Emergency preparedness audit

– guide

November 2015

1 Adelaide Terrace, East Perth WA 6004

Postal address: Mineral House, 100 Plain Street, East Perth WA 6004
Telephone: (08) 9358 8002
[email protected]
www.dmp.wa.gov.au
Contents
Introduction ............................................................................................................................ 2

1 Threat analysis ................................................................................................................ 3

2 Emergency plan preparation........................................................................................... 4

3 Emergency plan activation ............................................................................................. 6

4 Emergency control centre............................................................................................... 8

5 Emergency resources ..................................................................................................... 9

6 Mine rescue .................................................................................................................... 11

7 Specific situations ......................................................................................................... 15

8 Underground mines....................................................................................................... 17

Emergency preparedness audit – guide Page 1 of 19

Introduction
This document was reformatted in November 2015. At this time no material changes were made to the
content of the guide, which was originally published in May 2009 under the title Guide to emergency
preparedness HIF audit 2009.
Note: The Safety Regulation System (SRS) has replaced the AXTAT system and all reporting is done
online through SRS.

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1 Threat analysis
Point Standard Guideline

1.1 The operation has prepared an Intent: To ensure that the management of emergencies
emergency plan. has been prepared for.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: View the emergency plan documentation. Refer to
MSIR r. 4.30.

1.2 The emergency plan identifies Intent: To ensure that every possible hazard likely to cause
the types of hazards which may an emergency has been identified.
affect the enterprise.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation. Refer
to MSIR rr. 4.30(2)(a) and 4.36(1).

1.3 Each identified hazard is scaled Intent: To ensure that all the identified hazards have been
for probability and consideration assessed for probability and severity.
is given to the potential severity.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation. Refer
to MSIR r. 4.30(2)(b).

1.4 Each identified hazard is Intent: To ensure that all the identified hazards have been
assessed with regard to assessed with regard to prevention.
prevention.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation. Refer
to MSIR r. 4.30(2).

1.5 Each identified hazard is Intent: To ensure that all the identified hazards have been
assessed with regard to assessed with regard to emergency management.
emergency management.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation. Refer
to MSIR r. 4.30(2)(c).

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2 Emergency plan preparation
Point Standard Guideline

2.1 The emergency plan includes Intent: To ensure that there are procedures to be used to
an evacuation procedure. evacuate the site or facility in the event of an emergency.
Personnel: Employees and contractors.
Method: Review the plan documentation and question
personnel as to what the evacuation procedure entails.

2.2 The emergency plan details the Intent: To ensure the existence of a system to account for
method for identifying and all persons on site at any one time in the event of an
accounting for the number of emergency.
persons on site at all times.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

2.3 The emergency plan includes a Intent: To ensure the existence of a system to control the
means of visitor control. movement and the accounting of site visitors.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

2.4 The emergency plan allocates Intent: To ensure that the emergency plan allocates
responsibilities. responsibilities to key personnel.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

2.5 The emergency plan specifies Intent: To ensure that the emergency plan details the
action details. procedures to be followed and the duties of key personnel
in the case of each of the identified possible emergencies.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

2.6 The emergency plan is Intent: To ensure that key personnel are aware of their
communicated to key responsibilities and duties in all emergency scenarios.
personnel.
Personnel: Managers, rescue team officials, supervisors
etc.
Method: Question key personnel as to their responsibilities
in an emergency, and as to the detail of the plan.

2.7 The emergency plan provides Intent: To ensure that the emergency plan provides for the
for the training of staff to training of key staff in the plan’s application and
manage emergencies on site. implementation.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

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Point Standard Guideline

2.8 The emergency plan is revised Intent: To ensure that the emergency plan is reviewed, at
and updated as required, and at least annually, for its applicableness.
least annually.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation. Refer
to MSIR r. 4.30(3).

