WHS - Mines and Petroleum Regulations 2022

Question 1

S4 - Meaning of Principal Hazard

Answer 1

Activity, process, plant, structure, substance, situation or other circumstance related to carry out of mining that has a reasonable potential to result in multiple fatalities in a single incident / series of reoccurring incidents

Question 2

S4 - Principal Hazards

Answer 2

Ground or strata failure
inundation or inrush of substance
mine shafts and winding systems
gas outbursts
spontaneous combustion
subsidence
roads and other vehicle operating areas
air quality or dust or Airbourne contaminants
fire or explosion
a hazard identified by the mine operator

Question 3

S14 - Managment of Risks to Health and Safety

Answer 3

1) PCBU must manage risk in accordance to WHS Regs 3.1
2) PCBU must ensure person conducting risk assessment is competent in regard to nature of hazard
3)When conducting a RA, person must have regard
- nature of hazard
- likelihood of hazard
- severity of potential H/S consequences
4)PCBU must keep record of each RA and name/competency of person who conducted RA, and control measures implemented
5) PCBU not required to keep assessments carried out by an individual for a task that forms part of an activity
6)A record kept by MO forms part of SMS / Mine record
7) A record kept by contractor forms part of Contractor HSMP

Question 4

S15 - Review of Control Measures

Answer 4

1)PCBU must review and as necessary revise control measures
- Audit of SMS identifies deficiency
- worker is moved from a hazard / assigned different work due to recommendation contained in health monitoring report
- S124 incident
- any incident that requires regulator to be notified
2)MO must review / revise control measure if requested by HSR or PCBU on behalf of HSR
3)PCBU must notify MO of request made by HSR

Question 5

S16 - Record of Certain Reviews of Control Measures (MO)

Answer 5

1)Reviewed a control measure in response to a notifiable incident / S124
2)Must keep a record of
- causes or likely causes of the incident
- WHS matters arising from incident
- recommendations to prevent repeat
- outcome from review/revision of control measures / SMS
- Summary of changes made to any PHMP or SMS
3) MO able to provide records on request to regulator

Question 6

S18 - Duty to Establish and Implement SMS

Answer 6

1) MO must establish and implement SMS
2) No mining to occur if SMS not established or implemented
3) Primary means of ensuring H/S of persons at site and operations do not put other persons at risk
4) Comprehensive and integrated system for the management of all aspects of risk to H/S

Question 7

S17 - Record of Certain Reviews of Control Measures (PCBU)

Answer 7

1) Reviewed a control measure in response to a notifiable incident / S124
2) Must keep a record of
- causes or likely causes of the incident
- WHS matters arising from incident
- recommendations to prevent repeat
- outcome from review/revision of control measures

Question 8

S18 - Duty to Establish and Implement SMS

Answer 8

1) MO must establish and Implement SMS
2) No mining to occur where SMS relevant to operations is not established or implemented
3) Overall management system that ensures H/S of workers and ensures persons are put at risk due to operations
4) Comprehensive and integrated system for the management of all aspects of risk to H/S

Question 9

S19 - Contents of SMS

Answer 9

• H/S Policy of Operator
• Arrangements for managing risk in accordance with S14
• Systems/Procedures/Plans and other control measures used to control risk (PHMP/PCP/VCP - Division 5)
• Management Structure
• Arrangements for PCBU to consult/coordinate/cooperate
• Contractor Management
• Emergency Procedures
• Procedures and conditions for withdrawal of persons to place of safety
• Provision of Information/Training/Instruction
• Induction Procedures
• Supervision to protect workers from risk to H/S
• Health Monitoring
• Consultation and HSR
• Procedure for notifiable incident response and investigation
• Procedure for S124 incident response and investigation
• Procedure for review of control measures
• Record management to comply with WHS laws
• Effective communication across shifts/documenting the communications
• Monitoring/assessment/inspection of workplaces
• Performance standards
• Resources to implement SMS

SMS must have regard for nature/complexity/location of operations and the risks associated with operations
SMS must be set out in a way that is readily understandable

Question 10

S20 - Performance Standards and Audit

Answer 10

• SMS must include performance standards for measuring effectiveness and steps to continually improve
• A system for auditing including methods/frequency/results

Question 11

S21- Maintenance of SMS

Answer 11

MO must maintain SMS so that it remains effective

Question 12

S22 - Review of SMS

Answer 12

• Within 12mnths of commencement
• 3yrs
• If control measure is reviewed (S15) SMS to be reviewed/revised in relation to risk controlled by control measure

