24---Coal Mine REGULATIONS questions

Question 1

Question 2.1 If intake air is allowed to travel across the face of a permanent seal, list 5 matters which must be addressed.
(Section 346(2)) 10 marks

Answer 1

Correct Answer: Key words in Bold to appear in answer

(a) leakage through the seal is minimised and damage to the seal is prevented; (2)
(b) the seal is, as a minimum, a type C seal; (2)
(c) a monitoring device is installed in each intake airway on the return side of the seals over which the intake air passes to detect the intake airway’s general body(2) concentration of—

(i) oxygen; and
(ii) carbon dioxide, if it is present behind the seal in a general body concentration greater than 3%; and(2)
(iii) any other gas that is present behind the seal in a quantity and concentration that is likely to create a risk if it enters the intake airway adjacent to the seal; (2)
(d) for longwall workings—the monitoring device mentioned in paragraph (c) is positioned at the intersection of the longwall face and the intake airway; (2)
(e) the monitoring system for paragraph (c) triggers an alarm to warn each person who may be affected if a gas mentioned in the paragraph is present in a predetermined concentration. (2)

Question 2

Question 2.2 When must an ERZ Controller be present in an ERZ1?
(Section 315) 2 marks

Answer 2

The ERZ controller for an ERZ1 must be present in the zone whenever coal or stone is being mined, (1) or strata control activities are being carried out, in it. (1)

Question 3

Question 2.3 At what maximum intervals must periodic inspection and testing of vehicles’ braking systems be conducted?
(Section 260) 2 marks

Answer 3

(1) An underground mine’s safety and health management system must provide for the safe transport of persons, material and equipment at the mine.
(2) The system must include provision for the following—
(h) periodic inspection and testing, at intervals of not more than 8 days, of the braking systems for vehicles. (2)

Question 4

Question 2.4 List 5 provisions that maybe included in a standard operation procedure in the event of a methane detector on a machine or vehicle either failing in service or tripping the electricity supply?
(Section 250) 10 marks

Answer 4

(1) An underground mine must have a standard operating procedure for taking action when any of the following happens—
(a) an automatic methane detector fitted to a machine, trips the electricity supply to the machine, vehicle or plant or stops its internal combustion engine; ** (2)
(b) a methane detector mentioned in paragraph, fails in service; (2)
(c) a methane detector located at the interface between a NERZ and an ERZ1, or between adjoining NERZs, fails in service or is being tested or relocated. (2)
(2) The procedure may provide that, the methane detector may be temporarily overridden to allow the machine or vehicle to be moved, but only if—
(a) the general body concentration of methane around the machine or vehicle is less than 1.25%; and(2)
(b) a portable methane detector is used to continuously monitor the concentration. (2)
(3) The procedure may also provide that , the methane detector may be temporarily overridden to allow the machine to be operated to allow movement to a
secure place along the face or at the gate ends, butonly if—
(a) the general body concentration of methane around the machine is less than 1.25%;and(2)
(b)portable methane detector is used to continuously monitor the concentration.** (2)

(4) The procedure may also provide that—
(a) if an event mentioned in subsection (1)(b) happens to a relevant machine or vehicle being used in a NERZ, the operator may continue to use the machine or vehicle only if—
(i) the general body concentration of methane around the machine or vehicle is less than 0.5%; and(2)
(ii) the place where the machine or vehicle is located is continuously monitored by a person using a portable methane detector; or(2)
(b) if an event mentioned in subsection (1)(c) happens, the methane detector—
(i) must be replaced or repaired as soon as practicable; (2)
(ii) may be overridden temporarily to allow operations to continue in the zones until the detector is replaced or repaired, but only if the conditions mentioned in subsection (5) are complied with. (2)
(5) For subsection (4)(b)(ii), the conditions are—
(a) a person uses a portable methane detector to continuously monitor for methane—(2)
(i) if the event involves 1 methane detector—at the location of the methane detector; or(2)
(ii) if the event involves more than 1 methane detector at an interface—by moving between the methane detectors at the interface that have failed or are
being tested or relocated; and(2)
(b) the electricity supply to the affected zones can be readily tripped when the general body concentration of methane at the location of a methane detector being monitored as required under paragraph (a) exceeds 0.5%.(2)

