Lesson 3 – Emergency Preparedness

5.  GENERAL INFORMATION

 

5.1  Description of the mine and location

Barberton Mines (PTY) limited consists of three underground mining operations Fairview, New Consort and Sheba within a radius of 15km of Barberton magisterial district. The mines fall under the area serviced by the Lowveld Escarpment Regional Service Council. From an emergency and logistical point of view the mine is easy to rich by road. All three mines have more than one route to the underground workings of which some of these routes can only be used for second escape during emergencies.

 

 

SHEBA GPS CO-ORDINATES:

25    42    52.0    S

31    08    17.0    E

Sheba is 34Km East from Barberton on the R38 on the Kaapmuiden road, At Sheba siding turn South to Sheba section.

 

 

CONSORT GPS CO-ORDINATES:

25    40    11.1    S

31    05    03.5    E

Consort is 22Km east from Barberton on the R38 to Kaapmuiden at Noordkaap siding the road turn north to Consort section.

 

 

FAIRVIEW GPS CO-ORDINATES:

25    43    52.7    S

31    04    27.5    E

5.2  Commodities Produced

Barberton Mines produce a sulphide and gold concentrate at each of the operations. This concentrate is treated at the Fairview bio-oxidation plant where the sulphides are oxidised and the gold extracted and smelted. The oxidised material is then neutralised and deposited on the tailings facility.

 

5.3  Mining Methods

A combination of mining methods are employed, with mechanised loading and waste back-fill as the predominant method in the steep stopes 90% of the mining is done by the cut and fill method. Excess to the ore body is developed in waste rock and this is packed as filling into the stopes. Conventional breast mining is done in flat dipping stopes.

Potential situations and sources that could give rise to an emergency are rock falls, sidewall scaling, fires from mechanised machinery.

The general rock stability conditions at Barberton Mines are very stable. The host rock for most ore bodies is a greywacke succession. The Barberton area has never experienced a seismicity event.

Five discreet areas can be considered medium risk and are defined below:

a)  The M.R.C. at Sheba, adjacent to the two major east-west trending dykes where shearing is sub-parallel to the dykes causing alteration and leaching between the dykes and the shear zones, resulting in a degree of in competencies. These are considered ‘medium-risk’

b)  The grayschists and khaki schists of the ZK ore body are generally incompetent horizons due to their relatively high talc and low quartz contents and are also in the ‘medium-risk’ category.

c)  Also of ‘medium-risk’ are the serpentines in the footwall of the P.C. section at the New Consort Mine, and they should be avoided because of the weak rock strength.

d)  The virgin stress prevailing in all instances varies between 27MPa.

e)  The rest of the mine falls within the ‘low-risk’

 

SHEBA

Mining on Sheba takes place at relatively shallow depth i.e. between 660m and 1200m below surface. There is little or no closure of mined out areas. Ground conditions are generally good where the greywacke and shale’s of the Fig Tree Group intersect the mineralized shears.  Where there is sub-parallel splaying from the MRC shear system into the hanging wall the additional exposure of these splays can result in poor ground conditions. The main area of potential danger is at the intersection of shear planes. An example is where the stoping of two shears converges. The size of the wedge of host rock between the shears will progressively decrease and eventually lead to poor rock stability. Sheba is linked to Fairview and on several levels and the services at Fairview can be used as a second escape in case of an emergency situation at Sheba.

 

NEW CONSORT

Present mining is taking place on 20 – 22 level. Access to the MMR section is via the MMR inclined shaft on 8 level. The PC section is the deepest portion of the mining operations at present. Mining between 54 level and 53 level is approximately 1300m below surface. The 7 Shaft section is currently being mined between 45 level and 47 level. Both the PC and 7 Shaft sections are accessed through the PC vertical shaft to 50 level and a sub vertical shaft from 50 level to 54 level. The 3 Shaft section is accessed through the 3-shaft incline shaft from surface:

 

FAIRVIEW

All the stoping and development currently taking place, as well as in the foreseeable future, occur in the Sheba Formation of the Fig tree Super Group. Mining takes place to a depth of 1500m, the infra structures consists of incline shafts to 22 level a sub incline to 42 level and a sub incline shaft to 64 level. The section is also serviced with a set of chairlift to transport employees to 42 level. Both the incline shafts and the chairlifts are connected to surface and can be used as second escape routes. Fairview is linked to Sheba section and Sheba can be used as an alternative route to evacuate employees in case of a major emergency at Fairview.

 

5.4  Unique Features relevant to this COP

• The ore body is relatively steep and due to the cut and fill mining method timber support is not used extensively which reduces the risk of a large underground timber
• A second unique feature of the area is the absence of seismic activities. Referred to the COP to Combat Rock fall accidents. Reference Number COP
• A third unique feature is the absence of flammable gas in the underground workings. Referred to the COP for the Prevention of Flammable Gas Explosions. COP
• Refer to the Baseline Risk

 

 

6.  Terms and Definitions

 

HIRA –                            

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

 

RA-                               

Risk Assessment

 

DMR-                             

Department of Minerals and Resources

 

MHSA-                           

Mine Health and Safety Act

 

SAMRASS-                    

South African Mines Reportable Accident Statistical

 

System SIMRAC-            

Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee

 

RBE-                             

Rail bound Equipment

 

MRAC-                           

Mining Regulation Advisory Committee

 

COP-                             

Code of Practice

 

SOP-                             

Standard Operating Procedure

 

BML-                             

Barberton Mines Limited

 

DRP-                             

Disaster Recovery Plan

 

EPP-                             

Emergency Preparedness Plan

 

MPRDA-                        

Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act

 

MCI-                              

Mass Casualty Incident

 

Triage-                           

Triage is used in a scene of a “mass-casualty incident” (MCI), in order to sort patients into those who need critical attention and immediate transport to the hospital and those with less serious injuries.

