Western Australian Current Regulations Western Australian Current Regulations[r. 675ZP]
(1) A radiation safety
officer must be appointed for a mine to which Part 10.2 Division 3
Subdivision 3B applies.
(2) Radiation safety
officers have the following functions —
(a)
advising the site senior executive or exploration manager of precautions to be
taken to control the radiation doses persons receive at the mine;
(b)
monitoring the sources of radiation exposure;
(c)
assessing doses of radiation received by persons because of mining operations
carried out at the mine.
(3) A person is
eligible to be appointed as a radiation safety officer if the
person —
(a) has
an undergraduate degree in science, technology, engineering or mathematics;
and
(b)
meets the eligibility requirements for a mine air quality officer under
clause 4(3); and
(c)
successfully completes a course about radiation protection from
naturally‑occurring radioactive material that is approved by the
regulator under regulation 675ZZK(1)(a); and
(d)
works for at least 12 months under the supervision of a radiation safety
officer; and
(e)
successfully completes an approved WHS risk management unit for radiation
safety officers; and
(f)
passes an applicable legislation examination for radiation safety officers.
(1) A noise officer
must be appointed for a mine if a person at the mine is likely to be exposed
to noise at the mine that exceeds the exposure standard for noise.
(2) Noise officers for
a mine have the following functions —
(a)
carrying out noise surveys at the mine to —
(i)
identify plant and activities that exceed the exposure
standard for noise; or
(ii)
confirm the effectiveness of noise controls;
(b)
preparing reports to the site senior executive or exploration manager
containing details of noise reports and plans to reduce the exposure of
persons at the mine to noise;
(c)
advising the mine operator, site senior executive or exploration manager
about —
(i)
plant and activities that exceed the exposure standard
for noise; and
(ii)
processes and controls to reduce the noise emitted by the
plant and activities;
(d)
monitoring the noise persons at the mine are exposed to.
(3) A person is
eligible to be appointed as a noise officer if the person —
(a)
successfully completes a course about measuring noise and managing noise that
is approved by the regulator under regulation 675ZZK(1)(b); and
(b)
successfully completes an approved WHS risk management unit for noise
officers; and
(c)
passes an applicable legislation examination for noise officers.
(1) Statutory
supervisors must be appointed for each of the following places at a mine in
respect of which a levy is payable under the Mines Safety and Inspection
Act 1994 —
(a) a
laboratory;
(b) a
processing plant;
(c) a
quarry;
(d) a
workshop;
(e) each
place where the mine operator for the mine considers it is necessary to have a
statutory supervisor to reduce the risks to health and safety associated with
mining operations carried out at the mine.
Note for this subclause:
Under
regulation 675ZJ(c) if a statutory supervisor is not required to be
appointed under this subclause the site senior executive has the functions of
a statutory supervisor for the places at a mine at which a supervisor must be
appointed.
(2) In making a
decision under subclause (1)(e) about whether it is necessary to appoint
a statutory supervisor for a place at the mine, the mine operator must have
regard to —
(a) the
mine’s mine safety management system; and
(b) risk
assessments undertaken in relation to the place at the mine.
(3) Statutory
supervisors have the following functions for the place (the appointed place )
at the mine to which they are appointed —
(a)
allocating tasks to the worker for that worker to carry out at the appointed
place;
(b)
supervising and controlling workers and other persons at the appointed place;
(c) if
necessary, inspecting areas where workers and other persons travel to the
appointed place for risks or hazards to those persons;
(d)
taking steps to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers and
other persons are not exposed to risks or hazards in the appointed place;
(e) if
the supervisor is being replaced by another supervisor — providing
written reports to the incoming supervisor under regulation 630.
(4) A person is
eligible to be appointed as a statutory supervisor for a place at a mine if
the person —
(a)
works for at least 2 years as a supervisor or worker in a similar
operation or industry that the mine is engaged in; and
(b)
successfully completes an approved WHS risk management unit for statutory
supervisors; and
(c)
passes an applicable legislation examination for statutory supervisors.
(1) A mine air quality
officer must be appointed for a mine if a hazard identified at the mine under
the mine safety management system for the mine includes exposing workers to
airborne contaminants, heat or humidity.
(2) Mine air quality
officers for a mine have the following functions —
(a)
advising the mine operator, site senior executive or exploration manager about
steps to be taken to reduce the exposure of workers to airborne contaminants,
heat or humidity;
(b)
planning and carrying out monitoring for air quality and airborne contaminants
by reference to the risk of exposure to the airborne contaminants identified
at the mine;
(c)
reporting on the results of the monitoring to the mine operator, site senior
executive or exploration manager.
