SA 3 - Emergency management

Transcription

1 Tool SA 3 - Emergency management A self-assessment tool for prescribed mines 1. About this tool Relevant OHS Regulations for emergency management References relevant to emergency management 4 2. Emergency planning The emergency plan Preparing a comprehensive plan Involving the emergency services and municipal council Usability and availability of the emergency plan Testing the emergency plan Employee involvement Safety role for employees Information, instruction and training Employee duties Specific emergency response requirements Emergency exit Plan of the mine Self-rescuer training and provision of 28 WSV1628/02/06.17

2 1. About this tool SA 3 - Emergency management is part of the Self-assessment toolbox. This specific tool has been prepared to assist operators of prescribed mines to explore their emergency management processes and identify opportunities for improvement. It can be used as a stand-alone document or alternatively the content contained within this tool can be used to supplement existing site procedures. The Self-assessment toolbox is made up of core tools covering processes that are an essential part of day to day safety management. SA 3 - Emergency management is based on Part 5.3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017 (OHS Regulations) and covers topics such as emergency planning, involving the emergency services, testing the emergency plan, as well as, employee involvement. There is space within each section of the tool to record your observations and reference documents used to form your opinion. A compliance statement is also contained within relevant sections of the tool to compare your findings against the regulatory standard. If you identify opportunities for improvement there is space at the end of each section to record these, assign responsibilities and propose a completion date. The Self-assessment toolbox Core tools SA 1 Risk management SA 2 Managing risk control measures SA 3 Emergency management SA 4 Safety management systems SA 5 Consultation, information, instruction and training GUI0113/02/

3 1.1 Relevant OHS Regulations for emergency management Regulation 424(1)(b) & 424(2) Title 427 Emergency exit 433 Emergency plan 436 Self-rescue 437 Plan of mine Safety role for employees implementing, reviewing, testing risk control measures 438 Plan of mine to be available for inspection 444(1)(d)(ii) 443(b) Information, instruction and training provision of information, instruction and training in relation to the emergency plan Further information and availability of documents in respect of prescribed mines accessibility of emergency plan 447(2) General requirements duty of employees to take appropriate corrective action in the event of an incident 448(a) & 448(b) Major mining hazards in prescribed mines duty of employees to participate in emergency plan testing and follow the emergency plan when activated Please note: if there are dangerous goods at the prescribed mine, operators will also need to consider the applicability of the Dangerous Goods Act 1985 and its associated regulations with regards to emergency management. 3

4 1.2 References relevant to emergency management Reference Relevant to Location Emergency management manual Victoria, Part 7 Dangerous goods emergency response guide HB 76:2010 AS Routine service of fire protection systems and equipment AS Planning for emergencies in facilities Minerals industry safety handbook NSW Department of Minerals Resources 2002 Small mines safety management kit second edition Safety alert self-contained self-rescuers NSW DPI mine safety report # SA /2/07 Agricultural fire management guidelines 2011 Emergency planning at a major hazard facility guidance note, 2011 The role of fire studies at a major hazard facility guidance note, 2011 Emergency management in the minerals resources sector Defines agency roles under the Emergency Management Act 1986 Initial response guide for chemical spills Equipment - fire protection systems Guidance on how to structure internal emergency management teams Part 2.5 emergency planning and response A guide for safety management plans Equipment - self-rescuers Agricultural fire management guidelines advice for managing land fires Planning for emergencies Planning and preparation Victorian emergency management arrangements Emergency Management Victoria: emv.vic.gov.au Standards Australia: standards.com.au Standards Australia: standards.com.au Standards Australia: standards.com.au DPI NSW: dpi.nsw.gov.au NSW Resources and Energy: resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au NSW Resources and Energy: resourcesandenergy.nsw.gov.au Country Fire Authority: cfa.vic.gov.au WorkSafe: worksafe.vic.gov.au WorkSafe: worksafe.vic.gov.au WorkSafe: worksafe.vic.gov.au 4

5 2. Emergency planning 2.1 The emergency plan Regulation Regulation 433 Sub-regulations 1. The operator of a prescribed mine must prepare an emergency plan for the mine in accordance with this regulation. 2. The operator must use the emergency plan as the primary means of responding to incidents involving a significant risk of serious injury or death. Before you begin Do you have access to all the relevant information? Some key examples include: your emergency plan (including all associated procedures) and debrief minutes from tests of the emergency plan. As the emergency plan is a control measure, are you required to consult about the adoption of this risk control measure with employees at the mine who are likely to be directly affected and their health and safety representatives (HSRs)? (Refer to self-assessment tool SA 5 Consultation, information, instruction and training for more information.) The emergency plan Have you prepared an emergency plan for the facility and is it used as the primary means of responding to incidents? In determining if the emergency plan is used as the primary means of responding to incidents, have you considered: If the emergency plan contains details on how persons respond to all types of incidents that may happen at the mine? Whether the emergency plan is used by all employees when making decisions regarding planning and responding to incidents? Have you recorded who was involved and who you consulted with? 5

