Guidance Note
Surface exploration drilling checklist
This checklist has been developed for employers such as mining and exploration licence holders and drilling
contractors to help identify and eliminate common safety issues associated with surface exploration drilling.
Background
In surface exploration drilling, a number of holes are drilled
in the ground to retrieve samples from varied depths. This
often presents potential hazards due to the variety of drill
rigs and auxiliary equipment used in difficult or rugged
areas, and new or changing conditions.
As an employer, you must have an OHS plan and ensure
workers onsite are aware of it. In this plan, you must identify
all hazards and implement adequate control measures to
eliminate or reduce the risks to safety.
The main hazards in surface exploration drilling are associated
with four critical areas:
1. Access to drill site.
2. Establishing drill site.
3. Drill rig work area including:
• work place ergonomics
• exposure (dust and aerosol or noise)
• working at heights
• objects falling from heights
• fire hazards
• overhead or underground infrastructure and services
hazards (eg pipelines).
4. Equipment:
• high pressure systems (such as hydraulic pressure or
compressed air)
• worn or fatigued parts
• malfunction of operational safety systems
• operator error
• handling of objects.
These four areas are addressed in part 1 of the checklist.
Part 2 focuses on additional OHS considerations and part 3
is a prompt for your Safety Management System.
GUI0112/01/08.10
August 2010
Using the checklist
Use the checklist as a starting point to ensure health and
safety is being maintained and controls are regularly
reviewed at your work site.
Complete parts 1 and 2 of the checklist. Part 3 has been
included as a prompt for your safety management system.
If you answer NO anywhere on the checklist, this means
action must be taken to make your workplace safer and you
should seek advice from a suitably qualified person.
Further information
Contact the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service on
1800 136 089 or go to worksafe.vic.gov.au
Related WorkSafe publications
Guidance Note, Occupational health and safety in surface
exploration
Guidance Note, First aid in the workplace
Guidance Note, Workplace amenities and work environment
Other publications
Queensland Resources Council, 2004, Minerals
exploration safety (Guidance Note)
Note: This guidance material has been prepared using the best information
available to the Victorian WorkCover Authority and should be used for general
use only. Any information about legislative obligations or responsibilities
included in this material is only applicable to the circumstances described in
the material. You should always check the legislation referred to in this
material and make your own judgement about what action you may need to
take to ensure you have complied with the law. Accordingly, the Victorian
WorkCover Authority cannot be held responsible and extends no warranties
as to the suitability of the information for your specific circumstances; or
actions taken by third parties as a result of information contained in the
guidance material.
Checklist overleaf
 Guidance Note Safety in surface exploration drilling checklist

Checklist for safety in surface exploration drilling.

If you answer ‘no’ to anything in the checklist, you should develop a safety action plan using the template at the end of the
checklist. This may also be used to update your OHS plan.

Part 1. The four critical areas

1. Access to drill site Yes/No Action
Are the access roads/tracks to the drill site well formed: steepness and width?
Are roads suitable for the vehicles and machines in use?
Is access to the drill site on an exploration or mining licence clearly marked?
Is edge protection in place where required?
2. The drill site Yes/No Action
Is the drill site safe from natural hazards (eg falling rocks, trees or branches,
vertical openings, sheer drops)?
Have overhead powerlines or underground services been identified?
Does the drill site allow:
• clear access
• good visibility (no blind spots)
• suitable working space
• parking area
• escape routes in case of emergency?
Are deep ponds fenced or equipped to prevent people falling into them?
Is the drill site free of litter and slips, trips and falls hazards?
Is the drill site level and stable?
3. Drill rig work area Yes/No Action
3.1 Set up
Are the drill rig jacks on a suitable foundation?
If jacks can be locked in position, are they secure?
3.2 Access
Is the ground around the drill rig free from litter and slips, trips and falls hazards?
Are walkways clear?
Are ladders used according to the Australian Standard AS 1567 – 1992?
3.3 Inspection and maintenance
Are there specification/service manuals on site covering the rig and additional
equipment?
Are there records relating to pre-start checks including third party inspections?
Is there a system for recording/reporting mechanical faults?
Are gauges, warnings, emergency stop buttons and controls on the driller’s
console labelled (eg clean, legible and operational)?
3.4 Mast and lifting
Is the rig mast in good condition (eg no bends, twists, cracked welds or supports)?
Are mast pivot points and locking pins secured and in good condition?
Are all bolts tightened and in place (not loose or missing)?
Are pull-down/pull-back chains or cables in good condition?

