Drilling hazards

Drilling in any environment is potentially hazardous but mineral exploration in remote locations, presents additional risk factors.

There are hazards associated with the preparation of camps, work sites and drill pads, as well as those specific to the operation of drill rigs.

Code of practice for mineral exploration drilling encourages operators to develop site-specific solutions for the major hazard categories identified for the remote exploration environment, including:

# Rotating and moving parts

# Compressed air systems

# Hydraulic systemshazardous substances and  

    dangerous goods

# Electricity

# Manual tasks

# Working at height

# Falling objects

# Working in hot environments

# Fatigue and mental wellbeing

# Dust

# Noise

# Ionising radiation

# Hot work

# Extreme weather and bushfires

# Light vehicle movement

# Heavy vehicle movement

# Remoteness of exploration

# Natural gases

# Existing workings

# Housekeeping