GUIDELINE FOR MANDATORY CODE OF PRACTICE FOR FIRE PREVENTION AT MINES
Title: Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate: Guideline for the compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for Prevention of Fires at Mines
Government Gazette Notice: GN 1199 in GG 40313 of 30 September 2016
Commencing date: 30 September 2016
Fire is a serious safety hazard on mines. The main aim of this guideline is to provide employers with a framework to assist in the preparation of a Code of Practice (COP) on the fire prevention measures at a mine in order to reduce significant risks associated with fires. The guideline strives to enable the employer at every mine where a fire could pose a significant risk to the health or safety of persons, to prepare a COP which, if properly implemented and complied with, would improve control measures aimed at preventing fire incidents.
The following information has been included in the guideline (amongst other things):
1. Format and content of the mandatory COP; and
2. Aspects pertaining to the implementation of the mandatory COP.
So what for my operation?
All mines must prepare and implement a COP for the prevention of fires at mines. These COPs must comply with this guideline issued by the Chief Inspector of Mines. Remember that associated internal procedures and standards may also require amendment once this COP has been compiled to ensure alignment.
The mine must institute measures for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the COP and it must be ensured that the complete COP and related documents are kept readily available at the mine for examination by any affected person. The trade unions with members working on the mine (if any) must also be provided with a copy of the COP.
Failure by the mine to prepare and implement a COP in compliance with this guideline is a breach of the Mine Health and Safety Act 25 of 1996.
What is Shangoni’s approach?
Shangoni can assist our clients in the mining industry in the compilation of COPs in line with published guidelines. When compiling a COP, all relevant site risks are acknowledged and incorporated into the contents of the COP. Consequent to the compilation of the COP, associated internal procedures and standards are also scrutinised and amended if necessary to ensure alignment with the contents of the COP.
