Mining›SWMS

Explosives Handling & Storage SWMS

Explosives handling in mining encompasses the receipt, storage, transport, preparation, and loading of bulk and packaged explosives products, detonators, and initiation systems. Each stage presents distinct hazards ranging from premature detonation during handling to toxic exposure from nitrous fume contact. Explosives storage must comply with AS 2187 and state explosives legislation with requirements for magazine construction, separation distances, quantity limits, and security. The handling of detonators separately from bulk explosives is a critical safety requirement because detonators are the most sensitive component in the explosive chain. This SWMS covers explosives receipt, magazine operations, transport, and delivery to blast holes.

Legal Requirements

regulation

WHS Regulation 2025 Part 9 — Explosives; AS 2187; State explosives legislation

hrcw category

Explosives handling and storage (licensed shotfirer and explosives security required)

code of practice

Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals (binding July 2026); State explosives codes

section 26a binding

Yes — Hazardous Chemicals code binding July 2026. State explosives requirements apply additionally.

Hazards

Hazard	Consequence	Likelihood
Premature detonation during handling, transport, or loading	Multiple fatalities, catastrophic blast injuries	Unlikely
Magazine fire or explosion from lightning strike, static discharge, or security breach	Mass casualty event, environmental contamination	Unlikely
Toxic exposure from nitrous fume contact with explosives products	Headache, hypotension, methemoglobinemia	Possible
Vehicle incident during explosives transport on mine roads	Detonation risk, fire, multiple casualties	Unlikely
Manual handling of packaged explosive products and detonator boxes	Musculoskeletal injuries, dropped product	Likely

Controls (Hierarchy of Controls)

Separate detonators from bulk explosives during transport and storage at all times

Maintain explosives magazines to AS 2187 standards including separation distances and security

Use designated explosives transport vehicles with placarding, fire suppression, and earthing

Restrict explosives handling to licensed personnel with current shotfirer authority

Implement explosives security register tracking all receipts, issues, returns, and destructions

Prohibit smoking, mobile phones, and other ignition sources in explosives handling areas

Provide nitrile gloves for handling explosive products to prevent dermal absorption

Recent Prosecutions

Explosives storage non-compliance — NSW$320,000

A mining operation was found storing detonators and bulk explosives in the same magazine compartment in breach of AS 2187 separation requirements. The magazine also lacked the required lightning protection system. The breach was identified during a routine Resources Regulator inspection.

2024 — NSW Resources Regulator Prosecution Database

What Your SWMS Must Include

✓Magazine management procedure compliant with AS 2187 including separation distances and quantity limits

✓Explosives transport procedure specifying vehicle requirements, routes, and emergency response

✓Security and reconciliation system tracking all explosive products from receipt to use or destruction

✓Detonator-explosive separation procedure applying at all stages from storage through to blast hole loading

✓Licensed personnel verification procedure confirming current shotfirer authority before handling

Need a compliant Explosives Handling SWMS?

Our WHS consultants develop explosives handling SWMS with AS 2187 magazine compliance, security systems, and transport procedures.