Mining is one of the most demanding industries, requiring a sharp focus on safety and operational reliability. With heavy machinery, complex systems, and high-risk environments, having trusted solutions is critical. Australian Standards provide practical frameworks to help mining professionals minimise risks and keep operations running smoothly.

Practical solutions for mining challenges

Every mining operation faces unique challenges, from managing hazardous equipment and ensuring worker safety to addressing environmental concerns. Australian Standards offer clear and actionable guidelines tailored to these needs, helping ensure that safety and efficiency go hand in hand. They can not only help manage immediate risks but also support long-term operational improvements.
‍

Tools for safer, more efficient operations

The right standards can make all the difference in maintaining safety and improving outcomes. Here’s how they help in key areas:

• Health and safety systems: AS/NZS ISO 45001:2018, Occupational health and safety management systems — Requirements with guidance for use, outlines steps to create robust safety processes, helping to reduce the risk of injuries across your workforce.

• Equipment safety: Standards like AS/NZS 3007:2013, Electrical equipment in mines and quarries — Surface installations and associated processing plant, set benchmarks for the safe operation of electrical systems in mines and quarries, promoting reliability in challenging conditions.

• Technology and automation: As the industry embraces innovation, the AS 61508 series of standards  supports functional safety for advanced systems, helping teams adopt automation with confidence.

• Risk management frameworks: A structured approach to risk, guided by AS ISO 31000:2018, Risk management — Guidelines, equips mining companies to identify and mitigate hazards effectively.

• Operator protection: AS 2294.1-1997, Earth-moving machinery — Protective structures, Part 1: General, addresses critical safety features like Roll-over Protective Structures (ROPS) and Falling Object Protective Structures (FOPS), to help protect workers operating heavy machinery.
  ‍

Stay ahead of industry changes

The mining sector is rapidly evolving with the adoption of automation, AI, and digital technologies. While these innovations present new opportunities, they also bring challenges in implementation and risk management. Standards like the AS 61508 series provide guidance for safely integrating new technologies, while risk management frameworks such as AS ISO 31000 help address emerging challenges proactively.
‍

Staying updated on the latest standards can help to ensure that mining companies are prepared to meet these changes while maintaining the safety and performance of their operations.
‍

Standards in action: supporting safety in mining

See how Perth-based Goldfields Explosives uses Australian Standards to support safety and compliance in their operations. Their approach highlights how standards help tackle critical challenges in mining, from risk management to operational efficiency. Read more.
‍

Browse mining-related standards via the Standards Australia Store or our distribution partners.

‍