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Occupational Health and Safety Act

R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 854

MINES AND MINING PLANTS

Consolidation Period: From September 1, 2023 to the e-Laws currency date.

Last amendment: 69/23.

Legislative History: 583/91, 584/91, 171/92, 384/92, 571/92, 693/92, 60/94, 779/94, 68/96, 272/97, 236/99, 486/99, 174/01, 251/01, 291/02, 31/04, 630/05, 84/07, 496/09, 99/11, 296/11, 92/13, 34/14, 265/15, 383/15, 167/16, 61/18, 187/19, 422/21, 884/21, 373/22, 69/23.

This is the English version of a bilingual regulation.

CONTENTS

 

 

Sections

PART I

GENERAL

1-24

PART II

FIRE PROTECTION

25-45

PART III

ACCESS TO WORKPLACES

46-54

PART IV

PROTECTION OF WORKERS

55-102

PART V

HAULAGE

103-120

PART VI

EXPLOSIVES

121-154

PART VII

ELECTRICAL

155-180

PART VIII

MECHANICAL

181-201

PART IX

RAILROADS

202

PART X

MINE HOISTING PLANT

203-250

PART XI

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

251-293.1

Schedule

First aid equipment

1-2

 

PART I
GENERAL

1. In this Regulation,

“adequate”, when used in relation to a procedure, plan, material, device, object or thing, means that it is,

(a)  sufficient for both its intended and its actual use, and

(b)  sufficient to protect a worker from occupational illness or occupational injury; (“adéquat”)

“adequately” has a meaning that corresponds to the meaning of “adequate”; (“adéquatement”)

“authorized” means authorized to do a specific task by a supervisor who is in charge of the workplace; (“autorisé”)

“automatic hoist” means a mine hoist that can be operated by controls situated at shaft stations or on the shaft conveyance; (“treuil automatique”)

“breaking strength” means the breaking strength of a shaft rope as determined by a cable testing laboratory approved by the Minister; (“résistance à la rupture”)

“bulkhead” means a structure for the impoundment of water, compressed air, hydraulic backfill or any material in an underground opening where the potential pressure against the structure will be in excess of 100 kilopascals; (“cloison”)

“charge” means,

(a)  an explosive and a detonator, or

(b)  an explosive, a detonator and primer that is exploded as a single unit; (“charge explosive”)

CSA Standard” means a standard published by the Canadian Standards Association; (“norme CSA”)

“dam” means a structure for the impoundment of more than twenty-five tonnes of water in an underground opening and constructed so as to permit an unobstructed overflow of the water; (“barrage”)

“destructive test” means a test on a sample of shaft rope wherein the shaft rope is broken during the test by a tensile testing machine; (“essai de rupture”)

“detonator” means a device used in firing a charge of explosive and includes blasting cap and electric blasting cap; (“détonateur”)

“drum hoist” means a hoist where the rope is wound on a drum or drums; (“treuil à tambour”)

“electromagnetic testing device” means a testing device using an electromagnetic system for examining a shaft rope; (“dispositif d’essai électromagnétique”)

“explosive” means a substance that is made, manufactured or used to produce an explosion or detonation and includes gunpowder, propellant powder, dynamite, detonating cord, shock tube, blasting agent, slurry, water gel and detonator; (“explosif”)

“factor of safety” means the number of times the breaking strength of a shaft rope exceeds the weight it supports at a specified location on the rope; (“facteur de sécurité”)

“fire-extinguishing equipment” means a fire hose, an extinguisher or other similar equipment used to fight a fire; (“matériel de lutte contre l’incendie”)

“fire hazard area” means,

(a)  an area where a fire hazard may be created by smoking, matches or other means of producing heat or fire and which has been designated as such by the supervisor in charge of the mine, or

(b)  a storage area where oil, grease or flammable liquids are stored in excess of 500 litres; (“zone à risque d’incendie”)

“fire-resistance rating” means the rating in hours or fraction thereof that a material or assembly of materials will withstand the passage of flame and the transmission of heat when exposed to fire, as established for the material or assembly of materials under the Building Code; (“indice de résistance au feu”)

“fire suppression system” means an installation for the specific purpose of controlling a fire in a particular place; (“système d’extinction d’incendie”)

“friction hoist” means a hoist where the driving force between the drum and rope or ropes supporting the shaft conveyance is obtained through friction; (“treuil à friction”)

“hoist” means a drum or friction hoist used for transporting persons or materials in an underground mine; (“treuil”)

“lifting device” means a permanently installed system for the purpose of raising, lowering or swinging materials, which includes its rails and supports but does not include a crane, elevator, mine hoist, utility hoist or tugger hoist; (“appareil de levage”)

“locomotive” means a unit propelled by any form of energy or a combination of such units operated from a single control running only on rails of a standard gauge railroad and used for moving standard gauge railroad cars but does not include a self-propelled track crane, motorized equipment used for the maintenance of a standard gauge railroad, a motor vehicle equipped with rail wheels in addition to rubber-tired wheels or other similar equipment; (“locomotive”)

“magazine” means a building, place or structure in which an explosive is kept or stored and includes a detonator storage building, or place, but does not include a storage container being used in an underground mine containing less than 160 kilograms of explosive; (“dépôt d’explosifs”)

“mine hoisting plant” means a hoist for an underground mine and includes the prime mover, transmission equipment, head-frame, sheaves, ropes, shaft, shaft conveyances, shaft sinking equipment, shaft furnishings, hoist controls, counterweight, signalling and communications equipment and any other equipment used in connection with a hoist; (“installation d’extraction minière”)

“motor vehicle” means a vehicle propelled by other than muscular power, including an automobile, a caterpillar-tracked vehicle, a truck, a tractor and a motor vehicle running on rails but does not include a locomotive; (“véhicule automobile”)

“noncombustible” has the same meaning as in Ontario Regulation 332/12 (Building Code) made under the Building Code Act, 1992; (“incombustible”)

“non-destructive test” means one of the following methods of testing or examining a material, component or part to evaluate its condition without subjecting it to physical distortion, damage or destruction:

1.  Eddy current testing.

2.  Magnetic particle testing.

3.  Liquid penetrant testing.

4.  Radiographic testing.

5.  Ultrasonic testing; (“essai non destructif”)

“prime mover” means an engine or other device that provides an initial source of motive power; (“élément moteur”)

“primer” means a small charge placed within the main charge to initiate an explosion; (“charge d’amorçage”)

“production crane” means an electrically operated device that travels on fixed overhead track or tracks, and,

(a)  is used to handle hot or molten materials, or

(b)  has a duty rating equal to or greater than Class D, E or F as determined under Part 5.2.1 of CSA Standard B167-16 (R2021) “Overhead cranes, gantry cranes, monorails, hoists, and jib cranes”; (“pont roulant de production”)

“railroad” means a standard gauge railroad at a mine or mining plant; (“voie ferrée”)

“rockburst” means an instantaneous failure of rock causing an expulsion of material at the surface of an opening or a seismic disturbance to a surface or underground mine; (“coup de terrain”)

