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

General Regulations

Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatroy Code of Practice

Prevention of Flammable Gas Explosions in Mines other than Coal Mines

Part C: Format and Content of the Mandatory 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. 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 minimize the risk and thereafter, insofar as the risk remains, to provide personal protective equipment and to institute a programme to monitor the risk.

 

7.2 To assist the employer with the risk assessment,  all possible relevant  information such as accident statistics, ergonomic studies, research reports, manufacturer's specifications, approvals, design criteria and performance figures for all relevant equipment should be obtained and considered.

 

7.3 In addition to the periodic review required by section 11(4) of the MHSA, the COP should be reviewed and updated after every serious incident relating to flammable gas, or if significant changes are introduced to the procedures, mining and ventilation layouts, mining methods, plant or equipment and material.