What is the Department of Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety?
The Department of Mines, Industry Regulations and Safety (DMIRS) has brought together the Department of Mines and Petroleum and most of the Department of Commerce. Their goal is to work towards a safe, fair and responsible future for the Western Australian community, industry and resources sector.
Why do I need a code of practice?
A code of practice has the information you need to be able to achieve standards required under specific laws and regulations. They help to make understanding what you need a bit easier.
Announcing the release of the Emergency Management for Western Australian Mines code of practice, the DMIRS’s Mines Safety Director Andrew Chaplyn, stated that it is critical for mine sites to be prepared for an emergency.
“Emergency management involves understanding the likelihood of an emergency situation and its potential consequences, being prepared to mitigate its effects, responding appropriately, and recovering afterwards.”
“This promotes a proactive approach to introducing and applying emergency management plans that safeguard workers.”
What is the Emergency Management for Western Australian Mines code of practice?
The code provides important information mine sites need to consider in developing emergency management plans and responding in emergencies.
This code of practice will assist those involved with emergency management in Western Australia to meet their legislative obligations for occupational safety and health under the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994. It is designed to provide guidance on:
- Emergency management systems used in surface and underground mines and quarries
- Developing and evaluating safe work procedures for such systems
The code focuses on:
- Identification of the unique risk profiles in relation to operating mines
- Emergency management at mine sites
The provisions of this code of practice apply to all mines as defined in section 4(1) of the Act, except those extracting coal by underground mining.
What is the aim of this code of practice?
Emergency management involves understanding the likelihood of an emergency situation and its potential consequences, being prepared to mitigate its effects, responding appropriately, and recovering afterwards. Effective emergency management means that there are plans in place for all foreseeable emergency scenarios so the response is comprehensive and coordinated. The aims of this code of practice are to:
- Describe the key variables or factors to be considered when emergency response activities are undertaken, including hazard identification and risk management
- Assist with establishing an emergency plan as part of a site’s safety management system
- Outline the broader occupational safety and health requirements for undertaking emergency response in accordance with the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 and Mines Safety and Inspection Regulations 1995
How should I use this code of practice?
The code of practice includes references to both mandatory and non-mandatory actions. The words “must” or “requires” indicate that legal requirements exist, which must be complied with. The word “should” indicates a recommended course of action.
To download your copy of the practice, click here >
Where can I get more information?
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