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

Regulations

Guideline for a Mandatory Code of Practice

Trackless Mobile Machines

Part C: Format and Content of the Code of Practice

7. Risk Management

 

7.1 Section 11 of the MHSA requires the employer to identify and assess the health and safety hazards to which employees may be exposed while they are at work, and 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 Sections 11(2) and 11(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, provide personal protective equipment and to institute a programme to monitor the risk.

 

7.2 To assist the employer with 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 types of trackless mobile machines should be obtained and considered. A list of relevant SIMRAC project reports is attached as Annexure 1, which is attached merely for information purposes.

 

7.3 The application and technical specifications of all types of trackless mobile machines used at the mine must be available to enable proper hazard identification and risk assessment to be performed. This information should include items such as, type, make, mass payload, dimensions, prime mover, power, speed, brakes, turning circles, safety devices and signaling arrangements. The information for those trackless mobile machines associated with significant risks must be kept readily available at the mine.

 

7.4 In addition to the periodic review required by Section 11(4), the COP should be reviewed and updated after every serious incident involving trackless mobile machines, or if significant changes are introduced to procedures, mining and ventilation layouts, mining methods, plant or equipment and material.