Explosives
Newsletter December 2006 – Issue 7
Metre-perfect demolition
Precision was paramount during the The condemned stacks had to be levelled time came, Sean Miller of Precision
demolition of three 123-metre chimney without damaging sensitive operational Demolition placed 54 kg of cartridge
stacks at the redundant Swanbank ‘A’ plants as close as 10 m away. explosive into 306 blast holes.
Power Station, Ipswich, in August.
In addition, each of the 3000-tonne The site was cleared and continually
Trio Industries—contracted by CS Energy stacks had to be brought down checked for five minutes leading up to the
to demolish the power station—sub- one at a time, in quick succession, electronic initiation, which saw the stacks
contracted the demolition of the to minimise ground vibration. topple over in perfect synchronicity.
stacks to Precision Demolition.
The planning of the demolition began ‘During the demolition, vibration
three months in advance. When the was within the limits set out in the
Australian Standards,’ Mr Miller said.
Going, going, gone: Chimney stacks at the redundant Swanbank ‘A’ Power Station topple over in perfect synchronicity.
Photos courtesy of Precision Demolition.
Public comment invited on draft code of practice
The first draft of a code of practice being laid for failing to ensure the $265 000, however it will result in
for close-proximity fireworks displays health and safety of the workers. systemic, long-term changes to
and special effects will be circulated workplace safety that otherwise may
for public comment this month. As an alternative to prosecution,
not have occurred.
Movie World opted to implement a
Interested parties have until the end of range of safety measures contained
January next year to comment on the in an enforceable undertaking. Continued on page 3
draft code, which was developed as
part of an ‘enforceable undertaking’ Enforceable undertakings are an
agreed to by Warner Bros. Movie World. enforcement option introduced in In this issue
2003 by the Department of Industrial
On 5 February 2003 three men Relations to promote safer workplaces. ❖ Security plans due shortly . . . . . . . 4
received burns and other injuries
while manufacturing pyrotechnics They can be applied to a range ❖ New requirements for security-
for use in shows at the Gold Coast of non-fatal breaches of the sensitive explosives . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
theme park, operated by Warner Workplace Heath and Safety Act.
❖ Storage capacities increased as
World Australia Pty Ltd and Village The cost of safety measures carried
Themepark Management Pty Ltd. demand for AN grows . . . . . . . . . . . 7
out under enforceable undertakings
An investigation by Workplace is generally greater than the ❖ Do not treat deflagrating
Health and Safety Queensland and penalties imposed by the courts. explosives lightly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
the then Department of Natural Warner Bros. Movie World’s enforceable ❖ Staff movements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Resources and Mines led to charges undertaking will cost it an estimated
❖ Riverfire spreads downriver. . . . . 12
Queensland the Smart State
Message from the Chief Inspector
Another newsletter While these necessary machinery • preparation of primers
for the year and still of government changes are being inside a magazine
more changes. made, the majority of the impacts
will be internal, with the Explosives • inappropriate vehicles, such as
Following the election Inspectorate continuing to work with front-end loaders or charge cars,
in September and the industry to address the risks transporting packages of explosives
changes to the associated with explosives and maintain
various portfolios, • a large number of reported
high levels of community safety. misfires, many resulting from
it was decided
that the Mining Despite the efforts of the Inspectorate, poor hooking-up practices.
and Petroleum function of the former some unwanted practices, particularly Apart from resulting in poor blasts,
Department of Natural Resources, Mines on mine sites, continue to occur. misfires raise several safety issues,
and Water would join the Department including the removal of unfired
of Energy. The new agency is called the The Inspectorate continues to receive
reports of incidents, the causes explosives, the location of explosives at
Department of Mines and Energy (DME). later stages of the mining process, and
Those who have known us for more of which should, by now, be well
understood, with effective measures the safe disposal of unfired explosives.
than a few years should recognise the
name as one we have held formerly. put in place to prevent their occurrence. There is no room for complacency. It is
Examples of where the industry must imperative that the practices surrounding
At this stage, much work is being improve its performance include: repeat incidents are reviewed and
undertaken to clarify many issues in effective preventative measures adopted,
the reorganisation, including budgets, • vehicles carrying explosives
moving uncontrolled and including disciplinary action against staff
accommodation, organisational following breaches of safe work practices.
structure and reporting arrangements. colliding with structures
Over the coming weeks and months, • significant quantities of explosives Finally, there are a significant number
all such issues will be resolved being left—even for short periods of relatively minor amendments being
and any of more than slight of time—in populated areas such considered for the Explosives Regulation
significance will be communicated as near offices and crib rooms 2003. Should anyone wish to comment
to our relevant stakeholders. on the regulations, I would be happy to
• vehicles running over loaded shots get feedback as part of the current review.
