The objectives of mine rescue are to find and rescue trapped miners, find and extinguish fires and examine mines for noxious gases.  Those involved in the high risk occupation of mining must be prepared to respond should an emergency occur and take the necessary precautions required to ensure worker safety. 

Section 111 (2) of the Mines Safety of Workers Regulations states that “the operator and manager of a mine shall cause such workers and supervisors to be trained in the use and maintenance of mine rescue equipment as the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (the Commission) considers necessary and the course of training to be followed shall be one approved by the commission.”  

The Commission has prescribed minimum standards for Mine Rescue Certification Training which mining operations must meet in all underground workplaces where employees are expected to carry out work and includes areas where mining is to take place, any exploration drilling/sampling activities, any tunnels, adits, ramps and shafts/structures.

For more information on mine rescue call the Prevention Services Department at 778-1552.