“SABS” means South African Bureau of Standards; (“SABS”)

“service crane” means an electronically operated device that travels on fixed overhead track or tracks and has a duty rating equal to or less than Class A, B or C as determined under Part 5.2.1 of CSA Standard B167-16 (R2021) “Overhead cranes, gantry cranes, monorails, hoists, and jib cranes”; (“pont roulant de service”)

“shaft conveyance” means a conveyance raised or lowered by a mine hoist in a shaft and includes a bucket, a single or multi-deck cage, a skip or a combination of skip and cage; (“transporteur de puits”)

“shaft rope” means a hoisting, tail, balance, guide or rubbing rope; (“câble de puits”)

“shot” means the sound of a charge or charges being exploded; (“coup de mine”)

“standard gauge” means that the space between the rails of a railroad is approximately 1,435 millimetres; (“largeur normale”)

“surface mine” means a pit or quarry where metallic or non-metallic rock, mineral bearing substance, earth, clay, sand or gravel is being or has been removed by means of an excavation open to the surface to supply material for construction, industrial or manufacturing purposes and includes any work, undertaking or facility used in connection therewith but does not include a cutting for a right of way for a highway or a railroad; (“mine à ciel ouvert”)

“train”,

(a)  except in Parts V and VI, means one or more locomotives without railroad cars or coupled with railroad cars, and

(b)  in Parts V and VI, means one or more motor vehicles running on rails without cars or coupled with cars; (“train”)

“transmission equipment” means any object or objects by which the motion of a prime mover is transmitted to a machine that is capable of utilizing such motion and includes a shaft, pulley, belt, chain, gear, clutch or other device; (“organe de transmission”)

“uncontrolled fall of ground” means a fall of ground, such as rock or fill falling from the walls or back of an underground or surface mine but does not include falls occurring as part of blasting or scaling operations; (“éboulement incontrôlé”)

“underground mine” means a mine that is not a surface mine and includes any work, undertaking or facility used in connection therewith; (“mine souterraine”)

“vehicle” includes a locomotive, railroad cars, motor vehicle, trailer or any vehicle propelled, drawn or driven by any kind of power. (“véhicule”)  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 1; O. Reg. 584/91, s. 1; O. Reg. 571/92, s. 1; O. Reg. 272/97, s. 1; O. Reg. 174/01, s. 1; O. Reg. 31/04, s. 1; O. Reg. 630/05, s. 1; O. Reg. 34/14, s. 1; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 2; O. Reg. 187/19, s. 2; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 1; O. Reg. 69/23, s. 1.

1.1 Every non-destructive test required by this Regulation shall be carried out and interpreted by a person,

(a)  who has been certified by Natural Resources Canada to the appropriate level in accordance with the version of the CAN/CGSB Standard 48.9712-2014, “Non-destructive Testing — Qualification and Certification of Personnel”, as it may be amended from time to time, that was in effect at the time of certification; and

(b)  whose certification described in clause (a) is valid at the time the test is carried out and interpreted. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 2.

2. (1) Subject to subsection (2), this Regulation applies to all mines and mining plants and to mining development.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 2 (1).

(2) Ontario Regulation 213/91 applies,

(a)  during the construction of a mining plant on the surface; and

(b)  to construction at the surface of a mine for the purpose of developing the mine.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 2.

3. An owner, constructor or employer may vary a procedure required by this Regulation or the composition, design, size or arrangement of a material, object, device or thing as required by this Regulation,

(a)  if the procedure, composition, design, size or arrangement as varied affords protection for the health and safety of workers that is at least equal to the protection that would otherwise be given; and

(b)  if the owner, constructor or employer gives written notice of the varied procedure, composition, design, size or arrangement to the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, for the workplace and to any trade union representing workers at the workplace.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 1.

4. Notices shall be posted in conspicuous places at each mine or mining plant, setting out the name, business address and business telephone number of,

(a)  the inspector for the district in which the mine or mining plant is located;

(b)  the person in charge of the mine or mining plant;

(c)  the employer of workers at the mine or mining plant; and

(d)  the owner of the mine or mining plant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 4.

5. (1) Before proceeding with a change listed in subsection (2), the owner of a mine or mining plant shall ensure that,

(a)  any drawings, plans or specifications that involve the practice of professional engineering within the meaning of the Professional Engineers Act are prepared or checked by an engineer and signed, dated and sealed by that engineer before they are issued; and

(b)  a written management of change procedure that sets out the information required under subsection (3) has been developed. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 3.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the following are the listed changes:

1.  The construction or design of a mine or mining plant.

2.  The construction of a major structure or system at a mine or mining plant.

3.  The introduction or use of a new mining technique, method, technology or process.

4.  The introduction or use of new equipment.

5.  A major addition to, or major alteration of, a matter referred to in paragraphs 1 to 4. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 3.

(3) A written management of change procedure required under clause (1) (b) must set out how,

(a)  the hazards or potential hazards associated with the changes described in subsection (2) will be evaluated and reviewed to ensure the protection of worker health and safety;

(b)  the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, will be notified of the proposed changes; and

(c)  the changes will be authorized, and how that authorization will be communicated to workers prior to implementation. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 3.

(4) The owner of a mine or mining plant shall ensure that any drawings, plans and specifications that are prepared in respect of a change listed in subsection (2), including but not limited to those described in clause (1) (a), are kept readily available at the mine site. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 3.

(5) The employer shall notify an inspector,

(a)  when portable crushing, screening or associated washing equipment is installed in or about a surface mine; and

(b)  before a test drill is operated at the surface to prove mineral bearing substances, rock, earth, clay, sand or gravel. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 3.

5.1 (1) An employer shall conduct a risk assessment of the workplace for the purpose of identifying, assessing and managing hazards, and potential hazards, that may expose a worker to injury or illness. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

(2) A risk assessment must take into consideration the nature of the workplace, the type of work, the conditions of work at that workplace and the conditions of work common at similar workplaces. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

(3) The results of an assessment must be provided, in writing, to the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

(4) If no joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative is required at the workplace, the results of an assessment must be communicated to workers at the workplace and provided, in writing, to any worker at the workplace who requests them. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

(5) The requirement in subsection (1) to conduct a risk assessment is in addition to any specific assessments required by the Act or any Regulation made under it. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

5.2 (1) An employer shall, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, develop and maintain measures to eliminate, where practicable, or to control, where the elimination is impracticable, the hazards, and potential hazards, identified in a risk assessment conducted under subsection 5.1 (1). O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

(2) The measures referred to in subsection (1) shall be put in writing and shall include each of the following, as applicable and reasonable in the circumstances:

1.  Substitution or reduction of a material, thing or process.

2.  Engineering controls.

3.  Work practices.

4.  Industrial hygiene practices.

5.  Administrative controls.

6.  Personal protective equipment. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

(3) Personal protective equipment shall only be used as a measure if the measures referred to in paragraphs 1 to 5 of subsection (2) are not obtainable, are impracticable or do not eliminate or fully control hazards and potential hazards. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

5.3 (1) The risk assessment required by section 5.1 must be reviewed as often as necessary and at least annually. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

(2) When conducting the review, the employer shall ensure that,

(a)  new hazards or new potential hazards are assessed;

(b)  existing hazards or potential hazards that have changed are re-assessed; and

(c)  the measures required by section 5.2 continue to effectively protect the health and safety of workers. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

(3) Subsections 5.1 (3) and (4) and section 5.2 apply with necessary modifications in respect of any new hazards and potential hazards and any existing hazards or potential hazards that have changed. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 3.