DME has a new Minister, the (even with barriers erected) These comments should be forwarded to
Honourable Geoff Wilson, and Director- me by the end of 2006 for consideration.
General, Dan Hunt. We welcome • shock tube downlines being
them and look forward to a close and snapped by moving equipment Bob Sheridan, Chief Inspector
productive working relationship. during loading or stemming
Inspectorate paper published internationally
A paper on the regulatory overhaul and standards for testing the quality
of Queensland’s fireworks industry of imported fireworks; and a review
following the Bray Park fireworks of fireworks industry licensing
accident was recently published arrangements, training and personnel.
in an international journal.
One of the major outcomes was the
The paper, written by explosives publication of a code of practice
inspectors Mark Hayward, Geoff Downs for the control of outdoor fireworks
and Bob Sheridan, appeared in the displays; the code is now called up
September 2006 edition (pictured) of by the Explosives Regulation.
Explosives Engineering, the journal of
the Institute of Explosives Engineers. ‘The paper provides other explosives
regulators, in Australia and overseas,
The paper details the major regulatory with a model for regulatory change,
reforms that were triggered by a fireworks components of which they may wish
accident at Bray Park, Brisbane, in May to implement to improve operator
2000, when an 11-year-old girl was killed and public safety during fireworks
and other people seriously injured by displays,’ Mr Hayward says.
flying shrapnel.
‘It also serves as a useful introduction
Among the reforms were the to fireworks regulation for newcomers
development of codes of practice to the industry in Queensland.’
2 Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006
Public comment invited on draft New explosives-
code of practice security group
Continued from front page Public comments on the draft code A new explosives-security group now
will be reviewed by a committee meets quarterly under the chairmanship
Aside from preparing the code of practice before the code is revised; a second of the Chief Inspector of Explosives.
for the use and handling of explosives draft will be circulated for public
in the pyrotechnics industry, Warner The Explosives Security Coordination
comment in March 2007. The code is
Bros. Movie World has undertaken to: Group includes representatives of the:
expected to take effect in June 2007.
• implement a series of third-party • Attorney General’s Department
Meanwhile, progress is being made on
audits of the occupational health the educational video, which will cover • Australian Federal Police
and safety management system the importation, transport, storage and
at Warner Bros. Movie World use of all types of explosives, from • Australian Customs Service
• implement the recommendations toy fireworks to blasting explosives. • Queensland Police Service (including
resulting from those audits In September a Movie World cameraman the Counter-Terrorism Coordination Unit,
filmed a mock party held for the Weapons Licensing Branch, and the
• produce an educational training
children of some of the theme park’s Explosive Ordnance Response Team).
video to raise awareness of the
risks associated with explosives staff. Footage of the children being The intention of the group is to share
given cake decorated with sparklers information that may prevent a
• develop competencies for close- and playing with party poppers will terrorist attack involving explosives
proximity fireworks contractors be incorporated into the video. or explosives precursors.
and operators, and special-effects
technicians and supervisors If you or your company has good quality Meanwhile, the Council of Australian
footage you think would be worth Governments’ (COAG) national review
• create a close-proximity fireworks including in the video, we would like of explosives security is continuing.
test standard (similar to the one to hear from you. Please send an email
developed for outdoor fireworks). to Mark.Hayward@dme.qld.gov.au. With the implementation of national
controls on security-sensitive
The draft code will be circulated to If you are not sent a copy of the draft ammonium nitrate almost complete
licensees in the close-proximity fireworks code of practice but wish to receive (Western Australia is still finalising
and special effects sectors, Queensland one, please telephone the Explosives its controls), COAG is considering
and other interstate regulators, and the Inspectorate on 07 3224 7512 or send the control of other chemicals,
organisers of events involving close- an email to explosives@dme.qld.gov. including explosives precursors.
proximity displays and/or special effects. au. Comments should be submitted to
It will also be available on the web at the Explosives Inspectorate, PO Box The Explosives Inspectorate is working
www.nrw.qld.gov.au/mines/explosives. 15216, City East Qld 4002, or emailed closely with other Queensland and
to explosives@dme.qld.gov.au Commonwealth agencies to ensure
that any controls implemented are
necessary, practical and effective.
Security is everyone’s responsibility.
If you are aware of any suspicious or
unusual behaviour involving explosives,
contact your local police station or the
Explosives Inspectorate on 07 3237 1629.