Question 13

S24 - Duty on Operator to Provide Infromation to Contractor

Answer 13

Operator must afairp provide contractor with all relevant information and access to the mine to enable contractor to identify risk associated with proposed operations

Question 14

S25 - Duty on Contractor to Provide Infromation to Operator

Answer 14

Contractor who is to carry out work, must afairp provide operator with all relevant information, to enable operator to identify risk associated with proposed operations

Question 15

S26 - Contractor to prepare plan or use SMS

Answer 15

Contractor not to carry out operations on site unless:
1) Prepared a CHSMP, provided a copy to MO and obtained written notice that plan has been reviewed and consistent with site SMS. Implement plan
2)Review MO SMS, given notice to MO of the review, follow MO SMS

CHSMP must
- set out ways of managing risk to H/S in accordance with S14
- Used as primary means of ensuring H/S of contractors workers and others from risk due to work carried out by contractor
- documented
- set out and expressed in a way that is readily understandable

Question 16

S28 - Preparation of PHMP

Answer 16

PHMP must:
- manage all aspects of risk control in relation to PH
- describe nature of PH
- describe how PH relates to other hazards associated with mining
- describe analysis methods used in identifying PH
- include record of underpinning RA
- describe investigation/analysis methods used to determine control measures to be implemented
- describe all control measures to be implemented
- arrangements in place for information/training/instruction
- refer to design guidelines/ engineering standards/ technical standards
- set out reasons for adopting or rejecting each control measure
No mining to occur where a PH is identified until at PHMP is in place

Review PHMP if control measure is reviewed

If PHMP is revised the MO must make a written of revisions including that of RA

Question 17

S32 - Movement of Mobile Plant

Answer 17

MO must manage risk to H/S associated with movement of mobile plant
- Design/layout/construction/maintenance of all roads and other areas
- risk associated with terrain/nature of land adjacent to road/area
- interactions between mobile plant
- interaction between mobile plant / fixed plant or structures
- interactions between mobile plant and pedestrians
- operation of remotely controlled mobile plant
- maintenance/testing/inspection of brakes/steering/lights

Question 18

S33 - Explosives / Explosive Precursors

Answer 18

• Must comply with S14
• safe to handle
• fit for intended use
• insensitive as reasonably practicable to shock/sparks/friction while stored/transported/used
• afairp simple to store/transport/use and control
• comply with Explosives Act 2003 and AS
  Not be used UG where
• > 0.5% CH4 general body concentration
• <85% incombustible material contained in roadway
• ventilation not sufficient to dilute atmospheric contaminants from SF

Question 19

S35 - Notification of High Risk Activities

Answer 19

MO must ensure HRA identified in Sch3 is not carried out unless:
- MO has given notice to Regulator
- Waiting period in relation to activity has lapsed, subject to waiver/reduction/extension
Notice must be given in approved form and include
- nature of proposed HRA and hos to be carried out
- location of activity
- information/documents required by Sch3
- hazards identified as having potential to arise from activity
- assessment of the risk associated with the activity
- Parts of SMS that describe the systems/procedure/plans and other control measures that will be used to control risk to H/S
- Notice must also be given to ISHR
- Notice to be given to MO if inadequate - requires resubmitting
- Notice is taken to been given when received by regulator
- Regulator may waive/reduce waiting period - with consultation with ISHR
- Amended notices do not effect the waiting period, unless regulator extends period sufficient to consider amendment

Question 20

S39 - Inspections

Answer 20

MO must ensure arrangements in place for regular inspections of working environment
- procedure for conducting inspections
- when inspections to be conducted
- persons competent to carry out inspections
- number of competent persons required

Question 21

S60 - Requirement if Air Quality is not met

Answer 21

• Oxygen level is not met (19.5%)
• dust level is exceeded (RES 1.5mg/m3 / RCS 0.05mg/m3)
• exposure level referred to in S58(2)(b)
• concentration of methane is exceeded (2%)
  MO must notify affected workers of circumstances
  Air quality at the mine must be retested by a competent person asarp
  Procedure in place if ventilation in area is not adequate
  - the person responsible for area is notified
  - no person gains access/remains in area till ventilation is restored
  Person with responsibility for area:
  - immediately takes measures to restore ventilation
  - Notify VO of matter
  - ensure no person enters till ventilation is restored
  - provide written report of measures taken

