Shot in arm for coal mine safety

NEW shot firing guidelines will be developed to minimise gas fume events during blasting operations in Queensland coal mines.

The Mining Safety and Health Directorate has established an industry steering group to examine post-blast fume events and develop steps to further minimise risk to workers.

“The steering group’s task is to develop new guidelines that further minimise the risk. We want this to happen quickly, that’s why the steering group will be reporting back with draft guidelines by May 6,” Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said.

Safeguards like 1km exclusion zones are already in place.