Undertaking: Warner Bros. Movie World has prepared a code of practice for
close-proximity fireworks and the use and handling of explosives in the
pyrotechnics industry.
Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006 3
Security plans due shortly
Under the Explosives Regulation • the chain of possession of all SSE can • people with unsupervised access
2003, licensed sellers of security- be traced from the licensed seller to to the explosives are cleared not
sensitive explosives are now required the point of delivery to the purchaser. only to have unsupervised access
to develop security plans, which must (This will include the seller, the to explosives but also for the
have been in place by 1 December transporter and magazine keeper of types of explosives in question
2006 (see story on opposite page). the receiving store, where applicable)
• information about explosives—their
A copy of the plan must also have been • the explosives are actually delivered location, quantities, performance,
submitted through the relevant regional to the purchaser, who must notify transport routes, delivery
inspector of explosives to the Chief the seller when they are received arrangements—is made available only to
Inspector of Explosives by 1 March 2007. authorised people in the company and
representatives of client organisations
A template of the security plan is
available at www.nrw.qld.gov. • suspicious incidents
au/mines/explosives—to assist are reported to the licence
licence holder, the police and the
holders prepare their own plans. Explosives Inspectorate.
The security plan must All other licence holders in the
include processes and written chain of possession of security-
procedures that ensure: sensitive explosives must also
have had their security plans in
• security-sensitive explosives place by 1 December 2006.
(SSE) are kept physically secure
This applies to any licence that
• accurate record keeping and allows the holder to purchase
accounting, whereby any explosives, eg shotfirers and
break-ins, thefts or losses fireworks contractors, licences to
can be detected quickly sell, licences to use, licences to
and reported accurately store, and other licence holders in
Keep out: Security plans must ensure security-sensitive
explosives are kept physically secure. the chain, such as transporters.
Important information about explosives licences
Explosives licences are designed applied for a licence have changed, Attachments: Mandatory items must
to ensure that only appropriate you must inform the Inspectorate be attached to the application.
persons have access to explosives. accordingly. This includes change of
address, criminal charges or convictions Insurance policies must cover the
Licence holders undergo pre- that affect your security clearance nominated vehicle or equipment
licensing security checks and are status, domestic violence orders, new and be in the applicant’s name. The
required to develop security plans or modified plant and equipment, etc. provisions of the policies must satisfy the
and safety management systems; Australian Explosives Code or Australian
and comply with legislation, codes If you change address, you must send Dangerous Goods Code, whichever
of practice and standards. the Inspectorate a completed Alter applies. For example, the description
Holder Details form (available from ‘dangerous goods’ is not satisfactory.
While explosives inspectors periodically all licensing officers), as well as the
inspect facilities, plant and equipment, supporting evidence required. Medical reports, where required,
licence holders have a duty of care to must be properly filled in by
ensure they comply with the legislation. New licences and renewals the medical practitioner.
Lately, a number of issues and New licence applicants and existing Corporate licence holders must supply
concerns have emerged in relation to licence holders applying for renewals their ASIC or Office of Fair Trading
the licensing process. Licence holders can make the process easier and list of directors or office bearers.
are asked to address the following: save themselves time and hassle
by taking note of the following: Individuals licensed to use explosives,
General issues fireworks operators and shotfirers
Incomplete forms: Don’t forget must supply a summary of their
Expired licences must be returned to to date and sign your application
the Explosives Inspectorate. With the past use or provide reasons why
form and to pay the correct fee. their licence should be renewed.
introduction of tighter security controls,
this is more critical than ever. Document certification: Documents Electronic funds transfer payments can be
accompanying the application problematic unless they are pre-arranged
Change of circumstances: If the must be certified by a JP or
circumstances under which you originally through a head office licensing officer.
other permitted certifier.
4 Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006
New requirements for security-sensitive explosives
Earlier this year a Brisbane Sellers are required to await a
high-school teacher allegedly response from the Inspectorate
used a false driver’s licence before concluding the sale.
and a fake shotfirer’s licence
to buy high explosives from a This process will deter people
large explosives company. who otherwise may have
attempted to purchase explosives
While the alleged fraud failed, it fraudulently or illegally.
highlighted some improvements
that could be made regarding Copies of sales records
the use of identification cards In addition, on the seventh day of
and the verification of buyers’ each month, licensed sellers are
identities by sellers. required to provide the Inspectorate
with a copy of their sales record
Subsequent audits were
for the previous month.
conducted into licensed sellers
of high-security explosives in The Inspectorate will shortly be
Queensland and interstate. distributing a sales record book to
sellers of SSE. The use of this book
Information gathered during
is not compulsory, however it does
the audits was referred to the
detail what is required. (A sales
Queensland Police Service, the
record template will be available on
Australian Security Intelligence
the departmental website soon.)
