April heralds new mines law

The 2014 Mines Regulations will come into effect on 6 April 2015, subject to Parliamentary approval, replacing all current health and safety mining law.

Draft guidance has also been published to help anyone who has duties under the new regulations — mainly mine operators — but it will also be helpful for others in the mine management structure and safety reps. It provides advice and direction on how to meet the requirements of the new regulations. Further sector specific guidance on hazards and risk control is also available, and should be used be used in addition to this guidance.

A large amount of detailed law is due to be replaced by a single, set of regulations containing requirements focusing on the control of the risks from major hazards in mines.

The principal dutyholder will be the mine operator, not the mine manager.

Duplication of requirements will be removed — general health and safety regulations apply where they adequately cover hazards currently covered by mines legislation.

There will no longer be a requirement for coal mines to participate in an approved mines rescue scheme, although there will be clear requirements on all mine operators to maintain suitable rescue provision.

Competence will be a clear requirement for all people working in a mine. The current HSE approval of qualifications and the requirement for certain post-holders to possess a certificate of attestation of qualification will be removed.

www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/books/l149.htm