6. (1) The owner of a surface mine producing metallic ore or of an underground mine shall prepare and maintain a mine design assessing the ground stability of the active and proposed workings of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 6 (1).

(2) The mine design shall consist of drawings, plans, specifications or procedures to be used and shall be prepared under the direction of an engineer. O. Reg. 571/92, s. 3; O. Reg. 69/23, s. 4 (1).

(2.1) The mine design shall be based upon sound geotechnical engineering practices and shall,

(a)  describe the geology and geotechnical aspects of the mine;

(b)  outline the geometry of existing and proposed excavations;

(c)  describe previous occurrences of ground instability;

(d)  describe the mining method including stope sequencing and blasting methods;

(e)  specify the ground support system; and

(f)  describe measures planned and used to assess potential ground instability such as instrumentation and computer modelling.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 3; O. Reg. 60/94, s. 2; O. Reg. 69/23, s. 4 (2).

(3) The mine design shall be assessed and updated at least annually and also before any alteration is made to the mine that may significantly affect the ground stability of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 6 (3).

(4) The mine design shall be kept readily available at the mine site for review by an inspector and by the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 3.

(5) Revoked:  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 3.

6.1 (1) In an underground mine, the geometry of an existing excavation that does not have ground support shall not be altered unless,

(a)  the owner of the mine arranges for an engineer to prepare, in accordance with sound geotechnical engineering practices, a written report on the proposed alteration; and

(b)  the report states that the safety of workers will not be endangered by the proposed alteration. O. Reg. 31/04, s. 2; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 3 (1).

(2) In an underground mine, a new excavation that is planned to have no ground support shall not be made unless,

(a)  the owner of the mine arranges for an engineer to prepare, in accordance with sound geotechnical engineering practices, a written report on the proposed excavation; and

(b)  the report states that the safety of workers will not be endangered by the proposed excavation. O. Reg. 31/04, s. 2; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 3 (2).

(3) The owner of the mine shall ensure that copies of reports prepared under subsections (1) and (2) are,

(a)  kept readily available at the mine site; and

(b)  given to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, and to any trade union representing workers at the workplace. O. Reg. 31/04, s. 2.

7. A tailings dam or any other surface structure for the impoundment of tailings shall be,

(a)  designed in accordance with good engineering practice by an engineer;

(b)  constructed in accordance with the design; and

(c)  maintained so that the structure provides stability against any static and dynamic loading to which it may be subjected. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 7; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 4.

8. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the minimum age of,

(a)  a worker; or

(b)  a person who is permitted to be in or about a mine or mining plant,

shall be,

(c)  sixteen years of age at a mining plant or a surface mine, excluding the working face; and

(d)  eighteen years of age at an underground mine or at the working face of a surface mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 8 (1).

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to prohibit tours of, or visits to, a mine or mining plant by persons under the prescribed ages who are accompanied by and under the direction of a guide.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 8 (2).

9. (1) No worker shall remain or be requested to remain in an underground mine for more than eight hours in any consecutive twenty-four hours, measured from the time the worker enters an underground mine until the time the worker leaves the underground mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 9 (1).

(2) Despite subsection (1), a worker may remain underground in a mine,

(a)  when an emergency causes an extension of the time;

(b)  for more than eight hours in any consecutive twenty-four hours on one day of a week but only for the purpose of changing shift or for the purpose of avoiding work on Sunday or on a holiday; or

(c)  if the worker is a supervisor, pump operator, cagetender, or is a person engaged solely in surveying or measuring or in emergency repair work necessary to permit production.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 9 (2).

(3) A worker shall not be permitted to operate a mine hoist for more than eight hours in any consecutive twenty-four hours, except in a case provided for in clause (2) (a) or (b) or in subsection (4), but,

(a)  where no competent substitute is available, the worker may work extra time not exceeding four hours in any consecutive twenty-four hours for a period not exceeding fourteen calendar days in any four week period; or

(b)  where the work is not carried out continuously on three shifts per day, the worker may work such extra time as is necessary for lowering or hoisting the workers employed on the shift, at the beginning and end of their shift.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 9 (3).

(4) An employer at an underground mine may schedule hours of work in excess of eight hours in any 24-hour period with the consent of the trade unions representing the workers at the underground mine or, if there is no trade union, consent of the workers themselves.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 4.

10. A supervisor, deck attendant, shaft conveyance attendant or mine hoist operator shall be capable of communicating effectively in the English language.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 10.

11. (1) Employers in the following types of mines and mining plants shall establish and maintain the following training programs:

1.  Hard rock underground mine,

i.  Common Core for Basic Underground Hard Rock Miner (Program #P770010),

ii.  Specialty Modules for Underground Hard Rock Miner (Program #P770010),

iii.  Common Core for First Line Underground Mine Supervisor — Underground Hard Rock Mining (Program #P770121).

2.  Soft rock underground mine,

i.  Common Core for Basic Underground Soft Rock Miner (Program #P770130),

ii.  Specialty Modules for Underground Soft Rock Miner (Program P#770130),

iii.  Common Core for First Line Underground Mine Supervisor — Underground Soft Rock Mining (Program #P770131).

3.  Mill process operation,

i.  Common Core for Basic Mill Process Operator — Mineral Ore (Program #P810050),

ii.  Specialty Modules for Mill Process Operator — Mineral Ore (Program #P810050).

4.  Mines and mining plants other than hard rock underground mines, soft rock underground mines, and mill, smelter and refinery process operations,

i.  Common Core module for Generic First Line Supervisor — Surface Mining, Surface and Underground Diamond Drilling Operations, and Underground and Surface Mining Trades (Program #P770141).  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 1.

(2) An employer shall train each worker in the modules of the programs described in subsection (1) appropriate for that worker.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 1.

(3) The employer shall ensure that a worker completes all of the modules of the appropriate basic common core program before work covered by that program is assigned to the worker.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 1.

(4) The employer shall ensure that a worker completes all of the modules of the appropriate supervisor’s common core program within 12 months after the worker begins performing supervisory duties.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 1.

(5) The employer shall ensure that a worker completes a specialty module within 12 months after the worker begins performing work covered by that module.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 1.

(6) Subsections (2) to (5) do not apply to a worker with respect to a module if the worker,

(a)  successfully completed the module before being employed by the employer and gives the employer proof of successful completion; or

(b)  was accredited under a predecessor of this section and gives the employer proof of accreditation.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 1.

(7) A worker who would otherwise be required to be trained in the program described in subparagraph 1 iii of subsection (1) is not required to be trained in that program if he or she completed Program #P770120 (Common Core for First Line Production Supervisors, Underground Hard Rock Mining) on or before April 1, 2007.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 1.