Organisation and the Australian
Federal Police for further action. Security plan
Shortly after the alleged fraud, Furthermore, all licensed
the Explosives Inspectorate sellers of SSE are required to
implemented Explosives draw up—and comply with—a
Regulation Amendment (No.1) 2006. security plan and submit it to
the Inspectorate by December
The amendment is designed to this year. (A sellers’ security plan
tighten controls on the sale of template will be available on the
security-sensitive explosives (SSE)— departmental web site soon.)
blasting explosives, propellant
and black powder, fireworks and If the explosives are delivered by
other pyrotechnic substances, and a licensed transport operator, the
security-sensitive ammonium nitrate. buyer must notify the seller when
they receive the explosives.
The amendment has led to
the introduction of several Finally
new processes. There have been some minor issues
associated with industry’s adoption
Validation of all new
of the amended regulations.
clients
Licensed explosives sellers are The Explosives Inspectorate
now required to submit a request commends those sellers already
to the Explosives Inspectorate complying with the regulations and
for the validation of all new thanks them for their patience.
clients (Form PM2-0001 Ver2). It is important all sellers comply
with the new regulations.
This validation process involves
the authentication of the identity For more information, read the
and authority of new clients Explosives Regulation Amendment
wishing to buy SSE. (Clients (No.1) 2006, Explosives Information
must be validated for each Bulletin 12 (v3) or telephone 07
supplier they purchase from.) 3224 7556. To download Form PM2-
0001 Ver2, visit www.nrw.qld.gov.
au/mines/explosives/index.html
In scope: The new security-sensitive explosives
regulations have tightened controls on devices such
as detonators (top) and primers (bottom).
Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006 5
Farmers switch to alternative fertilisers
in wake of new regulations
The expected flood of cent threshold and so they
licence applications don’t require a licence.
from farmers wishing to
use security-sensitive Agriculture, though,
ammonium nitrate (SSAN) accounts for less than two
has not eventuated. per cent of the roughly
600 000 tonnes of
Under a national licensing ammonium nitrate
system introduced in used in Queensland
June last year, fertilisers each year. Most of it
containing more than (98 per cent) is used by
45 per cent ammonium the mining industry.
nitrate by mass (excluding
solutions) have been ‘A significant advantage
designated as SSAN. for Queensland is that
the biggest users of
Whereas previously SSAN ammonium nitrate, the
was readily available to mining industry, already
the public, individuals and had security measures in
companies now need a place to control access
licence to buy and use it. Controlled: Fertilisers and explosives precursors containing more than 45 to explosives,’ says
per cent of ammonium nitrate by mass (excluding solutions) have been Principal Inspector of
The regulations were Explosives Noel Erichsen.
designated as security-sensitive ammonium nitrate.
a response to the
potential threat of ‘Holders of certain
terrorists using ammonium nitrate to The company, which supplies about 80 licence types—shotfirers, for
build cheap, but deadly, bombs. per cent of the agricultural market for example, who account for about
ammonium nitrate, began promoting 60 per cent of all explosives
With ammonium nitrate widely used the alternatives more than a year before licensees—were already authorised
by farmers to provide their crops with the new regulations took effect. to conduct activities with SSAN.
nitrogen, thousands of them were
expected to apply for SSAN licences. ‘Incitec Pivot is advising farmers that ‘Individuals or companies with other
alternative nitrogen fertilisers can licences have had to amend them to
Eighteen months on, however, the vast be used as effective replacements include SSAN, while a new licence
majority of Queensland farmers appear for the ‘straight’ ammonium nitrate has been created for non-explosive
to have opted for alternative products products the company has withdrawn applications, for example agriculture.’
being offered by fertiliser companies from the market,’ the company said
such as Incitec Pivot, Australia’s largest in a statement in April 2004. By using alternatives to SSAN,
supplier of agricultural nutrients. farmers have negated the need
The ammonium nitrate levels of these to develop security plans, comply
alternatives are well below the 45 per with relevant codes, standards and
procedures, and report losses to the
Transportation of explosives authorities, among other things.
Legislation has been altered to allow Queensland Transport (QT)
Not that SSAN is easy to come
inspectors to operate under the Explosives Act 1999 when inspecting
by any more for farmers.
vehicles carrying explosives, including SSAN.
