The importance of good housekeeping

This safety alert is to bring to the attention of persons using or storing explosives the importance of good practice and the potential risks associated with poor housekeeping.

Scope

The information applies to all persons using limited quantities of explosives and in particular the importance of good housekeeping involving the storage and packaging of explosive powders and other explosives sensitive to ignition from friction, impact, spark, and heat.

Background

An incident has recently occurred where a quantity of unidentified powder was accidentally ignited resulting in a fireball inside an armoury. A person working in the armoury received burns to approximately 80% of his body and died from his injuries soon after. The nature and cause of the incident is still under investigation. An arc welder being used inside the armoury near the source of the fire is a possible ignition source.

Issues

Explosives must be stored in a safe place away from incompatible activities and incompatible substances.

An explosive must be stored under proper security. An explosive stored securely does not necessarily mean that it is stored safely.

The protection of explosives and the elimination of possible ignition sources are critical to maintaining explosives safety.

All tasks involving explosives, or in the vicinity of explosives, must be assessed to identify hazards so that appropriate risk control measures can be put in place.

Housekeeping must be maintained to ensure suitable standards for:

1. labelling and identification of explosives
2. record keeping
3. packaging and repackaging of explosives (boxes or containers closed or sealed at all times for storage purposes)
4. eliminating contamination
5. eliminating or isolating different activities
6. general tidiness and cleanliness
7. segregating explosives from flammables and combustibles
8. elimination of sources of ignition
9. disposal of any excess or unwanted explosives.

Explosive products are designed specifically for certain purposes. Products shall only be used in accordance with the supplier's recommendations.

It is important when working with or near explosives materials that an appropriate inspection of the site is conducted by a competent person before any activities, including repairs and maintenance activities, are carried out.

Recommendations

To ensure the safety of all persons, it is recommended that a check is made of explosives storage and handling areas to ensure:

1. work areas are kept clean, neat and tidy, and everything is put in its correct place
2. storage locations are assessed to ensure that they are both safe and secure
3. packages of explosives and related materials are checked to ensure that labelling is correct
4. all packages and containers are appropriately sealed, and resealed after use
5. all hazards are identified and risks controlled before activities are carried out
6. each work or storage area is assessed to ensure good housekeeping
7. any excess, over age, or unwanted explosives are disposed of in a safe and appropriate manner
8. the Explosives Inspectorate is contacted where relevant for advice and/or collection of disused and unwanted explosives. The department operates a collection and disposal service to ensure that unwanted and deteriorated explosives are removed safely from the community.

Authorised by Chief Inspector of Explosives

Contact: Manager, Explosives Licensing , +61 7 3199 8057 explosives@dnrm.qld.gov.au

Issued by Queensland Department of Mines and Energy