On 17 January 2020, the Chief Inspector of Mines for the Mine Health and Safety Inspectorate of the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy issued new guidelines and guidance notes in the Government Gazette in terms of section 49(6) of the Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (the "MHSA"), making these guidelines legally enforceable. These new guidelines and guidance notes must be read and interpreted in conjunction with the MHSA.
The following guidelines were issued:
- Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for the Management of Self-Contained Self-Rescuers in Mines (including two guidance notes attached thereto as annexures);
- Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for the Prevention of Flammable Gas and Coal Dust Explosions in Collieries (including four guidance notes attached thereto as annexures); and
- Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for the Management of Working in Confined Spaces at Mines.
The following guidance notes were also issued:
- Guidance Note for the Implementation of HIV Self-testing in the South African Mining Industry; and
- Guidance Note on Strengthening the HCT (HIV Counselling and Testing) Uptake in the South African Mining Industry.
These are to become effective from 1 July 2020.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
