Fossicking rules and responsibilities

Stay safe while fossicking by observing the following principles.

Personal protection

• Wear suitable clothing for the conditions, including a hat and sturdy footwear (shoes or boots).
• Apply sun protection and wear sunglasses.
• Use an insect repellent when appropriate.
• Wear gloves when digging and sieving to avoid wear and tear to the hands.
• Wear rubber boots if working in water for long periods.
• Wear proper eye protection (safety goggles/glasses) whenever breaking rocks.
• Carry a well-stocked first-aid kit.

Before leaving home

• Check all equipment, including tools and camping gear, to ensure that it is in working order and safe to use.
• Check your vehicle to ensure that it is in proper working condition and that adequate supplies of food, water, fuel and spares are on board.
• Advise someone of your plans (including when you expect to return) and contact numbers.
• Check park alerts for the latest information on access, closure and conditions.
• Check the current bushfire situation.
• Check weather forecasts and road conditions.
• Carry a mobile phone or other suitable communication equipment to maintain contact or to get help.
• Avoid going out alone.

When fossicking

• Be careful when digging around large boulders because they may roll or move suddenly, causing severe injury.
• Never burrow into or undermine a stream bank or earth face or work under overhanging rocks or earth faces.
• Never dig holes deeper than the permitted depth.
• Use existing roads and tracks only and avoid cross-country driving.
• Beware of noxious weeds such as parthenium that can cause serious allergic reactions.
• When visiting old mining areas beware of open shafts and avoid getting too close, as the surrounding ground may be unstable. Never enter old underground workings.
• Be careful when fossicking on mine dumps, as much of the material is loose and may move without warning.
• Never set a fire to clear grass or undergrowth.
• Don’t carry or use firearms or explosives.
• For the safety of others, make safe and refill any excavations before leaving, remove rubbish and bury human waste.
• Use only permitted hand tools.

When camping

• Position your camp site well away from any stock watering points.
• Be careful with fire—use gas for cooking or set camp fires in a proper fireplace with a cleared space around it.

In an emergency

• Dial 000 from a telephone or 112 from your mobile phone.