Question 22

S62 - Ventilation Systems

Answer 22

MO must ensure:
- air supplied to the ventilation system is of the purest source
- circuits do not allow uncontrolled recirculation of air
- VCD’s that regulate airflow are maintained in good order
- unventilated headings are not entered unless purpose to reestablish vent and adequate vent is provided to the person
- Aux and Booster fans are located and operated in away that prevents uncontrolled recirculation
- fans installed to prevent damage during explosion / overpressure
- Procedure in place for starting each fan (inc. main fan)
- Persons to be authorised to deal with main / aux fans by MO
- Persons who may be effected by a fan starting or stopping to be notified prior
- Where persons work/travel = >1m3/s

Question 23

S65 - Duty to Prepare Ventilation Control Plan

Answer 23

VCP must include if applicable to mine:
- design and operation of vent system, placement/operation/maintenance/monitoring vent plant
- inspecting/monitoring/maintaining/testing vent system
- management of inrush/leakage into intakes from goaf/abandoned
- managing risk of intake air passing face of permanent seal
- arrangements for the operating of fans during power loss or withdrawal of persons
- manage risk with ignition sources if main vent fails to adequately ventilate the mine
- Procedure to ensure H/S of persons during total/partial vent failure
- arrangements for sealing part / all of mine
- Procedure for ventilating parts of mine for work/travel
- how close vent ducting must be to face
- installation of VCD’s
- signage on VCD’s authorized persons only
- arrangements to prevent persons entering inadequately ventilated areas
- procedure for starting fans
- modeling prior to significant change
- Procedure for the failure of the main ventilation system (including monitoring/alarm on fans)

Question 24

S68 - Coal Dust Explosions (CDE)

Answer 24

MO must do the following to comply with S14
- Limit coal dust generation
- suppress/collect/remove airborne coal dust
- Limit/remove coal dust accumulations to ensure following concentrations
- panel roadway within 200m outbye last completed line - 85%
- 200m section of roadway within 400m of LW face - 85%
- other return roadways - 80%
- other intake roadways - 70%
not apply If sufficient natural water make from operations to prevent CDE
- determine/apply stone dust application rate to minimise risk of explosion
- ensure stone dust used is
- type and grade suitable for use
- white in colour
- <3% silica
- 95% of mass is <250micrommeters
- 60-80% of the <250micrometers dust is <75micrometers
- restrict propagation of CDE (explosion barriers)
- ensure barriers are installed/maintained
- stone dust inhibitor is applied per 30m or 24hrs

Question 25

S68 - CDE - Sampling

Answer 25

MO must establish procedures for
- regular inspection/sampling/analysis of roadway dust layers
- Ensuring analysis is carried out by accredited lab.
- application of stone dust or another inhibitor
- intervals at which dust sampling/analysis will be carried:
- face zone = monthly
- outbye return / conveyor = 3 Months
- other outbye roadway = 6 months
- keeping of records (date/location/content of sample/methods used), reason for use of spot sampling, location of spot sampling, mine plan showing content
- treatment of float dust
- Strip sampling preferred and comply
- length of roadway 45m
- >5mm depth
- equal width and 5m apart
- fresh sample points
- dust from floor sampled separately if believed different content
- Failures to be retreated
- Panel / LW within 24hrs
- Intakes/returns within 7 days

Question 26

S69 - Spontaneous Combustion

Answer 26

Comply with S14 by:
- manage risk to H/S associated with Spon Com
- Implement procedures to minimise potential exposure of persons to contaminants produced by Spon Com
- Ensure gas analysis and sensory indicators of spon com are developed specifically for the mine
- keep records
- All incorporated in the PHMP for Spon Com

Question 27

S71 - Sealing

Answer 27

• Comply with S14 manage risk to H/S associated with sealing:
• Consideration is given to the conditions of the place being sealed
  
  • presence of flammable gas
  • potential ignition sources
  • possibility of pressure behind seals
    - duration of seal
• When mine or part of is sealed during an emergency
  - sealing carried out as per VCP and ERP
  - risks to H/S at mine are managed during emergency sealing
  - notification is provided to Regulator in approved form asarp
• Airlocks installed at entrances to mine are tested 12monthly
• Connection points for inertisation equipment are tested at appropriate intervals to ensure fit for purpose and necessary facilities are available
• modelling is conducted every 12mnthjs to validate inertisation locations

