(a) prepare and keep up to date a suitable written scheme for the systematic inspection, maintenance and, where appropriate, testing of - 


(i) all parts of the quarry,

(ii) all buildings (whether temporary or permanent) at the quarry, and

(iii) any plant at the quarry,



with a view to securing the health and safety of those persons identified in regulation 7(1)(b)(i) and (ii);

(b) ensure that, where appropriate, suitable written reports are made of inspections, maintenance and tests carried out in pursuance of sub-paragraph (a) and that each report records significant defects and the steps taken to remedy them and - 



(i) is signed by the person making it, and

(ii) countersigned by an appropriate person in the management structure; and



(c) ensure that a sufficient number of competent persons are appointed to undertake the activities referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b).

    (2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraphs (1)(a) and (b), the said written scheme shall specify that faces above - 

(a) every place of work at the quarry; and

(b) every road used by persons at work at the quarry for the purpose of their work or of getting to or from their place of work,

(a) the carrying out of hazardous operations; or

(b) usually straightforward operations which may interact with other activities to cause serious hazards,

is not carried out unless a permit to carry out that work has been issued.

    (2) Such permits to work shall specify - 

(a) the conditions to be fulfilled; and

(b) the precautions to be taken before, during and after the operation concerned,

in order to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety of any person affected by that operation.

    (3) Such permits to work shall be - 

(a) issued, signed and dated by a suitable person in the management structure; and then

(b) accepted, signed and dated by a further suitable person.

(a) ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that all explosives are stored, transported and used safely and securely;

(b) appoint one or more competent individuals to organise and supervise all work at the quarry involving the use of explosives ("the Explosives Supervisor"); and

(c) ensure that at no time is there more than one person acting as the Explosives Supervisor at the quarry.

    (2) It shall be the duty of the operator to ensure that - 

(a) suitable and sufficient rules are made which lay down in writing procedures for - 


(i) shotfiring operations at the quarry,

(ii) appointing shotfirers, trainee shotfirers and storekeepers,

(iii) authorising other persons who will be involved with the storage, transport or use of explosives,

(iv) dealing with misfires, and

(v) ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, that such rules are complied with;



(b) an adequate written specification (whether produced by him or not) is prepared for each shotfiring operation at the quarry to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that when such firing occurs it will not give rise to danger; and

(c) a copy of the specification referred to in sub-paragraph (b) is given to any person upon whom it imposes duties.

    (3) The operator shall ensure that operations involving the storage, transport or use of explosives are carried out by - 

(a) a duly authorised and competent person; or

(b) a trainee under the close supervision of a duly authorised and competent person.

    (4) The operator shall ensure that - 

(a) such facilities and equipment as are necessary to enable shotfiring operations to be carried out safely are provided;

(b) any vehicle which is provided for use in relation to shotfiring operations is so marked as to be readily identifiable from a distance;

(c) detonators are stored in separate containers from other explosives; and

(d) explosives are kept at all times either in a locked explosives store or under the constant supervision of a suitable person.

(a) instability; or

(b) movement,