Table of Contents
21.0 Advanced Exploration Sites, Trenches and Access Routes
21.1 General Risks and Hazards
21.2 Responsibilities (Due Diligence) and Advanced Exploration Sites
21.3 Heavy Equipment
21.3.1 Specific Risks and Hazards
23.3.2 Training
21.3.3 Prevention and Preparation
21.3.4 Working Near Power Lines
21.4 Access Routes to Advanced Sites
21.4.1 Specific Risks and Hazards
21.4.2 Safety Tips for Access Routes
21.4.3 Winter Access Routes
21.4.3.1 Specific Risks and Hazards
21.4.3.2 Planning and Preparation for Winter Access Routes
21.4.3.3 Construction of Winter Access Routes
21.5 Trenches and Pits
21.5.1 Specific Risks and Hazards
21.5.2 Jurisdictional Regulations
21.5.3 Prevention and Preparation
21.6 Explosives
21.6.1 Specific Risks and Hazards
21.6.2 Jurisdictional Regulations
21.6.3 Prevention and Preparation
21.7 Resources
Introduction
As exploration progresses to more advanced stages, the activity level at a project site and its footprint usually increases significantly. Work on advanced projects typically includes building access routes, trenching, bulk sampling, constructing drill pads and exploratory drilling - which frequently require blasting and the use of heavy equipment and may involve considerable ground disturbance. This work is usually done by contractors. Before hiring a contractor, an exploration company should carefully evaluate the contractor's safety program, incident statistics and compliance history. Generally, an exploration company geologist should be on site to monitor the contractor's work, the contractor should provide a supervisor who is responsible for compliance with the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJs), such as occupational health and safety (OHS) and Mines Acts and Regulations and environmental regulations.