Notifying appointment of on-site person responsible for exploration activities

For updated information relating to certificates of competency see Statutory positions

On 31 March 2022, the Work Health and Safety (WHS) laws replaced the health and safety elements of the Mines Safety and Inspection laws. For information visit www.demirs.wa.gov.au/whs

Transitional arrangements may be in place for the compliance requirements on this page.

All health and safety notifications, forms and guidance for mining and petroleum has moved to the WorkSafe website

The information below has been left for historical compliance reference purposes

 

 

Background

Who is the person responsible for onsite management?

For each field exploration operation, the principal employer must appoint a person who is responsible for the daily site management of activities at that operation. This position may be filled by the exploration manager if that person is on site managing the field exploration activities.

Qualification of responsible person

There is no statutory qualification prescribed for the responsible person. However, they need to be trained and assessed as competent to carry out the work.

As a minimum, the person should be conversant with the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 and accompanying regulations, the risk management approach and hazards relevant to the exploration activities and sites, and have management and leadership skills.

Who is responsible for the notification?

The principal employer must inform the senior inspector of mines for the region of the appointment of the person responsible for the daily site management of activities at an operation before exploration activities begin. It must subsequently ensure a person is appointed at all times while exploration is underway at that site.

The principal employer or registered manager can notify the department of a statutory appointment, or a person acting on their behalf.

A Company Administrator (CA) or a Company Representative can enter information into SRS. The CA can assign the role of Company Representative to any person required to notify appointments.

Refer to section 47(2)(b) of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994.

A copy of the signed letter of appointment must be kept in the mine record book.

Notification of appointments must be submitted online using the Notifications sub-system in the Safety Regulation System (SRS)

The principal employer or registered manager can notify the department of a statutory appointment, or a person acting on their behalf.

A Company Administrator (CA) or a Company Representative can enter information into SRS. The CA can assign the role of Company Representative to any person required to notify appointments.

The completed and signed appointment letter needs to be attached to the notification of appointment in SRS.

Related information

Below is the list of documents that you may find useful.

Key positions of responsibilities for exploration not under control of a Registered Manager - information sheet - 487 Kb

This information sheet outlines the key positions of responsibilities for exploration not under control of a Registered Manager and whether further action is needed.

Frequently asked questions on appointments on Western Australian mines - information sheet - 350 Kb

This information sheet outlines the frequently asked questions on appointments on Western Australian mines.

Frequently asked questions on management and supervision at mining operations - information sheet - 277 Kb

This information sheet outlines the frequently asked questions on management and supervision at mining operations.

Contact

For enquiries please contact an inspector of mines
Phone: 1300 307 877
Email: Safety@dmirs.wa.gov.au