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Revised Statute from The UK Statute Law Database

Mines and Quarries Act 1954 (c.70)

This version of this statute is extracted from the UK Statute Law Database (SLD). It is not in the form in which it was originally enacted but is a revised version, which means that subsequent amendments to the text and other effects are incorporated with annotations.

There are effects on this legislation that have not yet been applied to SLD for the following years: 2005 and 2006. See the Tables of Legislative effects and the Update status of legislation page on the SLD website.

Royal arms

Mines and Quarries Act 1954

1954 CHAPTER 70 2_and_3_Eliz.2

Contents

Go to Preamble

  1. Part I

    General Duties of Mine and Quarry Owners

    1. 1.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  2. Part II

    Management and Control (Mines)

    1. Managers and Under-managers

      1. 2.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      2. 3.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      3. 4.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      4. 5.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      5. 6.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      6. 7.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      7. 8.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      8. 9.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      9. 10.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    2. Surveyors

      1. 11.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    3. Officials and Technicians

      1. 12.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      2. 13.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      3. 14.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    4. Provisions ancillary to foregoing Sections

      1. 15.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      2. 16.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    5. Plans

      1. 17.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      2. 18.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      3. 19. Faulty plans

      4. 20.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      5. 21.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  3. Part III

    Safety, Health and Welfare (Mines)

    1. Provisions for securing safe Ingress and Egress

      1. 22. Provision of shafts and outlets in coal, &c., mines

      2. 23. Communications between shafts and outlets in coal, &c., mines

      3. 24. Limitation on number of persons to be employed at coal, &c., mines in places with single exits

      4. 25. Limitation on number of persons to be employed at coal, &c., mines in shafts and outlets and their insets

      5. 26.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      6. 27.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      7. 28. Provision of winding and haulage apparatus

      8. 29.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    2. Safety Precautions in connection with Shafts, &c., and Entrances to disused Workings

      1. 30. Securing of shafts and staple-pits

      2. 31. Safety precautions with respect to entrances to shafts, staple-pits and outlets

      3. 32.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      4. 33. Safety precautions with respect to entrances to unfit parts of mines

    3. Roads

      1. 34. General provisions with respect to construction and maintenance of roads

      2. 35. Height and width of travelling roads

      3. 36. Prohibition of use of vehicles and conveyors in roads not affording free movement

      4. 37. Transport rules

      5. 38.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      6. 39. Provisions for securing safety of foot-passengers in transport roads

      7. 40. Provision of refuge holes

      8. 41. Safety measures relating to use of vehicles

    4. Provisions for securing safe operation of Winding and Rope Haulage Apparatus and Conveyors

      1. 42. Charge of winding and rope haulage apparatus when persons are carried

      2. 43. Charge of winding and rope haulage apparatus when persons are not carried

      3. 44. Charge of conveyors at working faces

      4. 45. Signalling in shafts and outlets

      5. 46. Signalling in roads

      6. 47.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    5. Support

      1. 48.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      2. 49.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      3. 50.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      4. 51.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      5. 52.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      6. 53.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      7. 54.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    6. Ventilation

      1. 55. Duty to provide adequate ventilation

      2. 56. Avoidance of danger from gas in waste

      3. 57.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      4. 58. Provisions as to means of ventilation

      5. 59. Prevention of leakage of air between airways

      6. 60.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    7. Lighting, Lamps and Contraband

      1. 61. Lighting

      2. 62. Permitted lights

      3. 63.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      4. 64. Prohibition of taking into mines safety-lamps not provided by owner or of approved type

      5. 65. Offences relating to safety-lamps

      6. 66. Prohibition of possession of smoking materials in certain mines and parts of mines

      7. 67. Prohibition of taking into certain mines and parts of mines of articles producing flames or sparks

      8. 68.