6 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information An emergency plan has been prepared (which identifies emergency situations and the people who may be affected by those events). The plan is fully implemented and its contents are used primarily to make decisions regarding incident management on site. Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date 6

7 2.2 Preparing a comprehensive plan Regulation Regulation 433 Sub-regulation 2. The emergency plan must a address all aspects of emergency response, including i. ensuring that a system exists that enables all persons within the mine at any given time to be promptly located; and ii. the provision of adequate rescue equipment; and iii. ensuring that persons trained in the use of rescue equipment are available on site, or are on call, whenever any person is working at the mine;. 3. The operator must immediately implement the emergency plan in responding to incidents involving a significant risk of serious injury. 7

8 Before you begin Do you have access to all the relevant information? Some key examples include: your emergency plan, your Safety Assessment, fire safety studies, technical information of emergency equipment and fire systems, communications equipment list, list of rescue equipment, training matrix, and shift rosters. Preparing a comprehensive emergency plan In preparing a comprehensive emergency plan have you considered if your plan: Contains sufficient detail about the site? Some key examples include: names, locations, address and nature of operation, detailed maps of mine and surrounding area, listing of chemical stores on site, maximum and minimum number of persons expected at the facility, maximum number of persons likely to be affected by an incident at the facility, infrastructure likely to be affected by an incident, and emergency planning assumptions. Contains sufficient detail on the incidents that may occur? Some key examples include: specific mining emergencies such as, ground control and slope instability, rock falls and burst, inrush of water or semi solids, mine fires, explosions, gas outburst, overturning or collapse of mining plant, sodium cyanide spills, and loss of ventilation. Generic emergencies such as spills of other hazardous solids or liquids, gas leaks, structural failure, natural events (bush fire, flood, earthquake), impact events (road vehicles, haul trucks), and bomb threats or terrorism. Is there a clear connection between the consequences of scenarios defined in the Safety Assessment and the range of response required? Does the emergency plan recognise any known cumulative effects identified in the Safety Assessment? For example, an underground explosion could create the following cumulative effects: fire, toxic atmosphere, and ground instability. Preparing a comprehensive emergency plan Contains sufficient detail on the command structure and personnel in place or required? Some key examples include: details on the command/response structure you put in place when an emergency situation occurs (in/out of hours), details on how this command structure works with the roles of other agencies as prescribed by the Emergency Management Act 1986 and Emergency management manual Victoria (EMMV), details of mutual aid provisions between yourself and other facilities in the event of an emergency, and, include a list of site or on-call personnel who are trained in the use of rescue equipment. Contains sufficient detail on notifying persons you may need during the emergency? Some key examples include: details for contacting your personnel (in/out of hours) and contacting the emergency services, contact details of persons or businesses within the local community who may be affected by an incident at your facility, and contact details of organisations who may provide you with resources you require during an emergency. Contains sufficient detail on the resources which you may have/or require? Some key examples include: details on the specific resources kept/maintained on site (ie self-rescuers/first aid/firefighting equipment), details on the resources which may be required and its location, details on rescue equipment (which may or may not be located at the facility), and whether this equipment is adequate/sufficient for the scenarios under consideration. Contains sufficient detail on the procedures which define what will occur in the event of an emergency? Some key examples of relevant procedures include: safe evacuation and muster of personnel, disconnecting essential services, containment of any incident, rescue of personnel, and liaison with emergency services. 8

9 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information There is a documented emergency plan that sets out how the mine will respond to all identified emergency scenarios. The plan includes items such as: emergency scenarios command and control structures procedures for controlling incidents emergency contact list, and description of emergency equipment. There is an implemented procedure for promptly locating all persons within the mine site. Adequate rescue equipment is provided and persons trained in the use of rescue equipment are available on site, or are on call, whenever any person is working at the mine. Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date 9

