A recent incident has highlighted the risks associated with fly rock during blasting operations.
Two shotfirers were parked 320 metres from an overburden blast when one hole, which had a reduced stem height, ejected a 1kg rock further than expected. The rock struck the windscreen of their vehicle. Fortunately, no one was injured, but this could have had serious consequences.
Key takeaways for industry
- Review blast exclusion zones – If blasting conditions change, exclusion zones must be reassessed to ensure they are appropriate.
- Formalise changes to key documents – Updates to the Explosives Management Plan, Blast Guard, and Exclusion Zone Safe Work Instructions (SWI) must be approved, circulated, and communicated to all relevant personnel.