Question 5

Question 2.5 What is the requirement for using aluminium alloys underground?
(Section 254) 5 marks

Answer 5

(1) The underground mine manager must ensure an exposed aluminium alloy is not used underground at the mine if it contains more than 6% by mass of combined magnesium and titanium. (1)
(2) The underground mine manager must also ensure external rotating or reciprocating parts of plant used underground are not constructed of alloys containing more than 0.6% magnesium and titanium combined. (1)
(1) An underground mine must have a standard operating
* *procedure for the following—
(a) storing, transporting, handling and using aluminium alloy objects and equipment**underground; (1)
(b) disposing of aluminium alloy objects and equipment. (1)
(2) Without limiting subsection (1), the procedure must have regard to the explosive or combustible nature of accumulated aluminium alloy dust. (1)

Question 6

Question 2.6 List 5 matters that the mine gas monitoring system must provide for.
(Section 222) 10 marks

Answer 6

The gas monitoring system must provide for the following—
(a) continuous monitoring of the mine atmosphere (2)
at the places mentioned in section 223(1), to detect methane, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and oxygen;
(b) automatically detecting or calculating the values and trends of the following—
(i) gas concentrations; (2)
(ii) the ratio of carbon monoxide and oxygen deficiency;33(2)

33 This ratio is commonly known as Graham’s ratio.
(iii) the ratio of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide; (2)
(iv) gas explosibility; (2)
(c) automatically activating an alarmif a gas alarm level is exceeded; (2)
(d) recording the values and trends mentioned in paragraph(2)
(b) and displaying the record—
(i) at the surface of the mine where the record can be easily accessed by coal mine workers; and(2)
(ii) in a way that the record can be easily read by the workers; (2)
(e) keeping the information on which the values and trends mentioned in paragraph (d) were based at the mine in a way that enables the information to be easily accessed
and inspected. (2)
(3) The gas monitoring system must also provide for—
(a) an alternative electricity supply(2) to ensure the system continues to function if the normal electricity supply fails; and
(b) electrical equipment installed and operated underground for the system to have the following explosion protection category—
(i) for equipment other than a gas detector head—Ex ia; (2)
(ii) for a gas detector head—Ex ia or Ex s. (2)

Question 7

Question 2.7 List 6 mandatory provisions for the safe use of explosives.
(Part 6, Division 1 & 3) 6 marks

Answer 7

• *1. Risk assessment (1)
  2. Authorised explosives(1)
  3. Transporting and storing explosives underground(1)
  4. Temporarily storing explosives underground(1)
  5. Reconciling issue and use of explosives(1)
  6. Vehicles used to transport explosives(1)
  7. Issuing, and dealing with, explosives(1)
  8. Supervising and controlling shotfiring(1)
  9. Supervising person undertaking shotfiring training(1)
  10. Equipment for initiating explosions(1)
  11. Where explosives for shotfiring may be used(1)
  12. Action to be taken if a shot misfires(1)
  13. Isolating electrical circuits(1)
  14. Isolating radio transmission devices(1)
  15. Limiting duration of the shot sequence(1)
  16. Standard operating procedures(1)**

Question 8

Question 2.8 List 5 items a mine Safety and Health Management System must provide for in managing emergencies.
(Section 35) 5 marks

Answer 8

(1) A coal mine’s safety and health management system must provide for managing emergencies at the mine.
(2) The system must include provision for the following—
(a) identifying, by risk assessment, potential emergency situations; (1)
(b) minimising risks associated with potential emergency situations; (1)
(c) carrying out aided rescue and self-escape of persons from the mine in an emergency; (1)
(d) carrying out emergency exercises, including testing the effectiveness of emergency management procedures and the readiness and fitness of equipment for use in an
emergency; (1)
(e) auditing and reviewing the emergency exercises; (1)
(g) if the mine is an underground mine—involving an ERZ controller for the mine (1)in—
(i) developing and testing the emergency management procedures for explosion risk zones; and
(ii) auditing the documentation for the procedures.