 

S.T.A.R.T. model-          

Simple triage and rapid treatment

 

Category A- 

Disaster Emergency Event

 

Category B-                   

Emergency event

 

UPS-                             

Emergency Power Supply

 

PABX-                           

Private Automated Branch Exchange

 

SAPS-                           

South African Police Services

7.  Risk Management 

 

7.1.  In line with the compliance to section 11 of the Mine Health and safety Act, The Baseline Risk Assessment has been conducted where all reasonably foreseeable hazards and associated risks have been considered during the drafting of this COP. Issue based risk assessments on possible emergency situations such as severe weather events and nature related safety issues were done specifically for the purpose of the

 

This specific risk assessment forms part of our safety management system.

 

Potential emergencies are identified and divided into the following two groups: Category A and B.

 

Category B will potentially include the less severe accidents and incidents where the existing emergency service will be able to respond and to re-act without delay. These types of potential emergencies are all managed in on-mine procedures. These procedures are communicated to all employees and forms part of the induction training programme.

 

Category A is any potential event or incident where the existing mine emergency service may require additional resources to respond to these types of emergencies.

7.2  Relevant information such as previous incidents of flood events in this area, underground fires and also major disaster events in the industry at other areas were used to determine the risk and also to determine the level of preparedness for such

The location of the mine related to the emergency services available was also considered during the risk assessment process.

 

7.3  Seismological Settings of the Mine:

Barberton mining area is not known for any seismic activities and there have been no recorded events in the last 100 years.

 

Flammable gas: No records of flammable gas have been detected at Barberton Mines

 

7.3  In addition to the periodic review required by section 11(4) of the MHSA, the COP will be reviewed and updated after every serious emergency, altered circumstance, or if significant changes are introduced to procedures, mining and ventilation layouts, mining methods, plant or equipment and

8.  Emergency Preparedness Measures

 

8.1.1  Detection and Early Warning Systems:

In order to ensure that emergencies are detected as early as practicably possible, persons are warned timorously of such emergency, the following systems are in place:

• Detailed procedure for personal issue of early warning systems:

– COP 28 and SOP 74 for the Lamp room procedures for personal issue of detectors/early warning systems is drawn up as per the lamp room guidance note issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines, OH-11 – 2003 dated 30/06/2003.

• Effective settings to ensure that alarm levels:

– COP 28 and SOP 74 for the Lamp room procedures for personal issue of detectors/early warning systems is drawn up as per the lamp room guidance note issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines, OH-11 – 2003 dated 30/06/2003.

• Frequency of maintenance and calibration:

– COP 28 and SOP 74 for the Lamp room procedures for personal issue of detectors/early warning systems is drawn up as per the lamp room guidance note issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines, OH-11 – 2003 dated 30/06/2003.

 

 PERSONALISED DETECTORS / EARLY WARNING SYSTEMS: (Charl and Nico)

 

The following equipment is supplied from lamp rooms at Barberton mines (PTY) ltd.

• Carbon Monoxide Early Warning Devices serves as early warning devices and for fire detection.

FIRE DETECTION SYSTEMS:

The fire detection system is monitored 24/7 at the security control room by trained operators. It has an audible and visual alarm and is measured in ppm (CO). Installed at all three shafts in the return airways.

 

Fairview:

11 level, 26 level, 34 level, 2×38 level and 60 level

Consort:

33 Level, 37 level and 50 level

Sheba:

19 level, 23 level and 35 level

Procedure for notification in case of alarms, errors and offline alarms is displayed in the control room with certificates and alarm registers. System is calibrated every 6 months.

 

CARBON MONOXIDE EARLY WARNING DEVICES:

 

Miners:                Day , afternoon and night shift

Security:              Day and night shift.

Team Leaders:    Day , afternoon and night shift as Per SOP 74

Pool:                   Minimum: 10% of total.

-SOP 74 for the Lamp room procedures for personal issue of detectors/early warning systems is drawn up as per the lamp room guidance note issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines, OH- 11 – 2003 dated 30/06/2003.

 

 8.1.1  COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS:

In order to ensure that appropriate communication systems are in place to deal with an emergency the following will be applicable at Barberton Mines:

• Telephones are available on all levels underground and also on surface. All telephones are connected to surface telephones including
• All refuge chambers are also equipped with a telephone line and emergency numbers are displayed.
• All underground waiting places are also equipped with a telephone
• Should the fibre line service be cut off for any reason, cell phones can be used to communicate from the mine to outside parties.
• The Mines are connected via a 3CX PABX system. All four PABX`s are connected to their own UPS respectively. The PABX at Fairview GMO UPS` also has a backup generator. Consort, Fairview Tunnel and Sheba has a UPS that can carry the system for about four hours; Fairview has a generator as a power backup system. There are backup’s for all systems for the 3CX PABX’s if it fails. IT making backups of the configuration weekly and could be restored in about 15 minutes. In the case where a PABX is not working, e-mail,  and cell phones can be used as an alternative
• A back up system per operation will be available in case of power failures, and this back up system will be tested on a quarterly basis. SOP 87,88, 89, and SP 09

– Two way radios on the Mines can also be used on surface and certain shaft areas.

– Shaft e-cam system are utilised for communication purposes in shafts and linky-feed systems has been installed at Fairview and Consort (MMR) shaft to enable communication underground (in vicinity of the shaft)

8.1.3  EMERGENCY MEDICAL CENTRE:

The following medical stations are available on the mine:

• Health Centre at Fairview mine. Can accommodate health services, no
• Fairview clinic at Fairview mine. Can accommodate 8
• New Consort clinic at New Consort mine. Can accommodate 4
• Sheba clinic at Sheba mine. Can accommodate 5

 

 

Arrangements for the provision of Emergency Medical Care:

• Establishing a disaster medical committee.