(8) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 5.

11.1 (1) Employers engaged in underground diamond drilling operations shall establish and maintain the following components of the Underground Diamond Driller training program:

1.  Common Core for Underground Diamond Driller – Helper Level (Program #P770150).

2.  Common Core for Underground Diamond Driller – Runner Level (Program #P770150). O. Reg. 167/16, s. 4.

(2) An employer shall train each worker who commences employment after March 31, 1996 in the modules of the program described in subsection (1) appropriate for that worker, and the training shall be completed before the worker has completed a total of 12 months of employment as a helper or runner in underground diamond drilling operations. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 4.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a worker with respect to a module if the worker successfully completed the module before being employed by the employer and gives the employer proof of successful completion. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 4.

(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 5.

11.1.1 (1) Employers engaged in surface diamond drilling operations shall establish and maintain the following components of the Surface Diamond Driller training program:

1.  Common Core for Surface Diamond Driller – Part 1 (Basic Level) (Program #P770200).

2.  Common Core for Surface Diamond Driller – Part 2 (Helper Level) (Program #P770200).

3.  Common Core for Surface Diamond Driller – Part 3 (Runner Level) (Program #P770200).

4.  Speciality Modules for Surface Diamond Driller (#P770200). O. Reg. 167/16, s. 5.

(2) An employer shall train each worker who performs work as a surface diamond driller in the modules of the program described in subsection (1) appropriate for that worker and shall ensure that the training is completed in accordance with the following requirements:

1.  Part 1 (Basic Level) shall be completed before the worker begins performing work covered by the modules of that component of the program.

2.  Part 2 (Helper Level) shall be completed within 12 months after the day the worker begins performing work covered by the modules of that component of the program.

3.  Part 3 (Runner Level) shall be completed within 12 months after the day the worker begins performing work covered by the modules of that component of the program.

4.  Each specialty module shall be completed within 12 months after the day the worker begins performing work covered by the applicable module. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 5.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a worker with respect to a module if the worker successfully completed the module before being employed by the employer and gives the employer proof of successful completion. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 5.

(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 5.

11.2 (1) Employers engaged in surface mine operations shall establish and maintain the following training programs:

1.  Common Core for Surface Miner (Program #770210).

2.  Specialty Modules for Surface Miner (Program #770210).  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 3 (1).

(2) An employer shall train each worker in the modules of the programs described in subsection (1) appropriate for that worker.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 3 (1).

(2.1) The employer shall ensure that a worker completes all of the common core modules within 12 months after the worker begins performing work covered by those modules.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 3 (1).

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply to a worker with respect to a module if the worker successfully completed the module before being employed by the employer.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 3 (2).

(4) A worker shall be trained in the appropriate common core modules before beginning training in a specialty module.  O. Reg. 251/01, s. 1.

(4.1) The employer shall ensure that a worker completes a specialty module described in subsection (1) within 12 months after the worker begins performing work covered by that module.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 3 (3).

(5) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 5.

11.2.1 (1) Employers engaged in hard rock underground mine operations shall establish and maintain the training program described as Basic Underground Hard Rock Mine Service Types — Common Core (Program #P770225).  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 1.

(2) An employer shall train each worker in the program described in subsection (1), as appropriate for that worker.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 4 (1).

(2.1) The employer shall ensure that a worker completes all of the modules of the program described in subsection (1) within 12 months after the worker begins performing work covered by those modules.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 4 (1).

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the worker successfully completed the program described in subsection (1) before being employed by the employer.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 1.

(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 5.

11.2.2 (1) Employers engaged in contiguous underground mine operations and smelter operations shall establish and maintain the following training programs:

1.  Common Core for Basic Smelter Operations — Mineral Ore (Program #P810080).

2.  Common Core for Non-Production Workers in a Smelter Operation — Mineral Ore (Program #P810090).  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 3.

(2) An employer shall train each worker in the modules of the programs described in subsection (1) appropriate for that worker.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 5 (1).

(2.1) The employer shall ensure that a worker completes all of the modules of the appropriate program within 12 months after the worker begins performing work covered by those modules.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 5 (1).

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply if the worker successfully completed the program described in subsection (1) before being employed by the employer.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 3.

(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 5.

11.2.3 The training programs described in sections 11 to 11.2.2 must be developed jointly by labour and management in the mining industry and the Ministry, and must be approved by the Ministry. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 5.

11.3 A document issued by the Ministry showing that a worker has successfully completed a module of a program referred to in section 11, 11.1, 11.1.1, 11.2, 11.2.1 or 11.2.2 is conclusive proof for the purposes of that section of the worker’s successful completion of the module. O. Reg. 187/19, s. 7; O. Reg. 69/23, s. 6.

12. (1) Every worker who is exposed to the hazard of head injury shall wear a protective hat that consists of a shell and suspension system that will adequately protect a worker’s head against impact and from flying or falling small objects.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 12 (1).

(2) Every worker who is exposed to the hazard of foot injury shall wear protective footwear consisting of a boot or shoe which incorporates a protective box toe that will protect a worker’s toes against injury due to impact and which is capable of resisting at least 125 joules of impact energy.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 12 (2).

(3) An employer shall require a worker to wear or use such personal protective equipment, clothing and devices as are necessary to protect the worker from the particular hazard to which the worker may be exposed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 12 (3).

(4) Every worker shall be properly fitted with personal protective clothing or equipment by a competent person or persons.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 12 (4).

(5) Loose clothing, adornments and hair shall be suitably confined to prevent entanglement with any machinery, device or thing in a workplace.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 12 (5).

13. (1) Where, in an emergency, the health or safety of a worker is likely to be endangered by lack of oxygen or the presence of a noxious gas, fume or dust,

(a)  emergency breathing equipment and resuscitating equipment shall be provided for use in such emergency; and

(b)  a worker trained in the use of the breathing equipment and the resuscitating equipment required by clause (a) shall be conveniently available on each shift.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 13 (1).

(2) The emergency breathing equipment and the resuscitating equipment required by clause (1) (a) shall each be stored in a dust-proof container.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 13 (2).

14. (1) Subject to subsection (5), where a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling more than three metres, a fall arrest system shall be used to protect the worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 14 (1).

(2) The fall arrest system required by subsection (1) shall consist of a suitable combination of a belt, a full body harness, a lanyard, an anchor and a rope-grabbing device or lifeline.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 14 (2).

(3) The belt, full body harness, lanyard and lifeline shall,

(a)  be made of material with elastic properties capable of absorbing and minimizing the arrest force in case of a fall;

(b)  be designed to distribute a fall arrest force in such a manner that the possibility of injury to the worker is minimized;

(c)  be of sufficient strength to absorb twice the energy that may be transmitted to the fall arrest system; and

(d)  not be knotted or allowed to become knotted, when used or worn.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 14 (3).

(4) When being used and worn against the hazard of falling, the lifeline of the fall arrest system shall be,

(a)  anchored so that a worker will fall free of arrest not more than one metre; and

(b)  connected to an object that is,

(i)  capable of resisting the arrest force in case of a fall, and

(ii)  free of sharp edges.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 14 (4).

