When shall a manager be appointed on a mine?
(2.5.2.1) If more than 50 persons are at one time employed underground a person who is the holder of a mine manager’s certificate, valid for the class of mine and issued in accordance with the regulations, shall be appointed as manager.
What are the requirements when the manager of a mine is not the holder of a mine manager’s certificate?
(2.5.2.2) In the case of a mine where the manager is not the holder of a mine manager’s certificate the chief inspector may, by notice in writing to the owner of such mine, require the appointment of a person who is the holder of a mine manager’s certificate.
May a manager be appointed on two or more mines?
(2.5.4) The manager of a mine or works shall not in addition be appointed as manager of any other mine without the written permission of the principle inspector of mines.
When may a manager appoint a sub-ordinate manager?
(2.6.1) The manager may appoint one or more competent persons as subordinate managers to assist him in the control, management and direction of the mine or works. Such person shall have the same responsibilities as the manager. The subordinates shall not relieve the manager of any personal responsibilities.
(2.6.2) The chief inspector of mines may require the appointment of one or more sub- ordinate managers when in his opinion it is necessary.
(2.6.4) Any appointment of sub-ordinate managers shall be reported within 3 days in writing to the principle inspector of mines and shall include a copy of the letter of appointment.
What are the manager’s duties as detailed in the regulations?
(2.9.2) The manager shall appoint persons to assist him in enforcing the regulations.
(2.9.4) The manager shall, as soon as practicable, report any breach of regulation or take disciplinary steps directed by the chief inspector and enter the particulars in a register.
(2.10.2) The manager shall not permit any incompetent or inexperienced workmen to be employed on dangerous work or on which the safety of persons depends.
(2.10.4) The manager shall provide that all accidents be reported to him without delay.
(2.10.5) The manager shall cause all plant and material to be kept in good order and repair.
What are the manager’s duties regarding coffer dams?
(2.10.14) The manager shall submit plans and specifications approved by an engineer to the principle inspector of mines for approval. Details of the construction and catchment area of any dams to be constructed for the purpose of conserving water shall be included. Any coffer dam or other barricade which is to be constructed underground for keeping back water under a pressure exceeding 700KPA shall also be submitted.
What are the manager’s responsibilities with regard to slimes dams?
(2.10.15) The manager shall ensure the safe construction of any dump or slimes dam in the neighbourhood of any building or public place and no danger to life or damage to property can result there from.
When may a person working at a reduction works or refinery be searched?
(2.10.19) The manager shall cause any person to be searched, by any person authorized by him, whenever considered necessary.
Under what conditions shall machinery be under the general charge of:
1) An Engineer
(2.13.1) At any mine or works where:
- The designed rating of machinery used in the generation of power, together with the power supplied from outside sources, exceeds the equivalent of 2500 kW or
- Any winding plant intended for conveying persons is installed all machinery shall, subject to regulation 2.13.6.1, be under the general charge of an engineer appointed in writing by the manager.
2) A Competent person
(2.13.2) At every mine or works where the designed power rating of machinery used in the generation of power, together with the power supplied from outside sources, do not exceed 2500 kW, all machinery shall be under the charge of a competent person who shall be appointed in writing by the manager. An engineer may be appointed to be in general charge of such machinery.
(2.13.6.1) At a mine or works where an engineer is appointed or should be appointed in terms of regulation 2.13.1 and 2.13.3.1 work may be continued without such engineer for not more than 60 days in any period of 6 consecutive months provided that a competent person is appointed in writing by the manager to be in charge of machinery during such period or part thereof.
(2.13.6.2) The appointment of a competent person in terms of regulation 2.13.6.1 may not result in an engineer being responsible directly to such person or to any other person through such competent person.
A competent person appointed under regulation 2.13.2 or 2.13.6.1 shall have the same duties and responsibilities as an engineer.
The appointment of a competent person under regulation 2.13.6.1 shall not relieve the engineer who preceded him of any personal responsibilities for the period during which he was in charge.
The manager may appoint one or more subordinate engineers to assist the engineer at a mine, give the conditions of these appointments?
(2.13.3.1) To assist the 2.13.1 engineer the manager may appoint subordinate engineers, who shall:
- Subject to regulation 2.13.6.1 be a certificated engineer.
- Be responsible to the engineer in general charge.
- Carry the responsibility assigned to him in his letter of appointment, and
- Not relief the 2.13.1 engineer of any responsibility assigned to him in terms of the regulations.
Give the conditions when a subordinate engineer may assist an engineer in the direction and control of subordinate engineers at a mine?
(2.13.3.2) The manager may appoint subordinate engineers to assist the 2.13.1 engineer in the direction and control of subordinate engineers.
- Such engineer shall be a certificated engineer.
- Such appointment shall not relieve the 2.13.1 engineer or 2.13.3.1 engineer of any personal responsibility.
Is the holder of an engineer’s certificate of competency an engineer in terms of the regulations? Motivate the answer.
No. An engineer is a person who is the holder of an appropriate mechanical or electrical engineer’s certificate of competency AND APPOINTED IN WRITING BY THE MANAGER IN TERMS OF THE REGULATIONS.
What are the engineer’s or competent person’s duties and responsibilities?
(2.13.4.1) The engineer or competent person appointed in terms of regulation 2.13.2 or in terms of regulation 2.13.6.1 shall, subject to regulation 2.13.12:
- Be responsible for the safe installation, proper operation, running and maintenance of all machinery.
- Be responsible for the safe erection and maintenance of all buildings, structures and tanks.
