31.—(1) Subject to paragraph (3), in the case of every mine of coal which is not a tourist mine and at which ten or fewer persons are employed below ground it shall be sufficient compliance with the requirements of Part II of these Regulations if the requirements are complied with within 12 months from the date of coming into force of these Regulations (in this regulation referred to as the “transitional period”).
(2) Subject to paragraph (3), in the case of every tourist mine and every mine which is not a mine of coal it shall be sufficient compliance with the requirements of these Regulations if they are complied with within the transitional period.
(3) Where any mine of a type described in paragraph (1) or (2) is worked for the first time or reopened within the transitional period, those paragraphs shall cease to apply to the mine from the date on which the work or reopening commences.