(5) Subsection (1) does not apply to a worker employed in shaft sinking where measures and procedures are adopted and put into effect that will provide equal or greater protection to the worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 14 (5).

15. (1) No person under the influence of, or carrying, intoxicating liquor, shall enter or knowingly be permitted to enter a mine or mining plant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 15 (1).

(2) Subject to subsection (3), no person under the influence of, or carrying, a drug or narcotic substance shall enter or knowingly be permitted to enter a mine or mining plant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 15 (2).

(3) A person required to use a prescription drug and able to perform his or her work may enter a mine or mining plant upon establishing medical proof thereof.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 15 (3).

16. (1) This section applies with respect to a worker who is working alone in an underground mine.  However, it does not apply with respect to a supervisor working alone in an underground mine.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 5.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a worker is not working alone if he or she,

(a)  is assigned to work with at least one other worker and is in regular visual contact with the other worker;

(b)  is in visual contact with another worker at least once every hour; or

(c)  has ready access to a system of two-way communication such as radio, telephone or other electronic means.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 5.

(3) Only a competent worker shall work alone in an underground mine.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 5.

(4) Except as otherwise provided by this section, a supervisor or a competent worker designated by the supervisor shall visit a worker at least three times during the worker’s shift, if the worker is working alone in an underground mine.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 5.

(5) In the following circumstances, a supervisor or competent worker designated by the supervisor is required to visit a worker only once during the worker’s shift, if the worker is working alone in an underground mine:

1.  The work conditions are standard.

2.  A supervisor or competent worker designated by the supervisor visits or communicates with the worker at least once every two hours.

3.  A record of the communications with the worker is kept.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 5.

(6) The communication required by paragraph 2 of subsection (5) must be either face-to-face communication or by a system of two-way communication such as radio, telephone or another electronic means.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 5.

17. (1) Mine rescue stations may be established, equipped, operated and maintained, as the Minister may direct, by an entity specified by the Minister that, in the opinion of the Minister, is qualified to perform those functions.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 7.

(2) An entity specified under subsection (1) shall,

(a)  appoint mine rescue officers; and

(b)  establish mine rescue crews.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 7.

(3) Mine rescue officers shall,

(a)  administer mine rescue stations;

(b)  train mine rescue crew members; and

(c)  ensure that each mine rescue crew member is competent to perform and physically capable of performing the functions of a mine rescue crew member.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 7.

(4) The owner of a mine shall make available, at the owner’s expense,

(a)  an adequate number of workers to be taught and trained in mine rescue work; and

(b)  training facilities and adequate storage for training materials and equipment.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 7.

(5), (6) Revoked:  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 7.

(7) A mine rescue operation at a mine shall be under the direction of the supervisor in charge of the mine and the costs of the rescue operation shall be at the expense of the owner of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 17 (7).

(8) Notice shall be given immediately to a mine rescue officer and to an inspector when the services of a mine rescue crew are required.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 6.

18. (1) Surface mines and openings on the surface to underground mines shall be protected to prevent inadvertent access where,

(a)  the surface mine or opening is a hazard by reason of its depth;

(b)  approaches and openings are not readily visible; or

(c)  the hazard caused by the surface mine or opening is greater than the hazard caused by the natural topographical features of the area.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 18 (1).

(2) Prior to operations at a mine being terminated, a shaft or raise opening shall be,

(a)  capped with a stopping of reinforced concrete; or

(b)  filled and kept filled with material so that any subsidence of the material will not endanger any person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 18 (2).

(3) The stopping prescribed in clause (2) (a) shall be,

(a)  secured to solid rock or to a concrete collar secured to solid rock; and

(b)  capable of supporting a uniformly distributed load of 18 kilopascals or a concentrated load of 81 kilonewtons, whichever is greater. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 18 (3); O. Reg. 265/15, s. 2.

(4) Where an underground mine is being developed after the 1st day of October, 1979, shafts or raise openings shall be provided with a collar of concrete secured to bedrock.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 18 (4).

19. (1) Subject to subsection (2), a pillar sixty metres thick shall be established on either side of a party boundary between adjoining underground mining properties. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 19 (1).

(2) Except for exploration headings and diamond drilling, before the pillar is mined, drawings, plans, specifications, mining methods and procedures for the mining of the pillar shall be prepared or checked by an engineer in accordance with good engineering practice, filed with the owners of adjoining mining properties and kept readily available at each mine site. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 7; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 5.

(3) The drawings, plans, specifications, mining methods and procedures to be filed shall be maintained and kept up to date in accordance with subsection 29 (2) of the Act. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 19 (3).

(4) The pillar dimensions and mining methods and procedures shall,

(a)  provide ground support to control rockbursting, ground falls or pillar failures; and

(b)  withstand inrush of water or waterbearing materials across the party boundary. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 19 (4).

(5) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), the party boundary pillar may be mined if the owners of the adjoining mines agree. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 7.

20. (1) The Minister may approve a laboratory for the purpose of testing or examining shaft ropes or other hoisting appliances. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 3.

(2) For a mine in Ontario, the fee for testing a rope at an approved laboratory shall be determined in accordance with subsection (3). O. Reg. 265/15, s. 3; O. Reg. 61/18, s. 3 (1).

(3) The fee for testing a rope described in Column 1 of the Table to this subsection is the corresponding base amount set out in Column 2 plus the corresponding additional fees set out in Columns 3 and 4 that apply with respect to the rope, if any.

TABLE

Column 1
Rope Construction (diameter in millimetres)

Column 2
Base Fee (in dollars)

Column 3
Additional Fee (in dollars) for PVC Filled Ropes

Column 4
Additional Fee (in dollars) for Compacted/Die Form Ropes

6 strand (up to 19.05)

672.13

461.82

92.36

6 strand (greater than 19.05 up to 44.45)

720.80

461.82

92.36

6 strand (greater than 44.45 up to 63.50)

806.59

461.82

92.36

6 strand (greater than 63.50)

989.73

461.82

92.36

7 to 24 strand (up to 19.05)

903.04

346.36

138.55

7 to 24 strand (greater than 19.05 up to 44.45)

951.71

346.36

138.55

7 to 24 strand (greater than 44.45 up to 63.50)

1037.50

346.36

138.55

7 to 24 strand (greater than 63.50)

1220.64

346.36

138.55

25 to 35 strand (up to 19.05)

1191.67

923.64

184.73

25 to 35 strand (greater than 19.05 up to 44.45)

1182.62

923.64

184.73

25 to 35 strand (greater than 44.45 up to 63.50)

1268.41

923.64

184.73

25 to 35 strand (greater than 63.50)

1451.55

923.64

184.73

36 strand or more (up to 19.05)

1307.13

1039.09

207.82

36 strand or more (greater than 19.05 up to 44.45)

1298.07

1039.09

207.82

36 strand or more (greater than 44.45 up to 63.50)

1383.87

1039.09

207.82

36 strand or more (greater than 63.50)

1567.00

1039.09

207.82

Full lock Coil Rope (up to 19.05)

672.13

None

None 

Full lock Coil Rope (greater than 19.05 up to 44.45)

720.80

None

None 

Full lock Coil Rope (greater than 44.45 up to 63.50)

806.59

None

None

Full lock Coil Rope (greater than 63.50)

989.73

None

None

Half lock Coil Rope (up to 19.05)

441.22

None

None

Half lock Coil Rope (greater than 19.05 up to 44.45)

489.89

None

None

Half lock Coil Rope (greater than 44.45 up to 63.50)

575.68

None

None

Half lock Coil Rope (greater than 63.50)

758.82

None

None

O. Reg. 265/15, s. 3; O. Reg. 61/18, s. 3 (2, 3).

(4) Revoked: O. Reg. 61/18, s. 3 (4).

