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Explosives Handling & Storage SWMS

Explosives handling in mining encompasses the receipt, storage, transport, preparation, and loading of bulk and packaged explosives products, detonators, and initiation systems. Each stage presents distinct hazards ranging from premature detonation during handling to toxic exposure from nitrous fume contact. Explosives storage must comply with AS 2187 and state explosives legislation with requirements for magazine construction, separation distances, quantity limits, and security. The handling of detonators separately from bulk explosives is a critical safety requirement because detonators are the most sensitive component in the explosive chain. This SWMS covers explosives receipt, magazine operations, transport, and delivery to blast holes.

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SWMS variants reference your state's WHS legislation. Instant download after payment.

Legal Requirements

regulation

WHS Regulation 2025 Part 9 — Explosives; AS 2187; State explosives legislation

hrcw category

Explosives handling and storage (licensed shotfirer and explosives security required)

code of practice

Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals (binding July 2026); State explosives codes

section 26a binding

Yes — Hazardous Chemicals code binding July 2026. State explosives requirements apply additionally.

Hazards

HazardConsequenceLikelihood
Premature detonation during handling, transport, or loadingMultiple fatalities, catastrophic blast injuriesUnlikely
Magazine fire or explosion from lightning strike, static discharge, or security breachMass casualty event, environmental contaminationUnlikely
Toxic exposure from nitrous fume contact with explosives productsHeadache, hypotension, methemoglobinemiaPossible
Vehicle incident during explosives transport on mine roadsDetonation risk, fire, multiple casualtiesUnlikely
Manual handling of packaged explosive products and detonator boxesMusculoskeletal injuries, dropped productLikely

Controls (Hierarchy of Controls)

Separate detonators from bulk explosives during transport and storage at all times
Maintain explosives magazines to AS 2187 standards including separation distances and security
Use designated explosives transport vehicles with placarding, fire suppression, and earthing
Restrict explosives handling to licensed personnel with current shotfirer authority
Implement explosives security register tracking all receipts, issues, returns, and destructions
Prohibit smoking, mobile phones, and other ignition sources in explosives handling areas
Provide nitrile gloves for handling explosive products to prevent dermal absorption

Recent Prosecutions

Explosives storage non-compliance — NSW$320,000

A mining operation was found storing detonators and bulk explosives in the same magazine compartment in breach of AS 2187 separation requirements. The magazine also lacked the required lightning protection system. The breach was identified during a routine Resources Regulator inspection.

2024 — NSW Resources Regulator Prosecution Database

What Your SWMS Must Include

✓Magazine management procedure compliant with AS 2187 including separation distances and quantity limits
✓Explosives transport procedure specifying vehicle requirements, routes, and emergency response
✓Security and reconciliation system tracking all explosive products from receipt to use or destruction
✓Detonator-explosive separation procedure applying at all stages from storage through to blast hole loading
✓Licensed personnel verification procedure confirming current shotfirer authority before handling

Need a compliant Explosives Handling SWMS?

Our WHS consultants develop explosives handling SWMS with AS 2187 magazine compliance, security systems, and transport procedures.

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