An emergency plan is a written set of instructions that outlines what workers and others at the workplace should do in an emergency.
Mine operators must prepare an emergency plan as an element of the mine safety management system under regulation 43 and Part 10.2 Division 5 Emergency management of the Work Health and Safety (Mines) Regulations 2022 (WHS Mines Regulations).
As a mine operator or a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you must ensure that an emergency plan is prepared and maintained for the workforce that provides for:
- emergency procedures
- testing of the emergency procedures
- information, training and instruction.
An emergency plan must be documented in a way that is understandable by those who may have to use it. It must include information on what must be done to respond effectively to emergencies. Schedule 22 details matters to be included in an emergency plan:
- site and hazard detail
- command structure and site personnel
- notifications
- resources and equipment
- procedures
- training and competence
If the nature of the mining operation is such that the mine operator may require the services of a primary emergency service or a neighbouring mine to assist with an emergency, the mine operator must consult with and formalise any arrangements with those who may take part when a neighbouring mine is dealing with an emergency.
If there is a risk to the health and safety of people in the surrounding area from a mining hazard, the mine operator must also consult with the local authority about the possible impact [r. 665].
Once the emergency plan is prepared, the mine operator is required to:
- provide resources and equipment listed in the emergency plan, such as breathing apparatus, lifting gear, medical, fire-fighting equipment
- ensure resources and workers allocated are adequate for an emergency continuing for more than a single shift
- have a copy of the emergency plan available to the emergency services that have been consulted with upon request
- test the emergency plan at least at intervals no more than 12 months
- review the emergency plan as required.
If the mining operation is underground, the WHS Mines Regulations specify a range of additional and specific measures required for an emergency plan relating to:
- emergency exits
- safe escape and refuges
- signage for refuges
- self-rescuers
- personal protective equipment
- having a trained and competent person(s) at the surface whenever workers are underground.
The mine operator should be able to demonstrate that hazards associated with mining operations and emergency response are controlled so far as is practicable, with the risk assessment and management process formally documented in the operation’s hazard and risk registers. The documentation of this information forms the basis of the site’s emergency plan and mine safety management system.
Consulting with workers
Workers should be consulted when preparing, testing and reviewing the emergency plan for the mine as required under the WHS Act and WHS Mines Regulations.
Learn more about the importance of consultation and worker representation.
Withdrawal procedures and conditions
There may be occasions where a full emergency response is not necessary, but workers or others at a mine may need to be evacuated or withdrawn due to imminent danger, such as a cyclone, bushfire, adverse ground or atmospheric conditions.
Therefore, this section of the emergency plan covers the documentation of procedures and conditions under which people at or around the mine are to be withdrawn.
Withdrawal to a place of safety may also be needed as a precautionary measure if it is warranted due to a health and safety risk, such as, raised contaminant levels or loss of major controls.
Risk management processes should be used to identify and assess scenarios likely to trigger the need for a withdrawal of people.
The withdrawal conditions should include:
- trigger for withdrawal
- actions to be taken when the trigger is activated
- communication of the withdrawal
- route and method of withdrawal, including the assembly point after the withdrawal
- checking the withdrawal has been carried out
- re-entry procedure.
The purpose of the withdrawal is to take planned action before the need for an emergency response. Limited activities may have to continue in the affected areas. Where limited operations are provided, the withdrawal conditions should specify the activities that may be performed and under what circumstances they are performed.