10 2.3 Involving the emergency services and municipal council Note: Whilst not explicitly stated within the regulations, operators of prescribed mines should identify major mining hazards (MMHs) before they can begin their Safety Assessment. Regulation Regulation 433 Sub-regulation 2. The emergency plan must b. be prepared in conjunction with i. the emergency services that have responsibility for the area in which the mine is located; and ii. in relation to major mining hazards that could adversely affect the health or safety of people in the area surrounding the mine, any municipal council in that area; Before you begin Do you have access to all the relevant information? Some key examples include: your emergency plan, the EMMV, contact details of the emergency services and local council in your area, and your Safety Assessment detailing the consequences of incidents which can occur on site. Have you considered that the following emergency services may need to be involved in the preparation of your emergency plan? Some key examples include: the State Emergency Service, the Country Fire Authority, the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, or Ambulance Victoria. Involving the emergency services and councils Have you involved the emergency services during the preparation of your plan? Have you identified MMHs that could have a detrimental affect on the surrounding community? Have you prepared your emergency plan in conjunction with the local municipal council? 10

11 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information There is evidence that the site has prepared its emergency plan in conjunction with all relevant emergency services. For major mining hazards that could detrimentally affect the health or safety of people in the area surrounding the mine, there is evidence that the site has prepared its emergency plan in conjunction with the municipal council in that area. In conjunction is to be interpreted as: contacting emergency services and local councils sharing information and obtaining a mutual understanding of the types of incidents on site and their consequences sharing information and obtaining a mutual understanding of the responsibilities and responses of the mine, the emergency services and the local council in the event of the identified emergencies, and considering the effect of the advice or information received from the emergency services or local council on the emergency plan. Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date 11

12 2.4 Usability and availability of the emergency plan Regulation Regulation 433 Regulation 434 Regulation 443 Sub-regulation 2. c. be documented in a form that it is readily comprehensible to persons who use it; and d. be able to be implemented immediately in response to an indicent involving a death or serious injury.. 4. The operator of a prescribed mine must ensure that the emergency plan is kept available for inspection on request under the Act. After preparing the emergency plan, the operator of the prescribed mine must a. keep a copy of the emergency plan at the mine for use by the emergency services; and b. send a copy of the emergency plan to i. the emergency services involved in the preparation of the plan under regulation 433(2)(b)(i) and inform them of the plan s location at the prescribed mine; and ii. the municipal councils involved in the preparation of the plan under regulation 433(3)(b)(ii). The operator of a prescribed mine must ensure that the following are readily accessible to employees of the operator b. the emergency plan prepared under regulation 433; 12

13 Before you begin Do you have access to all the relevant information? Some key examples include: the emergency plan, records of feedback from training sessions on the plan, debriefs from emergency exercises, correspondence from the emergency services on the content of the plan or their preferred location of the plan. What systems do you have in place to ensure that copies of the emergency plan are always in their defined locations and are kept up to date? A usable and comprehensive emergency plan Is the plan written in a manner that is understood by employees at the mine and is consideration given to those who will periodically use the plan such as the emergency services or mutual aid responders? Are all acronyms clearly explained and standard terms for emergency roles used? Are there copies of the relevant sections of the emergency plan available to those who will need to use them? Are complete and current copies available to the site emergency response team and emergency services? Are copies of relevant sections of emergency and evacuation procedures available where they will be used? Are copies of the evacuation procedure available near emergency exits or refuge chambers? Have you consulted with your local emergency services on a preferred on site location for a copy the emergency plan in case they need to access maps/plans/location of rescue equipment without your direct assistance? Have you forwarded the emergency services a copy of the plan? 13

14 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information The emergency plan is documented and uses language and terms that are understood by employees of the mine operator and emergency services. The emergency plan is readily accessible to employees of the mine operator and a copy has been forwarded to emergency services. A copy of the plan is available for inspection on request (as required by the OHS Act.) Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date 14

15 2.5 Testing the emergency plan Regulation Regulation 433 Regulation 435 Sub-regulation 2. The emergency plan must b. be prepared in conjunction with i. the emergency services that have responsibility for the area in which the mine is located; and ii. in relation to major mining hazards that could adversely affect the health or safety of persons in the area surrounding the mine, any municipal council in that area The operator of a prescribed mine must at least once a year a. test the emergency plan in order to ensure its continued effectiveness; and b. take all necessary steps to arrange for the emergency services consulted under regulation 433(3)(b)(i) to participate in those tests. Before you begin Do you have access to all the relevant information? Some key examples include: the emergency plan, records of feedback from training sessions on the plan, debriefs from emergency exercises, correspondence from the emergency services on the content of the plan or their preferred location of the plan. What systems do you have in place to ensure that copies of the emergency plan are always in their defined locations and are kept up to date? A usable and comprehensive emergency plan Is the plan written in a manner that is understood by employees at the mine and is consideration given to those who will periodically use the plan such as the emergency services or mutual aid responders? Are all acronyms clearly explained and standard terms for emergency roles used? Are there copies of the relevant sections of the emergency plan available to those who will need to use them? Are complete and current copies available to the site emergency response team and emergency services? Are copies of relevant sections of emergency and evacuation procedures available where they will be used? Are copies of the evacuation procedure available near emergency exits or refuge chambers? Have you consulted with your local emergency services on a preferred on site location for a copy the emergency plan in case they need to access maps/plans/location of rescue equipment without your direct assistance? Have you forwarded the emergency services a copy of the plan? 15