    8. Blasting Materials and Devices

      1. 69. Blasting materials and devices

    9. Fire Precautions and Provisions as to Rescue

      1. 70. Fire precautions in case of workings served by single intake airway

      2. 71.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      3. 72. Fire-fighting and rescue operations

      4. 73. Means of escape from rooms in which there is special risk of fire, &c

    10. Dust Precautions

      1. 74. Dust precautions

    11. Precautions against external Dangers to Workings

      1. 75—77... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      2. 78.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    12. Duties of Officials and Workmen in Cases of Danger

      1. 79. Withdrawal of workmen in cases of danger

      2. 80. Duty of workmen to deal with, or report, danger

    13. Machinery and Apparatus

      1. 81. Construction, maintenance, &c., of machinery and apparatus

      2. 82.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      3. 83. Restrictions on use below ground of certain engines, &c

      4. 84. Air, gas and steam containers

      5. 85.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    14. Buildings, Structures, Means of Access, &c

      1. 86. Buildings and structures to be kept safe

      2. 87. Safe means of access and safe means of employment

    15. Training and Discipline

      1. 88. Restriction on doing of work by unskilled persons

      2. 89. Penalization of failure to observe safety directions, &c

      3. 90. Penalization of negligent acts or omissions and unauthorised removal, &c.,ofarticles

    16. First Aid

      1. 91.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    17. Medical Examinations and Prohibition of Heavy Work

      1. 92.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      2. 93.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    18. General Welfare Provisions

      1. 94. Sanitary conveniences

      2. 95. Measures against vermin and insects

      3. 96.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      4. 97. Supply of drinking water

  4. Part IV

    Management and Control (Quarries)

    1. 98.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    2. 99.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    3. 100.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    4. 101.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    5. 102.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    6. 103.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    7. 104.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    8. 105.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    9. 106.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    10. 107.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  5. Part V

    Safety, Health and Welfare (Quarries)

    1. 108.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    2. 109.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    3. 110.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    4. 111.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    5. 112. Dust precautions

    6. 113.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    7. 114.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    8. 115.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  6. Part VI

    Notification and Investigation of Accidents and Diseases

    1. Notification

      1. 116—122... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  7. Part VII

    Workmen’s Inspections

    1. 123. Inspections of mines and quarries on behalf of workmen employed thereat

  8. Part VIII

    Employment of Women and Young Persons

    1. Prohibition of Employment below Ground

      1. 124. Prohibition of employment below ground in certain cases

    2. Hours of Work

      1. 125—128.. Provisions as to hours worked by women and young persons

    3. Special Exceptions

      1. 129.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      2. 130. Special exception for emergencies

    4. Miscellaneous Provisions

      1. 131. Register of women and young persons employed

      2. 132. Supplemental

  9. Part IX

    Records, Returns and Information

    1. 133.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    2. 134.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    3. 135.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    4. 136.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    5. 137. Furnishing to workers of information with respect to this Act and orders and regulations thereunder

    6. 138.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    7. 139.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    8. 140.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  10. Part X

    Regulations

    1. 141. Regulations

    2. 142.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    3. 143. Variation, revocation, &c., of regulations

  11. Part XI

    1. 144,145... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    2. 146.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  12. Part XII

    Grant, Cancellation and Suspension of Certificates

    1. 147.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    2. 148.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    3. 149.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    4. 150. Cancellation or suspension of certificates

  13. Part XIII

    Fencing of Abandoned and Disused Mines and of Quarries

    1. 151. Fencing of abandoned and disused mines and of quarries

  14. Part XIV

    Offences, Penalties and Legal Proceedings

    1. 152. Offences

    2. 153. Accessories

    3. 154. Supplementary provisions as to offences

    4. 155. Penalty for offences for which no express penalty is provided

    5. 156. Defence available to person charged with offence not committed personally

    6. 157. Persons not to be under liability for contraventions which it was impracticable to avoid or prevent

    7. 158.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    8. 159. Liability of owners for breaches of statutory duty by their servants

    9. 160. Liability of parents for unlawful employment of young persons

    10. 161.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    11. 162.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    12. 163. Prosecution of offences

    13. 164. Restriction on institution of certain proceedings

    14. 165. Duty to report results of proceedings against persons employed at mines or quarries

    15. 166. Liability of parents for unlawful employment of children

    16. 167.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

  15. Part XV

    Miscellaneous and General

    1. Supplementary Provisions

      1. 168. Division of mines

      2. 169.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      3. 170. Provisions as to references upon notices served by inspectors