(5) A laboratory shall issue a Certificate of Test for each sample of shaft rope submitted to it for testing, setting out the breaking strength of the rope, and the breaking strength, as set out in the Certificate of Test, shall be the breaking strength of the rope from which the sample was taken. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 3.

21. Revoked: O. Reg. 422/21, s. 1.

22. (1) For the purpose of subsection 29 (2) of the Act, drawings, plans and specifications to be kept and maintained shall be,

(a)  a surface plan showing,

(i)  the boundaries of a mining property,

(ii)  the co-ordinates of the section of a mining property under which mining has been done,

(iii)  all lakes, streams, roads, railways, electric power transmission lines, main pipe lines, buildings, adits, surface workings, diamond drill holes, out-croppings of rock, dumps, tailing-disposal sites and openings to an underground mine, and

(iv)  stopping of openings on the surface to an underground mine;

(b)  plans on a horizontal plane with separate drawings for each level showing all underground workings, including shafts, tunnels, diamond drill holes, dams and bulkheads;

(c)  plans on a vertical plane of all mine sections at suitable intervals and azimuths, showing all shafts, tunnels, drifts, stopes and other mine workings in relation to the surface, including the location of the top of the bedrock, the surface of the overburden and the bottom and surface of any known watercourse or body of water; and

(d)  a plan or diagram showing,

(i)  the position of all fixed electrical apparatus and communication systems in the mine,

(ii)  the routes of all fixed power feeders and fixed branch feeders properly noted and referenced, and

(iii)  the rating of all electrical feeder control apparatus and equipment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 22 (1).

(2) The surface plan prescribed by clause (1) (a) shall show,

(a)  the boundaries of the mining property,

(i)  related to the lot fabric where the property is in a subdivided township,

(ii)  connected to the nearest mile post on a surveyed township boundary where the property is in an unsubdivided township, or

(iii)  connected to the nearest,

(A)  mile post on a surveyed township boundary,

(B)  base line, or

(C)  meridian line,

where the property is in unsurveyed territory, and

(iv)  connected to a co-ordinate control survey monument if one exists within ten kilometres of the property; and

(b)  the position and form of a permanent bench mark to which all elevations are related, and the permanent bench mark shall be related,

(i)  where a Canadian Geodetic Datum bench mark exists within ten kilometres, to that bench mark, and

(ii)  to the permanent bench mark of each adjoining property.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 22 (2).

(3) The measurements under clause (2) (a) shall be consistent with accuracy standards for third order horizontal control surveys based on Ontario Specifications for Horizontal Control Surveys, 1979.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 22 (3).

(4), (5) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 8.

23. (1) If an underground mine has been permanently shut down or abandoned or if operations at the mine have been discontinued or suspended for more than three months, the owner shall, before dewatering, exploring or resuming work at the mine,

(a)  notify an inspector of the owner’s intention to enter the mine; and

(b)  furnish an inspector with such drawings, plans, specifications and descriptions of procedures as are necessary to determine whether it is safe to enter the mine.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 1; O. Reg. 272/97, s. 8 (1, 2).

(2) Subject to subsection (4), where a decision is made to discontinue or suspend operations at a mine or mining plant, notice shall be given forthwith to an inspector.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 23 (2).

(3) Where operations at a mine or mining plant are discontinued or suspended, the notice mentioned in subsection (2) shall advise whether,

(a)  stopping and protection has been done as prescribed in section 18;

(b)  explosives have been disposed of as prescribed in subsection 122 (5);

(c)  removal and disposition of hoisting ropes has been done as prescribed in subsection 228 (17); and

(d)  disconnection from the electrical power source has been done and has been confirmed in writing by the appropriate electrical utilities inspection department.

(e)  Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 9.

R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 23 (3); O. Reg. 272/97, s. 8 (3); O. Reg. 187/19, s. 9.

(4) Subsections (2) and (3) do not apply to gravel pit operations that are discontinued during the winter months.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 23 (4).

24. Revoked: O. Reg. 167/16, s. 6.

PART II
FIRE PROTECTION

25. (1) Procedures in case of a fire in an underground mine, or in a structure or building on the surface at an underground mine, that may be a hazard to workers in the mine shall be prepared by the supervisor in charge of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 25 (1).

(2) An alarm system, that is effective to warn workers in an underground mine of a fire that is likely to endanger their safety, shall be provided.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 25 (2).

(3) The procedures required by subsection (1), or extracts therefrom, and a notice explaining the alarm system shall be set out in writing and shall be posted and kept posted in the shaft house and in a conspicuous place or places where they are most likely to come to the attention of a worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 25 (3).

(4) Every worker shall be advised by a supervisor of the procedures and the alarm system.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 25 (4).

(5) Once in at least every twelve months during each production shift a fire alarm test of the procedures shall be conducted.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 25 (5).

(6) The alarm system in an underground mine shall,

(a)  consist of the introduction into all workplaces of sufficient quantities of ethyl mercaptan gas or similar gas to be readily detectable by all workers; and

(b)  be kept ready for immediate use.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 25 (6).

(7) Despite clause (6) (a), an alternative means of alarm may be used if the alarm system is agreed upon by the employer and the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, for the workplace.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 2.

(8) A report of each fire alarm test of the procedures mentioned in subsection (5) shall be kept available at the mine for three years.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 9.

26. Where the procedure in case of a fire in an underground mine provides for the use of a refuge station for workers, the refuge station shall,

(a)  be constructed with materials having at least a one hour fire-resistance rating;

(b)  be of sufficient size to accommodate the workers to be assembled therein;

(c)  be capable of being sealed to prevent the entry of gases;

(d)  have a means of voice communication with the surface; and

(e)  be equipped with a means for the supply of,

(i)  compressed air, and

(ii)  potable water.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 26.

27. (1) A fresh air base shall be provided underground where necessary to serve as a base for rescue and recovery work.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 27 (1).

(2) A fresh air base shall be,

(a)  at least thirty square metres in area; and

(b)  equipped with a means for the supply of potable water and compressed air.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 27 (2).

28. (1) Fire extinguishing equipment of suitable type and size for use on a fire shall be provided,

(a)  at a fire hazard area;

(b)  where an electrical installation or equipment may be a fire hazard;

(c)  in or about a headframe;

(d)  in a building or structure on surface where a fire might endanger the mine entrance; and

(e)  at a shaft station in an underground mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 28 (1).

