Underground Mining Regulations
made under Section 82 of the
Occupational Health and Safety Act
S.N.S. 1996, c. 7
O.I.C. 2008-306 (June 3, 2008, effective August 1, 2008), N.S. Reg. 296/2008
as amended to O.I.C. 2015-96 (March 31, 2015, effective April 1, 2015), N.S. Reg. 140/2015
Table of Contents
Text of Regulations
Part 1 - Interpretation and Application
Citation
Definitions for these regulations
Application of these regulations
Inconsistencies with other regulations
Required adoption of regulations
Compliance with standards incorporated by reference
Duties of parties
Part 2 - Notice, Document and Filing Requirements
Documents to be dated and signed
Contact and location to be included in documents
Documents part of program under the Act
Documents and approvals to be kept and made available
Revisions to documents filed and latest version used
Required revision to document
No false or misleading entries on documents
Content of inspection and examination records
Signature of employee in more than 1 job capacity
Form of documents
Notice period decreased or waived
Record and review of test and calibration
Documents on personal health of employee
Plans
Review of records by Director or financial expert
Director may require more information
Notice and provision of document to committee or representative
Consultation with committee or representative on written procedure or instructions
Committee or representative to review documents annually
Committee at subsea coal mine
Review of documents by committee at subsea coal mine
Right to appeal at subsea coal mine
Procedures and certifications adequate, signed and trained for
Activities to be carried out in accordance with documents
Report of occurrence
Investigation of reported occurrence
Filing of documents on initial development and shutdown of mine
Approvals required for subsea coal mine
Documents to be certified by engineer
Report to committee on proposed significant change or experimental activity
Report on shutdown, closure or abandonment of mine
Report on shaft sinking or deepening
Report on the installation or major alteration of mine hoisting plant
Report on installation of fuel systems
Report on construction of barrier, dam, bulkhead or stopping or sealing off abandoned areas
Report on construction of battery charging station
Report on transporting persons for first time
Report on designation of area as non-explosion risk zone
Report on use of equipment that is not intrinsically safe or not flameproof
Report on minimum safe distance between primary or auxiliary access and any working
Coal mine business plan and feasibility study
Mine plan
Electrical installations plan
Ground control procedure
Ventilation plan
Requirement for document estimating rate of flammable gas
Mechanical equipment installations plan
File plans once a year
Filing fees and refunds
Waiver or reduction of filing fee
Penalty for non-payment of fee
Review of documents and notice of costs
Part 3 - General Safety Requirements and Work Procedures
Designation by mine manager to position
Designation in writing
Designation of mine manager and alternate
Designation of underground manager at coal mine
Designation and numbers of supervisors
Designation of mine workers
Designations for mine hoisting plant
Designation of mine rescue workers and mine rescue team captain
Designation of mine rescue trainer
Designation of mine examiner at coal mine
Designation of mine surveyor in coal mine
Designation of electricians and mechanics at coal mine
More than 1 designation held by person
Verifying systems, procedures, equipment and installations
Monitors and meters
Controlled access to and from mine
Recording and identification of all persons underground
Washing and changing facilities (wash house or mine dry)
Communication procedure
Use of radio frequencies
Underground illumination
Cap lamps provided while underground
Cap lamp specifications
Procedure for cap lamps
Self-rescuers
Procedure for assessing and maintaining self-rescuers and self-contained breathing apparatuses
Quantitative fit testing of self-contained respiratory protective equipment
Maximum hours of work underground
Incentive bonus plans at coal mine
Contact with person working alone underground
Communication system
Primary access and auxiliary access to underground
Signs indicating direction to accesses, stations, hydrants, extinguishers and caches
Design of opening to surface
Minimum dimensions of travelway
Minimum means of access within underground
Means of access within underground at mine
Transporting employees close to work location
Landing platforms
Shaft with ladder and skip
Warning signs at shafts
Passing beyond meeting station of section or into uninspected areas at a coal mine
Securing ground
Scaling
Water and saturated material
Cuttings created by raise bores
Drill hole intersections
Advancing within 100 m of hazards
Dangerous drill hole contact
Advancing within 300 m of body of water or material at coal mine that could flow
Advancing within 50 m of geological fault in coal mine
Advancing within 10 m of active working
Underground fill
Backfilling of abandoned panel or abandoned stope
Mining in area of construction
General inspections at non-coal mine
General inspections at coal mine
Report on general inspection at mine
Communication of inspection information
Routine inspection and testing for flammable gas at coal mine
General inspection at coal mine on behalf of mine worker
Examination of workplace and report by mine workers
Hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions
Part 4 - Emergency Preparedness and Mine Rescue
Emergency preparedness program
Up-to-date copies of emergency preparedness program and training
Posting of emergency procedures, evacuation procedures and current versions of documents
Monitoring emergency preparedness program
Training municipal emergency response staff
Warning system
Training for warning system
Testing warning system
Maintaining and storing mine rescue equipment
Record mine rescue equipment and maintenance
Up-to-date plans readily available to mine rescue team
Back-up mine rescue teams
Communication system for mine rescue teams
Set of mine rescue equipment
High-pressure oxygen booster pump
Minimum requirements for mine rescue workers and equipment
Requirement for mine rescue aid agreement
Mine rescue team
Surface fire-extinguishing equipment
Surface fire-fighting team
Refuge stations required
Construction and location of refuge stations
Air supply in refuge station
Equipment in refuge station
Uses for refuge stations
Monthly inspection of refuge stations
Part 5 - Fire Prevention and Dust Explosion Prevention
Definitions for Part [5]
General fire prevention underground
No smoking or open flame at non-coal mine
No smoking or open flame at coal mine
Random searches at coal mine
Procedure for random searches at coal mine
Hot work at non-coal mine
Procedures for hot work at coal mine
Notice of hot work at coal mine
Written instructions for hot work at coal mine
Conditions for hot work at coal mine
Proximity to flammable material
Mine air heating system
Fire-extinguishing equipment
Fire-suppression systems
Inspecting and maintaining fire-extinguishing equipment and fire-suppression system
Water supply system for extinguishing fires
Liquid flammable materials underground
Design of underground enclosures and shelters
Fire prevention for underground service areas
Fire prevention for underground fuelling stations
Diesel fuel transfer system
Diesel fuel pipelines
Diesel fuel oil storage tanks
Fire prevention for battery charging stations
Fire prevention for fixed diesel engines
Fire prevention for air compressors
Using propane or other similar fuel underground
Fire doors
Procedures required for minimizing danger from sulphide dust explosions
Mine explosion suppression procedure required in coal mine
Coal dust minimization procedure required in coal mine
Reducing coal dust accumulation in coal mine
Using stone-dust in coal mine
Stone-dusting before blasting
Water for dust control
Part 6 - Electrical and Mechanical Work
Definitions for Part[ 6]
Filing specifications for electrical installations at coal mine
Designation of zones for use of electrical installations underground at coal mine
Standards for electrical installations
Electrical installations in explosion risk zone of coal mine
Electrical installations in non-explosion risk zone of coal mine
Portable electrical equipment in non-explosion risk zone of coal mine
Certifying electrical installations or equipment in coal mine
Procedure required for electrical installations
Certifying type of electrical installation at coal mine
Certifications required to be kept at mine
Electrical work
Supervision of electrical work
Record and communication of electrical work at coal mine
Mechanical work
Supervising mechanical work
Record of mechanical inspections at coal mine
Filing specifications for pneumatic- or hydraulic-powered equipment
Part 7 - Ventilation
Ventilation engineer
Installation and maintenance of ventilation system
Air quality monitoring program
Record of result of air quality monitoring
Routing of air at coal mine
Separation between primary intake and primary return airways in coal mine
Ventilating air quality and quantity tests
Recording test results for air quality and quantity
Report on ventilation system
Prohibiting entry into unventilated area of non-coal mine
Testing air in unventilated area of non-coal mine
Ventilation doors, ventilation curtains and stoppings
Air flow to active working where diesel engine operating
Testing air quality where diesel engine operating
Adequate supply of uncontaminated air for hoist operator
Adjusting, altering or interfering with regulators
Design of fans and associated equipment
Main fan in coal mine
Booster fans
Controls for fans must be remote from fans
Inspection of fans and associated equipment
Reversing air flow of fans
Responding to fan failure at non-coal mine
Responding to fan failure at coal mine
Procedures for auxiliary ventilation in coal mine
Auxiliary ventilation at coal mine
Auxiliary ventilation at non-coal mine
Compressed air at mine
Air movers used in coal mine
Part 8 - Monitoring Flammable Gas
Definition for Part
Monitoring air at coal mine
Barometer and thermometer required at coal mine
Flammable-gas monitors on equipment in coal mine
Flammable-gas monitoring where electrical installation operating in return airway in coal mine
Flammable-gas monitoring at longwall airways in coal mine
Flammable gas monitoring for electrical installation at longwall working face in coal mine
Flammable-gas monitoring in area serviced by auxiliary fan in coal mine
Flammable-gas monitoring for non-explosion risk zone in coal mine
Flammable-gas monitoring at all areas of mine
When flammable gas reaches or exceeds 0.5% in coal mine where source of ignition present
When flammable gas reaches or exceeds 1.25% in coal mine
When flammable gas reaches or exceeds 2.0% in coal mine
Highest reading in flammable gas tests used as reading
Gas measuring devices supplied to testers at coal mine
Testing and calibrating flammable gas monitors and portable meters at coal mine
Calibrating monitors and meters
Only 1 coal cutting machine in ventilation split
Seals in coal mine
Methane drainage system required at coal mine
Methane drainage system discharging flammable gas reaching or exceeding 2.0% in coal mine
When flammable gas reaches or exceeds 0.25% in non-coal mine
Part 9 - Mechanical Equipment and Travelways
Definitions for Part[ 9]
Testing, maintaining and inspecting conveyors
Information to be filed for internal combustion engines
Fire resistant hydraulic fluid
Identification number marked on equipment
Standards for braking rubber-tired vehicles
Standards for construction of diesel-powered equipment
Maintaining diesel-powered equipment and battery-powered equipment
No sparks or flames from diesel-powered equipment engine
Fuel for diesel-powered equipment
Carbon monoxide from diesel-powered equipment exhaust
Remote-controlled equipment
Procedures for remote-controlled equipment
Remote-controlled equipment in adjacent mines
Information recorded for each remote-control
Equipment for all personnel carriers
Design and equipment for rail-bound personnel carriers
Equipment for material cars
Tackling equipment and construction of mine cars of rail-bound train
Factors of safety for tackling equipment
Fastening arrangement of mine cars on rail-bound train
Regular movement of clamps on endless hoist rope system
Certificate required for hoist-powered train
Work or travel alongside mobile equipment
Overhead clearance in travelway for mobile equipment
Lateral clearances in travelway for non-rail-bound mobile equipment
Lateral clearance in travelway for rail-bound equipment without pedestrians
Lateral clearances in travelway for rail-bound mobile equipment with pedestrians
Safety stations
Procedures for safely operating mobile equipment and mine cars
Securing tools, equipment and supplies on mobile equipment
Signalling and communication for remote-controlled rail-bound trains
Disabled mobile equipment
Preventing runaway mine cars
Precautions for runaway mobile equipment
Maintaining rails underground
Restricting persons on mobile equipment transporting explosives or heavy load
Transporting persons by rail-bound personnel carrier
Drop-bottom mine cars used to transport persons
Part 10 - Mine Hoisting Plants for Shafts
Definitions for Part[ 10]
References in Part are to mine hoisting plant in shaft
Procedures for safely operating mine hoisting plant
Tests and report by engineer on mine hoisting plant
Defective or non-repaired mine hoisting plant
Records for inspections, tests, calibrations and maintenance
Headframe design
Shaft design
Shaft inspections
Recording shaft examinations and inspections
Shaft obstructions
Hoist station designed to limit audible signals
Hoist certificate
Hoist brakes
Brakes on hoist that transports persons
Clutch on hoist
Drum to hoisting rope ratios for hoist
Prohibited hoists
Grooves and flanges on drum hoist
Sheave arrangements for rope winding on drum hoist
Bolts and other fittings of mine hoisting plant tightened
Depth indicator required on hoists
Certificate required for sheave
Construction and identification of sheave
Testing of shaft of sheave
Safety circuits for hoists
Safety switches and devices for hoists
Safety devices for friction hoists
Monitors and devices for hoists
Competent person adjusts safety device of hoist
Design and installation of operating controls of automatic hoist
Control devices of hoist to be fail-safe
Testing shaft ropes before first use
Procedure for testing hoisting rope of friction hoist
Regular testing of shaft ropes
24-hour notice when shaft rope taken out of service
Prohibition against hoisting rope that is spliced or reversed
Minimum nominal diameter of hoisting rope
Factors of safety for hoisting ropes
Shaft rope design
Shaft rope attachments
Inspecting electrical components of mine hoisting plant
Reviewing mine hoisting electrical equipment record
Inspecting mechanical components of mine hoisting plant
Cleaning and dressing hoisting ropes
Mechanical hoisting record
Review of mechanical hoisting record
Non-destructive tests of mechanical components of mine hoisting plant
Trimming hoisting rope and balance rope on friction hoist
Certificate required for shaft conveyances and counterweights
Examining shaft conveyances and counterweights
Maximum allowable design stresses for shaft conveyance
Procedure for commissioning shaft conveyance for transporting persons
Design and construction of cages used to transport persons
Chairs for landing cage
When skip may be used to transport persons
Control devices for skip transportation of persons
Safety catches and mechanisms on shaft conveyance
Free fall test of cage
Certification of free fall test
Crossheads for buckets
Service doors for sinking compartment of shaft
Dump doors for buckets
Movement of buckets
Procedure for testing overwind and underwind protective devices on hoist
Ladders during shaft sinking
Hoist operator’s duties
Hoist operator record for hoist
Duty to not interfere with hoist or hoist operator
Hoist not to be operated if shaft is damaged or obstructed
Hoisting procedures
Hoist operator available for automatic hoist when persons underground
Designation of competent person for shaft conveyance
Hoist signal procedure
Code of signals
Transporting equipment and supplies
Loading gates for skips
Transporting persons and materials together in shaft conveyance
Shaft conveyance required for vertical depth exceeding 100 m
Prohibition against shaft conveyance being inoperable
Closing off shaft for repair
Design and procedures for work platform in shaft
Part 11 - Mine Hoisting Plants for Slopes
Definitions for Part[ 11]
References in Part are to mine hoisting plant used in slope
Procedures for safely operating mine hoisting plant
Tests and report by engineer on mine hoisting plant
Defective or non-repaired mine hoisting plant
Records for inspections, tests, calibrations and maintenance
Bankhead design
Slope obstructions
Hoist station designed to limited audible signals
Hoist certificate for hoist
Hoist brakes
Clutch on hoist
Drum to hoisting rope ratios for hoist
Hoists that must not be used to transport persons
Grooves and flanges on drum hoist
Sheave arrangements for rope winding
Depth indicator required on hoist
Certificate required for sheave
Construction and identification of sheave
Testing shaft of sheave
Safety circuits and safety devices for hoist
Safety switches and devices for hoist
Monitors and devices for hoist
Competent person adjusts safety device of hoist
Design and installation of operating controls of automatic hoist
Control devices on hoist to be fail-safe
Testing hoist ropes before first use
Regular testing of hoisting ropes
24-hour notice when hoisting rope taken out of service
Prohibition against hoisting rope that is spliced or reversed
Minimum nominal diameter of hoisting rope
Factors of safety for hoisting ropes
Hoisting rope attachments
Inspecting electrical components of mine hoisting plant
Reviewing electrical hoisting equipment record
Inspecting mechanical components of mine hoisting plant
Cleaning and dressing hoisting ropes
Mechanical hoisting equipment record
Reviewing mechanical hoisting equipment record
Non-destructive tests of mechanical components of mine hoisting plant
Certificate required for mine cars
Examination of mine according to manufacturer’s specifications
Procedure for commissioning mine car for transporting persons
Control devices for mine car carrying persons
Procedure for testing overwind and underwind protective devices on hoist
Hoist operator’s duties
Hoist operator record
Duty to not interfere with hoist or hoist operator
Hoist not to be operated if slope is damaged or obstructed
Hoisting procedures
Hoist operator available for automatic hoist when persons underground
Designation of competent person for mine car
Signal devices
Hoist signal procedure
Transporting equipment and supplies
Transporting persons and materials together in mine cars
Closing off slope for repair in slope
Part 12 - Raise Climbers in a Mine
Procedure for raise climber transporting persons
Access to and removal from raise climber
Raise climbers
Power-driven raise climbers
Raise climbers powered by electricity
Design and procedure for work platform in raise
Inspection and maintenance of raise climbers
Record of raise climber inspections or examinations
Major overhaul of raise climber
Part 13 - Blasting Operations and Storage and Handling of Explosives
Definitions for Part[ 13]
Restricted to blasters
Blaster to direct blasting operation
Types of explosives
General safety requirements for using and handling explosives
Precautions around magazine or explosives
Where storage of explosives is prohibited
Explosives to be stored in magazine
Explosives kept at loading face
Guarding explosives
Magazines and temporary storage boxes
Construction and marking of temporary storage box
Certifying temporary storage box
Explosives in temporary storage box
Storage of detonators
Removing, adding and controlling explosives from magazine
Inspections and inventory of explosives
Returning explosives to magazine or temporary storage box
Reporting theft or attempted theft of explosives
Transporting explosives underground
Transporting explosives by shaft conveyance
Transporting explosives by mobile equipment
Transporting explosives by mine car
Stability of equipment in blasting area
Drilling while loading explosives or near loaded holes, misfires or bootlegs
Blasting operation in adjacent mines
Preparation of holes for loading explosives
No primed cartridges inside mobile equipment or near electrical installations
Procedure for using explosives in coal mine
Testing for flammable gas at coal mine before loading explosives
Precautions when loading explosives in hole
Removing broken coal before loading hole
Blast at coal mine prohibited until air free of dust
Removing coal dust before initiating blast
Pneumatically loading explosives in hole
Development and production blast patterns and procedures
Danger areas
Procedures for blasting more than 1 area from common source
Detonation of single charge
Simultaneous detonation of multiple charges at coal mine
Source for initiating blast
Blasting machine and blasting switch
Blasting meters
Defective blasting machine or blasting switch
Using electric detonators
Testing electric blasting circuit
Blasting cables
Testing for flammable gas at coal mine
No electric detonator where danger from extraneous electricity
Electrical storms
Minimum distances from radio frequency transmitters
After blast
Entering danger area after blast
Entering danger area when misfires and suspected misfires
Procedure for safe handling of misfires
Record of misfire
Flamed charge at coal mine
Report of flamed charge at coal mine
Examining working face for misfires and bootlegs after blast
Secondary blasting
Abandoning blasting area or discontinuing work
Blaster record
Part 14 - Job Training Program
Definitions for Part[ 14]
Employer required to have job training program
Review of job training program
Examination, audit or inquiry into job training program
Evaluation of job training program by Director
Records kept for job training program
Employer at coal mine to file annual summary of job training program
Suspending or imposing conditions on job training program
Notice for job training program for coal mine
External review of job training program for coal mine
Course information filed for program delivered by employer at coal mine
Instructors for job training program for coal
Written job descriptions required and available
Training courses required in job training program
List of mine workers and designations, tasks and job categories
Employees to be trained in accordance with job training program
Designating employee who has not completed courses for job category
No untrained persons working underground
Training for mine workers
Annual refresher course for mine workers
Training for mine rescue worker
Training for supervisors
Training for engineers
Training for member of committee or representative
Qualifications of hoist operator
Hoist operator certificate of fitness
Qualifications of blaster
Qualifications of mine rescue worker
Mine rescue worker certificate of fitness
Qualifications of mine rescue team captain
Qualification of mine rescue trainer
Qualifications of mine workers at coal mine
Qualifications of mine manager at coal mine
Qualifications of underground manager at coal mine
Qualifications of intermediate supervisors at coal mine
Qualifications of first-line supervisor at coal mine
Qualifications of mine examiner at coal mine
Qualifications of mine surveyor in coal mine
Qualifications of engineer in coal mine
Qualifications of coal mine electrician
Qualifications of chief coal mine electrician
Qualifications of coal mine mechanic
Qualifications of chief coal mine mechanic
Schedule A: Fees for Filing and Review of Documents
Table 1: All Mines
Table 2: Subsea Coal Mines
Part 1 - Interpretation and Application
Citation
1 These regulations may be cited as the Underground Mining Regulations.
Definitions for these regulations
2 In these regulations, all of the following definitions apply:
“abandoned”, in relation to a working or excavation, means 1 of the following:
(i) that the working or excavation is caved or sealed and no further work isintended,
(ii) if the working or excavation is neither caved nor sealed, that it is notregularly inspected and that it is not ventilated by any mechanicalmeans;
“Act” means the Occupational Health and Safety Act;
“active working” means a working or excavation that is not abandoned;
“adequate” means sufficient to protect a person from injury or damage to health orsafety;
“airway” means any underground opening or passage through which air travels;
“auxiliary access” means a mine opening that is used for transporting persons to andfrom the underground and is additional to the primary access;
“auxiliary fan” means a fan used for ventilation underground in part of the mine thatcannot be ventilated by the main fan without separate mechanical devices or by abooster fan without separate mechanical devices;
“auxiliary ventilation” means a method of supplementing the ventilation system in amine to draw air from the primary airway and force it into other areas of the minesuch as crosscuts, splits, and raises;
“battery-powered” means deriving a substantial amount of total power from a batteryor batteries;
“blast” means an initiation of a charge or a number of charges, either simultaneouslyor consecutively;
“blaster” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of a blaster under these regulations,
(ii) meets the qualifications set out in Section 538, and
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as a blaster;
“blasting” means the activities associated with a blast, including storing, handling,transporting, preparing, loading and using explosives, and drilling conducted at ablasting area or in relation to using explosives;
“blasting area” means a zone extending at least 30 m in all directions from a placewhere explosives are being prepared, handled or loaded for firing or where misfiresexist or are believed to exist;
“booster fan” means a fan that is used at a mine to assist in the primary ventilation ofthe mine in conjunction with a main fan;
“breaking strength” means the breaking strength of a hoisting rope as determined bya competent cable testing laboratory;
“CGSB” means the Canadian General Standards Board of the federal Department ofPublic Works and Government Services;
“CSA” means the Canadian Standards Association;
“cage” means a platform that is used in a shaft to transport materials and people;
“cap lamp”, in relation to a coal mine, means a lamp referred to in subsection 87(2);
“certify” means certify in writing;
“charge”, unless the context otherwise requires, means an explosive that is primedand ready to fire, and includes a shot at a coal mine;
“chief coal mine electrician” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of chief coal mine electrician under theseregulations,
(ii) meets the qualifications set out in Section 552, and
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as the chief coal mine electrician;
“chief coal mine mechanic” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of a chief coal mine mechanic under theseregulations,
(ii) meets the qualifications set out in Section 554, and
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as the chief coal mine mechanic;
“coal mine” means a mine where the main product is coal;
“coal mine electrician” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of a coal mine electrician under these regulations,
(ii) meets the qualifications set out in Section 551, and
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as a coal mine electrician;
“coal mine mechanic” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of a coal mine mechanic under these regulations,
(ii) meets the qualifications set out in Section 553, and
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as a coal mine mechanic;
“competent person” means a person who
(i) is qualified because of that person’s knowledge, training and experienceto do the assigned work in a manner that will ensure the health andsafety of every person in the workplace, and
(ii) is knowledgeable about the provisions of the Act and regulations thatapply to the assigned work, and about potential or actual danger tohealth or safety associated with the assigned work;
“construct” includes erect, install and assemble;
“counterweight” means a weight used to offset the weight of a shaft conveyance;
“destructive test” means a test of an object that damages the object, destroys theobject, distorts the object or affects the mechanical strength of the object;
“diesel fuel” includes bio fuels and similar fuels;
“diesel-powered” means deriving a substantial amount of total power from dieselfuel;
“document” includes a procedure, program, specification, schematic, description,certification, plan, report, notice, instruction or record;
“drum hoist” means a hoist in which the hoisting rope is wound on a drum andincludes a friction hoist;
“electrical installation” means the wires, machinery, apparatuses, appliances, devices,materials and equipment used or intended to be used to generate, transmit, distribute,supply or use electrical power or energy, and includes a powerline and powerlineequipment;
“electrical installations plan” means the plan of the electrical installations at a minerequired by Section 52;
“emergency preparedness program” means the emergency preparedness programprepared in accordance with Section 127;
“engineer” means a competent person who
(i) is an engineer within the meaning of the Engineering Profession Act,and
(ii) in a coal mine, meets the qualifications of Section 550;
“examine” means to observe or review in order to ascertain the quality or conditionof documents or things, and is more detailed and thorough than “inspect”;
“explosion risk zone” means any area at a coal mine that is not designated as a non-explosion risk zone;
“explosive” means a substance, including a detonator or charge, that ismanufactured or used to produce an explosion by detonation or deflagration, butdoes not include ammunition or an explosive used to power powder-actuated tools;
“factor of safety”, in relation to an object, means the number of times the maximumload an object is designed to hold exceeds the maximum load to which the object islikely to be subjected;
“fire-extinguishing equipment” means equipment that is capable of extinguishing fireand can be used by a person to fight fire in a particular place;
“fire-suppression system” means a device that automatically activates to suppress afire in a particular place or, if the device is located on mobile equipment, may beactivated to suppress a fire automatically, manually or both;
“first-line supervisor” means a supervisor who does not supervise any othersupervisors;
“flameproof”, in relation to an electrical installation, means that the electricalinstallation is in an enclosure that meets all of the following:
(i) the enclosure can contain an internal explosion without permanentdistortion of the enclosure,
(ii) the enclosure ensures that an internal explosion cannot be transmitted tothe surrounding atmosphere,
(iii) the enclosure has a temperature at all points on the surface of theenclosure that is lower than the spontaneous ignition temperature of thesurrounding gases, vapours or dusts;
“flammable gas” means methane or other hydrocarbon gases of higher molecularweight than methane;
“flammable material” means a material that meets the criteria for a Class Bcontrolled product as set out in the Controlled Products Regulations under theHazardous Products Act (Canada), and includes fuel, but does not include coal orwood;
“general body of air” means, in relation to a coal mine, air underground that is atleast 30 cm away from the roof, side, face or floor of the mine;
“ground control procedure” means the procedure required by Section 53 to preventthe unplanned fall of rock;
“headframe” means a structure at the top of a mine shaft that carries the sheaves forthe hoisting ropes or components of a friction hoist;
“hoist” means a device that is used to transport a shaft conveyance in a shaft or amine car in a slope;
“hoist operator” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of a hoist operator under these regulations,
(ii) meets the qualifications set out in Section 536, and
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as a hoist operator;
“hoisting rope” means a rope that is used to lift and lower a mine car in a slope or ashaft conveyance in a shaft;
“hoist station” means a location where the manual controls for a hoist are located;
“inspect” means to observe or review in order to ascertain the quality or condition ofdocuments or things;
“intake air” means air that originates from the surface and is used by a ventilationsystem, but has not passed through or by any of the following:
(i) in a non-coal mine, the last working face,
(ii) in a coal mine, the last working face of a split or the entrances toabandoned workings;
“intake airway” means an airway through which intake air travels;
“intrinsically safe”, in relation to an electrical circuit, means incapable of producing aspark or thermal effect of sufficient energy to ignite a mixture of flammable materialin air under certain test conditions;
“level”, in relation to a mine, means an excavation in a mine that is driven on anaverage grade of less than 3° from the horizontal;
“loading face” means a working face where explosives are loaded in holes;
“magazine” means a building, storehouse, structure or area where explosives are keptor stored, but does not include a temporary storage box;
“main fan” means a fan used for primary ventilation of the mine, but does notinclude a booster fan;
“maintain” includes store, service, clean, adjust and repair;
“methane drainage” means a process of drilling holes into coal strata or a coal seamand removing methane contained in the coal strata or coal seam;
“mine” means a work or undertaking for the purposes of opening up, proving,removing or extracting any metallic or non-metallic mineral or mineral-bearingsubstance, coal, rock, earth, clay, sand or gravel that extends or is intended to extendbelow ground level and is completely enclosed in rock except for entrances,shafthead buildings and portal houses, and includes the shutdown, closure orabandonment of the work or undertaking, and all of the following structures andplaces at the site:
(i) equipment, buildings and premises on the surface that are integral to thehealth and safety of persons underground,
(ii) shafts in the course of being sunk or driven at the surface to open,prove, remove or extract the deposits;
“mine car” means equipment that is used to transport persons or materials and iscapable of being operated only on fixed rails, a track or a beam;
“mine examiner” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of a mine examiner under these regulations,
(ii) meets the qualifications set out in Section 548,
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as a mine examiner;
“mine hoisting plant” means the equipment used in connection with a hoist andincludes all of the following:
(i) engines or other devices that provide a source of motive power,
(ii) transmission equipment,
(iii) headframes,
(iv) drums,
(v) sheaves,
(vi) shaft ropes, as defined in Part 10,
(vii) hoisting ropes,
(viii) shafts,
(ix) shaft conveyances,
(x) shaft sinking equipment,
(xi) shaft furnishings,
(xii) hoist controls,
(xiii) hoist stations,
(xiv) counterweights,
(xv) mine cars,
(xvi) signalling and communications equipment,
(xvii) any of the following when used in connection with a hoist:
(A) rails,
(B) tracks,
(C) beams,
(D) bankheads;
“mine manager” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of a mine manager under these regulations,
(ii) at a coal mine, meets the qualifications set out in Section 544,
(iii) is designated by the employer as the mine manager;
“mine plan” means a plan of a mine prepared in accordance with Section 51;
“mine rescue team” means the mine workers designated by the mine manager asmine rescue workers and organized into a team for conducting mine rescues inaccordance with Section 145;
“mine rescue team captain” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of a mine rescue team captain under theseregulations,
(ii) meets the qualifications set out in Section 541, and
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as captain of a mine rescue team;
“mine rescue worker” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of a mine rescue worker under these regulations,
(ii) meets the qualifications set out in Section 539, and
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as a mine rescue worker;
“mine worker” means a competent person who
(i) has completed the job training program for a mine worker,
(ii) for a coal mine, meets the qualifications set out in Section 543, and
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as a mine worker;
“misfire” means a charge that for any reason failed to fire as planned;
“mobile equipment” means a vehicle used underground at a mine that is powered byother than muscular power, but does not include a shaft conveyance or a mine car;
“MSHA” means the Mine Safety and Health Administration of the United StatesDepartment of Labor;
“non-coal mine” means a mine other than a coal mine;
“non-combustible” means material, or an assembly of materials, that conforms toULC standard CAN4-S114-M80, Standard Method of Test for Determination ofNon-Combustibility in Building Materials;
“non-destructive test” means a test of an object that does not damage the object,destroy the object, distort the object or affect the mechanical strength of the object;
“non-explosion risk zone” means an area of the underground at a coal mine that isdesignated in accordance with Section 193;
“occupational exposure limit” means a threshold limit value as set out in the latestversion of the publication “TLVs and BEIs” published by the American Conferenceof Governmental Industrial Hygienists other than a threshold limit value excludedunder Section 211;
“panel” means a working face or group of working faces in a mine from whichmaterial is extracted, but does not include a working face required for developing amine;
“plan”, unless these regulations specify otherwise, means a drawing, layout ordiagram;
“portable electrical equipment” means portable equipment that is battery poweredwith a battery voltage less than 25 V and a peak power output less than 1000 W;
“portal” means the area where a mine tunnel intersects with the surface;
“powder-actuated tool” means a hand tool that uses a powder charge to drive orfasten a device into hard materials such as concrete, steel or masonry;
“primary access” means the main mine opening that is used for transporting personsto and from the underground;
“production area” means a part of a mine that consists of panels, slopes or workingsrequired for the development of the mine;
“raise” means a vertical or inclined opening in a mine driven from one level toconnect with another level, or to explore the ground for a limited distance above orbelow the level, and includes a winze;
“raise climber” means a temporary or permanent platform that is used to provideaccess to the face of a raise or other working area and is power-driven by other thanmuscular power and controlled from a cage underneath the platform;
“return air” means air underground that is not intake air;
“return airway” means an airway through which return air travels;
“rockburst” means the sudden and violent breaking of a mass of rock from the sides,roof or floor of a mine tunnel caused by the failure of highly stressed rock and therapid release of accumulated energy;
“room and pillar” means a method of mining in which a mineral, including coal, ismined in rooms separated by pillars of undisturbed mineral, including coal, thatprovide roof support;
“section”, in relation to a coal mine, means a part of the mine that a supervisor isresponsible for as defined by the mine manager under subsection 57(1);
“self-contained breathing apparatus” means a breathing device with a source ofbreathable air that is completely isolated from the air in which the user is located;
“shaft”, unless these regulations specify otherwise, means an excavation in a minethat is inclined on an average grade of 45° or greater from the horizontal and used toprovide access to an underground working;
“shaft conveyance” means a conveyance raised or lowered by a hoist in a shaft andincludes a bucket as defined in Part 10, a single- or multi-deck cage, a skip and acombination of a skip and a cage;
“shaft station” means an area near a shaft from which ore, coal, rock, materials orpersons enter or exit the shaft conveyance;
“shift” means the period of time worked by a division of the persons employed at amine who work at the mine during a set period of the day;
“shot” means a charge that has been placed in a drill hole;
“side” means the side of a tunnel underground;
“skip” means an enclosed device used in a shaft to transport ore, coal, rock, ormaterial;
“slope” means an excavation in a mine that is inclined on an average grade of 3°from the horizontal or greater, but less than 45° from the horizontal;
“split” means a branch in the ventilation system in a mine;
“stope” means a working or group of working faces from which ore is extracted, butdoes not include a working required for development of the mine;
“stopping” means an artificial barrier that obstructs ventilation;
“subsea coal mine” means a coal mine wholly or partly located below the low-watermark in an area of the Province covered by seawater;
“supervisor” means a competent person in any level of management at a mine who
(i) is responsible for a workplace or part of a workplace at a mine,
(ii) exercises authority over, controls or directs the work of an employee,
(iii) for a first-line supervisor in a coal mine, meets the qualifications ofSection 547, and
(iv) is designated by the mine manager as a supervisor;
“survey” means a plan of the position of all mine workings based on the results ofmeasurements made using appropriate instruments;
“temporary storage box” means a portable unit for temporarily storing explosives;
“test” means to take a sample and submit it to a procedure or device to determine 1or more characteristics of the sample;
“train”, in relation to equipment, means equipment that is used underground at amine that consists of 1 of the following combinations:
(i) at least 1 mine car connected to at least 1 unit of mobile equipment,
(ii) 2 units of mobile equipment connected together with no mine cars,
(iii) at least 1 mine car, powered by a hoist, operating on a slope or level;
“travelway” means a ramp, slope, level, ladder, walkway, stairway, adit or similarpathway or roadway used primarily by persons to move from one area of a mine toanother;
“ULC” means the Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada;
“underground manager” means a competent person who
(i) carries out the duties of an underground manager under theseregulations,
(ii) meets the qualifications set out in Section 545, and
(iii) is designated by the mine manager as an underground manager;
“ventilation curtain” or “ventilation door” means a device for minimizing air leakagebetween airways in accordance with Section 220;
“ventilation engineer” means an engineer who
(i) carries out the duties of a ventilation engineer under these regulations,and
(ii) is designated by the mine manager under Section 209;
“ventilation plan” means the plan of a mine’s ventilation system required by Section54;
“ventilation system” includes both primary and auxiliary ventilation systems;
“winze” means a vertical opening driven downward connecting 2 levels of a mine;
“working face” means an area underground from which material is cut, sheared,broken, drilled, blasted or otherwise loosened.
Application of these regulations
3 (1) Except as provided in subsection (3), these regulations apply to a mine if a person isor is likely to be present.
(2) These regulations do not apply to persons, activities, equipment, buildings andpremises on the surface at a mine site that are not integral to the health and safety ofpersons underground.
(3) These regulations do not apply to the re-entry of a mine if the employer
(a) does not significantly disturb the ground; and
(b) adopts a code of practice specified by the Director under Section 66 of the Act.
Inconsistencies with other regulations
4 If there is an inconsistency between these regulations and any other regulations made underthe Act, these regulations prevail to the extent of the inconsistency.
Required adoption of regulations
5 (1) If a condition, activity or hazard to health or safety at a workplace is substantiallysimilar to a condition, activity or hazard normally associated with a mine, theDirector may require that any provision of these regulations respecting the condition,activity or hazard be adopted by the employer as a part of a code of practice underSection 66 of the Act.
(2) At a non-coal mine, if flammable gas has been ignited, or flammable gas has beenmeasured in the general body of air in a concentration that is equal to or greater than0.25% by volume in the air being tested, the Director may order that a provision ofthese regulations that is otherwise applicable only to a coal mine be adopted by theemployer as a part of a code of practice under Section 66 of the Act.
Compliance with standards incorporated by reference
6 (1) If there is an inconsistency between these regulations and a standard incorporated byreference in these regulations, these regulations prevail over the standard to theextent of the inconsistency.
(2) An object that is required by these regulations to comply with an edition of astandard published in a specified year must, if the standard requires that an objectphysically conform to the standard, conform to the physical specifications containedin
(a) the standard specified in these regulations;
(b) the edition of the standard that was current at the date of the object’smanufacture, unless conforming to that standard raises a reasonable doubt as towhether the object is adequate; or
(c) the latest edition of the standard.
(3) An activity, in relation to an object, that is required by these regulations to complywith an edition of a standard published in a specified year must, if the standardrequires that inspection, maintenance, use or other activity in relation to an object becarried out in accordance with the standard, comply with the latest edition of thestandard, unless it is established that compliance with an earlier edition of thestandard, or with generally accepted engineering principles prevailing at the object’sdate of manufacture, is more likely to ensure adequate performance of the object.
Duties of parties
7 (1) Every person at a mine must perform all the duties and meet all requirements of theAct and its regulations if
(a) the duties or requirements are placed directly upon them; or
(b) the duties and requirements are not placed directly upon them but they have thegreatest degree of control over the matters that are the subject of the duties orrequirements.
(2) Every person at a mine must ensure that all of the following persons meet allrequirements of the Act and its regulations:
(a) a person in their employ;
(b) a person under their supervision;
(c) a person with whom they have a contract.
(3) A person must comply with all procedures, plans and codes developed for thepurposes of the Act and its regulations.
(4) A person must not work underground if any regulatory duties or requirements are notmet, regardless of who is responsible for ensuring the regulatory duty or requirementis met.
Part 2 - Notice, Document and Filing Requirements
Documents to be dated and signed
8 Unless otherwise specified in these regulations, a document required to be made underthese regulations must be dated and signed by the person who made it.
Contact and location to be included in documents
9 A document filed with the Director must include all of the following:
(a) the employer’s
(i) name,
(ii) address,
(iii) telephone number;
(b) the geographic location of the site that the filed document relates to.
Documents part of program under the Act
10 A written program, plan, procedure or instruction prepared under these regulations formspart of the program required by Section 29 of the Act.
Documents and approvals to be kept and made available
11 An employer must ensure that up-to-date copies of any approval issued under Section 35or of any document required to be made under these regulations are kept and madeavailable in accordance with all of the following conditions:
(a) except for the business plan and feasibility study required by Section 49 andany records associated with the plan and study, a copy must be readilyavailable to the committee or representative, if any;
(b) if reasonably practicable, a copy must be kept in a safe place at the surface ofthe mine;
(c) a copy must be kept until at least the later of the following dates:
(i) 2 years after the date of the last entry,
(ii) 2 years after the date the approval or document is superseded orbecomes obsolete, unless these regulations otherwise require,
(iii) the date specified in these regulations.
Revisions to documents filed and latest version used
12 (1) Any work that is carried out must be done in accordance with the latest relevantdocument.
(2) Except for the mine plan and the ventilation plan, an employer must ensure that anyrevision made to a document required to be filed with the Director under theseregulations is
(a) signed by the person who holds the same position as the person who signed theoriginal document; and
(b) filed with the Director as soon as reasonably practicable.
Required revision to document
13 The Director may require revisions to be made to a document filed under these regulationsif the Director considers that the revisions are necessary to do any of the following:
(a) correct an existing or potential inconsistency with generally acceptedengineering principles;
(b) correct an existing or potential violation of the Act or its regulations;
(c) ensure health or safety.
No false or misleading entries on documents
14 A person must not make a false or misleading entry, or fail to make a relevant entry, on adocument that is required to be made under these regulations.
Content of inspection and examination records
15 (1) A record required by these regulations of an inspection or examination must includeall of the following information:
(a) the company name and mine site location;
(b) the name of the person conducting the inspection or examination;
(c) the area or thing being inspected or examined;
(d) the identification number of the machine or equipment being inspected orexamined;
(e) the date and start time of the inspection or examination;
(f) a statement made by the person conducting the inspection or examinationdescribing the condition of the area or thing being inspected or examined;
(g) the observations of the person conducting the inspection or examinationregarding the safety of the area or thing being inspected or examined;
(h) the name and signature of the employee receiving the record, if theseregulations identify such a person;
(i) any repairs and modifications made as a result of the inspection orexamination;
(j) a statement made by the person conducting the inspection or examinationindicating that any remedial actions recorded under clause (i) have beenimplemented and when such actions were taken;
(k) any information required to be included by another provision of theseregulations.
(2) A person who conducts an inspection or examination under subsection (1) must signthe record of inspection or examination.
(3) An employer must establish, implement and maintain a procedure for recording theresults of inspections and examinations.
Signature of employee in more than 1 job capacity
16 If the same person signs a document in more than 1 job capacity, the person must identifythose capacities on the document.
Form of documents
17 (1) A notice or submission required under these regulations must be given in writing,unless these regulations specify otherwise.
(2) A document required by these regulations may be computerized.
(3) An electronic signature is allowed on a document if the electronic signature can beentered into the computer only by the person who is signing the document.
(4) A document that is required to be filed with the Director must be filed in paperunless the Director enters into a written agreement with an employer to allow theemployer to file documents electronically on the terms and conditions determined bythe Director.
(5) A written notice to the Director that is required by these regulations may besubmitted by fax or e-mail to the fax number or e-mail address specified for theDirector on the Department of Labour and Workplace Development’s Internet site.
Notice period decreased or waived
18 If all parties who are required to receive a notice or a submission agree in writing, a noticeor submission period required under these regulations may be
(a) decreased to a period agreed upon by the parties; or
(b) waived.
Record and review of test and calibration
19 For every test, including air quantity or quality tests and calibrations, required under theseregulations, the mine manager must designate a competent person to do all of thefollowing:
(a) record the results of the test;
(b) review the results of the test;
(c) ensure that adequate action is taken in response to the results.
Documents on personal health of employee
20 (1) For the purposes of subclause 11(c)(iii), all documents required by these regulationsrelated to the personal health of a mine worker must be kept at the mine for as longas the mine worker is employed at the mine or until the mine closes.
(2) Unless the Director otherwise orders, on termination of employment or closure of themine, the documents referred to in subsection (1) must be mailed to the formeremployee at their last known address.
Plans
21 (1) A plan required under these regulations must meet all of the following requirements:
(a) it must be drawn to a scale that is large enough to show the required details;
(b) it must include the name and address of the employer and the physical locationof the mine.
(2) If any plan is based on or uses survey information generated by the employer, a minemanager must ensure that the survey information is supplied by a surveyor who is adesignated competent person.
Review of records by Director or financial expert
22 (1) A review of a document by the Director, or by a financial expert retained inaccordance with Section 49, does not constitute either of the following:
(a) except for a document referred to in subsection 35(7) or (8) that is approved bythe Director respecting a subsea coal mine, an approval of it by the Director orthe financial expert;
(b) an assurance that any work that proceeds in the manner described in it wouldcomply with the Act, its regulations, or generally accepted engineeringprinciples.
(2) If the Director or a financial expert recognizes that work that proceeds in the mannerdescribed in a document that is required to be filed with the Director or assessed by afinancial expert under these regulations could result in a contravention of the Act orits regulations or generally accepted engineering principles, the Director or financialexpert may advise the employer and any other appropriate person of the apparentviolation.
(3) Whether or not advice is received under subsection (2) does not affect a person’sresponsibilities or duties under the Act and these regulations.
Director may require more information
23 The Director may require more information respecting a document filed with the Directorunder these regulations.
Notice and provision of document to committee or representative
24 (1) At the time of filing, the mine manager must notify the committee or representative,if any, that the employer has filed a document with the Director.
(2) The mine manager must provide copies of documents prepared under Sections 37 to48 and Sections 50 to 57 to the committee or representative, if any.
(3) A requirement in subsection (1) or (2) must be complied with as soon as reasonablypracticable after the committee is formed or the representative is selected.
Consultation with committee or representative on written procedure or instructions
25 A written procedure or written instructions prepared or reviewed under these regulationsmust be prepared or reviewed in consultation with the committee or representative, if any.
Committee or representative to review documents annually
26 (1) At least annually, the committee or representative, if any, must be asked forcomments and recommendations on the following:
(a) the employer’s job training program;
(b) any documents required to be developed by these regulations.
(2) Comments and recommendations made under subsection (1) may include commentsand recommendations on any of the following:
(a) changes in technology;
(b) mining conditions;
(c) work practices and procedures in the mine.
Committee at subsea coal mine
27 (1) In this Section, “operator” means a person who holds a special licence or a mineralright under the Mineral Resources Act respecting a subsea coal mine or manages theproject on behalf of the holder.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), an employer must establish a committee ifpersons are regularly employed at a subsea coal mine.
(3) If there is more than 1 employer at a subsea coal mine, the Director may order theoperator to do all of the following:
(a) establish a committee that represents all or any combination of employers andemployees;
(b) assume the duties of an employer under this Section.
(4) The Director may order an employer to include on the committee a representative ofany category of persons working at the subsea coal mine that the Director considersnecessary for the operation of the committee.
(5) An employer at a subsea coal mine must provide enough resources and adequateadministrative support for the effective operation of the committee.
Review of documents by committee at subsea coal mine
28 (1) An employer at a subsea coal mine must submit to the committee for its review anydocuments that the employer is required to file with the Director under subsections35(7) and (8).
(2) If a committee does not exist at the time a document is filed with the Director,subsection (1) must be complied with as soon as reasonably practicable after thecommittee is formed.
(3) An employer at a subsea coal mine must make any person with knowledge in thepreparation of a document filed with the Director available at a committee meetingto inform the committee concerning the document.
(4) If the committee, in reviewing a document under this Section, determines that aperson with specialized knowledge is required for deliberation, it may request theDirector to order any person to be made available to the committee, at theemployer’s expense.
(5) An employer at a subsea coal mine must ensure that any written advice provided bythe committee is included, if reasonably practicable, in the filing with the Director ofany documents required by subsection 32(1) and subsections 35(7) and (8).
Right to appeal at subsea coal mine
29 (1) In this Section, “appeal” means file an appeal with the Board under Section 69 of theAct.
(2) In addition to any order or decision referred to in clauses 69(1)(a) to (d) of the Act,an aggrieved person at a subsea coal mine may appeal a decision of the Director toissue or not issue an approval under Section 35.
Section 29 replaced: O.I.C. 2014-405, N.S. Reg. 144/2014.
Procedures and certifications adequate, signed and trained for
30 (1) A written procedure or certification that is prepared for the purpose of the Act orthese regulations must be
(a) adequate; and
(b) approved and signed by the mine manager.