 

Disaster medical committee consist of representations of:

 

Human Resources Department (1)

• Hospital personnel representative
• Medical practitioners representative
• Department of Health
• Paramedical services
• Occupational health coordinator of mines

 

Human Resources Department (2)

• Community council representative
• Private sector
• Defence force Department, medical component
• Funeral agencies
• Other industries

 

Security Department

• Non-government organizations
• SAPS & Correctional Services medical services
• Security services

 

Locality of Facilities

• Medi–Clinic Barberton in
• Barberton Provincial Hospital in
• Medi–Clinic Nelspruit in Nelspruit
• Rob Ferreira Hospital in
• Municipality clinics in
• Halls that can be used to accommodate people disturbed by disaster:

– Fairview Club Hall

– Barberton High School Hall

– Barberton Primary School Hall

– Municipality Town Hall

– Church Halls in Barberton

– Fairview Primary School

– Skill Centre at Sinqobile and Sheba

a)  NG church

b)  AGS church

c)  VEK church

d)  Methodist church

e)  BCC Church

 

 

Provision of suitable trained medical persons

The following personal is available to help out in any medical situation:

• First Aid trained employees on each mine of Barberton Mines Ltd
• Nursing assistants employed in Barberton Mines Ltd
• Professional registered nurses in Barberton Mines Ltd
• Medical practitioners practicing in Barberton town
• Paramedics practicing in Barberton Town areas

 

Response time – Surface

Medical emergency care for surface medical emergencies must not exceed 30 minutes from the call received by medical personnel.

Underground

Medical emergency care for underground medical emergencies must not exceed 120 minutes from the call received by medical personnel.

 

 

Capabilities to treat and evacuate category B (triage green)– Emergency Event – Less Serious injuries

Transport service provider to be contacted during office hours on the Barberton Mines Ltd. The mine has a mini bus available and driver at every shaft.

Arrangements for transport must be made with transport service provider for after hours.

 

 

Capability to treat and evacuate category A Disaster emergency event – Critical Attention and Immediate transport to hospital would be required (triage red and orange)

First aid equipment available on Surface and underground List of Equipment in first aid boxes.

 

Additional emergency equipment. Consisting of:

• Provincial ambulances from Barberton. 8km Fairview; 15Km to Consort and 35Km to Sheba
• Provincial ambulances from Nelspruit. 45Km from Barberton ER 24 and Rescue 911 ambulances from Nelspruit
• ER 24 and Rescue 911 helicopter from Nelspruit

 

 

Availability, locality, quantity and variety of emergency medical equipment.

• List of all First aid boxes with content on Fairview mine underground, plant and surface and offices.
• List of equipment in First Aid boxes:

• List of Equipment in Poacher Bags

Availability, locality and variety of outside / local government and or private emergency response care facility.

• Barberton Mines Clinics (one on each mine)
• Health Centre at Fairview mine.
• Paramedical services in Barberton
• Barberton Provincial Hospital
• Medi-Clinic Barberton Hospital
• Medi-Clinic Nelspruit Hospital
• Rob Ferreira Provincial Hospital in Nelspruit
• Medical practitioners in Barberton
• Department of Health in Barberton
• Non-government organizations in Barberton(churches and community centres)
• Private sector providing medical equipment in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
• Defence force Department, medical component in Barberton
• SAPS & correctional services (medical services) in Barberton
• Funeral Agencies in Barberton
• Security services in Barberton

Triage

At the event of triage a single person will be appointed as the organiser/ co-ordinator to manage and control the emergency event and the proceedings.

Rehabilitation:

Barberton Mines are committed to support any rehabilitation that might be required to a person after a major event.

8.1.4  MINE EVACUATION AND ESCAPE PROCEDURES – REFER TO SP 03, SOP 87, 88 &.89

The safe evacuation and escape of affected persons to a place of safety in the event of an emergency in an underground situation is as follows:

The underground escape procedure forms part of the Refuge Bay Procedures SOP 73. For the immediate action and rescue of persons from the underground working places and surface areas the SP 03 addresses all identified emergencies.

 

 

LOCATION

 

The following points are critical to the decision of refuge chamber location:

• Proximity to the workforce concentration.
• All Surface areas have an assembly points.
• Capacity to house required personnel comfortably – 0,60m²/person
• Situated in well-supported safe ground.
• No further than 15 minutes walking distance of all current working places.
• Easy to travel from the workplace to refuge bay.
• The escape route must be as far as reasonably practical with airflow.

 

 

ESCAPE ROUTES AND EVACUATION DRILLS:

• The route to be followed from each working place to the refuge chamber or temporary bay must be indicated clearly by means of refuge chamber signs and directional arrows.
• Escape routes must be as far as reasonably practical in the direction of the airflow and not against the direction of flow.
• Escape route drills must be done quarterly to refuge chambers and/or to other place of safety (fresh air).
• Escape route plans must be displayed on the Miner’s Notice Board at the waiting place.

 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Shift Supervisor
• Refuge bay inspections will be carried out by the Shift Supervisor and any deviations will be rectified immediately.
• Ensure that all workers in his area of responsibility are conversant with the refuge Bay procedure.

 

Miner:

• Quarterly Escape route drills must be carried out with all the workers in his section.
• Workers transferred from one working place to another are to be informed in the location of and the route to follow to the refuge chamber or temporary refuge bay serving his new working place.
• Flushing and pressurization tests must be conducted – close compressed air when not in use for emergency and after the test.
• In correlation with SOP 73:-Refuge Bays the drinking water supply should be 2litres of water per person within a 24 hour period (water must not be kept in containers longer than a week).
• Ensure that the refuge bay is clean and always life sustaining.
• Ensure that the notice board with all the relevant procedures/notices are posted and that the telephone list is available and up to date.
• Where reasonably practical no objects or obstructions will prevent employees from reaching the refuge bay.

 

AUDITING

 

ENVIRONMENTAL DEPARTMENT:

• The escape strategy will be reviewed quarterly at production planning meetings to determine whether the refuge bays are still within standards.
• Assist in the construction of refuge bays and also performs pressurisation tests quarterly when conducting refuge bay audits
• Provide the escape route plan for the notice boards.
• A checklist must be completed by the Environmental Department when surveying the level on which the refuge chamber is situated and submitted for comment and action by the Heads of Departments concerned before submission to the Manager Mining.
• The environmental department will conduct quarterly inspections of the refuge bays and submit the report.
• Shift supervisors to do weekly inspections to ensure that the refuge bays are life sustaining at all times and should any deviation to be rectified immediately.

 

EMERGENCY escape procedure in an event of a fire underground.

