Technology and best practice raise safety bar for explosives, BME’s Dhoorgapersadh says
With safety a central concern in the storage, handling and application of explosives, fast-evolving technology is assisting mines to improve safety levels, according to BME’s General Manager for Operational Excellence and Safety, Health, Environment, Risk and Quality (SHERQ), Ramesh Dhoorgapersadh.
“Safety is a moral obligation in the mining sector, requiring the collaborative efforts of all involved to prevent catastrophic consequences such as accidental explosions, loss of life and environmental damage,” Dhoorgapersadh said. “The responsibility of safety therefore lies with all stakeholders involved, from explosive manufacturers and mining companies to individual workers.”
Assisting in this quest are a number of technological advancements, he pointed out, which leading mining companies are embracing as part of their zero harm strategies.
“Automation and artificial intelligence are being integrated into mining operations to significantly reduce human exposure to hazardous environments,” he explained. “Autonomous vehicles and remote-controlled machinery, for instance, are becoming commonplace – minimising risks associated with manual operations.”
He pointed out that data analytics is being used to predict and prevent accidents; by analysing patterns and trends, mining companies can identify high-risk scenarios and implement preventative measures. Wearable devices are also making a contribution to safety, with miners being equipped with health monitoring systems to track their vital signs and environmental conditions in real-time. This provides early warning of potential hazards.
“We also see progress in the field of virtual reality (VR), which can enhance safety training by providing miners with realistic simulations of hazardous situations – enabling them to practice responses in a safe environment,” he said. “The immersive learning experience of VR improves their preparedness and reaction times during actual emergencies.”
Dhoorgapersadh explained that meeting the requirements of strict health and safety regulations demands the adoption of best practices and robust management systems – to foster a culture of safety that extends beyond legal compliance. In terms of storage of explosives, this approach includes stringent security measures and inventory management systems for tracking and tracing of explosives at storage facilities.
“This will prevent explosives from falling into the hands of individuals who may use them irresponsibly, unlawfully or in an uncontrolled manner,” he said. “Explosives storage facilities enforce strict access control measures and maintain security systems such as surveillance cameras, alarms, and fencing to prevent unauthorised access and theft.”
He highlighted that, during the handling phase, explosives must be protected from contamination with foreign materials and exposure to ignition sources such as friction, impact, static and heat. Manufactured explosives should also be removed as soon as possible from the process buildings to an explosives storage facility.
“Explosives – even if only partly mixed – need to be transported carefully using only designated vessels that are clean, free of contamination and in good condition, avoiding exposure to direct sunlight or rain,” he said. “Explosives must be stored and transported in line with compatibility group assignments under South African National Standard (SANS) 10228 – which covers the identification and classification of dangerous goods for transport.”
He emphasised that only registered, licensed and permitted blasters are authorised to handle and use explosives – operating within approved workplaces under constant supervision when necessary.
“These protocols are implemented and enforced by the legally appointed explosives manager of the organisation,” he pointed out.
When it comes to the actual application of explosives on site, authorisation and blasting permits must be obtained from the chief inspector of explosives.
“The chief inspector will carefully consider the site plan indicating the exact location of the proposed blasting activities and the risk assessments with identified hazards and mitigations,” Dhoorgapersadh said. “The competency of personnel responsible for the coordination of all blasting activities is critically evaluated by the chief inspector before making the legal appointments of blasters and blasting managers.”
Finally, all employees involved in blasting activities must have the appropriate training to safely handle, store and apply explosives, and they must be familiar with emergency response procedures.
“The use of appropriate safety equipment and personal protective equipment during explosive applications is mandatory,” he said. “This includes blast-resistant clothing, hearing protection and eye protection to safeguard workers from potential hazards.”
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