(2) Each person who is required to perform a function under a procedure or certificationmust be trained in respect of it generally, and in particular in the requirementsrelating to the person.
Activities to be carried out in accordance with documents
31 Any activities or procedures specified in documents required under these regulations mustbe carried out as specified in the documents.
Report of occurrence
32 (1) In addition to the notice of an accident required by Section 63 of the Act, the minemanager must notify the Director no later than 24 hours after any of the following:
(a) an outbreak of fire of any size, if it is unplanned, uncontrolled or endangers aperson or property;
(b) at a coal mine, any occurrence of an open flame that is not permitted underthese regulations, including a flamed charge;
(c) an unplanned sudden release or in-rush of water, mud, slurry or debris;
(d) a gas outburst;
(e) a premature or unexpected explosion of explosives, gas or dust, or a misfire;
(f) an unplanned or unexpected fall of rock or a rockburst that does any of thefollowing:
(i) impairs ventilation,
(ii) impedes the passage of persons,
(iii) causes injury to a person,
(iv) causes a person to withdraw from the area,
(v) disrupts work for more than 1 hour;
(g) at a coal mine, the failure of a main fan or booster fan or any changes thatresult in air flow changing by more than 15% in any area from the airflownoted on the ventilation plan;
(h) at a coal mine, a flammable gas concentration equal to or greater than 0.5% byvolume in the air being tested in a non-explosion risk zone;
(i) at a coal mine, a flammable gas concentration equal to or greater than 2% byvolume in the air being tested in an explosion risk zone;
(j) 2 occurrences during any 30-day period of a dust, mist or gas concentrationgreater than the occupational exposure limit for the dust, mist or gas;
(k) test results that exceed twice the occupational exposure limit;
(l) at a coal mine, coal dust concentrations that exceed the limits specified insubsection 188(1), as shown by an analysis of successive samples of dust fromthe same area of the mine.
(2) A record must be completed of any of the occurrences specified in subsection (1)and of all of the following:
(a) a flammable gas concentration equal to or greater than the concentrationspecified in any of the following provisions:
(i) clause 241(6)(a), respecting a visual alarm from a flammable gasmonitor on or near an electrical installation,
(ii) subsection 242(2), respecting flammable gas concentrations in a returnairway of a coal mine,
(iii) subsection 243(2), respecting flammable gas concentrations at anelectrical installation at a longwall working face in a coal mine,
(iv) subsection 246(2), respecting flammable gas concentrations in non-explosion risk zone of a coal mine;
(v) Section 249, respecting flammable gas concentrations of 1.25% in acoal mine,
(vi) Section 250, respecting flammable gas concentrations of 2.0% in a coalmine,
(vii) Section 260, respecting flammable gas concentrations of 0.25% in [a]non-coal mine;
(b) an evacuation of persons because of a high flammable gas concentration;
(c) at a coal mine, coal dust concentrations that exceed the limits specified insubsection 188(1);
(d) an unplanned or unexpected fall of rock that exceeds 3 t or any rockburst;
(e)a work refusal related to health or safety;
(f) treatment of a person in a hospital for injury received at the mine;
(g)a failure of a hoist safety device during use or test;
(h)asphyxiation of a person;
(i)mobile equipment going out of control;
(j) an accident or incident involving a mine hoisting plant;
(k) cracking or subsidence of a bulkhead, dam, permanent stopping or explosion-proof barrier;
(l) an accident or incident involving an electrical installation that may haveresulted or resulted in personal injury or property loss;
(m) in a coal mine, a failure of equipment that is not intrinsically safe or notflameproof;
(n) the introduction of a type of electrical installation that does not comply with astandard listed in subsection 194(1);
(o) a discrepancy found in the inventory of explosives required by Section 466.
(3) A record made under subsection (2) must be kept for as long as the mine is inoperation.
(4) The mine manager must give notice of a record completed under subsection (2) tothe committee or representative, if any, as soon as reasonably practicable and providea copy of the record to the committee or representative, if any, on request.
Investigation of reported occurrence
33 (1) If there is an occurrence of a type that requires a record to be made under subsection32(2), all of the following must be done without delay:
(a) measures reasonable in the circumstances must be taken to eliminate the causeand to prevent a reoccurrence;
(b) a notice of the occurrence must be posted at a conspicuous location at theworkplace;
(c) an immediate investigation of the occurrence must be carried out.
(2) On completion of an investigation referred to in clause (1)(c), a written report of theinvestigation must be prepared without delay that includes all of the following:
(a)wherever possible, an identification of the cause of the occurrence;
(b) details of all unsafe conditions, acts or procedures that contributed in anymanner to the occurrence;
(c) measures to be taken to prevent similar occurrences and a schedule forimplementation of the measures;
(d) the comments of the committee or representative, if any, on all of thefollowing:
(i) the investigation into the occurrence,
(ii) the measures taken as a result of the investigation.
Filing of documents on initial development and shutdown of mine
34 (1) If an employer proposes to proceed with the initial development or construction of amine, or to re-enter a mine or to shut down, close or abandon a mine, they must doall of the following by the deadline stated:
(a) file with the Director the documents required in Sections 37 and 39 and themine plan, electrical installations plan, ground control procedure andventilation plan at least 90 days before proceeding with any of the activities;
(b) at a coal mine, file with the Director the report required by Section 198 at least90 days before proceeding with any of the activities;
(c) at a coal mine, file with the Director the document required in Section 55 atleast 90 days before proceeding with any of the activities;
(d) give the Director written notice, including the anticipated start date for theactivity, at least 30 days before proceeding with any of the activities.
Approvals required for subsea coal mine
35 (1) In this Section, all of the following definitions apply:
“application” means documents or information respecting the plans, procedures orprograms referred to in subsection (7) and the activities referred to in subsection (8)submitted to the Director for approval;
“approval” means an approval of an application issued in writing by the Director.
(2) An approval may be given only if no apparent violation of the Act or its regulationsis revealed in an application or in any information of which the Director is aware.
(3) An approval may be made subject to any terms or conditions the Director considersappropriate to protect occupational health or safety.
(4) A person at a subsea coal mine must not carry out work that requires an approvalwithout an approval or without complying with the terms or conditions of theapproval.
(5) A person at a subsea coal mine must not transfer, sell, lease, assign or otherwisedispose of an approval without the written consent of the Director.
(6) The Director may reconsider, vary, confirm, revoke or suspend an approval.
(7) An employer at a subsea coal mine must make an application to the Director forapproval for the following plans, procedures and programs:
(a)the mine plan;
(b)the electrical installations plan;
(c)the ground control procedure;
(d)the ventilation plan;
(e)the emergency preparedness program;
(f) the coal dust minimization procedure required by subsection 186(1).
(8) In addition to the plans, procedures and programs referred to in subsection (7), anemployer at a subsea coal mine must make an application with the Director forapproval before proceeding with any of the following activities:
(a) developing, constructing or re-entering a mine, as referred to in Section 37;
(b) introducing a significant change in procedures, technique or equipment or anexperimental activity, as referred to in Section 38;
(c) shutting down, closing or abandoning a mine, as referred to in Section 39;
(d) sinking or deepening a shaft, as referred to in Section 40;
(e) installing or making a major alteration of a mine hoisting plant, as referred toin Section 41;
(f) constructing a fuel transfer system underground, a fuelling station undergroundor an underground storage area for flammable material, as referred to inSection 42;
(g) constructing an explosion-proof barrier, a dam, a bulkhead or a permanentstopping or sealing off an abandoned area, as referred to in Section 43;
(h) constructing an underground battery charging station, as referred to in Section44;
(i) transporting persons for the first time by a shaft conveyance or mine car, or byother means, as referred to in Section 45;
(j) designating an area as a non-explosion risk zone, as referred to in Section 46;
(k) installing equipment that is not intrinsically safe or not flameproof, as referredto in Section 47;
(l) determining the minimum safe distance between any working and primaryaccess or auxiliary access, as referred to in Section 48;
(m) performing work within 100 m of hazards, as referred to in Section 111;
(n) work to advance towards a geological fault, as referred to in Section 114;
(o) backfilling an abandoned panel or abandoned stope, as referred to in Section117;
(p) performing hot work, as referred to in Section 162;
(q) carrying out hotwork within a shorter period, as referred to in subsection163(3);
(r) working in an area where flammable gas may be encountered that requiresmine explosion suppression procedures and devices, as referred to insubsections 185(1) and (2);
(s) installing, energizing or using an electrical installation, as referred to inSections 192 and 195 and subsection 199(2);
(t) mechanical work carried out by a competent person, as referred to insubsection 205(3);
(u) installing, energizing or using pneumatic-powered or hydraulic-poweredequipment, as referred to in Section 208;
(v) installing, operating and maintaining a booster fan, as referred to in Section227;
(w) installing or operating an internal combustion engine, as referred to in Section263;
(x) fuelling mobile equipment, as referred to in subsection 270(3);
(y) operating mobile equipment, as referred to in subsection 290(1);
(z) using remote-controlled equipment, as referred to in Section 273;
(aa) operating a mine hoisting plant, as referred to in Sections 303 and 385;
(ab) using a raise climber, as referred to in Part 12;
(ac) using explosives, as referred to in clauses 453(3)(a) and (b);
(ad) using temporary storage boxes, as referred to in subsection 463(1);
(ae) drilling near loaded holes, as referred to in subsection 474(4);
(af) handling misfires, as referred to in Section 504.
Documents to be certified by engineer
36 (1) A document required by Sections 37 to 48, the mine plan and the electricalinstallations plan must be certified as adequate by an engineer.
(2) The ground control procedure must be certified as adequate by an engineer who iscompetent in the types of ground control the employer proposes to use or uses.
(3) The ventilation plan must be certified as adequate by an engineer who is competentin mine ventilation.
Report on proposed initial development or construction of mine, or re-entry into mine
37 An employer who proposes to proceed with the initial development or construction of amine or to re-enter a mine that has ceased development or production for 60 consecutivedays or more must file a report with the Director that includes all of the following:
(a) descriptions and plans of all of the following:
(i) the proposed mine,
(ii) the area of the mine from which the material will be extracted,
(iii) the locations of bodies of water and watercourses that might affect themine, including all of the following:
(A) identification of any existing or proposed workings that are below abody of water or watercourse,
(B) if any existing or proposed workings are below a body of water orwatercourse, a description of the geological nature of the materialbetween the body of water or watercourse and the existing orproposed workings,
(iv) the location of known faults or other structural geological disturbanceswithin or adjacent to the mine site,
(v) the locations for storing ore, tailings and waste rock;
(b) an engineer’s calculations of the expected strains on the mine roof andoverburden, including strata above the mine;
(c) the proposed means by which the work will be carried out and the schedulesand equipment proposed for use in each phase of development and mining.
Report to committee on proposed significant change or experimental activity
38 An employer must ensure that a report is prepared on any significant change in procedures,technique or equipment that is introduced or any experimental activity that may adverselyaffect the health or safety of a person that is introduced, and submit a copy to thecommittee or representative, if any, that includes details of the change or experimentalactivity and its effect on health and safety, including ventilation, ground control andequipment underground at the mine.
Report on shutdown, closure or abandonment of mine
39 An employer who proposes to shut down, close or abandon a mine must file a report withthe Director that includes all of the following:
(a) details of the shutdown, closure or abandonment and its effect on ventilation,ground control and equipment underground at the mine;
(b) a procedure for the shutdown, closure or abandonment of the mine thatincludes all of the following:
(i) an intended date for the shutdown, closure or abandonment,
(ii) documents and instructions for the shutdown, closure or abandonment,
(iii) details of portal closure procedures and methods,
(iv) details for site security after the shutdown, closure or abandonment.
Report on shaft sinking or deepening
40 An employer who proposes to sink or deepen a shaft must ensure a report is prepared thatincludes all of the following:
(a) details on the ventilation of the shaft;
(b) the manner in which water in the shaft will be handled or controlled;
(c) in relation to shaft deepening, an updated ventilation plan;
(d) details on the procedure and equipment that will be used in the shaft sinking ordeepening.
Report on the installation or major alteration of mine hoisting plant
41 An employer who proposes to install or make a major alteration to a mine hoisting plantmust ensure that an engineer designs the installation or alteration and prepares a reportrespecting the installation or alteration.
Report on installation of fuel systems
42 An employer who proposes to construct a fuel transfer system underground, a fuellingstation underground or an underground storage area for flammable material must ensure areport is prepared that includes all of the following:
(a) if diesel fuel is to be transported, the procedure required by subsection 176(5)for a diesel fuel transfer system;
(b) if a diesel fuel pipeline is part of the system, the written specifications of themanufacturer or an engineer required by clause 177(a) for a diesel fuel pipelineserving the underground;
(c) a description of monitoring procedures to quantify airborne substances thatmay be generated;
(d) equipment and material lists and specifications.
Report on construction of barrier, dam, bulkhead or stopping or sealing off abandonedareas
43 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an employer who proposes to construct anexplosion-proof barrier, a dam, a bulkhead or a permanent stopping or to seal offabandoned areas of a coal mine must prepare a report that includes all of thefollowing:
(a) a ventilation plan that reflects the changes in ventilation after the barrier, dam,bulkhead, stopping or seal is constructed;
(b) details of drainage;
(c) details of design;
(d) whether the barrier, dam, bulkhead, stopping or seal is designed to contain anexplosion;
(e) for a dam, details on whether the dam is designed to hold back more than 1 mhigh of water or to hold more than 50 000 L of water;
(f) for a permanent seal in a coal mine, the procedures required by subsection256(3).
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to the construction of a dam that meets all of thefollowing criteria:
(a) the dam is less than or equal to 1 m high and is designed to hold back less than50 000 L of water;
(b) the dam is located in a travelway or underground opening;
(c) the dam is used solely for diverting the drainage on a mining level or storingwater for mining purposes.
Report on construction of battery charging station
44 An employer who proposes to construct an underground battery charging station mustprepare a report that includes all of the following:
(a) details on air-flow directions and quantities for the battery charging station;
(b) detailed specifications for the charging equipment and batteries;
(c) a plan of the battery charging station showing the general arrangement andlocation of the charging equipment and all other electrical installations in thebattery charging station;
(d) the portion of the emergency preparedness program that describes theprocedure for fire-fighting in the battery charging station.
Report on transporting persons for first time
45 (1) An employer who proposes to transport persons underground by any means for the1st time must prepare a report that includes all of the following:
(a) the date of the intended 1st transport;
(b) the maximum number of persons that are allowed to be transported at any 1time in the shaft conveyance or mine car or by other means;
(c) for a shaft conveyance, the procedure for commissioning the shaft conveyancerequired by Section 353;
(d) for a mine car, the procedure for commissioning the mine car required bySection 425.
(2) An employer must notify the Director at least 14 days before the date of the 1stproposed transport of persons referred to in subsection (1).
Report on designation of area as non-explosion risk zone
46 An employer who proposes to designate an area of a coal mine as a non-explosion riskzone under Section 193 must file a report with the Director that includes the report of theventilation engineer required by subsection 193(2).
Report on use of equipment that is not intrinsically safe or not flameproof
47 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an employer at a coal mine who proposes toinstall equipment underground that is not intrinsically safe or not flameproof mustfile a report with the Director that includes all of the following:
(a) the engineer’s certification required by clause 196(2)(a);
(b) a plan showing the exact location of the equipment.
(2) A report does not have to be filed under subsection (1) for the replacement of anexisting piece of equipment if the replacement equipment is
(a) of the same model, type and rating as the original equipment; and
(b) from the same manufacturer as the original equipment.
Report on minimum safe distance between primary or auxiliary access and any working
48 (1) An employer must ensure that an engineer prepares a report to determine theminimum safe distance between any working and primary access or auxiliary accessbased on all of the following:
(a) the rationale for determining the distance;
(b) the method of drivage;
(c) the method and type of ground control;
(d) a geo-technical assessment by an engineer of the effects of the proposed workon the primary access or auxiliary access, taking into consideration all of thefollowing:
(i) geology,
(ii) method of mining,
(iii) depth of workings,
(iv) ground stresses,
(v) length of time the access is intended to be used by persons entering orleaving the mine.
(2) A geo-technical assessment described in clause (1)(d) must include the engineer’sopinion on the adequate functioning of the access.
Coal mine business plan and feasibility study
49 (1) If ordered by the Director, an employer who proposes to develop or construct a coalmine must have the employer’s business plan and feasibility study assessed at theemployer’s expense by a financial expert approved by the Director.
(2) An employer must provide a financial expert with access to all information anddocumentation in the employer’s possession that relates to the assessment of theemployer’s business plan and feasibility plan [study].
(3) An employer must instruct the financial expert to prepare and file a report on theassessment under subsection (1) with the Director, in the manner ordered by theDirector, to ensure confidentiality of the business plan and feasibility study.
(4) An assessment ordered by the Director under subsection (1) must include all of thefollowing information:
(a) an analysis of coal markets and production schedules;
(b) estimated operating supplies and anticipated costs of the supplies;
(c) financial details, including audited financial statements;
(d) assets and cash reserves;
(e) sensitivity analyses, including the anticipated effects of changes in marketconditions, supplies, price, timing, production costs, product quality, workforce, wage rates, taxes, equipment costs, maintenance costs or any otherrelevant factor;
(f) any factors the financial expert considers relevant to the financial viability ofthe mine.
Update required for obsolete or outdated portions of documents
50 Despite any other requirement contained in these regulations, any obsolete or outdatedportions of the mine plan, electrical installations plan, ground control procedure andventilation plan must be updated monthly and updates kept at the mine.
Mine plan
51 (1) An employer must ensure that a competent person prepares a plan of the mine thatincludes all of the following:
(a) the boundaries of the property on which the mine is located;
(b) the location of all of the following:
(i) lakes, streams and other topographical features that might affect themine,
(ii)roads and railways,
(iii)electric power transmission lines,
(iv)main pipelines,
(v)buildings and other surface facilities,
(vi)shaft and slope openings,
(vii) surface workings,
(viii) dumps and waste disposal sites,
(ix)magazines on or adjacent to the mine site,
(x) known boundaries of mine deposits,
(xi) adjacent mine boundaries within 500 m of all proposed workings,
(xii) drill holes that might intersect underground workings on the mine site;
(c) separate plans of each underground level of the mine showing the location ofall major features, including all of the following:
(i) workings,
(ii) working faces,
(iii) shafts,
(iv) slopes,
(v) tunnels,
(vi) dams, bulkheads, stoppings, seals and barriers,
(vii) electrical substations,
(viii) magazines,
(ix) fuel storage areas,
(x) shops,
(xi) service garages,
(xii) refuge stations,
(xiii) lunch rooms,
(xiv) airways,
(xv) escapeways,
(xvi) travelways,
(xvii) abandoned areas of the mine;
(d) vertical plans showing all of the following:
(i) shafts,
(ii) winzes,
(iii) tunnels,
(iv) drifts,
(v) slopes,
(vi) raises,
(vii) adits and workings in relation to the surface and the top of the bedrock;
(e) the location of any body of water dammed in the mine;
(f) the elevation of the tops and bottoms of shafts and slopes;
(g) the position, direction and extent of each known fault and the displacement ofthe faults;
(h) the direction and dip of the material being mined;
(i) existing mine workings above or below the mine;
(j) the location of telephone or other communication or signal installations.
(2) An employer must ensure that a plan required by subsection (1) includes theestimated timing of any planned changes to the items required to be included in theplan under subsection (1) for any activity during the 2 years following thepreparation of the plan.
(3) For each area underground, an employer must post a copy of the current mine planrelating to that area and ensure that the plan remains posted for as long as it iscurrent.
Electrical installations plan
52 An employer must ensure that a plan of the electrical installations at a mine is preparedthat meets the requirements of clause 3.2.1 of CSA standard CAN/CSA-M421-00(R2005), Use of Electricity in Mines.
Ground control procedure
53 (1) An employer must ensure that a ground control procedure is prepared for the mine toprevent the unplanned fall of rock.
(2) A ground control procedure must include details of all of the following:
(a) existing geological conditions, including the thickness of any relevant seams;
(b) the type and thickness of strata between the roof and the surface and below thefloor for a depth of 3 m below the strata being mined;
(c) the mining methods to be used;
(d) any hazards related to ground control and an outline of the manner in whichthese hazards will be handled;
(e) the planned width of openings and size of any pillars;
(f) the method of permanent and temporary ground support, including pillars,mechanical devices or any other methods to be used, including the type,sequence and spacing of permanent and temporary ground support materials ordevices;
(g) a plan showing the location, size and spacing of pillars, mechanical devices orany other methods of support;
(h) the work procedures used to assess ground conditions;
(i) the work procedures used to install any ground control devices;
(j) if instruments or devices are installed to monitor ground conditions, adescription of how and when measurements will be taken, and a description ofhow results will be recorded;
(k) the work procedures used to construct, inspect, maintain and regularly monitorthe instruments and devices used to monitor the ground control system;
(l) a system that ensures that a record is made on a plan included as part of theground control procedure of any unplanned fall of rock or any rockburst thatdoes any of the following:
(i) impairs ventilation,
(ii) impedes the passage of persons,
(iii) causes injury to a person,
(iv) causes a person to withdraw from an area,
(v) disrupts activities for more than 1 hour;
(m) an adequate testing procedure for the ground supports;
(n) how the effectiveness of the ground control procedure will be evaluated.
(3) An employer must maintain a written record of the results obtained from aninstrument or device used to monitor the ground control system and must keep therecord for at least 2 years after the earlier of the following dates:
(a) the date that the underground area of the mine that is covered by the recordbecomes abandoned;
(b) the date that the instrument or device is no longer used.
Ventilation plan
54 An employer must ensure that plans are prepared describing the ventilation system thatshow all of the following:
(a) the location and description of all fans or air-moving devices;
(b) the location and description of all surface openings;
(c) the location of the measurement stations that are used to determine the airflow;
(d) the direction, velocity and air flow of the main air currents;
(e) the location of all proposed and existing ventilation devices, including all ofthe following:
(i) main fans,
(ii) auxiliary fans,
(iii) booster fans,
(iv) ventilation doors and ventilation curtains,
(v) airways and crossings,
(vi) air ducts,
(vii) brattices,
(viii) bulkheads,
(ix) flammable-gas drainage pipes and holes,
(x) explosion-proof barriers,
(xi) stoppings,
(xii) seals,
(xiii) dams,
(xiv) overcasts,
(xv) undercasts,
(xvi) regulators,
(xvii) doors,
(xviii)connections with adjacent mines;
(f) the location of all underground workings and splits;
(g) the flow of air entering and leaving each working area;
(h) the amount of air at each open crosscut in a room and pillar section;
(i) cross-sectional areas of all travelways, tunnels and shafts and any other devicesor airways through which ventilating air is moved;
(j) any means of heating the ventilating air;
(k) any compressed air lines used for ventilation;
(l) the location of all fixed ventilation monitoring equipment and remote sensingequipment;
(m) transportation systems for all of the following:
(i) persons,
(ii) material being mined,
(iii) materials other than materials being mined;
(n) the location of first aid stations and refuge stations;
(o) the location of any non-explosion risk zone and the location and type of anyfixed equipment in the zone that is not intrinsically safe or not flameproof;
(p) the location of obstructions to air flow.
Requirement for document estimating rate of flammable gas
55 An employer at a coal mine must ensure that a document is prepared estimating the rate offlammable gas released at each stage of mining.
Mechanical equipment installations plan
56 An employer must ensure that a plan is prepared showing the location of non-mobilemechanical equipment installations.
Plans of sections and meeting stations in coal mine
57 (1) The mine manager of a coal mine must prepare a plan and an employer at a coalmine must ensure that the mine manager defines the limits of each section in a coalmine for which a supervisor is responsible on the plan so that
(a) every working face, other than an area where work is being carried out torepair or enlarge a travelway, is included within a section; and
(b) each section is small enough to permit a pre-shift inspection to be completed in2 hours or less.
(2) An employer at a coal mine must ensure that the mine manager designates a meetingstation that is located at the entrance to each section and ensures that the locationsare made known by doing all of the following:
(a) marking the meeting stations clearly on the plan required by subsection (1);
(b) causing a sign to be posted at each meeting station identifying it as a meetingstation.
(3) An employer must ensure that the plan required by subsection (1) is posted in aconspicuous place at all meeting stations underground.
File plans once a year
58 An employer must file the mine plan, electrical installations plan, ground controlprocedure and ventilation plan with the Director at least once in every 12 months after theinitial construction, development or re-entry of a mine has started, until the mine isabandoned.
Filing fees and refunds
59 (1) Except as provided in Section 60, an employer must pay the following fees to theDivision:
(a) at the time a document, or any revision of the document, is filed with theDirector, the applicable fee set out in Schedule A;
(b) no later than 30 days after receiving an order of the Director requiring payment,an amount equal to the difference between the following:
(i) the actual cost incurred by the Director to review the document,
(ii) the filing fee paid under clause (a) as set out in Schedule A or as waivedor reduced in accordance with Section 60.
(2) An employer must ensure that a fee paid under subsection (1) is accompanied by allof the following information:
(a) the number or letter of the provision of these regulations that requires filing thedocument to which the fee relates, as set out in Schedule A;
(b) the amount of the required fee for the document filed, as set out in Schedule A.
(3) An amount must not be charged under clause (1)(b) if
(a) the amount paid under clause (1)(a) is more than the cost of reviewing thedocument; or
(b) the difference calculated under clause (1)(b) is less than 10% of the amount ofthe filing fee paid under clause (1)(a) for the document.
(4) If the cost of reviewing or assessing a document filed under these regulations is lessthan the filing fee paid under clause (1)(a) for the document, the difference must berefunded if it is more than 10% of the filing fee.
Waiver or reduction of filing fee
60 (1) An employer who is required to file a document required by these regulations mayapply in writing to the Director to have the filing fee required by clause 59(1)(a)waived or reduced.
(2) If the Director determines that the likely cost associated with the filing of a documentrequired by these regulations will be less than the fee set out in Schedule A, theDirector may waive or reduce the filing fee required by clause 59(1)(a).
Penalty for non-payment of fee
61 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an employer who fails to pay a fee required byclause 59(1)(a) or a reduced fee required by Section 60 may be subject to an orderissued by the Director, in addition to any order for payment of the fee outstandingunder subsection 59(1), requiring payment of an administrative penalty in an amountequal to the fee outstanding under subsection 59(1), and the employer is required topay both the fee and the penalty.
(2) If an employer has made an application under Section 60, the fee outstanding underclause 59(1)(a) is not due unless and until the Director orders that it be paid.
Review of documents and notice of costs
62 (1) If the Director determines, based on the documents filed, that a review is necessaryto ascertain the adequacy of the information contained in the documents, the Directormust review the information in a timely manner.
(2) The Director must notify the employer when the review is complete and the noticemust state the cost of the review.
Part 3 - General Safety Requirements and Work Procedures
Designation by mine manager to position
63 Except as otherwise provided in these regulations for a person being trained, a person mustnot perform the duties of a position that requires a designation unless the person has beendesignated by an employer or the mine manager to the position.
Designation in writing
64 Unless these regulations specify otherwise, a designation required to be made by anemployer or the mine manager under these regulations must be in writing.
Designation of mine manager and alternate
65 (1) Before work involving the disturbance of ground starts at a mine, an employer mustdesignate all of the following:
(a) 1 competent person as the mine manager, and at a coal mine the competentperson must meet the qualifications set out in Section 544;
(b) at least 1 competent person as an alternate person to be responsible forperforming the duties of the mine manager if the mine manager is unable tocarry out the duties of mine manager, and at a coal mine the competent personmust meet the qualifications set out in Section 544.
(2) If the mine manager vacates the position or otherwise ceases to perform the duties ofmine manager for 90 consecutive days, the employer must designate a new minemanager.
Duties of mine manager
66 The mine manager or the mine manager’s alternate must perform all of the followingduties:
(a) as far as is reasonably practicable, be at the mine while work is being carriedout;
(b) take every precaution that is reasonable in the circumstances to ensure that therequirements of the Act and its regulations are complied with.
Designation of underground manager at coal mine
67 The mine manager at a coal mine must designate a competent person who meets thequalifications set out in Section 545 as the underground manager who is responsible forthe overall supervision of operations underground.
Designation and numbers of supervisors
68 The mine manager must designate competent persons as supervisors, and at a coal minethe persons must meet the qualifications set out in Section 547, in numbers necessary to doall of the following:
(a) monitor the workplace sufficiently to ensure compliance with the Act and itsregulations;
(b) ensure timely communication of information that is necessary to health andsafety among mine workers working at the mine;
(c) ensure that gas tests and inspections of the workplace can be performed asrequired under the Act and its regulations;
(d) ensure that a person who follows plans, or has access to information fromplans, is a competent person;
(e) provide technical assistance to or obtain technical assistance for any personwho needs it to ensure health or safety in accordance with the Act and itsregulations;
(f) supervise the mine in accordance with the Act and its regulations.
Designation of mine workers
69 The mine manager must designate all persons who will regularly work underground asmine workers.
Designations for mine hoisting plant
70 (1) At a mine at which a hoist is used, the mine manager must designate at least 1competent person who meets the qualifications set out in Section 536 as a hoistoperator.
(2) The mine manager must designate a competent person to be responsible for a minehoisting plant.
Designation of mine rescue workers and mine rescue team captain
71 (1) The mine manager must designate competent persons who meet the qualifications ofSection 539 as mine rescue workers in numbers that meet the requirements ofSection 143.
(2) The mine manager must designate a competent person who meets the qualificationsof Section 541 as a mine rescue team captain for each mine rescue team establishedat the mine.
Designation of mine rescue trainer
72 The mine manager must designate at least 1 competent person who meets thequalifications of Section 542 as a mine rescue trainer to conduct the mine rescue trainingfor the employer’s mine rescue teams.
Designation of mine examiner at coal mine
73 The mine manager at a coal mine must designate at least 1 competent person who meetsthe qualifications of Section 548 as a mine examiner.
Designation of mine surveyor in coal mine
74 The mine manager at a coal mine must designate at least 1 competent person who meetsthe qualifications of Section 549 as a mine surveyor.
Designation of electricians and mechanics at coal mine
75 (1) The mine manager at a coal mine must designate all of the following electricians:
(a) at least 1 competent person who meets the qualifications set out in Section 551as a coal mine electrician;
(b) at least 1 competent person who meets the qualifications set out in Section 552as a chief coal mine electrician.
(2) The mine manager at a coal mine must designate all of the following mechanics:
(a) at least 1 competent person who meets the qualifications set out in Section 553as a coal mine mechanic;
(b) at least 1 competent person who meets the qualifications set out in Section 554as chief coal mine mechanic.
More than 1 designation held by person
76 A person may hold more than 1 designation.
Verifying systems, procedures, equipment and installations
77 Before initial use, the performance of all systems, procedures, equipment and installationsat a mine that may affect health or safety must be verified and documented to ensure thatthey meet the plans and specifications and operate in conformity with the design intent.
Monitors and meters
78 All monitors and meters must be constructed, operated, inspected, maintained, calibratedand dismantled in accordance with
(a) the manufacturer’s specifications; or
(b) if there are no manufacturer’s specifications, written specifications certified byan engineer.
Controlled access to and from mine
79 (1) A person must not enter a mine unless authorized by the mine manager or by law.
(2) A sign indicating restricted access to the mine must be posted at each entrance to themine property and at each entrance to the underground.
(3) Except in an emergency, a person must enter and exit the underground by way of adesignated entrance or exit.
Recording and identification of all persons underground
80 (1) A check-in and check-out system must be prepared, implemented and maintainedthat accurately identifies by name and number all persons who are underground at amine.
(2) The system referred to in subsection (1) must consist of all of the following:
(a) a written record, check-board or lamp-check, or other adequate method, kepton the surface in a place that will not be affected by an underground explosion;
(b) a fireproof number tag that corresponds to the record of identification usedunder clause (a) that must be carried by the person it is assigned to when theyare underground.
Washing and changing facilities (wash house or mine dry)
81 (1) A separate facility for male mine workers and a separate facility for female mineworkers must be provided in which the workers may wash their bodies and changeand dry their clothing, and each facility must include a separate storage facility forstreet clothes and working clothes.
(2) A facility required by subsection (1) must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must not be located in a headframe, boiler room, engine room, bunkhouse orlunchroom, unless the facility is located within a physically separate room inthe headframe, boiler room, engine room, bunkhouse or lunchroom;
(b) it must not be located nearer than 15 m to a shafthead building or portal house,unless the facility is constructed of non-combustible material;
(c) it must be adequately heated, lit, and ventilated;
(d) it must be kept clean and equipped with all of the following:
(i) a means of drying hands,
(ii) an adequate supply of soap or other cleansing materials for washingpersons;
(e) it must be provided with an adequate supply of hot and cold water;
(f) it must be equipped with a minimum of 1 shower for every 10 persons whomay use the facility and are scheduled to leave the mine at the same time.
Communication procedure
82 (1) The mine manager must prepare a procedure to ensure timely communication ofinformation between supervisors and persons working at the mine about all of thefollowing:
(a) the state of the ground control;
(b) the state of the ventilation;
(c) the presence of noxious or flammable gases;
(d) any hazardous or potentially hazardous condition;
(e) an emergency;
(f) at a coal mine, a blast pattern where blasting occurs;
(g) any information necessary to the health or safety of persons at the mine.
(2) The procedure required by subsection (1) must set out all of the following:
(a) the means of communicating information;
(b) the kind of information to be communicated;
(c) the action to be taken by persons working at the mine with respect to theinformation that is communicated to them.
(3) The procedure required by subsection (1) must be reviewed at least once every 12months.
Use of radio frequencies
83 (1) An employer must ensure that radio frequencies that are used underground do notcause any of the following:
(a) the inadvertent operation of a blasting device that might respond to the radiofrequencies or the radiated energy;
(b) the inadvertent over-riding of a remote control.
(2) If radio frequencies are used in an underground communications system, all of thefollowing conditions must be met:
(a) the system design as installed must be certified by an engineer, indicating thatthe system enables reliable communication underground at the mine and thatprecautions have been taken in accordance with subsection (1);
(b) a competent person must install the system.
Underground illumination
84 Permanent lighting of at least 50 lux must be installed at all permanent facilitiesunderground in a mine, except in travelways, ventilation shafts and any other areas wherework is not usually conducted.
Cap lamps provided while underground
85 (1) An employer must provide a person entering the underground with an adequate caplamp.
(2) A person must keep an adequate cap lamp in their possession while underground.
Cap lamp specifications
86 An employer must ensure that any cap lamp used underground is capable of providing apeak illuminance of at least 1500 lux for 8 consecutive hours at 1.2 m from the lightsource.
Procedure for cap lamps
87 (1) The mine manager must prepare a procedure for all of the following:
(a) assessing cap lamps in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications todetermine whether they are capable of meeting the requirements of Section 86;
(b) assembling, operating, inspecting and maintaining cap lamps in accordancewith the manufacturer’s specifications.
(2) At a coal mine, a cap lamp must be of a type that is approved for use in a coal mineby any of the following:
(a) the federal Department of Natural Resources;
(b) MSHA;
(c) an agency acceptable to the Director.
Self-rescuers
88 (1) An employer must provide each person who enters the underground with all of thefollowing:
(a) an adequately maintained self-rescuer that meets the requirements ofsubsection (2) or (4);
(b) training in the use of a self-rescuer in accordance with the manufacturer’sspecifications.
(2) A self-rescuer must meet all of the following minimum criteria:
(a) it provides protection against dust;
(b) it has a capacity of at least 60 minutes at 1% by volume of carbon monoxide inthe air.
(3) A person must carry an adequate self-rescuer at all times while underground.
(4) If a person might travel underground to a point that is farther from the surface or arefuge station than the distance an average person would walk in 30 minutes, 1 of thefollowing must be met:
(a) the self-rescuer provided under subsection (1) must be capable of protectingthe user at 1% by volume of carbon monoxide in the air for at least twice thetime it would take the average person to walk to the surface or a refuge station,whichever is closer, from the farthest point the person might travel to;
(b) if the person has access to a self-contained breathing apparatus at the person’sworkplace, the self-contained breathing apparatus must be capable ofprotecting the user for twice the time it would take the average person to walkto the surface or a refuge station, whichever is closer, from the farthest pointthe person might travel to;
(c) caches of self-rescuers must be placed in adequate numbers at locations asfollows:
(i) each cache must be located in an area in which precautions have beentaken to minimize contamination during an emergency,
(ii) each self-rescuer in a cache must be capable of providing protection fortwice the time it would take the average person to walk to the closest ofthe following:
(A) the next cache,
(B) the surface,
(C) a refuge station, and
(iii) each cache must be identified with adequate signage.
Procedure for assessing and maintaining self-rescuers and self-contained breathingapparatuses
89 The mine manager must prepare a procedure for all of the following:
(a) assessing self-rescuers and self-contained breathing apparatuses in accordancewith the manufacturers’ specifications to determine whether they are capable ofmeeting the requirements of subsection 88(2) or (4);
(b) operating and inspecting self-rescuers and self-contained breathing apparatusesin accordance with the manufacturers’ specifications.
Quantitative fit testing of self-contained respiratory protective equipment
90 An employer must ensure that all persons who are expected to regularly use self-containedrespiratory protective equipment receive annual quantitative fit testing of their self-contained respiratory protective equipment.
Maximum hours of work underground
91 (1) In this Section, “longer shift” means a shift that is longer than 8 cumulative hours inany consecutive 24 hours, as recorded from the time a person goes underground untilthe person returns to the surface.
(2) A mine worker must not work, and a mine worker must not be asked to work, alonger shift except in the following circumstances:
(a) an emergency;
(b) to occasionally perform unscheduled work necessary for the continuation ofnormal production, if the need for doing the work during a longer shift couldnot reasonably be foreseen;
(c) on 1 day of a week, to change over their shift times or to avoid working on aSunday or holiday;
(d) if the committee or the representative, if any, concludes, on the basis ofevidence gathered using recognized scientific practices, that a longer shift isunlikely to expose the mine worker to a significantly increased health hazard.
(3) A person must not work underground longer than 16 hours in any 24-hour period.
Incentive bonus plans at coal mine
92 (1) In this Section, “incentive bonus” means a reward or benefit, whether monetary ornot, that is provided to any person and considers in any way the levels of productionor corporate financial performance at a coal mine.
(2) An employer at a coal mine must not offer an incentive bonus program other than inaccordance with this Section.
(3) An employer at a coal mine may offer an incentive bonus program that meets all ofthe following criteria:
(a) the program is developed following consultation with the employees and anyother person who will benefit from the incentive bonus program;
(b) the program is based on all of the following:
(i) measures that recognize and reward acceptable group safetyperformance,
(ii) measures that recognize and reward acceptable individual safetyperformance,
(iii) arrangements that allow all employees and any other persons at theworkplace, whether underground or not, to participate in the incentivebonus program.
(4) The employer must provide a copy of any proposed incentive bonus program to theDirector and the committee or representative, if any, at least 90 days before the datethe program is to be implemented.
(5) The mine manager must request that the committee or representative, if any, providean opinion in writing, based on any evidence gathered, on whether the incentivebonus program at the workplace could expose a person to an increased risk of anincident, injury or accident.
(6) An employer must file an opinion provided under subsection (5) with the Director.
(7) An employer must not implement an incentive bonus program until 1 of thefollowing occurs:
(a) the employer has received an opinion under subsection (5);
(b) the committee or representative, if any, has been given a reasonable amount oftime and has not given an opinion under subsection (5).
Contact with person working alone underground
93 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a supervisor or person authorized by asupervisor must visit a person who is alone in an underground area of the mine atleast once every 2 hours if personal contact with another person would not otherwisebe made at least once every 2 hours.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if all of the following conditions are met:
(a) a device for communicating by voice is used by the person who is alone toreport to a supervisor or authorized person at least once every 2 hours;
(b) the person who is alone is visited by a supervisor or authorized person at leastonce during the person’s shift.
(3) A record of a report made under subsection (2) must be kept for at least 30 days.
Communication system
94 (1) A system of devices for communicating by voice must be provided, inspected andmaintained at a mine.
(2) A competent person who is qualified with respect to underground operations and inperforming the duties as outlined in the emergency preparedness program must be onthe surface at a mine site whenever a person is underground.
(3) Persons working underground must be able to immediately contact the personreferred to in subsection (2).
(4) A communication system at a mine must enable voice communication between theperson referred to in subsection (2) and any person at any of the following locations:
(a) the collar of a shaft, including the collar of an internal shaft if a shaftconveyance is used;
(b) the portal of a slope, if a mine car is used;
(c) the landing station of a shaft station or slope station;
(d) a hoist station;
(e) a first aid station;
(f) a refuge station;
(g) a maintenance shop, crusher station, lunchroom or conveyor transfer station;
(h) any area ordered by the Director.
(5) A communication system at a mine must enable a person who is in a part of anactive working to contact someone outside that area.
Primary access and auxiliary access to underground
95 (1) A primary access and, except as provided in subsection (2), at least 1 auxiliary accessmust be provided and maintained.
(2) An auxiliary access is not required during the exploration and preliminarydevelopment of a production area or subsequent development of a new level in amulti-level mine, other than at a coal mine under subsection (3).
(3) At a coal mine, the primary access must not advance more than 500 m without anauxiliary access being provided to the underground.
(4) The primary access and auxiliary accesses, in combination, must provide at least 2means of passage to the surface from each active working.
(5) There must be at least 30 m between the surface entrances of the primary access andany auxiliary access.
(6) There must be at least 1 travelway joining the primary access and each auxiliaryaccess.
Signs indicating direction to accesses, stations, hydrants, extinguishers and caches
96 An employer must post signs in conspicuous places underground that are adequate innumber and size indicating the direction to, and the location of, all of the following:
(a) the primary access and the nearest auxiliary access;
(b) the nearest refuge stations or first aid stations;
(c) the nearest fire hydrants and other non-portable fire-extinguishers;
(d) if self-rescuer caches and self-contained breathing apparatus caches are used atthe mine, the nearest self-rescuer caches and self-contained breathing apparatuscaches.
Design of opening to surface
97 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), each opening to the surface at a mine must becertified as adequate by an engineer.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to drill holes and similar openings.
Minimum dimensions of travelway
98 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), all travelways must be at least 1.5 m wide by1.5 m high and must not contain any obstruction that would impede the passage ofpersons wearing self-contained breathing apparatuses and carrying an injured personon a stretcher.
(2) A travelway may be smaller than as required by subsection (1) if the mine managerprepares a procedure for the evacuation of injured persons.
Minimum means of access within underground
99 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), mining must not occur in a production areaunless there are at least 2 means of access to the primary access or an auxiliaryaccess.
(2) Mining may occur in a part of a production area that has only a single means ofaccess if the production area meets all of the following:
(a) it is less than 250 m long;
(b) it is mined by 1 of the following methods:
(i) the room and pillar method, as long as no place in the area is more than200 m from the means of access,
(ii) remote control, if no person is present in the production area.
(3) A 2nd means of access to the primary access must exist or an auxiliary access mustexist at any time there are persons in an area where a single means of access to thearea might not be usable.
Means of access within underground at mine
100 (1) A walkway, stairway, ladder or raise climber must be provided to an undergroundarea of a mine if the presence of a person in that area on a routine basis canreasonably be anticipated.
(2) A stairway, ladder or raise climber must be provided for a travelway that is inclinedat more than 20° and less than 50° from the horizontal.
(3) A ladder that contains landing platforms at vertical intervals not exceeding 7.5 m ora raise climber must be provided if a travelway is inclined at 50° or more from thehorizontal.
(4) If a ladder is inclined at more than 70° from the horizontal, the ladders between eachlanding platform must be offset.
(5) Unless a raise climber or a raise borer is used, any raise inclined at over 50° from thehorizontal that is to be driven more than 18 m slope distance must be divided into atleast 2 components, 1 of which is maintained as a ladderway.
(6) Timbering used to divide a raise referred to in subsection (5) must be kept within asafe distance of the face of the raise and the distance between the face of the raiseand the top of the timbering must not exceed 7.5 m.
Transporting employees close to work location
101 Transportation must be provided to employees to a point that is as close as reasonablypracticable to each work location and no further than 600 m from a work location.
Landing platforms
102 (1) A landing platform must be installed at any place underground where a ladder isoffset from another ladder.
(2) A landing platform underground must have an opening large enough for a personwearing a self-contained breathing apparatus and carrying an injured person on astretcher to pass through.
Shaft with ladder and skip
103 If a ladder and a skip occupy the same compartment in a shaft, all of the followingconditions must be met:
(a) the ladder must be protected from material being hoisted;
(b) a person must not be in the shared compartment while the skip is in motion.
Warning signs at shafts
104 When repair work is being carried out in a shaft or when, for any other reason, the shaftcould be dangerous to a person entering it, the shaft must be fenced off or gated andwarning signs must be posted at all entrances to the shaft.
Passing beyond meeting station of section or into uninspected areas at a coal mine
105 (1) At a coal mine, only a mine examiner carrying out an inspection or a personaccompanying the mine examiner may pass beyond a meeting station at the start of ashift until all of the following occurs:
(a) the section is inspected by the mine examiner in accordance with subclause120(1)(a)(i) and the mine examiner reports that the section is safe;
(b) the supervisor responsible for the section is informed that the mine examinerhas reported that the section is safe in accordance with clause (a);
(c) the supervisor responsible for the section instructs persons to pass.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), a person at a coal mine must not instruct aperson to pass beyond the meeting station of a section at any time, unless thesupervisor responsible for the section has information indicating that it is safe to passbeyond the meeting station.
(3) At a coal mine, only a mine examiner carrying out an inspection or a personaccompanying the mine examiner may enter uninspected areas of a mine.
Securing ground
106 (1) A person must not work or travel in any underground area of a mine unless that areahas been assessed and secured in accordance with the ground control procedure.
(2) A mine worker at an active working face must inspect the roof, sides and face oftheir work area for any unsafe ground conditions before beginning any work.
(3) In an area where roof bolting is the primary means of ground support, warningdevices must be embedded in the roof to monitor any downward movement in theroof strata.
(4) All rock bolts or similar devices installed in a mine on or after the effective date ofthese regulations must comply with the following:
(a) the requirements of CSA standard CAN/CSA-M430-90 (R2007), Roof andRock Bolts, and Accessories; or
(b) if the devices are not addressed in the CSA standard referred to in clause (a),generally accepted engineering principles.
(5) If a person is assessing ground conditions underground and a cap lamp does notprovide adequate illumination for the assessment, an employer must supply, and theperson must use, auxiliary lighting sufficient for effectively carrying out theassessment.
(6) A competent person must install any ground support devices required by the groundcontrol procedure in a manner that is suitable for the ground conditions in the area.
Scaling
107 (1) Scaling bars used at a mine must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) they must be readily available to mine workers;
(b) they must be adequately dressed and be of such length and rigidity that theycan be used at a 45° angle from the horizontal.
(2) A mine worker who is scaling using a scaling bar must do so in accordance with allof the following conditions:
(a) the mine worker must remain on a firm, stable surface;
(b) the mine worker must take up a stable position;
(c) the mine worker must ensure that there is a free space to allow for suddenretreat.
(3) No other work must be carried on during scaling that hinders the work of scaling orwould be endangered by the scaling.
Water and saturated material
108 (1) If gravity is used to transfer solid material through an opening, adequate precautionsmust be taken to ensure that water, frozen material or water-bearing material do notenter the opening in such quantities as to present a hazard to a person.