 

When smoke is detected or when the CO gas warning instrument indicates that gas is present, the following procedure must be followed:

• Remain calm and evacuate from the working place and ensure all workers are warned of the danger.
• Should it be necessary the self-rescuers must be donned.
• Evacuate by walking at a brisk. Do not run.
• As far as possible stay in a group.
• As soon as the second alarm triggers on the CO cap lamp or when there is heavy smoke, every person must stop, kneel down and donne the self-rescuer. When everybody is ready proceed on to the refuge bay.

 

 

Escape procedure for Power failure.

• Close all water and air supply.
• Withdraw to the waiting place and notify the Banksman. The Banksman to follow the callout procedure. SP 3
• Miner to take roll call.
• All to proceed to the station and contact the Banksman.
• Evacuation to commence with emergency generator.
• Escape route to surface to be followed only after instructed by the General Manager or Mine Manager.

 

 

Escape procedure for FOG, flooding, explosions

• Remove employees from immediate danger to a place of safety and attend to injured people.
• Send a person to contact the Banksman and call for assistance. Banksman to follow Call- Out Procedure.
• The most senior employee to take charge of the situation and remove persons who are not required to assist in the emergency situation.
• Should any rescue teams need guidance to the emergency scene, a rescue team familiar with the area will provide guidance
• Should a person/persons be trapped, assess the area and start to make the area safe without endangering the lives of others.
• Commence with the rescue operations.
• Determine what rescue equipment is required and inform control.

 

Surface evacuation in case of an emergency.

An emergency means that the area is unsafe due to fires, smoke or gases, flooding, mudslides, explosions etc. A Siren will sound which will be the sign that the area has to be evacuated.

 

 

ASSEMBLE POINT: GMO

On surface emergency assembly points are demarcated by signs in each area. Everybody  must assemble here for further instructions and also to enable the person in charge to determine whether everybody is present.

 

 

EVACUATE:

 

What to do:

• Make sure you know the shortest safest route to the assembly point
• Switch all machinery as well as the electrical supply off before leaving the area.
• Proceed to the assembly point in an orderly, calm manner.
• Be on the lookout for people in danger and report it to a senior person immediately.

 

What not to do:

• Don’t panic.
• Don’t run if not necessary.
• Don’t leave the assembly point without permission unless it becomes unsafe.
• Don’t leave the area without reporting to the assembly point first.
• Don’t risk your life.

 

8.1.4  TRAINING AND AWARENESS

 

Training centre and underground production

In order to ensure that all potentially affected persons are educated, trained and made aware on how to deal with emergencies, all employees receive Induction Training and Annual Refresher Training:

• The content and frequency of such training (see also section 10(2) (d) of MHSA) This Mandatory training includes emergency preparedness

The emergency numbers must be displayed at the refuge bays and waiting place. Emergency exercises drills to take place in all sections on the mine at least once per quarter.

Underground personnel receive practical training in the use of self rescuers and refuge chamber drills.

Section supervisors to make sure that practical exercises take place in the section the person works

Surface workers do the induction and have to do their practical training in their sections they are working in.

• The procedures and appropriate actions to be taken in the event of an emergency, including simulated exercises in the workplace;

 

• All persons going underground are trained with the purpose and procedures regarding refuge chambers and temporary refuge Every new underground employee, contractor or visitor required to go underground are trained in the refuge chamber procedure.

 

• All employees working underground are trained in the use of SCSR. This training is done annually and records of the training are filed at the training centre. Instructions with illustrations are posted at the point of issue.

 

• The supervisor responsible for the working area will inform all new employees, visitors, and relieving people of the escape route and refuge bay positon.

 

• Relevant emergency procedures must be posted at the notice boards of that specific working place or area.

 

• Ensure that the notice board with all the relevant procedures/notices are posted and that the telephone list is available and up to date.

 

DISTRIBUTION LIST FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE PROCEDURE:

• General Manager
• Manager Mining
• Manager Engineering
• Metallurgical Manager
• Manager Admin & Finance
• Group Procurement Manager
• Group Sheq Manager
• MRM Manager
• Manager Human Resources
• All HOD’s
• Clinic

 

8.2  EMERGENCY RESPONSE MEASURES

 

8.2.1  Rescue and Response Capabilities

 

• In the case of an underground emergency Barberton Mines have an accredited Proto team available. The Main Station situated in Steelpoort Limpopo regulates the Barberton Mines members. The team is trained to respond in reasonable time to underground emergencies.
• The rescue team should consist of one Team Co-ordinator, Captain, Vice Captain and three (3) members.
• A detailed telephone list of the Proto team is posted-up in the control room at each section. All the Head of Departments at the three operations have contact detail of the rescue Team. The Proto team will be assembled at the Consort proto room where they will be briefed on the situation and mobilised to deal with the emergency.
• The Proto Room is equipped with the specialised equipment required to respond and assist in an emergency.
• The distance between Consort and Sheba Mines is approximately 15 km and approximately 10 km between Consort and Fairview Mines. The Proto Room is situated on Consort Mine.
• Response time will vary depending on where the emergency occurred. For example, it will take at least an hour to respond to an emergency at Fairview’s lowest levels, but less than half-an-hour to respond to an emergency at Consort’s lowest levels. The Proto Room is not manned during night or afternoon shift, therefore the response time for an emergency which occurs during an odd shift, will be at least an hour more than explained above.
• Barberton Mines are part of the Steelpoort main proto station, additional proto teams will be mobilised upon request. Steelpoort Proto team will be Barberton Mines backup team.
• The Proto Room is equipped with specialised equipment required to respond and assist in an emergency. Equipment also includes Dragers and Schauenburg GDI- Enviro Detectors for CO, CO2 and CH4 testing.

 

 

8.2.2  Management of Emergencies

 

Review and Updating of Emergency Plans, Procedures and Manuals.

The SP 3 Action plans in case of a disaster must be reviewed every two (2) years by the Drafting committee or when a risk has been identified or when there are changes required. The following information is contained in this SP 03:

• Contacts of neighbouring mines,
• Contacts of emergency services,
• Internal and external telephone directory.

