Coal Mines Regulation.

competent person appointed by the owner, agent, or manager of the
mine; and such person shall not fire the shot nor allow it to be fired
until he has examined both the place itself where the shot is to be
fired and all contiguous accessible places of the same seam within a
radius of twenty yards, and has found such place safe for firing.

(h.) If in any mine, at either of the inspections under Rule four recorded
last, before a shot is to be fired, inflammable gas has been reported to
be present in the ventilating district in which the shot is to be fired,
the shot shall not be fired---

(i.) Unless a competent person appointed as aforesaid has examined
the place where gas has been so reported to be present, and has
found that such gas has been cleared away, and that there is
not at or near such place sufficient gas issuing or accumulated
to render it unsafe to fire the shot; or

(ii.) Unless the explosive employed in firing the shot is so used with
water or other contrivance as to prevent it from inflaming gas,
or is of such a nature that it cannot inflame gas.

(i.) If the place where a shot is to be fired is dry and dusty, then the shot
shall not be fired unless one of the following conditions is observed,
that is to say--

(a.) Unless the place of firing and all contiguous accessible places
within a radius of twenty yards therefrom are at the time of
firing in a wet state from thorough watering or other treatment
equivalent to watering, in all parts where dust is lodged,
whether roof, floor, or sides; or

(b.) In the case of places in which watering would injure the roof or
floor, unless the explosive is so used with water, or other con-
trivance, as to prevent it from inflaming gas or dust, or is of
such a nature that it cannot inflame gas or dust.

(j.) If such dry and dusty place is part of a main haulage road, or is a
place contiguous thereto, and showing dust adhering to the roof and
sides, no shot shall be fired there unless-

(i.) Both the conditions mentioned in sub-head (i.) have been
observed; or

(ii.) Unless such one of the conditions mentioned in sub-head (i.) as
may be applicable to the particular place has been observed,
and, moreover, all workmen have been removed from the seam
in which the shot is to be fired, and from all seams communicat-
ing with the shaft on the same level, except the men engaged
in firing the shot, and such other persons, not exceeding ten,
as are necessarily employed in attending to the ventilating
furnaces, steam boilers, engines, machinery, winding apparatus,
signals, or horses, or in inspecting the mine.

(k.) In this Act" ventilating district" means such part of a seam as has an
independent intake commencing from a main intake air course, and an
independent return airway terminating at a main return aircourse;
and "main haulage road' means a road which has been, or for the
time being is, in use for moving trams by steam or other mechanical
power.

(1.) Where a seam of a mine is not divided into separate ventilating districts, the provisions in this Act relating to ventilating districts shall be read as though the word " seam were substituted for the words ventilating district."

RULE 13.-No person shall enter, with a naked light, a powder magazine.

Naked lights in powder

RULE magazines.

Signalling.

Coal Mines Regulation.

RULE 14.-All methods of signalling in mines to indicate that men or material are to be raised or lowered in shafts shall be clear and distinct, and shall be posted in a clear and legible form on framed boards, one of which shall be placed at each chamber in the shaft, another on the brace, and a third in the engine room.

(a.) Such methods shall be subject to the approval of the inspector, and shall also be subject to such alterations and amendments as may from time to time be indicated by the Minister on the report of the Inspector, and any neglect to carry out such indicated alterations or amendments shall be an offence against this Act.

(b.) A line, or some other appliance, shall be provided in each shaft to admit of danger signals being communicated to the engine-driver from any portion of such shaft.

(c.) Every person employed in a mine shall make himself acquainted with the system of signals used in such mine.

RULE 15.-A clear view shall be kept for the engine-driver between his

View of shaft by engine station and the shaft at the surface brace.

driver.

Person in charge of machinery.

Means of egress to be kept ready for use.

Fencing machinery.

Mining manager in charge of a mine to inspect.

Shafts with ladders to have platforms.

Water and bore holes.

RULE 16.-No person under the age of eighteen years shall be placed in charge of or have the control of any engine or winch driven by steam, air, gas, oil, or electricity used in connection with the working of a mine. No person in charge of any such engine or winch working on a mine shall, under any pretext whatever unless relieved by a competent person, absent himself or cease to have continual supervision during the time such machinery is so used.