(2) If an ore pass or waste pass in an active working is found to contain enough water orsaturated material to cause a flow, the mine manager must ensure that a procedurefor the safe removal of the water or saturated material is prepared by a competentperson.
Cuttings created by raise bores
109 Cuttings created by a raise borer must not accumulate above the raise opening.
Drill hole intersections
110 (1) If drilling of a hole is discontinued or an intersection is made between a hole and aworking face, all of the following must be carried out:
(a) if reasonably practicable, the hole must be clearly marked in yellow paint, atthe collar and any points of intersection or breakthrough, with a single capitalletter “H” that meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it is at least 25 cm by 25 cm in size,
(ii) it is located within 1 m of the collar or intersection;
(b) the approach underground to the collar of the hole or to any intersection withor breakthrough to another hole must be securely closed off or guarded whenblasting is to be done within 10 m of the intersection or breakthrough.
(2) In a coal mine, in addition to the requirements of subsection (1), if reasonablypracticable, an exploration drill hole must be cemented for a minimum length of5 m.
Advancing within 100 m of hazards
111 (1) At least 30 days before starting work, an employer must file with the Director a planand procedure certified by an engineer that explains the work to be done and how thework will be done, including an estimated start date, if the employer proposes toperform work related to mining within 100 m of any of the following:
(a) a working, active or abandoned, on an adjacent property;
(b) an abandoned working at the mine site;
(c) a body of water or material that could flow;
(d) a potentially dangerous pocket of gas.
(2) No work referred to in subsection (1) may proceed until the Director orders theadoption of the plan and procedure as a code of practice under Section 66 of the Act.
Dangerous drill hole contact
112 If a drill hole makes contact with a potentially dangerous accumulation of water or pocketof gas, all of the following must be done:
(a) all work must stop immediately and all persons must withdraw to a safe areauntil, aside from work and persons involved in controlling the influx of wateror gas, all of the following have been completed:
(i) a competent person has evaluated the situation and made a report, andthe report has been signed by the manager,
(ii) appropriate measures have been taken to control the hazard;
(b) if the contact is with flammable gas, the concentration of flammable gas mustbe continuously monitored using an appropriate gas monitor during any furtherwork in the area.
Advancing within 300 m of body of water or material at coal mine that could flow
113 In a coal mine, if a working face is advancing towards a point that is less than 300 m froma body of water or material that could flow, all of the following must be done:
(a) at least 1 hole must be drilled at least 16 m ahead of the advancing workingface;
(b) if there is a solid barrier of competent, unworked material of 150 m or lessbetween a body of water and the roof of a face, all of the following must becarried out:
(i) soundings must be taken, at reasonable distances, for the purposes ofdetermining the depth of the water, to a distance of at least 300 m inadvance of the working face,
(ii) measurements must be taken at the working face at least once every 3months to determine the thickness of the barrier,
(iii) the location of the soundings and the measurements required bysubclauses (i) and (ii) must be marked on a plan of the undergroundworkings that is kept readily available for examination by mine workers.
Advancing within 50 m of geological fault in coal mine
114 In a coal mine, if a working face is advancing towards a point that is less than 50 m fromwhere there is likely to be a geological fault that may endanger health or safety, all of thefollowing must be done:
(a) at least 1 hole must be drilled at least 16 m ahead of the advancing workingface;
(b) if the throw or dislocation of the geological fault exceeds 10 m or the faces ofthe fault plane are separated by material more than 60 cm thick, a proceduremust be prepared and certified as adequate by an engineer for work that iscarried out within 10 m of the fault that includes all of the following:
(i) a plan that shows
(A) the current location of the working face,
(B) the proposed location of the working face, and
(C) the length and location of the drill hole referred to in clause (a),
(ii) the work proposed to be performed,
(iii) any hazard or potential hazard to persons as a result of the proposedwork,
(iv) a strategy to deal with any hazard or potential hazard that is identified,
(v) the position, direction and extent of the known geological faults and thedisplacement of the faults in and around the 10 m area,
(vi) the nature, direction and dip of the material to be mined in and aroundthe 10 m area.
Advancing within 10 m of active working
115 (1) In this Section, all of the following definitions apply:
“active working 1” means an active working that is advancing towards a 2nd activeworking;
“active working 2” means an active working towards which active working 1 isadvancing.
(2) If an active working advances within 10 m of breaking through to another activeworking, all of the following conditions must be met:
(a) a connection must not be made between active working 1 and active working 2until active working 2 is checked in the breakthrough area for misfires andbootlegs;
(b) blasting may occur only if
(i) the distance between active working 1 and active working 2 is greaterthan twice the length of the longest drill hole, or
(ii) all personnel are evacuated from active working 2 and all approaches toactive working 2 are guarded before blasting.
Underground fill
116 (1) Before using any material for fill underground, the material must be tested and anengineer must certify that the material meets all of the following criteria:
(a) it is suitable for the purpose, as determined from tests including tests of itspermeability characteristics and stability;
(b) it does not include sulphide material in quantities that might inducespontaneous combustion or self-heating and it does not contain over 20%sulphide by mass of the fill being tested.
(2) Sand, slag, waste rock or tailings may be used for fill underground only if all of thefollowing criteria are met and an engineer certifies that all of the following criteriaare met:
(a) any liquid in the sand, slag, waste rock or tailings contains less than 20 mgcyanide per litre of liquid;
(b) the liquid effluent from the filled area contains less than 20 mg of cyanide perlitre of liquid.
(3) A procedure for backfilling must be prepared that it is certified by an engineer.
Backfilling of abandoned panel or abandoned stope
117 (1) If a solid barrier of 40 m of competent, unworked material does not exist betweenthe roof of a panel or stope that is abandoned on or after the effective date of theseregulations and the surface, the employer must backfill the panel or stope to ensureagainst a sudden collapse of ground at the surface, unless the employer does all ofthe following:
(a) notifies the Director of their intention not to backfill the abandoned panel orabandoned stope;
(b) files with the Director a report prepared by an engineer that includes all of thefollowing:
(i) a soil distribution study,
(ii) a study of the mechanical properties of the soil above the panel or stope,
(iii) a study of the mechanical properties of the rock above the panel orstope,
(iv) a study of the hydrogeological conditions,
(v) any recommended terms or conditions that, in the engineer’s opinion,are necessary for the protection of the health or safety of persons whomight be affected by an unexpected collapse, including anyrecommended monitoring or alternatives and the results to be expected,
(vi) the engineer’s opinion that the ground at the surface above theabandoned panel or abandoned stope will not collapse in a manner thatmight endanger persons on the surface or underground.
(2) The report referred to in clause (1)(b) must be kept while the mine is in operation.
(3) Any recommendations contained in the engineer’s report prepared under clause(1)(b) must be complied with.
Mining in area of construction
118 (1) Before constructing a dam, bulkhead, permanent stopping, temporary stopping,explosion-proof barrier or seal, a report must be prepared by an engineer thatincludes all of the following:
(a) a definition of the construction area;
(b) advice on the hazards that could reasonably be anticipated during construction.
(2) A copy of the engineer’s report prepared under subsection (1) must be provided tothe mine manager before the construction begins and the mine manager must signthe report.
(3) Except as provided in subsections (4) and (5), only a person involved in theconstruction of a dam, bulkhead, permanent stopping, temporary stopping,explosion-proof barrier or seal may work in a construction area until the engineer hasprovided an opinion to the mine manager that it is safe to work in the area.
(4) Persons may work in a construction area conducting tests under the direction of anengineer and in accordance with a procedure prepared by the engineer.
(5) If a temporary stoppingis constructed for fire-fighting, a person other than a personinvolved in fire-fighting or rescue must not enter the construction area for at least 24hours after the time the stopping is constructed.
General inspections at non-coal mine
119 At a non-coal mine, an inspection must be made of all of the following locations by thepersons and at the times specified:
(a) each place underground that is being ventilated and is an area where personstravel must be inspected by a competent person at least once a week or moreoften as conditions require;
(b) each underground travelway where persons normally travel on a daily basismust be inspected by a competent person at least once a day;
(c) each underground area where persons are working must be inspected by asupervisor at least once a shift.
General inspections at coal mine
120 (1) A mine examiner at a coal mine must inspect all of the following at the timesspecified:
(a) each section of the mine at all of the following times:
(i) within the 4 hours immediately before the beginning of each shift in asection,
(ii) if persons are present, at intervals not exceeding 8 hours after the initialinspection referred to in subclause (i);
(b) each of the following places underground that is not included in a section, atthe beginning of each shift and at least once during each shift:
(i) a place at which material is being worked to repair or enlarge atravelway,
(ii) a place from which equipment, tools or supports are being removed orsalvaged,
(iii) a place at which persons might work and through which persons do notregularly travel,
(c) at least once during each shift, each part of a section that is allotted to the mineexaminer for inspection purposes;
(d) at least once during each shift, the condition and position of any explosionsuppression devices;
(e) at least once every 24 hours, each underground travelway where personsnormally travel on a daily basis;
(f) at least once every 24 hours, areas that are ventilated but not occupied;
(g) at least once a week, all shafts and slopes, other than shafts and slopes that areused solely for ventilation, and all accessible stoppings;
(h) at least once a week, the bottom and top of each shaft and slope that is usedsolely for ventilation;
(i) at least once a week, the methane drainage system.
(2) A supervisor who is responsible for a section must inspect every part of the sectionat least once during each shift.
Report on general inspection at mine
121 (1) A person who performs an inspection under Section 119 or 120 must prepare areport of the inspection before going off shift that includes all of the following:
(a) the state of the ground conditions;
(b) the state of the ventilation;
(c) a record of any ventilation, flammable gas and noxious gas readings taken andthe locations where the readings were taken;
(d) information regarding equipment that is unsafe;
(e) any hazardous or potentially hazardous condition;
(f) at a coal mine, all of the following:
(i) information regarding the condition and position of any explosionsuppression devices,
(ii) the person’s observations regarding stone-dust and accumulations ofwater.
(2) In addition to the information included in the inspection report required bysubsection (1), a supervisor who carries out an inspection under Section 119 orsubsection 120(2) must include all of the following in their report:
(a) any unsafe condition reported to the supervisor, whether remedied or not;
(b) any hazardous or potentially hazardous condition that is not remedied orremoved by the end of the shift.
Communication of inspection information
122 The information required to be reported under Section 121 must be
(a) communicated to the first-line supervisor on the incoming shift who, at a non-coal mine, is assigned responsibility for the corresponding area of the mine or,at a coal mine, is responsible for the section;
(b) discussed by the first-line supervisor with the mine workers under theirsupervision on the incoming shift before the mine workers work in the areasaddressed in the reports; and
(c) signed by the first-line supervisor on the incoming shift no later than 24 hoursafter the end of their shift.
Routine inspection and testing for flammable gas at coal mine
123 At a coal mine, at least every 7 days, a mine examiner must test the air underground notmore than 30 cm from the roof for the layering and content of flammable gas at all of thefollowing locations:
(a) adequate intervals along the primary return airway;
(b) the return airway of each split where it enters the primary return airway;
(c) accessible returns from abandoned workings;
(d) all seals of each sealed area, if accessible;
(e) all working faces.
General inspection at coal mine on behalf of mine worker
124 (1) At the request of at least 1 mine worker who is not a supervisor, the mine manager ata coal mine must permit an inspection or a test for flammable gas to be done by acompetent person selected by the mine worker, and the mine worker must pay thecosts of the inspection or test.
(2) A mine worker who wishes to request an inspection or test under subsection (1) mustconsult with the committee or representative, if any, before requesting the inspectionor test.
(3) The person who is to conduct an inspection or test requested under subsection (1)must consult with the committee or representative, if any, before undertaking theinspection or test.
(4) If a mine worker who requests an inspection or test under subsection (1) furtherrequests that the inspection or test be conducted on a regular basis, the mine managermust permit the person who is to conduct the inspection or test to do all of thefollowing at least once a month,
(a) inspect any place underground to which safe access is reasonably practicable;
(b) test for flammable and noxious gas underground.
(5) At a coal mine, the mine manager and mine workers must provide a person who is toconduct a requested inspection or test under subsection (1) with any reasonableassistance necessary to conduct the inspection or test.
(6) During an inspection or test requested under subsection (1) or (4), the mine manageror another representative of the employer may accompany the person conducting theinspection or test.
(7) A person who conducts an inspection or test referred to in subsection (4) must reportthe results of the inspection or test, in writing, to the mine manager and to thecommittee or representative, if any, and the report must be posted in a conspicuousplace near the entrance to the underground of the coal mine.
(8) A report prepared under subsection (7) must be kept while the mine is in operation.
Examination of workplace and report by mine workers
125 (1) Before starting work and as often as the nature of the work requires, a mine workermust inspect their workplace for hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions andensure that the workplace is safe.
(2) If a mine worker is competent and capable to do so, a mine worker must correct anyhazardous or potentially hazardous condition in their workplace before work isstarted, resumed or continued.
(3) If a mine worker is unable to make their workplace safe, a mine worker mustbarricade the workplace and communicate its condition in accordance with thecommunication procedure required by Section 82.
Hazardous or potentially hazardous conditions
126 (1) A supervisor who becomes aware of an unsafe condition must ensure that all thefollowing are done immediately:
(a) all persons, other than a person whose presence is necessary to correct theunsafe condition, are evacuated from the area affected by the unsafe conditionand remain out of the area until the unsafe condition is remedied;
(b) a sign warning persons of the unsafe condition is posted in a conspicuous placeat all entrances to the area affected by the unsafe condition until the unsafecondition is remedied.
(2) A person must not enter an area for which there is a warning sign posted, except fora person whose presence is necessary to correct an unsafe condition.
(3) A person must not use equipment that is reported to be unsafe until it is determinedto be safe by a competent person and this fact is communicated to the first-linesupervisor responsible for the equipment.
Part 4 - Emergency Preparedness and Mine Rescue
Emergency preparedness program
127 (1) The mine manager must prepare an emergency preparedness program in consultationwith all of the following:
(a) the committee, or representative, if any;
(b) the local municipality;
(c) the Emergency Management Office, as defined in the Emergency ManagementAct.
[Note: the Emergency Management Office was abolished, and responsibility for emergency managementtransferred to the Department of Justice and the Minister of Justice, by Order in Council 2011-147 underthe Public Service Act, effective April 19, 2011. The definition of “Emergency Management Office” in clause2(c) of the Emergency Management Act is repealed by S.N.S. 2011, c. 9, s. 4(b), effective May 19, 2011.]
(2) The emergency preparedness program must include all of the following:
(a) a list of the persons, on and off the mine site, whose services are needed torespond in an emergency, and their telephone numbers and contactinformation;
(b) an organizational chart that includes all of the following:
(i) the names of the persons listed under clause (a) and their assignedresponsibilities,
(ii) the contact information for emergency services agencies of the localmunicipality or the Province that provide services as part of theemergency preparedness program;
(c) procedures for notifying agencies or authorities as required by these regulationsor the emergency preparedness program;
(d) a list of all emergency supplies and equipment, including all of the followingfor each item:
(i) the quantity,
(ii) a description of where they are located,
(iii) details on their use;
(e) an adequate procedure for fighting fires at the mine;
(f) a mine rescue procedure for the underground, including all of the followinginformation:
(i) the circumstances under which the mine rescue procedure must beimplemented,
(ii) how mine rescue teams and equipment will be prepared,
(iii) how the aid agreement required by Section 144 will be implemented,
(iv) instructions to be followed on the surface and underground to ensureadequate direction and supervision when the mine rescue procedure isimplemented,
(v) written instructions describing how to evacuate each workplace;
(g) a description of the warning system for the underground required by Section133;
(h) in a coal mine, the response to a warning required by subsection 239(4);
(i) details on the availability of all of the following:
(i) emergency communication facilities,
(ii) emergency transportation facilities,
(iii) emergency power equipment,
(iv) ventilation equipment;
(j) a plan that shows the location of all of the following fire-fighting and first aidequipment and facilities:
(i) fixed fire-extinguishing equipment,
(ii) fixed fire-suppression systems,
(iii) fire hydrants,
(iv) first aid stations,
(v) first aid supplies,
(vi) refuge stations, if any,
(vii) caches of self-rescuers and self-contained breathing apparatuses, if usedat the mine;
(k) a description of training to be offered to municipal emergency response staff.
(3) The emergency preparedness program, to the extent reasonably practicable, must becoordinated with the local municipality and the Province in relation to the following:
(a) all emergency procedures developed;
(b) all support services provided.
(4) Before work is initially done underground, an employer must file the emergencypreparedness program with the Director.
(5) The emergency preparedness program must be reviewed in consultation with thecommittee or representative, if any, at least once every 12 months.
Up-to-date copies of emergency preparedness program and training
128 (1) Up-to-date copies of the emergency preparedness program must be available to all ofthe following:
(a) employees;
(b) each person or resource who has assigned responsibilities under the emergencypreparedness program, but who is not employed at the mine.
(2) Each person who works at the mine who has assigned responsibilities under theemergency preparedness program must receive adequate training and up-to-dateinformation relating to their responsibilities.
Posting of emergency procedures, evacuation procedures and current versions ofdocuments
129 A copy of the written instructions on how to evacuate a workplace required by subclause127(2)(f)(v) and the plan of fire-fighting and first aid equipment and facilities required byclause 127(2)(j) must be posted at conspicuous places in each area of the mine to whichthe instructions apply, including in all of the following:
(a) each shaft station,
(b) each of the following places underground:
(i) service garages,
(ii) shops,
(iii) refuge stations,
(iv) first aid stations,
(v) lunchrooms,
(vi) food caches,
(vii) permanent underground offices.
Notifying Director of emergency
130 The mine manager must notify the Director immediately when the employer implementsthe emergency preparedness program, other than when testing its operation.
Monitoring emergency preparedness program
131 (1) An officer must be permitted to monitor all emergency preparedness programoperations.
(2) Despite the content of an emergency preparedness program, an officer monitoring itsimplementation may make any order or take any action authorized by the Act toensure the health or safety of a person at the mine.
Training municipal emergency response staff
132 At least once a year, municipal emergency response staff must be offered the trainingreferred to in clause 127(2)(k).
Warning system
133 (1) A warning system must be established, constructed, operated, inspected andmaintained for the underground that is made up of all of the following:
(a) an alarm that is adequate to simultaneously warn
(i) persons underground of an emergency requiring prompt evacuation oftheir workplaces, and
(ii) persons on the surface of an emergency;
(b) procedures prepared by the mine manager for
(i) activating the alarm, and
(ii) ensuring adequate response by persons to the alarm.
(2) The alarm required as part of a mine’s warning system must meet all of thefollowing criteria:
(a) it must be protected against weather at all times, maintained and available forimmediate use;
(b) if powered, it must have a back-up power source, or a system that uses variouspower sources, for its activation system.
(3) An alarm required as part of a mine’s warning system is not required to be poweredby electricity.
(4) An explanation of the use of a mine’s warning system and a copy of the proceduresrequired under clause (1)(b) that are applicable to a particular area of the mine mustbe posted at a conspicuous location in the area, including in all of the following:
(a) each shaft station,
(b) each of the following places underground:
(i) service garages,
(ii) shops,
(iii) refuge stations,
(iv) first aid stations,
(v) lunchrooms,
(vi) food caches.
Training for warning system
134 All persons working at a mine must be adequately instructed and trained regarding theirduties and responsibilities for when the warning system is implemented.
Testing warning system
135 (1) At least 1 test of a mine’s warning system for each shift at the mine must beconducted at least once every 12 months.
(2) A test of a mine’s warning system must be conducted without notice, but anannouncement may be made to workers after the start of the test that the test requiredin subsection (1) is only a test.
(3) Tests of a mine’s warning system must be conducted at all of the following times:
(a) at different dates, spread out over the year;
(b) during shifts that include the maximum number of mine workers at the mine.
(4) The results of tests of a mine’s warning system must be recorded.
Maintaining and storing mine rescue equipment
136 (1) The mine manager must designate a competent person to construct, operate, inspect,maintain and dismantle the mine rescue equipment for the mine.
(2) A mine’s mine rescue equipment must be constructed, operated, inspected,maintained and dismantled in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.
(3) A mine’s mine rescue equipment must be stored in a room set aside for the solepurpose of mine rescue operations so that it is readily available for use.
Record mine rescue equipment and maintenance
137 A record of mine rescue equipment and its maintenance must be kept that includes all ofthe following for the duration specified:
(a) the mine rescue equipment intended for use at a mine, for as long as theequipment is intended for use at the mine;
(b) maintenance records for the mine rescue equipment intended for use at a mine,for as long as the equipment is intended for use at the mine plus 2 years.
Up-to-date plans readily available to mine rescue team
138 Any information required in an emergency by a mine rescue team must be made readilyavailable to the mine rescue team, including copies of all of the following, adequate formine rescue purposes and updated with the most recent information on the status of themine:
(a) mine plan;
(b) electrical installations plan;
(c) ground control procedure;
(d) ventilation plan.
Back-up mine rescue teams
139 During a mine rescue operation, in addition to the mine rescue teams actively engaged inmine rescue work, the following mine rescue teams must be available:
(a) a second fully-equipped mine rescue team must be available on the surface orat the fresh air base underground for each mine rescue team that is activelyengaged in mine rescue work;
(b) at least 1 team in addition to those required by clause (a) must be activelybeing assembled or already assembled on site.
Communication system for mine rescue teams
140 (1) A system of devices must be available for communicating by voice during a minerescue operation that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) the system enables adequate contact between the surface and any fresh air base;
(b) if reasonably practicable, the system enables adequate contact between thesurface or fresh air base and all mine rescue teams operating underground.
(2) The mine manager must designate a competent person to transmit instructions to amine rescue team engaged in a mine rescue operation, and must ensure that no otherperson transmits instructions to a mine rescue team.
(3) Where reasonably practicable, the person designated under subsection (2) must givethe instructions to all members of the mine rescue team simultaneously.
Set of mine rescue equipment
141 A set of mine rescue equipment consists of all of the following:
(a) 1 or more direct-reading hand-held instruments capable of giving adetermination within 5 minutes of the start of the sampling period of theconcentration of flammable gas, oxygen and noxious gases or vapours likely tobe encountered during a mine rescue;
(b) a positive-pressure oxygen therapy apparatus capable of supplying oxygen formedical use at a constant flow of at least 6 L/min for a duration of at least 25minutes;
(c) a basket-shaped stretcher equipped with restraining straps;
(d) 2 blankets;
(e) 1.5 m of utility rope;
(f) 2 horns;
(g) 3 hand-held smoke-making devices;
(h) a cane with a brass tip;
(i) a link-line capable of linking all members of a mine rescue team;
(j) notebooks, chalk and pens;
(k) except as provided in Section 143 for a mine with 10 or fewer mine workers, 7self-contained breathing apparatuses, not including those already assigned topersons underground, 5 of which have full face pieces and a minimumutilization time of 4 hours;
(l) any auxiliary equipment and supplies recommended by the manufacturer orsupplier of any of the mine rescue equipment specified in this Section.
High-pressure oxygen booster pump
142 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), each mine must have at least 1 high-pressureoxygen booster pump that is capable of boosting the pressure in the cylinder beingcharged to at least 30 MPa for use in a mine rescue operation.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a mine that has fewer than 50 mine workersemployed, as long as the aid agreement required by Section 144 provides forsupplying a pump described in subsection (1) to the mine.
Minimum requirements for mine rescue workers and equipment
143 A mine must have the minimum number of mine rescue workers and sets of mine rescueequipment set out in the following table for the number of mine workers employed at themine:
Number of Mine
Workers
Employed at Mine
Minimum Number of
Mine Rescue WorkersRequired
Minimum Sets of
Mine Rescue
Equipment Required
10 or fewer
2 designated minerescue workers
1, with a minimum of 4 self-containedbreathing apparatuses, all of whichhave full face pieces and a minimumutilization time of 4 hours
11 to 49
1 mine rescue team
1 for each mine rescue team
50 to 99
2 mine rescue teams
1 for each mine rescue team
100 to 149
3 mine rescue teams
1 for each mine rescue team
150 or more
4 mine rescue teams
1 for each mine rescue team
Requirement for mine rescue aid agreement
144 A written aid agreement must be in place with another source to supply the number offully-equipped mine rescue workers that is adequate to effect a mine rescue at a mine.
Mine rescue team
145 The mine manager must ensure that a mine rescue team consists of at least 5 designatedmine rescue workers, 1 of whom must be designated as a spare and another 1 of whommust be designated as the mine rescue team captain.
Surface fire-extinguishing equipment
146 Adequate surface fire-extinguishing equipment must be present at the mine, orarrangements must be made to ensure that the equipment is immediately available if thereis a fire.
Surface fire-fighting team
147 (1) The mine manager must ensure that a team of at least 4 persons who are skilled infire-fighting is designated to use the surface fire-extinguishing equipment.
(2) A surface fire-fighting team must practise as a fire-fighting team at least once every12 months.
(3) The team of persons required by subsection (1) may include persons who do notwork at the mine.
Refuge stations required
148 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), there must be enough refuge stations providedso that no worker is ever more than 500 m from any of the following:
(a) a refuge station;
(b) an exit from the mine;
(c) if shaft conveyances or mine cars are used to reach the surface of the mine, ashaft station or a slope station.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to those parts of a mine being developed by an adit orslope, or during shaft development operations.
Construction and location of refuge stations
149 (1) A refuge station must be able to be sealed to prevent the entry of gases and must beconstructed to meet 1 of the following conditions:
(a) it must be constructed in competent, non-combustible rock;
(b) in a coal mine, it must be constructed of competent, combustible rock that maybe coal, if there is an adequate non-combustible sealed barrier between the coaland the occupied space;
(c) if not constructed of rock, it must be constructed of non-combustible material.
(2) A refuge station must have at least 2 doors that function as an airlock or there mustbe measures taken that provide an equivalent level of health and safety.
(3) If reasonably practicable, bore-holes must be drilled from the surface to each refugestation.
(4) All parts of any compressed air lines or water lines supplying the refuge station mustbe made of non-combustible materials.
(5) A refuge station must be located in a place that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) the location is at least 100 m from a magazine, diesel fuel storage area, fuellingstation or battery charging station;
(b) if reasonably practicable, the location’s air is intake air.
(6) A refuge station must have an audible signalling device and a sign on the outside ofthe refuge station that identifies it as a refuge station.
Air supply in refuge station
150 A refuge station must have an air supply that is adequate to sustain the lives of themaximum number of mine workers intended to be sheltered there, for a minimum of 8hours, by ensuring that the refuge station meets 1 of the following criteria:
(a) it is large enough to contain the required air supply;
(b) it is equipped with a means of supplying the required air by way of compressedair or oxygen.
Equipment in refuge station
151 A refuge station must be equipped with all of the following:
(a) an oxygen and flammable gas meter;
(b) a manometer with a scale, mounted on the inside wall of the refuge station,capable of measuring the pressure difference between the air inside and outsideof the refuge station;
(c) an adequate supply of potable water that, if supplied in containers, must beexchanged for fresh water at least once a month or kept only until its expirydate if the supply is sealed and date-stamped by a water supplier;
(d) adequate emergency lighting;
(e) a Number 2 First Aid Kit as defined by the Occupational Health and SafetyFirst Aid Regulations made under the Act;
(f) a basket-shaped stretcher with restraining straps;
(g) 2 blankets;
(h) an adequate supply of razors for shaving facial hair;
(i) an adequate supply of food that is sealed in containers stamped with an expirydate and that can be kept only until its expiry date.
Requirement for refuge station procedures
152 (1) The mine manager must ensure that procedures are prepared for using a refugestation during an emergency that include all of the following:
(a) instructions for the conduct of persons in the refuge station;
(b) instructions for entering the refuge station in a manner that protects the healthand safety of persons sheltered inside the refuge station.
(2) The procedures required by subsection (1) must be posted in a conspicuous place onthe inside and on the outside of each refuge station.
Uses for refuge stations
153 A refuge station must not be used for a purpose other than any of the following:
(a) as a lunchroom;
(b) as an office;
(c) as a storage area for first aid supplies and equipment;
(d) for the delivery of first aid;
(e) as a place of refuge during an emergency.
Monthly inspection of refuge stations
154 (1) The mine manager must designate a person to inspect, maintain and re-supply therefuge stations.
(2) Refuge stations must be inspected, maintained and re-supplied by a persondesignated under subsection (1) at least once a month.
(3) A person who inspects, maintains and re-supplies the refuge stations must prepare areport of the inspection and any maintenance performed.
Part 5 - Fire Prevention and Dust Explosion Prevention
Definitions for Part [5]
155 In this Part, all of the following definitions apply:
“diesel fuel transfer system” means a system for the transfer of diesel fuelunderground from one storage tank to another storage tank;
“hot work” means work that produces arcs, sparks, flames, heat or other sources ofignition and includes welding, cutting or soldering;
“NFPA” means the National Fire Protection Association.
General fire prevention underground
156 (1) Except when performing hot work in accordance with Section 161 or 162, a personmust not start or build a fire underground.
(2) All flammable refuse must be removed from the underground as soon as reasonablypracticable and must not be underground longer than 24 hours.
(3) A device for generating acetylene gas is prohibited from being underground.
No smoking or open flame at non-coal mine
157 (1) At a non-coal mine, a person must not smoke or use open-flame lamps, matches orother objects capable of producing heat or fire at any of the following places:
(a)a battery charging station underground;
(b) a transformer underground that contains flammable material;
(c) an area in which flammable materials are kept in a storage area;
(d) within 10 m of a fuelling station that contains flammable material;
(e) within 10 m of explosives, a temporary storage box or a blasting area;
(f) any area that is likely to contain any flammable or explosive material;
(g) any area where a fire hazard might be created by smoking or open flames.
(2) At a non-coal mine, a sign prohibiting smoking and open flames must be posted in aconspicuous place at all of the places where it is prohibited under subsection (1).
No smoking or open flame at coal mine
158 (1) Except as permitted in subsection 162(2) for hot work at a coal mine, a person mustnot smoke or use open-flame lamps, matches or other objects capable of producingheat or fire, or have in their possession any cigarettes, tobacco or any other materialfor smoking or objects capable of producing heat or fire, in any of the followingplaces:
(a) underground;
(b) on the surface at the following places:
(i) within 30 m of an opening to the underground,
(ii) an area in which flammable material is kept in a storage area,
(iii) a battery charging station,
(iv) a fuelling station,
(v) at a transformer containing flammable material,
(vi) any place that is designated by the mine manager as a fire hazard area.
(2) At a coal mine, a sign prohibiting smoking or open flame underground must beposted at a conspicuous place at all of the following places:
(a) near all entrances to the underground;
(b) any area where smoking and open flame are prohibited under clause (1)(b).
Random searches at coal mine
159 The mine manager at a coal mine must ensure that at least 1 person is designated toconduct searches of persons about to enter the underground for any cigarettes, tobacco orother materials for smoking or objects capable of producing heat or fire.
Procedure for random searches at coal mine
160 (1) An employer at a coal mine must file a procedure with the Director for conductingsearches at the following times of all of the following persons for any cigarettes,tobacco or other materials for smoking or objects capable of producing heat or fire:
(a) each person who is not normally employed underground, but is granted accessto the underground, immediately before the person goes underground;
(b) at random intervals not exceeding 1 month, at least 10% of mine workers whoare normally employed underground, after the mine workers leave the washhouse and before the mine workers go underground, or at any time when themine workers are underground.
(2) The procedure required under subsection (1) must include all of the following:
(a) provisions for searching persons of both sexes;
(b) requirements that searches be witnessed by all of the following:
(i) the mine manager or underground manager,
(ii) 2 competent persons designated by the mine manager.
(3) A person who is to be searched under this Section may, instead of being searched byanother person, search themself in the presence of all of the following:
(a) a person designated under Section 159;
(b) the witnesses required by subsection (2);
(c) 2 witnesses of the person’s own choosing.
(4) At a coal mine, a person underground who is found to have in their possession anyobject capable of producing heat or fire other than equipment for hot work underSection 162 must be instructed to leave the mine, and must leave the mine as soon aspossible without jeopardizing the safety of others.
(5) After a search under this Section is conducted, a record must be made of all findingsand, for the purposes of subclause 11(c)(iii), the record must be kept for at least 5years after the date of the findings.
(6) At a coal mine, a sign must be posted at a conspicuous place near any entrance to theunderground stating that random searches of persons for objects that produce heat orfire will be carried out.
Hot work at non-coal mine
161 (1) At a non-coal mine, if procedures for the safe use of hot work equipment areprepared and implemented by the mine manager, a blow torch or welding, cutting orother hot work equipment may be used in any place underground that is not listed insubsection 157(1).
(2) If hot work equipment is used in any of the places permitted under subsection (1), allof the following conditions must be met:
(a) unless wetting down will create a hazard, the area a minimum of 10 m in anydirection from any area that contains a flammable object or substance and thatcould be affected by the equipment must be wet down at all of the followingtimes:
(i)before the work begins,
(ii) when the work is stopped and the person using the hot work equipmentintends to leave the site of the hot work;
(b) the site where the hot work equipment is used and adjacent areas must beexamined for potential fire hazards at all of the following times:
(i)before the work begins,
(ii) when the work is stopped and the person using the hot work equipmentintends to leave the site of the hot work,
(iii) at least once approximately 2 hours after the work is stopped;
(c) adequate fire-extinguishing equipment must be readily available for use wherethe hot work equipment is used.
Procedures for hot work at coal mine
162 (1) At a coal mine, when hot work is performed, the mine manager must prepareprocedures that are certified as adequate by an engineer for the safe use of hot workequipment.
(2) At a coal mine, hot work may be performed underground in accordance with theprocedures referred to in subsection (1) except at an area in which flammablematerial is kept in a storage area.
(3) At a coal mine, the mine manager must file a notice with the Director of theemployer’s intent to prepare procedures for hot work underground at least 30 daysbefore the date hot work equipment is first used underground.
Notice of hot work at coal mine
163 (1) The mine manager at a coal mine must notify the committee or representative, if any,at least 48 hours before hot work is carried out or, if that notice period is notreasonably practicable, at the earliest time reasonably practicable before the hot workis carried out.
(2) At a coal mine, a committee member or representative, if any, must be allowed toobserve any hot work carried out at the mine.
(3) At a subsea coal mine, the mine manager must, in addition to notifying thecommittee under subsection (1), notify the Director at least 48 hours before hot workis carried out, or within a shorter period approved by the Director.
Written instructions for hot work at coal mine
164 In addition to the hot work procedures required under Section 162, a supervisor must issuewritten instructions to a person using hot work equipment in a coal mine before the hotwork equipment is used underground, respecting all of the following:
(a)the type of work;
(b)the location of the work;
(c)when the work is to be done;
(d) any special measures that must be taken before, during or after the work iscarried out.
Conditions for hot work at coal mine
165 (1) If hot work equipment is used underground at a coal mine all of the followingconditions must be met:
(a) unless wetting down will create a hazard, the area a minimum of 20 m in anydirection from the site of the hot work must be wet down at all of the followingtimes:
(i) before the work begins,
(ii) when the work is stopped and the person using the hot work equipmentintends to leave the site of the hot work;
(b) the area a minimum of 20 m in any direction from the site of the hot workmust be examined for potential fire hazards at all of the following times:
(i) before the work begins,
(ii) when the work is stopped and the person using the hot work equipmentintends to leave the site of the hot work;
(c) adequate fire-extinguishing equipment must be readily available for use at thesite of the hot work.
(2) The mine manager at a coal mine must designate a competent person to complete allof the following for the area that is a minimum of 20 m in any direction from the sitewhere hot work equipment is to be used underground:
(a) to the extent reasonably practicable, remove any accumulation of coal dust orother combustible materials before the hot work equipment is used;
(b) stone-dust the area before hot work begins, as required by Section 188.
(3) At a coal mine, an adequate quantity of spare stone-dust must be readily available ata site of hot work in addition to any stone-dust required for Section 188.
(4) A mine examiner must test for flammable gas at an underground site in a coal minewhere hot work equipment is being used before and periodically during the use ofhot work equipment, and work must be stopped if the flammable gas reaches orexceeds 0.5% by volume in the air being tested.
(5) After a person completes hot work at a coal mine, the person and the supervisorresponsible for the section where the work took place must thoroughly examine thesite of the hot work for sparks, flames and smoldering debris.
(6) At a coal mine, a competent person trained in the use of a flammable-gas monitormust maintain a fire watch at the site of any hot work for at least 24 hours after thework is completed, and must have all of the following readily available for use:
(a) adequate fire-extinguishing equipment;
(b) an adequate quantity of stone-dust;
(c) an adequate means of communication;
(d) a flammable-gas monitor.
(7) All of the following conditions must be met at a coal mine for hot work equipmentused underground or within 25 m of an opening to the underground:
(a) the hot work equipment must never be left unattended;
(b) the hot work equipment must be removed from the underground and fromwithin 25 m of the opening to the underground before the end of the shiftduring which work is completed.
Proximity to flammable material
166 (1) In this Section, “fire-resistance rating” means the time that a material or assembly ofmaterials will withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of enough heat tocause a fire.
(2) Unless procedures are implemented and equipment is installed that provides anequivalent level of safety, a building, including a shafthead building, erected within30 m of the centre of the primary access or auxiliary access of a mine that has both aprimary access and an auxiliary access must be constructed of material with a fire-resistance rating of at least 1 hour.
(3) Unless procedures are implemented and equipment is installed that provides anequivalent level of safety, a building must not be erected within 30 m of the centre ofthe primary access to a mine that has only a primary access except any of thefollowing that is constructed of material with at least a 1 hour fire-resistance rating:
(a) a hoist house;
(b) a portal house;
(c) a shaft house.
(4) Flammable material must not be
(a) kept within 30 m of the centre of a primary access or auxiliary access, exceptas permitted in subsection (5);
(b) stored in a shafthead building or portal house;
(c) stored or used within 15 m of a fan drive room unless required for proper useof the fan;
(d) stored in any building or structure that contains a main fan;
(e) stored or used within 15 m of a booster fan or auxiliary fan.
(5) The following flammable materials may be temporarily stored within 30 m of theprimary access or auxiliary access:
(a) fuel in the tanks of motor vehicles temporarily parked in or travelling throughthe area;
(b) flammable material that is waiting to be transported underground.
(6) Other than a steam boiler that exists on the effective date of these regulations or aninternal combustion engine that exists on the effective date of these regulations, asteam boiler or internal combustion engine must not be constructed, maintained orstored at any of the following places in a mine:
(a) within 15 m of a hoist;
(b) within 30 m of the centre of the primary access or an auxiliary access.
(7) The supporting and enclosing structures that cover the prime mover or engine of ahoist, including the headframe, must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) if the hoist is located over a shaft, they must be constructed of non-combustiblematerial;
(b) if the hoist is not located over a shaft, they must have a fire-resistance rating ofat least 1 hour.
Mine air heating system
167 (1) A system used at a mine for heating the air underground at the mine must bedesigned by an engineer.
(2) The components of a mine air heating system must be constructed, operated,inspected and maintained so as to minimize the risk of fire or explosion and must bein accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified by theengineer who designed the system.
(3) The mine manager must designate a competent person to inspect the mine air heatingsystem and ensure that the person inspects the mine air heating system at thefrequency recommended by the manufacturer or by the engineer who designed thesystem.
(4) A record must be kept of inspections, service, maintenance and tests of a mine airheating system and its components for as long as the mine is in operation.
(5) Flammable material to be burned as fuel in a mine air heating system must behandled so that any leakage will not accumulate on the surface or enter theunderground.
(6) Solid fuel must not be used in a mine air heating system.
Fire-extinguishing equipment
168 (1) Adequate fire-extinguishing equipment must be kept at all of the following locations:
(a)at a working face in a coal mine;
(b) at the location of an engine or electric motor underground in a coal mine;
(c) at the location of a fixed electrical installation underground;
(d) in or about a shafthead building or portal house;
(e) underground at all of the following locations:
(i) shaft stations,
(ii) slope stations,
(iii) lunchrooms,
(iv) fuelling stations,
(v) service garages,
(vi) diesel fuel transfer stations,
(vii) crusher stations,
(viii) pump stations,
(ix) battery charging stations,
(x) refuge stations,
(xi) tipple and conveyor head rollers,
(xii) conveyor tail rollers;
(xiii) conveyor drives;
(f) on all mobile equipment underground, and the fire-extinguishing equipmentmust consist of at least 2 class “B” fire extinguishers of a minimum size of9 kg each if the mobile equipment is used for transporting explosives;
(g) at a loading face where explosives are kept;
(i) at a place underground that is designated as a fire hazard area in accordancewith subclause 158(1)(b)(vi);
(j) at an area underground in which flammable material is kept in a storage area,except an area where blocks of wood used to reinforce supports are stored;
(k) in a building or structure on the surface
(i) that is located above or attached to an opening to the underground, or
(ii) in which a fire might endanger the primary access or an auxiliary accessto the underground.
(2) The location of fire-extinguishing equipment required underground by subsection (1)must be such that the direction of the ventilating air will not prevent or hamper theeffective use of the fire-extinguishing equipment during a fire.
(3) Portable fire-extinguishing equipment must meet or exceed the requirements ofNFPA standard NFPA 10: Standard for Portable Fire Extinguishers, 2007 edition.
Fire-suppression systems
169 (1) An adequate fire-suppression system must be provided at all of the following places:
(a) at mechanical shops, electrical shops and service garages that are undergroundand are not constructed of non-combustible material;
(b) at a coal mine, at conveyor drives;
(c) at fuelling stations, diesel fuel transfer systems and battery charging stationsthat are underground;
(d) on a main fan and any associated drive room, if the main fan is underground;
(e) at a coal mine, on booster fans and any associated drive room;
(f) on equipment that is underground that contains more than 100 L of flammableliquid;
(g) at underground areas in which 500 L or more of flammable liquid is kept in astorage area;
(h) in buildings or structures on the surface
(i) that are located above or attached to an opening to the underground, or
(ii) in which a fire might endanger the primary access or an auxiliary accessto the underground;
(i) at underground oil or grease storage areas.
(2) A fire-suppression system at a mine must have a means for manually activating itfrom several locations inside and at least 1 location outside of all of the followingareas underground:
(a) service garages;
(b) fuelling stations;
(c) diesel fuel storage areas;
(d) oil or grease storage areas.
(3) When a fire-suppression system is activated, an alarm must automatically be given atlocations at which persons are present on the surface and underground who are ableto summon further assistance.
Inspecting and maintaining fire-extinguishing equipment and fire-suppression system
170 (1) The mine manager must ensure that inspection and maintenance of fire-extinguishing equipment and fire-suppression systems are carried out in accordancewith the manufacturer’s specifications at least once a month by a designatedcompetent person.
(2) The results of the inspection and maintenance referred to in subsection (1) must berecorded.
(3) At a coal mine, a designated person conducting inspections and maintenancerequired under subsection (1) must ensure that the mine manager is informed of theresults of the inspection and maintenance referred to in subsection (1) and the minemanager must notify the committee or representative, if any, of the results.
Water supply system for extinguishing fires
171 (1) This Section does not apply at a non-coal mine if the material being mined is salt,potash or other similar material.
(2) There must be a water supply system at a mine that supplies water to undergroundworkings if there is a fire.
(3) A water supply system used for fire suppression must be
(a) designed by an engineer in accordance with all relevant NFPA standards; and
(b) installed, maintained and tested in accordance with
(i) the manufacturer’s specifications, or
(ii) if there are no manufacturer’s specifications, an engineer’sspecifications.
(4) At a coal mine, the water supply system used for fire suppression must meet all ofthe following criteria:
(a) the system must have a supply of at least 600 000 L of water at all times;
(b) the system must have an adequate number of hydrants and fire hoses;
(c) the system must be capable of supplying water to all conveyors that are inoperation.
(5) At a coal mine, the mine manager must designate a competent person to test thewater supply system used for fire suppression for good working order at least once amonth, including testing the flow quantity and pressure of water at all hydrantsunderground.
(6) At a coal mine, the mine manager must be informed of the results of the testsconducted under subsection (5) and the mine manager must notify the committee orrepresentative, if any, of the results.
Liquid flammable materials underground
172 (1) All of the following conditions must be met when liquid flammable materials arebeing used underground:
(a) except for diesel fuel that is stored and transferred in a diesel fuel transfersystem under Section 176, the materials must be transported and stored inportable containers that conform to CSA standard B376-M1980 (R2003),Portable Containers for Gasoline and Other Petroleum Fuels;
(b) the materials must be kept in a storage area underground in quantities nogreater than the following:
(i) for a liquid flammable material with a flashpoint below 52 °C, thequantity required for the current day’s work,
(ii) for a liquid flammable material with a flashpoint of 52 °C or above,other than diesel fuel, the quantity required for 30 days’ work,
(iii) for diesel fuel, the quantity required for 7 days’ work.
(2) All of the following actions must be taken when liquid flammable material is spilledunderground:
(a) the material must be immediately taken up with sand or equally adequatematerial and put in a fireproof container;
(b) the material must be removed from the underground at suitable intervals, andcompletely removed no later than 24 hours after the spill.
(3) Gasoline is prohibited from being used underground.
Design of underground enclosures and shelters
173 (1) Any area underground that is used to provide shelter or to enclose equipment ormachinery, including service garages, fuelling stations, fuel storage areas and oil andgrease storage areas, must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be designed, constructed, maintained and protected to prevent theinadvertent entry of an uncontrolled vehicle;
(b) it must have an adequate means of entry and exit appropriate for the conditionsand purpose of the area;
(c) it must be adequately ventilated to suit the purpose of the area.
(2) Underground diesel fuel storage areas and underground oil and grease storage areasmust be separate from underground service garages.
Fire prevention for underground service areas
174 An underground service garage, underground fuelling station, underground diesel fuelstorage area and underground oil or grease storage area must meet all of the followingcriteria:
(a) it must be located so that a fire or explosion inside the area would have aminimal effect on any active workings, shafts, slopes, magazines, refugestations or electrical installations, or on the ability of persons to exit the mine;
(b) it must have a floor constructed of non-combustible materials;
(c) it must have a floor without service pits;
(d) it must be provided with means for containing spills of liquid flammablematerials.
Fire prevention for underground fuelling stations
175 (1) An underground fuelling station must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be separate from a service garage;
(b) it must be totally enclosed and equipped with a self-closing door of non-combustible construction;
(c) it must be constructed of non-combustible materials;
(d) it must incorporate a sill or curb to contain spilled fluids, if the diesel fuel isnot stored in a double-walled tank.
(2) Diesel fuel tanks must be filled only at fuelling stations designated by the minemanager and certified as adequate by an engineer.
(3) A mobile fuelling station must conform with NFPA standard NFPA 385: Standardfor Tank Vehicles for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, 2000 edition.
Diesel fuel transfer system
176 (1) A diesel fuel transfer system must be designed, constructed and operated so that onlya pre-set quantity of diesel fuel can be transferred at one time, and that the pre-setquantity does not fill the receiving tank to more than 90% of its storage capacity.
(2) The flow of diesel fuel in a diesel fuel transfer system must be controlled by 1 of thefollowing methods:
(a) a sensing device that stops the flow of diesel fuel at the sending tank when theamount of fuel in the receiving tank plus the amount of fuel in the pipelinereaches 90% of the receiving tank’s total storage capacity;
(b) monitoring during a transfer by 1 person at the sending tank and 1 person at thereceiving tank who have adequate communication between them so that theflow of diesel fuel can be stopped at any time.
