South Australian Current Regulations

WORK HEALTH AND SAFETY REGULATIONS 2012 - REG 671

671—Emergency exits

        (1)         The mine operator of an underground mine must ensure that the mine has at least 2 trafficable exits to the surface that comply with subregulations (2) and (3).

Maximum penalty:

            (a)         in the case of an individual—$6 000;

            (b)         in the case of a body corporate—$30 000.

        (2)         Each exit must—

            (a)         be accessible from each level in the mine in which stoping operations are being carried out; and

            (b)         allow for the passage of rescue persons and rescue equipment; and

            (c)         be marked or signposted so that it can be readily located in an emergency; and

            (d)         be maintained so that it remains effective.

        (3)         The exits must be located so as to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that an incident or event that occurs in relation to 1 exit, that prevents the exit from being used for the purpose of escape from the mine, does not prevent persons from using the other exit to escape.

        (4)         The mine operator of a mine is not required to comply with subregulation (1) in either of the following circumstances if the mine operator ensures that the mine has at least 1 trafficable exit to the surface that complies with subregulation (2):

            (a)         a single entry drive or shaft is being developed;

            (b)         the most distant area of the mine is no more than 250 metres from the mine entrance.