(2) A fire suppression system consisting of sprinklers, foam or other suitable means of suppressing fire shall be provided,

(a)  in an underground mine,

(i)  on equipment containing more than 100 litres of flammable hydraulic fluids,

(ii)  in every storage area where more than 500 litres of oil, grease or flammable liquids are stored,

(iii)  in every service garage, and

(iv)  in every permanent fuelling station; and

(b)  on the surface, in a building or structure, except a fan house, located above or adjacent to an opening to an underground mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 28 (2); O. Reg. 486/99, s. 1.

(3) At least once each month in an underground mine,

(a)  fire extinguishing equipment;

(b)  fire suppression systems;

(c)  fire hydrants; and

(d)  fire doors,

shall be inspected by a competent person who shall report in writing thereon to the supervisor in charge of the underground mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 28 (3).

29. (1) In an underground mine or in or about a headframe or shaft house, flammable refuse shall be,

(a)  deposited in covered, fire-resistive containers; and

(b)  removed at least once a week from the mine or headframe or shaft house.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 29 (1).

(2) Scrap timber shall safely be disposed of or removed from an underground mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 29 (2).

(3) A written report certifying that there is no accumulation of flammable refuse in the area under his or her supervision shall be made weekly by a supervisor to the supervisor in charge of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 29 (3).

30. (1) Oil, grease and other flammable material shall not be kept or stored in a shafthouse or in a portal house.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 30 (1).

(2) Oil, grease and flammable liquids with a flashpoint below 52º Celsius shall,

(a)  when being used underground, be transported and stored only in,

(i)  metal containers or receptacles, or

(ii)  portable containers or safety cans that meet the requirements of either CSA Standard B376:22, “Portable Containers for Gasoline and Other Petroleum Fuels” or ANSI/CAN/UL/ULC 30:2022, “Metallic and Nonmetallic Safety Cans for Flammable and Combustible Liquids”; and

(b)  when stored underground, be restricted in quantity to the requirement for,

(i)  the current day’s work in the case of volatile flammable liquids, and

(ii)  seven days in the case of oil and grease. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 30 (2); O. Reg. 584/91, s. 2; O. Reg. 34/14, s. 3 (1); O. Reg. 69/23, s. 7.

(3) No device for the generation of acetylene gas shall be used in an underground mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 30 (3).

(4) No internal combustion engine that uses gasoline, propane or other volatile substance as a fuel shall be used in an underground mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 30 (4).

(5) Except when used for burning or cutting, propane or other similar fuel that is heavier than air when in a gaseous state shall not be permitted to be or be kept underground.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 30 (5).

(6) When propane or other similar fuel that is heavier than air is being used underground for burning or cutting, the cylinders for the fuel shall be of a type approved by Transport Canada and shall not be larger than five kilograms in capacity.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 30 (6); O. Reg. 34/14, s. 3 (2).

31. No worker shall build or set a fire in an underground mine unless the worker is specifically authorized to do so and has immediately available suitable fire extinguishing equipment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 31.

32. Every workshop and lunchroom in an underground mine shall,

(a)  be constructed of material with at least a one hour fire-resistance rating; and

(b)  be located and maintained so as to reduce the fire hazard to a minimum.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 32.

33. A structure housing a fan used in connection with a ventilation system for an underground mine shall be constructed of noncombustible material.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 33; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 1.

34. (1) A fire hazard area shall be identified by suitable warning signs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 34 (1).

(2) Except where special precautions are taken and written instructions issued, no use of matches, smoking or other means of producing heat or fire shall be permitted in a fire hazard area.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 34 (2).

35. (1) If a flow of flammable gas is encountered in a mine or in an enclosed building housing a diamond drill on the surface and the concentration of the flammable gas is unknown,

(a)  all sources of ignition in the affected area shall be eliminated;

(b)  all electrical equipment in the affected area shall be de-energized;

(c)  the affected area shall be evacuated;

(d)  precautions shall be taken to prevent persons from entering the affected area inadvertently;

(e)  a supervisor shall be notified;

(f)  the affected area shall be tested by a competent person; and

(g)  the affected area shall be designated as a fire hazard area.  O. Reg. 236/99, s. 3.

(2) Subject to subsections (3), (4) and (5), work may resume if the concentration of flammable gas is below 1.0 per cent.  O. Reg. 236/99, s. 3.

(3) If the concentration is less than 0.25 per cent and the affected area is tested periodically to ensure that the level of concentration is known, no precautions are required.  O. Reg. 236/99, s. 3.

(4) If the concentration is 0.25 per cent or greater but not more than 0.5 per cent, all of the following precautions shall be taken:

1.  The supervisor shall provide written instructions of any special precautions.

2.  The instructions, if any, shall be communicated to the workers.

3.  The affected area shall be designated as a fire hazard area.

4.  The affected area shall be tested at least once per shift before work begins and, again, on release of any further flow of gas.

5.  A flammable gas detector shall remain in the affected area for the purpose of continued testing.  O. Reg. 236/99, s. 3.

(5) If the concentration is 0.5 per cent or greater but not more than 1.0 per cent, all of the precautions set out in subsection (4) shall be taken and the electrical equipment, diesel engines, tools and other material used in the workplace shall be designed to function safely in a flammable gas atmosphere.  O. Reg. 236/99, s. 3.

(6) If concentrations of flammable gas exceed 1.0 per cent in an area, all of the following precautions shall be taken:

1.  All sources of ignition in the affected area shall be eliminated.

2.  All electrical equipment in the affected area shall be de-energized.

3.  All persons, other than competent persons necessary to measure the concentration of flammable gas and to make ventilation changes, shall be removed from the affected area.  O. Reg. 236/99, s. 3.

(7) In mines where flammable gas is known to occur, workers who are underground or diamond drillers who are on the surface shall be advised of,

(a)  the probability of encountering a flow of the gas; and

(b)  the measures and procedures prescribed in this section.  O. Reg. 236/99, s. 3.

(8) For the purposes of this section, the concentration of flammable gas means the percentage, by volume, of flammable gas in the general atmosphere.  O. Reg. 236/99, s. 3.

36. (1) Where a blow torch or welding, cutting or other hot work equipment is used underground, or in a headframe, shaft house or other surface building in which a fire may endanger the mine entrance or the underground workings, a procedure for the safe use of hot work equipment shall be prepared in writing and signed by the supervisor in charge of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 36 (1).

(2) Only a worker who is a competent person or is under the direction of a competent person shall use hot work equipment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 36 (2).

(3) In addition to the hot work procedure required by subsection (1), written instructions shall be issued to the worker by a supervisor before the hot work equipment is used respecting,

(a)  the type of work;

(b)  the location of the work;

(c)  when the work is to be done; and

(d)  any special measures and procedures to be taken before, during and after the work.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 36 (3).