(3) If a diesel fuel pipeline is installed in a shaft or slope, a person must not transferdiesel fuel during hoisting operations.
(4) The mine manager must designate a competent person to do all of the following:
(a) regularly inspect and maintain the diesel fuel transfer systems at the mine;
(b) record the results of the inspection and maintenance.
(5) The mine manager must prepare, and an engineer must certify as adequate, aprocedure for a diesel fuel transfer system that includes all of the following:
(a) instructions for operating, maintaining, and inspecting the diesel fuel transfersystem;
(b) the method of fire fighting to be used if there is a fire in the diesel fuel transfersystem.
Diesel fuel pipelines
177 A diesel fuel pipeline serving the underground must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be constructed, operated, inspected and maintained in accordance with
(i) the manufacturer’s specifications, or
(ii) if there are no manufacturer’s specifications, an engineer’sspecifications;
(b) it must be constructed to minimize the risk of damage and supported so as toavoid dips and sags;
(c) it must be constructed of wrought iron, steel pipe or material of equivalentstrength, durability, corrosion resistance and fire resistance;
(d) it must be certified as adequate by an engineer;
(e) it must have leakproof joints;
(f) it must be pressure tested before initial use to 345 kPa above atmosphericpressure or 1.5 times the maximum working pressure, whichever is greater,and the pipeline must retain the pressure for at least 2 hours after the source ofpressure has been removed;
(g) it must not pass through a service garage, switch room, magazine, refugestation or first aid station;
(h) it must be drained empty after each diesel fuel transfer is completed;
(i) it must be clearly identified as a diesel fuel pipeline.
Diesel fuel oil storage tanks
178 (1) A diesel fuel storage tank must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be operated, inspected and maintained in accordance with
(i) the manufacturer’s specifications, or
(ii) if there are no manufacturer’s specifications, an engineer’sspecifications;
(b) it must be certified as adequate by an engineer for its location and use;
(c) it must be supported and anchored to prevent excessive stress concentration ona supporting portion of the tank and located to minimize the risk of damage tothe tank;
(d) it must have controls clearly identified that will stop the flow of diesel fuel;
(e) it must have vent pipes of sufficient size, located so that vapours are directedaway from any place where they could be a hazard to health or safety;
(f) it must have a means of accurately determining the amount of diesel fuel itcontains;
(g) if it is not a double-walled tank, it must be surrounded by a sill or curb capableof containing 110% of the tank’s capacity.
(2) A diesel fuel storage tank that is installed or replaced on or after the effective date ofthese regulations must be a double-walled tank that is designed and constructed inaccordance with 1 of the following applicable standards:
(a) ULC standard ULC-S601-00, Standard for Shop Fabricated SteelAboveground Horizontal Tanks for Flammable and Combustible Liquids, 3rdedition;
(b) ULC standard ULC-S630-00, Standard for Shop Fabricated SteelAboveground Vertical Tanks For Flammable and Combustible Liquids.
Fire prevention for battery charging stations
179 At a coal mine, a battery charging station underground must be vented directly into thereturn airway.
Fire prevention for fixed diesel engines
180 A diesel engine that is fixed in place underground must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be supported on a non-combustible base;
(b) it must be provided with a thermal sensor that automatically stops the engine ifoverheating occurs.
Fire prevention for air compressors
181 An air compressor underground that is driven by a machine or other device must meet allof the following criteria:
(a) it must be designed, constructed, inspected and maintained so as to minimizethe risk of fire or explosion that could result from an accumulation ofcarbonaceous deposits in the air discharge lines;
(b) it must be provided with a shutdown device that prevents the operation of thecompressor in any of the following circumstances:
(i) if the temperature of the discharged air, cooling water, cooling air orlubricant exceeds the safe operating range specified by themanufacturer,
(ii) if the flow or pressure of the compressor lubricant is below the safeoperating range specified by the manufacturer.
Using propane or other similar fuel underground
182 (1) This Section does not apply to diesel fuel.
(2) Propane or similar flammable material or other fuel that is heavier than air when in agaseous state is prohibited underground except while being used for burning orcutting.
(3) Containers for propane that are being used underground must conform with CSAstandard CAN/CSA-B149.2-05, Propane Storage and Handling Code.
(4) Containers for propane or similar flammable material or other fuel that is heavierthan air when in a gaseous state must be no larger than 10 kg each in capacity.
Fire doors
183 (1) All of the following fire doors must be installed underground:
(a) except as provided in subsection (2), doors that enable the prompt closing offof the primary access and any auxiliary access from the workings;
(b) if reasonably practicable, doors that close off mechanical shops, electricalshops and service garages;
(c) doors that close off an area in which more than 500 L of flammable material iskept.
(2) Fire doors are not required to close off the primary access and the auxiliary access ifthe mine manager prepares a procedure to enable the prompt closing off of theprimary access and the auxiliary access from the workings and the procedureprovides equivalent protection of health and safety.
(3) Fire doors that are installed underground must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) they must be constructed of non-combustible materials;
(b) they must be adequately maintained and kept clear of all obstructions so thatthey are readily usable at all times.
(4) The mine manager must designate a competent person to do all of the following:
(a) inspect and maintain the fire doors at the mine at least once a month;
(b) record the results of the inspection and maintenance.
Procedures required for minimizing danger from sulphide dust explosions
184 If the sulphur content of the material being mined exceeds 20% by mass, the minemanager must prepare procedures that are certified as adequate by an engineer forminimizing the danger from a sulphide dust explosion and include all of the following:
(a) provisions for ensuring that all persons are removed to a safe place beforeblasting, taking into consideration the mine layout and the ventilation circuits;
(b) provisions for ensuring that all active workings within 30 m of a blasting siteare, to the degree practicable, kept free of an accumulation of sulphide dustbefore blasting;
(c) provisions for any reasonable precautions required to reduce the risk of asulphide dust explosion or lessening the consequences if there is an explosion.
Mine explosion suppression procedure required in coal mine
185 (1) The mine manager at a coal mine must prepare a mine explosion suppressionprocedure certified as adequate by an engineer for the suppression of explosions ofcoal dust and flammable gas underground that is suitable for the conditions andmining system of the mine.
(2) A device for suppressing explosions required by the mine explosion suppressionprocedure in subsection (1) must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be designed in accordance with generally accepted engineeringprinciples;
(b) if the device is installed in a travelway leading to single entry face ordevelopment face at a subsea coal mine, it must be designed so that
(i) in each intake and return airway leading to a working face, the device isplaced at least 60 m and no farther than 300 m from the working face,
(ii) if it is a stone-dust mine explosion suppression device, it holds at least100 kg of stone-dust per square metre of area of the travelway that itserves, and
(iii) if it is a water mine explosion suppression device, it holds at least 200 Lof water per square metre of area of the travelway it serves;
(c) it is certified as adequate by an engineer;
(d) it is constructed, operated, and maintained as designed.
(3) To calculate the square metres of area in subclauses (2)(b)(ii) and (iii), the entirevertical cross sectional area of travelway from the floor to the roof and betweenopposite sides at the mine explosion suppression device must be taken into account.
(4) The mine explosion suppression procedure required by subsection (1) must bereviewed at least once every 12 months.
Coal dust minimization procedure required in coal mine
186 (1) The mine manager at a coal mine must prepare and an employer must file with theDirector a coal dust minimization procedure that includes all of the following:
(a) instructions for minimizing the generation of coal dust;
(b) instructions for removing coal dust and other flammable materials from themine to the extent reasonably practicable;
(c) a description of the equipment and method to be used for stone-dusting and therequired frequency of stone-dusting;
(d) the location and quantity of stone-dust that must be stored in the mine for anemergency;
(e) instructions for sampling and analyzing dust from underground locations,including travelways, that meet all of the following criteria:
(i) they are suitable to the conditions and mining system of the mine,
(ii) they indicate locations and frequencies of sampling,
(iii) they list equipment, methods, and testing protocols to be used,
(iv) they are certified as adequate by an engineer;
(f) details of how the employer will implement the requirements for using stone-dust in Section 188.
(2) In consultation with committee or representative, if any, the mine manager mustreview the instructions for sampling and analyzing dust underground at least once ayear.
(3) At a coal mine, all of the following must be done when sampling and analyzing coaldust:
(a) representative samples of dust must be taken in accordance with theinstructions for sampling required by clause (1)(e) from all areas of the mine atleast once a month, including from the floor, roof and sides of each areaunderground, and analyzed to determine the percentage of coal dust;
(b) a person who takes the samples referred to in clause (a) must make a plan thatidentifies the location where each sample was taken.
(4) All of the following must be done with the results of the analysis required by clause(3)(a):
(a) the mine manager must receive the results no later than 1 week after the datethe sample was taken;
(b) a record of the results, along with the plan required in clause (3)(b), must bekept for the purpose of subclause 11(c)(iii) for at least 2 years after the date thatthe area of the underground mine where the sample was taken from is nolonger active;
(c) the committee or representative, if any, must be notified by the mine managerof the results;
(d) for a subsea coal mine, a report of the analysis must be filed with the Directorby an employer no later than the 15th day of the month immediately followingthe month in which the sample is taken.
Reducing coal dust accumulation in coal mine
187 (1) To the extent reasonably practicable, every area underground at a coal mine must bekept free of accumulations of coal dust.
(2) All of the following must be done to ensure that areas underground at a coal mineare kept free of accumulations of coal dust:
(a) all coal-cutting heads must be equipped with water-spray jets of sufficientnumber and size to ensure that the areas of the coal face being worked are keptdamp so as to minimize the potential for coal dust becoming airborne;
(b) all coal transfer points, including all dumping stations, must be equipped withwater-spray jets sufficient to minimize the potential for coal dust becomingairborne;
(c) dry areas underground in which coal dust is produced must be systematicallywetted down so as to minimize the potential for coal dust fires;
(d) mined coal must be kept damp during handling underground.
(3) The mine manager must ensure that a designated competent person does all of thefollowing:
(a) regularly inspects and maintains the water-spray jets required by clauses (2)(a)and (b);
(b) records the results of the inspection and maintenance required by clause (a).
Using stone-dust in coal mine
188 (1) If reasonably practicable, at a coal mine, each area underground other than an areawithin 12 m of a working face must be treated with stone-dust so that the dust on thefloor, roof and sides of the area contains no more than the following:
(a) 25% coal dust by mass of dust being tested, if the concentration of flammablegas in the air in the area does not exceed 1% by volume in the air being tested;
(b) 20% coal dust by mass of dust being tested, if the concentration of flammablegas in the air in the area exceeds 1% by volume in the air being tested.
(2) To the extent reasonably practicable, an area in a coal mine must be free and clear ofcoal dust before the area is stone-dusted.
(3) The stone-dust used in a coal mine must meet all the following criteria:
(a) it must contain at least 70% by mass of material that is capable, when dry, ofpassing through a sieve of 75 µm;
(b) it must contain less than 1% by mass of flammable material as determined by atest of the flammable material content of the stone-dust as a whole;
(c) it must contain less than 1% by mass of free crystalline silica.
(4) At a coal mine, bags of dry stone-dust having a total weight of at least 500 kg mustbe stored underground at each of the following locations:
(a) within 150 m of a working face in an intake airway;
(b) within 40 m of a working face in a return airway;
(c) every 60 m along a conveyor belt;
(d) a shop;
(e) a flammable material storage area;
(f) a conveyor belt drive area;
(g) a conveyor belt loading area;
(h) a ventilation door or ventilation curtain;
(i) a location where electrical switch gear and transformers are installed;
(j) a crusher station,
(k) a pump station;
(l) a shaft station or slope station;
(m) a tipple;
(n) a service garage;
(o) a fuelling station;
(p) any location where a fire hazard could exist designated in accordance withsubclause 158(1)(b)(vi).
Stone-dusting before blasting
189 All areas in a blasting area must be stone-dusted in accordance with Section 188 as closeas reasonably practicable to the sites of the charges and before initiating a blast at theworking face.
Water for dust control
190 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), all of the following must be done at anylocation where material is drilled, blasted, loaded or transported:
(a) clean water under pressure must be made available for dust control purposesduring drilling;
(b) broken material must be thoroughly wetted at all of the following times:
(i) during drilling,
(ii) after blasting,
(iii) when the material is being loaded or scraped.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if the material being mined is salt, potash or othersimilar material.
Part 6 - Electrical and Mechanical Work
Definitions for Part[ 6]
191 In this Part, all of the following definitions apply:
“apprentice” means a person who is entered into an apprenticeship agreement withan employer;
“electrical tradesperson” means a person who holds a certificate of qualificationunder the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act as any of the following:
(i) an industrial electrician,
(ii) a construction electrician,
(iii) a coal mine electrician;
“electrical work” means constructing, inspecting, testing, calibrating, maintaining,altering or dismantling an electrical installation that is or will be locatedunderground;
“mechanical tradesperson” means a person who holds a certificate of qualificationunder the Apprenticeship and Trades Qualifications Act as any of the following:
(i) an electric motor system technician,
(ii) an automotive service technician,
(iii) a heavy duty equipment technician,
(iv) an industrial instrument mechanic,
(v) an industrial mechanic (millwright),
(vi) a coal mine mechanic,
(vii) a truck and transport mechanic,
(viii) a farm equipment mechanic;
“mechanical work” means constructing, inspecting, testing, calibrating, maintaining,altering or dismantling mechanical equipment that is or will be located underground;
“specified colour” means a bright distinguishing colour that appears only on electrical installations and portable electrical equipment that are not intrinsically safeand not flameproof, and is identified on a sign at each entrance to the mine asindicating that the equipment is not intrinsically safe and not flameproof.
Filing specifications for electrical installations at coal mine
192 Before installing, energizing or using any electrical installation underground, an employerat a coal mine must file all of the following information about the electrical installationwith the Director:
(a) manufacturer’s specifications;
(b) copies of all relevant certifications, including those certifying the equipment asintrinsically safe or flameproof;
(c) a plan of where the electrical installation will be installed, if it is not portable;
(d) details of ventilation in the area where the installation will be used;
(e) any procedures related to installing, operating, using or maintaining theelectrical installation;
(f) details of the electrical infrastructure into which the electrical installation willbe connected.
Designation of zones for use of electrical installations underground at coal mine
193 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the entire underground of a coal mine is anexplosion risk zone.
(2) The mine manager of a coal mine may designate 1 or more areas of the undergroundother than an area described in subsection (3) as non-explosion risk zones, if theventilation engineer has prepared a report certifying the proposed designation asadequate.
(3) An area underground of a coal mine must not be designated as a non-explosion riskzone if any of the following apply in the area:
(a) the air supplied to the area meets any of the following criteria:
(i) the air has ventilated a working face,
(ii) the air has a level of flammable gas equal to or greater than 0.5% byvolume in the air being tested,
(iii) the air has the potential to reach a level of flammable gas equal to orgreater than 0.5% by volume in the air being tested 4 hours after abreakdown in the ventilation system,
(iv) the air is subject to unintentional or unplanned ventilation reversal or re-circulation of the airflow in the ventilation system;
(b) the area is supplied with air by an auxiliary fan;
(c) the area is located at any of the following places:
(i) within 100 m of a working face,
(ii) past the last open crosscut of a working face.
(4) In preparing the report certifying a proposed designation of a zone, the ventilationengineer must do all of the following:
(a) consult with the committee or representative, if any;
(b) verify that the area to be designated is not excluded under subsection (3);
(c) consider the ventilation system as shown by the ventilation plan;
(d) consider the potential flammable gas concentrations 4 hours after a breakdownin the ventilation system;
(e) consider all reports of flammable gas in or near the area to be designated.
(5) A report certifying a proposed designation of a zone must be certified by theventilation engineer and signed by the mine manager.
(6) The mine manager at a coal mine must mark the zones designated under this Sectionon the mine plan and must post a current copy of the plan in a conspicuous place atthe coal mine.
Standards for electrical installations
194 (1) Except for cap lamps and except as provided in subsection (3), an electricalinstallation must be designed, constructed, operated, inspected, maintained anddismantled in an adequate manner that complies with this Part and the requirementsof both of the following standards:
(a) CSA standard C22.1-06 The Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 (20th Edition),“Safety Standard for Electrical Installations”;
(b) the applicable standards in CSA standard C22.2 The Canadian Electrical CodePart 2;
(c) CSA standard CAN/CSA-M421-00 (R2005), Use of Electricity in Mines.
(2) For the purpose of interpreting the standard referred to in clause (1)(b), all of thefollowing definitions apply:
“approved” means meeting the requirements of subsections 194(1), (3) and (4) andSection 195;
“authorized person” means a competent person designated by a mine manager and“appointed person” has a similar meaning;
“special permission” in clause 5.4.2 of the standard means permission granted by theDirector under Section 83 of the Act for a deviation from the prohibition on the useof switchgear with liquids having a lower flashpoint.
(3) Electrical equipment that complies with another standard may be used if an engineerprepares and certifies a report that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) the report establishes that the other standard forms part of a government’sregulatory regime for the safe use of electricity at a mine, or the report is reliedupon by officials with legislated responsibility for administering such a regime;
(b) the report includes the opinion of the engineer that the other standard providesfor a level of safety that equals or exceeds the level of safety that would beprovided by compliance with the comparable standard referred to in clause(1)(a) or (b);
(c) the report compares, on a clause-by-clause basis, the relevant provisions of theapplicable CSA standard referred to in subsection (1) with 1 of the following:
(i) the substituted standard, documenting for each clause in the CSAstandard the number of any corresponding provision in the substitutedstandard, and the opinion of the engineer that
(A) the 2 provisions are equivalent,
(B) if the provisions are not equivalent, which is the morestringent provision, and the importance or effect of thedifference,
(ii) the features of the specific type of electrical equipment approved underthe substituted standard and the context in which it is proposed to beinstalled, documenting the opinion of the engineer as to
(A) whether the feature meets, exceeds or fails to meet the requirementof every relevant clause in the applicable CSA standard referred toin subsection (1), and
(B) for every clause of the applicable CSA standard referred to insubsection (1) that the equipment fails to meet, the importance oreffect of the failure.
(4) The mine manager at a coal mine must sign an engineer’s report prepared undersubsection (3).
Electrical installations in explosion risk zone of coal mine
195 At a coal mine, an electrical installation used in a explosion risk zone other than a caplamp must be certified as flameproof or intrinsically safe by the federal Department ofNatural Resources or an agency acceptable to the Director.
Electrical installations in non-explosion risk zone of coal mine
196 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), an electrical installation used in a non-explosion risk zone in a coal mine, other than a cap lamp or portable equipmentcovered under Section 197, must be certified as intrinsically safe or flameproof bythe federal Department [of] Natural Resources or an agency acceptable to theDirector.
(2) An electrical installation that is not certified as intrinsically safe or flameproof asrequired by subsection (1) must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be certified by an engineer in accordance with Section 198 during the12 months immediately before the date it is first used;
(b) it must be designed so that all of the following criteria are met:
(i) the entry of coal dust is restricted or, if coal dust entry is reasonablyforeseeable, the electrical installation does not produce an internalsurface temperature hot enough to ignite coal dust,
(ii) the electrical installation does not produce an external surfacetemperature over 150 ºC;
(c) it must be fixed in place while energized;
(d) it must be clearly identified by all of the following:
(i) a specified colour,
(ii) a legible and conspicuous sign fixed to the installation that states:“Caution - This equipment is neither intrinsically safe nor flameproof. Itis unsafe for use in an explosion risk zone.”;
(e) it must remain underground only for so long as specified in writing by anengineer as reasonably necessary for its intended use;
(f) it must be constructed, operated, inspected, maintained and dismantled inaccordance with all of the following:
(i) the manufacturer’s specifications,
(ii) any report in relation to the electrical installation prepared by anengineer under Section 198.
(3) A fixed electrical installation that is not intrinsically safe and not flameproof mustnot be installed in an area designated as a non-explosion risk zone unless theventilation engineer examines the report on the designation of a non-explosion riskzone required by subsection 193(2) and does all of the following:
(a) either rejects the report or accepts the report with or without modification;
(b) signs the report indicating their decision under clause (a) and any modificationmade.
Portable electrical equipment in non-explosion risk zone of coal mine
197 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), portable electrical equipment, other than a caplamp, used in a non-explosion risk zone in a coal mine must be certified asintrinsically safe or flameproof by the federal Department of Natural Resources or anagency acceptable to the Director.
(2) Portable electrical equipment that is not certified as intrinsically safe or flameproofas required by subsection (1) must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be certified by an engineer in accordance with Section 198 during the12 months immediately before the date it is first used;
(b) it must be designed so that no surface of the equipment that may come incontact with coal dust is more than 150 °C;
(c) it must be clearly identified by all of the following:
(i) a specified colour,
(ii) a legible and conspicuous sign fixed to the equipment that states:“Caution - This equipment is neither intrinsically safe nor flameproof. It is unsafe for use in explosion risk zone.”;
(d) it must remain underground only for so long as specified in writing by anengineer as reasonably necessary for its intended use;
(e) it must be operated, inspected and maintained in accordance with all of thefollowing:
(i) the manufacturer’s specifications,
(ii) any report in relation to the electrical installation prepared by anengineer under Section 198;
(f) it must be used only by a designated competent person;
(g) it must be monitored by a designated competent person equipped with aflammable gas monitor that meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it is calibrated,
(ii) it is continuously on,
(iii) it sounds an alarm when 0.5% flammable gas is reached;
(h) it is immediately turned off if the flammable gas monitor required by subclause(g)(iii) sounds an alarm.
(3) Before using portable equipment that is not intrinsically safe and not flameproof inan area designated as a non-explosion risk zone, all of the following must be done:
(a) an engineer must certify that the equipment is suitable and compatible with theconditions in the non-explosion risk zone;
(b) a “tag in/tag out” procedure must be prepared that indicates when theequipment is underground and where it is being used;
(c) the committee or representative, if any, must review the type of equipment thatis used;
(d) the chief coal mine electrician or equivalent must inspect the equipment andagree that it is safe to take underground.
(4) At a coal mine, a list of all portable electrical equipment used underground in the last6 months must be kept on site.
(5) At a coal mine, a battery for portable electrical equipment must not be changed orcharged underground.
Certifying electrical installations or equipment in coal mine
198 At a coal mine, when certifying an electrical installation or electrical equipment underclause 196(2)(a) or 197(2)(a), an engineer must prepare a report that meets all of thefollowing criteria:
(a) the report indicates which standard referred to in Section 194 the equipmentcomplies with;
(b) the report verifies that the equipment complies with the requirements ofSections 196 or 197;
(c) the report indicates any requirements that are in addition to or that augment therequirements of Sections 196 or 197 that the engineer considers prudent in thecircumstances;
(d) the report takes into account proposed work procedures, supervision, employeetraining, stone-dusting and fire-extinguishing equipment access, emergencypreparedness and any other matter that the engineer, following consultationwith the committee or representative, if any, considers advisable to address;
(e) the report indicates any precautionary measures and work procedures that theengineer considers necessary conditions of certification.
Procedure required for electrical installations
199 (1) Before electricity is supplied to or used in an electrical installation underground,procedures and plans conforming to the applicable standard referred to in Section194 must be prepared by the mine manager and certified as adequate by an engineerfor constructing, inspecting, testing, calibrating, maintaining and dismantling theelectrical installation.
(2) The procedures and plans required by subsection (1) must be updated as soon asreasonably practicable to reflect any alterations or repairs that change thecomponents of the electrical installation.
Certifying type of electrical installation at coal mine
200 (1) Electricity must not be supplied to a coal mine, or any part of it, until an engineerand a coal mine electrician have certified as adequate each type of electricalinstallation and the certification has been signed by the mine manager.
(2) Before an electrical installation is energized for the first time, the mine manager mustdesignate a competent person to prepare a report that verifies that the installationmeets the requirements of the engineer’s report required by Section 198.
(3) The person designated under subsection (2) must base their report upon a personalexamination of the electrical installation.
Certifications required to be kept at mine
201 (1) At a non-coal mine, a copy of both of the following certifications must be kept at themine site for each electrical installation used in a hazardous location as defined byCSA standard C22.1-06, Canadian Electrical Code Part 1 (20th edition), “SafetyStandard for Electrical Installations”:
(a) a certification related to the use of that electrical installation in a hazardouslocation;
(b) a certification related to the intrinsic safety of the electrical installation orattesting that the electrical installation is flameproof.
(2) At a coal mine, a copy of both of the following certifications must be kept at themine for each electrical installation in use underground at the mine:
(a) a certification related to the use of the electrical installation;
(b) a certification related to the intrinsic safety of the electrical installation orattesting that the electrical installation is flameproof.
Electrical work
202 (1) At a non-coal mine, only the following persons may carry out electrical work:
(a) a competent person who is an electrical tradesperson;
(b) an apprentice in the electrical trade.
(2) At a coal mine, only the following persons may carry out electrical work:
(a) a coal mine electrician;
(b) an electrical tradesperson or an apprentice in the electrical trade, while beingmentored and working under the constant, close personal supervision of a coalmine electrician.
Supervision of electrical work
203 The following persons are responsible for electrical installations and supervising electricalwork:
(a) at a non-coal mine, a competent person designated by the mine manager;
(b) at a coal mine, the chief coal mine electrician.
Record and communication of electrical work at coal mine
204 (1) At a coal mine, a person who conducts electrical work must record the workconducted and sign the record.
(2) At a coal mine, if electrical work is conducted by an electrical tradesperson or anapprentice in the electrical trade, a coal mine electrician who supervises the workmust sign the record of the electrical work made under subsection (1).
Mechanical work
205 (1) At a non-coal mine, only a competent person may carry out mechanical work.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), only the following persons may carry outmechanical work at a coal mine:
(a) a coal mine mechanic;
(b) a mechanical tradesperson or an apprentice in a mechanical trade, while beingmentored and working under the constant, close personal supervision of a coalmine mechanic.
(3) A designated competent person at a coal mine may perform mechanical workaccording to a procedure that is certified as adequate by the chief coal minemechanic and signed by the mine manager.
Supervising mechanical work
206 The following persons are responsible for mechanical equipment and supervisingmechanical work:
(a) at a non-coal mine, a competent person designated by the mine manager;
(b) at a coal mine, the chief coal mine mechanic.
Record of mechanical inspections at coal mine
207 (1) At a coal mine, a person who conducts mechanical work must record the workconducted.
(2) At a coal mine, if mechanical work is conducted by a mechanical tradesperson or anapprentice in the mechanical trade, a coal mine mechanic who supervises the workmust sign the record of the mechanical work made under subsection (1).
Filing specifications for pneumatic- or hydraulic-powered equipment
208 Before installing, energizing or using any pneumatic-powered or hydraulic-poweredequipment underground, an employer at a coal mine must file all of the followinginformation respecting the equipment with the Director:
(a) manufacturer’s specifications;
(b) copies of all relevant certifications, including any certifying the equipment asintrinsically safe or flameproof;
(c) a plan of where the equipment will be installed, if it is not portable;
(d) details of ventilation in the area where the equipment will be used;
(e) any procedures related to installing, operating, using and maintaining theequipment;
(f) details of the compressed air or hydraulic fluid infrastructure into which theequipment will be connected.
Part 7 - Ventilation
Ventilation engineer
209 The mine manager at a coal mine must designate a ventilation engineer to oversee thedesign and operation of the ventilation system in accordance with these regulations andgenerally accepted engineering principles.
Installation and maintenance of ventilation system
210 (1) A ventilation system must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be constructed, operated, tested, calibrated, inspected and maintained inaccordance with the manufacturer’s specifications or specifications certified byan engineer;
(b) it must supply ventilating air to underground areas where persons are workingor travelling or might work or travel;
(c) it must be adequate to ensure the health and safety of persons underground.
(2) At a coal mine, each working face must be ventilated by a separate split of adequateintake air.
(3) Air must not be exhausted mechanically from a working face, unless a flow of air ismechanically supplied to the working face that equals or exceeds the flow of theexhausted air.
(4) Intake air to a working face must not exceed 0.5% by volume of flammable gas.
(5) At a coal mine, the following conditions respecting air velocity must be met:
(a) the air velocity of a ventilation system must be sufficient to prevent thelayering of flammable gas;
(b) the average air velocity across a cross-section of a travelway must never be lessthan 20 m/min.
(6) A deficiency in any part of the ventilation system that significantly affects air qualityin an area of the mine must be repaired without delay or the area must be evacuated.
Air quality monitoring program
211 (1) The threshold limit values for all of the following set out in the publication “TLVsand BEIs” do not apply to any coal mines:
(a) methane;
(b) butane;
(c) ethane;
(d) propane.
(2) The mine manager must prepare a written air quality monitoring program for themine to monitor non-diesel contaminants in the air underground.
(3) The air quality monitoring program required by subsection (2) must meet all of thefollowing criteria:
(a) it must be developed by a competent person and certified as adequate by 1 ofthe following:
(i) an engineer,
(ii) an occupational hygienist registered with the Canadian RegistrationBoard of Occupational Hygienists,
(iii) an industrial hygienist certified by the American Board of IndustrialHygiene;
(b) it must identify sampling procedures using plans and instructions, and detailthe instruments to be used for the procedures;
(c) it must identify all of the following:
(i) the non-diesel contaminants to be monitored,
(ii) the frequency for monitoring the contaminants identified undersubclause (i).
(4) An air quality monitoring program must ensure sufficient air quality is provided toall active workings underground to ensure that any contaminants are diluted belowthe occupational exposure limit.
Record of result of air quality monitoring
212 The results of the monitoring performed under the air quality monitoring program requiredby Section 211 must be recorded.
Routing of air at coal mine
213 At a coal mine, if reasonably practicable, air must be routed in accordance with all of thefollowing:
(a) return air must be routed from a production area directly to a return airway;
(b) intake air must not come into contact with stagnant water or other places likelyto contaminate the air;
(c) abandoned workings must be either sealed or ventilated directly to a returnairway.
Separation between primary intake and primary return airways in coal mine
214 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), at a coal mine, the strata between a primaryintake airway and a primary return airway must be at least 30 m thick andsufficiently solid to minimize, to the degree reasonably practicable, the leakage of airbetween the airways.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply if structures are installed to minimize the leakage ofair between a primary intake airway and a primary return airway for ventilation.
Ventilating air quality and quantity tests
215 (1) Tests must be conducted by a competent person, in accordance with generallyaccepted engineering principles, to determine the quantity of air and, at a coal mine,flammable gas concentrations in the air at all of the following locations at the timesspecified:
(a) at least once a month, at all of the following locations:
(i) in all primary intake airways and all primary return airways,
(ii) in all intake airways and return airways of any area ventilated by a split,
(iii) in all intake airways and return airways of any area of a working,
(iv) at a coal mine, within 90 m of the first working face in all intakeairways of a split;
(b) at least once a week, at the working face of all active workings;
(c) at any frequency and location specified by the mine manager, ventilationengineer or an officer.
(2) At a coal mine, the tests conducted under subsection (1) must be taken from thefollowing:
(a) for concentrations of non-flammable gas, the general body of air;
(b) for concentrations of flammable gas, within 30 cm of the roof, side, face andfloor.
(3) The exhausted air from a machine powered by compressed air must not beconsidered when calculating the quantity of air to be provided to the underground asrequired by these regulations.
Recording test results for air quality and quantity
216 (1) The results of air quality and quantity tests conducted under Section 215 must berecorded.
(2) An employer at a subsea coal mine must file a copy of a record made undersubsection (1) with the Director once a month.
(3) For the purposes of subclause 11(c)(iii), a record made under subsection (1) must bekept for at least 2 years after the area of the mine referred to in the record isabandoned.
Report on ventilation system
217 (1) A report must be prepared by a competent person of all of the following at intervalsof no longer than 1 month:
(a) the condition of the control devices in the ventilation system that are used tomove or direct air;
(b) the test results recorded under Section 216.
(2) A report prepared under subsection (1) must be signed by the mine manager or theventilation engineer.
Prohibiting entry into unventilated area of non-coal mine
218 For a non-coal mine, all entries to an area of a mine that is not ventilated must bebarricaded to prevent inadvertent entry, and an adequate number of signs must be posted inconspicuous places warning that entry is prohibited.
Testing air in unventilated area of non-coal mine
219 (1) The air in an unventilated area of a non-coal mine must be tested before a person,other than a person testing the air, enters the area.
(2) The mine manager at a non-coal mine must prepare procedures, including plans andinstructions, that provide for the safety of persons entering an unventilated area ofthe mine to test air and must ensure that a person testing the air is given a copy of theprocedures before entering an unventilated area.
(3) The procedures for persons entering an unventilated area of a non-coal mine requiredby subsection (2) must include all of the following:
(a) the method of communication to be used among persons in the unventilatedarea of the mine, and between those persons and an attended place outside thatarea of the mine and a designated person on the surface;
(b) emergency response instructions, including a list of the equipment that must bemade available for use in an emergency situation;
(c) a list of any hazards or potential hazards to a person entering the unventilatedarea of the mine.
Ventilation doors, ventilation curtains and stoppings
220 (1) Subject to subsection (2), adequate ventilation doors, ventilation curtains orstoppings must be provided, constructed, inspected, tested and maintained betweenthe intake airways and return airways in every travelway, except at the last opencrosscut, that is a connection between any of the following:
(a) a primary intake airway and a primary return airway;
(b) an airway that is an intake airway and a return airway for active workings.
(2) In a coal mine, permanent stoppings must be provided, constructed, inspected, testedand maintained between the intake airways and return airways in the 3rd crosscut outby a working face, if the 3rd crosscut is a connection between any of the following:
(a) a primary intake airway and a primary return airway;
(b) an airway that is an intake airway and a return airway for active workings.
(3) A ventilation door or ventilation curtain must be capable of being easily passedthrough by a mine worker.
(4) A ventilation door or ventilation curtain must be closed except for the time requiredfor a person to pass through the doors or curtains.
(5) Except when necessary for the passage of a vehicle or train and only for the durationnecessary for the passage of the vehicle or train, a person must not fix open aventilation door or ventilation curtain without the authorization of the personresponsible for the ventilation system.
(6) If a ventilation door or ventilation curtain is required under these regulations at a coalmine, at least 2 ventilation doors or ventilation curtains must be installed thatfunction as an airlock to prevent ventilating air from short circuiting when any 1door or curtain is open.
(7) If there is more than 1 ventilation door or ventilation curtain installed at differentpoints along a single travelway, the doors or curtains must be at an adequate distancefrom one another so that whenever 1 door or curtain is open at least 1 door or curtaincan be closed.
Air flow to active working where diesel engine operating
221 At a non-coal mine, the air flow to an active working where a diesel engine is operatingmust reduce the concentration of airborne respirable combustible dust to an averageconcentration of less than 1.5 mg/m3 of air averaged over 8 hours.
Testing air quality where diesel engine operating
222 (1) A competent person must test all of the following when a diesel engine is operatingunderground:
(a) at least once a week, the carbon monoxide concentration, nitric oxideconcentration and nitrogen dioxide concentration in the air at all of thefollowing locations:
(i) adjacent to and downwind of the exhaust of the engine,
(ii) in the diesel engine operator’s breathing zone;
(b) at least once a month, the carbon dioxide concentration in the air adjacent toand downwind of the exhaust of the engine;
(c) at least once a month, the formaldehyde concentration and the sulphur dioxideconcentration in the air in all of the following locations:
(i) adjacent to and downwind of the exhaust of the engine,
(ii) in the diesel engine operator’s breathing zone;
(d) for a minimum of 4 hours at least every 6 months in a non-coal mine, theairborne respirable combustible dust concentration in the air in the dieselengine operator’s breathing zone.
(2) Any of the following persons may request that their supervisor ensure that tests areconducted for carbon monoxide concentration, nitrogen dioxide concentration andnitric oxide concentration in the air adjacent to or downwind of the exhaust of adiesel engine operating underground:
(a) an operator of a diesel engine;
(b) a person working in the immediate area of a diesel engine;
(c) a member of the committee or representative, if any.
(3) On receiving a request for a test under subsection (2), a supervisor must ensure that acompetent person conducts the test as soon as reasonably practicable.
(4) A competent person performing a test under this Section must record all of thefollowing information for each diesel engine tested:
(a) date;
(b) location of area of mine where test performed;
(c) an indication of whether the test was taken adjacent to and downwind of theexhaust of the engine or in the operator’s breathing zone;
(d) machine type, number and engine serial number;
(e) flow of air passing by the engine;
(f) the concentrations of the gases or dust tested for.
Adequate supply of uncontaminated air for hoist operator
223 A hoist operator in an underground or tower-mounted hoist station must be provided withat least a 12-hour supply of uncontaminated air by 1 of the following methods:
(a) an enclosed booth with uncontaminated air continuously blown into the booth;
(b) access in the hoist station to 1 or more self-contained breathing apparatuses.
Adjusting, altering or interfering with regulators
224 A person must not adjust, alter or interfere with a regulator or any other device designed toaffect air flow or air quality unless they
(a) have authorization in writing from the following:
(i) at a non-coal mine, the mine manager or a person designated by themine manager,
(ii) at a coal mine, the ventilation engineer; and
(b) notify the supervisor for the area affected by the adjustment, alteration orinterference.
Design of fans and associated equipment
225 (1) Fans used to ventilate a mine and fan housings must be made of non-combustiblematerials.
(2) Fans used to ventilate a mine and associated equipment must be designed so thatroutine inspection can be carried out without stopping the fan or interfering with theair supplied by the fan.
(3) If reasonably practicable, a main fan, booster fan or auxiliary fan must be preventedfrom recirculating ventilating air.
(4) The pipes, ducting, brattice, curtains and stoppings used for directing ventilating airmust be made of materials that do not support progressive combustion upon removalof the source of heat.
Main fan in coal mine
226 (1) At a coal mine, a main fan must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be located on the surface;
(b) except as provided in subsection (2), it must be offset at least 5 m from thenearest side of any opening to the underground;
(c) it must be provided with a pressure-release door or other device that isdesigned to be opened by the force of an explosion and that is in a direct linewith any possible forces of an explosion;
(d)it must be powered by a dedicated power circuit.
(2) At a coal mine, a main fan may be located directly in front of, or over, an opening tothe underground if all of the following apply:
(a) the opening is not in a direct line with possible air blasts from the undergroundresulting from an explosion;
(b) there is another opening to the underground that meets all of the followingcriteria:
(i) it is in a direct line with possible air blasts from the undergroundresulting from an explosion,
(ii) it is provided with a pressure-release door or other device that isdesigned to be opened by the force of an explosion and that is in a directline with any possible forces of an explosion,
(iii) it is at least 5 m but not more than 30 m from the opening where themain fan is to be located.
(3) At a coal mine, the air flow from a main fan must be reversible.
(4) At a coal mine, there must be a standby power supply available at the mine for themain fan.
Booster fans
227 (1) A booster fan must not be installed until a competent person prepares a report signedby the mine manager.
(2) At a coal mine, the ventilation engineer must determine all of the following for thereport under subsection (1) and sign the report:
(a) the necessity for the booster fan;
(b) the expected performance range of the booster fan while in operation;
(c) an adequate location for the booster fan;
(d) the booster fan’s effect on the rest of the ventilation network.
(3) A booster fan must be located so that if it stops, the free passage of air to or from amain fan is restricted as little as reasonably practicable.
(4) At a subsea coal mine, the mine manager must ensure a maintenance plan isprepared for operating the booster fan.
Controls for fans must be remote from fans
228 The controls of a main fan or booster fan must be placed at protected locations that areremote from the locations of the respective fans.
Inspection of fans and associated equipment
229 (1) A main fan, booster fan and associated equipment in service must be inspected by acompetent person at least once a week.
(2) At a coal mine, a competent person must inspect all of the following that are inservice and are continuously monitored for overheating of bearings or fan failure atleast every 8 hours for overheating of bearings and fan failure:
(a) a main fan that has a capacity of more than 50 hp and associated equipment;
(b) a booster fan that has a capacity of more than 50 hp and associated equipment.
(3) A competent person who inspects a fan and equipment under this Section mustprepare a written report of the inspection.
Reversing air flow of fans
230 The mine manager may give permission, in writing, to reverse the air flow of a main fan,booster fan or auxiliary fan, but the mine manager must ensure the flow is not reversed ifthere is a person underground
(a) whose location is unknown; or
(b) who is located in a place where the health or safety of the person would becompromised if the air flow of the respective fan were reversed.
Responding to fan failure at non-coal mine
231 (1) In this Section, “air contaminant” means gas, vapour, mist, fume, smoke, dust orother airborne substances hazardous to the health or safety of a person.
(2) If a fan fails at a non-coal mine and whether the air quality in the area serviced by thefan remains adequate is not determined, all of the following must be done:
(a) all persons in the area affected by the failure, except those working to repair thefan, must withdraw to a safe place;
(b) except as provided in subsection (4), diesel-powered equipment and any otherequipment in the area affected by the failure and processes that produce aircontaminants must be shut down or immediately removed from the area, andmust remain shut down or removed from the area until adequate ventilation isrestored;
(c) a competent person must conduct a test of the air quality in the area serviced bya fan and of the air quantity in the general body of air after the fan is repairedand restarted.
(3) At a non-coal mine, only persons who are working to repair a failed fan may enter anarea affected by the failed fan until a competent person has determined that airquality is adequate.
(4) If a fan fails at a non-coal mine, diesel-powered equipment may be used to transportpersons directly and immediately to a safe place under the direction of a supervisorresponsible for the area.
Responding to fan failure at coal mine
232 (1) If a fan fails at a coal mine, all of the following must be done:
(a) all persons in the area affected by the failure, except those working to repair thefan, must withdraw to a safe place;
(b) each electrical installation in the area affected by the failure must be de-energized and remain de-energized until the ventilation is restored;
(c) except as provided in subsection (5), diesel-powered equipment and otherequipment that could be a source of ignition in the area affected by the failuremust be shut down and remain shut down until the ventilation is restored.
(2) At a coal mine, if a main fan or booster fan that fails remains stopped for more than30 minutes, the mine manager must include all of the following in the recordrequired by subsection 32(2):
(a) the location of the fan as referenced in the ventilation plan;
(b) the reason for the failure;
(c) the time the fan stopped;
(d) the duration of the failure;
(e) any remedial action taken.
(3) Once a fan in a coal mine is repaired, adequate ventilation must be restored and amine examiner, underground manager or supervisor must test for flammable gas inthe area that was affected by the failed fan and in other areas where flammable gas islikely to accumulate and determine that the areas are safe for re-entry.
(4) Except as provided in subsection (5), only persons who are working to repair a failedfan may enter an area affected by the failed fan until a mine engineer, undergroundmanager or supervisor has determined that the area is safe for re-entry in accordancewith subsection (3).
(5) If a fan fails at a coal mine, diesel-powered equipment and other equipment thatcould be a source of ignition may be used to transport persons directly andimmediately to a safe place under the direction of a supervisor responsible for thearea if the flammable gas concentration in the area affected by the failed fan does notexceed 1.25% by volume in the air being tested.
Procedures for auxiliary ventilation in coal mine
233 (1) The mine manager at a coal mine must ensure that a competent person preparesprocedures, certified by the ventilation engineer, for all of the following:
(a) installing, using and maintaining an auxiliary ventilation system;
(b) removing flammable gas from active workings.
(2) A copy of the procedures required by subsection (1) must be posted in a conspicuousplace on the surface.
Auxiliary ventilation at coal mine
234 (1) At a coal mine, auxiliary ventilation must be provided to all of the following:
(a) an active working that advances more than 5 m from any airway;
(b) a raise that advances more than 5 m from an intake airway, and the auxiliaryventilation controls must be located outside of the raise.
(2) If an auxiliary fan stops at a coal mine, a person must not restart the auxiliary fanuntil a mine examiner, underground manager or supervisor does all of the following:
(a) inspects the area of the auxiliary fan and the area that is serviced by theauxiliary fan and tests for flammable gas in both areas;
(b) informs the person that it is safe to restart the auxiliary fan;
(c) implements the procedures for the removal of flammable gas required byclause 233(1)(b).
Auxiliary ventilation at non-coal mine
235 At a non-coal mine, auxiliary ventilation must be provided to all of the following:
(a) an active working that advances more than 30 m, or such other distance froman intake airway that provides ventilation as is certified as adequate by anengineer;
(b) a raise that advances more than 10 m from an intake airway, and the auxiliaryventilation controls must be located outside of the raise.
Compressed air at mine
236 If it is not reasonably practicable to use an auxiliary fan in a non-coal mine, adequatecompressed air may be provided in a pipeline for auxiliary ventilation.
Air movers used in coal mine
237 (1) At a coal mine, if air movers are used, all of the following conditions must be met:
(a) the air within an air mover must not be computed as part of the total requiredfor adequate ventilation;
(b) a coal mine electrician must ensure that an air mover is adequately groundedbefore it is used.
(2) At a coal mine, compressed air must not be used for ventilation purposes other thanas part of an air mover.
Part 8 - Monitoring Flammable Gas
Definition for Part
238 In this Part, “remote monitoring” means monitoring by means of a signal from a devicethat is sent to and monitored by an appropriate computer located remotely from the device.
Monitoring air at coal mine
239 (1) At a coal mine, all of the following must be continuously monitored and recorded:
(a) the barometric pressure on the surface at the mine;
(b) the air velocity and flammable gas and carbon monoxide concentrations in airat the surface end of a primary return airway;
(c) differential pressure between the surface end of the primary intake airways andthe surface end of the primary return airways.
(2) The information referred to in subsection (1) must be monitored by and recorded ona device that allows the current information to be instantly accessed by the minemanager or designated competent person at all times when persons are underground
.
(3) The device required by subsection (2) must be interconnected with warning devicesthat alert the person required for communications under subsection 94(2).
(4) A warning device required by subsection (3) must give adequate warning when anyof the following happens:
(a) the barometric pressure falls by more than 2 kPa in 30 minutes;
(b) flammable gas at locations noted in clause (1)(b) reaches or exceeds 0.8% byvolume in the air being tested and, using a different warning, again at 1.0% byvolume in the air being tested;
(c) power to a sensor is interrupted.
(5) At a coal mine, the main fan and each booster fan must be equipped with a remotemonitoring device that continuously records the operational effectiveness of the fan,including all of the following:
(a) differential pressure;
(b) amperage;
(c) air flow;
(d) voltage;
(e) vibration;
(f) bearing temperature;
(g) revolutions per minute.
(6) At a coal mine, each main fan and each booster fan must be equipped with anaudible alarm that sounds automatically if any of the following happens:
(a) the fan stops;
(b) the air flow through the fan decreases by more than 20% from its expectedvalue.
(7) For the purposes of subclause 11(c)(iii), the information recorded under subsections(2) and (5) must be kept for 5 years.
Barometer and thermometer required at coal mine
240 At a coal mine, a barometer and thermometer must be placed in a conspicuous place on thesurface, and all of the following information must be posted at the beginning of each shiftin a conspicuous place near the entrance to the underground:
(a) the outside temperature on the surface;
(b) the outside barometric pressure on the surface;
(c) the trend in barometric pressure in the last 24 hours.
Flammable-gas monitors on equipment in coal mine
241 (1) A flammable-gas monitor at a coal mine must be near or on all of the followinginstallations or equipment:
(a) coal-cutting or stone-cutting machines;
(b) electrical machinery for installing rockbolts, other than hand-held bolters;
(c) mobile equipment;
(d) if reasonably practicable, other underground electrical installations andelectrically-powered equipment that is not intrinsically safe or not flameproof,other than hand-held bolters;
(e) underground diesel-powered equipment.
