The Quarries Regulations 1999

PART III RISK CONTROL

Inspection

12.—(1) The operator shall—

(a) prepare and keep up to date a suitable written scheme for the systematic inspection, maintenance and, where appropriate, testing of—

(i) all parts of the quarry,

(ii) all buildings (whether temporary or permanent) at the quarry, and

(iii) any plant at the quarry,

with a view to securing the health and safety of those persons identified in regulation 7(1)(b)(i) and (ii);

(b) ensure that, where appropriate, suitable written reports are made of inspections, maintenance and tests carried out in pursuance of sub-paragraph (a) and that each report records significant defects and the steps taken to remedy them and—

(i) is signed by the person making it, and

(ii) countersigned by an appropriate person in the management structure; and

(c) ensure that a sufficient number of competent persons are appointed to undertake the activities referred to in sub-paragraphs (a) and (b).

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraphs (1)(a) and (b), the said written scheme shall specify that faces above—

(a) every place of work at the quarry; and

(b) every road used by persons at work at the quarry for the purpose of their work or of getting to or from their place of work,

are inspected for loose ground or loose rocks before any work at the quarry commences or re-commences.

(3) In this regulation, “inspection” means such visual or more rigorous inspection by a competent person as is appropriate for the purpose.

Benches and haul roads

13.  The operator shall ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that—

(a) benches and haul roads are designed, constructed and maintained so as to allow vehicles and plant to be used and moved upon them safely; and

(b) where necessary, effective precautions are taken, by the installation of barriers or otherwise, to prevent vehicles or plant accidentally leaving any bench or haul road.

Rules controlling risk from vehicles

14.  The operator shall make suitable and sufficient rules (known in these Regulations as the “vehicles rules”) which shall lay down in writing measures designed to control the risks to persons at the quarry arising from the use of vehicles at the quarry.

Escape and rescue facilities at the quarry

15.  The operator shall ensure that—

(a) adequate means of escape and rescue are provided and maintained so as to permit persons in the quarry to leave the quarry promptly and safely in the event of danger;

(b) adequate means of communication and warning are provided to enable assistance, escape and rescue operations to be launched at once when required;

(c) written instructions concerning the use of emergency equipment and the action to be taken in the event of an emergency at or near the quarry are prepared;

(d) persons at work at the quarry are trained in appropriate action to be taken in the event of an emergency; and

(e) rescue equipment is provided at readily accessible, appropriately sited and clearly sign-posted places and kept ready for use.

Barriers

16.  The operator shall ensure that, where appropriate, a barrier suitable for the purpose of discouraging trespass is placed around the boundary of the quarry and is properly maintained.