76Control and monitoring of methane levels

76 Control and monitoring of methane levels

76 Control and monitoring of methane levels

(1) The mine operator of an underground coal mine must, in addition to complying with section 58(1), ensure the ventilation system for the mine provides for air that is of sufficient quality to ensure the general body of air in the areas in which persons work or travel has a concentration of methane that—

(a) is as low as reasonably practicable, and

(b) is not greater than 2% by volume.

Maximum penalty—

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

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

(2) The mine operator of an underground coal mine must—

(a) as far as reasonably practicable, determine the location of all hazardous zones at the mine and ensure workers are aware of the locations, and

(b) ensure control measures are implemented for each hazardous zone for the management of risks to health and safety associated with the ignition of methane at the mine.

Maximum penalty—

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

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

(3) The mine operator of an underground coal mine must ensure methane monitoring plant is provided at the mine that complies with the following—

(a) has detection heads at points most likely to detect the presence of methane,

(b) clearly displays the values of methane concentration at locations visible to persons having responsibility for monitoring the concentrations,

(c) gives audible or visible signals and alarms if concentrations exceed certain levels,

(d) provides for the capture, storage, retrieval and dissemination of information relating to methane concentrations detected,

(e) provides for the recording of events that cause a monitor to give an audible or visible signal or alarm or that cut the supply of power to a place or plant.

Maximum penalty—

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