The WA Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) has updated its safety bulletin regarding the earthing of underground ammonium nitrate (ANFO) loaders.
The report replaces the 1993 Safety Bulletin and takes into account a range of changes to industry practices and regulations.
The bulletin outlines controls to avoid electrostatic charge accumulation during ANFO pneumatic loading and includes methods to provide efficient discharge paths with semi-conductive hosing and earthing.
The updated bulletin now requires workers to use loaders that comply with a range of stringent manufacturer and supplier recommendations.
Users must also ensure explosives are loaded through a semi-conductive hose or tube with a resistance of at least 15,000 Ohms per metre.
Workers should not use water lines, compressed air lines, or permanent electrical earthing systems as a means of earthing and must use protected detonators when loading and firing.
The DMP is prompting mines to display the updated requirements in a prominent position to minimise the risk of premature explosive ignition.