(2) A person must not operate or use the installations or equipment referred to insubsection (1) if the flammable-gas monitor for the equipment is
(a) inoperative;
(b) out of calibration; or
(c) not operated, inspected, tested, calibrated or maintained in accordance with themanufacturer’s specifications.
(3) A flammable-gas monitor required by subsection (1) must do all of the followingwhen power to 1 of its sensors is interrupted:
(a) except as provided in subsection (4), the monitor must automatically de-energize the equipment or electrical installation;
(b) if it is not reasonably practicable to de-energize the equipment, the monitormust give an adequate audible alarm.
(4) When power to a sensor on a flammable-gas monitor interlocked with a fan isinterrupted all of the following must occur:
(a) an audible alarm must sound;
(b) a visual alarm must be given;
(c) the fan must not automatically de-energize.
(5) The sensors of a flammable-gas monitor must be positioned at locations that provide forthe most effective measurements of flammable gas.
(6) A flammable-gas monitor required by subsection (1) must do all of the following inresponse to flammable gas levels:
(a) the monitor must give an adequate visual alarm when the concentration offlammable gas reaches or exceeds the following levels:
(i) in an explosion risk zone, 0.5% by volume in the air being tested and,using a different visual alarm, again when flammable gas reaches orexceeds 1% by volume in the air being tested,
(ii) in a non-explosion risk zone, 0.25% by volume in the air being testedand, using a different visual alarm, again when flammable gas reachesor exceeds 0.4% by volume in the air being tested;
(b) except as provided in clause (c), the monitor must automatically de-energizethe monitored equipment when the concentration of flammable gas reaches orexceeds the following levels:
(i) in an explosion risk zone, 1.25% by volume in the air being tested,
(ii) in a non-explosion risk zone, 0.5% by volume in the air being tested.
(c) for battery-powered, non-fixed equipment, if de-energization is not reasonablypracticable, the monitor must give an adequate audible alarm when theconcentration of flammable gas reaches or exceeds the following levels:
(i) in an explosion risk zone, 1.25% by volume in the air being tested, or
(ii) in a non-explosion risk zone, 0.5% by volume in the air being tested.
(7) The alarms of flammable-gas monitors must be located to provide for the mosteffective warnings.
(8) When an operator of equipment listed in subsection (1) sees or hears an audiblealarm from a flammable-gas monitor, the operator must immediately de-energize theequipment if doing so would not create an increased risk to health and safety.
Flammable-gas monitoring where electrical installation operating in return airway in coalmine
242 (1) At a coal mine, a flammable-gas monitor must be installed to continuously monitorthe air where an electrical installation, other than intrinsically safe or flameproofequipment and cap lamps, is being operated in a return airway.
(2) A flammable-gas monitor required by subsection (1) must automatically de-energizethe electrical installation in the return airway when the concentration of flammablegas reaches or exceeds 1.25% by volume in the air being tested.
Flammable-gas monitoring at longwall airways in coal mine
243 (1) At a coal mine, a flammable-gas monitor must be installed to continuously monitorthe air in all of the following longwall airways:
(a) each airway at the intake and return ends of a longwall working face or panel;
(b) each return airway from a longwall panel.
(2) At a coal mine, a flammable-gas monitor required by subsection (1) mustautomatically de-energize all electrical installations in a return airway, other than caplamps and flammable-gas monitors, when any of the following happens:
(a) the concentration of flammable gas reaches or exceeds 1.25% by volume in theair being tested;
(b) power to a sensor is interrupted.
(3) At a coal mine, a flammable-gas monitor required by subsection (1) must be capableof recalling and displaying the concentrations recorded during the following times:
(a) if it displays the concentration of flammable gas at a location on the surface byremote monitoring, at least the previous 24 hours;
(b) if it displays the concentration of flammable gas at a location underground, atleast the previous 2 hours.
Flammable gas monitoring for electrical installation at longwall working face in coal mine
244 (1) At a coal mine, a flammable-gas monitor must be installed to continuously monitorthe air on the intake air side of an electrical installation that provides power toequipment on a longwall working face.
(2) A flammable-gas monitor required by subsection (1) must automatically de-energizean electrical installation when the concentration of flammable gas reaches or exceeds0.5% by volume in the air being tested.
Flammable-gas monitoring in area serviced by auxiliary fan in coal mine
245 A flammable-gas monitor for equipment that is not intrinsically safe and not flameproofmust automatically de-energize any electrical equipment being used at a working faceserviced by an auxiliary fan when the concentration of flammable gas being drawn into thefan reaches or exceeds 0.5% by volume in the air being tested.
Flammable-gas monitoring for non-explosion risk zone in coal mine
246 (1) At a coal mine, a flammable-gas monitor must be installed to continuously monitorthe air on the intake air side of a non-explosion risk zone, unless the intake air side isthe surface mine opening.
(2) A flammable-gas monitor required by subsection (1) must meet all of the followingcriteria:
(a) the monitor must provide a visible and audible warning when the flammablegas concentration in the air supply of the non-explosion risk zone reaches orexceeds 0.25% by volume in the air being tested;
(b) the monitor must automatically de-energize all non-battery-powered electricalinstallations in the non-explosion risk zone that are not intrinsically safe or notflameproof when any of the following happens:
(i) the flammable gas concentration in the air supply of the non-explosionrisk zone reaches or exceeds 0.5% by volume in the air being tested,
(ii) power to a sensor is interrupted.
Flammable-gas monitoring at all areas of mine
247 Flammable-gas monitors located in an area that is not covered by Sections 242 to 246must automatically de-energize any electrical installation with which they are interlockedthat is being used at a working face serviced by an auxiliary fan when the concentration offlammable gas reaches or exceeds 0.5% by volume in the air being tested.
When flammable gas reaches or exceeds 0.5% in coal mine where source of ignitionpresent
248 At a coal mine, if the concentration of flammable gas reaches or exceeds 0.5% by volumein the air being tested at the primary intake airway where an electrical installation or adiesel engine has been operated or a source of ignition is present, a competent person mustdo all of the following immediately before the next time an installation or engine is startedin the area:
(a) test for flammable gas with a flammable-gas monitor adjacent to theinstallation or engine;
(b) adjust the ventilation until the flammable gas is below 0.5% by volume in theair being tested.
When flammable gas reaches or exceeds 1.25% in coal mine
249 (1) If the concentration of flammable gas in an area of a coal mine reaches or exceeds1.25% by volume in the air being tested, all of the following must be doneimmediately:
(a) all electrical installations, other than cap lamps and flammable-gas monitors, inthe area affected by the gas concentration must be de-energized;
(b) diesel-powered equipment in the area affected by the gas concentration must beshut off or removed from the area.
(2) Diesel-powered equipment that is shut off or removed as required by subsection (1)must remain off and must not be brought back into the area and the electricalinstallation must remain de-energized until a competent person does all of thefollowing:
(a) tests for flammable gas in the general body of air adjacent to the diesel-powered equipment or the electrical installation, and the test shows theflammable gas concentration is below 1% by volume in the air being tested;
(b) determines that it is safe to re-energize the electrical installation and turn on orbring back into the area the diesel-powered equipment.
(3) At a coal mine, a written report of an occurrence of a flammable gas concentrationreaching or exceeding 1.25% by volume in the air being tested must be made by thefirst-line supervisor for the area where the gas concentration occurred.
When flammable gas reaches or exceeds 2.0% in coal mine
250 (1) If the concentration of flammable gas in an area underground in a coal mine reachesor exceeds 2.0% by volume in the air being tested, all of the following must be done:
(a) all persons in the area must immediately withdraw to a safe place;
(b) the underground manager must be informed without delay;
(c) insofar as it is possible to do so without undue risk, a competent person mustdo all of the following:
(i) examine the condition of the affected area,
(ii) determine the measures necessary to render it safe,
(iii) make a record of the examination;
(d) a competent person must record information about the flammable gasconcentration, including all of the following, and provide the information to theunderground manager and the first-line supervisor who is responsible for theaffected section:
(i) the location of measurements,
(ii) the time of measurements,
(iii) the environmental or operating conditions that affected, or could haveaffected, the measurements at the time of measurements.
(2) Except for the purpose of saving life or rendering the area safe, a person must notenter an area evacuated under clause (1)(a) until all of the following conditions aremet:
(a) the concentration of flammable gas is less than 2.0% by volume in the airbeing tested;
(b) the underground manager decides it is safe for entry.
(3) The mine manager must provide the committee or representative, if any, with a copyof the records required by clauses (1)(c) and (d).
Highest reading in flammable gas tests used as reading
251 Whenever a test for flammable gas is required under these regulations in the general bodyof air, the person making the test must test all areas of a total cross-section of the generalbody of air and the highest reading obtained instantaneously at any location, including theroof, must be used as the reading.
Gas measuring devices supplied to testers at coal mine
252 At a coal mine, a person who is required to test for flammable gas under these regulationsmust be provided with a hand-held meter that can do all of the following:
(a) test the concentration of flammable gas
(i) in the range of 0% to 5% by volume in the air being tested, and
(ii) in layers, cracks, crevices and other locations that are normally beyondarm’s reach;
(b) test the concentration of carbon monoxide in the air in the range of 0 ppm to50 ppm;
(c) test the concentration of oxygen in the air.
Testing and calibrating flammable gas monitors and portable meters at coal mine
253 (1) At a coal mine, a facility must exist on the surface to test and calibrate all of thefollowing according to the manufacturers’ specifications:
(a) portable flammable-gas monitors;
(b) hand-held flammable-gas meters;
(c) hand-held carbon monoxide meters;
(d) hand-held oxygen meters;
(2) At a coal mine, suitable portable calibration equipment must be available to test andcalibrate, according to the manufacturers’ specifications, all of the following that arefixed at a location underground:
(a) flammable-gas monitors;
(b) carbon monoxide monitors;
(c) oxygen monitors.
Calibrating monitors and meters
254 (1) A written schedule of calibration must be established for any monitors and metersrequired by these regulations that require calibrations at equal or greater frequenciesthan the frequencies indicated in the manufacturer’s specifications.
(2) The schedule for calibration of monitors and meters must be posted in closeproximity to the places where the hand-held meters are stored and the non-portablemonitors and meters are located.
(3) At a coal mine, flammable-gas meters must be calibrated at least once a week.
(4) After a portable monitor or meter is calibrated, a calibration sticker with all of thefollowing on it must be attached to the portable monitor or meter:
(a) the date when the next calibration of the monitor or meter is due;
(b) the signature or initials of the person who conducted the calibration.
Only 1 coal cutting machine in ventilation split
255 At a coal mine, if 2 or more sets of mining equipment are simultaneously engaged incutting coal or loading coal from working faces within the same working section, each setof mining equipment must be on a separate ventilation split of intake air.
Seals in coal mine
256 (1) Abandoned workings in a coal mine must be sealed with permanent seals that meetall of the following criteria:
(a) they are designed by an engineer to minimize the transfer of gas and controlwater over the area of the seal;
(b) they are certified by an engineer as adequately constructed to achieve theirdesign intent.
(2) The space in front of all seals in a coal mine must be kept free of obstructions.
(3) The mine manager must prepare procedures that are certified as adequate by anengineer for monitoring all of the following at a coal mine:
(a) the atmosphere behind a seal, for flammable and noxious gases;
(b) water pressure behind a seal.
Methane drainage system required at coal mine
257 (1) At a coal mine, if it is reasonably practicable, a methane drainage system must beinstalled that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) it is designed in accordance with generally accepted engineering principles;
(b) it is certified as adequate by an engineer;
(c) it is constructed, operated, calibrated and maintained as designed;
(d) it is suitable to the conditions and system of the mine for removal offlammable gas.
(2) Access to an area containing a methane drainage pipe must be prevented by doing allof the following:
(a) installing and maintaining a fence that extends from the floor to the roof at adistance of at least 3 m from any part of the discharge opening of a methanedrainage system discharge pipe;
(b) posting and maintaining adequate warning signs at conspicuous places on thefence required by clause (a).
(3) The mine manager must prepare a procedure that is certified as adequate by anengineer for methane drainage to be carried out before, during and after mining.
Methane drainage system discharging flammable gas reaching or exceeding 2.0% in coalmine
258 If flammable gas is discharged from a methane drainage system at a coal mine and theconcentration of flammable gas in the area reaches or exceeds 2.0% by volume in the airbeing tested, access to the area must be prevented by doing all of the following:
(a) installing and maintaining a fence that extends from the floor to the roof;
(b) posting and maintaining adequate warning signs at conspicuous places on thefence required by clause (a).
Testing for flammable gas and oxygen in coal mine
259 (1) At a coal mine, a meter with attachments or equipment capable of testing flammablegas and oxygen at the roof and roof cavities must be available at every activeworking face.
(2) The mine manager must designate competent persons who are capable of performingthe testing referred to in subsection (1) at each active working face to do all of thefollowing:
(a) have custody and control of the meter referred to in subsection (1);
(b) interpret the results of the testing.
When flammable gas reaches or exceeds 0.25% in non-coal mine
260 (1) In a non-coal mine, if the concentration of flammable gas measured in the generalbody of air in an active working reaches or exceeds 0.25% by volume in the airbeing tested, all of the following must be done:
(a) all activity in the area must cease and all persons in the area must withdraw toa safe place, other than activity that is related to, and persons who are workingto, lower the concentration of flammable gas;
(b) all sources of ignition in the area, other than cap lamps and flammable-gasmonitors, must be immediately de-energized or extinguished, including all ofthe following:
(i) electrical installations that are not intrinsically safe or not flameproof,
(ii) mechanical equipment,
(iii) torch cutting equipment,
(iv) a spark or open flame,
(v) cigarettes, tobacco or any other materials for smoking.
(2) A person who is working to lower the concentration of flammable gas must be
(a) adequately trained in the hazards associated with flammable gas; and
(b) provided with adequate equipment, including adequate respiratory protectionand a flammable-gas meter.
(3) Activity may resume and persons may return to an active working evacuated undersubsection (1), after 1 of the following happens:
(a) a competent person tests the general body of air in the area once every hour forat least 24 hours and determines that the concentration of flammable gas isunder 0.25% by volume in the air being tested for 24 consecutive readings;
(b) remote monitoring of the general body of air underground in the area is carriedout for at least 24 hours and the concentration of flammable gas is constantlyunder 0.25% by volume in the air being tested.
Part 9 - Mechanical Equipment and Travelways
Definitions for Part[ 9]
261 In this Part, all of the following definitions apply:
“material car” means a mine car used to transport materials only;
“personnel carrier” means mobile equipment that is used to transport persons;
“rail-bound” means capable of being operated only on fixed rails, or on a track orbeam;
“safety station” means a place in a travelway to which a person can move to be outof the path of a moving hazard;
“steep gradient” means a gradient that exceeds 4% averaged over any 100 m.
Testing, maintaining and inspecting conveyors
262 (1) A conveyor system must be slip-proof and the conveyor belt must conform to CSAstandard CAN/CSA-M422-M87 (R2007), Fire Performance and AntistaticRequirements for Conveyor Belting.
(2) The external parts of belt lines and conveyors in use must be inspected by acompetent person at least once every 24 hours of operation, and a record of theinspection must be made.
Information to be filed for internal combustion engines
263 Before installing or using any internal combustion engine underground, an employer at acoal mine must file all of the following information respecting the internal combustionengine with the Director:
(a) manufacturer’s specifications;
(b) copies of all relevant certifications, including those certifying the engine asflameproof;
(c) a plan of where the internal combustion engine will be installed, if it is notmobile;
(d) details of ventilation in the area where the engine will be used;
(e) any procedures related to installing, operating, using or maintaining the internalcombustion engine.
Fire resistant hydraulic fluid
264 At a coal mine, if reasonably practicable, hydraulic fluids used underground must conformto CSA standard CAN/CSA-M423-M87 (2007), Fire-Resistant Hydraulic Fluids.
Identification number marked on equipment
265 Mobile equipment and diesel-powered equipment in use at a mine must be marked with aclearly visible and unique identification number on the outside of the mobile equipment ordiesel-powered equipment.
Standards for braking rubber-tired vehicles
266 The brakes on mobile equipment must conform to CSA standard CAN/CSA M424.3-M90(R2007), Braking Performance–Rubber-Tired, Self-Propelled Underground MiningMachines.
Standards for construction of diesel-powered equipment
267 (1) In this Section, “CFR” means the Code of Federal Regulations published in theFederal Register by the executive departments and agencies of the government of theUnited States of America.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), diesel-powered equipment that is usedunderground must be constructed and certified by a certifying body or an engineer toconform with the following applicable standards:
(a) MSHA regulation 30 CFR (2002);
(b) CSA standard CAN/CSA-M424.2-M90 (R2007), Non-Rail-Bound Diesel-Powered Machines for Use in Non-Gassy Underground Mines;
(c) CSA standard CAN/CSA-M424.1-88 (R2007), Flameproof Non-Rail-BoundDiesel-Powered Machines for Use in Gassy Underground Coal Mines.
(3) At a non-coal mine, diesel-powered mobile equipment may conform to a standardother than one referred to in subsection (2) if an engineer certifies that the otherstandard provides for a level of safety that equals or exceeds the level of safety thatwould be provided by conforming with the applicable standards referred to insubsection (2).
Maintaining diesel-powered equipment and battery-powered equipment
268 (1) Diesel-powered equipment and battery-powered equipment used underground mustbe
(a) maintained and repaired only by a designated competent person; and
(b) inspected weekly by a competent person in accordance with the manufacturers’specifications, and a record of each inspection must be made.
(2) Diesel-powered equipment and battery-powered equipment must be visuallyexamined by the operator of the equipment before it is operated and the operatormust promptly report equipment defects to their supervisor.
No sparks or flames from diesel-powered equipment engine
269 The engine of diesel-powered equipment used underground must be constructed andmaintained to prevent the emission of sparks or flames.
Fuel for diesel-powered equipment
270 (1) All systems for handling, transferring, storing and dispensing diesel fuel must bedesigned according to generally accepted engineering principles and subjected to afire risk assessment before the system is first used.
(2) In consultation with the committee or representative, if any, the mine manager mustprepare appropriate safeguards and procedures for safely handling, transferring,storing and dispensing diesel fuel underground.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (4), diesel fuel used underground must complywith CGSB standard CAN/CGSB-3.517-2007, Automotive Low-Sulphur DieselFuel.
(4) If the ambient temperature in an area where diesel fuel is being used or storedexceeds 30 °C, all of the following conditions must be met:
(a) the flash point of the diesel fuel must be at least 10 °C higher than the ambienttemperature;
(b) the diesel fuel must comply with the CGSB standard CAN/CGSB-3.16-99,Mining Diesel Fuel, Special LS.
Carbon monoxide from diesel-powered equipment exhaust
271 (1) A person must not operate diesel-powered equipment underground if the undilutedexhaust gases discharging from its engine while the engine is idling reach or exceed1200 ppm by volume of carbon monoxide.
(2) Tests must be conducted on the engine exhaust of diesel-powered equipment usedunderground while the engine is idling to determine the carbon monoxideconcentration of the undiluted exhaust gases discharging from the engine at all of thefollowing times:
(a) immediately after repairs to the engine or the exhaust system of the diesel-powered equipment;
(b) when recommended by the manufacturer or monthly, whichever is morefrequent.
(3) A record of the tests conducted under subsection (2) must be kept that includes all ofthe following:
(a) the identification number of the diesel-powered equipment required by Section265;
(b) the date of the tests;
(c) the results of the tests.
Remote-controlled equipment
272 (1) Remote-controlled equipment must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must have a selector device that makes it possible to choose either a manualor remote means of controlling the equipment;
(b) it must have a red emergency switch on the transmitter that, when pressed,stops the equipment as soon as reasonably practicable;
(c) if it is mobile equipment,
(i) except as provided in subsection (2), it must be equipped so that if theremote-control system fails, the mobile equipment will be brought to animmediate stop,
(ii) it must have a device that will stop the engine of the equipment andapply the brakes when the equipment reaches an inclination of 45° fromthe horizontal, and
(iii) it must be used only
(A) within the mobile equipment operator’s sight, or
(B) if a camera on board the equipment instantly transmits an image ofthe location of the equipment to a monitor seen by the mobileequipment operator.
(2) Remote-controlled mobile equipment may be operated manually when the remote-control system fails if operating it manually will not adversely affect the health orsafety of any person.
Procedures for remote-controlled equipment
273 The mine manager must prepare procedures that ensure all of the following:
(a) that remote-controlled equipment is operated and maintained adequately;
(b) that there is no inadvertent or unpermitted start-up of remote-controlledequipment;
(c) that a person in the area of remote-controlled equipment is protected frominjury that could be caused by the equipment;
(d) that a remote-control can only operate 1 unit of remote-controlled equipment ata time;
(e) that a person operates only 1 unit of remote-controlled mobile equipment at atime.
Remote-controlled equipment in adjacent mines
274 The mine managers of 2 adjacent mines must prepare co-ordinated procedures that ensurethat a remote-control device for equipment in one mine cannot operate remote-controlledequipment in the other mine.
Information recorded for each remote-control
275 (1) The information respecting each remote-control device must be recorded, includingall of the following:
(a) brand;
(b) model;
(c) serial number;
(d) frequency used, if applicable;
(e) adjustment or maintenance record.
(2) A person responsible for adjusting or maintaining a remote-control device must signthe record required by subsection (1) for the device after each adjustment ormaintenance.
(3) For the purposes of subclause 11(c)(iii), a record required by subsection (1) must bekept for 2 years after the date the remote-control device is no longer used in themine.
Equipment for all personnel carriers
276 A personnel carrier must be equipped with all of the following:
(a) if it is diesel-powered, a shut-off valve in the fuel line to the engine from thefuel tank, readily accessible to the operator;
(b) if it includes an electric locomotive, an automatic shut-off switch constructedso that power to the motor can only be maintained by continuous pressure on aswitch by the operator;
(c) seats or benches that are adequately secured to the personnel carrier.
Design and equipment for rail-bound personnel carriers
277 (1) A rail-bound personnel carrier must be equipped with all of the following:
(a) an adequate lifting jack and bar that is secured or is carried in a toolcompartment;
(b) controls that are arranged so as to minimize the risk of a carrier beingunintentionally moved;
(c) if it is used on a steep gradient, an overspeed governor on 1 of the mine carsthat will activate if there is a 20% overspeed;
(d) a canopy.
(2) Each mine car of a rail-bound personnel carrier that is used on a steep gradient mustbe equipped with brakes that meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the brakes, when activated, activate the brakes on all other mine cars of thepersonnel carrier;
(b) the brakes are activated when the overspeed governor is activated;
(c) the brakes are manually operable from any mine car;
(d) the brakes are designed so that if any 1 component fails, it will not significantlyreduce the overall capability of the braking system;
(e) the brakes as a unit are capable of stopping and holding the carrier at themaximum gradient of the roadway at 20% overspeed;
(f) the brakes are activated whenever power or operating pressure to any part ofthe braking system of the carrier is interrupted.
(3) Mine cars that are adjacent in a rail-bound personnel carrier must be connected toeach other by all of the following:
(a) couplings attached to the chassis of each mine car;
(b) if the carrier is used on a steep gradient, safety chains that are
(i) capable of holding at least 200% of the maximum drawbar load of thepersonnel carrier, and
(ii) slack during normal operation of the carrier.
(4) If a rail-bound personnel carrier is used on a steep gradient, it must be equipped with1 of the following to couple it with other mine cars:
(a) 3 continuous draw-bars made of steel;
(b) a single draw-bar made of a composite of rolled-steel sections and rolled-steelplates.
(5) A rail-bound personnel carrier must be capable of transporting an injured person on astretcher.
Equipment for material cars
278 (1) A material car used on a steep gradient must have an overspeed governor on 1 of themine cars that activates if there is a 20% overspeed.
(2) A material car or an adequate number of material cars of a rail-bound train that isused on a steep gradient must each be equipped with brakes that meet all of thefollowing criteria:
(a) the brakes stop the car or train if it becomes a runaway;
(b) the brakes are activated when the overspeed governor is activated;
(c) the brakes are manually operable;
(d) the brakes are designed so that if any 1 component fails, it will not significantlyreduce the overall capability of the braking system.
Tackling equipment and construction of mine cars of rail-bound train
279 (1) All of the following conditions must be met for the tackling equipment, includingcouplings, pins, safety chains, rope clamps and draw-bars, on a mine car of a rail-bound train that is used on a steep gradient:
(a) the equipment must be made of steel that is certified by the manufacturer asnot requiring heat treatment to remove stresses that occur as a result of use;
(b) the equipment must not be subjected to heat treatment.
(2) A safety chain must connect 2 adjacent mine cars of a rail-bound train.
(3) The tackling equipment referred to in subsection (1) must not be used on a mine carof a rail-bound train unless all of the following are done:
(a) the equipment’s design is tested by the manufacturer to withstand a proof loadof 40% of its breaking strength load without any permanent stretch;
(b) the employer obtains a certificate that proves the equipment passed the testreferred to in clause (a) from the manufacturer;
(c) the tackling equipment is legibly and permanently marked to identify it withthe manufacturer’s certificate.
Factors of safety for tackling equipment
280 Tackling equipment must meet all of the following factors of safety:
(a) safety chains and safety ropes must be designed, constructed and maintained ata factor of safety of at least 2;
(b) a draw-bar that is made of rolled steel sections and plates must be designed,constructed and maintained at a factor of safety of at least 10;
(c) draw-bars not covered by clause (b) and tackling equipment, includingcouplings, pins and rope clamps, must be designed, constructed and maintainedat a factor of safety of at least 6.
Fastening arrangement of mine cars on rail-bound train
281 (1) The first mine car of a rail-bound train must be secured by 1 of the following typesof primary fastening arrangements that is certified as adequate by an engineer:
(a) a rope socket, for a rail-bound train on a direct hoist rope system;
(b) a rope clamp, for a rail-bound train on an endless hoist rope system;
(c) a coupling, for any rail-bound train other than those listed in clauses (a) or (b).
(2) In addition to the primary fastening arrangement required in clause (1)(a), when on asteep gradient, the first mine car of a rail-bound train on a direct hoist rope systemmust be secured by a secondary fastening arrangement that is capable of holding atleast 200% of the maximum tensile load of the train if the primary fasteningarrangement fails.
Regular movement of clamps on endless hoist rope system
282 At least once every 3 months, clamps on an endless hoist rope system must be moved inaccordance with all of the following:
(a) the position of the clamps that attach a train to the hoist rope on an endlesshoist rope system must be moved to a new point of attachment that is at adistance of at least the maximum length of the train;
(b) each movement of the position of the clamps made under clause (a) must bemade in the same direction along the hoist rope.
Certificate required for hoist-powered train
283 A hoist-powered train must not be operated unless an engineer has certified all of thefollowing:
(a) that the train is designed in accordance with generally accepted engineeringprinciples;
(b) the maximum load that can be adequately carried by the train, taking intoconsideration the maximum load the mine hoisting plant is designed to carryand the limitations contained in the hoist certificate.
Work or travel alongside mobile equipment
284 A person must not work or travel alongside operating mobile equipment in any of thefollowing circumstances:
(a) if the location of the mobile equipment could hinder the person’s escape ifthere is a rockfall;
(b) if there is a danger of the person being pinched between the mobile equipmentand the side.
Overhead clearance in travelway for mobile equipment
285 A minimum of 30 cm clearance must be maintained between the highest point of a pieceof mobile equipment and the lower of the following:
(a) the roof of a travelway;
(b) the bottom of any obstruction the equipment passes under.
Lateral clearances in travelway for non-rail-bound mobile equipment
286 (1) There must be at least 1.5 m lateral clearance in excess of the maximum width of thelargest regularly used non-rail-bound mobile equipment between the equipment andthe side or any obstruction in the travelway.
(2) Safety stations must be installed and located no farther than 30 m apart in anytravelway that is regularly used by both non-rail-bound mobile equipment andpedestrians and has less than 2 m lateral clearance in excess of the maximum widthof the largest non-rail-bound mobile equipment between the equipment and anyobstruction in the travelway.
Lateral clearance in travelway for rail-bound equipment without pedestrians
287 A travelway that is used for rail-bound mobile equipment where there are no pedestriansmust have at least 30 cm clearance on each side.
Lateral clearances in travelway for rail-bound mobile equipment with pedestrians
288 (1) A travelway that is used by both rail-bound mobile equipment and pedestrians musthave the following lateral clearances:
(a) on one side of the travelway, at least 30 cm clearance between the rail-boundmobile equipment and the side of the travelway or any other obstruction;
(b) on the side of the travelway opposite the side referred to in clause (a), awalkway that provides at least 60 cm clearance between the rail-bound mobileequipment and the side of the travelway or any other obstruction.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), safety stations must be installed along thewalking side of any travelway used for rail-bound equipment and pedestrians at thefollowing minimum intervals:
(a) 30 m, if there is no unobstructed view in the travelway for at least 100 m oneach side of the safety station;
(b) 50 m, if there is an unobstructed view in the travelway for at least 100 m oneach side of the safety station.
(3) If the distance between the side of the rail-bound equipment and the travelway isgreater than 2 m, then no safety station is required.
Safety stations
289 A safety station must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the station must be plainly marked or lighted with a clearly visible, uniqueidentification number;
(b) the station must be clean and free of obstructions;
(c) if recessed in a travelway, the station must
(i) be cut perpendicular to the travelway, and
(ii) meet the following minimum dimensions:
(A) 1 m deep,
(B) 1.5 m wide,
(C) 2 m high or the height of the travelway, whichever is less;
(d) if it is a safety platform, the station must
(i) be at least 1.7 m deep and at least 1.2 m wide,
(ii) be easily accessible,
(iii) have guardrails to protect a person using the platform from falling off,and
(iv) if it is placed over a conveyor, be at least 45 cm above the highest loadcarried on the conveyor.
Procedures for safely operating mobile equipment and mine cars
290 (1) The mine manager must prepare procedures for safely operating mobile equipmentand mine cars that include all of the following:
(a) the conditions under which persons may be transported using mobileequipment or mine car;
(b) for each operator of mobile equipment, written instructions about all of thefollowing:
(i) loads, gradients, and speeds, including specifying the speed for mobileequipment transporting explosives,
(ii) rights-of-way, including specifying the right-of-way when the mobileequipment is transporting explosives,
(iii) matters necessary to ensure the mobile equipment is operated safely.
(2) A sign must be posted in a conspicuous place on each piece of mobile equipmentand each mine car, so that it is readily accessible to the operator and all other personsin the workplace that shows all of the following:
(a) the maximum load that may be carried by the mobile equipment or mine car;
(b) the maximum speed at which the mobile equipment or mine car operated in theworkplace may travel under various load conditions.
Operator of mobile equipment
291 (1) An operator of mobile equipment must operate the equipment at speeds consistentwith the conditions and type of equipment used and must control the equipment sothat it can be stopped within the operator’s sight distance.
(2) An operator of mobile equipment must not put mobile equipment in operation unlessthey are satisfied it is in safe operating condition and, immediately before moving themobile equipment, they inspect the immediate area over which the mobile equipmentis to be moved and ensure that the road is clear and it is safe to proceed.
(3) An operator of mobile equipment must use a device that warns pedestrians of theapproaching equipment.
Securing tools, equipment and supplies on mobile equipment
292 Tools, equipment and supplies carried on mobile equipment must be adequately secured.
Signalling and communication for remote-controlled rail-bound trains
293 A means of signalling and communication must be provided between all regular stoppingplaces and the operator of a rail-bound train operated by remote-control in a travelwaylonger than 30 m.
Disabled mobile equipment
294 Adequate warning must be given of mobile equipment that is disabled or parked in thetravelled portion of a travelway.
Preventing runaway mine cars
295 (1) A mine car parked on an inclined travelway must not be able to move.
(2) A mine car must not be moved without using mobile equipment or a hoist unlessadequate control of the mine car is maintained.
Precautions for runaway mobile equipment
296 (1) A switch or arresting device must be located on the bottom of an incline so that itstops a runaway mine car or train at least 30 m from a working face.
(2) A switch or an arresting device required by subsection (1) must be designed,installed, operated, inspected and maintained in accordance with generally acceptedengineering principles.
(3) A design for a switch or arresting device required by subsection (1) must be certifiedas adequate by an engineer.
Maintaining rails underground
297 (1) Mobile equipment rails must be adequately constructed, inspected and maintained.
(2) Mobile equipment rail track safety equipment, including all of the following, must beadequately constructed, inspected and maintained:
(a) switches;
(b) derails;
(c) stop blocks;
(d) sanding devices;
(e) frogs.
Restricting persons on mobile equipment transporting explosives or heavy load
298 Except in a medical emergency or when it is not reasonably practicable to transportpersons by another means, only the following persons may ride on mobile equipment thatis transporting explosives or a heavy load:
(a) an operator;
(b) a person required to handle the load;
(c) a person authorized by a supervisor to be responsible for the shipment.
Transporting persons by rail-bound personnel carrier
299 (1) A person must not operate a rail-bound personnel carrier within 100 m of anothertrain or mine car on the same track other than when coupling or uncoupling the minecars.
(2) A competent person must direct a rail-bound personnel carrier and must do all of thefollowing:
(a) ensure that the couplings and safety chains are secured to the mine cars;
(b) ensure that all persons are properly seated and all loads are secured;
(c) signal for the rail-bound personnel carrier to stop or start;
(d) operate all rail track switches.
(3) At places where persons get on or off a personnel carrier,
(a) there must be adequate clearance between the persons getting on and off thecarrier and any energized electrical installation; and
(b) persons must be prevented from coming into contact with an energizedelectrical installation when getting on or off the carrier.
Drop-bottom mine cars used to transport persons
300 A drop-bottom mine car, designed so that it can be emptied from the bottom, that is usedto transport persons must have the bottom adequately secured by at least 2 independentlocking devices.
Part 10 - Mine Hoisting Plants for Shafts
Definitions for Part[ 10]
301 In this Part, all of the following definitions apply:
“automatic hoist” means a hoist that can be operated by controls situated at shaftstations or on a shaft conveyance;
“balance rope” means a rope that is attached to the bottom of a shaft conveyance,and extends down to form a loop at the shaft bottom and that functions to balanceout the difference in weight of the upward or downward moving main ropes duringhoisting;
“bucket” means a shaft conveyance used only during shaft sinking and associatedwork;
“chair” means a moveable support arranged to hold a shaft conveyance as required;
“crosshead” means a runner or framework that runs on guides and is placed above,and in close proximity to, the sinking bucket to prevent it from swinging;
“friction hoist” means an electrically-powered hoist in which the driving forcebetween the drum and the hoisting rope supporting the shaft conveyance is obtainedthrough friction;
“guide rope” means a rope that is suspended in a shaft and is used to guide a shaftconveyance or counterweight in the shaft and to prevent them from swinging andcolliding with each other while in motion;
“rubbing rope” means a rope installed in a shaft to prevent possible collisionsbetween cages and skips;
“shaft compartment” means a space or division in a shaft in which only 1 shaftconveyance operates;
“shaft obstruction” means any protrusion into a shaft compartment;
“shaft rope” means a hoisting rope, balance rope, guide rope or rubbing rope.
References in Part are to mine hoisting plant in shaft
302 In this Part, all references to a mine hoisting plant and its parts are to a mine hoisting plantused in a shaft.
Procedures for safely operating mine hoisting plant
303 The mine manager must prepare procedures for safely operating a mine hoisting plant andthe procedures must specify the conditions under which persons may be transported by themine hoisting plant in accordance with these regulations.
Tests and report by engineer on mine hoisting plant
304 A mine hoisting plant must be tested in accordance with all of the following before themine hoisting plant is put into initial service at a mine site:
(a) the effectiveness of the brakes, clutches, overwind devices and other hoistcontrols of the mine hoisting plant must be tested;
(b) a report of the tests required by clause (a) must be prepared by an engineer;
(c) the results of the tests required by clause (a) must be certified as adequate bythe engineer who prepared the report required by clause (b).
Defective or non-repaired mine hoisting plant
305 A mine hoisting plant that has a defect that could affect the health or safety of mineworkers, or that is in need of repair, must not be operated except to correct the defect orcarry out the repair.
Records for inspections, tests, calibrations and maintenance
306 (1) A competent person must make a record of each inspection, test, examination,calibration and maintenance required for a mine hoisting plant.
(2) All of the following records must be created for a mine hoisting plant:
(a) a shaft inspection record, for the shaft inspections required by Section 309;
(b) an electrical hoisting equipment record, for the electrical componentinspections required by Section 342;
(c) a mechanical hoisting equipment record, for the mechanical componentsinspections required by Sections 344 and the mechanical components testingrequired by Section 348;
(d) a hoist operator record, for the hoist operator information required by Section368.
(3) For the purpose of subclause 11(c)(iii), the records required by subsection (1) mustbe kept for 2 years after the date the mine hoisting plant is no longer used at themine.
Headframe design
307 The headframe on a hoist must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the headframe must be designed in accordance with generally acceptedengineering principles;
(b) the headframe must be constructed according to a design certified by anengineer;
(c) the headframe must be certified by an engineer as being strong enough tosafely withstand all of the loads it may be subjected to;
(d) the headframe must be certified by an engineer as being high enough to allowfor an overwind that exceeds the longer of the following:
(i) 3 m,
(ii) twice the stopping distance of the hoist at the maximum speed permittedby the hoist controls.
Shaft design
308 (1) A shaft must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the shaft must be designed in accordance with generally accepted engineeringprinciples;
(b) the shaft must be constructed according to a design certified by an engineer;
(c) the shaft must have a means for guiding each shaft conveyance that preventscontact with another shaft conveyance or with shaft furnishings;
(d) except during shaft sinking, the shaft must have an overwind clearance that islong enough to exceed the stopping distance of the shaft conveyance whentravelling at the maximum speed permitted by the hoist controls.
(2) Except during shaft sinking or if chairs are used to land a skip during loading, thedistance between the lowest shaft station and the bottom of a shaft or any shaftobstruction below the lowest shaft station must exceed the stopping distance of theshaft conveyance when travelling at the maximum speed permitted by the hoistcontrols.
(3) Except during shaft sinking, a barrier or obstruction must be installed high enough ina shaft to prevent the shaft conveyance from contacting water in the shaft bottom ifthere is a reasonable likelihood that a shaft conveyance could contact standing waterin the shaft bottom.
(4) A shaft that uses a friction hoist must be equipped with tapered guides or othersimilar devices in accordance with all of the following conditions:
(a) the devices must be attached above and below the designed limits of travel ofthe shaft conveyance and counterweight;
(b) the devices must be arranged to act as a direct physical brake that deceleratesand stops the shaft conveyance and counterweight if they go above or belowtheir designed limits of travel.
Shaft inspections
309 (1) At least once a week, a competent person must inspect all shafts that are in use.
(2) At least once a month, a competent person must examine all of the following inshafts that are in use:
(a) shaft guides and attachments;
(b) shaft timbers;
(c) rib rock;
(d) partitions;
(e) lining, casing and rings of the shaft;
(f) shaft conveyance clearance;
(g) ladders and landings;
(h) shaft compartments;
(i) the general conditions of the shaft.
(3) At least once a month, the shaft sump must be inspected by a competent person.
(4) At least once a year, a competent person must test water in the shaft sump to assessany possible corrosion effects from the water.
(5) If a shaft has not been inspected or examined during the previous week, a competentperson must examine it immediately before a hoist on the shaft is used for anypurpose other than a shaft inspection or examination.
(6) At least one a month, the balance rope, guide rope and rubbing rope connectionsmust be inspected to ensure they are clean of water and spillage.
Recording shaft examinations and inspections
310 (1) A competent person who performs a shaft inspection or examination required bySection 309 must record the results of the inspection or examination, and anymaintenance carried out, in the shaft inspection record.
(2) A supervisor responsible for a mine shaft and headframe must do all of the followingat least once a week:
(a) review the entries made in the shaft inspection record during the previousweek;
(b) ascertain that the inspections and examinations required by Section 309 havebeen made, the results recorded and all necessary work done;
(c) certify in the shaft inspection record that clauses (a) and (b) have beencomplied with.
Shaft obstructions
311 (1) Protective devices must be used and procedures must be prepared by the minemanager, including plans and instructions, to prevent a shaft conveyance orcounterweight from coming into contact with a shaft obstruction.
(2) Any device that could become a shaft obstruction must be adequately secured toprevent it from inadvertently entering into a shaft compartment.
(3) The mine manager must prepare a procedure, including plans and instructions, foroperating a hoist where there is a shaft obstruction or an object that could become ashaft obstruction, and a copy of the procedure must be posted in a conspicuous placefor use by the hoist operator.
(4) Service doors for covering a shaft at the collar are not a shaft obstruction if all of thefollowing conditions are met:
(a) the doors are adequately secured in the open position when not in use;
(b) adequate devices are installed that directly indicate to the hoist operator that thedoors are no longer obstructing the shaft compartment serviced by those doorswhen the doors are adequately secured in the open position.
Hoist station designed to limit audible signals
312 A hoist station must be designed, constructed and maintained so that the hoist operatorcannot receive audible signals other than the following:
(a) signals given by the person designated under Section 373;
(b) signals given by a person authorized by these regulations to communicate withthe hoist operator.
Hoist certificate
313 (1) A certificate for a hoist must be obtained from the manufacturer of the hoist or anengineer that certifies all of the following maximums for the hoist:
(a) the maximum shaft rope pull;
(b) the maximum suspended load;
(c) for a friction hoist, the maximum unbalanced load.
(2) A hoist must not be loaded in excess of the maximums certified under subsection(1).
Hoist brakes
314 (1) A hoist must not be used unless it has a braking system with at least 2 sets ofmechanical brakes to stop and hold the drum of the hoist.
(2) A set of mechanical hoist brakes must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the set must be capable of stopping and holding the drum when the shaftconveyance or counterweight is operating at its maximum suspended load;
(b) the set must be arranged so that each set can be tested and calibratedindependently;
(c) the set must be arranged so that it applies normal braking effort before alinkage or brake piston reaches its limit of travel.
(3) At least 1 set of mechanical hoist brakes required by subsection (1) must do all of thefollowing:
(a) the set must apply directly to the drum;
(b) the set must apply automatically when any of the following happens:
(i) the safety circuit on the hoist is tripped,
(ii) the pressure in the hydraulic or pneumatic system for applying brakesdrops below normal,
(iii) there is a loss of power to the hoist or hoist brake.
(4) A hoist braking system must be arranged on a hoist in accordance with all of thefollowing:
(a) the manufacturer’s specifications;
(b) so that any brake weight installed to provide auxiliary braking force can bereadily tested and calibrated for freedom of movement.
Brakes on hoist that transports persons
315 When braking is initiated by a tripped safety circuit for a drum hoist that is normally usedfor transporting persons and is operating in the normal full-speed zone, the brakes mustdecelerate the hoist at a rate greater than 1.5 m/s² and less than 3.7 m/s².
Clutch on hoist
316 (1) The clutch of a drum hoist must be interlocked with the brake so that all of thefollowing criteria are met:
(a) the clutch can be disengaged only when the brake on the drum is fully applied;
(b) the clutch must be fully engaged before the brake on the drum can be released.
(2) The controls for engaging and disengaging the clutch on a hoist must be guarded toprevent them from being inadvertently operated.
(3) A hoist must not be equipped with a band-type friction clutch.
Drum to hoisting rope ratios for hoist
317 The ratio of the drum diameter to the hoisting rope diameter and the ratio of the sheavediameter to the hoisting rope diameter must be equal to or greater than the followingratios:
(a) for a drum hoist, other than a drum hoist described in clause (b),
(i) 60 to 1, if the nominal hoisting rope diameter is 25.4 mm or less,
(ii) 80 to 1, if the nominal hoisting rope diameter is more than 25.4 mm;
(b) for a drum hoist used for shaft sinking or for preliminary development workduring shaft sinking,
(i) 48 to 1, if the nominal hoisting rope diameter is 25.4 mm or less,
(ii) 60 to 1, if the nominal hoisting rope diameter is more than 25.4 mm;
(c) for a friction hoist,
(i) 80 to 1, for stranded hoisting ropes,
(ii) 100 to 1, for locked coil hoisting ropes.
Prohibited hoists
318 (1) A drum hoist that meets any of the following criteria must not be used:
(a) the drum hoist has more than 3 layers of hoisting rope, if the drum has helicalor spiral grooving or does not have grooving;
(b) the drum hoist has more than 4 layers of hoisting rope, if the drum has paralleland half-pitch grooving;
(c) the drum hoist has fewer than 3 dead turns of the hoisting rope on the drum.
(2) A steam-powered hoist or an air-powered hoist must not be used.
Grooves and flanges on drum hoist
319 (1) The drum of a drum hoist must have grooves that properly fit the hoisting rope,unless the hoist is being used for shaft sinking or preliminary development workduring shaft sinking, in which case the drum may be smooth.
(2) The drum of a drum hoist must have flanges that meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the flanges are high enough to contain all the hoisting rope;
(b) the flanges are strong enough to withstand the maximum load likely to beimposed on them by a hoisting rope.
(3) A drum hoist that has a conical drum must have grooves on the drum that preventthe hoisting rope from slipping off the drum.
Sheave arrangements for rope winding on drum hoist
320 A drum hoist and a sheave must be arranged so that the hoisting rope does all of thefollowing:
(a) coils properly across the face of the drum;
(b) winds smoothly from 1 layer to another;
(c) winds without cutting into the hoisting rope layer beneath.
Bolts and other fittings of mine hoisting plant tightened
321 The bolts and other fittings of a mine hoisting plant must be tightened to themanufacturers’ specifications, and at a frequency required by the manufacturers’specifications.
Depth indicator required on hoists
322 A hoist must be equipped with depth indicators that continuously, accurately and clearlyshow the hoist operator the position of all of the following:
(a) shaft conveyances and counterweights;
(b) the limits of normal travel for a shaft conveyance and a counterweight;
(c) shaft obstructions;
(d) collar doors, dump doors and crosshead landing chairs;
(e) the overwind, underwind and track limit devices trip points.
Certificate required for sheave
323 (1) Before a sheave is first used or relocated in a mine hoisting plant, a certificate for thesheave must be obtained from the manufacturer of the sheave or an engineer thatcertifies all of the following for the sheave:
(a) the maximum rated load of the sheave;
(b) the diameter of hoisting rope the sheave is designed for;
(c) the breaking strength of the hoisting rope the sheave is designed for;
(d) the maximum amount of groove wear that is permitted for the sheave.
(2) A person must not use a sheave other than in compliance with the certificate undersubsection (1).
Construction and identification of sheave
324 (1) A sheave in a mine hoisting plant must be constructed to meet all of the followingcriteria:
(a) the sheave must be made of materials that will withstand the ambienttemperatures;
(b) the sheave must be fitted with a groove to fit the hoisting rope being used.
(2) A sheave in a mine hoisting plant must be marked with all of the followinginformation:
(a) a unique serial number;
(b) 1 of the following dates:
(i) the date of its manufacture,
(ii) the date it was certified by an engineer.
Testing of shaft of sheave
325 The shaft of a sheave in a mine hoisting plant must be tested by a competent person forflaws using a non-destructive test at all of the following times:
(a) before it is installed;
(b) immediately after it is installed;
(c) annually or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is more frequent.