16 Before you begin Do you have access to all the relevant information? Some key examples include: the emergency plan, emergency plan test schedule, correspondence with emergency services, contact list of emergency services for your local area, debriefing minutes from emergency exercises conducted, and the EMMV. Are you aware of the responsibilities of the emergency services for specific emergencies as defined by the EMMV? Have you considered that there are different types of tests? Type of test Pros Cons Desk top exercise Live practical exercise Drills Stimulates group discussion of issues around a specific scenario. Allows for business continuity. Tests coordination between on-site procedures and emergency services. Allows for an extended test of onsite/offsite communication systems. Tests capability of emergency services to response. Assists with the identification of limitation/restrictions in equipment access. Allows for a site to gauge how long it will take a number of employees to react to a certain situation. Allows for testing of communication systems. May not adequately test communication, site evacuations processes or equipment accessibility. May not adequately test communication, site evacuations processes or equipment accessibility. Cannot be used exclusively due to narrow scope. Testing the emergency plan Do you test your emergency plan at least once a year? As the emergency plan is a risk control measure, do you test this control measure as often as necessary to ensure that it remains effective? Do these tests involve a mix of desktop, live exercise and drills? Do you arrange for the emergency services to participate in these tests where practicable? Do you involve persons who have defined roles in the plan or are likely to be directly affected by the incident being considered? When scheduling tests do you take into account shift arrangements for employees and involving contractors if they have a role in the plan? Are emergency plan tests debriefed and corrective actions assigned if necessary? 16

17 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information There is evidence that the emergency plan is tested as often as necessary to ensure the plan remains effective as a control measure and at least on an annual basis. The site arranges for the emergency services to participate in the tests where practicable. Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date 17

18 3. Employee involvement 3.1 Safety role for employees Regulation Regulation 424 Sub-regulations 1. The operator of a prescribed mine must develop a safety role for the operator s employees, including the specific procedures employees are required to follow to assist the operator to iv. (d) implement, review and test risk control measures under regulations 405, 406 and 423.; 2. The operator of a prescribed mine must review the role of the employees developed under this regulation if there is any change of circumstances, including a mine modification, that would require additional or different knowledge or skills on the part of employees to perform the role. Before you begin Do you have access to all the relevant information? Some key examples include: the emergency plan, position descriptions, organisational charts, responsibility/role matrix, and contract specifications. Is there a procedure that defines how your employees assist you in emergency management processes, such as planning for emergencies, consulting with the emergency services and testing the emergency plan? Do your procedures define what will trigger a review? Changes in legislation, mine modifications, and changes in organisational structure may trigger reviews. Have you consulted about the development and review safety roles with employees at the mine who are likely to be directly affected and their HSRs? Developing and reviewing a safety role Do you have safety role descriptions for your employees? Senior management, technical personnel, supervisory personnel, operators, contractors, other employees may require safety role descriptions. Do these descriptions detail the types of safety related activities that the role undertakes and where relevant do these include emergency roles? Are you aware if employees are participating as defined by their role? Do you review the skills and knowledge required to do the role when there has been a modification to the mine? Have you recorded who was involved in the development and review of the safety roles? Have you recorded who you consulted with during the development and review? 18

19 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information Safety roles have been defined and include adopting, reviewing and testing risk control measures (such as the emergency plan) for all relevant personnel at the prescribed mine. Specific procedures have been developed regarding safety roles, including procedures for adopting, reviewing and testing risk control measures. A review of the skills and competencies required occurs when modifications are made to the mine. There is evidence that employees are participating in adopting, reviewing and testing risk control measures as defined by their role. Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date 19