      4. 171. Provisions as to knowledge by officials, &c., of Welsh language

      5. 172.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      6. 173. Revocation and variation of orders and rules

      7. 174.†Parliamentary control of orders, rules and regulations

      8. 175.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      9. 176. Provisions as to exemptions, &c

      10. 177.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      11. 178. Expenses and receipts

      12. 179. Application to the Crown

    2. Interpretation

      1. 180. Meaning of “mine” and “quarry”

      2. 181. Meaning of “owner”

      3. 182. General interpretation provisions

      4. 183. Application of Act to training mines

    3. Relationship of Factories Acts and this Act in case of certain premises

      1. 184.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

    4. Repeals, Savings, Transitional Provisions, &c

      1. 185.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      2. 186. Repeal of s. 21 of 16 & 17 Geo. 5. c. 28

      3. 187.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      4. 188. Minor and consequential amendments of other enactments

      5. 189.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      6. 190.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

      7. 191. General savings

      8. 192. Saving for persons managing certain small mines at commencement of this Act

      9. 193. Saving for common law rights of workmen, &c

      10. 194. Commencement

      11. 195. Short title and extent

  16. FIRST AND SECOND SCHEDULES

  17. THIRD SCHEDULE

    Inquiries into Fitness of Holders of Certificates and Delivery up and Custody of Certificates in connection with Prosecutions and Inquiries

  18. FOURTH SCHEDULE

    Minor and Consequential Amendments of Enactments

  19. FIFTH SCHEDULE

An Act to make fresh provision with respect to the management and control of mines and quarries and for securing the safety, health and welfare of persons employed thereat; to regulate the employment thereat of women and young persons; to require the fencing of abandoned and disused mines and of quarries; and for purposes connected with the matters aforesaid.

[25th November 1954]

Annotations:

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 Act extended (S.) by Education (Scotland) Act 1962 (c. 47), s. 136

C2 Act amended by S.I. 1988/1729, regs. 1(1), 12(2), 1930, regs. 3, 16(2), 1989/635, reg. 33(3)

C3 Act except s. 151 amended by S.I. 1990/1380, regs. 3, 4

C4 Act except s. 151 saved by virtue of Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. (c. 37, SIF 43:3), s. 53, Sch. and Tay Road Bridge Order Confirmation Act 1991 c. iv Sch. Pt. VII s. 62

C5 Act except s. 151 saved by virtue of Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (c. 37, SIF 43:3), s. 53, Schedule and Highland Regional Council (Harbours) Order Confirmation Act 1991 (c. xii), s. 61(1)(f)
The definition of "mine" in this Act applied (30.11.1991) by Coal Mining Subsidence Act 1991 (c. 45, SIF 86), s. 1(4)(b), (with s. 37(4), Sch. 7); S.I. 1991/2508, art. 2.
The definition of "mine" in this Act applied (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Resources Act 1991 (c. 57, SIF 130), ss. 89(6), 161(6), 225(2), (with ss. 16(6), 179, 222(3), Sch. 22 para. 1)
The definition of "quarry" in this Act applied (E.W.) (1.12.1991) by Water Resources Act 1991 (c. 57, SIF 130), ss. 89(6), 225(2), (with ss. 16(6), 179, 222(3), Sch. 22 para. 1)

Part I General Duties of Mine and Quarry Owners

F11 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 1 repealed (1.1.2000) by S.I. 1999/2024, regs. 1(1), 47(1)(2), Sch. 2 Pt. I

Part II Management and Control (Mines)

Managers and Under-managers

F12 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 2 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 3 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 4 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F15 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 5 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt.I.