Question 9

Question 2.9 Who may change electrical protection settings on circuit protection devices?
(Section 30 (1)) 3 marks

Answer 9

(1) A person must not change an electrical protection setting for a circuit protection device at a coal mine, unless the person is authorised to make the change by the electrical engineering manager for the mine. (3)

Question 10

Question 2.10 List the incombustible material content for mine roadway dust in five areas of the mine.
(Section 301) 10 marks

Answer 10

(1) The underground mine manager must ensure the content of incombustible material in roadway dust at the mine is kept at or above the following concentration level—
(a) for dust in a panel roadway within 200m outbye the last completed line of cut throughs in the panel—85%; (2)
(b) for dust in a 200m section of panel roadway within 400m of a longwall face—85%;(2)
(c) for dust in a panel roadway within 200m from the main roadway, if paragraphs (a) and (b) do not apply to the 200m section of the roadway—80%;(2)
(d) for dust in a return roadway not mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (c)—80%;(2)
(e) for dust in an intake roadway not mentioned in paragraphs (a) to (d) 70%(2).

Question 11

Question 2.11 Where is controlled ventilation required?
(Section 344) 6 marks

Answer 11

The ventilation officer must ensure the mine’s ventilation system provides for the following—
controlled ventilation—
(i) in each place used by a person for normal work or travel, other than a place where an inspection mentioned in section 30749 is being carried out and no one else is working; and (2)
(ii) in each standing working place that is on the intake side of a working place; (2) and
(iii) in each working place in an ERZ1; (2)

Question 12

Question 2.12 What notices must be given to an Inspector?
(Section 264, 320 & 326) 3 marks

Answer 12

• *1. When hot work is being undertaken.
  2. Before second workings are started.
  3. Prior to sealing an area of the mine.**

Question 13

Question 2.13 What are the requirements for the assessment of visitors to a mine with regard to their health?
(Section 36) 4 marks

Answer 13

The site senior executive must ensure a visitor does not enter an operating area at the mine unless—
(a) the visitor’s fitness level is assessed in an appropriate way, including, for example, by a questionnaire, to decide if the visitor’s fitness level is adequate to allow
the visitor to self-escape from the area; and (2)
(b) having regard to conditions prevailing in the area, the visitor’s fitness level is adequate for the self-escape; and
(c) personal protective equipment given to the visitor for the self-escape fits the visitor. (2)

Question 14

Question 2.14 List 5 matters required for sealing the entrances of an underground mine.
(Section 156) 5 marks

Answer 14

The site senior executive must ensure each entrance from the surface to the underground mine is capable of being sealed—
(a) at the surface without requiring persons to travel in front of the entrance to seal it; or(1)
(b) if the entrance is a vertical shaft—
(i) in the way mentioned in paragraph (a); or
(ii) in a roadway at the bottom of the shaft. (1)
(2) The site senior executive must also ensure—
(a) at least 1 of the entrances has a mine entry airlock capable of withstanding a pressure pulse of 70kPa passing through the entrance while the airlock is open; (1)
and
(b) the mine, when sealed, has facilities allowing the following—
(i) the use of inertisation equipment from a safe position; (1)
(ii) monitoring the atmosphere behind the seal from a safe position; (1)
(iii) persons to re-enter the mine through the entrance; (1)
(iv) large mobile equipment to enter or exit the mine through an airlock. (1)

Question 15

Question 2.15 What must an ERZ Controller do with respect to an ERZ inspection?
(Section 307(1)) 6 marks

Answer 15

(1) The ERZ controller for an ERZ must carry out a regular periodic inspection of the zone. (2)
(2) Before carrying out a regular periodic inspection, the ERZ controller must—
(a) read the record of the latest regular periodic inspection findings; and(2)
(b) acknowledge, in writing, on the record, that the ERZ controller has read the record. (2)

Question 16

Question 2.16 Under what circumstances can a person be exposed to an effective temperature exceeding 29.4ºC?
(Section 369) 5 marks

Answer 16

A person must not work in a place at the mine where the effective temperature exceeds 29.4ºC unless the person is—

(a) carrying out the work in an escape or emergency; or (1)
(b) engaged in work designed to reduce the effective temperature; or(1)
(c) a mines rescue member carrying out training or emergency response under procedures developed by an accredited corporation; or(1)
(d) wearing self-contained breathing apparatus and undertaking an emergency response under a standard operating procedure for the mine; or(1)
(e) an ERZ controller carrying out an inspection—
(i) for which a risk assessment has been undertaken to identify the hazards associated with the inspection; and
(ii) under the controls agreed between the ERZ controller and underground mine manager to manage the risk. (1)