‘The amount of ammonium nitrate
At the time of writing, 36 QT inspectors—along with eight Department
used in agriculture is relatively low
of Mines and Energy (DME) explosives inspectors—had completed
and suppliers have been reluctant
a joint QT-DME dangerous goods and explosives course.
to stock or sell SSAN as the turnover
Principal Inspector of Explosives does not justify the increased
Noel Erichsen described the compliance costs,’ Mr Erichsen says.
level of compliance with the new
The new regulations cover not only the
SSAN requirements as ‘generally
use of SSAN, but also the manufacture,
high’, particularly in the mining
import, export, transportation, storage,
and transport industries.
handling and disposal of it.
The Explosives Inspectorate, though,
For more information, telephone
has detected a level of complacency
Noel Erichsen on 07 3237 1629
in regard to security, an issue it will be
Haulage: SSAN being loaded onto a truck. or visit www.nrw.qld.gov.au/
addressing over the next 12 months.
mines/explosives/index.html
6 Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006
Storage capacities increased
as demand for AN grows
The storage capacities of two explosives explosives. The Explosives Inspectorate Growing use of SSAN
reserves, near Toowoomba and has responded by increasing the
Rockhampton, have been increased reserves’ storage capacities.
to cater for the growing demand 2012
for high explosives and ammonium Over the past three years, the reserves’ AN
nitrate (AN) in Queensland. storage capacity has increased threefold.
2011
Australia’s current demand for AN—one of Meanwhile, two more high-explosives
the main ingredients of high explosives— storage magazines have been built at 2010
is about 1.2 million tonnes; Queensland, the reserve near Toowoomba and one
in the midst of a commodities boom, large magazine is under construction at
2009
accounts for nearly half this amount. the reserve near Rockhampton, providing
an extra 350 tonnes of capacity.
National demand for AN has increased 2008
70 per cent since 2002 and is projected The reserves are now classified as
major hazard facilities, each capable
Year
to rise another 80 per cent—to 2007
2.2 million tonnes—by 2012. of storing over 2500 tonnes of high Predicted
explosives at any one time. Actual
‘With local AN manufacturers unable to 2006
meet demand, increasing amounts of The increased storage capacities are part
AN are being imported into Queensland of comprehensive, multi-million-dollar 2005
from countries like China, Romania upgrades to the reserves, the original
and South Africa,’ says Principal buildings on which were constructed in
2004
Inspector of Explosives Peter Strydom. the 1940s.
‘Moreover, Australian companies that The upgrades followed an external audit 2003
once supplied packaged explosives, of the reserves in late-2002, about a year
explosives accessories and other after 9/11.
2002
explosives raw materials such as PETN The audit was completed in June
and TNT, are now importing them.’ 2003 and nearly four million dollars 0 500 1000 1500 2000 2500
The greater imports have put extra was later allocated for upgrades 1000s tonnes
Demand
pressure on the reserves, which serve to roads and security, increased
storage capacity, and extra staff. Total supply
as safe and secure storage sites for
Source: Explosives Inspectorate, DME. For more
information, telephone Peter Strydom on 07 3404 3147.
What is MIRMgate?
MIRMgate is a portal to a comprehensive
database on good practice in the
mining, minerals processing and
quarrying industries, particularly
hazard and risk management.
The portal draws from national and
international sources of information,
saving you having to search the individual
web sites of groups such as state
regulatory authorities, for example.
Indeed, the portal—which also
contains information hosted by major
mining companies and industry
associations—is endorsed by all
of Australia’s state regulators.
Expansion: This structure was built to increase the ammonium nitrate storage To learn more, visit www.mirmgate.com
capacity of one of the Inspectorate’s explosives reserves.
Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006 7
Lessons must be learnt
from high potential incidents More notice
Man’s journey through life is new procedures should be a part of staff
sustained by the power of his
knowledge, yet we live and do not
training and be reinforced continually. given for
The Explosives Inspectorate is aware
learn—Winston Churchill
As the Chief Inspector of Explosives
that some sites give low priority to the
implementation of the recommendations
licence
stated earlier in this newsletter,
there have been a number of high
potential incidents (HPIs) involving
of their own investigation reports.
Alone, reviews of standard operating
procedures and toolbox talks are not
renewals
explosives over the past few months. adequate responses to major incidents.
Explosives licence renewal notices
The reporting of HPIs gives industry the The selection and implementation of risk have traditionally been sent out to
opportunity to learn from ‘near misses’ control measures further up the hierarchy licence holders one to two months
and put in place controls to prevent them of controls should at least be considered. before their licences expire.
from recurring and possibly causing
During forthcoming inspections and Currently, if a licence renewal form
serious injury. The industry must learn
audits, explosives inspectors will be and fee have been received—even
from these HPIs and take preventative
reviewing how well individual licensees, if the new licence has not yet been
action. The Inspectorate is working
contractors and major mines are issued—the expired licence will
with industry to educate them and help
reporting and investigating HPIs. continue to be recognised for two
improve their safety performance.
months past its expiry date.
