82Exceptions to explosion-protection requirements

82 Exceptions to explosion-protection requirements

82 Exceptions to explosion-protection requirements

(1) Despite section 81(1), portable electrical plant may be used in the hazardous zone of an underground coal mine if—

(a) the concentration of methane in the general body of the air is 0.5% by volume or less, and

(b) the plant is powered by internal batteries, and

(c) the temperature of the surface of a component or part of the plant is not greater than—

(i) 150°C, or

(ii) if the surface is wholly internal to the plant and the plant has a level of ingress protection sufficient to prevent coal dust coming into contact with the surface—450°C, and

(d) the plant does not in normal operation produce hot surfaces or sparks that could ignite methane, and

(e) the mine operator has implemented control measures to manage the risk of the plant becoming an ignition source.

(2) Despite section 81(1), electrical equipment associated with hot work may be used in the hazardous zone of an underground coal mine if the mine operator has complied with the requirements of section 35.

(3) Despite section 81(1), insulation test instruments may be used in the hazardous zone of an underground coal mine if the instruments are used in accordance with the procedures for using the instruments developed under the electrical engineering control plan for the mine.