Surface Mining & Quarrying
Examination, Making Safe and Declaring Safe of Surface Mines, Quarries, Dumps & Stockpiles
Competent Person A for surface workings — blasted and un-blasted — in terms of the Fall-of-Ground regulations.
Overview
In terms of the Mine Health and Safety Act (Act 29 of 1996), and for the purposes of Regulation 14.1(1) and 14.1(5), a competent person means a person who has been assessed and found competent to examine, make safe and declare a workplace safe.
Such a competent person must ensure that if a working place or part of it becomes unsafe during a shift, all persons other than those examining and making safe are removed from the unsafe area, and that nobody is permitted to return until the place has been declared safe.
The design of this skills programme extends beyond Fall-of-Ground requirements. A more holistic approach to a safe and healthy working environment has been adopted, where the contribution of the individual goes beyond mere compliance.
Both skills programmes relating to the FOG regulations are covered: Competent A (Blasted) SP-CLA-G015(A) and Competent A (Un-blasted) SP-CLA-G015(B).
Competencies & outcomes
- Examine a surface working place, quarry face, dump or stockpile for hazards
- Make safe and declare a working place safe as a competent person
- Remove persons from an unsafe area and control access until it is declared safe
- Comply with the Fall-of-Ground regulations promulgated by the Minister of Minerals and Energy
- Record and report on conditions found and remedial action taken
Entry requirements
- Employed in or entering a surface mine, quarry, dump or stockpile environment
- Valid certificate of medical fitness for work at the mine
- Able to communicate orally and in writing
- Fundamentals in place for credit towards the related qualification
More in Surface Mining & Quarrying
Related programmes
Blasting Certificate for Opencast Mines
Preparation for provisional and permanent opencast blasting certificates in terms of Chapter 28 of the Minerals Act regulations.
Blasting Assistant — Surface Mines & Quarries
The competencies required of a blasting assistant under the Explosives Regulations of the Mine Health and Safety Act.
Handling of Explosives in Mines
For employees who handle explosives, initiating systems and accessories between the magazine and the point of use.