Definitions from Health & Safety Executive
Hazard
Anything that can cause harm.
Risk
The chance that someone will be harmed by the hazard.
Health and Safety at Work Act & Quarry Regulations
Working quarries are subject to the above legislation. These acts require anyone entering such premises to wear hard hats, safety boots with steel toecaps and a high-visibility vest, together with other protective clothing such as goggles and gloves as required, and to comply with all local management instructions. Failure to observe these rules could result in prosecution under these acts.
Children under 16 are not usually allowed into working quarries.
Code of Conduct
Take all reasonable precautions to maintain your own safety and that of others.
General Guidelines
When planning to visit a quarry, seek permission from the owners prior to the visit and establish whether you need to be accompanied into the quarry by a member of their staff.
Always comply with and undergo any health and safety induction courses.
When entering quarry premises in a vehicle, follow all designated routes. Beware of moving cars, lorries, plant and pedestrians. Park only in designated areas and do not obstruct any quarry traffic. Always report to the designated area, generally the weighbridge or reception, using only pedestrian routes for walking.
Permission to drive any vehicle into the quarry must be sought from the owners. Any such vehicles must be fitted with an orange flashing light on the roof and reversing warning bleeps.
Establish before the visit who will provide protective clothing (hard hats, high-visibility vests, safety boots, gloves, safety glasses, etc.).
Always take a mobile phone into a quarry. If offered by the quarry company, use any two-way radio or other communication equipment.
The field trip leader will announce the arrival and departure of the group.
There should be no lone working in quarries. Mobile phones must be taken and kept switched on, and the field trip leader must be informed on entering and leaving the quarry. Many active quarries require staff to accompany visitors. If access is permitted without quarry staff, a minimum of two people must be present, mobile phones must be kept switched on, and contact details for quarry offices must be noted before entry.
Hazards and Recommendations
General
Injury caused by working machinery, toxic substances or blasting, climbing, stumbles and falls over rough ground, loose or slippery rocks, rock falls, falling into sludge ponds, soft ground, or deep standing water.
Control:
Wear safety equipment provided and comply with safety instructions issued by owners or site managers. Keep with the group and avoid moving equipment and vehicles. Take extra care near exposed edges of rock faces and steep slopes. Never climb rock faces.
Weather
Variable and unpredictable weather including heat, cold, wind, sunstroke, hypothermia, dehydration, poor visibility, slippery rocks and roads, frost, ice, and fog.
Control:
- Wet weather: wear waterproofs, walk slowly, take extra care, do not rush.
- Summer: wear light clothing, waterproofs, sunglasses, and sunblock.
- Frost/ice: take great care when walking and watch for icy surfaces.
- Fog: do not enter a working quarry. If fog descends, leave immediately. Take extra care when driving. On foot, summon assistance if possible and keep to the edge farthest from quarry faces.
Uneven Ground / Slippery Rocks
Injuries caused by slips, trips, stumbles, and falls.
Control:
Wear sturdy footwear with good grip. Avoid loose rock debris. Take extra care on uneven ground, after rain, and near exposed edges of cliffs or rock scarps.
Quarry Faces – Rock Falls
Injury caused by falling rocks or debris.
Control:
Assess rock-fall risk before approaching any face. Check with the quarry manager for known hazards. Avoid recently blasted faces. Do not dislodge rocks from above. Do not work above others. Minimise close working near faces. Maintain awareness of surroundings. Ensure a clear line of retreat. Never work alone near a rock face. Avoid faces during activity above and take extra care after rain or frost. Be aware that major rock falls can occur.
Overhangs
Control:
Do not work under overhangs.
Scree Slopes
Control:
Avoid scree slopes where possible. If unavoidable, move slowly. Lean back when descending and follow a zig-zag path when ascending.
Hammering
Injury, particularly to eyes, caused by flying rock fragments.
Control:
Wear safety goggles and warn others before hammering. Gloves may be required, especially with hard or brittle rock and in cold conditions.
Unstable Rock Debris and Stockpiles
Stockpiles may be unstable and collapse without warning.
Control:
Do not walk on or near loose piles of rock.
Moving Machinery
Includes lorries, mobile crushing plants, face loaders, and drilling rigs.
Control:
Remain vigilant for moving vehicles and machinery. These may be large and drivers may not see you. Keep well clear of all machinery.
Steep Faces and Rock Falls
Control:
Keep away from all faces. Do not cross fences or edge protection without authorisation. Stay at least 5 metres from unprotected face edges. Never walk on loose debris to move between quarry levels. Use designated roads only. Be especially vigilant after blasting or during wet or frosty weather.
Unconsolidated Faces (Sand/Gravel)
Control:
Keep away from all unconsolidated faces. Do not cross fences or edge protection without authorisation. Stay at least 5 metres from unprotected face edges.
Driving in the Quarry
Control:
Drive slowly. Use hazard lights and an orange flashing roof light. Keep to designated routes. Watch for slippery or soft ground and large rocks. Give way to quarry plant. Avoid active working areas. Do not drive near face edges. Park well away from faces and machinery and never park near movable plant.
Standing Water and Silt Lagoons
Control:
Avoid all water-filled areas and silt lagoons.
Dust
Control:
Wear face masks where dust is present.
Noise
Control:
Wear hearing protection where noise levels are high.