 

The weekly Standby list containing all the necessary information is sent out weekly to all HODs and functional heads.

 

 

Emergency Control Group –

The Control Group will consist of HOD’s and senior management personnel representing all departments involved in an emergency. The control group will direct all emergency / disaster operations from a predetermined control centre at the specific mine. Their primary function will be to advise the particular actions required to address the emergency.

Emergency Control Centres

• Emergency control centres have been identified at each operation.
• Fairview Mine Overseer Office – 24 m2
• Consort survey office. Size 80 m2
• Sheba Survey Boardroom. 81m2
• The control rooms are equipped with telephones, emergency fire plans a table and chairs.
• The duties and responsibilities of persons required during an emergency. COP 10
• Copies of SP 3 and Mine specific escape and rescue procedure should be available in the control room

 

RESPONSIBILITY

The General Manager or Manager Mining, assisted by the Control Group, shall direct rescue and recovery operations and shall be responsible to see that the above policy is carried out.

 

 

THE CONTROL GROUP – Responsibilities as per each Mine

The control group will direct all emergency/disaster operations from a predetermined control centre. Their primary function is to immediately start activating functions as set out in their duties and to assist in the managing of the emergency.

 

General Manager or Manager Mining – Emergency control officer

Security Manager – Securing people and equipment liaise with SAPS when required

Group Procurement Manager – Arrange for any equipment required on request

Manager Human Resources – Medical support and Emergency organising, Spokes person and managing food supplies and PRO. (Personal relations officer)

 

 

Group SHEQ-

Chief Safety Officer – Will assume the task of the scribe

Manager Mining – Assist the General Manager in all functions, Arrange local rescue teams and search parties

Mine Overseer – to take control of all logistics (ie) Men, material etc

Environmental Ventilation Superintendent – Ensure that all emergency gas testing equipment is available

Environmental Coordinator – Emergency sampling and liaising with the department as well as emergency water supply to the community and mine personnel.

Manager Engineering – Ensuring availability of all transportation, equipment and communication systems

Chief Mine Surveyor – Dealing with plans and maps

Manager Metallurgical/ Plant Manager – Arranging of the HAZMAT team/ Liaising with the OEM of chemical supplies and assisting with the in-house testing of water quality

All HOD’s – HOD duties – Assisting with the implementation of the action plan

The control group is to gather at the site experiencing the emergency and shall establish control and a communications base to perform their duties.

 

 

DUTIES OF THE CONTROL GROUP:

• The advisers to the General Manager will assemble at a designated control centre or mobile command base as determined by the nature of the emergency. *
• In case of an emergency where the identified control centres cannot be used due to the nature of the disaster,
• The command base should be located at a suitable site with communication systems, as close as possible to the disaster area.
• In addition to advising the General Manager, the control group would also be responsible for coordinating specific segments of the overall plan such as security, medical, engineering, support group, search and rescue.

 

Initial action as soon as control has been established.

• The emergency control officer will be in charge of the operation.
• Alert emergency response teams and emergency services to be on standby.
• Parade witnesses or communicate with the persons who reported the incident to gather information.
• Establish communication to the scene of the accident.
• Determine the magnitude of the accident.
• If required initiate call out for additional emergency search and rescue teams.

 

DUTIES OF THE GENERAL MANAGER:

The General Manager or Manager Mining will assume the responsibility of the Control room and will administer the overall plan of action and establish priorities.

• Report to the Control Group or designate a sub ordinate manager.
• Notify Head Office.

Specific duties will include:

Along with appropriate personnel from the Control Group, determine the priorities and plan of action with the health and safety of all concerned being the prime concern.

• Make the decision on all matters concerning the emergency or disaster.
• Appoint a scribe and ensure a log is maintained and all events and times are properly recorded.
• Direct all information in regard to the emergency that will be released to the public or outside agencies to the Human Resource Manager.
• Issue requests for additional aid from outside sources, when required.
• Ensure that the Local Law Enforcement ,DMR and other authorities are kept informed,
• Review all debriefing reports.

 

Duties of the Security Manager:

The Security Manager’s role in an emergency is to provide control at the site of the incident by permitting access to authorized personnel only if and when required, more specifically:

• Confirm that all information related directly to the emergency is transferred from the Security Control to the Mine Rescue Control Room, by telephone initially, by a written report as soon as practicable.
• Secure perimeter of the emergency or disaster site.
• Control traffic to facilitate movement of emergency vehicles.
• Control vehicle and personnel movement on and off site. Note: Once the initial responsibilities are controlled and the emergency situation known, clarify with the Control Group what restrictions on vehicle movement may be lifted.
• Limit access to the incident area to authorized personnel only.
• Provide other security control as required.
• Keep a log of activities by time and event.

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE GROUP PROCUREMENT MANAGER IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY ON BEING NOTIFIED OF A FIRE OR AN EMERGENCY AT THE MINE, THE GROUP PROCUREMENT MANAGER WILL:

 

REPORT TO THE CONTROL GROUP.

 

Duties of group Procurement Manager:

• Be responsible for supplies and transportation of emergency supplies from warehouse to the emergency site
• Provide an inventory of stores supplies and their location upon
• Maintain a record of all purchases from outside
• Coordinate purchase and supply
• Maintain a log of all supplies used/ taken time specific

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER IN THE EVENT OF AN EMERGENCY:

 

ON BEING NOTIFIED OF A FIRE OR AN EMERGENCY AT THE MINE, THE HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER WILL:

• Report to the Control Group
• Notify the unions representatives and other affected parties
• Communicate to press and media – only once approved by General Manager
• Act as liaison with local transport companies, taxi firms, airplane services, railways and ambulance services.
• Arrange for the transportation of off site management and Rescue Personnel.

 

 

Duties of the human resources manager:

 

Prepare and continuously update current or background information for personnel as required.

