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Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)

Notices

Guideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for the Management of Working in Confined Spaces at Mines

Part A : The Guideline

4. Definitions and Acronyms

 

(a) "Bump test"

means a brief exposure of gas monitor to gas to verify that the sensors respond and the instrument alarms function accordingly.

 

(b) "Confined space"

means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily as place of work. Due to its nature, a Confined Space poses particular hazards to personnel that include the potential for:

An oxygen deficient or otherwise non-breathable atmosphere.
An oxygen enriched environment supportive of combustion conditions
An atmosphere that is explosive or flammable.
An atmosphere that is toxic or contains harmful contaminants.
Temperature levels that pose a hazard to personnel.
Entrapment risks due to the nature of the Confined Space’s entry and exit points.
Engulfment risks due to the inrush of free-flowing solids or fluids.

Entry to a confined space is defined as a person’s whole body, upper body or head being located within the confined space.

 

(c) "CIOM"

means Chief Inspector of Mines

 

(d) "COP"

means a Code of Practice.

 

(e) "DMR"

means Department of Mineral Resources.

 

(f) "MHSA"

means Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) as amended.

 

(g) "MHSC"

means Mine Health and Safety Council.

 

(h) "MOHAC"

means Mining Occupational Health Advisory Committee.

 

(i) "Permit"

means an official document giving someone authorization to do something.

 

(j) "Risk"

means the likelihood that occupational injury or harm to persons will occur.

 

(k) "SAMI"

means South African Mining Industry.

 

(l) "SIMRAC"

means Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee.

 

(m) "Standby person / control attendant"

means a person located outside the permit space who controls and records Confined Space entry and performs other duties as defined by the COP.