RULE 17.-When the only means of egress from a mine is a machine worked by steam, water, or mechanical power, such machine shall be always kept ready for use (and the person in charge thereof shall so remain in charge) whilst any person is below in the mine.

RULE 18.-No iron, timber, tools, rails, trucks, skips, sprags, or other material, except when repairing the shaft, shall be placed in the same cage, bucket, or other carriage, receptacle, or platform in which men are being lowered or raised from their work.

RULE 19. All machinery, whether above or below ground, shall be kept in good order and condition.

RULE 20.-Every brace, or pit-bank shall be properly covered, to protect the workmen from the inclemency of the weather.

RULE 21. Every fly-wheel, and all exposed or dangerous parts of the machinery used in or about the mine, shall be kept securely fenced.

RULE 22. The mining manager, or in his absence the under manager, shall once a week carefully examine the machinery and buildings used in the working of the mine and the condition of the mine itself, and shall record, in writing, in a book kept for that purpose, his opinion as to their condition and safety, and any repairs and alterations required to ensure greater safety to the persons employed therein.

RULE 23. After the passing of this Act, every ladder constructed and fixed in a shaft for the ascent and descent of persons working in the mine shall be inclined at the most convenient angle which the space allows, and such ladder shall have substantial platforms at intervals of not more than thirty feet, and with spaces for foothold of not less than six inches clear of wall.

RULE 24.-Safety cages shall be provided, when required by the inspector, and shall be tested before they are used.

RULE 25.--Where a place is likely to contain a dangerous accumulation of water, the working approaching that place shall not at any point within forty yards of that place exceed eight feet in width, and there shall be constantly kept at a sufficient distance, not being less than five yards in advance, at least one bore hole, near the centre of the working, and sufficient flank bore holes on each side. RULE

Coal Mines Regulation.

RULE 26.-Every underground plane on which persons travel, which is selfacting or worked by an engine, windlass, jig, or gin, shall be provided, if exceeding thirty yards in length, with some proper means of communicating distinct and definite signals between the stopping places and the ends of the plane, and shall be provided in every case with sufficient manholes for places of refuge, at intervals of not more than twenty yards, and of not less than six feet high, three feet wide, and four feet deep, or if there is not room for a person to stand between the side of a tub and the side of the plane, then (unless the tubs are moved by an endless chain or rope) at intervals of not more than ten yards.

Signalling and manholes worked by machinery.

for travelling planes

Manholes for other

RULE 27.--Every road on which persons travel underground, where the load is drawn by a horse or other animal, shall be provided, at intervals of not more travelling roads. than fifty yards, with sufficient manholes, or with places of refuge, and every such place of refuge shall be of sufficient length, and at least three feet in width between the wagons running on the road and the side of such road. There shall be at least two proper travelling ways into every steam-engine room and boiler gallery.

clear.

RULE 28.-Every manhole and every place of refuge shall be constantly kept clear, and no person shall place anything in any such manhole or place of refuge. Manholes to be kept RULE 29.-Every travelling road on which a horse or other draught animal is used underground shall be of sufficient dimensions to allow the horse or other Dimensions of travelling animal to pass without rubbing against the roof or timbering.

RULE 30.-The top of every shaft which for the time being is out of use, or

used only as an air-shaft, shall be and shall be kept securely fenced.

roads.

Fencing of shafts.

RULE 31.-Every shaft in course of sinking shall be provided with a trolley to run over the pit's mouth, and receive the load when brought to the surface. Trolley over pit mouth. Such trolley to be large enough to cover the opening at pit top. This rule shall not apply to sinking with windlasses worked by hand.

the

shafts.

RULE 32.-The top and all entrances between the top and bottom, including sump, if any, of every working, ventilating, or pumping shaft shall be properly Fencing of entrances to fenced; but this shall not be taken to forbid the temporary removal of the fence for the purpose of repairs or other operations, if proper precautions are used.

