QNJAC Guidance

The guidance has been developed for the industry as part of improvement output from the Quarries National Joint Advisory Committee (QNJAC), with input from senior company OH&S managers, trade union and workforce representation. It considers a number of aspects of work where good performance in day-to-day operations should result in improved performance in trailing indicators such as accident rates. (Issued January 2018)

Guidance in support of the Quarry Operator/Contractor Code of Conduct

The Contractors Code of Conduct states:

It is the duty of the contractor to demonstrate to the quarry operator that sufficiently competent persons supported by appropriate site based competency checks are provided. It is strongly recommended that contractors maintain a valid safety passport to underpin hazard awareness knowledge. 

Please read the the information sheet to learn more.

QNJAC have also created a toolbox talk that  is accessible via the Safequarry and QNJAC websites.. 

Guidance Note on Quarry design in relation to excavations and tips (QNJAC Geotechnical Face & Stockpile Operations Subcommittee)

The requirement for “design” forms a central tenet of the Quarry Regulations 19991 (The term design is used more than 60 times in the Approved Code of Practice). This document summarises the key legislation in relation to quarry design.

The guidance recognises that the nature of quarry design may be profoundly different from site to site. However, the guidance outlines the three principal steps to design; Pre- Commencement, During Construction and On Completion. It highlights the subdivisions within these stages. The process and the various elements contributing to the design should be clearly laid out in the Health and Safety documentation. Good practice would ensure a named individual is responsible for the maintenance of the design

This guide highlights the steps one needs to take to separate pedestrians form mobile plant and other traffic.

Company Directors or similar responsible people are requested to sign the Statement of Commitment to demonstrate that their organisation is committed to improving on-site housekeeping practices to prevent or reduce settled dust.

Please email your signed statement to the Quarries Partnership Manager c/o dave.arden@hse.gov.uk  Signed statements will be retained for information purposes only.

Please remember to retain a copy for your records.

QNJAC has produced an easy to use reference guide for delivery drivers. The checklist identifies various conditions on-site that enable the driver to classify the delivery site as red, amber or green, it also provides guidance on what steps a driver should then take.

Version 2 – February 2016

If we are to build true partnerships in the quarry operator/contractor relationship we must start treating contractors in exactly the same way as direct employees. Sites should provide access to clean, adequate welfare facilities for contractors whilst on site with a focus on establishing a consistent standard. See latest Toolbox on contractor welfare.

If we are to build true partnerships in the quarry operator/contractor relationship we must start treating contractors in exactly the same way as direct employees. Sites should provide access to clean, adequate welfare facilities for contractors whilst on site with a focus on establishing a consistent standard. See latest guidance on contractor welfare.

The purpose of this document is to enable Quarry Operators to assess the performance of contractors (including sub-contractors) that are engaged in activities that fall under the scope of the current Quarries Regulations.

The information will be used to assist the Quarry Operator to monitor performance and where areas that are below the level of what is expected, implement the appropriate action to ensure continual improvement.

This guidance summarises the documentation and other  information that a contractor should make available to the Site Operator to demonstrate that his organisation and employees are consistently working to maintain and improve the standards required to work safely within a quarrying environment.

The purpose of this toolbox talk is to highlight good practices to be adopted to ensure that high standards of safety and health are implemented and maintained throughout the quarrying industry.

This toolbox talk provides a graphic demonstration of the potential impact of an accidental discharge when handling detonators or explosives. Short video clips using a mannequin leave little to the imagination.

The audince for the toolbox talk is anyone who might come into contact with detonators or explosives.

Updated October 2015