Western Australian Current Regulations Western Australian Current Regulations (1) The mine operator
of an underground mine must ensure that the mine has at least 2 trafficable
exits to the surface that comply with subregulations (2) and (3).
Penalty for this subregulation:
(a) for
an individual, a fine of $7 000;
(b) for
a body corporate, a fine of $35 000.
(2) Each exit
must —
(a) be
accessible from each level in the mine in which coal extraction or stoping
operations are being carried out; and
(b)
allow for the passage of rescue persons and rescue equipment; and
(c) be
marked or signposted so that it can be readily located in an emergency; and
(d) be
maintained so that it remains effective.
(3) The exits must be
located so as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that an incident
or event that occurs in relation to 1 exit, that prevents the exit from being
used for the purpose of escape from the mine, does not prevent persons from
using the other exit to escape.
(4) The mine operator
of an underground mine is not required to comply with subregulation (1)
in either of the following circumstances if the mine operator ensures that the
mine has at least 1 trafficable exit to the surface that complies with
subregulation (2) —
(a) a
single entry drive or mine shaft is being developed;
(b) the
most distant area of the mine is no more than 250 metres from the mine
entrance.