Possible causes


Bulk product failure x 1 Connector failure x 1 Detonator failure x 1 Downline Cut (Loading/ Stemming) x 2 Explosives found during excavation x 1 Improper tie-in x 1 Other/unknown x 3

Blasting explosives No adverse outcomes


Bulk product failure x 1 (Underground) Dislocation of column x 9 (Underground) Explosives found mucking out x 1 (Underground) Initiating Lead Line Failure x 1 Improper tie-in x 1 Other/unknown x 8


Fume event (2 incidents)

Level 3 – 4 Fume Event - Breached lease boundary.

Blasting explosives No exposures. No unplanned evacuations. Poor blast design.

Fume event (level 3) did not leave the exclusion zone

Blasting explosives There is a recommended maximum column height for gassing wet product at 1.1 density – 20m of column height. The load sheets show that 29 holes out of 157 exceeded the 20m maximum (max was 2 holes at 21.5m). While the product confinement didn’t appear to have a deleterious impact on the blast, it was a contributing factor to the fume event.

Non-compliant packaging (1 incident)

A mine packaged explosives and returned them to a Government Explosives Reserve for investigation. Packaging used was non-compliant.

Blasting explosives No injuries. Breakdown in internal processes and communication for returns between manufacturer and customer.


B-double carrying AN Prill was involved in an interaction with a light vehicle on a public road outside Maryborough.

Ammonium Nitrate Prill

No injuries. No spill. Damage to bull bar. Driver of light vehicle fell asleep at the wheel.

An empty B-double was hit by a light vehicle. Trailers had residual AN Prill on board.

Ammonium Nitrate Prill

No injuries. Damage to B-double’s drivers side centre and rear axle groups. Heavy damage to light vehicle. Light vehicle driver fell asleep at the wheel.

Emulsion pod fell off vehicle in emulsion bay

Emulsion Spillage occurred. No injuries. Emulsion pod damaged. Unsecured load. Procedure lacked detail about load security.

Explosives incidents – August 2020

This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during August 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of August 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2020-21.

August 2020 Financial year to date (2020-21)



1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

4

4

6

0 2 4 6 8

Connector failure

Electronic Detonator "No-Read/…

Improper tie-in

Initiating Lead Line Failure

Other

Water damage

Initiating Lead Line Failure

Downline Cut (Loading/ Stemming)

(Underground)…


(Underground) Dislocation of…

Unknown/unidentified

Misfire Causes August 2020

1

1

2

3

6

25

0 10 20 30



Fume Event


Vehicle Incident

Misfire

Explosives Incidents August 2020

1

2

2

2

2

3

3

3

4

67

1115

20

37

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40


Product Failure

Pump incident

Storage

Suspicious activity

Flyrock

Other


Illegal Activity


Fume Event




Vehicle Incident

Past year incidents August 2019 - July 2020 (118)

Misfires, 277

Other incidents,

118


Breakdown of incidents for August 2020 Security



15 containers of cast boosters imported with inaccurate quantities on transport documentation

Blasting explosives Accounting issue. No adverse outcomes.Explosives discrepancy (1 incident)


OCE found gates unsecured at SSAN reload area.

SSAN Shed/ Container/ Compound/ Magazine Not Locked. No adverse outcomes.

Operator noticed leaking butterfly valve on emulsion tank and decided to repair/replace. As a result approximately 3.5tn of emulsion 3375 class 5.1 was lost to ground.

Emulsion Product was contained within the secured compound and was in the presence of an authorised person. No adverse outcomes.

Operator of a charge car (containing blasting explosives) has parked the vehicle and left the explosive carry boxes dummy locked and unsecured.

Blasting Explosives A stock take was immediately conducted by senior mining representatives which found that the explosives quantities were accurate with the vehicle manifest/documentation – no discrepancies were identified. The employee was tested for drug and alcohol screening and provided a statement. No adverse outcomes.

Safety Description Explosives involved Outcome/Possible causes


Connector failure x 1 Dislocation of column x 4 Downline Cut (Loading/ Stemming) x 2 Electronic Det "No-Read/ No-Log" Explosives x 1 Improper tie-in x 1 Initiating Lead Line Failure x 2 Other/unknown x 7 Water damage x 1



(Underground) Dislocation of column x 4 (Underground) Other/unknown x 2


Fume event (2 incidents)

Post Blast Cloud travelled outside predicted pathway and moved over the mine active mining area.