RULE 33. Where the natural strata are not safe, every working or pumping shaft shall be securely cased, lined, or otherwise made secure. Every shaft in Securing of shafts. course of sinking shall be kept clear of all noxious gases by a fan or some other Sinking pit to be cleared appliance.

of

RULE 34.-The roof and sides of every travelling road and working place shall be made secure, and a person shall not, unless appointed for the purpose exploring or repairing, travel or work in any such travelling road or working place which is not made so secure.

of gas.

Securing of roofs and

sides.

RULE 35.-Where the timbering of the working places is done by the workmen employed therein, suitable timber shall be provided within twelve feet Timbering. of the working face, gate end, pass by, siding, or other similar place in the mine convenient to the workmen, and the distance between the sprags or holing props, where they are required, shall not exceed six feet, or such less distance as may be ordered by the owner, agent, or manager.

cast shaft.

RULE 36.-Where there is a downcast and furnace shaft to the same seam, and both such shafts are provided with apparatus in use for raising and lowering Option of using downpersons, every person employed in the mine shall, on giving reasonable notice, have the option of using the downcast shaft.

man.

RULE 37. In any mine which is usually entered by means of machinery, a competent male person not less than twenty-two years of age shall be appointed Attendance of engine. for the purpose of working the machinery which is employed in lowering and raising persons therein, and shall attend for that purpose during the whole time that any person is below ground in the mine.

Where any shaft, plane, or level is used for the purpose of communication from one part to another part of a mine, and persons are taken up or down or along such shaft, plane, or level, by means of any engine, windlass, or gin, driven

or

Means of signalling for working shafts.

Overwinding.

Cover overhead.

Chains.

Prevention of rope slipping on drum.

Brake and indicator.

Fencing machinery.

Barometer, etc.

Stretchers.

Wilful damage.

Observance of directions.

Books and copies thereof.

Coal Mines Regulation.

or worked by steam or any mechanical power, or by an animal, or by manual labour, the person in charge of such engine, windlass, or gin, or of any part of the machinery, ropes, chains, or tackle connected therewith, must be a competent male person, not less than eighteen years of age.

RULE 38.Every working shaft used for the purpose of drawing minerals or for the lowering or raising of persons shall, if exceeding fifty yards in depth, and not exempted in writing by the inspector of the district, be provided with guides, and some method of communicating distinct and definite signals from the bottom of the shaft and from every entrance for the time being in use between the surface and the bottom of the shaft to the surface, and from the surface to the bottom of the shaft, and to every entrance for the time being in use between the surface and the bottom of the shaft.

RULE 39.--If in any mine the winding apparatus is not provided with some automatic contrivance to prevent overwinding, then the cage, when men are being raised, shall not be wound up at a speed exceeding three miles an hour, after the cage has reached a point in the shaft to be fixed by the special rules.

RULE 40. A sufficient cover overhead shall be used for every cage or tub employed in lowering or raising persons in any working shaft, except where the cage or tub is worked by a windlass, or where persons are employed at work in the shaft, or where a written exemption is given by the inspector of the district.

RULE 41. A single-linked chain shall not be used for lowering or raising persons in any working shaft or plane, except for the short coupling chain attached to the cage or tub.

RULE 42. There shall be on the drum of every machine used for lowering or raising persons, such flanges or horns, and also, if the drum is conical, such other appliances as may be sufficient to prevent the rope from slipping.

RULE 43.-There shall be attached to every machine worked by steam, water, or mechanical power, and used for lowering or raising persons, an adequate brake or brakes and a proper indicator (in addition to any mark on the rope) showing to the person who works the machine the position of the cage or tub in the shaft. If the drum is not on the crank shaft, there shall be an adequate brake on the drum shaft.

RULE 44.--Every fly-wheel, and all exposed and dangerous parts of the machinery used in or about the mine, shall be and shall be kept securely fenced.

RULE 45.-A barometer and thermometer shall be placed above ground in a conspicuous position near the entrance to the mine.

RULE 46. Where persons are employed underground, ambulances or stretchers, with splints, bandages, blankets, and medical requisites, shall be kept at the mine ready for immediate use in case of accident.