F16 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 6 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F17 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 7 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 8 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 1, 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F19 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 9 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F110 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 10 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

Surveyors

F111 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 11 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

Officials and Technicians

F112 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 12 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F113 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 13 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F114 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 14 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

Provisions ancillary to foregoing Sections

F115 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 15 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F116 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 16 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

Plans

F117 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 17 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

F118 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 18 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

19 Faulty plans

(1) If, in the case of any mine, [F1the Health and Safety Executive] is satisfied, upon a representation made to [F1the Executive] by an inspector, that a plan, section or drawing which by virtue of the foregoing provisions of this Act is kept by the manager of that mine is inaccurate, incomplete, dilapidated or wholly or partly indecipherable and that, in the interests of safety, it is desirable for a new plan, section or drawing to be made, [F1the Executive] may appoint a surveyor to make a new plan, section or drawing.

(2) The following provisions shall have effect where a surveyor is appointed under the foregoing subsection to make a new plan, section or drawing in the case of a mine:—

(a) the owner and the manager of the mine shall afford to the surveyor all necessary facilities and information for the purpose of making the new plan, section or drawing;

(b) on the completion of the new plan, section or drawing, it shall be sent to the manager of the mine; and

(c) the cost of making the new plan, section or drawing, or such part of that cost as [F1the Health and Safety Executive] thinks fit, shall be recoverable by him from the owner of the mine.

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 Words substituted by virtue of S.I. 1974/2013, Sch. 2 para. 3

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 19 extended (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg.33.

20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Annotations:

Modifications etc. (not altering text)

C1 S. 20 repealed (1.10.1993) by 1993/1897, reg. 41(1), Sch. 3 Pt. I.

21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 Ss. 4(4), 12(2), 21, 22(4), 26 repealed by S.I. 1974/2013, Sch. 1 Pt. I

Part III Safety, Health and Welfare (Mines)

Provisions for securing safe Ingress and Egress

[F122 Provision of shafts and outlets in coal, &c., mines

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, it shall not be lawful for any persons to be employed below ground in a mine of coal, stratified ironstone, shale or fireclay unless there are available, for affording to them alternative, and ready, means of ingress and egress, two shafts or outlets (whether belonging exclusively to that mine or not) which, except where they were sunk before the first day of January, eighteen hundred and sixty-five, are at no point separated from each other by less than [F215 metres] or (where the sinking thereof began before the first day of January, eighteen hundred and eighty-eight) ten feet.

(2) Where the employment of persons in an area consisting of the whole or any part of a mine below ground would, apart from the following provisions of this subsection be, by virtue of the foregoing subsection, unlawful in consequence of a shaft or outlet having, as a result of an accident or breakdown, become unavailable for affording to persons employed in that area ready means of ingress and egress, but the manager of the mine is satisfied with respect to that area or any part thereof that persons employed in that area or, as the case may be, that part thereof will not for the time being be exposed to undue risk by reason of that shaft or outlet being unavailable as aforesaid, then if he—

(a) posts in a conspicuous position at the mine a notice specifying the accident or breakdown and the said area and stating that he is satisfied as aforesaid with respect to that area or, as the case may be, that part thereof and the reason why he is so satisfied; and

(b) sends, by the quickest means available, to the inspector for the district and the person, if any, for the time being nominated under the provisions of [F3the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 1985]relating to the notification of accidents to receive on behalf of the persons employed at the mine notices under the said provisions, a message to the like effect as the notice mentioned in the foregoing paragraph;

there shall be excepted from the operation of the foregoing subsection—

(i) the employment in that area or, as the case may be, that part thereof, until the end of his period of work, of any person who was below ground in the mine at the time of the accident or breakdown;

(ii) the employment in that area or, as the case may be, that part thereof, until the expiration of the period of twenty-four hours beginning with the time at which the accident or breakdown occurred, of any person in work necessary for securing the safety of the mine or the welfare of animals employed therein or rendering that shaft or outlet again available for the purpose for which it was available immediately before the accident or breakdown:

Provided that nothing in paragraph (i) or (ii) of this subsection shall authorise the employment of any person at any time after the receipt by the manager of the mine of notification from an inspector that, in his opinion, that person should be withdrawn from the area or part of the area in question.

