QNJAC Guidance

This guidance has been produced by a working group of QNJAC which comprises of industry experts from varied backgrounds, the Trades Unions and HSE. 

The purpose of this document is to provide a structured framework to enable organisations to carry out self-audits of transport and pedestrian controls to prove their effectiveness as well as identifying weaknesses in the controls that could lead to serious injury or loss of life. 

Approximately 20% of all fatalities in the mineral extraction industry involve vehicles or other mobile equipment.

In this QNJAC guidance you will find information, images and videos covering all aspects of quarry lagoon inspections, it covers the two types of lagoons commonly found in quarries

Below Ground level lagoons which are excavated into the underlying strata usually represent little hazard in terms of geotechnical failure

Above Ground Level Structures which can be concrete or metal constructions but are most commonly embankment type dams. There are some inherent dangers from a number of geotechnical failure mechanisms so they require careful inspection and monitoring.

QNJAC has produced some new guidance on the selection of geotechnical specialists.

Where a significant hazard has been identified it is the duty of the operator to ensure that a Geotechnical Assessment is carried out by a Geotechnical Specialist

Whilst the operator appoints a Geotechnical Specialist it remains the duty of the operator to:

• Ensure that any significant findings and conclusions are recorded by the geotechnical specialist and that the geotechnical specialist signs and dates the document and records his professional qualifications
• Ensure that any information available to him which may be relevant for the purposes of a geotechnical assessment is made available to the geotechnical specialist undertaking that assessment
• Ensure that any remedial works identified during the geotechnical assessment are completed by the date specified

Appraisals conducted in accordance with Regulation 32 are a vital part of the safe systems of work and are mandatory under the law. However, the process is often misunderstood and compliance is often poor. This guidance is intended to provide some clarity on the process of Regulation 32 Appraisals.

In addition to reviewing this document, please also see Geotechnical sel-audit form.that has been produced by QNJAC

This self-audit has been produced by a working group of QNJAC which comprises industry experts from varied backgrounds, the Trade Unions and HSE.

The purpose of this document is to provide a structured framework to enable organisations to carry out self-audits of geotechnical procedures to prove their effectiveness as well as identifying weaknesses in the systems on site that could lead to serious injury or loss of life. It can be used and adapted by any organisation that creates excavations and tips for the purposes of extraction and quarrying and where the requirements of the Quarries Regulations 1999 apply.

Guidance on post-blast fumes and the steps to be taken to help reduce their production and avoid exposure to them.

Target Audience - All those involved in the blasting operation – especially the post-blast inspection process.

Guidance on what steps to take if a thunderstorm approaches
during the blasting process.

Target Audience - Anybody involved in the blasting process.

Guidance on what steps to take in the event of a fire on a vehicle that is either carrying explosives or materials used to make explosives.

Target Audience - All those working on quarries or surface mines where
explosives are used.

Guidance on the post-blast inspection process

Target Audience - Shotfirers and Explosive Supervisors.

.Guidance on how to ensure control of the danger zone and what is expected from sentries.

Target Audience -  Managers, Supervisors, Shotfirers, Sentries and Explosives Supervisors