2.9 After a revision of the Intent: To ensure that a mechanism is in place to retrain
emergency plan key staff and personnel after any changes in the emergency plan.
the necessary employees are
Personnel: A senior manager.
retrained accordingly.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

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3 Emergency plan activation
Point Standard Guideline

3.1 The emergency plan includes Intent: To ensure that all employees are trained in
the requirement for the training emergency procedures and evacuation.
of all employees in emergency
Personnel: A senior manager.
procedures and evacuation.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation. Refer
to MSIR r. 4.13.

3.2 The emergency plan requires Intent: To ensure that emergency drills occur regularly. It is
that emergency drills are held suggested that the period between drills reflects the
on a regular basis. hazards at the particular work place.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.
Check records of recent drills, evacuation times for
underground workings, etc. Was a stench gas or other
alarm system used during the exercise? Refer to MSIR
r. 4.36(2)(g).

3.3 The emergency plan details Intent: To ensure that there are procedures to be used to
under what circumstances, by activate the emergency plan.
whom, and how, the plan is
Personnel: A senior manager.
activated.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

3.4 The emergency plan specifies a Intent: To ensure that there is an alarm system to be used
method for raising the alarm in in the event of an emergency and that it is regularly tested.
the event of an emergency.
Personnel: Mine personnel.
Method: Review the emergency plan and interview
personnel. Check the procedure for calling out the mine
rescue team. Refer to MSIR rr. 4.30(2)(c)(ii), 4.30(2)(c)(iii)
and 4.36(2)(a).

3.5 The emergency plan includes a Intent: To ensure that there are procedures for evacuation.
procedure for total or partial
Personnel: A senior manager.
evacuation and identifies who
initiates the evacuation, as well Method: Review the emergency plan documentation and
as identifying evacuation muster inspect muster points. Refer to MSIR r. 4.36(2)(c).
points.

3.6 The emergency plan provides Intent: To ensure that there are procedures to secure the
for the review of security in scene/area of an emergency.
conjunction with emergency
Personnel: A senior manager.
planning.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

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Point Standard Guideline

3.7 The emergency plan includes Intent: To ensure that there is a procedure to be used to
the provision for calling in call in outside assistance.
external assistance at the
Personnel: A senior manager.
appropriate time.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

3.8 The emergency plan details Intent: To ensure that there are procedures to be used to
under what authority a evacuate surrounding enterprises, shut roads etc, should it
shutdown of external activities be necessary.
can be made in an emergency.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

3.9 Responsibility to make media Intent: To ensure that there is a procedure in place to deal
statements is allocated to an with the needs of the media.
assigned person or position.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

3.10 Nominated persons are Intent: To ensure that there is a procedure for the
authorised to officially notify notification of relatives as to the status of casualties.
relatives as to the status of
Personnel: A senior manager.
casualties.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

3.11 Provision is made for when, and Intent: To ensure that there is a procedure to be used to
by whom, personnel crisis bring in counselling services.
consultants are contacted.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

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4 Emergency control centre
Point Standard Guideline

4.1 An Emergency Control Centre Intent: To ensure that an ECC can be established in the
(ECC) is available on site. event of an emergency.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation and
check the location for suitability.

4.2 The ECC has copies of the Intent: Self explanatory.

most recent version of the
Personnel: N/A.
emergency plan.
Method: Check the copies in the ECC designated location.

4.3 The ECC has the most recent Intent: Self explanatory.
version of the site layout and
Personnel: N/A.
location plans / maps.
Method: Check the copies in the ECC designated location.

4.4 The site plans contain diagrams Intent: Self explanatory.

of those service facilities,
Personnel: N/A.
communications, fire hydrants,
safety refuges, building Method: Check the copies in the ECC designated location.
emergency exits and muster
points required in an
emergency.

4.5 The ECC has the applicable Intent: To ensure that work in the ECC can be carried out
equipment for both internal and expeditiously.
external communications.
Personnel: N/A.
Method: Check the communication facilities located in the
ECC designated location.

4.6 A means of recording Intent: To ensure that work in the ECC can be carried out
messages and communications expeditiously.
in chronological order is readily
Personnel: A senior manager.
available.
Method: Inspect the documentation used to record events
in the ECC designated location.