Safety circuits for hoists
326 (1) A hoist must not be used unless it has a safety circuit that meets all of the following:
(a) the safety circuit is fail-safe;
(b) when tripped, the safety circuit de-energizes the hoist motors.
(2) All safety devices or switches for hoists must be effective under the environmentalconditions at their operating locations.
(3) The safety circuit of a hoist must be tripped when any of the following happens:
(a) there is a failure in the power supply to the hoist electrical system that couldaffect the safe operation of the hoist;
(b) there is an overload on the hoist motors of a magnitude or duration exceedingthe manufacturer’s specifications;
(c) there is a short circuit in the hoist electrical system;
(d) a safety switch or device required on the hoist by these regulations is activated.
Safety switches and devices for hoists
327 (1) A safety switch that enables a person to trip the safety circuit of a hoist must beinstalled that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) the switch is located within easy reach of the hoist operator when at thecontrols;
(b) the switch is readily recognizable;
(c) the switch is readily operable.
(2) A track limit device must be installed in each shaft compartment that trips the safetycircuit of a hoist when the shaft conveyance or counterweight travels above or belowits designed limits of travel.
(3) Safety devices must be installed on a hoist that protect a shaft conveyance orcounterweight from all of the following:
(a) an overwind;
(b) an underwind, except during shaft sinking;
(c) approaching the limits of travel at an excessive speed;
(d) operating at a faster speed than the mine hoisting plant is designed andintended for.
(4) A device required by subsection (3) must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the device must be driven by the drum;
(b) the device must be in motion when the hoist is in motion;
(c) the device must prevent the paying out of excess shaft rope during shaftsinking;
(d) the device must be set to stop the hoist before a shaft conveyance orcounterweight, or their attachments, makes contact with a fixed part of a shaftor headframe.
(5) A device on a hoist must be installed that synchronizes the position of the shaftconveyance with all of the devices required by subsection (3).
Safety devices for friction hoists
328 (1) A friction hoist must be equipped with independent slowdown protection and asynchronizing device.
(2) An excessive slip device, a tread wear device and a balance rope loop switch mustbe installed on a friction hoist that separately trip the safety circuit of the hoist whenany of the following happens:
(a) there is abnormal slip between the hoist drum and the ropes;
(b) there is abnormal wear of the hoisting rope threads or the thread wear limit isreached;
(c) a violent swing or large rise in the loop of a balance rope occurs.
Monitors and devices for hoists
329 A hoist must be equipped with all of the following:
(a) for an electrically-powered hoist, an ammeter within clear view of the hoistoperator that indicates the hoist motor current;
(b) an audible device that warns the hoist operator when the hoist is approachingthe position where a reduction in speed is necessary for safe manual braking,unless the hoist automatically slows down when the limits of travel arereached;
(c) a device that indicates the speed of the hoist;
(d) adequate back-out devices that allow a shaft conveyance or counterweight thathas travelled beyond its normal limits of travel to be returned to within itsnormal limits of travel and that meet all of the following criteria:
(i) the devices are manually operable only,
(ii) the devices prevent the brake or brakes from being released untilsufficient torque is developed to ensure movement in the correctdirection;
(e) adequate underwind devices and overwind devices that allow a shaftconveyance or counterweight to travel beyond the normal limits of travel andthat meet all of the following criteria:
(i) the devices are manually operable only,
(ii) when in use, the devices restrict the hoist operation to slow speed,
(iii) the devices allow the hoist to travel beyond devices that normallyprevent the shaft conveyance or counterweight from travelling beyondits set limits of travel;
(f) a master controller device with a neutral or brake reset position;
(g) a device that prevents power to the hoist from being restored unless the brakesare applied.
Competent person adjusts safety device of hoist
330 (1) The mine manager must designate a competent person to adjust the safety devices ofa hoist.
(2) A person other than a designated competent person under subsection (1) must notadjust a safety device of a hoist.
Design and installation of operating controls of automatic hoist
331 (1) A selector device must be installed on an automatic hoist that makes it possible tochoose a manual or automatic means of controlling the hoist and is
(a) accessible to the hoist operator; and
(b) operated only by a designated competent person.
(2) A device at a shaft station installed for the change-over to and from the hoist controlsat the shaft station and the hoist controls within the shaft conveyance must operateonly at the shaft station where the shaft conveyance is stopped.
(3) A device at a shaft station installed for selecting the shaft conveyance destination andinitiating hoist movement must operate only if all of the following conditions aremet:
(a) the shaft conveyance is stopped at the shaft station;
(b) the hoist is designed for the use of the device.
(4) Except for jogging, if a shaft conveyance is moved forward slowly, a device requiredby subsection (3) must operate only when the shaft gate is closed at the shaft stationwhere the shaft conveyance is stopped.
(5) If an automatic hoist is used for a cage, a safety device must be installed in the cagethat is capable of tripping the safety circuit of the hoist.
Control devices of hoist to be fail-safe
332 The control devices of all hoists must be fail-safe.
Testing shaft ropes before first use
333 Before a shaft rope is first used, all of the following must be done:
(a) a representative sample at least 2.5 m long must be tested for its breakingstrength by a competent cable-testing laboratory using a destructive test;
(b) a certificate of the test must be obtained from the laboratory that states thebreaking strength.
Procedure for testing hoisting rope of friction hoist
334 The mine manager must prepare a procedure for inspecting the hoisting rope of a frictionhoist within the attachments at the shaft conveyance or counterweight.
Regular testing of shaft ropes
335 (1) In this Section, “lay length” means the length of rope required for a strand of therope to make 1 complete spiral around the rope’s core.
(2) A hoisting rope must not be used unless all of the following are done at least onceevery 6 months to determine the strength of the shaft rope:
(a) a portion of the drum hoist hoisting rope that is at least 2.5 m long is cut off atthe lower end above the rope attachments to the shaft conveyance, has its endsfastened to prevent unravelling and is submitted to a competent cable-testinglaboratory for a test of its breaking strength by a destructive test;
(b) a certificate of the test is obtained from the laboratory that states the breakingstrength.
(3) A competent person must test a hoisting rope throughout its working length by usinga non-destructive testing device at the shorter of the following intervals:
(a) at least every 4 months;
(b) if, by extrapolating the results of past tests of the rope, it is predicted that 10%or more of the breaking strength of the rope, as set out in the certificaterequired by clause 333(b), will be lost before the next prescribed test, atintervals shorter than every month.
(4) The results of the test referred to in subsection (3) must be kept in the mechanicalhoisting equipment record.
(5) A competent person must test a balance rope and, if reasonably practicable, a guiderope throughout its working length by using a non-destructive testing device at all ofthe following times:
(a) during the first 12 months it is used;
(b) at regular intervals not longer than 8 months, or at least once every 4 monthsafter a test shows a loss in breaking strength of the rope that exceeds 5% of thebreaking strength set out in the certificate obtained under clause 333(b).
(6) If a test of a hoisting rope shows a loss in breaking strength of the rope that exceeds7.5% of the breaking strength set out in the certificate obtained under clause 333(b),an employer must do all of the following:
(a) prepare a report of the test;
(b) notify the Director of the report:
(c) provide a copy of the report to the committee or representative, if any.
(7) A shaft rope must not be used in any of the following circumstances:
(a) the extension of a test piece decreases to less than 60% of its original extensionwhen tested to destruction and marked corrosion or considerable loss in wiretorsions has occurred;
(b) the number of broken wires, excluding filler wires, in any section of the ropeequal to 1 lay length exceeds 5% of the total number of wires, excluding fillerwires;
(c) a destructive test of the shaft rope shows a loss in breaking strength of the ropefrom the breaking strength set out in the certificate obtained under clause333(b) that exceeds the following percentages:
(i) for a hoisting rope, 10%,
(ii) for a multi-layer, multi-strand balance rope, 10%,
(iii) for a single layer stranded balance rope, 15%,
(iv) for a guide or rubbing rope, 25%.
(8) A hoisting rope must not be used on a friction hoist if the rate of stretch in the ropeexceeds the rope stretch specifications defined by the manufacturer.
24-hour notice when shaft rope taken out of service
336 (1) The mine manager must notify the Director in writing no later than 24 hours after ashaft rope is taken out of service under these regulations.
(2) The notification required by subsection (1) must include all of the following:
(a) the date the rope was removed from service;
(b) the reason the rope was removed from service.
Prohibition against hoisting rope that is spliced or reversed
337 A shaft rope that is spliced or reversed must not be used as a shaft rope, other than forendless haulage.
Minimum nominal diameter of hoisting rope
338 The minimum nominal diameter of a hoisting rope must be greater than the followingapplicable measurement:
(a) 16 mm, if only 1 rope supports a shaft conveyance or counterweight;
(b) 13 mm, if more than 1 rope supports a shaft conveyance or counterweight.
Factors of safety for hoisting ropes
339 (1) A hoisting rope installed in a drum hoist must have the following minimum factorsof safety:
(a) 5.0, at the point the rope leaves the head sheave when the shaft conveyance orcounterweight is at the lowest point of normal travel;
(b) at the point the rope is attached to a shaft conveyance,
(i) 8.5, for a shaft conveyance that carries persons; or
(ii) 7.5, for a shaft conveyance that does not carry persons.
(2) The factor of safety of a hoisting rope installed on a friction hoist, when installed,must be the higher of the following:
(a) 5.5;
(b) the factor obtained from the following formula:
8.0 - (0.00164 x ML)
in which “ML” is the maximum length of the rope in metres in the shaftcompartment below the head sheave or the drum of the friction hoist.
(3) The factor of safety of a balance rope, when installed, must be at least 7.
(4) The factor of safety of a guide rope or a rubbing rope, when installed, must be atleast 5.
(5) When hoisting is discontinued or suspended in a shaft compartment, a hoisting ropemust be immediately removed from the shaft unless the hoisting rope is maintainedand tested in accordance with these regulations.
Shaft rope design
340 A shaft rope used at a mine hoisting plant must be made of steel wire.
Shaft rope attachments
341 (1) Only closed-type attachment devices that will not inadvertently disconnect from anobject must be used to attach an object to a shaft rope.
(2) The hoisting rope from a shaft conveyance or the hoisting rope from a counterweightin a drum hoist installation must be attached to the drum of the hoist.
(3) A wedge-type attachment that is used to attach a shaft rope to a shaft conveyancemust be certified as adequate by the manufacturer of the attachment or an engineerand must be re-certified every 6 years by the manufacturer or an engineer.
(4) If rope clips are used on a shaft rope, an engineer must certify all of the following:
(a) the number of clips to be used;
(b) the torque to be applied when installing the clips.
(5) When the attachment devices for a shaft rope are first installed, or re-installed afterdisassembling, a competent person must carry out all of the following until the hoistoperates adequately:
(a) 2 test trips of the shaft conveyance or counterweight through the working partof the shaft while the shaft conveyance or counterweight is carrying a normalload;
(b) an examination of the attachment devices when the test trips required by clause(a) are completed;
(c) any necessary adjustments to the attachment devices;
(d) a retest of the attachment devices in accordance with clauses (a), (b) and (c).
(6) A competent person who carries out the tests under subsection (5) must record thetest trips, examinations and any adjustments made in the mechanical hoistingequipment record.
Inspecting electrical components of mine hoisting plant
342 (1) The mine manager must designate a competent person to inspect the electricalcomponents of a mine hoisting plant in accordance with this Section.
(2) Unless a greater frequency or a different type of inspection is recommended by themanufacturer or specified in writing by an engineer, a person designated undersubsection (1) must inspect all of the following at least once a week:
(a) hoist motors;
(b) hoist controls;
(c) electrical safety devices and interlocks;
(d) communication systems related to the hoist;
(e) depth indicators.
(3) Unless a greater frequency or a different type of inspection is recommended by themanufacturer or specified in writing by an engineer, a person designated undersubsection (1) must inspect all of the following for a friction hoist at least once aweek:
(a) excessive slip device;
(b) thread wear device;
(c) synchronizing device;
(d) independent slowdown protection;
(e) balance rope loop switch.
(4) A person designated under subsection (1) must record the results of the inspectionsperformed under this Section, and any servicing and repairs carried out, in theelectrical hoisting equipment record.
Reviewing mine hoisting electrical equipment record
343 (1) The person responsible for electrical hoisting equipment who is on duty at the time afailure or accident occurs must record a failure or accident involving any of thefollowing in the electrical hoisting equipment record:
(a) an electrical component of a hoist motor;
(b) a hoist control;
(c) a hoist safety device;
(d) a hoist signalling device.
(2) The designated person responsible for a mine hoisting plant must do all of thefollowing for the electrical hoisting equipment record at least once a week:
(a) review the entries made in the record during the previous week;
(b) ascertain whether the inspections required by Section 342 have been made, theresults recorded in the record and all necessary work done;
(c) certify in the record that they have complied with clauses (a) and (b) and makea notation in the record that details required inspections that were not done orany necessary work that was not done.
(3) At a coal mine, the underground manager and the chief coal mine electrician mustreview and sign the entries made in the electrical hoisting equipment record underthis Section at least once a month.
Inspecting mechanical components of mine hoisting plant
344 (1) The mine manager must designate a competent person to inspect and examine themechanical components of a mine hoisting plant in accordance with this Section.
(2) A person designated under subsection (1) must inspect all of the following at leastonce every working day a mine hoisting plant is in service:
(a) the exterior of each hoisting rope and each balance rope, and their attachments,to detect the presence of kinks or other damage and to note the appearance ofthe balance rope dressing;
(b) the safety catches of a shaft conveyance, for any defects.
(3) A person designated under subsection (1) must inspect all of the following at leastonce a week:
(a) head, deflection or idler sheaves, and their shafting, bearer plates and soleplates;
(b) the attachments of each shaft rope;
(c) the attachments on a shaft conveyance or counterweight;
(d) shaft conveyances, counterweights and work platforms;
(e) shaft conveyance safety devices, for proper adjustment and freedom ofmovement;
(f) brakes, brake-clutch interlocks and depth indicators;
(g) auxiliary brake operating weights, to verify their freedom of movement andholding capacity;
(h) hoisting equipment being used for shaft sinking.
(4) A person designated under subsection (1) must inspect all of the following at leastonce a month:
(a) the shaft ropes, to determine all of the following:
(i) the amount of wear, distortion and corrosion,
(ii) the need for lubrication,
(iii) the need for changing the wear patterns;
(b) the hoisting ropes, for the number and location of broken wires;
(c) the friction threads of a hoisting rope, using both of the following methods:
(i) a visual inspection of the outside of the rope,
(ii) measuring the reduction in the diameter of the rope.
(5) A person designated under subsection (1) must inspect and test the safety catchesand mechanisms of a shaft conveyance at least once every 3 months to ensure thatthey work adequately.
(6) In accordance with a procedure prepared by the mine manager, a person designatedunder subsection (1) must examine all of the following at least once every 6 months:
(a) the hoisting rope of a drum hoist within the attachments at the drum and at thepoint the rope attaches to the drum;
(b) the hoisting rope of a friction hoist within the attachments at the shaftconveyance or counterweight.
(7) A person designated under subsection (1) must inspect all of the following at leastonce every 12 months:
(a) the bolt locking devices, foundation bolts and all bolts critical to hoist safety;
(b) the bails, suspension gear and structure of a shaft conveyance andcounterweight;
(c) all structural elements of the headframe.
Cleaning and dressing hoisting ropes
345 (1) The mine manager must designate a competent person to clean and dress withlubricant the hoisting ropes in use on a drum hoist.
(2) At least once a month, a person designated under subsection (1) must clean and dresswith lubricant the hoisting ropes in use on a drum hoist.
(3) A person designated under subsection (1) must make a record of the cleaning anddressing in the mechanical hoisting equipment record.
(4) The mine manager must ensure that a record made under subsection (3) is dated andsigned by the supervisor responsible for the work.
Mechanical hoisting record
346 (1) A person designated under subsection 344(1) must record the results of theinspections performed under Section 344 and any servicing and repairs carried out inthe mechanical hoisting equipment record.
(2) The mine manager must ensure that a record made under subsection (1) is dated andsigned by the supervisor responsible for the work.
Review of mechanical hoisting record
347 (1) The person responsible for mechanical hoisting equipment must record a failure oraccident involving a mechanical component of a mine hoisting plant in themechanical hoisting equipment record.
(2) The designated person responsible for a mechanical hoisting plant must do all of thefollowing for the mechanical hoisting equipment record at least once a week:
(a) review the entries made in the mechanical hoisting equipment record duringthe previous week;
(b) ascertain whether the inspections required by Section 344 have been made, theresults recorded and all necessary work done;
(c) certify in the mechanical hoisting equipment record that they have compliedwith clauses (a) and (b) and make a notation in the record that details anyrequired inspections that were not done or necessary work that was not done.
(3) At a coal mine, the underground manager and chief coal mine mechanic must reviewand sign the entries made in the mechanical hoisting equipment record under thisSection at least once a month.
Non-destructive tests of mechanical components of mine hoisting plant
348 (1) Before a mine hoisting plant is first used and at regular intervals that are no greaterthan those recommended by an engineer’s specifications or a manufacturer’sspecifications, a person designated under subsection 344(1) must examine all of thefollowing using non-destructive tests to determine their condition, and record theresults of each examination in the mechanical hoisting equipment record:
(a) hoist shafting brake pins and linkages;
(b) structural parts and attachment pins of a shaft conveyance and counterweight.
(2) When requested, a mine manager must make drawings of the components requiredto be examined under subsection (1) available to the person performing theexamination.
(3) The supervisor responsible for the mechanical hoisting equipment must review andsign the record of an examination made under subsection (1).
Trimming hoisting rope and balance rope on friction hoist
349 At least once every 18 months that a friction hoist is in service, the portion of the hoistingrope and balance rope that is within the wedge and socket attachments must be cut off,unless the portion is inspected under clause 344(6)(b) and it is found that all of thefollowing conditions are met:
(a) there are no broken wires;
(b) there is no advanced corrosion;
(c) there is no excessive pitting;
(d) there is no excessive deformation of wires.
Certificate required for shaft conveyances and counterweights
350 (1) A certificate from the manufacturer or an engineer must be obtained for each shaftconveyance or counterweight in use showing all of the following:
(a) its serial number;
(b) the name of the manufacturer;
(c) 1 of the following dates:
(i) its date of manufacture,
(ii) the date it was certified by an engineer;
(d) its rated load, as certified by an engineer;
(e) for a shaft conveyance, the maximum number of persons and the maximumweight that the conveyance may hold, as certified by an engineer.
(2) In determining the maximum weight that a shaft conveyance may hold for thepurpose of clause (1)(e), an engineer must consider the maximum load that the minehoisting plant is capable of adequately carrying.
(3) Subject to subsection (4), in determining the maximum number of persons that ashaft conveyance may hold for the purpose of clause (1)(e), an engineer must allotthe following space for each person to be carried on the shaft conveyance:
(a) at least 2000 cm², if the clear floor area of the deck of the shaft conveyance is 2m² or less;
(b) at least 1500 cm², if the clear floor area of the deck of the shaft conveyance ismore than 2 m².
(4) The maximum number of persons that a shaft conveyance may hold must not exceed85% of the maximum load that the conveyance may hold divided by 90 kg.
(5) A notice must be posted at a conspicuous place at the shaft collar stating the ratedload and maximum number of persons as set out on the certificate under subsection(1).
(6) A shaft conveyance must not be loaded in excess of the maximum number ofpersons or maximum weight that the conveyance is certified to hold.
Examining shaft conveyances and counterweights
351 A competent person must examine a shaft conveyance and counterweight at least onceevery 5 years it is used and record the results of the examination in the mechanicalhoisting equipment record.
Maximum allowable design stresses for shaft conveyance
352 (1) Each part of a shaft conveyance or counterweight must be capable of withstanding atleast 4 times the maximum allowable design stresses without permanent distortion toany part of the shaft conveyance or counterweight.
(2) A certificate from an engineer must be obtained certifying that all parts of a shaftconveyance or counterweight meet the requirements of subsection (1).
(3) In determining the maximum allowable design stresses for subsection (1), anengineer must refer to the maximum allowable design stresses established bygenerally accepted engineering principles and consider all of the following for eachshaft conveyance or counterweight:
(a) its weight;
(b) its rated load;
(c) any impact load;
(d) any dynamic load;
(e) stress concentration factors;
(f) corrosion;
(g) metal fatigue;
(h) effects of the use of different materials in contact with each other.
Procedure for commissioning shaft conveyance for transporting persons
353 The mine manager must prepare a procedure for commissioning of a shaft conveyancebefore persons are transported for the 1st time by the shaft conveyance.
Design and construction of cages used to transport persons
354 (1) A cage that is used to transport persons must be designed and constructed to meet allof the following criteria:
(a) except for a side that has a door, it has sides that are enclosed by steel plate atleast 3 mm thick or by another metal that provides equivalent protection;
(b) it has a door that is in accordance with subsection (2);
(c) it has a hood made of steel plate, at least 5 mm thick, or made of another metalthat provides equivalent protection;
(d) if reasonably practicable, it has an exit in the roof that can be opened frominside or outside the cage;
(e) it has an internal height greater than 2.1 m;
(f) it has a clearance at the door that is greater than 1.8 m high;
(g) it has adequate ventilation for the persons being transported.
(2) A door on a cage must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) except for a viewing window, it must be made of solid materials;
(b) it must be strong enough to withstand normal shock loads;
(c) it must be at least 1.5 m high;
(d) it must be arranged so that it can be closed whenever persons or materials,except rolling stock or material secured to the cage, are being transported in thecage;
(e) it must be mounted so that there is only enough clearance at the floor to permitfree closing or opening of the door;
(f) it must be mounted and arranged so that it cannot be opened outward from thecage;
(g) it must have devices for locking it in the closed position.
Chairs for landing cage
355 (1) Chairs must be used for landing a cage that meet all of the following criteria:
(a) they must be arranged to fall clear and remain clear of the shaft compartmentwhen the cage is lifted off the chairs;
(b) they must be operable only from outside the cage;
(c) they must be arranged so they do not distort the cage.
(2) Chairs that are fastened to shaft station posts must be of a chain type.
When skip may be used to transport persons
356 (1) The mine manager must notify the Director and the committee or representative, ifany, of the use of a skip to transport persons.
(2) A skip must only be used to transport persons if it meets all of the following criteria:
(a) it has a means for safe entry and exit;
(b) it has a suitable floor that is adequately fastened;
(c) it has an enclosure at least 1.0 m high for the persons being transported;
(d) it has safety catches and mechanisms in accordance with Section 358;
(e) it has adequate ventilation for the persons being transported.
(3) A skip must only be used to transport persons in a shaft for the following purposes:
(a) shaft inspection or examination;
(b) shaft maintenance;
(c) in an emergency to hoist injured persons, evacuate persons or fight fire.
(4) A skip used to transport persons must be designed so that a person cannot fall into anopening between the skip and a shaft opening while entering or exiting the skip.
(5) A shaft signal pull cord must be located in a convenient place for use when personsare being transported in a skip.
Control devices for skip transportation of persons
357 All of the following conditions must be met for a skip that is used to transport persons:
(a) its hoist must be equipped with control devices that ensure the skip cannot be
(i) put in the dump position, or
(ii) taken to the skip loading pocket;
(b) the controls for loading the skip with ore or waste must be inoperative whilepersons are transported;
(c) the skip must not travel faster than 5 m/s.
Safety catches and mechanisms on shaft conveyance
358 The safety catches and mechanisms on a shaft conveyance must meet all of the followingcriteria:
(a) they must be of a type and design certified by an engineer;
(b) they must be capable of stopping and holding a shaft conveyance that istransporting persons if the supporting shaft rope or attachment breaks.
Free fall test of cage
359 (1) A cage that is supported by a single rope must be subjected to a free fall test that issupervised by a competent person designated by the mine manager at all of thefollowing times:
(a) before the cage is used to transport persons;
(b) after any repairs to correct distortion of the safety catches or mechanisms.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (1), the following cages do not have to be subjectedto a free fall test if the original model of the cage has passed the test and the testresults are recorded:
(a) a rebuilt cage;
(b) a cage that is identical in design to a cage that has passed the test.
(3) A person designated under subsection (1) must conduct a free fall test on a cage andall of the following conditions must be met during the test to ensure the properfunctioning of safety mechanisms and safety catches on the cage:
(a) the cage must carry a weight equal to the maximum load of persons andmaterial that may be carried at the same time;
(b) the cage must travel at 1 of the following speeds:
(i) a speed equal to the normal hoisting speed for when transportingpersons,
(ii) the speed attained by a free fall of 1.5 m;
(c) the guides along which the cage moves must be of the same specifications asthe guides in the shaft the cage will operate in.
(4) A person performing a free fall test on a cage must ensure that the speed attained bythe free fall does not exceed the speed attained by a free fall of the cage of 1.5 m,unless the design and configuration of the safety catches are tested before the free falltest at the normal hoisting speed for when transporting persons.
(5) A free fall test on a cage may be performed in any of the following places:
(a) in a test tower that duplicates the conditions in the shaft in which the cage willbe operated;
(b) in the manufacturer’s or a third party’s facility before the cage is installed inthe mine.
(6) Documentation of a test performed under subsection (7) must be kept at the mine.
(7) A free fall test for a cage is successfully passed if all of the following conditions aremet:
(a) the cage decelerates to a stop at an average rate of at least 9 m/s² and not fasterthan 20 m/s²;
(b) there is no damage to the safety catches and mechanisms;
(c) the safety catches engage the guides continuously during deceleration.
Certification of free fall test
360 A cage that is supported by a single rope must not be used unless a competent person hascertified that the cage has successfully passed a free fall test in accordance with Section359.
Crossheads for buckets
361 (1) A bucket equipped with a crosshead must be used during shaft sinking or deepeningif the distance between a sheave and the shaft bottom is greater than 100 m.
(2) A crosshead must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the crosshead must land on at least 2 chairs at the bottom crosshead stop toprevent distortion;
(b) the crosshead must be attached to the shaft rope by a safety appliance in such amanner that if the crosshead jams in the shaft compartment, the bucket isstopped;
(c) the crosshead must be of a type that encloses the bucket, unless all of thefollowing are met:
(i) the shaft compartment is tightly lined,
(ii) the bucket is barrel shaped.
(3) Devices for a crosshead must be installed that directly indicate all of the following tothe hoist operator:
(a) that the crosshead and bucket are descending together from the bucketdumping position;
(b) that the service doors are no longer obstructing the shaft compartment servicedby those doors;
(c) that the dump doors are no longer obstructing the shaft compartment servicedby those doors.
Service doors for sinking compartment of shaft
362 Service doors must be provided to cover the sinking compartment of a shaft that meet allof the following criteria:
(a) they are constructed, maintained and inspected in accordance with themanufacturer’s specifications;
(b) they are installed at the collar and any other place in the shaft where tools andmaterials are loaded into or unloaded from the bucket;
(c) they are opened and latched out by mechanical devices when located out of theshaft compartment;
(d) they are closed when a bucket is being loaded or unloaded with tools and othermaterials;
(e) they are closed when persons are entering or leaving a bucket, unless a closedcrosshead provides equal protection for persons.
Dump doors for buckets
363 Dump doors must be installed, constructed, inspected and maintained at the bucketdumping position in a shaft that meet all of the following criteria:
(a) they prevent a bucket from being dumped when the dump doors are open;
(b) they prevent any material from falling down the shaft while the bucket is beingdumped;
(c) they automatically close and lock by mechanical devices when they are nolonger obstructing the shaft compartment.
Movement of buckets
364 (1) A person designated under Section 373 for a shaft conveyance must not allow abucket to leave the top or bottom of the shaft until the bucket is steadied.
(2) When a bucket is returning to the shaft bottom, a hoist operator must do all of thefollowing:
(a) stop the bucket at a distance of at least 5 m and not more than 10 m above thebottom of the shaft;
(b) lower the bucket slowly below the point at which it stopped under clause (a)only on a separate signal.
(3) A bucket must not be filled so that a piece of a loose rock projects above the level ofthe rim.
Procedure for testing overwind and underwind protective devices on hoist
365 The mine manager must prepare a procedure for testing the overwind and underwindprotective devices of a hoist.
Ladders during shaft sinking
366 During shaft sinking, there must be a ladder from the bottom of the shaft to the first placewhere a person can exit or be hoisted out of the shaft.
Hoist operator’s duties
367 (1) A hoist operator must perform all of the following duties:
(a) at the start of the hoist operator’s shift,
(i) test for the satisfactory working conditions of the hoist brakes and checksafety devices, as recommended by the designer or manufacturer or asspecified by an engineer, whichever is more stringent,
(ii) test the holding capacity of any friction clutch, in accordance with aprocedure for the hoist prepared by the mine manager;
(b) test the overwind and underwind protective devices by operating the hoist intothem at all of the following times in accordance with the procedure preparedunder Section 365:
(i) at least once every 24 hours that the hoist is in use, or more frequently ifrecommended by the designer or manufacturer or specified by anengineer,
(ii) before using the hoist, after the hoist has been idle for longer than 48hours;
(c) remain at the hoist controls when the hoist is in motion under manual control;
(d) before leaving the controls of a hoist that is being manually controlled, set thebrakes and controls so that at least 2 separate and distinct actions are requiredto put the hoist in motion during any absence of the hoist operator from thehoist controls;
(e) when a signal for hoist movement is given, allow at least 5 seconds to elapsebefore moving the hoist;
(f) complete the hoist movement required by an executive signal unless there is asignal to stop or an emergency signal;
(g) after receiving the signal indicating that persons are entering or leaving a shaftconveyance, remain at the hoist controls unless advised orally by the personresponsible for the shaft conveyance that hoist movement is not required;
(h) give persons entering a skip an audible or visual signal that all control devicesare set in operation.
(2) A hoist operator must not do any of the following:
(a) communicate by voice when the hoist is in motion and under the hoistoperator’s manual control if voice communication would decrease the abilityof the hoist operator to operate the hoist adequately, except
(i) in an emergency,
(ii) for essential operational requirements, or
(iii) when the hoist is being examined or maintained;
(b) operate the hoist to transport a person unless at least 2 brakes can be applied tostop the drum;
(c) lower or raise persons on a shaft conveyance that is supported by an unclutchedhoist drum.
Hoist operator record for hoist
368 (1) At the beginning of a shift, a hoist operator must review and sign all entries in thehoist operator record for the previous 2 shifts during which the hoist was operated.
(2) For each shift worked, a hoist operator must record all of the following in the hoistoperator record:
(a) the hoist operator’s actual starting and finishing time;
(b) the working condition of all of the following:
(i) hoist brakes, including solenoids, clutches and brake-clutch interlocks,
(ii) depth indicators,
(iii) signal system,
(iv) hoist controls,
(v) motors,
(vi) overspeed protective devices,
(vii) track limits,
(viii) safety circuit,
(ix) ammeter,
(x) speed indicator,
(xi) shaft obstruction indicator,
(xii) manual safety devices,
(xiii) devices that could affect the safe operation of the hoist;
(c) any instructions given to the hoist operator affecting hoist operations other thaninstructions to move a shaft conveyance;
(d) anything unusual that occurred during the operation of the hoist and any actiontaken;
(e) the results of any tests performed on the hoist;
(f) the results of test trips;
(g) the details of any inadvertent stoppages.
(3) A person who issues instructions to the hoist operator that affect hoist operations,other than instructions to move a shaft conveyance, must sign the instructions in thehoist operator record.
(4) Each working day, a supervisor responsible for a hoist must review and sign thehoist operator record for the previous 24 hours that the hoist was operated.
(5) A hoist operator record must be kept in the hoist station and a hoist operator andsupervisor must have access to the hoist operator record.
Duty to not interfere with hoist or hoist operator
369 (1) A person must not interfere with a hoist or an operator of a hoist, including do any ofthe following:
(a) enter a hoist station, unless authorized by the mine manager;
(b) operate or interfere with devices or controls for operating a hoist, unlessauthorized by the mine manager;
(c) communicate with a hoist operator while a hoist operator is operating a hoiston manual control, except
(i) in an emergency,
(ii) for essential operational requirements, or
(iii) when the hoist is being examined or maintained;
(d) unnecessarily distract a hoist operator;
(e) be on a cage while it is being placed onto or removed from chairs;
(f) be in, on or under a shaft conveyance or counterweight that is supported by anunclutched drum, unless the shaft conveyance or counterweight is secured inposition during shaft sinking or preliminary development work during shaftsinking;
(g) leave a shaft conveyance that has inadvertently stopped at a point other than ashaft station, except upon instruction from a person authorized by a supervisoroutside the shaft conveyance;
(h) use a chair for landing a cage in a shaft, unless the signal for chairing is madeand returned.
(2) The following warning signs must be posted in a conspicuous place at the followinglocations:
(a) in a hoist station, a sign warning that a person must not communicate with ahoist operator while the hoist operator is operating a hoist on manual control,except
(i) in an emergency,
(ii) for essential operational requirements, or
(iii) when the hoist is being examined or maintained;
(b) immediately outside a hoist station, a sign warning that a person must not enterthe hoist station unless authorized by the mine manager.
Hoist not to be operated if shaft is damaged or obstructed
370 If an object that could be a hazard to the operation of a shaft conveyance or counterweightfalls down a shaft, or if there is reason to believe that there is damage to a shaft or anobstruction to the normal movement of a shaft conveyance or counterweight, the normaloperation of a hoist in the shaft must not resume until all of the following are done:
(a) any obstructions are removed from the shaft;
(b) any damage affecting the operation of the hoist is repaired;
(c) the unoccupied shaft conveyance or counterweight successfully passes throughthe area of the shaft that was affected;
(d) the shaft conveyance passes through the area of the shaft referred to in clause(c) for a 2nd time with a competent person onboard who inspects the area anddetermines there is no longer a hazard.
Hoisting procedures
371 (1) The mine manager must prepare procedures to be followed in operating a hoist inany of the following circumstances:
(a) during an emergency;
(b) when there is an inadvertent hoist stoppage.
(2) The mine manager must prepare a procedure for removing persons from a shaftconveyance that stops inadvertently at a point other than a shaft station.
(3) The mine manager must prepare a procedure for testing the holding capacity of anyfriction clutch.
Hoist operator available for automatic hoist when persons underground
372 A hoist operator must be available at a mine to manually operate an automatic hoist whenpersons are underground.
Designation of competent person for shaft conveyance
373 The mine manager must designate a competent person who must do all of the following:
(a) give audible signals to the hoist operator for the movement of a shaftconveyance;
(b) be responsible for shaft conveyances within a shaft;
(c) maintain discipline of persons riding in shaft conveyances;
(d) enforce the load limits for shaft conveyances;
(e) inform the hoist operator of heavy loads or irregularly shaped loads on or undera shaft conveyance.
Hoist signal procedure
374 (1) Signals for hoist movement must be given only by the hoist operator and a persondesignated to give signals for hoist movement under Section 373.
(2) If a sequence of signals is given, a person referred to in subsection (1) must give thesignals in the following order:
(a) cautionary: indicates persons are entering or leaving the shaft conveyance orindicates a serious occurrence at the shaft;
(b) destination: indicates a specific location in the shaft to which a shaftconveyance is to be moved;
(c) executive: to either stop the shaft conveyance or move the shaft conveyance upor down in a specified manner or at a specified speed.
(3) A signal for hoist movement must be given when the shaft conveyance orcounterweight is at the same location as the person signalling, except during shaftsinking and preliminary shaft development or when maintenance work is beingcarried out in a shaft.
(4) A hoist operator must ensure that a person does not move a hoist on manual controlunless all of the following happen:
(a) the signal required by this Section is given;
(b) the signal is returned by the hoist operator;
(c) at least 5 seconds elapse after the executive signal is given.
Code of signals
375 (1) Before operating a hoist for the first time, an adequate code of signals must beapproved and implemented by the mine manager.
(2) A hoist operator and the persons designated under Section 373 to use the code ofsignals must be trained in the use of the code of signals.
(3) The code of signals must be posted in a conspicuous place in all hoist stations andshaft stations.
Transporting equipment and supplies
376 (1) Equipment or supplies that are in a shaft or are being transported in a shaft must besecured in accordance with all of the following conditions:
(a) if in a shaft conveyance, they must be adequately loaded and secured to preventshifting;
(b) if secured to a hoisting rope of a shaft conveyance, they must be secured toprevent damage to the hoisting rope and to allow the safety mechanisms of theshaft conveyance to operate;
(c) if transported below the shaft conveyance or crosshead, they must besuspended to prevent contact with shaft furnishings.
(2) A suspension system or arrangement used to transport equipment or supplies below ashaft conveyance or crosshead must be capable of withstanding at least 4 times themaximum load without permanent distortion to any component of the system orarrangement, taking into consideration all factors, including the maximum allowabledesign stress factors in subsection 352(3).
(3) An engineer must certify that a suspension system or arrangement used to transportequipment or supplies below a shaft conveyance or crosshead meets the requirementin subsection (2).
Loading gates for skips
377 The loading gate on equipment used to directly discharge material into a skip must lock sothat power is required to be applied to the loading gate’s lock before the loading gateopens.
Transporting persons and materials together in shaft conveyance
378 A person must not be transported in a shaft conveyance except in accordance with thefollowing conditions:
(a) when explosives are being transported, the person is required for handling theexplosives and all of the following conditions are met:
(i) space is provided for the safety of the person,
(ii) the total load on the shaft conveyance does not exceed 85% of its ratedload as certified under clause 350(1)(d).
(b) when supplies or rolling stock are being transported, 1 of the following applies:
(i) the supplies and the rolling stock are adequately secured,
(ii) space is provided for the safety of the person,
(iii) the total load on the shaft conveyance does not exceed 85% of its ratedload as certified under clause 350(1)(d),
(iv) the shaft conveyance is a multi-deck cage, in which all of the followingconditions are met:
(A) the materials are carried on a deck other than the top deck,
(B) the materials are adequately secured,
(C) the persons are carried on the top deck;
(c) the hoist that is raising or lowering the shaft conveyance is not being used totransport ore or waste;
(d) when personal hand tools or equipment are being transported, all of thefollowing conditions are met:
(i) the tools or equipment are secured,
(ii) space is proved for the safety of the person,
(iii) the total load on the shaft conveyance does not exceed 85% of its ratedload as certified under clause 350(1)(d);
(e) if the shaft conveyance is a cage, the cage doors are closed and the shaft stationgate is closed;
(f) a person designated under Section 373 is present at the shaft conveyance.
Shaft conveyance required for vertical depth exceeding 100 m
379 A shaft conveyance must be provided for hoisting and lowering persons in a shaft thatexceeds 100 m in vertical depth.
Prohibition against shaft conveyance being inoperable
380 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), a shaft conveyance must not be renderedinoperable if the shaft conveyance might be necessary to evacuate persons from theunderground.
(2) A shaft conveyance may be rendered inoperable as long as any persons maintainingthe shaft conveyance are provided with an adequate means of exiting theunderground in accordance with these regulations.
Closing off shaft for repair
381 When repair work is being done in a shaft, or at any other time when the shaft could bedangerous to a person entering it, all of the following must be done:
(a) entry to the shaft must be limited by such means as closing doors or placingadequate barricades across the entrances to the shaft;
(b) warning signs must be posted in conspicuous places at all entrances to theshaft.
Design and procedures for work platform in shaft
382 (1) A moveable work platform, other than a shaft conveyance used as a work platform,that is used to transport and support a person performing work in a shaft, must becertified by an engineer in accordance with generally accepted engineeringprinciples.
(2) The mine manager must prepare a procedure for the safe use of work platforms usedin shafts that are not shaft conveyances.
Part 11 - Mine Hoisting Plants for Slopes
Definitions for Part[ 11]
383 In this Part, all of the following definitions apply:
“automatic hoist” means a device that is used for transporting a mine car in a slopeand does not require the constant attention of a hoist operator;
“slope obstruction” means a protrusion in a slope in which hoisting may be carriedout.
References in Part are to mine hoisting plant used in slope
384 In this Part, all references to a mine hoisting plant and its parts are to a mine hoisting plantused in a slope.
Procedures for safely operating mine hoisting plant
385 The mine manager must prepare procedures for safely operating a mine hoisting plant andthe procedures must specify the conditions for which persons may be transported by themine hoisting plant in accordance with these regulations.
Tests and report by engineer on mine hoisting plant
386 A mine hoisting plant must be tested in accordance with all of the following before themine hoisting plant is put into initial service at a mine site:
(a) the effectiveness of the brakes, clutches, overwind devices and other controlsof the mine hoisting plant must be tested;
(b) a report of the tests required by clause (a) must be prepared by an engineer;
(c) the results of the tests required by clause (a) must be certified as satisfactory bythe engineer who prepared the report.
Defective or non-repaired mine hoisting plant
387 A mine hoisting plant that has a defect that could affect the health or safety of mineworkers, or that is in need of repair, must not be operated except to correct the defect orcarry out the repair.
Records for inspections, tests, calibrations and maintenance
388 (1) A competent person must make a record of each inspection, test, examination,calibration, adjustment and maintenance required for a mine hoisting plant.
(2) All of the following records must be created for a mine hoisting plant:
(a) an electrical hoisting equipment record, for the electrical componentinspections required by subsection 416(2);
(b) a mechanical hoisting equipment record, for the mechanical componentsinspections required by Section 418 and the mechanical components testingrequired by Section 422;
(c) a hoist operator record, for the hoist operator information required by Section429.
(3) For the purposes of subclause 11(c)(iii), the records required by subsection (1) mustbe kept for 2 years after the date the mine hoisting plant is no longer used at themine.
Bankhead design
389 (1) A bankhead must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the bankhead must be designed in accordance with generally acceptedengineering principles;
(b) the bankhead must be constructed according to a design certified by anengineer;
(c) the bankhead must be certified by an engineer as being strong enough to safelywithstand all the loads it may be subjected to.
(2) To guard against overwind in a slope, an engineer must certify the appropriateminimum and maximum horizontal distances for a bankhead.
Slope obstructions
390 (1) Protective devices must be used and a procedure must be prepared by the minemanager, including plans and instructions, to prevent a mine car from coming intocontact with an obstruction on a slope.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3) any device that could become a slopeobstruction must be adequately secured to prevent a mine car from coming intocontact with the obstruction.
(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to ventilation devices in a slope, such as air lockdoors, but the mine manager must prepare a procedure for these devices to prevent amine car from coming into contact with the devices.
(4) The mine manager must prepare a procedure, including plans and instructions foroperating a hoist where there is a slope obstruction or an object that could become aslope obstruction, and a copy of the procedure must be posted in the hoist station foruse by the hoist operator.
Hoist station designed to limited audible signals
391 A hoist station must be designed, constructed and maintained so that the hoist operatorcannot receive audible signals other than the following:
(a) signals given by the person designated under Section 434;
(b) signals given by a person authorized by these regulations to communicate withthe hoist operator.
Hoist certificate for hoist
392 (1) A certificate for a hoist must be obtained from the manufacturer of the hoist or anengineer that certifies all of the following maximums for the hoist:
(a) the maximum hoisting rope pull;
(b) the maximum operating load.
(2) A hoist must not be loaded in excess of the maximums certified under subsection(1).
Hoist brakes
393 (1) A hoist must not be used unless it has a braking system with at least 2 sets ofmechanical brakes to stop and hold the drum of the hoist.
(2) A set of mechanical hoist brakes must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the set must be capable of stopping and holding the drum when the hoist isoperating at its maximum operating load;
(b) the set must be arranged so that each set can be tested and calibratedindependently;
(c) the set must be arranged to apply normal braking effort before a linkage orbrake piston reaches its limit of travel.
(3) At least 1 set of mechanical hoist brakes must do all of the following:
(a) the set must apply directly to the drum;
(b) the set must apply automatically when any of the following happens:
(i) the safety circuit of the hoist is tripped,
(ii) the pressure in the hydraulic or pneumatic system for applying brakesdrops below normal,
(iii) there is a loss of power to the hoist or hoist brake.
(4) A hoist braking system must be arranged on a hoist in accordance with all of thefollowing:
(a) the manufacturer’s specifications;
(b) so that any brake weight installed to provide auxiliary braking force can bereadily tested and calibrated for freedom of movement.
Clutch on hoist
394 (1) The clutch of a drum hoist must be interlocked with the brake so that all of thefollowing criteria are met:
(a) the clutch can be disengaged only when the brake on the drum is fully applied;
(b) the clutch must be fully engaged before the brake on the drum can be released.
(2) The controls for engaging and disengaging the clutch on a hoist must be guarded toprevent them from being inadvertently operated.
(3) A hoist must not be equipped with a band-type friction clutch.
Drum to hoisting rope ratios for hoist
395 The ratio of the drum hoist diameter to the hoisting rope diameter and the ratio of thesheave diameter to the hoisting rope diameter must be equal to or greater than thefollowing ratios:
(a) 60 to 1, if the nominal hoisting rope diameter is 25.4 mm or less;
(b) 80 to 1, if the nominal hoisting rope diameter is more than 25.4 mm.
Hoists that must not be used to transport persons
396 A steam-powered hoist or an air-powered hoist must not be used to transport persons.
Grooves and flanges on drum hoist
397 (1) The drum of a drum hoist must meet all of the following requirements:
(a) it must have grooves that properly fit the hoisting rope, unless the hoist is beingused for slope development or preliminary development work during slopedevelopment, in which case the drum may be smooth;
(b) there must be at least 5 dead turns of the hoisting rope on the drum.
(2) The drum of a drum hoist must have flanges that meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the flanges are high enough to contain all the hoisting rope;
(b) the flanges are strong enough to withstand the maximum load likely to beimposed on them by the hoisting rope.
(3) A drum hoist that has a conical drum must have grooves on the drum that preventthe hoisting rope from slipping off the drum.
Sheave arrangements for rope winding
398 A drum hoist and a sheave must be arranged so that the hoisting rope does all of thefollowing:
(a) coils properly across the face of the drum;
(b) winds smoothly from 1 layer to another;
(c) winds without cutting into the hoisting rope layer beneath.
Depth indicator required on hoist
399 A hoist must be equipped with depth indicators that continuously, accurately and clearlyshow the hoist operator the position of all of the following:
(a) mine cars;
(b) the limits of normal travel for mine cars;
(c) slope obstructions;
(d) overwind, underwind and track limit devices trip points.
Certificate required for sheave
400 (1) Before a sheave is first used or relocated in a mine hoisting plant, a certificate for thesheave must be obtained from the manufacturer of the sheave or an engineer thatcertifies all of the following for the sheave:
(a) the maximum rated load of the sheave;
(b) the diameter of hoisting rope the sheave is designed for;
(c) the breaking strength of the hoisting rope the sheave is designed for;
(d) the maximum amount of groove wear that is permitted for the sheave.
(2) A person must not use a sheave, other than in compliance with the certificate undersubsection (1).
Construction and identification of sheave
401 (1) A sheave in a mine hoisting plant must be constructed to meet all of the followingcriteria:
(a) the sheave must be made of materials that will withstand the ambienttemperatures;
(b) the sheave must be fitted with a groove to fit the hoisting rope being used.
(2) A sheave in a mine hoisting plant must be marked with all of the followinginformation:
(a) a unique serial number;
(b) 1 of the following dates:
(i) the date of its manufacture,
(ii) the date it was certified by an engineer.
Testing shaft of sheave
402 The shaft of a sheave in a mine hoisting plant must be tested by a competent person forflaws using a non-destructive test at all of the following times:
(a) before it is installed;
(b) immediately after it is installed;
(c) annually or as recommended by the manufacturer, whichever is more frequent.
