The scope of this guideline relates to measures or procedures that should be established to prevent the occurrence of fires at a mine, which is the preferred way of managing the risks associated with fires in underground and surface operations at a mines.

This guideline does not replace existing guidelines dealing with related topics, e.g. the guidelines on Prevention of Flammable Gas and Coal Dust Explosions in Collieries and on Prevention of Flammable Gas Explosions in Mines Other Than Coal Mines. The COP to be drawn up by the employer in compliance with this guideline should take account of all other COPs drawn up by the employer and all the COPs and other related mine standards should be reviewed concurrently in order to avoid any conflict of requirements as laid down by the mine. The objective would be to have an integrated system.