4.7 There is sufficient room to Intent: To ensure that the personnel involved in the
accommodate the emergency different aspects of emergency response are provided with
management personnel. appropriate work space.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Check the ECC designated location and other
allocated facilities.

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5 Emergency resources
Point Standard Guideline

5.1 The resources required in the Intent: To ensure that the emergency plan requires the
event of an emergency are review of those resources required in an emergency. The
regularly reviewed. review should be at least annually and at any time when
significant changes occur at the operation.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation. Refer
to MSIR r. 4.30(3).

5.2 The resource and service Intent: To ensure that the location of the site has been
requirements take into account considered in respect to the availability of on-site resources
geographic factors e.g. location, such as emergency pumps, medical supplies and expertise
access, communications, etc. etc.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Identify the stand alone provisions in place to deal
with the remoteness of the site.

5.3 The resource and service Intent: To ensure that mutual aid agreements are in place
requirements consider the with other sites and other organisations, or that the site is
external availability of mutual able to stand alone in its emergency response.
aid.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: View any mutual aid agreements in place.

5.4 On-site first aid services and Intent: To ensure that immediate first aid is available to
facilities are available. stabilise accident victims prior to the arrival of off-site
resources.
Personnel: First aid personnel.
Method: View first aid facilities and equipment. Check the
training records. Refer to MSIR rr. 4.24 and 4.25.

5.5 A vehicle, suitable for the Intent: To ensure that a first aid vehicle is available.
transport of casualties, is
Personnel: First aid personnel.
available on site at all times.
Method: Inspect nominated vehicle for suitability. Refer to
MSIR r. 4.27.

5.6 Fixed location fire fighting Intent: To ensure that the required equipment for fire
equipment (extinguishers, host fighting is readily available.
reels, etc.) is distributed and
Personnel: A senior manager.
located where necessary,
accordingly to a risk analysis Method: View plans showing location of fire fighting
and in accordance with AS equipment.
2444.

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Point Standard Guideline

5.7 Fixed location fire fighting Intent: To ensure that fire fighting equipment is ready for
equipment (extinguishers, hose use at all times.
reels etc) is maintained in
Personnel: A senior manager.
accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions. Method: View the equipment maintenance records.

5.8 Site personnel are trained in the Intent: To ensure that site personnel are trained in how to
use of fixed location fire fighting use the fire fighting equipment on site.
equipment.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: View fire fighting equipment training records.
Refer to MSIR r. 4.30(2)(c)(vi).

5.9 On-site communication Intent: To ensure the presence of fail safe

systems, including back-up, are communications.
present at all times.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: View the site communication systems available,
noting location and stand alone capacity, i.e. does it rely on
mains power?

5.10 There is an effective and Intent: To ensure the provision of advance warnings of
utilised warning system on site inclement or severe weather likely to affect the site.
that detects and identifies
Personnel: A senior manager.
severe weather threats.
Method: What early warning systems are in place? Is the
area vulnerable to severe weather events that are remote
from the site i.e. flash floods?

5.11 Essential services e.g. power, Intent: To ensure that critical resources have emergency
water, have provision for backups available.
emergency supplies.
Personnel: A senior manager.
Method: Identify methods used for the provision of
essential services.

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6 Mine rescue
Point Standard Guideline

6.1 A trained mine rescue team is Intent: To ensure that a mine rescue team is available or
available or on call. on call in the event of an emergency.
Personnel: Mine emergency team coordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the mine rescue training records. Refer to
MSIR rr. 4.30(2)(c)(vi) and 4.33(1)(b).

6.2 Facilities are available on site to Intent: To ensure that mine rescue equipment is available
store and maintain mine rescue and ready for use.
equipment.
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the mine rescue facility. Refer to MSIR
r. 4.30(2)(c)(i).

6.3 Breathing apparatus is available Intent: To ensure that breathing apparatus is available
on site to meet emergency ready for use by mine rescue personnel.
requirements.
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the breathing apparatus. Refer to MSIR
rr. 4.30(2)(c)(i) and 4.33(1)(a).