Question 17

Question 2.17 List 5 locations in which the mine atmosphere must be monitored.
(Section 223) 10 marks

Answer 17

An underground mine’s safety and health management system must provide for continuous monitoring of the mine atmosphere, using the mine’s gas monitoring system, at the return airway of each ventilation split.(2)
(1A) The safety and health management system must also provide for sampling of the mine atmosphere, using the mine’s gas monitoring system, at each of the following places—
(a) the return airway from each unsealed waste, idle workings and goaf area;.(2)
(b) the return of each airway at the upcast shaft;.(2)
(c) other places stated in the mine’s principal hazard management.(2) plan for gas monitoring as places where gas monitoring must be carried out.
(1B) The safety and health management system must also provide
for—
(a) continuous monitoring, using the mine’s gas monitoring system, to detect products of combustion in the mine atmosphere at the return side of each conveyor belt; .(2) and
(b) when the products are detected, the automatic activation of an alarm located on the surface in a position that is generally under observation to warn persons of the products’ presence..(2)

Question 18

Question 2.18 When may live testing on electrical equipment be conducted in an ERZ0?
(Section 186(1)) 3 marks

Answer 18

A person must not live test electrical equipment or installations, including intrinsically safe electrical equipment and installations, in an ERZ0 at an underground mine. (3)

Question 19

Question 2.20 In developing SOPs, what must the SSE have regard to when developing controls for hazards?
(Section 10(3)) 3 marks

Answer 19

In developing the standard operating procedure, the site senior
executive must—
(a) use a risk assessment process recognised by the mining industry as an acceptable process for identifying and controlling hazards; and (1 ½)
(b) have regard to the methods of controlling the hazard stated in the database kept by the chief executive under section 280(1)(a)(i)4 of the Act. (1 ½)

Question 20

Question 2.21 List 3 types of environmental tests which must be regularly conducted.
(Section 89, 91 & 260) 3 marks

Answer 20

1. Respirable dust. (1)
2. Noise levels. (1)
3. Undiluted exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine used underground. (1)

Question 21

Question 2.22 List 4 functions of a ventilation officer.
(Section 341) 8 marks

Answer 21

A ventilation officer has the following functions—

(a) to ensure adequate ventilation of the mine; (2)
(b) to ensure the quality of the mine air is measured and recorded under section 362;45(2)
(c) to take charge of any ventilation system change in the mine by giving directions, or by being present, when the change is happening; (2)
(d) to ensure all ventilation control devices at the mine are properly constructed and maintained. (2)

Question 22

Question 2.23 List 5 matters the appointed fire officer is responsible for.
(Section 155) 5 marks

Answer 22

(2) The fire officer is responsible for the following—
(a) inspecting, testing and maintaining all fire fighting equipment; (1)
(b) keeping records of the inspection, testing and maintenance of fire fighting equipment; (1)
(c) establishing fire prevention and control training needs and ensuring the training is carried out; (1)
(d) ensuring the currency of all fire fighting plans and procedures; (1)
(e) testing, and reporting on, the condition of the mine’s communication system. (1)

Question 23

Question 2.24 What must a Mine Safety and Health Management System provide for regarding fixed and mobile plant safety checks by a competent person?
(Section 71) 6 marks

Answer 23

A coal mine’s safety and health management system must provide for—

(a) fixed and mobile plant used at the mine to be checked for hazards that might reasonably be expected from operating the plant; and
(b) the checks to be carried out—
(i) by a person competent in recognising the hazards; (2) and
(ii) periodically, (2) and, if the plant has been stopped for at least 24 hours, before the plant is started again. (2)

Question 24

Question 2.25 How is the location and type of ERZ to be determined?
(Section 286(2)) 3 marks

Answer 24

The site senior executive must ensure a risk assessment is carried out to identify the location and type of each ERZ at the mine.(3)

Question 25

Question 2.26 List 5 requirements for all persons entering underground in relation to self-rescuers.
(Section 159) 5 marks

