In accordance with Section 9(2) of the Mine Health and Safety Act, Act 29 of 1996 (as amended) an employer must prepare and implement a Code of Practice (COP) on any matter affecting the health or safety of employees and other persons who may be directly affected by activities at mines and when the Chief Inspector of Mines requires it. The COPs must comply with any relevant guidelines issued by the Chief Inspector of mines (Section 9(3)). Failure by the employer to prepare or implement a COP in compliance with this guideline is a breach of the MHSA.