6.4 Rescue personnel are trained in Intent: To ensure that rescue personnel trained in the use
the use of breathing apparatus. of breathing apparatus are available or on call.
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the training records. Refer to MSIR
rr. 4.30(2)(c)(vi) and 4.33(1)(b).

6.5 Breathing apparatus is Intent: To ensure that breathing apparatus is being

maintained in accordance with maintained ready for use.
the manufacturer’s
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
recommendations.
manager.
Method: View the breathing apparatus maintenance
records.

6.6 In the event of a HazChem Intent: To ensure that a procedure is in place to provide
emergency, a person or position MSDS information to the persons dealing with a HazChem
is responsible to urgently emergency.
facilitate technical information
Personnel: A senior manager.
(MSDS).
Method: Review the emergency plan documentation.

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Point Standard Guideline

6.7 Equipment is available on site Intent: To ensure that breathing apparatus, chemical suits
to deal with hazardous chemical and spill containment equipment is available.
spills.
Personnel: Mine rescue team co-ordinator or senior
manager.
Method: View the equipment. Refer to MSIR r.
4.30(2)(c)(i).

6.8 Rescue personnel are trained in Intent: To ensure that rescue personnel trained in the use
the use of the equipment used of the spill equipment are available or on call.
for hazardous chemical spills.
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the training records. Refer to MSIR rr. 4.13
and 4.30(2)(c)(vi).

6.9 Hazardous chemical spill Intent: To ensure that chemical spill equipment is being
equipment is maintained in maintained ready for use.
accordance with the
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
manufacturer’s
manager.
recommendations.
Method: View the equipment maintenance records.

6.10 Mobile fire fighting equipment is Intent: To ensure that mobile fire fighting equipment is
available on site. available in the event of a fire.
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the equipment. Refer to MSIR r.
4.30(2)(c)(i).

6.11 Rescue personnel are trained in Intent: To ensure that rescue personnel trained in the use
the use of mobile fire fighting of mobile fire fighting equipment are available or on call.
equipment.
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the training records. Refer to MSIR
r. 4.30(2)(c)(vi).

6.12 Mobile fire fighting equipment is Intent: To ensure that mobile fire fighting equipment is
maintained in accordance with being maintained ready for use.
the manufacturer’s
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
recommendations.
manager.
Method: View the equipment maintenance records.

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Point Standard Guideline

6.13 Rope rescue equipment is Intent: To ensure that rope rescue equipment is available
available on site to effectively in the event of an emergency.
conduct rescue at height or
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
depth.
manager.
Method: View the equipment. Refer to MSIR
r. 4.30(2)(c)(i).

6.14 Rescue personnel are trained in Intent: To ensure that rescue personnel trained in the use
the use of rope rescue of rope rescue equipment are available or on call.
equipment.
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the training records. Refer to MSIR
r. 4.30(2)(c)(vi).

6.15 Rope rescue equipment is Intent: To ensure that rope rescue equipment is being
maintained in accordance with maintained ready for use.
the manufacturer’s
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
recommendations.
manager.
Method: View the equipment maintenance records.

6.16 Extrication equipment is Intent: To ensure that extrication equipment is available in

available on site. the event of an emergency.
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the equipment. Refer to MSIR
r. 4.30(2)(c)(i).

6.17 Rescue personnel are trained in Intent: To ensure that rescue personnel trained in the use
the use of extrication of extraction equipment are available or on call.
equipment.
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the training records. Refer to MSIR
r. 4.30(2)(c)(vi).

6.18 Extrication equipment is Intent: To ensure that extrication equipment is being

maintained in accordance with maintained ready for use.
the manufacturer’s
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
recommendations.
manager.
Method: View the equipment maintenance records.

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Point Standard Guideline

6.19 Rescue teams are equipped Intent: To ensure that rescue teams have the necessary
with first aid equipment. first aid equipment to treat injured persons.
Personnel: Mine rescue team co-ordinator or a senior
manager.
Method: View the equipment. Refer to MSIR r.
4.30(2)(c)(i).