(3) . . . F4 an inspector, upon an application in that behalf made to him with respect to a mine, may, by notice served on the manager of the mine, exempt from the operation of subsection (1) of this section the employment of persons below ground in the mine or in such part of the mine below ground as may be specified in the notice:

Provided that no exemption shall be granted under this subsection by . . . F4 an inspector unless . . . F4 the inspector, . . . F4, is satisfied that no persons employed in the mine will be exposed to undue risk in consequence of the granting of the exemption.

(4) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F5

(5) In any claim against the owner or manager of a mine for damages, being a claim arising out of an accident caused by a decision of the manager made for the purposes of subsection (2) of this section, the defendant shall, unless he proves that the manager was not negligent in making that decision, be liable in all respects as if the plaintiff had proved that the manager was negligent in making that decision.

(6) For the purposes of this section a shaft or unwalkable outlet at a mine provided with apparatus for carrying persons through the shaft or outlet shall be deemed not to be available to a person employed below ground in the mine for affording to him means of ingress and egress if that apparatus is not available for use by him.

(7) In the application of this section to Scotland, for references to a plaintiff and a defendant there shall respectively be substituted references to a pursuer and a defender.

(8) Nothing in this section shall apply to the employment of persons in a shaft or outlet or in the insets of a shaft or outlet.]

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 Ss. 22–25, 33–35 repealed (1.4.1989, in part, and 1.4.1994, fully) by S.I. 1988/1729, regs. 1(1), 12(1)(a)

F2 Words substituted by S.I. 1976/2063, reg. 3(1), Sch. 1 Pt. II except as to shafts sunk, or as the case may be, lengths of road made before 1.2.1977

F3 Words substituted by virtue of S.I. 1985/2023, reg. 13(1), Sch. 7 Pt. III para. 1(a)

F4 Words omitted by virtue of S.I. 1974/2013, Sch. 2 para. 4

F5 Ss. 4(4), 12(2), 21, 22(4), 26 repealed by S.I. 1974/2013, Sch. 1 Pt. I

[F123 Communications between shafts and outlets in coal, &c., mines

(1) So long as, in a mine of coal, stratified ironstone, shale or fireclay, more than one shaft or outlet is available to any persons employed below ground in the mine for affording to them means of ingress and egress, there shall be provided and maintained between—

(a) each entrance to each shaft or outlet that is available to those persons for that purpose, being an entrance whereby those persons gain access to the shaft or outlet from the workings; and

(b) some point or points on another shaft or outlet so available;

a communication following a reasonably short and reasonably convenient route.

(2) The height of every communication provided in pursuance of the foregoing subsection shall be maintained throughout at not less than [F21.5 metres] and the width of every such communication shall be maintained throughout at not less than [F21.2 metres]:

Provided that—

(a) . . . F3

(b) if an inspector is satisfied that, owing to special circumstances affecting a particular mine of coal, stratified ironstone, shale or fireclay, it is inadvisable for reasons of safety or unnecessary, in the case of all or any of the communications provided as aforesaid therein, for the minimum height or width, or height and width, thereof to be as great as provided by the foregoing provisions of this subsection, he may, be notice served on the manager of the mine, direct that those provisions shall have effect in their application to those communications or to such of them as may be specified in the notice, with the substitution, for the minimum specified in the said provisions in relation to height, that so specified in relation to width or both of those minima, as the case may be, of such less minimum or minima as may be specified in the notice.]

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 Ss. 22–25, 33–35 repealed (1.4.1989, in part, and 1.4.1994, fully) by S.I. 1988/1729, regs. 1(1), 12(1)(a)

F2 Words substituted by S.I. 1976/2063, Sch. Pt. I

F3 S. 23(2)(a) repealed by S.I. 1974/2013, Sch. 1 Pt. I

[F124 Limitation on number of persons to be employed at coal, &c., mines in places with single exits

(1) Subject to the provisions of this section, it shall not be lawful for more than nine persons to be employed at any time below ground in a mine of coal, stratified ironstone, shale or fireclay in a place from which there are not two ways each of which—

(a) leads to a different shaft or outlet, being a shaft or outlet provided for affording to persons employed at that place means of ingress and egress;

(b) is entirely separate from the other;

(c) is traversable with safety and reasonable convenience;

(d) at each junction thereof with another way has clearly marked on it the shaft or outlet to which it leads; and

(e) if it is so prescribed, is of a height or width, or height and width, not less than such as may be prescribed;

or for more than nine persons in the aggregate to be so employed in two or more such places from none of which can egress to the surface be had otherwise than by traversing a common junction.

