426Progress of mine workings

426 Progress of mine workings

(1) The operator of a prescribed mine must do the following if any underground mine workings are, or may be, near or approaching an area that contains water or flammable, toxic or noxious gases that may pose a risk to the health or safety of any person at the mine—

(a) ensure that the person whose health or safety may be at risk is at all times aware of the location of the faces being advanced;

(b) ensure bore-holes are drilled from the workings that will indicate the presence and location of the water or gas.

(2) If any underground workings are proposed to be connected to other workings (including disused workings), the operator of a prescribed mine must ensure that the other workings are inspected for the following—

(a) water;

(b) gas;

(c) misfires;

(d) butts;

(e) any other circumstance that may pose a risk to the health or safety of any person at the mine.

(3) If 2 working faces are approaching each other, the operator of a prescribed mine must ensure that one of the workings is stopped, made safe and barricaded as soon as reasonably possible before the distance separating the faces is reduced to 10 metres.