Question 28

S74 - Ventilation

Answer 28

• Main fan not to be positioned underground
• Ventilation for LW = 4m3/s per m of extraction
• Ventilation for CM = 0.3m/s per m/3
• Methane = 0.25% any point on intake side of 100mm outbye of most completed line of cut throughs / longwall / shortwall
• VCP to specify minimum Q of air required to continue power supply
• If minimum Q for part of the mine is not supplied
  - supply of power to plant to be cut by quickest means
  - immediate action to supply required minimum Q
• Aux fans to be switched off if main ventilation system fails
• Procedures inplace for using Booster/Aux/Scrubber fans
• effective airlocks provided and maintained at each shaft:
  - used for winding or for transport
  - connected to main returns
• Every main fan has pressure gauge and device that monitors and records at all times the volume passing through it
  -Each surface fan and booster fan is fitted with 1 or more device for
  - monitor condition of fan (static)
  - trigger an alarm when deviating from normal range
  - record alarm
  - display alarm
  Diesel Engines
  - greater of 0.06m3/s for each kilowatt or 3.5m3/s
• VCP and ventilation system audited every 12mnths by statutory function Ventilation Auditor
• Ventilation Auditor to provide report:
  - system implemented as per VCP
  - system achieving objectives of VCP
  - how effective system is achieving VCP objectives
• Ventilation Plan to be reviewed and revised every month

Question 29

S76 Control and Monitoring of Methane

Answer 29

• MO must ensure ventilation system for the mine provides air that is of sufficient quality to ensure general body of air where person work and travel has a concentration alarp and is no greater then 2%
• Afarp determine locations of hazardous zones, ensure workers are aware of locations
• ensure control measures are implemented for each hazardous zone to manage risk to H/S of ignition of methane
• Methane monitoring plant provide must comply with:
  
  • detection heads located at points to detect presence of methane
  • clearly display values to person having responsibility for monitoring
    - give audible or visual signals / alarms if exceeded certain levels
    - provide for capture/storage/retrieval and dissemination of data
    - provide for recording of events of alarms / signals or cutting of power supply
• Internal Combustion Engine that operates in return is equipped with a continuous methane monitor that gives audible or visible alarm at 1%. MO must ensure I.C.E is withdrawn from return when concentration exceeds 1% and less then 1.25%. And is shut down when concentration is 1.25% or greater
• MO must ensure face equipment is equipped with a continuous monitor that, gives an audible or visible alarm when general body concentration is 1% or greater. cuts the power supply to the face machine when the general body is 1.25% or greater. If face machine has monitor installed close to heads of machine, cuts the power supply when concentration is 2% or greater
• MO must ensure each face at which Longwall, shortwall or miniwall operations take place is equipped with a continuous monitor and is located so that it can detect methane where mining operations take place, tripping power supply to the face if the concentration of methane in the general body is 1.25% or greater.
• MO must ensure afarp a continuous methane monitor that fails gives an audible or visible signal and cuts the supply of power to the plant it is monitoring

Question 30

S77 - Gas Monitoring

Answer 30

MO must ensure the following.
- gas content of the air in the mine is monitored.
- gas content monitoring system is implemented that identifies.
- locations at which is gas content is to be monitored.
- sets out for each gas, the alarm levels and the alarm triggers to cut power supply to place, plant or both.
- authorizations to set or make changes to alarm levels.
- who is responsible for acknowledging alarms.
- who is responsible for communicating alarm level and initiating response.
- response plans to be activated as a result of an alarm.
- how actions to the response to an alarm are documented.
- Gas content monitoring system is documented.
- Accurate plan showing positions of gas monitoring plant is maintained.
- SMS for the mine specifies the alarm level for each type of gas.
- records are kept when an alarm is reached.
- barometer is provided at surface.
- gas monitoring equipment is calibrated and maintained.
- detection heads are placed to best detect accurate readings.
- gas monitoring plant has an alternate power supply gas.
- monitoring plant must be explosion protected.
- gas monitoring plant automatically activates an alarm and cuts the supply of power to plant.
- gas monitoring plant must continuously trend:
- ratio of carbon monoxide and oxygen (Grahams ratio).
- ratio of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
- ability of gas to form an explosive mixture in air.
- fixed real time monitors for the detection of combustion on the return side of each conveyor drive.
- gas content real time monitoring of the return air at or near exhaust entries and outbye end of ventilation splits, unsealed goafs and waste workings.
- fixed real time monitoring for methane at
- general body of air in each main return airway.
- general body of air in each return airway in a ventilation split.
- air passing through a main or booster fan.
Carbon dioxide is only monitored if given written direction from the regulator to do so.