DMIRS has released a new code of practice - Emergency management for Western Australian mines
| Date: | Thursday, 15 February 2018 |
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A new code of practice for emergency management for Western Australian mine sites has been released by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DMIRS).
The code, developed over the past two years, has been signed off by Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston and endorsed by the Mining Industry Advisory Committee.
In announcing the release of the code, the department's Mines Safety Director Andrew Chaplyn said it was 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," Mr Chaplyn said.
"Effective emergency management means that there are plans in place for all foreseeable emergency scenarios so the response is comprehensive and coordinated."
The code provides important information mine sites need to consider in developing emergency management plans and responding in emergencies.
"This promotes a proactive approach to introducing and applying emergency management plans that safeguard workers," Mr Chaplyn said.
A draft code was released for public comment from November 2016 to February 2017. In June 2017, the department released a report of the feedback it received and the response or actions taken by the department.
"Consultation has been an important part of this process and the final code incorporates much of the feedback we received," Mr Chaplyn said.