• Gather process and publish information from the Control Group.
• Prepare information concerning the emergency for the news media or outside agencies under approval of the General Manager.
• Notify clinic and other medical personnel.
• Arrange additional labour to be on standby.
• Provide refreshments and meals as required.
• Provide transportation for casualties, evacuees and others as required. CLINIC / HR
• Ensure a list of all missing employees is being compiled.
• Maintain a log of all activities and news releases.

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE CHIEF SAFETY OFFICER:

On being notified of a fire or an emergency at the mine, the Chief Safety Officer will ensure that the responsible Safety Officer is called out.

• In general the Chief Safety Officer or his delegate will assume the task of the scribe.
• Gather all other information regarding the emergency situation for later analysis to improve on emergency preparedness.
• Record names of possible witnesses for later accident/incident investigation.

 

UNDERGROUND EMERGENCIES:

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE MANAGER MINING:

 

On being notified of a fire/ emergency at the mine, The Manager Mining:

• Ensure the General Manager has been notified.
• In the Absence of the General Manager, assume leadership of the Control Group and the General Manager’s responsibilities.
• Alert rescue teams.
• Report to the Control Room.

 

 

DUTIES OF THE MANAGER MINING:

• Assist the General Manager in all decisions.
• Establish the control group work area.
• Give instructions to emergency personnel as required.
• Monitor and check on conditions in the affected area.
• Be prepared to give instructions to ensure the safety of personnel is maintained.
• Ensure procedures are in place for prompt dispatch of requested personnel, material and equipment into the affected area.
• Arrange for all reports to be presented at specific intervals to the control centre.
• Ensure that the emergency plan is functioning: Authorization Control
• Security Engineering
• Rescue Organization, etc. Medical, etc.

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE MINE OVERSEER:

 

On being notified of a fire or an emergency at the mine, the Mine overseer will:

• Ensure that a Senior Management Representative has been notified of the situation.

 

 

DUTIES OF THE MINE OVERSEER:

• Determine the areas affected by the emergency and withdraw all employees affected by the emergency.
• Assume responsibility for dealing with the situation until the control group arrives.
• Ensure the clinic has been notified.
• Establish control room for the Mine Rescue Team and Briefing Officer activities.
• Assume responsibility for communication and co-ordination of the Rescue Services with the Control Group and briefing officer. Evaluate and coordinate information received by Contractor personnel.
• Ensure that the underground/surface communication systems, all turnstiles, and all escape ways are manned and monitored.
• Coordinate and provide instructions for the Briefing Officer. Relay all information to the Control Group.
• At the control room, appoint a recording secretary and a communications person (fluent in English and Siswati). Establish communications with all safe  locations  (refuge stations) and record personnel on an ongoing basis.
• Ensure contact is maintained with all personnel outside the control room. If telephones are not in place, supply radios as required.

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO UNDERGROUND CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL ON BEING NOTIFIED OF AN EMERGENCY UNDERGROUND:

• If underground, follow the instructions for all underground employees.
• If on surface, proceed to the Surface area assembly point and report to those in charge.

DUTIES OF UNDERGROUND CONTRACTOR PERSONNEL:

Contracts Manager: Report to the Mine Overseer and provide assistance to the control group on the action plan to be developed.

He will also be responsible to ensure that all contracting employees underground are accounted for.

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUPERINTENDENT:

 

ON BEING NOTIFIED OF A FIRE OR AN EMERGENCY AT THE MINE, THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUPERINTENDENT WILL:

 

Ensure that the responsible assistant ventilation officer has been called out.

 

DUTIES OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SUPERINTENDENT:

• Ensure that all emergency gas testing equipment is available and in working condition.
• If required arrange for additional equipment from other sections.
• Get ventilation plans of the affected area from the sectional surveyor
• Assist the manager in the safe evacuation of employees.
• Assist in the determination of affected areas and the possibility to minimise the risk of affecting other areas.
• Assist in the possible establishment of a chimney and/or fresh air supply.
• Assist the manager in determining a safe position for a base from where emergency personnel and proto teams can operate.
• Keep record of SCSR that have been used.

 

DUTIES OF ENVIRONMENTAL COORDINATOR

• Liaise with authorities and communities if needed
• Assist in the determination of affected areas and the possibility to minimise the risk of affecting other areas.
• Ensure that all emergency tests are done in house and taken to the laboratory.
• Ensure clean-up is done

 

 

INSTRUCTION TO THE MANAGER ENGINEERING:

 

On being notified of a fire or emergency at the mine, the Engineer will:

• Contact the specific General Engineering Supervisor.
• Report to the Control Group.

 

 

DUTIES OF THE MANAGER ENGINEERING:

 

Check on the operation of the main ventilation system and constant supply of compressed air especially the emergency power supply in case of power cut or failure.

• See that the hoist driver on duty is carrying out his task in accordance with procedures agreed.
• Ensure that communication systems are operational.
• Assign a responsible person to man the telephone in the hoist room and act as liaison between the control group and the hoist driver. (Brake/telephone interlock may now be disabled)
• Arrange for all workshops and services to function if required.
• Maintain an adequate supply of vehicles; fuel etc. for various emergency situations.
• Ensure the hoist is manned at all times.
• Act as a liaison with the suppliers of electricity and water.
• Provide maintenance and reconstruction as necessary.
• Ensure water pumping and line control services are maintained.
• Maintain a log of all actions taken.

 

The duties of the Engineer will concern the maintenance and necessary restoration activities for the services and facilities such as compressor room, water and electricity.

 

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE MINE SURVEYOR

On being notified of a fire or an emergency at the mine, the Mine Surveyor will:

• Report to the Control Room.

 

 

DUTIES OF THE MINE SURVEYOR

• Assist in developing an action plan to deal with the situation and provide technical advice to the Control Group.
• Specifically, locate mine ventilation and other plans that the Control Room may require.
• Ensure all surface maps (water lines, hydrants etc.) are available.
• Advise the Control Room when sustained damage to surface buildings or underground structures, including ground control, may exceed safe limits.
• If required, provide backup data to the Mine Overseer in order to ensure the success of the rescue and recovery operation.
• Maintain a log of all actions taken.