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 Guidance Note Safety in surface exploration drilling checklist

Are hoisting cables, wire lines and slings free from knots, kinks, whiskers or
broken wires?
Is all lifting gear (eg chain, swivels, shackles, wire rope and slings) tagged or
stamped with safe working load?
Are winch drums and sheaves in good condition (free from signs of excessive
wear, visible damage or cracks)?
Do wire ropes conform to the original manufacturers specifications?
Are hoist limits regularly checked and tested?
3.5 Drill rod handling
Does the site layout reduce the need to handle, move or carry drill rods?
Do drill rod handling procedures assist to prevent injury and include:
• pre-drilling/collaring activity
• production
• pack up
• jammed drill rods?
Is there a drill rod handling carousel and procedure for loading the carousel?
Are drill rod break-out tools and equipment in good condition?
Have drill rod break-out tools been checked for wear?
Are the drill rods stored securely?
4. Equipment Yes/No Action
4.1 Pressure
If pressure relief valves are fitted, is there a testing procedure?
Are hydraulic hoses inspected for leaks, cuts and torn outer casing?
Is any double braid wire showing?
Are all high pressure hoses in good condition and free from sharp edges?
Are high pressure hoses equipped with whip checks or flogger chains?
Are manifolds, exhaust pipes, turbo-chargers and mufflers in good condition
and adequately guarded or heat shielded?
4.2 Electrical
Is a residual-current device fitted to generators and regularly tested?
Are electric cables and tools in good condition and fitted with current test tag?
Are electrical cables safely positioned (not a tripping hazard) and protected
from damage?
Are the drill rig night lights and electrical fittings waterproof, clean and adequate?
4.3 Dangerous parts
Is suitable guarding in place for hot surfaces and rotating, moving and
electrical parts?
Is the area free from potentially dangerous objects (eg falling objects,
whipping ropes or gas bottles)?
Does the drill rig have an automatic cut-off device to the operator’s position/seat?
If there are any potentially explosive gases around, are potential ignition
sources guarded and checked?

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 Guidance Note Safety in surface exploration drilling checklist

Part 2. Additional OHS considerations

People and amenities Yes/No Action
Are all site personnel aware of and working free from entanglement hazards
(eg loose/ragged clothing, loose bootlaces, jackets with draw strings, long hair
and loose jewellery)?
Is personal protective equipment used and suitable for purpose?
Are precautions against extreme weather conditions (eg UV exposure or cold)
taken?
If a heating system is in use, are there procedures in place to prevent and
protect from any additional hazards posed such as fire, electrics, burning?
Are the crib room, toilet or washing facilities adequate?
Emergency Yes/No Action
Is there an emergency plan?
Does it cover vehicle incidents, communication for assistance including numbers/
authorities, extraction of personnel, bush fires and notification?
Are these facilities adequate and up to date:
• first aid
• back up communication
• transport
• fuel/chemicals storage
• fire extinguishers
• fire break?
Do operators hold current first aid certificates?
Are operators trained in fire prevention and fire fighting?
Site procedures Yes/No Action
Are drill rig operators aware of procedures for:
• camping (if applicable)
• checking fitness for work (fatigue, heat, drugs and alcohol)
• manual handling
• fire prevention and fighting
• working at heights
• noise and dust
• use of vehicles
• use of portable tools
• use of dangerous goods and hazardous substances
• use of heaters and electricity including emergency shutdown?
Are processes in place to ensure drill rig operators comply with the above
procedures or requirements?

Part 3. Safety Management System (SMS)

Is a licence holder SMS kept on site and does the licence • management of change
holder SMS cover: • communication and consultation
• training • inspection, auditing and verification
• management of contractors • continuous improvement
• hazard and risk management • emergency management?
• maintenance

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 Safety action plan
Use this plan to eliminate or control hazards identified in the checklist.
Safety issue or hazard Action required Person responsible Date of action to be Review date and comment
completed
High priority

Medium priority

Low priority

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Guidance Note Safety in surface exploration drilling checklist

You can download this page from worksafe.vic.gov.au. Put it on your noticeboard and discuss it with your workers.