Safety circuits and safety devices for hoist
403 (1) A hoist must not be used unless it has a safety circuit that meets all of the followingcriteria:
(a) the safety circuit is fail-safe;
(b) when tripped, the safety circuit de-energizes the hoist motors.
(2) All safety devices or switches for a hoist must be effective under the environmentalconditions at their operating locations.
(3) The safety circuit of a hoist must be tripped when any of the following happens:
(a) there is a failure in the power supply to the hoist electrical system that couldaffect the safe operation of the hoist;
(b) there is an overload on the hoist motors of a magnitude or duration exceedingthe manufacturer’s specifications;
(c) there is a short circuit in the hoist electrical system;
(d) a safety switch or device required on the hoist by these regulations is activated.
Safety switches and devices for hoist
404 (1) A safety switch that enables a person to trip the safety circuit of a hoist must beinstalled that meets all of the following criteria:
(a) the switch is located within easy reach of the hoist operator when at thecontrols;
(b) the switch is readily recognizable;
(c) the switch is readily operable.
(2) A track limit device must be installed on each track that trips the safety circuit of ahoist when a mine car travels below or above its designed limits of travel.
(3) Devices must be installed on a hoist that protect a mine car from all of thefollowing:
(a) an overwind;
(b) an underwind,
(c) approaching the limits of travel at an excessive speed;
(d) operating at a faster speed than the mine hoisting plant is designed andintended for.
(4) A device required by subsection (3) must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the device must trip the safety circuit of the hoist when activated;
(b) the device must be driven by the drum;
(c) the device must be in motion when the hoist is in motion;
(d) the device must be set to stop the hoist before a mine car or its attachmentsmake contact with a bankhead or headframe.
(5) A device on a hoist must be installed that synchronizes the position of a mine carwith the devices required by subsection (3).
Monitors and devices for hoist
405 A hoist must be equipped with all of the following:
(a) for an electrically-powered hoist, an ammeter within clear view of the hoistoperator that indicates the hoist motor current;
(b) an audible device that warns the hoist operator when the hoist is approachingthe position where a reduction in speed is necessary for safe manual braking,unless the hoist automatically slows down when the limits of travel arereached;
(c) a device that indicates the speed of the hoist;
(d) adequate back-out devices that allow a mine car that has travelled beyond itsnormal limits of travel to be returned to within its normal limits of travel;
(e) adequate by-pass devices that allow a mine car to travel beyond the normallimits of travel;
(f) a master controller device with a neutral or brake reset position;
(g) a device that prevents power to the hoist from being restored unless the brakesare applied.
Competent person adjusts safety device of hoist
406 (1) The mine manager must designate a competent person to adjust the safety devices ofa hoist.
(2) A person other than a designated competent person under subsection (1) must notadjust a safety device of a hoist.
Design and installation of operating controls of automatic hoist
407 A selector device must be installed on an automatic hoist that makes it possible to choose amanual or automatic means of controlling the hoist and is
(a) readily accessible to the manual controls; and
(b) operated only by a designated competent person.
Control devices on hoist to be fail-safe
408 The control devices of all hoists must be fail-safe.
Testing hoist ropes before first use
409 Before a hoist rope is first used, all of the following must be done:
(a) a representative sample at least 2.5 m long must be tested for its breakingstrength by a competent cable-testing laboratory using a destructive test;
(b) a certificate of the test must be obtained from the laboratory that states thebreaking strength.
Regular testing of hoisting ropes
410 (1) In this Section, “lay length” means the length of rope required for a strand of therope to make 1 complete spiral around the rope’s core.
(2) A hoisting rope must not be used unless all of the following are done at least once amonth to determine the strength of a hoisting rope:
(a) a portion of the hoisting rope that is at least 2.5 m long is cut off at the lowerend above the rope attachments of the mine car, has its ends fastened toprevent unravelling and is submitted to a competent cable-testing laboratory fora test of its breaking strength by a destructive test;
(b) a certificate of the test is obtained from the laboratory that states the breakingstrength.
(3) A competent person must test a hoisting rope throughout its working length by usinga non-destructive testing device at the following intervals:
(a) at least every 4 months;
(b) if, by extrapolating the results of past tests of the rope, it is predicted that 10%or more of the breaking strength of the rope, as set out in the certificaterequired by clause 409(b), will be lost before the next prescribed test, atintervals shorter than every month.
(4) The results of the test referred to in subsection (3) must be kept in the mechanicalhoisting equipment record.
(5) If a test of a hoisting rope shows a loss in breaking strength of the rope that exceeds7.5% of the breaking strength set out in the certificate obtained under clause 409(b),an employer must do all of the following:
(a) prepare a report of the test;
(b) notify the Director of the report;
(c) provide a copy of the report to the committee or representative, if any.
(6) A hoisting rope must not be used in any of the following circumstances:
(a) the extension of a test piece decreases to less than 60% of its original extensionwhen tested to destruction and marked corrosion or considerable loss in wiretorsions has occurred;
(b) the number of broken wires, excluding filler wires, in any section of the ropeequal to 1 lay length exceeds 5% of the total number of wires excluding fillerwires;
(c) a destructive test of the hoisting rope shows a loss in breaking strength of therope that exceeds 10% of the breaking strength set out in the hoisting rope’soriginal certificate of testing obtained under clause 409(b).
24-hour notice when hoisting rope taken out of service
411 (1) The mine manager must notify the Director in writing no later than 24 hours after ahoisting rope is taken out of service under these regulations.
(2) The notification required by subsection (1) must include all of the following:
(a) the date the rope was removed from service;
(b) the reason the rope was removed from service.
Prohibition against hoisting rope that is spliced or reversed
412 A rope that is spliced or reversed must not be used as a hoisting rope, other than forendless haulage.
Minimum nominal diameter of hoisting rope
413 The minimum nominal diameter of a hoisting rope used on a hoist must be greater than16 mm if only 1 rope supports a mine car.
Factors of safety for hoisting ropes
414 A hoisting rope installed on a drum hoist, when installed, must have the followingminimum factors of safety:
(a) 5.0, at the point the rope leaves the head sheave when the mine car is at itslowest point of normal travel;
(b) at the point the rope is attached to a mine car,
(i) 8.5, for a mine car that carries persons,
(ii) 7.5, for a mine car that does not carry persons.
Hoisting rope attachments
415 (1) Only closed-type attachment devices that will not inadvertently disconnect from amine car must be used to attach a mine car to a hoisting rope.
(2) A wedge-type attachment that is used to attach a hoist rope to a mine car must becertified as adequate by the manufacturer of the attachment or an engineer and mustbe re-certified every 6 years by the manufacturer or an engineer.
(3) If rope clips are used on a hoisting rope, an engineer must certify all of thefollowing:
(a) the number of clips to be used;
(b) the torque to be applied when installing the clips.
(4) When the attachment devices for a hoisting rope attached to a mine car are firstinstalled, or re-installed after disassembling, a competent person must carry out all ofthe following until the hoist operates adequately:
(a) 2 test trips of the mine car through the working part of the slope while the minecar is carrying a normal load;
(b) an examination of the attachment devices when the test trips required by clause(a) are completed;
(c) any necessary adjustment devices to the attachments;
(d) a retest of the attachment devices in accordance with clauses (a), (b) and (c).
(5) A competent person who carries out the tests under subsection (4) must record thetest trips, examinations and any adjustments made in the mechanical hoistingequipment record.
Inspecting electrical components of mine hoisting plant
416 (1) The mine manager must designate a competent person to inspect the electricalcomponents of a mine hoisting plant in accordance with this Section.
(2) Unless a greater frequency or a different type of inspection is recommended by themanufacturer or specified by an engineer, a person designated under subsection (1)must inspect all of the following at least once a week:
(a) hoist motors;
(b) hoist controls;
(c) electrical safety devices and interlocks;
(d) communication systems related to the hoist.
(3) A person designated under subsection (1) must record the results of the inspectionsperformed under this Section, and any servicing and repairs carried out, in theelectrical hoisting equipment record.
Reviewing electrical hoisting equipment record
417 (1) The person responsible for electrical hoisting equipment who is on duty at the time afailure or accident occurs must record a failure or accident involving any of thefollowing in the electrical hoisting record:
(a) an electrical component of a hoist motor;
(b) hoist control;
(c) a hoist safety device;
(d) a hoist signalling device.
(2) The designated person responsible for a mine hoisting plant must do all of thefollowing for the electrical hoisting equipment record at least once a week:
(a) review the entries made in the record during the previous week;
(b) ascertain whether the inspections required by Section 416 have been made, theresults recorded in the record and all necessary work done;
(c) certify in the record that they have complied with clauses (a) and (b) and makea notation in the record that details required inspections that were not done ornecessary work that was not done.
(3) At a coal mine, the underground manager and the chief coal mine electrician mustreview and sign the entries made in the electrical hoisting equipment record underthis Section at least once a month.
Inspecting mechanical components of mine hoisting plant
418 (1) The mine manager must designate a competent person to inspect and examine themechanical components of a mine hoisting plant in accordance with this Section.
(2) A person designated under subsection (1) must inspect all of the following at leastonce every working day a mine hoisting plant is in service:
(a) the exterior of each hoisting rope and its attachments to detect the presence ofkinks or other damage;
(b) the safety chains and brakes on the first mine car attached to the hoisting ropeto detect the presence of kinks or other damage.
(3) A person designated under subsection (1) must inspect all of the following at leastonce a week:
(a) head, deflection and idler sheaves, and their shafting, bearer plates and soleplates;
(b) the attachments of each mine car;
(c) mine cars;
(d) mine car safety devices, for proper adjustment and freedom of movement;
(e) brakes, brake-clutch interlocks and depth indicators;
(f) auxiliary brake operating weights, to verify their freedom of movement andholding capacity.
(4) A person designated under subsection (1) must inspect a hoisting rope at least once amonth to determine all of the following:
(a) the amount of wear, distortion and corrosion;
(b) the need for lubrication;
(c) the need for changing the wear patterns;
(d) the number and location of broken wires.
(5) A person designated under subsection (1) must examine the hoisting rope within theattachments at the drum and at the point the rope attaches to the drum at least onceevery 6 months.
(6) A person designated under subsection (1) must inspect all of the following at leastonce every 12 months:
(a) the bolt locking devices, foundation bolts and all bolts critical to hoist safety;
(b) all structural elements of the headframe, including headframe foundation,backlegs and sheave deck.
Cleaning and dressing hoisting ropes
419 (1) The mine manager must designate a competent person to clean and dress withlubricant the hoisting ropes in use on a drum hoist.
(2) At least once a month, a person designated under subsection (1) must clean and dresswith lubricant the hoisting ropes in use on a drum hoist.
(3) A person designated under subsection (1) must make a record of the cleaning anddressing in the mechanical hoisting equipment record.
(4) The mine manager must ensure that a record made under subsection (2) is dated andsigned by the supervisor responsible for the work.
Mechanical hoisting equipment record
420 (1) A person designated under subsection 418(1) must record the results of theinspections performed under Section 418 and any servicing and repairs carried out inthe mechanical hoisting equipment record.
(2) The mine manager must ensure that a record made under subsection (1) is dated andsigned by the supervisor responsible for the work.
Reviewing mechanical hoisting equipment record
421 (1) The person responsible for mechanical hoisting equipment must record a failure oraccident involving a mechanical component of a mine hoisting plant in themechanical hoisting equipment record.
(2) The designated person responsible for a mine hoisting plant must do all of thefollowing for the mechanical hoisting equipment record at least once a week:
(a) review the entries made in the mechanical hoisting equipment record duringthe preceding week;
(b) ascertain whether the inspections required by Section 418 have been made, theresults recorded and all necessary work done;
(c) certify in the mechanical hoisting equipment record that they have compliedwith clauses (a) and (b) and make a notation in the record that details anyrequired inspections that were not done or necessary work that was not done.
(3) At a coal mine, the underground manager and chief coal mine mechanic must reviewand sign the entries made in the mechanical hoisting equipment record under thisSection at least once a month.
Non-destructive tests of mechanical components of mine hoisting plant
422 (1) Before a mine hoisting plant is first used and at regular intervals that are no greaterthan those recommended by an engineer’s specifications or the manufacturer’sspecifications, a person designated under subsection 418(1) must examine all of thefollowing using non-destructive tests to determine their condition, and record theresults of each examination in the mechanical hoisting equipment record:
(a) hoist shafting brake pins and linkages;
(b) structural parts, attachment pins and draw-bars of all mine cars to which thehoisting rope is attached.
(2) When requested, a mine manager must make drawings of the components requiredto be examined under subsection (1) available to the person performing theexamination.
(3) The supervisor responsible for the mechanical hoisting equipment must review andsign the record of an examination made under subsection (1).
Certificate required for mine cars
423 (1) A certificate from the manufacturer or an engineer must be obtained for each minecar in use showing all of the following:
(a) its serial number;
(b) the name of the manufacturer;
(c) 1 of the following dates:
(i) its date of manufacture,
(ii) the date it was certified by an engineer.
(d) its rated load, as certified by an engineer;
(e) the maximum number of persons and the maximum weight that a mine car ortrain may hold, as certified by an engineer or the manufacturer.
(2) In determining the maximum weight that a mine car may hold for the purpose ofclause (1)(e), an engineer must consider the maximum load that the hoisting rope iscapable of adequately carrying.
(3) A notice must be posted at a conspicuous place at the loading point or portalentrance stating the rated loads and maximum permitted numbers of persons andweight for each mine car as certified by the engineer or manufacturer undersubsection (1).
(4) A mine car must not be loaded in excess of the maximum number of persons ormaximum weight that the mine car is certified to hold.
Examination of mine according to manufacturer’s specifications
424 A competent person must examine a mine car at the frequency determined by themanufacturer’s specifications.
Procedure for commissioning mine car for transporting persons
425 The mine manager must prepare a procedure for commissioning a mine car or a trainbefore persons are transported for the 1st time by a mine car.
Control devices for mine car carrying persons
426 (1) A competent person must be in charge of a mine car or a train that is used fortransporting persons or materials in a slope.
(2) Subject to subsection (3), a person must not be transported underground by a hoist ina slope at a speed faster than 6 m/s unless all of the following conditions are met:
(a) the mine hoisting plant, including the safety devices connected to the plant, isdesigned for speeds faster than 6 m/s;
(b) the rail tracks and beams are designed for mine cars travelling at speeds fasterthan 6 m/s.
(3) A person must not be transported underground at a faster speed than the speed themine car is designed for.
Procedure for testing overwind and underwind protective devices on hoist
427 The mine manager must prepare a procedure for testing the overwind and underwindprotective devices of a hoist.
Hoist operator’s duties
428 (1) A hoist operator must perform all of the following duties:
(a) at the start of the hoist operator’s shift,
(i) test for the satisfactory working conditions of the hoist brakes and checksafety devices, as recommended by the designer or manufacturer or asspecified by an engineer, whichever is more stringent;
(ii) test the holding capacity of any friction clutch, in accordance with aprocedure for the hoist prepared by the mine manager;
(b) test the overwind and underwind protective devices by operating the hoist intothem at all of the following times in accordance with the procedure preparedunder Section 427:
(i) at least once every 24 hours that the hoist is in use, or more frequently ifrecommended by the designer or manufacturer or specified by anengineer,
(ii) before using the hoist, after the hoist has been idle for longer than 48hours;
(c) remain at the hoist controls when the hoist is in motion under manual control;
(d) before leaving the controls of a hoist that is being manually controlled, set thebrakes and controls so that at least 2 separate and distinct actions are requiredto put the hoist in motion during any absence of the hoist operator from theoperator’s controls;
(e) when a signal for hoist movement is given, allow at least 5 seconds to elapsebefore moving the hoist;
(f) complete the hoist movement required by a signal given by a designatedcompetent person unless there is a signal to stop or an emergency signal.
(2) A hoist operator must not do any of the following:
(a) communicate by voice when the hoist is in motion and under the hoistoperator’s manual control if voice communication would decrease the abilityof the hoist operator to operate the hoist adequately, except
(i) in an emergency,
(ii) for essential operational requirements, or
(iii) when the hoist is being examined or maintained;
(b) operate the hoist to transport a person unless at least 2 brakes can be applied tostop the drum;
(c) lower or raise persons on a mine car that is supported by an unclutched hoistdrum.
Hoist operator record
429 (1) At the beginning of a shift, a hoist operator must review and sign all entries in thehoist operator record for the previous 2 shifts during which the hoist was operated.
(2) For each shift worked, a hoist operator must record all of the following in the hoistoperator record:
(a) the hoist operator’s actual starting and finishing time;
(b) the working condition of all of the following:
(i) hoist brakes, including solenoids, clutches, and clutch brake interlocks,
(ii) depth indicators,
(iii) signal system,
(iv) hoist controls,
(v) motors,
(vi) overspeed protective devices,
(vii) track limits,
(viii) emergency switches,
(ix) ammeter,
(x) speed indicator,
(xi) slope obstruction indicator,
(xii) manual safety devices,
(xiii) devices that could affect the safe operation of the hoist;
(c) any instructions given to the hoist operator affecting hoist operations, otherthan instructions to move a mine car;
(d) anything unusual that occurred during the operation of the hoist and any actiontaken;
(e) the results of any tests performed on the hoist;
(f) the results of test trips;
(g) details of any inadvertent stoppages.
(3) A person who issues instructions to the hoist operator that affect hoist operations,other than instructions to move the hoist, must sign the instructions in the hoistoperator record.
(4) Each working day, a supervisor responsible for a hoist must review and sign thehoist operator record for the previous 24 hours that the hoist was operated.
(5) A hoist operator record must be kept in the hoist station and a hoist operator andsupervisor must have access to the hoist operator record.
Duty to not interfere with hoist or hoist operator
430 (1) A person must not interfere with a hoist or an operator of a hoist, including do any ofthe following:
(a) enter a hoist station unless authorized by the mine manager;
(b) operate or interfere with devices or controls for operating a hoist, unlessauthorized by the mine manager;
(c) communicate with a hoist operator while the hoist operator is operating a hoiston manual control, except
(i) in an emergency,
(ii) for essential operational requirements, or
(iii) when the hoist is being examined or maintained;
(d) unnecessarily distract a hoist operator.
(2) The following warning signs must be posted in a conspicuous place at all of thefollowing locations:
(a) in a hoist station, a sign warning that a person must not communicate with ahoist operator while the hoist operator is operating the hoist on manual control,except
(i) in an emergency,
(ii) for essential operational requirements, or
(iii) when the hoist is being examined or maintained;
(b) immediately outside a hoist station, a sign warning that a person must not enterthe hoist station unless authorized by the mine manager.
Hoist not to be operated if slope is damaged or obstructed
431 If there is reason to believe that there is damage to a slope or an obstruction to the normalmovement of a mine car, or if repairs have been made to a slope, the normal operation of ahoist in the slope must not resume until all of the following are done:
(a) any obstructions are removed from the slope;
(b) any damage affecting the operation of the hoist is repaired;
(c) the mine car, at reduced speed, successfully passes through the area of theslope that was affected, and a competent person onboard who inspects the areadetermines there is not longer a hazard.
Hoisting procedures
432 The mine manager must prepare procedures to be followed in operating a hoist in any ofthe following circumstances:
(a) during an emergency;
(b) when there is an inadvertent hoist stoppage.
Hoist operator available for automatic hoist when persons underground
433 A hoist operator must be available at a mine to manually operate an automatic hoist whenpersons are underground.
Designation of competent person for mine car
434 The mine manager must designate a competent person who must do all of the following:
(a) give audible signals to the hoist operator for the movement of a mine car;
(b) be responsible for mine cars operating in a slope;
(c) maintain discipline of persons riding in mine cars;
(d) enforce the load limits for mine cars;
(e) inform the hoist operator of heavy loads or irregularly shaped loads on minecars.
Signal devices
435 Signal devices must be located in a convenient place along the slope for the persondesignated in Section 434 to use for signalling the hoist operator when persons or materialare being transported in a slope.
Hoist signal procedure
436 (1) Except for signals given by a competent person under subsection (2), signals forhoist movement must be given only by the hoist operator and a person designated togive signals for hoist movement under Section 434.
(2) A competent person repairing a signal system for a hoist may make signals to thehoist operator.
(3) A hoist must not be moved on manual control unless a signal set out in the code ofsignals required by Section 437 is given.
Code of signals
437 (1) Before operating a hoist for the first time, an adequate code of signals must beapproved and implemented by the mine manager.
(2) A hoist operator and the persons designated under Section 434 to use the code ofsignals must be trained in the use of the code of signals.
(3) The code of signals must be posted in a conspicuous place in all hoist stations,bankheads and mine portals.
Transporting equipment and supplies
438 Equipment or supplies that are transported in a slope must be adequately loaded andsecured to prevent shifting.
Transporting persons and materials together in mine cars
439 A person must not be transported in a mine car except in accordance with all of thefollowing conditions:
(a) when explosives are being transported, the person is required for handling theexplosives and all of the following conditions are met:
(i) space is provided for the safety of the person,
(ii) the total load of the mine car does not exceed 85% of its rated load ascertified under clause 423(1)(d);
(b) the mine car is not being used to transport ore or waste;
(c) when personal hand tools or equipment are being transported, all of thefollowing conditions are met:
(i) the tools or equipment are secured,
(ii) space is provided for the safety of the person,
(iii) the total load of the mine car does not exceed 85% of its rated load ascertified under clause 423(1)(d);
(d) a person designated under Section 434 is present at the slope station.
Closing off slope for repair in slope
440 When repair work is being done on a slope, or at any other time when the slope could bedangerous to a person entering it, all of the following must be done:
(a) entry to the area of the slope must be limited by such means as closing doors orplacing adequate barricades at the beginning of the area of the slope;
(b) warning signs must be posted in conspicuous places at all entrances to theslope.
Part 12 - Raise Climbers in a Mine
Procedure for raise climber transporting persons
441 (1) Before a raise climber is used to transport persons in a new location, the minemanager must prepare a procedure for commissioning, using and maintaining theraise climber.
(2) An engineer must certify the procedure prepared under subsection (1).
(3) For the purposes of subclause 11(c)(iii), the procedure prepared under subsection (1)and the certification required by subsection (2) must be kept during the time the raiseclimber is in the shaft plus 2 years.
Access to and removal from raise climber
442 A means by which persons can be reached and removed from a raise climber must bemade available for use.
Raise climbers
443 (1) A raise climber must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) the raise climber must have at least 2 independent means of braking, 1 ofwhich is as close as reasonably practicable to the final drive of the motor, thatmeet all of the following criteria:
(i) each means of braking is capable of stopping and holding the raiseclimber when carrying its maximum load as certified under subclause(b)(i),
(ii) they are arranged to permit independent testing;
(b) the raise climber must have all of the following displayed on it as certified byits manufacturer or, if such a certificate is unavailable, as certified by anengineer:
(i) the maximum load that the raise climber may carry,
(ii) the maximum allowable speed of the raise climber,
(iii) any maximum allowable gradient that the raise climber may be used for;
(c) the raise climber must have a stop block to prevent the raise climber beingtaken beyond the track unless the track on which it operates is being extended;
(d) the raise climber must have an effective means for communication between theraise climber and the raise service position.
(2) A raise climber must be operated within the maximum load limit, the maximumallowable speed and any maximum allowable gradient.
(3) The strength of every load-carrying component in a power-driven raise climber mustbe at least 5 times the maximum static load the component will be subjected to innormal service.
Power-driven raise climbers
444 (1) Modifications to a power-driven raise climber to increase the capacity or speed of theraise climber or alter any of the raise climber’s components must be designed by anengineer.
(2) A power-driven raise climber must be regularly inspected and maintained inadequate condition.
Raise climbers powered by electricity
445 (1) A raise climber that is powered by electricity must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be protected by a ground fault system;
(b) it must have a visible break switch at the raise service area by which its powercan be isolated;
(c) it must have a control switch on the raise climber by which its power can beisolated.
(2) The electrical supply to a raise climber powered by electricity must be designed tobe, and must be, locked out while explosives capable of being electrically initiatedare being loaded into position for blasting.
Design and procedure for work platform in raise
446 (1) A moveable work platform that is used to transport and support a person performingwork in a raise must be certified by an engineer in accordance with generallyaccepted engineering principles.
(2) The mine manager must prepare a procedure for the safe use of work platforms usedin a raise.
Inspection and maintenance of raise climbers
447 (1) A device that could affect the safe operation of a raise climber must be inspected bya competent person at all of the following times:
(a) before the raise climber is first used at a raise;
(b) each working day that the raise climber is used;
(c) during every major overhaul of the raise climber.
(2) The main shafting of the drive-train of a raise climber must be examined by acompetent person using ultrasonic procedures, or equivalent methods, to determine ifit is adequate at all of the following times:
(a) before the raise climber is used for the first time;
(b) during every major overhaul of the raise climber.
(3) Once a week, a competent person must thoroughly clean a raise climber being usedat a raise.
(4) Before a raise climber is first used during a shift, a competent person must test thebrakes and controls of the raise climber.
Record of raise climber inspections or examinations
448 A competent person who inspects or examines a raise climber under this Part must preparea record of the inspection or examination and a supervisor who authorizes any repairs ormodifications must sign the record.
Major overhaul of raise climber
449 A competent person must perform a major overhaul on a raise climber at the frequencyrecommended by the manufacturer or a competent person, whichever is more frequent,and must make a record of the work carried out.
Part 13 - Blasting Operations and Storage and Handling of Explosives
Definitions for Part[ 13]
450 In this Part, all of the following definitions apply:
“blasting accessories” means any device used in a blasting operation other thanexplosives;
“blasting cable” means a cable designed and used specifically for initiating a blast;
“blasting machine” means an electrical or electro-mechanical device that provideselectrical energy for energizing electric detonators, but does not include batteries bythemselves;
“blasting meter” means a testing instrument, such as a galvanometer, blastingohmmeter, blasting voltmeter, blasting multimeter or an equivalent device, used tocheck detonators and electrical blasting circuits for continuity, resistance, straycurrents and other pertinent measurements;
“blasting operation” means an operation using explosives or blasting accessoriesunderground conducted from the time explosives arrive at a shaft, slope or entranceto a working face to be blasted until all explosives are returned to a magazine;
“blasting switch” means a device used to initiate a blast from a power supply;
“bootleg” means a remnant of a hole after a blast that has been determined not tocontain an explosive;
“cartridge” means a rigid or semi-rigid package of explosive enclosed in awaterproof wrapping or material;
“CETC” means the CANMET Energy Technology Centre of the federal Departmentof Natural Resources;
“danger area” means an area where there is a hazard to a person from fly rock orblasting fumes from a blast;
“detonating cord” means an explosive cord contained within a waterproof coveringthat requires a detonator to be attached to it in order to be detonated;
“detonator” means a device used to initiate a blast;
“extraneous electricity” means a source of electrical or electromagnetic energy withthe capacity to cause the premature detonation of an explosive and includes a sourceof unwanted electrical current greater than 50 mA;
“stemming” means an inert material used to confine or separate explosives in a drillhole.
Restricted to blasters
451 (1) A person who is not a blaster, but has successfully completed a course approved bythe mine manager on the safe handling of explosives, may perform the duties of ablaster while being trained under the constant, close personal supervision of a blaster.
(2) Only a person designated as a blaster by the mine manager or a person being trainedas a blaster under subsection (1) may perform any of the following tasks:
(a) prime an explosive;
(b) make a connection that leads from a charge to any device capable of initiatinga blast;
(c) connect a delay or sequencing device or program the delay or sequence for ablast;
(d) initiate a blast;
(e) test a blasting circuit;
(f) in a coal mine, load or stem a shot hole.
Blaster to direct blasting operation
452 (1) A blasting operation must be directed by a blaster.
(2) All persons within or adjacent to a blasting area must comply with the directionsgiven by the blaster directing the blasting operation.
(3) A blaster directing a blasting operation must consult with each first-line supervisorwho supervises any persons in the blasting area, so that all persons are made awareof the work being conducted in the blasting area.
(4) Work of any type that creates a risk of an accidental explosion must not beconducted during a blasting operation.
(5) If more than 1 blaster is involved in a blasting operation, a mine manager must do allof the following:
(a) before beginning the blasting operation, designate 1 blaster as the principalblaster who has principal responsibility for the blasting operation;
(b) ensure that all persons in the blasting area are made aware of the identity of theprincipal blaster.
(6) All blasters and supervisors performing or directing work in a blasting area mustconsult sufficiently to coordinate the safety of the activity.
(7) Before initiating a blast, a blaster must notify each first-line supervisor whosupervises persons in the blasting area of a pending blast and give them adequatetime to take the necessary precautions.
(8) At a coal mine, a blaster must not initiate a blast unless the blaster has beenauthorized by the supervisor of the blasting area to initiate the blast.
Types of explosives
453 (1) An explosive used in a mine must be of Fume Class 1 rating as established by theExplosives Regulatory Branch of the federal Department of Natural Resources.
(2) Except as provided in subsection (3), the only explosives that may be used at a coalmine are those that are designed as, and declared by the Explosives RegulatoryBranch of the federal Department of Natural Resources to be, explosives permittedfor use in a coal mine.
(3) Explosives other than those required by subsection (2) may be used in a coal mine ifall of the following conditions are met:
(a) the material to be blasted is certified by a competent person to not contain coal;
(b) in consultation with a blaster, the mine manager prepares a procedure for safeblasting using the explosives in material that does not contain coal;
(c) the concentration of flammable gas is less than 0.5% by volume in the airbeing tested in all of the following locations:
(i) at the collar of each hole to be blasted,
(ii) an area within 60 m of the area to be blasted.
(4) An employer must file with the Director a copy of a procedure prepared under clause(3)(b).
(5) Except as provided in subsection (7), at a coal mine, all explosives used in a blastingoperation must be of the same class, grade and quality.
(6) At a coal mine, all detonators used in a blasting operation must be of the same typeand made by the same manufacturer.
(7) A detonator may be a different type, class, grade or quality of explosive than theother explosive used in a blasting operation.
General safety requirements for using and handling explosives
454 (1) Explosives must be used and handled in accordance with all of the followingrequirements:
(a) frozen, time-expired, deteriorated or damaged explosives must be used, storedand disposed of in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendedprocedure;
(b) a person must not do any of the following:
(i) carry explosives in their clothing,
(ii) use defective detonators or blasting accessories,
(iii) use a safety fuse,
(iv) use an explosive to blast or break up material if the heated condition ofthe material creates a risk of premature explosion of the charge, unlessthe mine manager prepares a procedure in consultation with a blaster,
(v) heat an explosive above the manufacturer’s recommended storagetemperature.
(2) Cartons and wrappings for explosives must be handled in accordance with all of thefollowing requirements:
(a) they must be removed from the blasting area before a blast;
(b) they must be brought to the surface by the end of each shift;
(c) they must be disposed of adequately, according to the manufacturer’sspecifications.
Precautions around magazine or explosives
455 The following precautions must be taken around magazines and explosives:
(a) mobile equipment must be operated so as to minimize the possibility of hittinga magazine or explosives;
(b) a legible and conspicuous notice must be placed adequately close to amagazine and the notice must state a warning to the following effect:
“Danger: explosives. If imminent danger of explosives catching fire - do notfight fire. Leave the area immediately.”
Where storage of explosives is prohibited
456 Explosives must not be stored at any of the following locations:
(a) within 100 m of
(i) a transformer,
(ii) a fuelling station,
(iii) a fuel oil storage area,
(iv) a flammable material storage area,
(v) a shaft station,
(vi) a hoist station,
(vii) a primary or auxiliary access,
(viii) a lunchroom,
(ix) a refuge station,
(x) a first aid station;
(b) underground at a mine that ceases development or production for 60 days orlonger.
Explosives to be stored in magazine
457 Explosives must be stored in a magazine, other than in any of the followingcircumstances:
(a) when the explosives are being transported to or from storage;
(b) when the explosives are being used in a blasting operation;
(c) when the explosives are kept at a loading face in accordance with Section 458;
(d) when the explosives are stored in a temporary storage box in accordance withSection[s] 460 and 463.
Explosives kept at loading face
458 (1) The following conditions must be met when explosives are kept at a loading face:
(a) at a non-coal mine, only the quantities of explosives intended to be used in thenext blast at the loading face may be delivered to and kept at the loading face;
(b) at a coal mine, only the quantities of explosives that can be used in 1 shift atthe loading face may be delivered to and kept at the loading face.
(2) Explosives kept at a loading face must be located so that all of the followingconditions are met:
(a) there is no reasonable possibility of mobile equipment hitting the explosives;
(b) the explosives are unlikely to become overheated;
(c) the explosives are at least 10 m away from a detonator, except during primingand loading.
Guarding explosives
459 An explosive must be attended by a designated person, except when it is stored in a lockedmagazine or has been inserted in a hole.
Magazines and temporary storage boxes
460 (1) A magazine or temporary storage box must be used and maintained in accordancewith all of the following:
(a) it must be used only for storing explosives;
(b) it must be kept orderly, clean and free of rubbish;
(c) it must be secured against theft, and be locked when explosives are not beingremoved from or added to it.
(2) A magazine must meet all of the following conditions:
(a) the floors and shelves of a magazine where nitroglycerine explosives are keptor stored are treated with a neutralizing agent to remove any traces ofnitroglycerine;
(b) the maximum quantity of explosives and detonators stored in a magazine mustnot exceed the quantity specified in the license issued for the structure underthe Explosives Act (Canada);
(c) a copy of the license referred to in clause (b) must be posted in a conspicuouslocation in the magazine.
(3) A working face must not be located within 100 m of a magazine.
Construction and marking of temporary storage box
461 (1) A temporary storage box must be made of non-sparking material or have wood orother non-sparking material covering all metal inside the temporary storage box thatcould otherwise come into contact with explosives.
(2) A temporary storage box must be conspicuously marked on all sides with the word“Explosives” and a pictogram.
Certifying temporary storage box
462 A temporary storage box must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) it must be certified by an engineer to be adequate to protect a person frominjury;
(b) it must be uniquely identifiable from other temporary storage boxes in themine.
Explosives in temporary storage box
463 (1) Explosives stored underground at a coal mine must be stored in a temporary storagebox.
(2) Explosives must not be stored in a temporary storage box for longer than 24consecutive hours.
(3) At a coal mine, a temporary storage box must be returned to the surface at the end ofa shift.
Storage of detonators
464 Detonators must be kept and stored separately from other explosives.
Removing, adding and controlling explosives from magazine
465 (1) The mine manager must designate persons who may remove explosives from amagazine or add explosives to a magazine and must ensure that only personsdesignated under this subsection remove explosives from a magazine or addexplosives to a magazine.
(2) The mine manager must designate competent persons to do all of the following:
(a) control the inventory of explosives in a magazine;
(b) be responsible for a magazine;
(c) be responsible for temporary storage boxes.
(3) A mine manager must keep a list of persons designated under subsection (1), make acopy of the list available to persons designated under subsection (2) and post the listin a conspicuous place in each magazine.
(4) Explosives may be issued only to the following persons:
(a) for explosives other than detonators, persons designated to remove explosivesfrom a magazine or add explosives to a magazine under subsection (1);
(b) for detonators, a blaster or a person who has successfully passed a courseapproved by the mine manager on the safe handing of explosives.
(5) A person designated as responsible for a magazine under clause (2)(b) must issue theoldest explosives in the magazine first, if not defective.
(6) A person designated as responsible for a temporary storage box under clause (2)(c)must receive and store returned explosives.
(7) A person designated as controlling the inventory of explosives in a magazine underclause (2)(a) must ensure that on a day that explosives are removed or added to amagazine all of the following is recorded as soon as reasonably practicable:
(a) the current date;
(b) the name of the blaster directing the blasting operation;
(c) the name of the designated person who removed or added the explosives;
(d) the amount and type of the explosives removed or added;
(e) the location of the blasting area in which the explosives are or were to be used;
(f) the amount of explosives actually used in the blast;
Inspections and inventory of explosives
466 (1) A person designated under subsection 465(2) must perform all of the followinginspections and inventory checks and record the results, signed by a mine manager,of the inspection or inventory:
(a) a weekly inspection of each magazine, temporary storage box and truckcontaining explosives to determine their condition;
(b) a monthly inventory of the magazines and trucks containing explosives todetermine the amount, type and condition of the explosives contained in them.
(2) Any defective or deteriorated explosives must be removed from a magazine andadequately destroyed as soon as reasonably practicable.
Returning explosives to magazine or temporary storage box
467 All unused explosives must be returned to a magazine or temporary storage box at the endof a shift.
Reporting theft or attempted theft of explosives
468 Any missing, lost or stolen explosive must be reported by the mine manager to theDirector and the committee or representative, if any, as soon as reasonably practicable.
Transporting explosives underground
469 (1) The mine manager must designate a competent person as responsible for handlingand transporting explosives between the surface and underground storage.
(2) All of the following conditions must be met when explosives are transportedunderground:
(a) there must be no undue delay;
(b) they must be transported in their original wrapping and in a temporary storagebox or a tote bag that came directly from the manufacturer, with adequateseparation distances between temporary storage boxes;
(c) detonators must be transported underground in separate temporary storageboxes from other explosives.
Transporting explosives by shaft conveyance
470 If explosives are transported underground in a shaft conveyance, all of the followingconditions must be met:
(a) immediately before transportation of the explosives starts, the persondesignated under subsection 469(1) must inform the persons designated underSection 373 and the hoist operator that explosives are being loaded on a shaftconveyance about to be transported underground;
(b) other materials must not be transported with the explosives;
(c) detonators must be carried on a separate shaft conveyance that does not carryany other type of explosive.
Transporting explosives by mobile equipment
471 (1) Any mobile equipment used for transporting explosives must meet all of thefollowing criteria:
(a) it must be adequate;
(b) it must have wood or other adequate non-sparking material covering all metalthat could otherwise come into contact with explosives;
(c) it must be conspicuously marked at the front, rear and sides with the word“Explosives”;
(2) Mobile equipment capable of being operated independently of fixed rails, tracks orbeams may be used to transport detonators with other explosives only if all of thefollowing conditions are met:
(a) there are 3000 or less detonators;
(b) the detonators are in a suitable temporary storage box in a compartmentseparate from the other explosives.
(3) Except when mobile equipment is used in connection with the loading of holes,mobile equipment that is used for transporting explosives must not be used for anyother purpose until the explosives are removed from the mobile equipment.
(4) Temporary storage boxes that are being transported underground must be secured ina way that prevents any part of the load from being dislodged.
Transporting explosives by mine car
472 (1) If explosives are transported by a mine car or train underground, all of the followingconditions must be met:
(a) immediately before transportation of the explosive starts, the person designatedunder subsection 469(1) must inform the person designated under Section 434and the hoist operator that explosives are being loaded on a mine car and areabout to be transported underground;
(b) other materials must not be transported with explosives;
(c) the explosives must not be carried on a locomotive;
(d) an empty mine car or a draw-bar of a length at least equal to the length of amine car must separate the locomotive from a mine car carrying explosives;
(e) detonators must be carried in a separate mine car that does not carry any othertype of explosive;
(f) an empty mine car or a draw-bar of a length at least equal to a mine car mustseparate a mine car carrying detonators from a mine car carrying other types ofexplosives.
(2) If explosives are transported by rail-bound train, the locomotive must be on theforward end of the train unless a person walks in advance of the train.
Stability of equipment in blasting area
473 Adequate precautions must be taken, including traction and stability, to prevent toppling,sliding or other unplanned movement of the equipment located in a blasting area.
Drilling while loading explosives or near loaded holes, misfires or bootlegs
474 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) for a non-coal mine, before drilling holes forloading explosives, the working face must be washed with water and carefullyexamined for misfires and bootlegs.
(2) If it is not reasonably practicable to examine for misfires and bootlegs in accordancewith subsection (1) in a non-coal mine, the mine manager must prepare an alternateprocedure to examine for misfires and bootlegs.
(3) Except as provided in subsection (4), all holes must be drilled for a blastingoperation before any holes are loaded with explosives.
(4) A hole may be drilled when holes loaded with explosives are present in any of thefollowing circumstances if procedures are prepared by the mine manager for thedrilling in consultation with a blaster:
(a) a blaster determines that a misfire cannot be more safely treated by othermeans than to drill an adjacent hole;
(b) the nature of the ground being drilled makes it necessary to load a holeimmediately after it is drilled and to subsequently drill an adjacent hole;
(c) a hole loaded with explosives caves in and a blaster determines that theunexploded explosive cannot be reprimed or otherwise more safely treated, andit is necessary to drill an adjacent hole;
(d) holes have been loaded and it is necessary to use a drill to remove obstaclesfrom a previously drilled hole that does not contain explosives.
(5) The mine manager must notify the Director any time procedures required bysubsection (4) are used in the circumstances in clause (4)(a), (c) or (d) and mustnotify the Director before procedures are first used in the circumstances in clause(4)(b).
(6) If the procedures referred to in subsection (4) are applied to drilling a hole, thedetails of the procedure and the reasons for its implementation must becommunicated to all persons in the blasting area.
(7) A hole must not be drilled within 15 cm of a bootleg.
Blasting operation in adjacent mines
475 (1) Before starting a blasting operation, the mine manager must give the mine managerin any adjacent mine within 1000 m notice that a blasting operation is pending.
(2) The mine manager in an adjacent mine who is notified under subsection (1) must doall of the following:
(a) assess the potential for hazards in their mine;
(b) if a potential hazard in their mine is identified, take steps to eliminate it;
(c) notify, in writing, the employer at the mine where the blasting operation istaking place that their mine is clear of hazards.
(3) The mine manager must not proceed with a blasting operation before receiving therequired notification from a mine manager in any adjacent mine under clause (2)(c).
Preparation of holes for loading explosives
476 (1) A blaster must prepare holes for explosives by doing all of the following:
(a) inspecting and cleaning all holes before any explosive is loaded in a hole or, ifloading explosives near loaded holes or misfires as permitted under subsection474(4), inspecting and cleaning each hole before explosives are loaded in thehole;
(b) immediately before loading a hole with explosives, examining the hole toverify that it has been thoroughly cleaned.
(2) At a coal mine, a blaster must do all of the following when cleaning and inspecting ahole under subsection (1):
(a) use a cleaner and detector that is capable of cleaning the full depth of the holeand detecting transverse and longitudinal cracks and crevices of 3 mm or morewide in the hole;
(b) verify that the hole does not intersect any cracks or crevices larger than 3 mmwide.
(3) A blaster must ensure that all of the following conditions are met when preparing ahole for loading explosives:
(a) the hole meets all of the following criteria:
(i) it is large enough to freely insert the explosive to the full depth of thehole,
(ii) it is at least 3 mm larger than the diameter of the cartridge of theexplosive to be used;
(b) a tool inserted in the hole when loaded with explosives is made of wood oranti-static material.
No primed cartridges inside mobile equipment or near electrical installations
477 Primed cartridges must not be transported, kept, stored or handled underground insidemobile equipment or near an electrical installation.
Procedure for using explosives in coal mine
478 The mine manager, in consultation with a blaster, must prepare a procedure for usingexplosives in a coal mine, including specific steps to address the potential for an outburstof flammable gas.
Testing for flammable gas at coal mine before loading explosives
479 (1) Before a hole in a coal mine is loaded with explosives, a blaster must test for theconcentration of flammable gas at the collar of each hole to be blasted and verify thatthe concentration of flammable gas
(a) is less than 1% by volume in the air being tested; or
(b) is less than the limit required by clause 453(3)(c) for explosives other thanthose required by subsection 453(2).
(2) A blast must not be initiated at a coal mine at any of the following locations:
(a) in broken coal;
(b) in an area where the concentration of flammable gas in the air exceeds 1% byvolume in the air being tested.
Precautions when loading explosives in hole
480 A blaster must ensure that all of the following precautions are taken when loadingexplosives in a hole:
(a) if electric detonators are used at a mine, a blaster tests each detonator with ablasting meter before the detonator is connected to a blasting cable or insertedinto an explosive;
(b) explosives are primed before they are loaded as near to the hole as reasonablypracticable and only in a sufficient amount for the immediate work in progress;
(c) detonators and other explosives are kept and handled separately until the lastmoment reasonably practicable before the blaster primes the explosive;
(d) an explosive is not primed in a place where explosives are stored;
(e) an explosive that contains a detonator is not slit or tamped;
(f) the wrapping is not removed from a nitroglycerine-based product or a primedcartridge;
(g) more explosive is not loaded in a hole than the amount that is specified in theblast pattern and procedure for the blast prepared under subsection 485(1);
(h) at a coal mine, a plug of stemming is placed in the deepest part of the holebefore the hole is loaded with explosives;
(i) at a coal mine, a plug of stemming consisting of an adequate amount ofstemming material is placed in the hole following the insertion of the lastexplosive;
(j) the initiating detonator is not connected to the blasting cable until the lastmoment before the blast.
Removing broken coal before loading hole
481 After preparing holes at a coal mine but before loading them with explosives, a blastermust verify that all broken coal is removed from the area of the hole and must allowsufficient time for coal dust in the air to settle.
Blast at coal mine prohibited until air free of dust
482 At a coal mine, every machine capable of producing coal dust must be stopped before ablast is initiated to allow the air to clear, and a blast must not be initiated until the air isreasonably free of coal dust.
Removing coal dust before initiating blast
483 Before initiating a blast at a coal mine, a blaster must examine the area within 30 m of thepoint of the blast to verify that excess coal dust has been removed and the area has beentreated with stone-dust in accordance with Section 189.
Pneumatically loading explosives in hole
484 If a hole is loaded pneumatically with an explosive, all of the following conditions must bemet:
(a) only a semi-conductive hose manufactured for the purpose of loading holespneumatically must be used;
(b) the pneumatic loading equipment must be capable of protecting against thehazards of extraneous electricity;
(c) if an electrical detonator is used,
(i) plastic or non-conducting liners must not be used in the hole, and
(ii) the detonator must not be placed in the hole until the pneumatic loadingof the hole is completed, unless a procedure for doing otherwise isprepared by the mine manager in consultation with a blaster.
Development and production blast patterns and procedures
485 (1) Development and production blast patterns and procedures must be prepared by themine manager in consultation with a blaster that include all of the followinginformation for each blast:
(a) the type and quantity of explosives and stemming to be used in each hole;
(b) the expected resistance of each blasting circuit;
(c) a list of steps to be followed when initiating a blast.
(2) A blaster must receive a copy of the blast pattern and procedure for blasting for eachblasting area underground.
Danger areas
486 (1) Before initiating a blast, a blaster must determine the size of the danger area andensure that all of the following are done:
(a) all persons are removed from the danger area;
(b) adequate audible and visual warnings are given in every direction of the dangerarea;
(c) all machinery and equipment are clear of the effects of the blast;
(d) all explosives not intended to be detonated are removed from the danger area.
(2) At a non-coal mine, a procedure for warning persons working in a blast area must beprepared by the mine manager, in consultation with a blaster, that includes a list ofsteps to be followed for each of the following:
(a) warning persons working in the danger area of a pending blast;
(b) adequately guarding the entrances to the danger area;
(c) adequately protecting persons from the effects of a blast.
(3) At a coal mine, the mine manager, in consultation with a blaster, must prepare aprocedure for warning persons in a blast area including a list of steps to be followedfor warning persons working in the danger area of a pending blast.