 

SURFACE EMERGENCIES:

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE METALLURGICAL MANAGER:

• On being notified of an emergency on surface at the mine, the Metallurgical Manager will: Notify the General Manager and the Environmental Superintendent.
• Report to the Control Group.

 

 

DUTIES OF THE METALLURGICAL MANAGER

• REPORT TO THE CONTROL GROUP IN ORDER TO ENSURE A SMOOTH SHUT DOWN OF MACHINERY IN THE PLANT (E.G. THE MILL), SHOULD IT BE REQUIRED.
• Ensure that plant personnel are advised of the situation.
• Double-check the presence of employees on shift and their locations.
• Report to the Control Group if anyone is thought to be in the area of the fire.
• Note the location of the fire and advise the Control Group of any chemicals and / or hazards, which may be present in the affected area.

 

INSTRUCTIONS TO THE PLANT MANAGER:

 

In the event of a surface fire or emergency situation, the Plant Manager will perform the following duties:

• DETERMINE THE AREAS AFFECTED BY THE EMERGENCY AND WITHDRAW ALL EMPLOYEES AFFECTED BY THE EMERGENCY.
• ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR DEALING WITH THE SITUATION UNTIL THE CONTROL GROUP ARRIVES.
• ENSURE THE CLINIC HAS BEEN NOTIFIED.
• Establish headquarters for the Mine Rescue Team and Briefing Officer activities.
• Assume responsibility for communication and co-ordination of the Rescue Services with the Control Group and briefing officer. Evaluate and coordinate information received by Contractor personnel.
• Ensure that the underground/surface communication systems, all underground tag in/out and all escape ways are manned and monitored.
• Coordinate and provide instructions for the Briefing Officer (Mine Manager). Relay all information to the Control group.
• At the control room, appoint a recording secretary and a communications person (fluent in English  and Siswati). Establish communications with all safe locations (refuge stations) and record  personnel on an ongoing basis.
• Ensure contact is maintained with all personnel outside the control room. If telephones are not in place, supply radios as required.

 

 

TAILINGS DAM FAILURE

 

The Metallurgical Manager will notify the General Manager, the Manager Engineering or Responsible GES and Environmental Coordinator as well as to notify the Security Manager and the Area Manager of the Tailings MRD Operation Contractor (if used).

 

1. THE SECURITY DEPARTMENT WILL:

• Take extra guards to the area of failure to prevent unauthorized entry, and
• In the event of a major tailings TSF collapse, investigate the possibility of persons trapped in the tailings slurry, and
• Evacuate all persons in the vicinity who maybe endangered by further tailings collapses.
• Warn all persons living downstream of the failure of the possibility of polluted water and inform them not to take any water from the affected stream until they were given the all-clear notification.

 

 

2.  THE GENERAL MANAGER WILL:

• Notify the Chief Inspector of Mines of the Mpumalanga area.
• Notify the Department of Water Affairs
• Notify the Professional Engineer who has been contracted by the Mine for the Tailings MRD
• Notify any outside concerns affected (i.e. Mpumalanga Parks Board, Emergency Services, Roads Departments, Municipal contacts etc.)
• Notify those land owners or their contact person who have servitude on the watercourse, which may possibly be contaminated.
• Notify senior officials of the owners – Pan African.

 

3.  THE METALLURGICAL MANAGER WILL:

• Arrange for the neutralization of any cyanide-containing spillage using diatomus , earth which is stored at the plant.
• If the need occurs arrange for additional supplies of diatomous earth from SASOL or OEM
• Arrange for the sampling of any watercourses contaminated by the spillage or any standing water, which may emanate from the spillage.
• Arrange for the repair of the damaged pipeline or Tailings Storage Facility.
• If possible, arrange for delivery of the affected tailing to another site or by another pipeline.
• Investigate the cause of the failure with the Professional Engineer and the Tailings Operating Contractor in the case of a TSF failure and with the Manager Engineering/GES in the event of a pipeline failure and make the necessary changes in design or operating procedure.

 

4.  THE MANAGER ENGINEERING WILL:

• Check any services if any to the affected area and isolate if there is a potential for damage.
• Arrange for the restoration of or repair of any damaged power line, water line or other essential service.
• Assess the extent of the spillage and plan immediate containment and neutralization actions and clearing operations. This includes the construction of containment walls.
• Arrange for barricading off the contaminated areas.
• Procedures to deal with adverse environmental conditions, which could be encountered during an emergency, e.g. flooding, gases, heat, etc

 

8.3  REPORTING AND RECORDING

Reporting and recording is conducted in accordance with on-mine procedures.

 

 

8.4  EMERGENCY ASPECTS ADDRESSED IN OTHER MANDATORY COP’S

The following documentation is cross-referenced applicable to this COP:

• COP 2 – for the Mine Residue Deposits.
• COP 1 – to Combat Rockfall Accidents
• COP 27 – for Handling and Storing Cyanide.
• COP 4 – for Hazardous Chemicals.
• SOP 54 – for the Sulphur Stockpile.
• SOP 53 – for Arsenic Storage and transport.
• SOP 78 – Standard procedure for the reporting and investigation of incidents
• SOP 11 – Standard procedure For the safe operation of shafts
• SOP 74 – Standard procedure for Lamp Rooms
• SOP 73 – Standard procedure for Refuge bay and escape strategy.
• SOP 57- Standard procedure on Underground Fire Prevention and Sealing Procedure.
• COP 21- Flammable Gas
• COP 33-Prevention of Fires at Mines (Draft).
• SP 03 Communications
• SOP 69 Hydro Carbon Management
• SOP 71 Sanitation

8.5  IMPLEMENTATION PLAN

8.6  COMPLIANCE WITH THE CODE OF PRACTICE

An internal audit must be conducted after implementation of the COP and an annual audit must be done by the Safety Department.

 

 

 

8.7  ACCESS TO THE CODE OF PRACTICE AND RELATED DOCUMENTS

 

8.7.1  The employer must ensure that a complete COP and related documents are kept readily available at the mine for examination by any affected person.

