Acts and Regulations

96-105 - Underground Mine

Full text
Escapeways, ladderways and ladders
28(1)Where a shaft has been sunk or an adit has been driven and production stoping has commenced, an employer shall provide and maintain a separate escapeway in addition to the hoisting shaft or opening through which employees enter or leave the mine.
28(2)An employer shall ensure that an escapeway required under subsection (1) is not less than thirty metres from the hoisting shaft or opening through which employees enter or leave the mine.
28(3)Where there is only one shaft or winze, an employer shall ensure that the shaft or winze is equipped with a walkway or ladderway.
28(4)An employer shall ensure that an escapeway required under subsection (1), and a walkway or ladderway required under subsection (3), provides unobstructed access to the surface from the deepest workings of the mine, and is of a size to afford an easy passageway for a person wearing self-contained breathing apparatus.
28(5)An employer shall ensure that
(a) an escape plan is included as part of the emergency preparedness plan,
(b) an escapeway map is posted in refuge stations,
(c) legible signs showing the way to escapeways are posted in prominent places underground, and
(d) all employees are instructed in the escape plan and the location of escapeways.
28(6)An employer shall ensure that each escapeway, ladderway and ladder is inspected at least once a month and that each is maintained in a safe condition, free from obstructions and cleared of any hazardous accumulation of material without undue delay.
28(7)An employer shall ensure that a person who performs an inspection pursuant to subsection (6) is competent.
28(8)A person making an inspection pursuant to subsection (6) shall make a report in writing to the employer describing the inspection and the conditions found.