(4) Before initiating a blast at a coal mine, a blaster must ensure that all of the followingconditions are met:
(a) the danger area, including all travelways to the danger area, is guarded by anadequate number of persons during the blast who remain at their locations untildirected to leave by the blaster;
(b) the guards required by clause (a) are located outside of the danger area;
(c) the guards required by clause (a) prevent any person, other than a blaster, fromentering the danger area.
(5) A person, other than a blaster, is prohibited from entering a danger area until theperson has been informed by a blaster or a person guarding the danger area that it issafe to do so.
Procedures for blasting more than 1 area from common source
487 (1) If more than 1 area is blasted from a common source, procedures for multipleblasting must be prepared by the mine manager in consultation with a blaster.
(2) The mine manager must designate a blaster to initiate a multiple blast.
Detonation of single charge
488 A blaster at a coal mine must ensure that each hole for explosives is loaded separately and,except as provided in Section 489 for simultaneous detonation, each charge is detonatedsingly.
Simultaneous detonation of multiple charges at coal mine
489 (1) At a coal mine, no more than 12 charges in a round may be detonatedsimultaneously using the same millisecond delay detonators.
(2) At a coal mine, a round of charges using different millisecond delay detonators mustnot be detonated unless the maximum time between the detonation of the first chargeand the detonation of the last charge is 1 of the following:
(a) 200 ms, for a blast other than described in clause (b);
(b) 750 ms, if the charges are detonated in a travelway being developedunderground that does not contain a seam of coal exceeding 30 cm thick andthat is more than 5 m from a gob area or fault.
(3) A copy of the blast pattern for each area at which simultaneous detonation ofmultiple charges is carried out in a coal mine must be kept available on the surfacefor employees.
Source for initiating blast
490 (1) Blasting accessories used to initiate a blast must meet all of the following criteria:
(a) they must be commercially manufactured for the purposes of blastingunderground;
(b) if used in a coal mine, they must be certified by MSHA, the ExplosiveRegulatory Branch of the federal Department of Natural Resources or anagency acceptable to the Director.
(2) If a blasting machine is used to initiate a blast, a blaster must have sole possessionand control of the blasting machine at all times, except in any of the followingcircumstances:
(a) when the machine is secured so that no one else can take possession or controlof it;
(b) when the machine is being repaired.
(3) If a blasting cable is used to initiate a blast, the blasting cable must be adequate andat least 30 m long.
Blasting machine and blasting switch
491 (1) A blasting machine or blasting switch must meet all of the following conditions:
(a) it must be constructed, operated, inspected, calibrated, maintained, tested anddismantled in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications;
(b) it must be tested, using methods specified by the manufacturer, before a blastthat might require the maximum output of the machine or switch at least oncea year;
(c) it must be clearly marked with the capacity of the machine or switch;
(d) it must be kept in adequate mechanical and electrical condition;
(e) it must be opened and repaired only by a competent person.
(2) The person referred to in clause (1)(e) must keep a record of any time a blastingmachine or blasting switch is opened or repaired and any work done.
(3) A blasting switch must conform with the requirements of CSA standard CAN/CSA-M421-00 (R2005), Use of Electricity in Mines.
Blasting meters
492 Only blasting meters designed for use with explosives must be used in a blasting operation.
Defective blasting machine or blasting switch
493 If a blaster has reasonable grounds for believing that a blasting machine or blasting switchis defective, the blaster must do all of the following:
(a) withdraw it from use immediately;
(b) ensure that it is returned to the surface;
(c) provide a report to the supervisor on the defective machine or switch.
Using electric detonators
494 A blaster must ensure that an electric detonator is not used in a blast unless all of thefollowing conditions are met:
(a) it is tested at the area where it is to be used with a blasting meter for electricalcontinuity;
(b) it is shunted or short-circuited after being tested under clause (a) until it isconnected in circuits;
(c) it does not have the short circuit or protective shunt removed from the legwires until final connections are made.
Testing electric blasting circuit
495 (1) A blaster must ensure that an electric blasting circuit is tested with a blasting meterfor electrical continuity and resistance at all of the following times:
(a) before connecting the electric blasting circuit to the lead wires;
(b) before connecting the lead wires to the power source for a blast.
(2) A blast must not be initiated until the blaster is satisfied that the blast can proceedadequately if any of the following occurs:
(a) an electric blasting circuit is not electrically continuous;
(b) the resistance in an electric blasting circuit is not as specified in the blastpatterns and procedures prepared under subsection 485(1).
Blasting cables
496 (1) All of the following conditions must be met for blasting cables:
(a) the blasting cables must not come in contact with detonating cords;
(b) the blasting cables must not come closer than 30 cm to any of the following:
(i) a metal surface directly involved in the blasting operation,
(ii) pipes, rails or other continuous metal grounding circuits,
(iii) power, lighting or communication cables;
(c) the blasting cables must be isolated from the ground;
(d) the blasting cables must be visibly different from other cables.
(2) A blaster must ensure that the ends of the blasting cables closest to the blastingmachine and leading to the blasting area are shunted or short-circuited while theleads from the electric blasting caps are being connected to each other and to theblasting cables.
(3) A blaster must ensure that the danger area is secured in accordance with Section 486before removing the shunt or short-circuit required by subsection (2).
(4) A blaster must ensure that adequate precautions are taken to ensure that a blastingcable being used in one area has no electrical connection to another area, unless bothareas are blasted in 1 blast.
Testing for flammable gas at coal mine
497 At a coal mine, immediately before a blast, a blaster must determine that the concentrationof flammable gas in the general body of air in the area of the hole loaded with explosivesand in any workplace within 60 m of the loading face does not exceed the followingconcentrations:
(a) 1% by volume in the air being tested, if the time between the detonation of thefirst charge and the detonation of the last charge is calculated to be 200 ms orless;
(b) 0.8% by volume in the air being tested, if the time between the detonation ofthe first charge and the detonation of the last charge is calculated to be morethan 200 ms but no more than 750 ms;
(c) 0.5% by volume in the air being tested, if the explosives are not designed as,and declared by the Explosives Regulatory Branch of the federal Departmentof Natural Resources to be, explosives permitted for use in a coal mine.
No electric detonator where danger from extraneous electricity
498 An electric detonator must not be used if there is a danger from extraneous electricity.
Electrical storms
499 If an electrical storm is in the vicinity of a mine, all of the following conditions must bemet:
(a) all persons in a surface magazine must leave the magazine;
(b) all persons must move to a location where there is no danger from anaccidental explosion;
(c) a person on or near the surface or in or near a shaft must not handle explosivesor make an electrical blasting circuit connection.
Minimum distances from radio frequency transmitters
500 (1) During electric blasting, minimum distances from radio frequency transmitters mustbe maintained as detailed in the Institute of Makers of Explosives Safety Guide forthe Prevention of Radio Frequency Radiation Hazards in the Use of CommercialElectric Detonators (Blasting Caps) Safety Library Publication No. 20, 2001.
(2) If the required minimum distance of electric blasting circuits from radio frequencytransmitters is not specified in the standard referred to in subsection (1), all of thefollowing minimum distances must be maintained:
(a) 100 m from a citizens’ band radio, cellular telephone, satellite telephone orother mobile or portable radio frequency transmitter;
(b) 1000 m from a TV transmitter or an AM, FM or other radio frequencytransmitter.
After blast
501 (1) Immediately after a blast is initiated, a blaster must ensure that blasting cables usedin the blast are disconnected from the blasting machine or blasting switch andshort-circuited or shunted.
(2) Immediately after a blast is initiated, a blaster must ensure that a blasting switch usedin the blast is locked in the open position.
(3) After a blast is initiated, a blaster must examine the effect of the blast before the nextblast is initiated.
(4) At a coal mine, a blaster must test for flammable gas within 60 m of an area that wasblasted as soon as reasonably practicable after any waiting period required bySections 502 and 503 has expired.
(5) If the test results under subsection (4) show flammable gas concentrations exceeding1.25% by volume of air being tested, the blaster must report the results to theunderground manager and the first-line supervisor for the area.
Entering danger area after blast
502 (1) All persons, including blasters, must remain outside the danger area for at least 15minutes after the last blast.
(2) A person, other than a blaster, must not enter a danger area where a blast has beeninitiated until a blaster inspects the area of the blast and determines that it is safe toenter.
Entering danger area when misfires and suspected misfires
503 (1) If a charge misfires or is suspected of misfiring, a blaster must ensure that all of thefollowing conditions are met:
(a) all persons in the blasting area are informed of the misfire;
(b) all persons, including blasters, remain outside the danger area for at least 30minutes after the last charge was due to explode;
(c) persons do not enter the blasting area except in accordance with the procedurerequired by subsection 504(1);
(d) until the hazards are eliminated, work is not conducted in the blasting areaother than the work required to dispose of or recover the misfire.
(2) A person must not use metallic equipment in the blasting area of a misfire unless allof the following conditions are met:
(a) a blaster has inspected the blasting area and authorized the use of theequipment in accordance with the procedure required by subsection 504(1);
(b) the blasting area is adequately illuminated;
(c) the work is directly and constantly supervised by a blaster;
(d) precautions are taken to prevent injury from accidental explosion.
Procedure for safe handling of misfires
504 (1) The mine manager, in consultation with a blaster, must prepare a procedure forsafely handling misfires that includes detailed sequential instructions.
(2) If a misfire is found, all of the following must be done:
(a) all persons must follow the instructions in the procedure required by subsection(1);
(b) the first-line supervisor for the area where the misfire was found must beinformed without delay.
(3) If there is a misfire at a non-coal mine, all of the following must be done:
(a) after the waiting period required by clause 503(1)(b) has expired, a blastermust enter the blasting area of the misfire, inspect the site and approach themisfire or suspected misfire to assess the potential hazards;
(b) reasonable steps must be taken to establish the cause of a misfire andcorrective action taken to prevent a recurrence;
(c) if a misfire is not disposed of or recovered,
(i) barricades must be installed to prevent persons from entering the dangerarea, and
(ii) a warning sign must be posted in a conspicuous place on each barricadereferred to in subclause (i) indicating all of the following:
(A) that there is a misfire,
(B) that all persons are to keep out until the misfire is disposed of orrecovered.
(4) Before work is started by mine workers on an incoming shift, any misfire that is notdisposed of or recovered by the end of a shift must be reported by the first-linesupervisor of the shift, together with the location of the misfire, to the supervisor onthe incoming shift who is assigned responsibility for the corresponding area of themine.
(5) At a subsea coal mine, the procedure prepared under subsection (1) must includerequirements for a blaster to do all of the following:
(a) if a single shot misfires, perform all of the following actions in sequence:
(i) remove the handle or key from, or otherwise disable, the blastingmachine and disconnect the blasting machine from the blasting cable,
(ii) twist the ends of the blasting cable together at the blasting machine andisolate them from ground,
(iii) wait 30 minutes,
(iv) examine the blasting cable and connections for any defects and remedyany that are found,
(v) attempt to fire the shot using either the same blasting machine oranother blasting machine that is suitable for the purpose;
(b) if an attempt to fire a shot referred to in subclause (a)(v) fails, perform all ofthe following actions in sequence:
(i) remove the handle or key from, or otherwise disable, the blastingmachine and disconnect the blasting machine from the blasting cable,
(ii) twist the ends of the blasting cable together at the blasting machine andisolate them from ground,
(iii) wait 30 minutes,
(iv) mark the location of the detonator lead wires of the misfired shot,
(v) cause a new shot hole to be drilled that is at least 300 mm from theloaded shot hole and parallel to and equal in depth to the loaded shothole, in accordance with the procedures referred to in clause 474(4)(a),
(vi) fire a shot in the newly drilled shot hole;
(c) if a shot is fired in a newly drilled shot hole under subclause (b)(vi), wait 30minutes after firing the shot and then perform all of the following actions:
(i) if reasonably practicable, sort the debris by hand,
(ii) if reasonably practicable, recover all explosives and detonators from thedebris,
(iii) take all recovered explosives and detonators to a temporary storage box;
(d) if all of a round of shots, or a part of a round of shots, misfires and remainsintact in the working face, perform all of the following actions in sequence:
(i) remove the handle or key from, or otherwise disable, the blastingmachine and disconnect the cable from the blasting machine,
(ii) twist the ends of the blasting cable together at the blasting machine andisolate them from ground,
(iii) wait 30 minutes,
(iv) test the circuit for electrical continuity,
(v) if the test shows that there is electrical continuity, attempt to fire theround using either the same blasting machine or another blastingmachine that is suitable for the purpose;
(e) if a test referred to in subclause (d)(v) shows that there is no electricalcontinuity or if an attempt to fire a shot referred to in subclause (d)(v) fails,perform all of the following actions in sequence:
(i) remove the handle or key from, or otherwise disable, the blastingmachine and disconnect the blasting cable from the blasting machine,
(ii) twist the ends of the blasting cable together at the blasting machine andisolate them from ground,
(iii) wait 30 minutes,
(iv) disconnect the blasting cable and detonator lead wires at each shot hole,
(v) test for electrical continuity in the blasting cable and detonator leadwires,
(vi) test the blasting machine,
(vii) if the tests show that there is electrical continuity, reconnect thedetonator lead wires and the blasting cable and test for electricalcontinuity and attempt to fire the round;
(f) if any of the tests referred to in subclauses (e)(v) to (vii) do not produce thedesired result, install barricades and post a warning sign in accordance withclause 504(3)(c);
(g) if part of a round of shots misfires and does not remain intact in the workingface, sort the debris by hand, recover all explosives and detonators from thedebris and take them to the temporary storage box.
Record of misfire
505 A blaster must ensure that all of the following is recorded for a misfire:
(a) date of the misfire;
(b) location of the misfire;
(c) number of holes affected by the misfire;
(d) disposal or recovery of the misfire.
Flamed charge at coal mine
506 (1) In a coal mine, if a charge flames on detonation, a blaster must perform all of thefollowing actions in sequence:
(a) immediately take steps to extinguish the flame;
(b) verify that the section of the coal mine in which the charge was detonated isguarded by a person and left unworked, except for making the section safe,until inspected by a mine examiner.
(2) A flamed charge must be treated under the direction of a blaster at a time and in amanner that is adequate, so as to ensure the removal of all hazards caused by theflamed charge.
Report of flamed charge at coal mine
507 (1) In a coal mine, if a charge flames on detonation, a blaster must do all of thefollowing:
(a) immediately after complying with subsection 506(1), verbally report the flamedcharge to the blaster’s supervisor or the underground manager;
(b) report the flamed charge in writing to the blaster’s supervisor or theunderground manager at the end of the shift.
(2) A supervisor who is informed of a flamed charge in accordance with subsection (1)must, without undue delay, report the flamed charge to the mine manager.
Examining working face for misfires and bootlegs after blast
508 After a blast, a competent person must examine a working face for misfires and bootlegsbefore drilling, sampling or similar work is started on the working face.
Secondary blasting
509 A procedure must be prepared by the mine manager if explosives are to be used to reduceany oversized materials remaining after a blast to the dimensions required for subsequenthandling and crushing.
Abandoning blasting area or discontinuing work
510 Work must not be discontinued in a blasting area for longer than 10 days and a blastingarea must not be abandoned, unless all of the following are done:
(a) the material broken at the initiation of the last round of blasts is cleared fromthe area that was blasted;
(b) the blasting area is examined for bootlegs and misfires.
Blaster record
511 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2), at the end of a blaster’s shift, the blaster mustcreate a record of the preparation and initiation of all blasts that the blaster wasresponsible for during the shift that includes all of the following information for eachblast:
(a) the name of the employer and the name of mine;
(b) the date, shift and time that the blast or round of blasts was initiated;
(c) the location;
(d) at a coal mine, the results of the tests for flammable gas taken as required bySections 479 and 497 and subsection 501(4);
(e) the number of detonators used;
(f) the mass of explosives used;
(g) numbers and details of any flamed charges at a coal mine or misfires;
(h) actual drilling and loading data;
(i) a sketch of the blast pattern;
(j) the actual delay pattern;
(k) the initiation method;
(l) the resistance of each electrical circuit measured in ohms;
(m) the resistance of the total electrical circuit at each blasting machine measuredin ohms;
(n) the type of warning signal used;
(o) confirmation that accesses to danger areas were guarded;
(p) dangerous conditions found during an inspection after a blast.
(2) At a non-coal mine, a blaster record required by subsection (1) may be created bysomeone other than the blaster who was responsible for the blasts if the record ismade no later than 24 hours after the blast and is based on written notes signed bythe blaster and attached to the record.
(3) At least once a month, a blaster’s supervisor must review and sign the records madeunder this Section.
Part 14 - Job Training Program
Definitions for Part[ 14]
512 In this Part, all of the following definitions apply:
“hours”, in relation to training, teaching experience, work experience or the durationof a course, means hours that are actually spent in the training, teaching, work, orcourse;
“job training program” means a program made up of a series of courses provided byan employer to employees to ensure that employees are competent to perform workin the job categories to which they are designated or to perform that work to whichthey are assigned.
Employer required to have job training program
513 (1) An employer must ensure that a job training program for a mine that includes all ofthe following is put in place and is adapted to the circumstances and conditions ofthe mine:
(a) courses that incorporate the training required under these regulations for eachjob category listed in Section 525 and additional training required by thatSection;
(b) an annual refresher course as required by Section 531;
(c) training on all procedures as required by subsection 30(2);
(d) details of all of the following:
(i) who is to be trained,
(ii) how training will be carried out,
(iii) when training will be carried out,
(iv) the type of training that is required,
(v) who will provide the training, including contractors;
(e) details of the training required before a mine worker is allowed to do work inthe absence of a supervisor for which the worker has not been previouslytrained.
(2) A job training program must be developed using the requirements of the AmericanNational Standards Institute standard ANSI/ASSE Z490.1 2001, Criteria forAccepted Practices in Safety, Health, and Environmental Training, or an equivalentstandard as a guide.
(3) A session of less than 30 consecutive minutes does not count as training for a jobtraining program.
Review of job training program
514 (1) The job training program must be reviewed at least once every 3 years, or more oftenif any of the following apply:
(a) there is a change in work conditions, such as any of the following:
(i) alternative mining methods being introduced,
(ii) different equipment being introduced,
(iii) a change in work procedures;
(b) the review is required by law.
(2) An employer must keep documentation at the mine site that shows that the jobtraining program has been reviewed in accordance with subsection (1).
(3) If the documentation required by subsection (2) is not made available, the mine’s jobtraining program may be suspended by the Director, effective immediately andwithout notice from the Director.
Examination, audit or inquiry into job training program
515 (1) The Director may require a job training program to be examined or audited orinquired into by an appropriate working committee, professional or occupationalbody or other association.
(2) All of the following persons must give a person carrying out an examination, audit orinquiry of a job training program information or explanation about the job trainingprogram that the person requires:
(a) an employer or a self-employed person providing the job training program;
(b) an employee or contractor providing the job training program;
(c) a person employed in delivering any part of the job training program.
(3) The employer providing the job training program must pay the costs of anexamination, audit or inquiry into the job training program if the Director so orders.
Evaluation of job training program by Director
516 The Director may order an employer to provide the Director with information the Directorrequires to evaluate a job training program or the competence of any of its participants.
Records kept for job training program
517 (1) For the purpose of subclause 11(c)(iii), a copy of the job training program must bekept at the mine, or another location acceptable to the Director, for at least 2 yearsafter the mine closes.
(2) An employer must keep a file for each student in the job training program thatincludes all of the following:
(a) copies of certificates or diplomas earned by the student before participating inthe program;
(b) a work history record from before the student worked at the mine;
(c) a list of the prerequisite or entrance requirements that the student has met forentry into a course or courses;
(d) results of exams and results of assignments the student has completed;
(e) a description of the training undertaken and experience gained by the student inthe program;
(f) attendance records for each course that show the student’s attendance;
(g) a record of the work performed by the student while at the mine, other than asexperience within a course required for a job category;
(h) a record of the successful completion of any course or courses required for ajob category, signed by both of the following:
(i) the person who determined the successful completion,
(ii) the student.
(3) An employer must keep the student file referred to in subsection (2) for the followingapplicable duration:
(a) if the student is subsequently employed at the mine, while the former student isemployed and for at least 2 years after the date they are no longer employed;
(b) if the student is not subsequently employed at the mine, for at least 2 yearsafter the student has completed or left the course in which the student wasenrolled.
(4) Unless the Director otherwise orders, the student file referred to in subsection (2)must be mailed to a former student at their last known address at the earliest of thefollowing times:
(a) after the applicable retention period specified in clause (3)(a) or (b);
(b) when the mine is closed;
(c) when a course is no longer required for a job category.
Employer at coal mine to file annual summary of job training program
518 An employer at a coal mine must prepare and file with the Director an annual summary oftraining carried out as part of the job training program, including, for each course deliveredin the year:
(a) the dates the course was delivered;
(b) the instructor or instructors for the course;
(c) the subject matter of the course;
(d) the location where the course was delivered;
(e) the name of each student enrolled in the course;
(f) the mark for each student on every exam or assignment in the course.
Suspending or imposing conditions on job training program
519 (1) The Director may suspend or impose conditions on a job training program if, in theDirector’s opinion, any of the following apply:
(a) there are insufficient or inadequate accommodations, facilities, equipment ormaterials to deliver the courses of the job training program;
(b) the instructors employed for the job training program are not qualified inaccordance with subsection 523(5);
(c) conditions or requirements imposed by the Director are not complied with;
(d) false information is furnished to the Director;
(e) the employer fails to comply with the requirements of this Part or any otherlaw integrally related to the job training program.
(2) The Director must give an employer who is providing a job training program noticeof any suspension of the program or conditions imposed on the program and mustinclude all of the following in the notice:
(a) if the program is suspended, the reasons for the suspension and the date thesuspension begins;
(b) if conditions are imposed on the program, the conditions, the reasons for theconditions and the date by which the conditions must be complied with.
(3) Training must not be delivered under a job training program that is suspended underthis Section for as long as the suspension is in effect.
(4) Any conditions imposed on a job training program under this Section must becomplied with.
Notice for job training program for coal mine
520 An employer at a coal mine who files a report for the initial start up of a mine underSection 37, must file with the Director a notice in relation to the job training program thatmeets all of the following criteria:
(a) the notice identifies the employer and contractors who will deliver the jobtraining program and states their contact information;
(b) the notice identifies the person responsible for the job training program andstates their contact information;
(c) the notice identifies the person who is designated to make decisions and giveinformation to the Director on the job training program, and states their contactinformation;
(d) the notice lists the courses that are required for each job description;
(e) the notice lists any approvals required under any enactment or from anyprofessional, occupational or other association connected with the proposed jobtraining program;
(f) the notice explains how the training requirements for each job category areappropriate for the mining methods and technology used at the mine;
(g) the notice includes copies of any executed contracts between any serviceprovider and the employer in relation to the job training program.
External review of job training program for coal mine
521 (1) An employer at a coal mine must, at their expense, have all of the course materialsfor each course in their job training program reviewed by either of the following:
(a) a mining industry association;
(b) 2 separate arm’s-length mining industry representatives.
(2) All of the following must be provided to the persons or association conducting anexternal review of a job training program:
(a) the information required for a notice under Section 520;
(b) all information for each course of the program required by subsection 522(1).
(3) The persons or association performing an external review of a coal mine’s jobtraining program must do all of the following:
(a) attest to having reviewed the course material and other information;
(b) give written opinions on all of the following:
(i) whether the training objectives of each course for a job category areappropriate for the skills and duties for the job category,
(ii) whether the courses required for each job category provide an adequatelevel of training for the job category,
(iii) whether the course length is appropriate for the skills required for thejob category,
(iv) whether the course entrance requirements meet industry standards,
(v) whether the instructional methods are appropriate for satisfactory jobtraining program delivery;
(c) give reasons for any opinion that rates an aspect of the job training program asinappropriate or less than satisfactory.
Course information filed for program delivered by employer at coal mine
522 (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) for courses delivered at certain educationalinstitutions, an employer at a coal mine must file all of the following informationwith the Director for each course in their job training program:
(a) the course name and a description of the course, including all of the following:
(i) the duration of the course,
(ii) the delivery format,
(iii) a list of books, supplies, equipment and materials that will be used;
(b) the designated job category and the job description for which the course isrequired training;
(c) the prerequisites required for the course;
(d) the training objectives of the course;
(e) the name of any person who developed the course or assisted in developing thecourse;
(f) a subject and module outline for the course;
(g) names of all instructors designated under subsection 523(2) to deliver or assistwith the course, and all of the following information about each instructor:
(i) contact information,
(ii) educational background,
(iii) teaching experience,
(iv) practical experience,
(v) a copy of any post-secondary degrees, certificates or licenses held,
(vi) a current resume;
(h) the maximum student to teacher ratio;
(i) the performance outcomes, including the method of evaluation and results thatmust be achieved by a person to successfully complete the course;
(j) an indication of whether or not experience, work placement or off-site trainingis required by the course and what any experience, work placement or off-sitetraining includes;
(k) if the premises where the training is delivered is owned and operated by theemployer, identification of the premises to be used for the course, including themaximum person capacity of the floor area available for instruction includingthe classroom and any laboratory or shop areas;
(l) a copy of the written opinions required by subsection 521(3) from the mostrecent external review of the course.
(2) An employer is not required to comply with subsection (1) for a course in a jobtraining program that is delivered by any of the following:
(a) a private career college within the meaning of the Private Career CollegesRegulation Act;
(b) an institution authorized to grant degrees or to provide a program ofpost-secondary study leading to a degree under the Degree Granting Act;
(c) a community college governed by the Community Colleges Act,
(3) A filing made under subsection (1) must include evidence satisfactory to the Directorof all of the following:
(a) that the employer is able to comply with the requirements for a job trainingprogram as prescribed by these regulations;
(b) that the employer has obtained approvals required under any enactment or fromthe appropriate professional, occupational or other associations connected withthe proposed job training program.
(4) An employer at a coal mine must provide the committee or representatives, if any,with a copy of their job training program.
Instructors for job training program for coal mine
523 (1) This Section applies to job training programs for coal mines.
(2) The mine manager must designate persons as instructors for the courses in a jobtraining program, and only persons designated as instructors may instruct in a jobtraining program.
(3) A job training program must not start until instructors are designated for the requiredcourses for all job categories.
(4) A guest lecturer or workshop leader is not required to meet the requirements of thisSection if delivering course material that is less than 8 hours in duration.
(5) Except as provided in subsections (4) and (6), to be designated as an instructor in ajob training program, a person must meet 1 of the following sets of qualificationsand experience:
(a) they must possess a bachelor’s degree from a Canadian university, or anequivalent degree from a university outside of Canada, in a subject directlyrelated to the course to be taught, and have 12 months of job experience in thesubject of the course to be taught;
(b) they must be a graduate of a program from the Nova Scotia CommunityCollege, another college, a trade or vocational school, or an equivalentinstitution, in a subject directly related to the course to be taught, and have 24months of job experience in the subject of the course to be taught;
(c) they must possess a Bachelor of Education degree or a valid Nova Scotiateacher’s licence, and have 24 months of job experience in the course subjectto be taught;
(d) they must be qualified as a mine examiner and have 60 months of jobexperience underground in a coal mine and 12 months of job experience in thecourse subject to be taught.
(6) An employer may file a request with the Director to designate a person who does nothave the qualifications required by subsection (5) and the Director may grant therequest if the Director is satisfied that the person is otherwise qualified to instruct ormeets the requirements stated in another relevant enactment or by a relevant industryassociation.
(7) An instructor who does not have at least 1000 hours of teaching experience mustenroll in an instructional methods or train-the-trainer program in their 1st year as aninstructor in a job training program and provide the Director with all of the followingabout the instructional methods or train-the-trainer program:
(a) before starting to instruct in a job training program, written verification ofenrollment in the instructional methods or train-the-trainer program;
(b) no later than 2 years after starting to instruct in a job training program, unlessthe Director grants a longer time, proof of completion of the instructionalmethods or train-the-trainer program.
Written job descriptions required and available
524 (1) An employer must prepare a written job description for each job category ofemployee at the mine that states the duties and responsibilities of the employeesdesignated to the job category, including the duties and responsibilities pertaining tohealth or safety.
(2) An employer must give each employee a copy of the job description for theemployee’s job category.
Training courses required in job training program
525 (1) The job training program for a mine must describe the minimum training for all ofthe following job categories:
(a) mine worker;
(b) supervisor;
(c) mine rescue worker;
(d) hoist operator, if the mine has a hoist;
(e) blaster, if explosives are used at the mine;
(f) mine surveyor;
(g) for a coal mine, all of the following:
(i) mine manager,
(ii) underground manager,
(iii) coal mine electrician,
(iv) coal mine mechanic,
(v) mine examiner.
(2) In addition to the job categories listed in subsection (1), the job training programmust include training on all of the following:
(a) committee membership or acting as a representative;
(b) the specific tasks carried out by any person working underground, including allof the following:
(i) health and safety aspects and safe operating procedures for tasks andequipment,
(ii) supervised practice of all major tasks during non-production,
(iii) supervised performance of tasks during production,
(iv) health and safety hazards of new or modified equipment,
(v) any training relevant to the job category that the Director requires.
List of mine workers and designations, tasks and job categories
526 (1) Before the start of mining, an employer must make a list of all mine workers thatincludes all of the following:
(a) the designations that are held by each mine worker required by theseregulations;
(b) the job categories held by each mine worker.
(2) An up-to-date copy of the list required by subsection (1) must be kept at the mine.
(3) Except as permitted under subsection 544(2), a person must not be designated to anyjob category unless they have satisfactorily completed the relevant parts of the jobtraining program.
Employees to be trained in accordance with job training program
527 All employees, including the employees of contractors at the mine, must be trained toperform their duties in accordance with the employer’s job training program.
Designating employee who has not completed courses for job category
528 (1) In subsection (2), “courses” does not include an annual refresher course required bySection 531.
(2) The mine manager may designate an employee to a job category who has notcompleted the courses required for the job category if the employee has passed allexaminations normally required as part of the courses required for that job category.
No untrained persons working underground
529 (1) Except when working under supervision as permitted in subsections (2), (3) and (4),a person must not go underground at a mine unless the person is designated as amine worker.
(2) A person who has not completed the task-specific training for a task they areassigned to perform, but has completed the training required for mine workers, maywork underground at a mine if the person remains under the constant, close personalsupervision of a competent person who meets all of the following qualifications:
(a) the competent person has completed the job training program for a mineworker;
(b) the competent person has completed the training required for the task;
(c) the competent person has experience performing the task.
(3) A person who does not regularly work underground at a mine may workunderground under the constant, close personal supervision of a competent personwho has completed the courses required for a mine worker.
(4) A person may work underground for a limited time to complete a portion of the jobtraining program while under the constant, close personal supervision of a competentperson.
Training for mine workers
530 The training for a mine worker must include all of the following:
(a) at least 30 hours of training, as required by this Section, with a minimum of 8hours that are underground at a mine;
(b) an introduction to the Internal Responsibility System, as described in the Act,and the rights and responsibilities of employers, employees and supervisorsand the functions of the committee or the representative, if any, under the Actand its regulations;
(c) an introduction to these regulations as they pertain to the work of the persontaking the training;
(d) an explanation of the authority and responsibility of supervisors;
(e) an introduction to the employer’s health and safety rules;
(f) a tour of the underground, if the underground exists;
(g) an orientation to the mine;
(h) an introduction to the work environment, including observation of and anexplanation of the methods of mining used at the mine;
(i) an explanation of how to enter and leave the mine;
(j) an introduction to personnel transportation;
(k) an introduction to procedures for communicating information;
(l) an explanation of the mine plan;
(m) an explanation of emergency evacuation and recognition of the alarm system;
(n) an introduction to barricading;
(o) an introduction to fire-fighting, including instruction in the use of fire-extinguishing equipment;
(p) an introduction to ground control procedures;
(q) an introduction to ventilation plans and procedures;
(r) an introduction to occupational health, including dust and noise;
(s) an explanation of cleanup and general rules;
(t) at a coal mine, an introduction to stone-dusting;
(u) an introduction to hazard recognition and avoidance;
(v) an introduction to hazards related to explosives;
(w) an introduction to electrical hazards;
(x) an explanation of procedures for reporting hazards;
(y) an explanation of first aid resources at the mine;
(z) an introduction to mine gases and environmental monitoring;
(aa) an introduction to the duties and responsibilities of a mine worker under theemergency preparedness program;
(ab) an identification of escapeways;
(ac) training in the use of a self-rescuer and introduction to the use of a self-contained breathing apparatus;
(ad) an introduction to health and safety aspects of and any procedures related to thetasks the person will be assigned,
(ae) any training relevant to the work that the Director requires.
Annual refresher course for mine workers
531 (1) An employer must provide, and ensure that all mine workers attend, an annualrefresher course of at least 6 hours’ duration that includes refreshers on all of thefollowing:
(a) the Internal Responsibility System, as described in the Act, and the rights andresponsibilities of employers, employees and supervisors and the functions ofthe committee or representative, if any, under the Act and its regulations;
(b) these regulations as they pertain to the work of the mine workers taking thetraining;
(c) transportation controls and procedures for communicating information;
(d) ground control procedures;
(e) escapeways, prevention of accidents and access to first aid facilities;
(f) use of a self-rescuer and self-contained breathing apparatus;
(g) mine gases, environmental monitoring and how to ensure that monitoringequipment is not interfered with;
(h) fire-fighting, including training in the use of fire-extinguishing equipment;
(i) duties and responsibilities of a mine worker under the emergency preparednessprogram;
(j) any training relevant to the work that the Director requires.
(2) A mine worker in a coal mine must be tested at least 4 times every 12 months atregular intervals for proficiency in fire-fighting procedures.
Training for mine rescue worker
532 The training for a mine rescue worker must include all of the following:
(a) at least 72 hours a year, including the sessions required by clause (b), in minerescue procedures spread over a minimum of 12 days and with no longer than3 months between each session;
(b) at least 2 sessions a year in mine rescue procedures carried out underground orin simulated underground emergency conditions, with no longer than 8 monthsbetween each underground or simulated underground session.
Training for supervisors
533 The training for a supervisor must include all of the following:
(a) the job training program for mine workers;
(b) at least 70 hours of training that includes all of the following:
(i) an explanation of the role of a supervisor in ensuring health and safety,and implementing any program required under Section 28 of the Act,
(ii) training on effective communication techniques and the role of asupervisor in implementing the communication procedures,
(iii) training on the role of a supervisor in health and safety managementsystems,
(iv) an explanation of the duties and responsibilities of a supervisorrespecting
(A) the emergency preparedness program,
(B) the Act and its regulations,
(v) at least 42 hours of training on ground control procedures,
(vi) any training relevant to the supervisor’s work that the Director requires.
Training for engineers
534 The training for an engineer who works underground must include the training forsupervisors required by Section 533, except for the training on ground control proceduresrequired by subclause 533(b)(v).
Training for member of committee or representative
535 (1) The training of each committee member or representative must include all of thefollowing:
(a) an introduction to these regulations as they pertain to the committee member’sor representative’s role and entitlement to receive notice or access toinformation;
(b) effective communication techniques;
(c) inspection and investigation procedures;
(d) use and review of committee records;
(e) procedures regarding conduct of a meeting;
(f) any training relevant to the member’s or representative’s role that the Directorrequires.
(2) In addition to the training requirements for a committee member referred to insubsection (1), an employer at a subsea coal mine must ensure that training for acommittee member includes training on all of the following:
(a) reviewing documents, including engineering drawings;
(b) writing a report and giving written advice;
(c) the committee’s role in reviewing and advising upon documents;
(d) any training relevant to committee member’s duties that the Director requires.
Qualifications of hoist operator
536 (1) A person is not eligible to be designated as a hoist operator unless the person meetsall of the following qualifications:
(a) they hold a current certificate of fitness under Section 537 to work as a hoistoperator and are physically fit to discharge the duties of a hoist operatorwithout limitations;
(b) they have satisfactory knowledge of the provisions of these regulations thatrelate to the responsibilities of a hoist operator;
(c) they have passed an examination in subjects relating to hoist operation thatassesses the person’s knowledge.
(2) To maintain a designation as a hoist operator at a mine, a person must operate aregularly operated hoisting system at a mine at least 6 hours each month.
Hoist operator certificate of fitness
537 (1) A person who is designated as a hoist operator must pass an annual medicalexamination conducted by a physician and have a certificate of fitness to operate ahoist from the physician who performed the medical examination.
(2) A certificate of fitness to work as a hoist operator expires after 12 months.
(3) Before returning to work as a hoist operator after requiring medical attention by aphysician for a condition that could limit the person’s ability to perform the duties ofa hoist operator, a person must be examined by a physician and obtain a newcertificate of fitness to work as a hoist operator from the physician who performedthe examination.
Qualifications of blaster
538 A person is not eligible to be designated as a blaster unless the person meets all of thefollowing qualifications:
(a) they have completed the job training program for mine workers;
(b) they have passed an examination that assesses the person’s knowledge insubjects relating to work with explosives;
(c) they have satisfactory knowledge of the provisions of these regulations thatrelate to the responsibilities of a blaster and the use of explosives underground;
(d) they have performed at least 1000 hours of work in blasting and candemonstrate experience in all of the following:
(i) loading explosives,
(ii) priming explosives,
(iii) making blasting connections,
(iv) connecting delays or sequencing devices,
(v) initiating blasts,
(vi) for designation at a coal mine, testing for flammable gas;
(e) they have performed the following number of supervised blasts:
(i) for designation at a non-coal mine, 4,
(ii) for designation at a coal mine, 30,
(f) for designation at a coal mine, they have at least 3 years’ experience workingunderground;
(g) for designation at a non-coal mine, they have at least 1 year[’s] experienceworking underground.
Qualifications of mine rescue worker
539 A person is not eligible to be designated as a mine rescue worker unless the person meetsall of the following qualifications:
(a) they hold an advanced first aid certificate as defined in the OccupationalHealth and Safety First Aid Regulations made under the Act;
(b) they have passed an examination in subjects relating to mine rescue work thatassesses the person’s knowledge of the content of the mine rescue coursesrequired by the job training program;
(c) they hold a current certificate of fitness under Section 540 to work as a minerescue worker and are physically fit to discharge the duties of a mine rescueworker without limitations;
(d) for designation at a coal mine, they have at least 1 year of experience workingunderground;
(e) they have completed any training related to mine rescue required by theseregulations;
(f) they have satisfactory knowledge of the provisions of these regulations thatrelate to the responsibilities of a mine rescue worker.
Mine rescue worker certificate of fitness
540 (1) A person who is designated as a mine rescue worker must pass an annual medicalexamination conducted by a physician and have a certificate of fitness to work as amine rescue worker from the physician who performed the medical examination.
(2) A certificate of fitness to work as a mine rescue worker expires after 12 months.
(3) Before returning to work as a mine rescue worker after requiring medical attentionby a physician for a condition that could limit a person’s ability to perform the dutiesof a mine rescue worker, a person must be examined by a physician and obtain anew certificate of fitness to work as a mine rescue worker from the physician whoperformed the examination.
Qualifications of mine rescue team captain
541 A person is not eligible to be designated as a mine rescue team captain unless the personmeets all of the following qualifications:
(a) they are designated as a mine rescue worker;
(b) for designation at a coal mine, they meet the qualifications of a mine examinerrequired by Section 548.
Qualification of mine rescue trainer
542 A person is not eligible to be designated as a mine rescue trainer unless the person meetsall of the following qualifications:
(a) they meet the qualifications of a mine rescue worker required by Section 539,except for the certificate of fitness required by clause 539(c);
(b) for designation at a coal mine, they meet the qualifications of a mine examinerrequired by Section 548.
Qualifications of mine workers at coal mine
543 (1) A person is not eligible to be designated as a mine worker at a coal mine unless theperson meets all of the following qualifications:
(a) they have had training and experience underground in a coal mine in all of thefollowing:
(i) cutting, shearing, boring or loosening coal,
(ii) except as provided in subsection (2), at least 6 months of experience inor about a working face;
(b) they have satisfactory knowledge of the provisions of these regulations thatrelate to the responsibilities of a mine worker in a coal mine;
(c) they have passed a practical examination that assesses the person’s skill level;
(d) they have passed an examination in subjects relating to mining that assesses theperson’s knowledge.
(2) A mine worker who does not regularly work in or about a working face is notrequired to have 6 months’ experience working in or about a working face if theyhave all other required training for the job they are required to perform.
Qualifications of mine manager at coal mine
544 (1) A person is not eligible to be designated as a mine manager at a coal mine unless theperson has a satisfactory knowledge of the Act and its regulations and meets 1 of thefollowing qualifications:
(a) they hold a degree in mine engineering or the equivalent from a universityaccredited by the Canadian Engineering Accreditation Board and have at least3 years of experience working underground at a coal mine;
(b) they have at least 5 years of experience in coal mining, including at least 1 yearas an underground manager or at least 3 years in a supervisory capacityunderground, and they have completed grade 12 of the public school system orthe equivalent.
(2) As soon as reasonably practicable after designation, the mine manager mustcomplete the job training program for a mine manager.
Qualifications of underground manager at coal mine
545 A person is not eligible to be designated as an underground manager at a coal mine unlessthe person meets all of the following qualifications:
(a) they have completed grade 12 of the public school system or the equivalent;
(b) they hold an advanced first aid certificate as defined in the OccupationalHealth and Safety First Aid Regulations made under the Act;
(c) they have received education in mining subjects acceptable to the Director;
(d) they have at least 5 years of experience in coal mining, including at least 1 yearunderground;
(e) they have a satisfactory knowledge of the Act and its regulations;
(f) they have completed the job training program for an underground manager.
Qualifications of intermediate supervisors at coal mine
546 (1) If the hierarchy of supervisors at a coal mine includes a level of supervision betweenthe mine manager and the underground manager, a supervisor at that level must be acompetent person who
(a) has completed the job training program for a mine manager at a coal mine;
(b) meets the qualifications for a mine manager at a coal mine required by Section544.
(2) If the hierarchy of supervisors at a coal mine includes a level of supervision betweenthe underground manager and a first-line supervisor, a supervisor at that level mustbe a competent person who
(a) has completed the training program for underground managers;
(b) meets the qualifications for an underground manager required by Section 545.
Qualifications of first-line supervisor at coal mine
547 A first-line supervisor responsible for a section at a coal mine must be designated as asupervisor under Section 68 and must
(a) hold an advanced first aid certificate as defined in the Occupational Health andSafety First Aid Regulations made under the Act;
(b) meet 1 of the following qualifications:
(i) the qualifications for a mine examiner required by Section 548,
(ii) hold a diploma or certificate from a correspondence, technical or miningschool acceptable to the Director, certifying that the person hassatisfactorily completed a course of study in mining subjects,
(iii) hold a degree in engineering from a college or university acceptable tothe Director; and
(c) have the following applicable experience:
(i) for a person meeting the qualifications set out in subclause (b)(i), at least3 years of experience in coal mining, including at least 1 yearunderground;
(ii) for a person meeting the qualifications set out in subclauses (b)(ii) or(iii), at least 1 year of experience in and about a coal mine.
Qualifications of mine examiner at coal mine
548 A person is not eligible to be designated as a mine examiner in a coal mine unless theperson meets all of the following qualifications:
(a) they hold an advanced first aid certificate as defined in the OccupationalHealth and Safety First Aid Regulations made under the Act;
(b) they have at least 3 years of underground coal mining experience;
(c) they have a satisfactory knowledge of the Act and its regulations.
Qualifications of mine surveyor in coal mine
549 A person is not eligible to be designated as a mine surveyor in a coal mine unless theperson meets all of the following qualifications:
(a) they have taken at least 1 technical course in surveying;
(b) they have at least 6 months’ underground coal mining experience with a surveycrew.
Qualifications of engineer in coal mine
550 A person is not eligible to work as an engineer underground in a coal mine unless theperson meets all of the following qualifications:
(a) they are an engineer within the meaning of the Engineering Profession Act;
(b) they have completed the training for engineers required by Section 534;
(c) they have a satisfactory knowledge of the Act and its regulations.
Qualifications of coal mine electrician
551 A person is not eligible to be designated as a coal mine electrician unless the person meetsall of the following qualifications:
(a) they hold a certificate of qualification under the Apprenticeship and TradesQualifications Act for any of the following:
(i) an industrial electrician,
(ii) a construction electrician,
(iii) a mine electrician;
(b) they have worked for at least 12 months under the supervision of a coal mineelectrician;
(c) they have satisfactory knowledge of the Act and its regulations as they relate tothe use of electricity underground.
Qualifications of chief coal mine electrician
552 A person is not eligible to be designated as a chief coal mine electrician unless the person
(a) meets the qualifications of a coal mine electrician required by Section 551;
(b) is designated by the mine manager as a coal mine electrician; and
(c) is designated by the mine manager as a supervisor.
Qualifications of coal mine mechanic
553 A person is not eligible to be designated as a coal mine mechanic unless the person meetsall of the following qualifications:
(a) they hold a certificate of qualification under the Apprenticeship and TradesQualifications Act for any of the following:
(i) an electric motor system technician,
(ii) an automotive service technician,
(iii) a heavy duty equipment technician,
(iv) an industrial instrument mechanic,
(v) an industrial mechanic (millwright),
(vi) a mine mechanic,
(vii) a truck and transport mechanic,
(viii) a farm equipment mechanic;
(b) they have worked for at least 12 months under the supervision of a coal minemechanic;
(c) they have a satisfactory knowledge of the Act and its regulations as they relateto mechanical systems.
Qualifications of chief coal mine mechanic
554 A person is not eligible to be designated as a chief coal mine mechanic unless the person
(a) meets the qualifications of a coal mine mechanic required by Section 553;
(b) is designated by the mine manager as a coal mine mechanic; and
(c) is designated by the mine manager as a supervisor.
Schedule A: Fees for Filing and Review of Documents
(Section 59 of the Underground Mining Regulations)
Table 1: All Mines
The following are the fees required in accordance with Section 59 for the filing of documents by anemployer for review by the Director:
Description of Document
Section inRegulations
Fee
1
Code of practice to re-enter a mine without significantlydisturbing the ground of the mine
3(3)(b)
$7780.70
2
Revision made to a document required to be filed with theDirector under regulations
12(2)(b)
$1667.30
3
Mine plan
34 and 58
$2778.85
4
Electrical installations plan
34 and 58
$7780.70
5
Ground control procedure
34 and 58
$3890.35
6
Ventilation plan
34 and 58
$22 930.20
7
Report on proposal to proceed with the development orconstruction of a mine, or re-entry into a mine that ceaseddevelopment or production for 60 consecutive days ormore
37
$11 671.15
8
Report on a proposal to shut down, close or abandon amine
39
$11 671.15
9
Report on a proposal to designate an area of a coal mine asa non-explosion risk zone
46
$1111.50
10
Report on a proposal to install equipment at a coal minethat is not intrinsically safe or not flameproof
47(1)
$2223.05
11
Financial expert’s report on the employer’s business planand feasibility study
49(3)
$2778.85
12
Plan and procedure for proposed work within 100 m of anarea listed in clauses 109(1)(a) to (d)
111(1)
$555.80
13
Report prepared by an engineer for employer who notifiesthe Director of their intention not to backfill an abandonedpanel or abandoned stope
117(1)(b)
$2223.05
14
Coal dust minimization procedure
186(1)
$1111.50
15
Annual summary of job training program
518
$555.80
Table 1 replaced: O.I.C. 2015-96, N.S. Reg. 140/2015.
