The Coal and Other Safety-Lamp Mines (Explosives) Regulations 1993

Danger zones and withdrawal of persons

23.—(1) Before a shot or round of shots is fired, the shotfirer who is to fire the shot or round or supervise its firing shall–

(a) identify the danger zone;

(b) so far as is reasonably practicable, examine all parts of the danger zone; and

(c) take all reasonable steps to ensure that–

(i) suitable sentries are posted or such fencing is erected as will prevent, so far as is practicable, persons from entering the danger zone,

(ii) no equipment or apparatus in the danger zone is rendered dangerous by the firing of a shot, and

(iii) subject to paragraph (2), all persons (other than himself and any trainee shotfirer who may be with him) are withdrawn from the danger zone.

(2) Nothing in paragraph (1)(c)(iii) shall prevent one other person from remaining with the shotfirer or trainee shotfirer concerned in a shaft or staple pit.

(3) A person shall not couple a shotfiring cable to a detonator circuit in a shaft or staple pit provided with winding apparatus which is not permanent manwinding apparatus unless–

(a) the kibble is conveniently placed for persons in the shaft or staple pit to enter it; and

(b) he has satisfied himself that the person operating the winding apparatus is ready to raise the kibble.