Particular attention will be paid to
This learning process is hampered by
whether or not information contained However, following the introduction
workloads and information overload: Each
in new regulatory requirements, safety of a validation process for the sale
day we are bombarded with emails and
alerts and information bulletins has been of security-sensitive explosives (see
phone calls, all of which are of the highest
incorporated into safety management story on page 5), this two-month
priority to the person on the other end.
systems, operating procedures, and ‘buffer’ is being phased out.
So how do we manage this information training and assessment materials.
and make improvements? How do In future, licence renewal notices
The rapid growth of the mining will be issued at least three months
we sort the wheat from the chaff?
industry, coupled with the industry’s before a licence is due to expire, so
How do we communicate what’s
skills shortage, is widely believed the new licences can be processed
important to colleagues and peers
to be contributing to a number of before the old ones expire.
and differentiate between what’s
the incidents. It is the responsibility
important, what’s urgent and what’s If a competency is being renewed and
of individuals, contractors and
important and urgent? These questions three month’s notice is insufficient,
corporations to ensure the safety of
seem to suggest that prioritisation and the notice will be sent out six
the workforce. How well are you:
time management skills are just as months before the expiry date.
important as technical and professional • investigating explosives incidents
skills in the modern workplace. at your site/s?
The Explosives Inspectorate and • communicating the findings of these
Mines Inspectorate regularly publish investigations to the Explosives
safety alerts, significant incident Inspectorate and Mines Inspectorate,
reports, information bulletins and and others in your industry?
other publications relating to HPIs.
They are available on the department’s • implementing effective risk control
website and are emailed to people measures to reduce the likelihood and
who wish to receive them directly. It consequences of any future incidents?
is essential these publications and
• paying particular attention to safety
the recommendations of investigation
advice from industry and regulators
reports are given due attention.
in Queensland and elsewhere and
These documents need to be read by incorporating this into site procedures,
the appropriate managers, safety and safety management systems and
training officers, and workers. Where training/assessment materials?
applicable, the recommendations they
• meeting your general duty
contain should be incorporated into your
of care obligations?
site procedures and safety management
systems. Importantly, any learnings or Mark Hayward,
Principal Inspector of Explosives
8 Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006
Do not treat deflagrating House fire at Camira
explosives lightly
People appear to be dropping their guard deflagration explosives, such as PCF
when using deflagrating explosives. cartridges, have propelled rocks up to
100 m with enough force to penetrate
Deflagrating, or low explosives,
buildings and equipment.
are one of two basic types of
chemical explosives (the others are Had any of these rocks struck a person,
detonating, or high, explosives). the result could have been fatal.
Detonating explosives, such as dynamite, As with high explosives, users of
decompose rapidly and create high deflagrating explosives need to follow
pressure, while deflagrating explosives, recommended blasting practices.
although they may burn quickly,
produce considerably lower pressures. Users need to check the depth of
blast holes, calculate the charge
Because of this, there is a misperception load accurately, establish adequate
among some users of deflagrating exclusion zones, and follow the
explosives that—when blasting suppliers’ instructions.
boulders and concrete, for example—
they don’t have to worry about While deflagrating explosives are less
flying rocks. This is not the case. volatile than detonating explosives, taking
shortcuts could end up putting your
The Explosives Inspectorate has safety and the safety of others at risk.
investigated incidents in which
Munitions: Some of the boxes of
ammunition that exploded in the roof of a
house in Camira, setting it alight.
The potential hazards of improperly
stored explosives were highlighted
by a house fire in the Ipswich
suburb of Camira late last year.
Police were called when cans
of propellant powder and
ammunition exploded in the roof
of the house, setting it alight.
Inspector of Explosives Paul Flomersfeld
said the propellant powder self-
ignited, causing the explosion.
‘The owner had been given ammunition
and propellant powder from a deceased
estate in 1982,’ Mr Flomersfeld said.
‘The family had moved into this house
Missiles: Some flyrock from
about 10 years ago, and stored the
a boulder that was blasted
material in the roof space above the
using deflagrating explosives
garage. No one had been up into
(right). In the background
the roof for the past five years.
is a shed in which more
pieces of flyrock pierced the ‘There may be many other people
windscreen of a front-end who have this sort of time bomb
loader (above). stored away in their home.’
Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006 9
Authorisation
of drivers
transporting
Staff movements explosives
Bruce Symmans recently joined Under the Queensland Explosives Act
the South East Region office as an 1999, drivers don’t necessarily need a
Inspector of Explosives. Bruce has wide special licence to transport explosives.
experience in the explosives industry.
Bruce Symmans While individuals (for example, owner-
He began his career with the Australian drivers) and companies contracted
Government, working on ammunition to transport explosives are required
and explosives inspections, repair to be licensed, drivers employed
and warehousing on defence storage by the companies are not.
facilities, and fleet management of
national stocks of explosives. The Explosives Act requires that the
licensee ensures the driver abides
As a member of the Defence by the conditions of the licence and
Explosive Ordnance Control Centre in that he or she operates within the
Queensland, Bruce conducted magazine licensee’s safety management system.
inspections, monitored and licensed
defence explosive storage facilities, For instance, the driver must be medically
fit, have a good driving history, have
Paul Mayne and developed training courses in
explosives disposal, storage and transport the necessary security clearances and
and aircraft ordnance loading. abide by the Australian Explosives Code
and Australian Dangerous Goods Code.
In his last years with the Australian Defence But they don’t need a special licence.
Force (ADF), Bruce was involved with the
management of unexploded ordnance on However, other states in Australia
over 400 former WWII live firing ranges. do require drivers who transport
explosives to hold a special licence.
Since leaving the ADF five years ago, he
has worked for a leading commercial This has created problems for
company involved in the digital geophysical Queensland drivers who transport
mapping and remediation of areas explosives interstate, with authorities
Peter Pomeroy contaminated with explosive wastes asking to see the drivers’ individual
and unexploded ordnance in Australia, authorisations to transport explosives.
South East Asia and the United States. To overcome this inconsistency,
In Central West Region, Paul Mayne has the Chief Inspector of Explosives
been appointed as Regional Inspector has been issuing an Authority
of Explosives. His previous position to Drive a Vehicle Transporting
(Inspector of Explosives) is now vacant Explosives, which is accepted by
but will be advertised and filled soon. interstate explosives regulators.
Peter Pomeroy was successful in securing Licenced transporters can now
the Senior Magazine Keeper position at apply to the Explosives Inspectorate
the Inspectorate’s explosives reserve near for an Authority for each of
Rockhampton. The Reserve Manager’s their nominated drivers.
Louise Hannett
position, which has been vacant for some
time now, remains empty, but Principal
Inspector of Explosives Peter Strydom
will continue filling in part-time until a
permanent manager is appointed.
Louise Hannett and Marc Buckingham
have joined the Inspectorate in a temporary
capacity to address new sales records
and security administrative procedures.
Cross-border: Licensed transporters
Marc Buckingham
can apply for an authority for drivers
to truck explosives interstate.
10 Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006
Big turnout at Attention all shotfirers
shotfirers’ forum A person with a shotfirer’s licence is permitted to transport or store limited
quantities of blasting explosives and security-sensitive ammonium nitrate
Nearly 100 people from throughout
(SSAN). If they want to exceed these limits—outlined in the table below—
Queensland attended a forum on shotfirer
they must apply for a licence to transport and/or store explosives.
training in Brisbane in September.
The forum, jointly hosted by the Maximum
Department of Mines and Energy limit Regulation/Code/
Activity Material
and the MI Skills Centre, was a (without Information bulletin
curtain-raiser to the latter’s annual licence)
conference and training awards.
Blasting explosives 250 kg Explosives Regulation 2003
Australian Dangerous
SSAN 2000 kg Goods Code and Explosives
Transport Information Bulletin No. 52
Combination of Australian Explosives Code
blasting explosives 250 kg* and Explosives Information
and SSAN Bulletin No. 52
Blasting explosives 10 kg Explosives Regulation 2003
Storage Explosives Information
SSAN 2000 kg
Good rollout: The shotfirers’ training Bulletin No. 52
forum attracted nearly 100 people.