Blasting explosives No injuries. No adverse outcomes.

Level 4 Fume event left lease boundary. Blasting explosives Shot was affected by rain event. No injuries. No adverse

outcomes. Vehicle incident (6 incidents)

MPU driver observed smoke in rear view mirrors emanating from pos 3 (LHS rear) truck wheel.

Ammonium Nitrate Vehicle bearings caused fire. Stopped vehicle and obtained fire extinguishers however did not need to discharge these on the wheel. The smoke dissipated quickly. No injuries.

An MPU travelled under the ANE tank to load the MPU with ANE and the TRAM unit hit and damaged the ANE tank and pipework.

AN Prill The TRAM (Travel Restraint Access Module) unit on the MPU was left up after the Operator filled the AN Prill. No injuries and no loss of containment.

During unloading of a bagged import the load was unstrapped. The driver had then moved forward to the unloading point. As he travelled a 1t bag fell from the tray and was clipped by a tyre breaching the bag.

SSAN Spillage occurred. No injuries. Unsecured load.

A Double (road train) tanker truck involved in a vehicle collision. Truck had left mine and building up speed (60kph) when an oncoming car veered into road

ANE Seals and emulsion tanks had not been compromised. Diesel fuel leak from RHS belly fuel tank. No serious injuries reported.

3 of 3

train lane and side swiped the road train.

Charge car basket has contacted Light Vehicle LHS front guard. Light vehicle contained explosives.

Blasting Explosives No injuries. Security of explosives was not compromised. Partially blocked visibility.

Smoke resulted on Charmec charge car from a suspected short on circuit breaker within the electrical instrument panel.

Emulsion A circuit breaker had tripped. No injuries. No adverse outcomes.

Explosives incidents – September 2020This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during September 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of September 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2020-21.

September 2020 Financial year to date (2020-21)



1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

2

8

0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9

Detonator failure

U/Ground Downline Cut (Loading/…

Electronic Detonator "No-Read/…

Lead line cut

Slumping of product

(Rocket) Unknown/unidentified


Initiation system (IS) failure

Other



Misfire Causes September 2020

1

1

2

2

2

2

3

3

5

6

8

12

14

21

37

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Storage


Product Failure

Pump incident

Suspicious activity


Flyrock

Other

Illegal Activity


Fume Event




Vehicle incident

Past Year Incidents August 2019 - September 2020 (118)

Misfires, 285

Other Incidents,

118

1

1

1

2

3

22

0 5 10 15 20 25

Damage to explosives /packaging

Fume Event

Illegal Activity


Vehicle Incident

Misfire

Explosives Incidents September 2020


Breakdown of incidents for September 2020Security

Description Explosives involved Outcome/Possible causes

Explosives discrepancy (2 incidents)Manufacturer - under supply of a single 32x200 chub to a mine site

Blasting explosives Manufacturer provided with batch number for investigation. No adverse outcomes.

Manufacturer - under supply of a single electronic detonator to a mine site

Detonators Manufacturer provided with batch number for investigation. No adverse outcomes.

SafetyDescription Explosives involved Outcome/Possible causes

Misfires – aboveground (21 incidents)Detonator failure 1 Electronic Det "No-Read/ No-Log" 1 Lead line cut 1 Slumping of product 1 (Rocket) Unknown/unidentified 1 Explosives Found During Excavation 2 Initiation system (IS) failure 2 Other 2 Unknown/unidentified 2 Dislocation of column 8


Misfires – underground (1 incident)

Underground Downline Cut (Loading/ Stemming) 1


Vehicle incident (3 incidents)An Explosives Reserve Manager observed a naked flame on a DG tanker parked outside the reserve. closer inspection established a gas cooker being used on top of the side tank of the prime mover.

Emulsion Driver advised to remove the gas cooker away from the vehicle. Incident report to Principal Inspector of Explosives for further investigation. No adverse outcomes.

Semi trailer was carting AN to shot pattern when trailer A axle "u bolt" failed causing the axle to turn sharply and stopping truck from moving.

