Mining›SWMS

Drilling & Blasting SWMS

Drilling and blasting operations present the most acutely dangerous hazard profile in mining, combining the mechanical risks of drill rig operation with the explosive and toxic hazards of blast initiation. Flyrock ejection can cause fatal injuries to persons hundreds of metres from the blast, blast fume containing nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide creates toxic atmospheric conditions that persist until ventilation clears the area, and premature detonation during charging can cause multiple fatalities. The nitrogen dioxide WEL is reducing from 3 to 0.5 ppm in December 2026 — an 83 per cent reduction that will extend blast re-entry clearance times and require enhanced atmospheric monitoring protocols. This SWMS covers drilling, charging, firing, and post-blast procedures.

Legal Requirements

regulation

WHS Regulation 2025 Part 9 — Explosives; State mining legislation (RSHQ, Resources Regulator, DMIRS)

hrcw category

Blasting and explosives work (licensed shotfirer required)

code of practice

Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals; state blasting codes (binding July 2026 under Section 26A)

section 26a binding

Yes — Hazardous Chemicals code binding July 2026. State blasting codes apply additionally.

Hazards

Hazard	Consequence	Likelihood
Flyrock ejection from blast striking persons beyond the exclusion zone	Fatal blunt trauma, crush injuries at distances up to 500m	Unlikely
Nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide in blast fume	Pulmonary oedema (delayed onset), asphyxiation, death	Possible
Premature detonation during charging or connection of initiation systems	Multiple fatalities, severe blast injuries	Unlikely
Silica dust from drilling into quartz-bearing rock	Silicosis, lung cancer	Likely
Drill rig entanglement in rotating drill string and rod handler	Fatal entanglement, amputation, crush injuries	Possible

Controls (Hierarchy of Controls)

Establish and enforce blast exclusion zones based on charge weight, burden, and geological conditions

Monitor NO2 and CO concentrations using real-time gas detectors before permitting re-entry after blasting

Separate explosives and detonators during transport and storage as required by AS 2187

Use electronic initiation systems with security codes to prevent unintended detonation

Suppress silica dust from drilling using water injection through the drill string

Maintain all drill rig guards and emergency stops — implement LOTO for maintenance

Conduct post-blast inspection for misfires before any person enters the blast area

Recent Prosecutions

Blast fume exposure — Queensland underground mine$680,000

Five workers were hospitalised after re-entering a development heading before blast fume had cleared. NO2 concentrations exceeded safe limits. The mine had no real-time gas monitoring at the re-entry point and relied on timed re-entry rather than atmospheric verification.

2024 — Resources Safety and Health Queensland Prosecution Database

What Your SWMS Must Include

✓Exclusion zone calculation methodology based on charge weight and geological conditions

✓Blast re-entry procedure requiring atmospheric monitoring verification for NO2 and CO

✓Explosives handling and storage procedure compliant with AS 2187 and state requirements

✓Misfire management procedure including waiting periods, inspection, and recovery methods

✓Silica dust suppression requirements for all drilling operations including water injection specifications

Need a compliant Drilling & Blasting SWMS?

Our WHS consultants develop drilling and blasting SWMS with exclusion zone calculations, blast fume re-entry procedures, and silica controls mapped to the incoming WEL.