* A TNT equivalency quotient of 0.5 is applied to the amount of SSAN. For example, you would
be permitted to transport 300 kg of SSAN (the equivalent of 150 kg of TNT) and 100 kg of blasting
At the forum, explosives training
explosives, or 400 kg of SSAN (the equivalent of 200 kg of TNT) and 50 kg of blasting explosives.
companies, mine managers and
their training coordinators, training
consultants and shotfirers received The Explosives Inspectorate will soon be asking shotfirers to confirm their occupational
clarification on the legislative status. Depending on their status, shotfirers may or may not be required to develop
requirements for shotfirer training. a safety management system and security plan. The following table outlines
their obligations:
The issues covered in the forum included:
Safety management
Occupational status Security plan
• use of explosives by trainers system
• appointments of shotfirers by site Employer/contractor ✔ ✔
senior executives and mine managers
Self-employed ✘ ✔
• requirements of registered Employee ✘ ✘
training organisations delivering
explosives training
• new requirements for the security Explosives, on 07 3405 5242 to arrange conduct a self-audit prior to the
and sale of explosives. similar sessions. Inspectorate's visit, please telephone
Mark Hayward, Principal Inspector
Shortly after the forum, Unimin ❑ At the time of writing, explosives
of Explosives, on 07 3405 5242.
Australia, a major operator of limestone inspectors were conducting an audit of
quarries, approached the Explosives shotfirer and magazine keeper training
Inspectorate seeking individualised and appointments at an underground
advice on explosives use, training mine in north Queensland.
and shotfirer appointments.
The audit will be used to refine a
The Inspectorate agreed to visit Unimin new audit checklist developed for
to run an information session attended explosives training and appointments
by the company’s regional operations on mine sites. The mine will be
managers, quarry managers, and health, given feedback on how it fared.
safety and environment officers.
Once the audit tool has been approved by
It allowed company-specific and the Chief Inspector of Explosives, a series
site-specific issues to be discussed— of audits will be conducted throughout
Individualised: The Unimin Australia
something not possible at the forum. Queensland in the coming months.
personnel who attended an
The session was very successful; If mines and quarries would like a information forum conducted by the
other companies are invited to contact copy of the audit tool, so they can Explosives Inspectorate.
Mark Hayward, Principal Inspector of
Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006 11
Riverfire spreads downriver
Contact us
Regional Inspector of Explosives
South East Region (Woolloongabba)
Ph: 07 3238 3776
Fax: 07 3405 5345
Starter’s guns: Two F111s dump and burn fuel over the Brisbane River, signalling the Regional Inspector of Explosives
start of this year’s Riverfire fireworks display. Central West Region (Rockhampton)
Ph: 07 4938 4124
Fax: 07 4938 4331
At this year’s Riverfire in Brisbane, for While it took a week to set up the
the first time, fireworks were launched fireworks, overall preparation for the Inspector of Explosives
in the suburb of Bulimba, well outside display began six months in advance. Central West Region (Mackay)
the event’s traditional display area. Ph: 07 4967 0868
In March, representatives of the
The Bulimba site is opposite Explosives Inspectorate, Queensland Fax: 07 4967 0869
Multiplex’s new Portside Wharf Fire and Rescue, FIF and the Riverfest
Regional Inspector of Explosives
development at Hamilton, which organisers conducted inspections of
North Region (Townsville)
includes residential apartments and the proposed rooftop firing sites.
an international cruise ship terminal. Ph: 07 4760 7410
In April all the relevant bridges were Fax: 07 4760 7400
The organisers of Riverfire, held on inspected to ensure no structural
September 2, agreed to a request changes or modifications had Inspector of Explosives
from Multiplex for a fireworks occurred since last year’s event. North Region (Mount Isa)
display at Bulimba to celebrate Ph: 07 4747 2182
In addition, planning and coordination Fax: 07 4743 7165
the official opening of Portside.
meetings were regularly held
The fireworks contractor, Foti’s in the run-up to Riverfire. Principal Inspector of Explosives
International Fireworks (FIF), used a radio Head Office, Brisbane
With public safety the Explosive’s
control system to fire the display, which Ph: 07 3405 5242
Inspectorate’s main concern, its
was synchronised to simulcast music. Fax: 07 3235 4395
inspectors were out at noon on the
In another first, FIF won approval from day of the event checking rooftops,
the Australian Defence Force to use bridges, barges and pontoons
its facility at Bulimba to load barges to ensure the contractor was Quote...
and pontoons with fireworks. complying with the legislation.
‘Learn from the mistakes
FIF’s pyrotechnic crew, who arrived in The start of this year’s Riverfire of others—you won’t live
Brisbane a week before Riverfire to begin was announced with a flyover by
two F111s. The fireworks began at
long enough to make
setting up, had to contend with one of
the city’s wettest weeks in a long time. 7pm and concluded half an hour them all yourselves.’
later, with some people describing
Water is the number one enemy the display as ‘the best yet’.
of fireworks and so they had
to be waterproofed using
tarpaulins and plastic wrap. QNRM 06203
ISSN 1446-1277 #28040
12 Explosives News, Issue 7, December 2006