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Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Notices

Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for the Prevention of Flammable Gas and Coal Dust Explosions in Collieries

Part C : Format and Content of the COP

7. Risk Management

 

7.1. Section 11 of the MHSA requires the employer to identify hazards, assess the health and safety risks to which employees may be exposed while they are at work, record the significant hazards identified and risks assessed.

 

7.2. The COP must address how the significant risks identified in the risk assessment process must be dealt with, having regard to the requirements of section 11(2) and (3) that, as far as reasonably practicable, attempts should first be made to eliminate the risk, thereafter to control the risk at source, thereafter to minimise the risk and thereafter, insofar as the risk remains, to provide personal protective equipment and institute a programme to monitor the risk.

 

7.3. To assist the employer with risk assessment all possible relevant information such as accident statistics, research reports, manufacturer’s specifications and approvals should be obtained and considered.

 

7.4. In addition to the periodic review required by section 11(4) of the MHSA, the COP must be reviewed and updated after every ignition or explosion of flammable gas or coal dust or if significant changes are introduced to procedures, mining and ventilation layouts, mining methods, equipment and material.

 

7.5. Relevant Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee projects must also be considered when assessing risks (in this regard see Annexure F which is attached merely for information).