Ammonium Nitrate Lack of maintenance – axle u bolt rusted. Trailer removed from site for repairs. No adverse outcomes

The tank on an ammonium nitrate emulsion trailer distorted possibly due to a lowered internal pressure.

Ammonium Nitrate Advised to isolate and obtain technical support from onsite blasting contractor. No adverse outcomes

Illegal Activity (1 Incident)Security breach (break in) Emulsion Incident reported to QPS and site security systems upgraded.

Fume event (1 incident)Seven Coal Mine Workers approximately two kilometres away from a fired shot stated they smelled something and complained of headaches and sore throats. Monitors in place did not detect any fume gases nor was a fume cloud generated by the blast. All seven were taken to hospital by mine vehicles to be examined by a doctor.

Blasting Explosives Little evidence of NoX production. No prolonged adverse outcomes.

Damage to explosives/packaging (1 incident) Forklift damaged explosives packaging – found during monthly stocktake at a mine site


Explosives incidents – October 2020

This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during October 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of October 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2020-21.

October 2020 Financial year to date (2020-21)



0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 24 26 28 30 32 34 36


Suspicious activity

Product Failure

Pump incident


Explosives Found

Flyrock

Other

Illegal Activity


Fume Event




Vehicle incident

Past Year Incidents November 2019 - October 2020

5

21

2

2

1

0 5 10 15 20 2

Misfire

Explosives found



Explosives Incidents October 2020

1111111111

25

4

0 1 2 3 4 5 6

Bulk product failureDetonator failure

Electronic Detonator "No-Read/ No-Log"Improper tie-in

Initiating Lead Line FailureSlumping of productWater damage - UG

Dislocation of column - UGLead line cut - UG

Unknown/unidentified - UGOther

Explosives Found During ExcavationUnknown/unidentified

Misfire Causes October 2020

Misfires283

Other Incidents

114


Breakdown of incidents for October 2020 Security

Description Explosives

involved

The shot was loaded and to be slept overnight. The Shotfirer departed site prior to his relief team member arriving and handed control to the site supervisor who is not a QLD Security Card holder. Immediately becoming aware the Regional Manager attended personally to secure the shot and wait for the night shift relief.

Blasting explosives

Requested internal investigation by blasting company remains outstanding. No adverse outcomes.



Mine worker conducted a pre-start inspection on a vehicle that was used for charging operations on night shift. Found an unsecured explosive i.e. a single 32 x 700mm packaged explosive chub in carry box. Immediately notified supervisor.

Blasting explosives

Requested internal investigation remains outstanding. No adverse outcomes.

Explosives Discrepancy (1 incident)

Missing 400g booster. When baiting the holes on bench it was noted hole 10 was displaying excess stemming around the collar of the hole. After clearing it was noted there was no booster present.

The shot firer notified, counts checked and re-checked with a full inspection of the ground area. The site supervisor notified. The hole was dipped and rebaited to full depth and loaded to plan.

Blasting explosives

Booster possibly rolled into hole 10. No adverse outcomes.

Explosives found (2 incidents)

Excavator operator found product (74kg) in the dig area. No initiation elements. Excavator Operator called supervisor and OCE. Shotfirer was then called to inspect.

Blasting explosives

Appears to be dislocation. Blasting service investigation remains outstanding. No adverse outcomes.

Unfired hole discovered. Hole cleaned out and dug deeper to ensure no residue left

Blasting explosives

Believed that IE functioned but did not propagate to BE. No adverse outcomes.

Other (1 incidents)

Magazine compound gate was discovered to be closed but not locked with the padlock

Blasting Explosives and Detonators

No adverse outcomes.

Safety



Misfires – aboveground (17 incidents)Bulk Product Failure 1 Detonator failure 1 Electronic Det "No-Read/ No-Log" 1 Improper tie-in 1 Initiating lead line failure 1 Slumping of product 1 Explosives Found During Excavation 5 Other 2 Unknown/unidentified 4

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Misfires – underground (4 incidents)Water Damage 1 Dislocation of column 1 Lead line cut 1 Unknown/unidentified 1

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

1

1

1

1

1

1

1

2

2

3

0 1 2 3

Lead line cut


Down Lines Fell in Hole


Loading method

Other

Slumping of product

Electronic Detonator"No-Read/ No-Log"

Dislocation of column UG


Misfire Causes November 2020

1

1

1

2

2

2

3

3

4

5

5

9

11

17

19

33

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

Suspicious activity


Theft of Explosives

Product Failure

Pump incident


Flyrock

Explosives Found


Illegal Activity

Other

Fume Event




Vehicle Incident

Past Year Incidents December 2019 - November 2020 (119)

Explosives incidents – November 2020 This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during November 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of November 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2020-21.