Answer 25

A person must not enter below ground at an underground
mine unless the person—
(a) has been issued with, and is carrying, a self-rescuer; and (1)
(b) is trained in donning, changing over and using the self-rescuer and self-rescuers stored in caches in the mine; and(1)
(c) has examined the self-rescuer, is satisfied it has not been damaged externally, and has carried out any checks required by the manufacturer; and(2)
(d) is physically capable of using a self-rescuer of a certified type. (1)

Question 26

Question 2.27 What are the general duties of persons carrying out inspections?
(Section 308(1)) 8 marks

Answer 26

(1) A person carrying out an inspection must do the following—
(a) if practicable, ensure anything that is found to be unsafe is made safe immediately; (2)
(b) if the thing can not be made safe immediately, take all practicable steps to ensure each person in any part of the mine whose safety may be threatened by the unsafe
thing is given immediate notificationof the unsafe thing; (2)
(c) erect a barrier to prevent persons from unknowingly entering a place where the unsafe thing exists; (2)
(d) if necessary, ensure—
(i) operations in any part of the mine where a person’s safety is threatened by the unsafe thing are stopped; and(1)
(ii) each person in the part of the mine is withdrawn to a safe location. (1)

Question 27

Question 2.28 List 3 things a mine Safety and Health Management System must contain regarding hazardous substances?
(Section 55) 3 marks

Answer 27

(2) The register must—
(a) contain the material safety data sheet for each hazardous substance; and (1)
(b) be kept at the mine in a location that is easily accessible by each coal mine worker at the mine. (1)
(3) The material safety data sheet must comply with NOHSC’s document entitled ‘National Code of Practice for the Preparation of Material Safety Data Sheets [NOHSC:2011]’. (1)

Question 28

Question 2.29 What is the requirement regarding access to SOPs at a mine?
(Section 11) 4 marks

Answer 28

The site senior executive must ensure—
(a) a list of the mine’s current standing operating procedures is kept at the mine in a location that is easily accessible by each coal mine worker at the mine;(1) and
(b) a copy of the current standard operating procedure for a particular activity(1) at the mine is available to, and is kept in a location that is easily accessible by, each coal mine worker(1) carrying out the activity; and
Example of a location that is easily accessible for an underground
coal mine worker—
A crib room.
(c) the list and each standard operating procedure is kept in a format that is easy to use and understand. (1)

Question 29

Question 2.30 List 6 requirements of a primary escape way.
(Section 298) 6 marks

Answer 29

(1) The site senior executive must ensure—
(a) at least 1 of the escapeways at the mine mentioned in section 296(1) is—
(i) an intake airway.(1)or a combination of adjacent intake airways; and.(1)
(ii) designated as the primary escapeway; and.(1)
(iii) separated, as far as practicable, from all other roadways.(1)by a separation stopping that is antistatic, fire resistant and of substantial construction providing for minimal leakage; and
(iv) as far as practicable, free from the risk of fire.(1); and
(b) fire fighting equipment is located on, or near, any equipment installed in the primary escapeway.(1)

Question 30

• *Question 2.31 What must the Safety and Health Management System provide for regarding fire?**
  (s37) 4 marks

Answer 30

(1) A coal mine’s safety and health management system must provide for the following at the mine—
(a) fire prevention and control; (1/2)
(b) an effective fire fighting capability; (1/2)
(c) the safety of persons fighting fires; (1/2)
(d) a risk assessment to identify all potential fire hazards at the mine. (1/2)
(2) The system must also provide for the following—
(a) the availability at the mine, at all times, of equipment that is appropriate and sufficient to extinguish any potential fire identified by the risk assessment; (1/2)
(b) the location of portable fire extinguishers on or near equipment and installations identified as potential firehazards by the risk assessment; (1/2)
(c) the compatibility, throughout the mine, of all fire fighting equipment. (1/2)
(3) The coal mine must have a standard operating procedure for action to be taken when a fire is discovered at the mine. (1/2)

Question 31

Question 2.32 What must a person do after carrying out an inspection?
(Section 308(2)) 8 marks

Answer 31

As soon as practicable after carrying out the inspection, the
person must ensure a record is made of the following—
(a) any readings, required by the mine’s safety and health management system, taken during the inspection; (2)
(b) the details of any unsafe thing found during the inspection; (2)
(c) any action taken to make the unsafe thing safe; (2)
(d) whether the unsafe thing was made safe. (2)

