105Competent persons at surface

105 Competent persons at surface

105 Competent persons at surface

The mine operator of an underground mine must ensure the following if 1 or more persons are underground—

(a) at least 1 person at the surface (the surface contact) is readily available to be contacted by the persons underground,

(b) at least 1 of the surface contacts has the authority, the competence and is readily available to activate the emergency plan as necessary,

(c) at least 1 of the surface contacts has the competence and is readily available to answer alarms as necessary,

(d) at least 1 of the surface contacts has the competence and is readily available to switch off and switch on the supply of power to the underground parts of the mine as necessary.

Maximum penalty—

(a) for an individual—60 penalty units, or

(b) for a body corporate—300 penalty units.