RULE 47. No person shall wilfully damage, or without proper authority remove or render useless any fence, fencing, manhole, place of refuge, casing, lining, guide, means of signalling, signal, cover, chain, flange, horn, break, indicator, steam-gauge, water-gauge, safety-valve, or other appliance or thing provided in any mine in compliance with this Act.

RULE 48.-Every person shall observe such directions with respect to working as may be given to him with a view to comply with this Act or the special rules in force in the mine.

RULE 49. The books mentioned in these rules shall be provided by the owner, agent, or manager, and the books, or a correct copy thereof, shall be kept at the office of the mine, and any inspector under this Act may, at all reasonable times, inspect and take copies of and extracts from any such books; but nothing in these rules shall be construed to impose the obligation of keeping any such book or a copy thereof for more than twelve months after the book has ceased to be used for entries therein under this Act. Any report by this Act requiring to be recorded in a book may be partly in print (including lithograph) and partly in writing.

RULE

Coal Mines Regulation.

RULE 50. The persons employed in a mine may from time to time appoint Periodical inspection on two of their number, or any two persons, not being mining engineers, who are behalf of workmen. practical working miners to inspect the mine at their own cost, and the persous so appointed shall be allowed once at least in every month accompanied, if the owner, agent, or manager of the mine thinks fit, by himself or one or more officers of the mine, to go to every part of the mine, and to inspect the shafts, levels, planes, working places, return air-ways, ventilating apparatus, old workings, and machinery. Every facility shall be afforded by the owner, agent, or manager, and all persons in the mine for the purpose of inspection, and the persons appointed shall forthwith make a true report of the result of the inspection, and that report shall be recorded in a book to be kept at the mine for the purpose, and shall be signed by the persons who made the inspection, and if the report states the existence or apprehended existence of any danger they shall forthwith cause a true copy of the report to be sent to the inspector of the district.

Person not to be emwithout experience.

RULE 51.-No person not now employed as a coal getter shall be allowed to work alone as a coal getter in the face of the workings until he has satisfied the ployed in coal getting manager that he has had two years' experience of such work under the supervision of skilled workmen, or unless he shall have been previously employed for two years in or about the face of the workings of a mine.

Penalty for interference

weigher.

RULE 52.-If the owner, agent, or manager of any mine or any persons employed by or acting under the instruction of any such owner, agent, or manager with office of check-ininterferes with the appointment of a check-inspector or check-weigher, or attempts, spector or checkwhether by threats, bribes, promises, notice of dismissal, or otherwise howsoever, to exercise improper influence in respect of such appointment, or to induce the persons entitled to appoint a check-inspector or a check-weigher, or any of them, not to re-appoint any particular person, or to vote for or against any particular person, in the appointment of a check-inspector or check-weigher, such owner, agent, or manager shall be guilty of an offence against this Act.

RULE 53. -In any mine or part of a mine where naked lights are used, all brattice cloth used shall be of a non-inflammable character.

Brattice cloth.

Penalty on non-com

RULE 54.-Every person who contravenes or does not comply with any of the general rules or special rules in this Act, shall be guilty of an offence against pliance with rules. this Act; and in the event of any contravention of or non-compliance with any of the said general rules in the case of any mine to which this Act applies, by any person whomsoever, the owner, agent, and manager shall each be guilty of an offence against this Act, unless he proves that he had taken all reasonable means, by publishing, and to the best of his power enforcing, the said rules as regulations for the working of the mine to prevent such contravention or non-compliance.

RULE 55.-If, in the opinion of the Inspector, the observance of the foregoing general rules, or any of them, is not reasonably practicable in any particular mine, the Governor in Council may, from time to time, by notification in the Gazette, suspend, alter, or vary such rules, or any of them, in such manner as he deems necessary in respect to such mine. And any general rules so altered or varied shall be deemed to be the general rules of the mine to which they relate.

Governor in Council

may suspend, alter, or vary rules.

By Authority: WM, ALFRED WATSON, Government Printer, Perth.