(3) A person is
eligible to be appointed as a mine air quality officer for a mine if the
person —
(a)
successfully completes a course about sampling and assessing airborne
contaminants that is approved by the regulator under
regulation 675ZZK(1)(c); and
(b)
successfully completes an approved WHS risk management unit for mine air
quality officers; and
(c)
passes an applicable legislation examination for mine air quality officers.
(1) In this
clause —
electrician has the meaning given in the
Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 regulation 3(1).
(2) An electrical
supervisor must be appointed for a mine where electrical work is carried out
by an electrician.
(3) Electrical
supervisors for a mine have the following functions —
(a)
ensuring the efficient supervision of the installation, maintenance and
testing of electrical plant;
(b) to
be responsible to the site senior executive or exploration manager for the
safe operation of electrical plant at the mine;
(c)
ensuring that all work carried out by persons in relation to electrical plant
and installations at the mine is adequately supervised;
(d)
ensuring that electrical plant and installations at the mine are installed and
tested in accordance with the Act, and maintained in a safe working condition;
(e)
stopping the use of any electrical plant or installation at the mine
considered to be dangerous;
(f)
reporting to the site senior executive or exploration manager any situation
which may affect the safe use of electricity or contravene the Act;
(g)
investigating and reporting to the site senior executive or exploration
manager details of the following incidents —
(i)
any electric shock or burn received by a person;
(ii)
any fire suspected to be caused by electricity;
(iii)
any dangerous occurrence involving electricity which
could have caused injury to a person;
(h)
recording up to date information in the electrical log book kept for the mine
under regulation 641C about the matters and incidents referred to in
paragraphs (e), (f) and (g).
(4) A person is
eligible to be appointed as an electrical supervisor if the
person —
(a)
either —
(i)
has an electrician’s licence issued under the
Electricity (Licensing) Regulations 1991 without restrictions; or
(ii)
holds a qualification in electrical engineering that
makes the person eligible for professional engineer membership of the
Institution of Engineers Australia ABN 63 020 415 510;
and
(b)
successfully completes an approved WHS risk management unit for electrical
supervisors; and
(c)
works for at least 2 years carrying out electrical work in the mining
industry or another heavy industry.
(1) A high voltage
operator must be appointed for a mine —
(a) that
has high voltage installations; or
(b)
where high voltage electricity is used.
(2) High voltage
operators for a mine have the following functions —
(a)
issuing permits ( high voltage vicinity permits ) to persons authorising them
to work or operate any plant at the mine that is in close proximity to
uninsulated high voltage conductors or components;
(b)
ensuring that measures for the safe operation of the plant in close proximity
to uninsulated high voltage conductors or components are —
(i)
detailed on the high voltage vicinity permits to which
they relate; and
(ii)
are carried out;
(c)
isolating high voltage equipment at the mine so that the equipment can be
accessed, maintained or repaired, and re‑energising the equipment.
(3) A person is
eligible to be appointed as a high voltage operator for a mine if —
(a) the
person successfully completes a high voltage operator training course that is
approved by the regulator under regulation 675ZZK(1)(d); and
(b) the
site senior executive or exploration manager of the mine is satisfied that the
person knows how to operate switchgear to isolate and re‑energise high
voltage equipment under subclause (2)(c).
7 . Underground managers (non‑coal)
(1) An underground
manager (non‑coal) must be appointed for an underground non‑coal
mine.
(2) Underground
managers (non‑coal) for an underground non‑coal mine have the
following functions —
(a)
directing and controlling the underground operations of the mine, subject to
an instruction given by the site senior executive of the mine;
(b)
ensuring that every person who is appointed to perform any duty under the Act
underground understands the nature and scope of that duty;
(c)
ensuring that, when underground, every person other than the site senior
executive performs all duties imposed on that person under the Act;
(d)
assisting the site senior executive of the mine to manage an emergency
occurring underground at the mine.
(3) A person is
eligible to be appointed as an underground manager (non‑coal) for an
underground non‑coal mine if —
(a) for
a mine where, on average, more than 25 persons work underground per
day — the person holds a first class mine manager’s
certificate for non‑coal mines; or
(b)
otherwise — the person holds a first class mine manager’s
certificate for non‑coal mines or underground supervisor’s
certificate for non‑coal mines.
8 . Underground managers (coal)
(1) An underground
manager (coal) must be appointed for an underground coal mine.
(2) Underground
managers (coal) for an underground coal mine have the following
functions —
(a)
directing and controlling the underground operations of the mine, subject to
an instruction given by the site senior executive of the mine;
(b)
ensuring that every person who is appointed to perform any duty under the Act
underground understands the nature and scope of that duty;
(c)
ensuring that, when underground, every person other than the site senior
executive of the mine performs all duties imposed on that person under
the Act;
(d)
assisting the site senior executive of the mine to manage an emergency
occurring underground at the mine.