20 3.2 Information, instruction and training Regulation Regulation 441 Sub-regulations 1. The operator of a mine must provide information, instruction and training to employees of the operator at the mine in relation to d. In the case of prescribed mines, ii. the emergency plan prepared under regulation 433; Before you begin Do you have access to the relevant information? Some key examples include: the emergency plan, list of persons who have been involved in emergency exercises, training needs analysis, training records and contents of training records. Do you define training needs for dealing with emergencies? What systems do you have in place to keep this information up to date? An example of this could be a system for managing change that prompts review of training when the emergency plan is updated or when new equipment is purchased. Information, instruction and training in the emergency plan Do you inform, instruct and train all your employees in the content of the emergency plan (as appropriate to their role)? Is the information, instruction and training relevant, appropriate and sufficient for individual employees, taking into account their specific needs? For example: command personnel should receive training in relation to their specific role in an emergency, including reporting lines and how this fits into the overall emergency structure personnel with response and rescue responsibilities need to understand their function, tasks and expectations placed on them in an emergency, and other personnel should be instructed generally in the emergency procedures, in the alert systems, and in the actions that they must take including any evacuation requirements. 20

21 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information The prescribed mine operator provides its employees with information, instruction and training in relation to the emergency plan. This includes training such as: roles in an emergency response for scenarios identified specific equipment which is required to be used, safe egress/evacuation from the facility. The training is up to date and is relevant to the facility, the equipment to be used and the way it is managed. Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date 21

22 3.3 Employee duties Regulation Regulation 447 Regulation 448 Sub-regulations 2 An employee at a mine must, in the event of an incident occurring that involves a mining hazard, take appropriate corrective action in accordance with the instruction and training the employee has received under regulation 441. An employee at a prescribed mine must a. participate in the testing, under regulation 433, of the emergency plan for the mine; b. follow the emergency plan for the mine when it is activated; and c. immediately inform the operator of any circumstance that the employee considers might be a major mining hazard. Before you begin Do you have access to the relevant information? Some key examples include: list of persons who have been involved in emergency exercises, training records and content of training records, hazard or near miss reports, and incident reports which describe sequence of events. Does your induction or training contain information on how employees are to respond to emergencies at the mine? Does your induction or training contain information on how employees should respond to mining hazards and incidents? Does this training extend to relevant contractors whom you are responsible for? Employee duties Do you know whether your employees are following the emergency plan when it is activated? If deficiencies are identified are these actioned? How do you evaluate whether your employees have responded or would respond appropriately to a mining hazard incident? If deficiencies are identified are these actioned for resolution? Have all employees had the opportunity to practice their role in an emergency? Tasks which may be practiced include: how to raise the alarm who to contact locating and using rescue and firefighting equipment, and proceeding to the emergency assembly area. 22

23 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information There is evidence that employees are participating in emergency tests and plans according to their training and role. There is evidence that employees are taking action according to their role and training when an incident occurs at the mine involving a mining hazard. Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date 23

24 4. Specific emergency response requirements 4.1 Emergency exit Regulation Regulation 427 Sub-regulations The operator of a prescribed mine into which a shaft has been sunk or a decline or adit has been driven must, so far as is reasonably practicable a. provide for a means of exiting the mine workings in addition to the hoisting shaft or the exit normally used; and b. ensure that the additional exit is i. maintained so that it remains a functional exit; and ii. marked or signposted so that it can be readily located in the event of an incident. Before you begin Do you have access to all the relevant information you need? Some key examples include: your emergency plan, plan of the mine, Safety Assessment documents which list the reason for adopting or rejecting an additional means of exit, control measure register, completed checklists from underground inspections, minutes from emergency exercise debriefs, any content of training given. As the alternative exit is a risk control measure, do you test this control measure as often as necessary to ensure that it remains effective? Examples of this include: undertaking a simulated exercise that uses the emergency exit as an escape route, and supervisory checks of signage and equipment. How do you inform your people about when and how to use the alternative exit? Have you consulted about the adoption of risk control measures with employees at the mine who are likely to be directly affected and their HSRs? Emergency exit Have you provided an alternative exit, so far as is reasonably practicable? When considering the types of scenarios which can occur, is this exit available or must you consider alternate means of exiting the mine? Are additional exits maintained? For example for shaft type exits is the associated equipment and ventilation systems maintained. Are additional exits readily identifiable so that they can be found in the event of an emergency? 24

25 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information The operator has determined that it is practicable to provide an alternate exit and has constructed this exit. This exit is maintained and kept functional for use as an emergency exit. The exits are marked so that they can be identified in an emergency. Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date 25