Question 32

Question 2.34 When can a coal mine worker work in respirable coal dust above 3mg/m3?
(Section 89(3)) 6 marks

Answer 32

(3) The system must provide that, if the average concentration of respirable dust in the atmosphere can not be reduced to the levels stated in subsection (1)—
(a) the controls for minimising dust must be reviewed; .(1/2) and

(b) if the average concentration still can not be reduced to the levels stated in subsection
(1) , personal protective equipment must be supplied.(1/2) for use by persons in the work environment.
(4) The system must provide ways of suppressing excessive airborne dust.(1/2) so a person’s safety is not threatened.(1/2), including, for example, by reduced visibility.

(5) The system must provide for—
(a) monitoring and recording concentrations of respirable.(1/2) dust and free silica in the atmosphere of the work environment; and

(b) keeping the records in a location that is easily accessible by each coal mine worker at the mine.(1/2)

Question 33

Question 2.35 Who may change a gas alarm level setting?
(Section 225) 2 marks

Answer 33

A person must not change a gas alarm level setting without the ventilation officer’s authorisation. .(2)

Question 34

Question 2.36 List the 4 basic elements a coal mine’s Safety and Health Management System must provide for?
(Section 6) 8 marks

Answer 34

A coal mine’s safety and health management system must
provide for the following basic elements—
(a) risk identification and assessment; (2)
(b) hazard analysis; (2)
(c) hazard management and control; (2)
(d) reporting and recording relevant safety and health information and data(2)

Question 35

Question 2.37 List 3 matters that must be provided in the Safety and Health Management System for emergency evacuation.
(Section 171) 3 marks

Answer 35

The system must provide for the following—

(a) the designation of places of safety where persons may assemble in an emergency; (1)
(b) the trigger points for evacuating the mine or a part of it; (1)
(c) periodic exercises to demonstrate the effectiveness of the emergency evacuation system to respond to potential emergencies at the mine. (1)

Question 36

Question 2.38 List 4 matters that the Mine Isolation, Lockout and Tagging System must provide.
(Section 78) 8 marks

Answer 36

(1) A coal mine must have a standard operating procedure for the
following—
(a) controlling the risk of an unplanned release of energy from plant, including positively isolating the energy source; (2)
(b) if an electrical or mechanical energy source is positively isolated—testing for zero potential; (2)
(c) taking plant out of service; (2)
(d) returning plant to service. (2)

Question 37

Question 2.39 When must the emergency response strategies for mines rescue be capable of implementation?
(Section 172(3)) 3 marks

Answer 37

The strategies must be capable of implementation whenever a person is below ground at the mine. (3)

Question 38

Question 2.40 What must an ERZ Controller do immediately after completing an inspection?
(Section 310(1)(2)) 6 marks

Answer 38

(1) Immediately after completing an inspection of an inspection district, the ERZ controller who carried out the inspection must ensure a notice of the inspection result is placed on a notice board located at the outbye boundary of the district.(3)
(2) The notice must state the following—
(a) the date and time of the inspection; (1)
(b) the date and time after which the inspection ceases to be effective; (1)
(c) whether or not the inspection district was found to be safe. (1)

Question 39

Question 2.41 List 6 things the Standard Operating Procedure must address when dealing with hazardous substances?
(Section 56) 6 marks

Answer 39

(1) A coal mine must have a standard operating procedure for using hazardous substances at the mine.
(2) The procedure must include provision for—
(a) purchasing, (1/2)selecting(1/2), storing(1/2), using(1/2), moving(1/2), decanting(1/2) and disposing(1/2) of hazardous substances; and
(b) appropriate first aid(1/2) for a person affected by a hazardous substance.