(3) A person is
eligible to be appointed as an underground manager (coal) for an underground
coal mine if —
(a) for
a mine where, on average, more than 25 persons work underground per
day — the person holds a first class mine manager’s
certificate for coal mines; or
(b)
otherwise — the person holds a first class mine manager’s
certificate for coal mines or deputy’s certificate for underground coal
mines.
9 . Underground supervisors (non‑coal)
(1) In this
clause —
supervised area means an underground area in an
underground non‑coal mine allocated to the supervisor by the underground
manager (non‑coal) for the mine.
(2) An underground
supervisor (non‑coal) must be appointed for a supervised area in an
underground non‑coal mine.
(3) Underground
supervisors (non‑coal) for an underground non‑coal mine have the
following functions —
(a)
subject to the direction of the underground manager (non‑coal),
supervising the underground operations in the supervisor’s area;
(b)
determining, so far as is reasonably practicable, that it is safe to perform a
task in the supervisor’s area and allocating the task to a worker;
(c)
inspecting underground areas in the supervisor’s area where workers work
or travel;
(d)
taking steps to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers are
not exposed to hazards in the supervisor’s area;
(e) if
the supervisor is being replaced by another supervisor — providing
written reports to the incoming supervisor under regulation 630.
(4) A person is
eligible to be appointed as an underground supervisor (non‑coal) if the
person holds a first class mine manager’s certificate for non‑coal
mines or underground supervisor’s certificate for non‑coal mines.
10 . Underground supervisors (coal)
(1) In this
clause —
supervised area means an underground area in an
underground coal mine allocated to the supervisor by the underground manager
(coal) for the mine.
(2) An underground
supervisor (coal) must be appointed for a supervised area in an underground
coal mine.
(3) Underground
supervisors (coal) for an underground coal mine have the following
functions —
(a)
subject to the direction of the underground manager (coal), supervising the
underground operations in the supervisor’s area;
(b)
determining, so far as is reasonably practicable, that it is safe to perform a
task in the supervisor’s area and allocating the task to a worker;
(c)
inspecting underground areas in the supervisor’s area where workers work
or travel;
(d)
taking steps to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that workers who
the supervisor is supervising are not exposed to hazards in the
supervisor’s area;
(e) if
the supervisor is being replaced by another supervisor — providing
written reports to the incoming supervisor under regulation 630.
(4) A person is
eligible to be appointed as an underground supervisor (coal) if the person
holds a first class mine manager’s certificate for coal mines or
deputy’s certificate for underground coal mines.
11 . Underground ventilation officers
(1) An underground
ventilation officer must be appointed for an underground mine.
(2) Underground
ventilation officers for a mine have the following functions —
(a)
planning and implementing an underground ventilation system that —
(i)
ensures air is provided of the required volume, velocity
and quality under regulation 648(1), having regard to the underground
ventilation control plan under regulation 654 and, if diesel units are
used at the mine, the requirements of regulation 656A; and
(ii)
manages heat and humidity in the underground part of the
mine so that regulations 41A and 635 are not contravened; and
(iii)
ensures the underground ventilation control plan is
prepared and implemented under regulation 654; and
(iv)
reduces concentrations of any airborne contaminant
(including any asphyxiant or explosive gas) at the mine to as low as is
reasonably practicable;
(b)
monitoring atmospheric conditions in the underground part of the mine, having
regard to the hazards and risks assessed and identified for the part of the
mine;
(c)
maintaining records of the monitoring of atmospheric condition;
(d)
maintaining the ventilation plan prepared for the underground mine under
regulation 656;
(e)
advising the following of deficiencies in the underground ventilation system
and precautions to be taken because of those deficiencies —
(i)
the site senior executive of the mine;
(ii)
the underground manager (coal) or underground manager
(non‑coal) for the mine.
(3) A person is
eligible to be appointed as an underground ventilation officer for a mine
if —
(a) the
person has —
(i)
a diploma or degree that had a curriculum that focused
substantially on underground mine ventilation; or
(ii)
an alternative qualification that the regulator approves
under subclause (4) for the mine;
and
(b) the
person —
(i)
successfully completes an approved WHS risk management
unit for underground ventilation officers; and
(ii)
passes an applicable legislation examination for
underground ventilation officers; and
(iii)
works for at least 2 years at an underground mine,
at least 6 months of which is working with an underground ventilation
officer.