6.20 Rescue personnel are trained to Intent: To ensure that rescue personnel are trained to a
a standard at least equivalent to standard to suitably treat injured persons prior to their
that of the National Training rescue.
Proficiency HLTFAZA – Apply
Personnel: Mine emergency team co-ordinator or a senior
Advanced First Aid.
manager.
Method: View the training records. Refer to MSIR
r. 4.30(2)(c)(vi).

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7 Specific situations
Point Standard Guideline

7.1 Emergency exits, clearly Intent: To ensure that emergency exits are available where
identified and unobstructed, are required.
provided in treatment plants and
Personnel: A senior manager.
surface buildings with plans of
these evacuation routes Method: Make enquiries as to the general provision, and
prominently displayed at identify and inspect potentially hazardous work locations for
strategic locations. compliant emergency exits and evacuation route plans. e.g.
gold rooms. Refer to MSIR rr. 4.10(1)(d) and 4.31.

7.2 Emergency lighting, which is Intent: To ensure that emergency lighting is available
automatic, independent of the where required.
regular lighting system and
Personnel: A senior manager.
regularly maintained and tested,
is provided in work locations Method: Make enquiries and identify and inspect likely
that could be hazardous in the hazardous work locations for emergency lighting
event of a sudden lighting installations. e.g. crusher vaults, enclosed conveyor runs,
failure. tunnels, gold rooms. View the system test records. Refer to
MSIR r. 4.32.

7.3 Operable emergency showers Intent: To ensure that emergency equipment is readily
and eyewashes are provided in available at those locations where there is the potential for
areas where hazardous an employee to be injured by a hazardous substance.
substances are present or in
Personnel: A senior manager.
use.
Method: Make enquiries and identify and inspect likely
hazardous work locations for operable emergency showers
and eyewashes. e.g. reagent/chemical mixing/dosing
areas. View system test records.

7.4 At sites where hazardous Intent: To ensure that resuscitation equipment is available
substances are produced, used to stabilise accident victims prior to the arrival of off-site
or stored, suitable resuscitation resources.
equipment and persons trained
Personnel: First aid personnel.
in its use are available.
Method: View the first aid facilities and equipment. Check
the training records. Refer to MSIR r. 4.25.

7.5 At sites with the potential to be Intent: To ensure that sites in areas that could be affected
affected by cyclonic conditions by the weather conditions of a cyclone are prepared for
of wind or rain, the emergency such conditions.
plan must include specific
Personnel: A senior manager.
procedures to be taken in the
event of a threat from those Method: View the emergency plan documentation for
conditions. procedures that are in accordance with the
recommendations of Mines Safety Bulletin No. 79.

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Point Standard Guideline

7.6 At all sites the risk associated Intent: To ensure that the potential of flooding of any part
with the flooding of any work or of a mine site has been rigorously investigated.
residential locations, by both
Personnel: A senior manager.
natural and man-made sources
of water, has been evaluated. Method: Review the site plans for the locations of water
courses, tailings impoundments and water storage ponds in
respect to surface buildings, openings to underground
workings, underground crown pillars and residential camps.
Refer to MSIR rr. 4.11 and 4.36.

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8 Underground mines
Point Standard Guideline

8.1 In underground mines suitable Intent: To ensure that resuscitation equipment is available
resuscitation equipment and to stabilise accident victims prior to the arrival of off-site
persons trained in its use are resources.
available.
Personnel: First aid personnel.
Method: View the first aid facilities and equipment. Check
the training records. Refer to MSIR r. 4.25.

8.2 No flammable materials are Intent: To ensure there is no potential for smoke to enter
stored within 50 metres of an underground workings.
opening to an underground
Personnel: A senior manager.
mine.
Method: Make enquiries and identify and inspect the
surface proximity of underground openings. E.g. ventilation
shafts, adits, escape ways, declines, and access shafts.
Refer to MSIR r. 4.37.

8.3 An escape route that :- Intent: To ensure the provision of a second means of
egress in the event of an emergency.
• is readily available
Personnel: A senior manager.
• is fully signposted
Method: View the mine plans and inspect the installations
• is sized for rescue team use
underground. Check for signage, the condition of any
• is located in fresh air ladders, fresh air ventilation and the records of inspection.
Refer to MSIR r. 10.10.
• is not the normal means of
access
• has been provided in an
underground mine.