26 4.2 Plan of the mine Having a detailed mine plan is not only essential for day to day operation but a valuable tool when dealing with emergencies. Regulation Regulation 437 Regulation 438 Sub-regulations 1. The operator of a prescribed mine must ensure that a detailed plan of the mine in accordance with subregulation (2) is kept at the mine. 2. The plan must clearly show the following a the workings, including disused workings of the mine; b. the ventilation system, including all ventilation fans; c. the location of switchboards, transformers and other fixed plant associated with the distribution of electricity; d. the location of telephones and other fixed plant associated with the radio and telecommunications systems; e. water dams and tailings dams; f. natural features surrounding the mine; g. places where hydrocarbons or explosives are stored; h. emergency exits. 3. The operator of the prescribed mine must revise the plan regularly so that it always accurately shows which mine workings are still in use and which are disused. The operator of a prescribed mine must keep the plan of the mine, prepared and revised under regulation 437, available for inspection on request under the Act. Before you begin Do you have access to all the relevant information you need? Some key examples include: current plans of the mine, mine modification registers, your emergency plan, and debriefing minutes from emergency exercises. As the plan is an administrative risk control measure, do you test the risk control measure as often as necessary to ensure that it remains effective? Do you audit the accuracy of the plan on a periodic basis and use it in emergency scenario testing? Are safety roles and responsibilities for updating mine plans defined? Do your procedures for managing mine modifications or management of change prompt you to review mine plans? Does your Safety Management System define a review date or review criteria for the mine plans? Plan of the mine Do you have detailed plans of the mine, which includes all items specified in regulation 437? Are the plans, scaled, accurate, and legible? Is the plan up to date? Does the plan clearly show which mine workings are still in use and which ones are disused? Is this plan kept on site and in places where it can be used in the case of an emergency? Have you considered that for emergencies that additional information is likely to be required on the plan such as, the location of other dangerous goods, the location of refuges and firefighting equipment? 26

27 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information A current plan exists for the mine and this clearly contains the detail as specified by the regulation. The plan is reviewed when necessary and accurately shows which mine workings are in use and disuse. The plan is available for inspection under the Act. Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date 27

28 4.3 Self-rescuer training and provision of Regulation Regulation 436 Sub-regulations 1. The operator of an underground mine must ensure that every person who goes underground a. is, so far as is reasonably practicable, provided with a self-contained self-rescuer or, if this is not reasonably practicable, is provided with a filter self-rescuer; and b. is trained in the operation and use of the self-rescuer provided. 2. This regulation does not apply in relation to a person (including a guide, if any) participating in an organised tour of a tourist mine. Before you begin Do you have access to all the relevant information you need? Some key examples include: register of adopted control measures, Safety Assessment documents which list the reasons for the adoption and rejection of controls, training or induction records and content of this training or induction, equipment and maintenance registers. Does your Safety Assessment detail the reasons for the acceptance/rejection of a particular type of self-rescuer being used on site? As the self-rescuer is a risk control measure, do you test the risk control measure as often as necessary to ensure that it remains effective? Such as undertaking a simulated exercise which takes into account emergency conditions (eg dark, dusty, smoky environment) and time pressures. Does this testing include the use of the escape system as a whole? Do you test all relevant caches, change over stations and refill stations? Have you consulted about the adoption of risk control measures with employees at the mine who are likely to be directly affected and their HSRs? Providing self-rescuers Are all persons who go underground provided with self-rescuers? Are these self-rescuers carried on the person or directly near the person? Are there a sufficient number of self-rescuers available considering testing/maintenance requirements of the units, increased person numbers on site due to maintenance turn arounds, visitors, etc? Is training provided to the person on the use of the specific type of self-rescuer? Is self-rescuer training thorough? Topics that should be covered include: when to use the self-rescuer how and what to expect when using the self-rescuer the symptoms of CO2 build-up, and how to resolve faults with the self-rescuer. Have you recorded who was involved and who you consulted with? 28

29 Relevant documents and records Observations and comments Compliance information All persons who go underground are provided with self-contained self-rescuers (or filter self-rescuers if not reasonably practicable). All persons are trained in the use and operation of the self-rescuer. The type of information provided should include: how to use the self-rescuer provided when to use the self-rescuer how to identify if the unit maybe faulty, and what to do if a fault is found. Rating Meets requirement Does not meet requirement Opportunities for improvement identified Person responsible Proposed completion date This guidance has been reviewed and updated for the sole purpose of amending year and regulation references relating to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, in line with amendments which came into effect on 18 June