November 2020 Financial year to date (2020-21)



1

1

1

1

1

1

1

4

14

0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14

Damage to explosives /packaging

Fume Event

Other


Explosives found

Theft of explosives

Vehicle Incident


Misfire

Explosives Incidents November 2020

Misfires265

OtherIncidents

119


Breakdown of incidents for November 2020



Unsecured Explosives (4 incidents) 1 x Pentex Stopeprime found on main decline Area Isolated, Charge crew contacted to come to location, remainder of decline checked for explosives, Charge crew collected primer, Immediate explosive count conducted

Blasting explosives

Internal investigation conducted. No adverse outcomes.

SSAN reload key was found unsecured in the blast area light vehicle park up area. Stock checked and any signs of detectable theft.

SSAN No adverse outcomes. Believed to be result of an earlier fall by an employee where keys fell out of pocket.

Incoming Shotfirer went to retrieve the magazine keys from the locked safe in the office. Upon opening the safe it was noted the keys were not in the safe. Shotfirer informed site supervisor and site supervisor went to the shot ute in the car park and opened the centre console and found the magazine keys.

Blasting Explosives

Investigation pending. No adverse outcomes.

A single 32x200 powermite pro plug was found on the floor of a charge basket. Pre inspection checks prior to conducting maintenance identified the explosive.

Blasting Explosives

Development Charger and Trainee Development Charger on the previous shift left the plug in the basket unsecured after charging numerous faces, this is attributed to an assumption that all plugs were used in the charged faces, and the Chargers Record Sheet being incorrectly filled out. No adverse outcomes.

Explosives Discrepancy (1 incident) After reconciliation of IE used in loaded shot, the shotfirer identified that the stock count for the detonator leads was up 1 lead from recorded stock take.

Detonator Incident investigated by manufacturer and discovered box was overpacked by one detonator lead. No adverse outcomes.

Explosives found (1 incidents) One box of Detonators discovered in a locked detonator carry box on a delivery truck at a mine site. Box suspected to be left from a delivery to a separate mine on a previous date.

Detonators Investigation underway. No adverse outcomes.

Theft of explosives (1 incidents)

EXPLOSIVES MISSING / One railway track signal was missing from a set of three placed on track. Remote area, suspected that it may have been taken by wildlife.

Signal No issues identified or adverse outcomes.



Misfires – aboveground (12 incidents) Loading method 1 Down lines fell in hole 1 Electronic Det "No-Read/ No-Log" 2 Lead lines cut 1 Slumping of product 1 Dislocation of column 1 Explosives Found During Excavation 1 Other 1 Unknown/unidentified 3

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Misfires – underground (2 incidents) Dislocation of column 2

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Fume Event (1 Incident)

1st Blast fired. Observed Blast fume event after initiation. Followed explosive TARP. Fume did not leave personnel clearance boundary as it rose up and dissipated. As a precaution the OCE relocated personnel away from area.

Blasting Explosives


Other (1 Incident)

3 of 3

Unauthorised person fired shot. Blasting Explosives


Vehicle Incident 1 Incidents)

Battery on MPU exploded causing damage to battery housing.

Emulsion No fire or further damage was incurred. No adverse outcomes.

1

1

1

1

2

2

2

4

0 1 2 3 4

Down Lines Fell in Hole

Downline Cut (Loading/Stemming)

Electronic Detonator "No-Read/ No-Log"

Other

Slumping of product


UG Unknown/unidentified

UG Dislocation of column

Misfire Causes December 2020

0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

Ground Vibration

Other UG

Pump incident


Theft of explosives

Flyrock

Product Failure UG

Suspicious activity


Other AG


Illegal Activity

Explosives found


Fume Event



Vehicle Incident

Past Year Incidents January 2020 - December 2020 (121)

Explosives incidents – December 2020 This document presents statistics for all explosives safety and security incidents reported during December 2020. It also includes a cumulative summary of all safety and security incidents for the last twelve month period. The number of injuries and fatalities occurring in the community and industry are presented for the month of December 2020, as well as the cumulative total for the financial year 2020-21.

