Equipment in relevant shafts and outletsN.I.
37.—(1) The mine operator shall provide suitable equipment in any relevant shaft or outlet that may be used for travel by persons.
(2) The mine operator shall—
(a)ensure that it is safe for persons to use the equipment for travel; and
(b)provide written instructions for the safe use of the equipment for travel.
(3) The mine operator shall ensure that a written scheme is in place for the specification, selection and use of a rope in connection with winding apparatus, stipulating the maximum operating life of such a rope and any conditions which may reduce that life.
(4) The mine operator shall ensure that the stipulated maximum operating life is not exceeded unless a competent person has—
(a)carried out a suitable risk assessment;
(b)inspected the rope; and
(c)confirmed that it is safe for the stipulated maximum operating life to be extended and by how much time.
(5) In this regulation, a relevant shaft or outlet is a shaft or outlet in which considerable physical effort is required by persons using it to travel, having regard to the distance to be travelled, the gradient, underfoot conditions and other relevant factors.