Update on use of Department Approved Plant

The Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2022 prescribes that Departmental Approved Plant, often referred to as Mines Department Approved (MDA) plant, can no longer be used in a hazardous zone of an underground coal mine from 1 September 2028.   

Until this date, MDA plant may only be used if it is on the Explosion Protected Electrical Apparatus Approvals List and was manufactured before 1 October 2015.  

The Regulator is reviewing the 2,159 items on the list, with the intent to only include items currently in use in hazardous zones.  

In making the list current, the Regulator will contact all underground coal mines, including those in care and maintenance, and request a list of all Department Approved Plant in use at the site.  

Mine operators should be prepared to provide this information when requested.  

The process will also assist mine operators to schedule plant replacement in the overhaul cycles for explosion-protected electrical equipment prior to 1 September 2028. 

Have your say: Safer storage of ammonium nitrate

• mandatory separation distances for the storage of ammonium nitrate
• suitable timeframes for ammonium nitrate storage facilities to implement the separation distances
• potential community and industry benefits and disadvantages of the proposed changes.

Have your say: Safety seminars

The Regulator is seeking industry feedback about the opportunity to merge its 3 annual safety seminars into one major industry event, the Resources Regulator Safety Seminar, in 2023/2024.

The concept combines the Mechanical Engineering Safety Seminar (MESS), Mining Engineering Managers’ Safety Seminar (MEMSS) and Electrical Engineering Safety Seminar (EESS), and may offer efficiencies, address scheduling conflicts, and, most importantly, provide an opportunity for the Regulator to engage collectively with key statutory function holders at mines.

Read more about the proposal here or give your feedback in this short survey by 27 October 2022.

Upcoming events 

Information session: Updates to legislation for winding systems (person riding hoists) 

Hear about changes to legislation and general requirements for winding systems used in small gemstone mines on Tuesday 18 October in Lightning Ridge. Request an invitation

Electrical Engineering Safety Seminar - 9-10 November 2022
A 2-day seminar focussed on electrical engineering safety and health issues in mines, providing a means for collective communication, discussion and consultation. Find out more.

MISHEF - 16 November 2022

The Metalliferous Industry Safety and Health Engagement Forum (MISHEF) will be held on 16 November 2022 in Dubbo and Broken Hill to share knowledge across the metalliferous mining industry.

Free tool to measure mental health 

This Mental Health Month, SafeWork NSW is encouraging employers to explore a new digital Workplace Wellbeing Assessment Tool (WWAT) that can help improve understanding and management of workplace mental health. 

The free tool helps businesses to confidentially survey their staff. It also measures and monitors a workplace’s capability by identifying gaps and areas for improvement and provides actions to reduce risks.

In case you missed it...

The following are recent publications and updates available on our website:

• Fact sheet: Assessment program – Electrical energy metalliferous mines and tier-1 quarries
• Fact sheet: Airborne surveys
• Exploration code of practice: Community Consultation
• Exploration guideline: Annual activity reporting for prospecting titles
• Guide: Preparing a principal hazard management plan
• Report: Fires on mobile plant January – March 2022
• Position paper: Winding systems in small gemstone mines
• Fact sheet: Identifying respirable crystalline silica as a hazard
• Exam paper: Quarry manager - September 2022
• Fact sheet: Coal mine safety and health representatives