December 2020 Financial year to date (2020-21)



0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

Fume Event

Ground Vibration

Suspicious activity



Explosives found


Vehicle Incident

Misfires

Explosives Incidents December 2020

Misfires256

Other Incidents

121


Breakdown of incidents for December 2020



Unsecured Explosives (2 incidents) SSAN Compound. Employee has misplaced a key that provides access to all locks at the SSAN compound.

SSAN Key found following day. No adverse outcomes.

Employee had lost a key to an emulsion tank. Emulsion Company operates a three tier key system so the loss of this key alone, did not compromise security to the compound. Keys, codes and locks replaced. No adverse outcomes.

Explosives Discrepancy (1 incident) Manufacturer had supplied (imported) packaged product to customer. There was supposed to only be 135 chubbs per box, but one box contained 140 chubbs (5 extra)

Blasting explosives

Manufacturer conducted internal investigation. No adverse outcomes.

Explosives found (1 incident) Member of public discovered old military dumps near site of old interment camp. Matter referred to SATO officer Dean JOHNSON who called Mr Riding to resolve.

Military ordnance

Matter referred to SATO. No adverse outcomes.

Suspicious Activity (1 incident) Manufacture site has had one security camera inside the rear fence broken away by a hammer and the camera removed

Blasting explosives

QPS contacted and attended site, removed hammer found at scene for forensic examination.



Misfires – aboveground (7 incidents) Down lines fell in hole 1 Electronic Det "No-Read/ No-Log" 1 Slumping of product 2 Unknown/unidentified 2 Other 1

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Misfires – underground (7 incidents) Dislocation of column 4 Down lines cut (Loading/Stemming) 1 Unknown/unidentified 2

Blasting explosives

No adverse outcomes

Fume Event (1 Incident)

Blast was fired and categorised as a no fume event (level 0). Blast dust however did leave the fume management zone. Two haul truck operators were travelling at the time of firing outside of the blast exclusion zone. The two operators have reported an unidentified smell through the vents of their air-conditioning and have then reported having headaches and nausea.

Blasting explosives

Internal investigation conducted, medical attention provided to 2 affected operators who were cleared to return to work. No adverse outcomes.

Unintended Initiation (1 incident)

A vac truck was used to remove stemming from a loaded hole with non-communicating electronic detonators. After removing approximately half, the stemming temperatures within the stemming zone quickly rose to above 80 degrees.

Emulsion Area was evacuated and made safe. No adverse outcomes.

Ground Vibration (1 Incident)

Worker was struck in the shoulder by a rock during bombing activities in a hung up drawpoint.

Blasting explosives

Inadequate bund size or location relative to the hung up brow to prevent rock from entering the drawpoint access. Injured party taken to hospital. Mines Inspectorate investigating.

Vehicle Incident (6 Incidents)

MMU identified with a haze/mist discharge originating from the rear discharge chute. Operator noticed a flame originate from the rear discharge chute. The MMU was shut down and fire suppression activated. Fire extinguished.

Emulsion The machine was stood down and returned to the explosives yard until it had been inspected by a fitter. No adverse outcomes.

3 of 3

Stemming loader travelling down slope has braked, rear wheels lifted, and full bucket has hit ground and slid over Unitronic leads in loaded hole.

Blasting Explosives


An Auger struck a bollard whilst traversing through the reload to fill up AN.

Ammonium Nitrate


A closed SLC draw point has slumped and rolled into a manned charge car basket causing a bruise to the operator’s leg.

Nil Mines Inspectorate investigating.

Stem Truck has made slight contact with its rear auger on MMU side mudguard. Nil damage to MMU. Nil Damage to stem truck auger.

Blasting Explosives

Nil damage, no adverse outcomes

Vehicle cut corner and trailer hit stump causing damage to the mudguard. Explosives transport not damaged.

Blasting Explosives

Nil damage, no adverse outcomes

2020 explosives incidents report | resources safety

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