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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 Management of Working in Confined Spaces at Mines

Annexures

Annexure 1 : Roles and responsibilities

 

1. Only trained employees can work in permit-required spaces
1.1. Confined space tasks employees are trained to understand and safely perform the jobs of:
(a) Authorized entrants
(b) Attendants
(c) Entry supervisors

 

2. Authorized entrants enter and work in permit-required spaces
2.1. They must be able to:
2.1.1. Identify the space’s hazards and potential consequences, as well as signs and symptoms of exposure.
2.1.2. Properly use any necessary equipment to:
(a) Test, monitor, and ventilate the atmosphere in the space.
(b) Communicate with others working in and outside the space.
(c) Protect themselves from exposure to dangerous levels of toxins, power, equipment, etc.

 

3. Attendants stand outside the space to monitor and protect authorized entrants.

They must be able to:

3.1. Remain outside the space during entry operations.
3.2. Maintain accurate count of authorized entrants in the space.
3.3. Identify the space’s hazards, exposure consequences, and signs that authorized entrants have been exposed to hazards.
3.4. Stay in constant contact with workers in the space.
3.5. Monitor activities in and outside the space that could affect entrant safety.
3.6. Order entrants to evacuate the space immediately if:
3.6.1. Conditions in or outside the space endanger authorized entrants.
3.6.2. Workers in the space show signs of dangerous exposure.
3.6.3. The attendant can’t safely and effectively perform all his or her duties:
(a) Summon rescue or emergency services or perform permitted non-entry rescues.
(b) Keep unauthorized persons away from the space and alert authorized entrants and entry supervisor if such people enter the permit space.

 

4. Entry supervisors take responsibility for permits and safety procedures
4.1. They:
4.1.1. Identify the space’s hazards, consequences, and signs of exposure.
4.1.2. Make sure the entry permit is complete and that:
(a) Listed tests and hazard removal/controls have been completed;
(b) Listed procedures are followed;
(c) Listed safety, communications, and rescue equipment is in place; and
(d) Rescue services are available.
4.1.3. Sign the permit and allow entry into the space.
4.1.4. Cancel the entry and permit when operations are completed or the permit expires or a dangerous condition arises.
4.1.5. Remove unauthorized individuals from the permit area.