(4) The regulator may
approve a qualification as an alternative qualification for underground
ventilation officers for a mine if the regulator is satisfied the
qualification provides sufficient competency in underground mine ventilation
at the mine.
(5) If the regulator
approves an alternative qualification under subclause (4) for a mine, or
decides not to approve the alternative qualification, the regulator must give
written notice of the decision to the mine operator of the mine.
12 . Authorised mine surveyors (underground)
(1) An authorised mine
surveyor (underground) must be appointed for an underground mine where a mine
survey plan must be prepared and maintained under regulation 675S.
(2) Authorised mine
surveyors (underground) for a mine have the following functions —
(a)
conducting surveys and preparing plans required under these regulations;
(b)
supervising other persons who conduct surveys and prepare plans required under
these regulations;
(c)
certifying that surveys and plans referred to in paragraphs (a)
and (b) are accurate and correct.
(3) A person is
eligible to be appointed as an authorised mine surveyor (underground) if the
person holds an authorised mine surveyor’s certificate (grade 1).
(1) In this
clause —
class 1 engine means a winder for a winding system
that has a power input of 75 kW or more;
class 2 engine means a winder for a winding system
that has a power input of less than 75 kW.
(2) A winding engine
driver must be appointed to operate a winder for a winding system at an
underground mine if the winding system lowers and raises persons, material or
plant in a mine shaft.
(3) The function of a
winding engine driver is to operate the winder for which they have been
appointed.
(4) A person is
eligible to be appointed as a winding engine driver for a class 1 engine at an
underground mine if —
(a) the
person has assisted in operating a class 1 engine for at
least 300 hours under the supervision of a winding engine driver
eligible to operate a class 1 engine; and
(b) the
person is assessed, in accordance with a system of assessment decided by the
mine operator or site senior executive of the mine, as being competent to
operate the class 1 engine.
(5) A person is
eligible to be appointed as a winding engine driver for a class 2 engine
at an underground mine if —
(a) the
person has assisted in operating a winder for a winding system for at
least 300 hours under the supervision of a winding engine driver
eligible to operate a winder; and
(b) the
person is assessed, in accordance with a system of assessment decided by the
mine operator or site senior executive of the mine, as being competent to
operate the class 2 engine.
(1) A quarry manager
must be appointed for a mine —
(a)
where quarry operations are carried out; and
(b) in
respect of which a levy is payable under the Mines Safety and Inspection
Act 1994 .
Note for this subclause:
Under
regulation 675ZJ(d) if a quarry manager is not required to be appointed
under this subclause the site senior executive has the functions of a quarry
manager.
(2) Quarry managers
for a mine have the following functions —
(a)
subject to the direction of the mine operator or site senior executive of the
mine, directing and controlling the quarry operations at the mine;
(b)
controlling and supervising the quarry operations at the mine;
(c)
ensuring that every person who is appointed to perform any duty under the Act
in the course of quarry operations understands the nature and scope of that
duty;
(d)
ensuring that, when engaging in quarry operations, every person, other than
the mine operator and site senior executive of the mine and any person acting
on behalf of the mine operator, performs all duties imposed on that person
under the Act;
(e)
assisting the site senior executive of the mine to manage an emergency
occurring at the part of the mine where quarry operations are carried out.
(3) A person is
eligible to be appointed as a quarry manager if the person holds —
(a) for
a mine where, on average, more than 25 persons per day carry out quarry
operations —
(i)
a first class mine manager’s certificate for coal
mines; or
(ii)
a first class mine manager’s certificate for
non‑coal mines; or
(iii)
a quarry manager’s certificate;
or
(b)
otherwise —
(i)
a first class mine manager’s certificate for coal
mines; or
(ii)
a first class mine manager’s certificate for
non‑coal mines; or
(iii)
a quarry manager’s certificate; or
(iv)
a restricted quarry manager’s certificate.
15 . Authorised mine surveyors (quarry operation)
(1) An authorised mine
surveyor (quarry operation) must be appointed for a mine where —
(a)
quarry operations are carried out; and
(b) a
mine survey plan must be prepared and maintained under
regulation 675S(1).
(2) Authorised mine
surveyors (quarry operation) for a mine have the following
functions —
(a)
conducting surveys and preparing plans required under these regulations;
(b)
supervising other persons who conduct surveys and prepare plans required under
these regulations;
(c)
certifying that surveys and plans referred to in paragraphs (a)
and (b) are accurate and correct.
(3) A person is
eligible to be appointed as an authorised mine surveyor (quarry operation) if
the person holds —
(a) an
authorised mine surveyor’s certificate (grade 1); or
(b) an
authorised mine surveyor’s certificate (grade 2).