48Inrush hazards

48 Inrush hazards

48 Inrush hazards

(1) The mine operator of an underground mine must implement a system for the mine that ensures the following—

(a) the identification of all reasonably foreseeable inrush hazards at the mine,

(b) the determination of the presence and location of an inrush hazard by exploratory bore-holes, including a way of sealing or otherwise controlling a bore-hole to prevent inrush, or other exploratory methods,

(c) communication of the location of identified inrush hazards, including inrush hazards being approached, to all affected persons,

(d) the determination of whether or not an identified inrush hazard is a principal hazard,

(e) if an identified inrush hazard is a principal hazard—the identification, establishment and maintenance of an inrush control zone for the inrush hazard in accordance with the WHS laws.

Maximum penalty—

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

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

(2) An inrush control zone must be located near the inrush hazard and—

(a) if the exact location of the inrush hazard is known—extend at least 50m from the location of the inrush hazard, or

(b) if the exact location of the location of the inrush hazard is not known—extend more than 50m from the suspected location of the inrush hazard, as determined by a risk assessment conducted under section 27.

(3) The mine operator must ensure, in relation to each inrush control zone, control measures and procedures are implemented to control the risk of inrush.

(4) The mine operator must ensure an inrush control zone is not mined before—

(a) control measures and procedures have been implemented under subsection (3), and

(b) the persons who will work in the zone have been trained in relation to the implementation of the control measures and procedures.

(5) If an identified inrush hazard is not at an accessible place at the mine, it is sufficient to control the risk from inrush by—