Question 40

Question 2.42 What are the 6 design criteria for storage of explosives underground?
(Section 205) 6 marks

Answer 40

The underground explosive storage must—

(a) be—
(i) in a NERZ; and (1)
(ii) in a location that minimises the risk of the explosives suffering an impact or being buried or burnt; and(2)
(iii) free of rubbish, particularly rubbish of a flammable nature; and(1)
(iv) clearly marked by a flashing red light, or other warning device, as an underground explosive storage; and(1)
(b) have fire fighting facilities situated on the intake air side close to the storage. (1)

Question 41

Question 2.43 What 3 matters must a Mine Safety and Health Management System provide for in relation to incidents and accidents?
(Section 15) 3 marks

Answer 41

(1) A coal mine’s safety and health management system must provide for the following—
(a) the procedure for investigating accidents and incidents at the mine; (1)
(b) making the investigation findings available to the mine’s coal mine workers; (1)
(c) implementing corrective action for accidents and incidents. (1)

Question 42

Question 2.44 Explain what Type B, C and D ventilation control devices are and under what circumstances they must be used?
(Section 325) 6 marks

Answer 42

1. Type B – 35 kpa; 5 psi
If the level of naturally occurring flammable gas at the mine is insufficient to reach the lower explosive limit for the gas under any circumstances.
2. Type C – 140 kpa, 20 psi
For an underground mine, or part of an underground mine, not mentioned for type B or D.
3. Type D – 345 kpi, 50 psi
If persons remain underground when an explosive atmosphere exists and there is a possibility of spontaneous combustion or incendive spark or other ignition source.

Question 43

Question 2.45 List 5 requirements to be included in the Safety and Health Management System regarding personal fatigue?
(Section 42(e)) 5 marks

Answer 43

(2) The system must provide for the following about personal fatigue for persons at the mine—

(a) an education program; (1)
(b) an employee assistance program; (1)
(c) t**he maximum number of hours for a working shift ** (1)
(d) the number and length of rest breaks in a shift; (1)
(e) the maximum number of hours to be worked in a week or roster cycle. (1)

Question 44

Question 2.46 List the 6 Mandatory Principal Hazard Management Plans
(Section 149 ) 6 marks

Answer 44

An underground mine must have principal hazard management plans that provide for at the least the following—

• *(a) emergency response; (1)
  (b) gas management; (1)
  (c) methane drainage; (1)
  (d) mine ventilation; (1)
  (e) spontaneous combustion; (1)
  (f) strata control. (1)**

Question 45

Question 2.47 Above what height must a mine Safety and Health Management System provide for minimising the risk of injury from falling?
(Section 92) 2 marks

Answer 45

2.4 metres.

Question 46

Question 2.48 Who must be included in the investigation of accidents or incidents for an underground mine?
(Section 15 ) 4 marks

Answer 46

for accidents and incidents at an underground mine—

(i) the ERZ controller for the ERZ in which the accident or incident happened who was on duty when it happened; or (2)
(ii) if it is not practicable to involve the ERZ controller mentioned in subparagraph (i)—another ERZ controller for the zone. (2)

Question 47

Question 2.50 What must be included in the SOP for checking a mobile plant?
(Section 73) 4 marks

Answer 47

(1) A coal mine must have a standard operating procedure for checking mobile plant used at the mine.
(2) The procedure must include provision for the operator of the plant, as soon as practicable after taking control of it, to check that its brakes (1), steering(1), lights(1) and any other safety features(1) are functioning properly.

Question 48

Question 2.51 List 3 requirements of a place where explosives are being prepared, charged or fired.
(Section 213) 6 marks

Answer 48

(a) a general body concentration of methane of less than 0.5%; (1)
(b) a ventilation current capable of quickly diluting and removing any atmospheric contaminants released by the shot; (2)
(c) its exposed surfaces within a radius of 20m from the location of the shot either—
(i) thoroughly saturated with water; or(1)
(ii) treated with stonedust so the deposited dust mixture comprises an incombustible coal dust concentration of at least 85%.(2)

Question 49

Question 2.53 List 2 mandatory features of the mine telephonic communication system.
(Section 176) 4 marks

Answer 49

(1) The site senior executive must ensure the underground mine’s telephonic communication system complies with this section and has an adequate fail safe, or backup, power supply for the system.(2)
(2) The system’s electrical components installed underground must be suitable for use in an ERZ0, unless the components are installed in a drift or shaft being driven from the surface in material other than coal. .(2)

Question 50

Question 2.54 Who can directly supervise and control coal mining operations where shotfiring activities are taking place?
(Section 210) 2 marks

Answer 50

The underground mine manager must ensure coal mining operations where shotfiring activities are taking place are directly supervised and controlled by a person holding a first or second class certificate (1)of competency or a deputy’s certificate of competency. (1)