- Take all reasonable measures to ensure that all safety appliances, mechanisms and guards are maintained in good condition.
- Take all reasonable measures to ensure the provision of the regulations relating to machinery are complied with, and
- Take all reasonable measures to ensure that the work of any apparatus or machine, the use of which may constitute a danger to any person, is stopped.
(2.13.4.2) Where a certificated engineer or competent person is required to be placed in charge of machinery, such person shall not relieve the manager of any personal responsibility.
When may the principle inspector of mines require the appointment of additional engineers?
(2.13.5) The principle inspector of mines may require the appointment of additional engineers or additional competent persons if in his opinion the responsibilities make such appointment necessary.
What appointments of engineers shall be reported to the principle inspector of mines?
(2.13.8) Any appointment of an 2.13.1 engineer or 2.13.2 competent person shall be reported in writing by the manager to the principle inspector of mines within 3 days.
May an engineer be appointed on two or more mines?
(2.13.9) The certificated engineer or competent person in charge of machinery at a mine or works shall not in addition be appointed to be in charge of any other machinery except with the written permission from the principle inspector of mines.
May the manager of a mine appoint himself as engineer?
(2.13.10) The manager of a mine or works shall not appoint himself as engineer or competent person in charge of machinery except with the written permission from the principle inspector of mines.
When may other persons than an engineer be in control of machinery?
(2.13.12) Any person or class of person may be permitted in writing by the principle inspector of mines, subject to conditions as he may specify, to exercise control over:
- The proper operation and running of machinery and
- The removal, moving, erection or re-erection of machinery not used for the conveyance of persons.
When shall a safety officer be appointed at a mine or works and what shall the qualifications of such a safety officer be?
(2.17.1) The manager shall appoint at least one safety officer if the number of employees exceeds 300 or if the principle inspector of mines considers it necessary.
(2.17.2) No person shall be appointed as safety officer unless he is:
- By virtue of his training, knowledge and experience able to identify any threat to the health or safety of persons in or at the mine, and
- Conversant with the requirements related to the health and safety of employees.
What are the requirements regarding the notice of appointment of safety officers?
(2.17.3) The manager shall notify, in writing, the principle inspector of mines of any appointment of a safety officer within 5 days.
The notice shall be accompanied by:
- A copy of the letter of appointment, and
- Particulars regarding the training, knowledge, experience and qualifications of the safety officer.
When shall a chief safety officer be appointed?
(2.17.4) When two or more safety officers have been appointed the manager shall designate at least one as chief safety officer. When only one safety officer has been appointed that safety officer shall perform the functions of safety officer and chief safety officer.
Does the appointment of a safety officer relieve a person of personal responsibilities?
(2.17.5) The appointment of a safety officer shall not relieve any other person of personal responsibilities in terms of the regulations.
May work continue without a safety officer?
(2.17.6) Operations at a mine or works may continue without a safety officer for a period of not more than 60 days in any 6 consecutive months provided the manager appoints a competent person to act as safety officer.
(2.17.7) The appointment of a competent person as safety officer shall have all the duties and responsibilities as safety officer and shall not relieve the safety officer of any personal responsibilities.
Who appoints safety representatives?
(2.18.1) The manager of a mine or works shall in respect of each working place or group of working places determined by him appoint in writing one or more employees, who are acquainted with the conditions, as safety representative for a period determined by him.
When may working places be grouped together?
(2.18.2) Working places may be grouped together when the number of persons in a group does not exceed 50.
What are the duties of a safety officer?
(2.19.1) Every safety officer shall:
- Inspect working places or machinery for which he has been appointed.
- Report any threat to the health or safety of any employee to the person in charge of the working place or machinery.
- Take necessary steps to prevent any threats if such person is not available.
- Record all inspections and
- Investigate and report all accidents to the chief safety officer.
With what shall a safety officer satisfy himself during an inspection?
(2.19.1) Every safety officer shall in the course of any inspection satisfy himself that:
- All reasonable health and safety measures has been taken in respect of the use or handling of machinery.
- Safety equipment is maintained in good order and properly used.
- The relevant regulations are being complied with, and
- All employees have been trained and have the necessary qualifications for the safe execution of their work.
What are the powers of a safety officer?
(2.19.2) Any safety officer may:
- Hold meetings with the safety representatives at such times and places as arranged with the manager. Such meetings shall be held at least every 3 months.
- After he has conducted an investigation submit to the manager for transmission to the principle inspector of mines a report, and
- Make recommendations to the manager for transmission to the principle inspector of mines any matter relating to the health or safety of persons.
What are the duties of the chief safety officer?
(2.19.3) A chief safety officer shall:
- As soon as practicable direct every accident or occurrence to a safety officer for investigation.
- Give a report of an investigation or occurrence to the manager within 3 days.
- Record every accident in which an employee has been injured or has become ill to such an degree that it resulted in the loss of one shift.
- Identify all critical areas regarding health and safety.
- Ensure that a safety officer inspects working places and machinery.
- Hold a meeting with all safety officers at least every 3 months.
What shall be included in the report by the chief safety officer which he shall submit to the manager within 15 days after the end of each month?
(2.19.3) The chief safety officer shall transmit a written report to the manager within 15 days after the end of each month specifying:
- The number of accidents and occurrences during the month.
- The basic cause of such accidents and occurrences.
- Any failure to comply with any regulation.
- Any threat or potential threat to health or safety of persons and
- Any steps taken or to be taken to rectify such threat.
What are the duties of a safety representative?
(2.19.5) A safety representative shall report to the person in control of the working place or machinery any threat to the health or safety of any employee.