The Miscellaneous Mines Order 1956

PART V Provisions relating to carriage of persons and things through shafts, staple-pits and unwalkable outlets

Banksmen

15.—(1) At every mine where persons are carried through a shaft the manager shall make and secure the efficient carrying out of arrangements whereby a competent person (hereinafter referred to as “the banksman”) is in attendance for the purpose of transmitting and receiving signals at the landing in use at the top of the shaft—

(a) whenever any person is about to be carried through that shaft; and

(b) whenever more than fifteen persons are below ground in the mine:

Provided that an inspector may by notice served on the manager grant an exemption in respect of any shaft from the requirements of sub-paragraph (b).

(2) The means provided for transmitting signals shall be such that any signal transmitted from an entrance to the shaft underground shall be transmitted simultaneously to the person operating the winding apparatus and to the banksman.

Signals

16.—(1) In relation to each shaft, staple-pit and unwalkable outlet provided with winding or haulage apparatus the manager shall determine any signals necessary for the proper operation of that apparatus, and, in particular, where there is more than one entrance underground to such a shaft, staple-pit or unwalkable outlet he shall determine the signals to be used to indicate the entrance to or from which the cage, carriage or kibble is to be raised or lowered.

(2) There shall be kept posted at each entrance for the time being in use to each such shaft, staple-pit or unwalkable outlet, and in the place at which is operated the winding or haulage apparatus provided therefor, a notice specifying the signals determined by the manager for transmission therein.

17.  No person other than a person authorised by the manager of the mine to do so shall transmit any signal from any entrance to a shaft, staple-pit or unwalkable outlet.

Loading

18.  Where persons are to be carried through a shaft, staple-pit or unwalkable outlet in a cage or carriage, the banksman or other person authorised to transmit signals in relation thereto shall not signal the cage or carriage away if it or any deck thereof contains more than the maximum number of persons allowed to be carried or if the gates with which it is provided are not properly closed.

19.—(1) No minerals, equipment or materials (other than things which are required to be or are normally kept by a person in his possession) shall be carried through a shaft, staple-pit or unwalkable outlet whilst persons are being carried through it, whether in the same direction or not, and no person shall signal away a cage, carriage or kibble if he has any cause to believe that the preceding provisions of this paragraph would thereby be infringed.

(2) Nothing in paragraph (1) of this regulation shall prevent—

(a) persons who are to work in a shaft, staple-pit or outlet having with them when being carried there through equipment or materials which they will or may require for the purposes of that work; or

(b) persons accompanying animals or bulky materials which cannot be lowered or raised in a cage or carriage;

and for the purposes of the said paragraph no account shall be taken of the carriage of the owner or manager of the mine or of any official, engineer or technician in the case of whom the manager has by notice directed that the said paragraph shall not apply.

20.  Where a kibble is used in any shaft or staple-pit in which persons are or may be underneath the kibble, no person shall signal it away unless he is satisfied that—

(a) no loose mineral is carried above the level of the rim;

(b) tools, equipment or other materials for use or used in the mine are not loaded together with mineral;

(c) when things which project above the rim are carried, they are securely fastened to the bow or chains supporting the kibble;

(d) nothing capable of causing injury is adhering to the outside of the kibble; and

(e) when the kibble is being raised, it is in line with the pulleys and carefully steadied.