(2) As respects a particular mine of coal, stratified ironstone, shale or fireclay, provision may be made by regulations or by a notice served by . . . F2 an inspector on the manager of the mine—

(a) for exempting the mine or any specified place therein from all or any of the requirements of the foregoing subsection;

(b) for directing that the foregoing subsection shall, in its application to the mine or to any specified place therein, have effect with the substitution, for references to nine persons, of references to such greater number of persons (not exceeding thirty) as may be specified in the regulations or notice:

Provided that no such provision as aforesaid shall be made with respect to a mine by . . . F2 an inspector unless . . . F2 the inspector, . . . F2, is satisfied that no persons employed in the mine will be exposed to undue risk or inconvenience in consequence of the making of such provision.

(3) Nothing in this section shall apply to the employment of persons in a shaft or outlet.]

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 Ss. 22–25, 33–35 repealed (1.4.1989, in part, and 1.4.1994, fully) by S.I. 1988/1729, regs. 1(1), 12(1)(a)

F2 Words omitted by virtue of S.I. 1974/2013, Sch. 2 para. 4

[F125 Limitation on number of persons to be employed at coal, &c., mines in shafts and outlets and their insets

(1) It shall not be lawful for a number of persons greater than the permitted number to be employed at any time at a mine of coal, stratified ironstone, shale or fireclay in a shaft or outlet:

Provided that, in relation to an outlet (not being an unwalkable outlet), this subsection shall not apply to any part thereof lying between the surface entrance thereto and any point therein from which a communication leads to another outlet or to a shaft, being an outlet or shaft available to persons employed in the said part for affording to them means of ingress and egress.

(2) For the purposes of this section—

(a) the permitted number, in relation to a shaft or outlet, shall be twenty or such greater number (not exceeding thirty) as may be determined by an inspector by notice served on the manager of the mine;

(b) the insets of a shaft or outlet shall be deemed to form part of the shaft or outlet; and

(c) subsection (6) of section twenty-two of this Act shall apply as it applies for the purposes of that section.

(3) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prejudicing the operation of the last foregoing section in relation to the employment of persons in individual insets of a shaft or outlet.]

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 Ss. 22–25, 33–35 repealed (1.4.1989, in part, and 1.4.1994, fully) by S.I. 1988/1729, regs. 1(1), 12(1)(a)

26 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 Ss. 4(4), 12(2), 21, 22(4), 26 repealed by S.I. 1974/2013, Sch. 1 Pt. I

27 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . F1

Annotations:

Amendments (Textual)

F1 S. 27 repealed by S.I. 1975/1102, Sch. 1

28 Provision of winding and haulage apparatus

(1) Every F1. . . unwalkable outlet for the time being provided at a mine of coal, stratified ironstone, shale or fireclay for affording to persons employed below ground therein means of ingress and egress shall be provided with apparatus for carrying persons between F1. . . the surface entrance to the outlet and the entrances therefrom to the workings and between those entrances themselves, being apparatus which complies with such requirements (if any) of regulations as it appears to the Minister requisite or expedient to impose for securing the safety of persons when being carried by means thereof and whose use is confined to the F1. . . outlet, save where an inspector in any particular case, by notice served on the manager of the mine, consents to its use not being so confined.

(2) Every F1. . . unwalkable outlet for the time being provided at a mine other than of coal, stratified ironstone, shale or fireclay for affording to persons employed below ground therein means of ingress and egress, being a F1. . . outlet in the case of which the relevant distance exceeds [F245 metres] shall be provided with apparatus F1. . ., for carrying persons between the surface entrance to the outlet and the entrances therefrom to the workings and between those entrances themselves being apparatus which complies with such requirements (if any) of regulations as it appears to the Minister requisite or expedient to impose for securing the safety of persons when being carried by means thereof, and whose use is confined to the