Question 51

Question 2.55 What must you do if something remains unsafe at the end of your shift?
(Section 308(3)) 5 marks

Answer 51

(3) If an unsafe thing is not made safe by the end of the shift on which the inspection was made, the person must—
(a) tell the person’s immediate supervisor; and (1)
(b) give notice of the matter to the following persons—(1)
(i) persons on the next shift, who may enter, travel or work in the part of the mine where the unsafe thing exists; (1)
(ii) persons who are required to make similar inspections during the next shift. (2)

Question 52

Question 2.56 Under what circumstances would part of a mine be deemed dangerous when the gas monitoring system failed or was non-operational?
(Section 253) 6 marks

Answer 52

For section 27336 of the Act, a part of an underground mine is taken to be dangerous if the part is affected by the failure or non-operation of the gas monitoring system and the mine does not have—
(a) a standard operating procedure for using portable gas detectors;or
36 Section 273 (Withdrawal of persons in case of danger) of the Act (3)
(b) sufficient portable gas detectors to continually monitor the part to the extent necessary to achieve an acceptable level of risk. (3)

Question 53

Question 2.57 Under what conditions can live testing be conducted in an ERZ1?
(Section 186(2)) 3 marks

Answer 53

An underground mine’s safety and health management system must provide for—

(a) live testing electrical equipment and installations in an ERZ1; and
(b) limiting the live testing to extra low voltage and low voltage; and (1)
(c) notice of the live testing, other than testing of intrinsically safe electrical equipment and installations, to be given to an inspector within 7 days after it is carried out. (2)

Question 54

Question 2.58 What is meant by the term “controlled ventilation for a working place”?
(Section 344) 2 marks

Answer 54

The controlled ventilation for a working place mentioned in subsection (1)(b)(ii) or (iii) must provide for a ventilation current of an average velocity of at least 0.3m/s, measured across the cross-sectional area of the roadway in the working place.(2)

Question 55

Question 2.59 What action must occur if a fixed methane detector malfunctions or fails?
(Section 229) 4 marks

Answer 55

The site senior executive must ensure that if the detector malfunctions or fails it will automatically—

(a) shut down the equipment, or part of the equipment, it is monitoring; and.(2)
(b) give a visible alarm..(2)

Question 56

Question 2.52 What matters must be included in a mine’s SOP for checking and examining work areas?
(Section 94 ) 6 marks

Answer 56

(1) A coal mine must have a standard operating procedure for—
(a) checking the condition of a work area before coal mine workers proceed to it; and (2)
(b) examining the area, before workers start work in it, to check for hazards. (2)
(2) The procedure must provide for a check and examination of each coal mine worker’s specific work area to be carried out by the coal mine worker. (2)

Question 57

Question 2.19 List 6 matters which must be included in a Mine’s Training Scheme.
(Section 82) 6 marks

Answer 57

(1) A coal mine’s safety and health management system must provide for a training scheme for persons at the mine.
(2) The scheme must include provision for the following—
(a) induction training for coal mine workers and other persons at the mine; (1)
(b) refresher training for coal mine workers; (1)
(c) establishing the workers’ training needs about the safe performance of the mine’s coal mining operations, including, for example, training needs about the mine’s(1)
standard operating procedures;
(d) recognising a worker’s current competencies and prior learning in establishing the worker’s training needs; (1)
(e) establishing a training program to meet the training needs using the endorsed (1)components of the coal industry training package that are relevant for training
and assessing the mine’s coal mine workers;
(f) appointing persons who are competent to give the training and assess the workers’ competencies; (1)
(g) keeping and auditing records of training and assessment given and undertaken;
(h) designating tasks that may only be carried out by a worker who has been assessed as competent to carry out the tasks; (1)
(i) training workers elected to be safety and health representatives. (1)

Question 58

Question 2.49 What must the Site Senior Executive ensure with regard to the Geocentric Datum of Australia (GDA)?
(Section 59) 4 marks

Answer 58

The site senior executive must ensure—

(a) a datum station, referenced to GDA and AHD, is established near the mine for mine surveys; and (2)
(b) if a local grid system is used for the surveys, the relationship between the grid system and GDA and AHD is established and shown on the survey plans. (2)