8.7.2  A registered trade union with members at the mine or where is no such union, a health and safety Representative on the mine, or if there is no health and safety representative, an employee representing the employees on the mine, must be provided with a copy on written request to the manager. A register must be kept of such persons or institutions with copies to facilitate updating of such copies.

8.7.3  The employer must ensure that all employees are fully conversant with those sections of the COP relevant to their respective areas of responsibility.

 

 

1.  PROCESS OF IMPLEMENTATION OF COP’S

 

1.1  [the employer must prepare an implementation plan for its cop that makes provision for issues such as organizational structures, responsibilities of functionaries and programs and schedules for this cop that will enable proper implementation of the cop.

(a summary of/and a reference to, a comprehensive implementation plan may be include.)]

 

• Organizational Structure of Document Trail

 

 

Once this Code of Practice has been accepted and approved, it will be:

• Published on the MANCO Safety Library.
• Added to the COP/SOP Digital Database (PAR Optimal Solve System) for reference purposes by Approved IT Users.
• The Training Department and the Safety Department shall be notified immediately, on the publishing of this COP on the Digital Database.
• Approved hard copies will only be circulated to the following entities, departments and employees,

 

The DMR. (Either by registered post or delivered by hand. Acceptance, on delivery, must be by signature.)

 

All relevant Managers – (Engineering and Mining or other Departments) All Section Engineers and Mine Overseers.

All GEF’s and relevant Shift Supervisors.

 

To any Union Member, Health & Safety Representative or Employee Representative on written request to the immediate HOD.

 

At all notice boards in relevant sections.

 

• HOD’s shall ensure that relevant COP are readily available at each department, whether by having hard copies on-site or whether by having access to the COP Digital Database.
• In the case of the Digital Database NOT being available, or cannot be made available, such employees or departments shall draft a written request to the immediate HOD, which in turn, shall immediately arrange to issue the current and approved hard copy update(s), to such individuals or departments.

 

a)  Responsibilities of Functionaries

The responsibilities and functions of all relevant departments and supervisors are set out in subsection (2) below.

 

b)  Programs & Schedules

All changes to this COP that necessitates changes to downstream documents and procedures shall be implemented as soon as practically possible.

 

For the purpose of reasonable and adequate communication of the information contained within this COP, it shall be the duty of the relevant line supervisors to formally discuss this document with all relevant personnel. Such communication shall be done as per subsection (3.3) below.

 

 

1.2  [information may be graphically represented to facilitate easy interpretation of the data and to highlight trends for the purpose of a risk assessment]

 

Whenever it becomes evident that information related to Emergency Prepardeness & Safety Related Matters, might be better understood if graphically represented, it shall be the responsibility of the management to further investigate the identified issue, and arrange for the necessary steps to be taken to ensure that the identified issue is fully understood by all relevant people.

 

 

2.  COMPLIANCE WITH THE COP

[the employer must institute measures for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the cop.]

 

On notification of an update of this COP or any related COP’s, SOP’s, Managerial Instructions or Special Instructions, the following responsibilities shall be effective;

 

 

Responsibilities of the Training Department:

• Arrange to update all relevant training material and competency assessments accordingly. Such changes shall be implemented within three (3) consecutive months, following the current date of signatures of the new COP Instruction.
• Evaluate all the changes instituted, and should this evaluation necessitate the retraining of certain employees, then such retraining shall be arranged immediately.

 

 

Responsibilities of the Safety Department:

• Arrange to update all relevant Safety Inspections/Audits to accommodate the necessary changes.
• Liaise with the relevant Engineering Department, with regards to changes to the PTO Schedule and current or new PTO’s
• The Chief Safety Officer will monitor the progress and forward the document to the drafting committee for review when necessary.

 

 

Responsibilities of the Engineering Department:

• Update all current PTO’s or draft new PTO’s, to accommodate the necessary changes.
• Update the PTO Schedule to incorporate all new PTO’s.
• Liaise with the Safety Department to issue the new PTO Schedule, including all changed and new PTO’s.

 

General Responsibilities (All Departments):

• All relevant equipment, places or facilities shall be revisited to ensure compliance and in the event of any non-compliance, an action programme for making the necessary amendments will be compiled in consultation with the Health and Safety Committee.

 

• All incumbents responsible to comply with any part of this Code will be re-trained and over- inspected for ongoing compliance.

 

• Regular inspections shall be performed to assess the effectiveness and implementation of this COP and relevant documentation.

 

• All relevant employees are responsible for the implementation and compliance with this COP.

 

• Development of associated Standard Operating Procedures that complies with all aspects covered by this Code of Practice shall be an ongoing process.

 

3.  ACCESS TO THE COP AND RELATED DOCUMENTS

 

3.1  [the employer must ensure that a complete cop and related documents are kept readily available at the mine for examination by any affected person.]

 

Availability of COP’s:

• Approved hard copies of this COP and all related documentation shall be made available on request.
• All COP’s, shall be published on the Digital Database.

 

Updated Copies of COP’s

 

• Approved hard copies shall be issued to any affected person (e.g. A Union Member, Health & Safety Representative or Employee Representative), but only on written request to the relevant HOD.
• The hard copies referred to in (a) above, shall be obtained from the Digital Database. This will ensure that only the most current version are being printed and issued.
• It shall be the responsibility of each individual being issued with a hard copy, to immediately destroy all previous versions of this document, still in his/her possession.

 

3.3  [The employer must ensure that all employees are fully conversant with those sections of the COP relevant to their respective areas of responsibility.]

 

Briefings & Training on COP’s

• It shall be the responsibility of all Foremen and Supervisors to formally communicate this COP to his/her subordinates. Attendance of such briefings shall be recorded and kept on file.
• For attendance purposes, all relevant Supervisors shall make use of an attendance register. This COP must be fully communicated to all personnel as far as practically possible, and a copy of the attendance register to be submitted to the Training Department, within 90 days from the effective date of this COP.
• Should a person be absent from any of the above mentioned briefings, the responsibility shall remain with the Supervisor to ensure that such persons shall be briefed at a later stage.
• It shall be the responsibility of the HOD (Training Department) to ensure that all relevant training documentation is updated after every review of this COP and included into ex-leave induction training.