Find

There are many mining hazards you need to think about regarding work practices and equipment when identifying things that could go wrong.

Consider what risks the following mining hazards could pose:

• sloping, unstable ground
• rock falls or bursts
• susceptibility to seismic activity
• inrush of water or semi-solids
• shaft sinking or winding
• mining plant, including mobile plant and remote-controlled equipment
• heavy transport equipment
• mine fires, explosions or gas outbursts
• loss of ventilation
• airborne dust
• radiation from rock strata or other sources
• proximity to dangerous openings
• tailings dams

You also need to consider different operational situations, including shut-down, emergencies and maintenance, as well as any changes to throughput, materials or equipment, design and staffing levels.

For existing mines, you should take into account mining hazards that may have been introduced during the exploration, design and development of the mine.

Assess

Once all the hazards have been identified, you need to assess the risks to health and safety. This includes considering:

• the nature of the hazard,
• the likelihood of it causing any harm and
• the possible severity of the harm that could be caused.