8.4 Each person proceeding Intent: To ensure that a self-contained self-rescuer is

underground is furnished with a provided to each person going underground.
self-contained self-rescuer.
Personnel: Underground personnel.
Method: Inspect the equipment of personnel underground.
Refer to MSIR r. 4.34(1)(a).

8.5 Each person going underground Intent: To ensure that each person going underground has
is trained in the use of a self- been trained in the use of a self-contained self-rescuer.
contained self-rescuer.
Personnel: Underground personnel.
Method: View the training records, including visitor
records. Refer to MSIR r. 4.34(1)(b).

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Point Standard Guideline

8.6 A management system has Intent: To ensure that self-rescuers are maintained in
been implemented to monitor accordance with manufacturer’s recommendations.
and maintain self-contained
Personnel: Safety coordinator.
self- rescuers such that they are
ready for use. Method: View the management system in place to
maintain the self-rescuers. Refer to MSIR r. 4.1(2)(b).

8.7 Self-contained self-rescuers are Intent: To ensure that discard criteria is in place for the
discarded when out of date or removal of out of date or damaged self-rescuers.
damaged.
Personnel: Safety coordinator.
Method: View a sample of the self-rescuers.

8.8 In underground mines fresh air Intent: To ensure that fresh air bases or refuge chambers
bases or refuge chambers are are available near all workplaces, such that employees can
available within 750 m of all travel to one with a self-contained self-rescuer.
workplaces.
Personnel: Underground manager.
Method: View the mine plans and inspect the underground
facilities.

8.9 Fresh air bases or refuge Intent: To ensure that a risk assessment is undertaken
chamber installations are prior to their establishment/installation and hazards are
strategically located. identified. The risk assessment should include the location
in regard to accessibility, surrounding hazards (such as
blasting, ground conditions and water accumulation) and
provision of services.
Personnel: Underground manager.
Method: View the mine plans and the risk assessments
undertaken.

8.10 Fresh air bases and refuge Intent: To ensure that such facilities are properly identified,
chambers are clearly sign- serviced and equipped.
posted, have communications
Personnel: Safety coordinator.
with the surface, and have a
supply of potable water and Method: Inspect the underground facilities. Refer to MSIR
basic first aid supplies. rr. 4.10 and 10.15.

8.11 Fresh air bases have an Intent: To ensure the adequacy of the air supply, including
assured supply of fresh air. during power failure events when the natural ventilation
pressure may change the airflow direction.
Personnel: Ventilation officer.
Method: View the mine plans and inspect the underground
fresh air bases.

Emergency preparedness audit – guide Page 18 of 19

Point Standard Guideline

8.12 Refuge chambers have an Intent: For externally supported refuge chambers verify
assured supply of air for at least that the supply of oil free compressed air, via a dedicated
36 hours. steel line from the surface, provides enough air for the
number of employees the chamber is rated for.
For stand-alone refuge chambers verify that they have a
power supply separate from regular mine services and a
sufficient supply of air for the number of employees the
refuge chamber is rated for.
Personnel: Ventilation officer.
Method: View the mine plans, inspect the underground
refuge chambers and view the risk assessment to
demonstrate adequacy.

8.13 An assessment has been made Intent: To ensure that due consideration has been given to
as to the required refuge personnel psychological issues, such as being in a
chamber size and the lighting confined space, and the lighting and temperature
and cooling requirements. requirements.
Personnel: Ventilation officer.
Method: Inspect the underground refuge chambers.

8.14 Refuge chambers and fresh air Intent: To ensure that an audit/inspection schedule is in
bases are regularly inspected. place and used to ensure refuge chambers and fresh air
bases are ready for use at all times.
Personnel: Underground Manager, safety co-ordinator.
Method: View the audit / inspection records.

8.15 Refuge chambers and fresh air Intent: To ensure that the necessary electrical and
bases are maintained as mechanical checks and maintenance is being carried out.
required.
Personnel: Maintenance manager.
Method: View the inspection and maintenance records.

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