(4) Where hot work equipment is used in a shaft, timbered area or fire hazard area,

(a)  the area adjacent to the particular workplace shall be wet down,

(i)  before the work is begun, and

(ii)  when the work is stopped and the worker using the hot work equipment intends to leave;

(b)  the area adjacent to the particular workplace shall be examined for potential fire hazards,

(i)  before the work is begun, and

(ii)  when the work is stopped and the worker intends to leave the area, and

(iii)  on at least one other occasion approximately two hours after the work is stopped;

(c)  fire-fighting equipment suitable for extinguishing any potential fire shall be available; and

(d)  workers shall be protected from fumes, vapours or gases by,

(i)  ventilation, or

(ii)  the wearing of respirators.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 36 (4).

(5) Subsection (1) does not apply to hot work being performed in a repair station or garage protected by a fire suppression system.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 36 (5).

(6) Clause (4) (a) does not apply where the wetting down will create a hazard because of freezing or the presence of electrical equipment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 36 (6).

37. (1) Except during the initial stages of exploration and development of an underground mine, in addition to the opening through which workers are let into or out of the mine and the ore extracted, a separate escapement exit shall be provided.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 37 (1); O. Reg. 265/15, s. 4.

(2) The escapement exit required by subsection (1) shall be,

(a)  located more than thirty metres from the main hoisting shaft or ramp;

(b)  of sufficient size to afford an easy passageway;

(c)  where necessary, provided with ladders from the deepest workings to the surface;

(d)  marked on all levels by signs and arrows pointing the way of exit in a manner to expedite escape;

(e)  made known to all underground workers who shall be instructed as to the route to the escapement exit; and

(f)  inspected at least once a month by a competent person who shall give a written report of such inspection to the supervisor in charge of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 37 (2).

(3) A structure covering the escapement exit shall be constructed of material with at least a one hour fire-resistance rating.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 37 (3).

38. (1) Subject to subsection (2), unless there is a second means of exit from an underground mine, no building shall be erected within fifteen metres of any closed-in part of a headframe or portal house.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 38 (1).

(2) A building erected within fifteen metres of any closed-in part of a headframe or portal house shall be constructed of material with at least a one hour fire-resistance rating.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 38 (2).

(3) No steam boiler or diesel engine shall be installed in such a manner that any part thereof is within thirty metres of the centre of the collar of a shaft or other entrance to a mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 38 (3).

(4) No internal combustion engine shall be installed, serviced, garaged or stored in or within fifteen metres of the building housing the hoist nor within thirty metres of the centre of the collar of a shaft or other entrance to a mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 38 (4).

(5) Except for the fuel tanks of motor vehicles, no gasoline or liquid fuel shall be stored within thirty metres of the centre of the collar of a shaft or other entrance of a mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 38 (5).

(5.1) Subsections (3), (4) and (5) do not apply with respect to a diesel engine and an attached diesel fuel tank (other than an engine installed on a motor vehicle) if,

(a)  the engine and tank are enclosed by a structure constructed of material that has a fire-resistance rating of at least one hour;

(b)  the structure separates the enclosed area from the hoist or a shaft or other entrance to a mine; and

(c)  the enclosed area has a fire suppression system and an automatic fire alarm.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 10.

(6) The natural drainage shall drain away from the shaft collar or other mine entrance.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 38 (6).

(7) Where a hoist is located above the mine shaft, the supporting and enclosing structures shall be constructed of material with at least a one hour fire-resistance rating.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 38 (7).

39. Fire doors in an underground mine shall,

(a)  where practical, be installed to close off the shaft or main entrance to the mine and the mine openings directly associated with it from the other workings;

(b)  be installed to close off,

(i)  service garages, and

(ii)  oil storage areas where a total of more than 500 litres of oil, grease or flammable liquid are stored;

(c)  have at least a one hour fire-resistance rating; and

(d)  be maintained in proper order and kept clear of all obstructions so as to be readily usable at all times.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 39.

40. (1) Where, in an underground or tower mounted hoistroom, the normal air supply may become contaminated in an emergency, uncontaminated air shall be available to the hoist operator and cagetender by means of,

(a)  an enclosed booth with a positive supply of uncontaminated air; or

(b)  one or more units of self-contained demand air or oxygen breathing apparatus, together with a fully charged cylinder of compressed air of at least 8.5 cubic metres capacity.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 40 (1).

(2) Every hoist operator and cagetender who may be required to use demand breathing apparatus shall be competent in its use.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 40 (2).

41. (1) Procedures in case of a fire at,

(a)  the surface of an underground mine;

(b)  a surface mine; or

(c)  a mining plant,

shall be prepared by the supervisor in charge of the mine or mining plant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 41 (1).

(2) The procedures required by subsection (1) or extracts therefrom shall be set out in writing and shall be posted and kept posted in a conspicuous place or places where they are most likely to come to the attention of a worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 41 (2).

(3) A suitable number of workers at each mine and mining plant shall be trained in the fire-fighting procedures and,

(a)  the names of such workers shall be posted in a conspicuous place;

(b)  such workers shall be tested for proficiency at least once a year; and

(c)  a written report of the results of the tests shall be made and kept on file.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 41 (3).

(4) Fire-extinguishing equipment of a suitable type and size shall be provided at,

(a)  the surface of every underground mine;

(b)  every surface mine; and

(c)  mining plant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 41 (4).

(5) At least once each month, the,

(a)  fire-extinguishing equipment;

(b)  fire suppression systems;

(c)  fire hydrants; and

(d)  fire doors,

at the surface of an underground mine, a surface mine and a mining plant shall be inspected by a competent person who shall report thereon to the supervisor in charge of the mine or mining plant, as the case may be.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 41 (5).

42. (1) The fuel tank of an internal combustion engine installed in a building shall be arranged so that the transfer of fuel to the tank takes place at a point outside the building and the fuel is conducted to the tank in a tightly jointed pipe or conduit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 42 (1).

(2) The air displaced from the fuel tank shall be conducted to a safe point outside the building before being discharged into the atmosphere.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 42 (2).

43. Any dangerous, flammable or explosive material or substance in a solid, liquid or gaseous state, or any combination thereof, other than explosive, that is kept, stored or handled, in a mining plant shall,

(a)  be kept in a container that is suitable having regard to the nature and state of the material or substance;

(b)  have labels on the container identifying the material or substance and warning of the hazards involved therewith;

(c)  be kept apart or insulated from any source of ignition or from temperatures likely to cause combustion; and

(d)  where the material or substance is not intended for immediate use, be kept, stored or handled,

(i)  outside any building,

(ii)  in a building not used for any other purpose, or

(iii)  in a well ventilated compartment with at least a one hour fire-resistance rating which is located in conformity with clause (c).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 43.

44. (1) In addition to the main exit, a building at a mining plant, except a magazine, shall be provided with a second means of exit, convenient to and having easy communication with all rooms regularly occupied by a worker, including,

(a)  tower stairs equipped with doors and hardware with at least a one hour fire-resistance rating at each storey including the basement; or

(b)  metal or other noncombustible fire escapes consisting of exterior stairways with railings and with landings at each storey connecting directly with the interior of the building through metal or other doors with at least a one hour fire-resistance rating.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 44 (1); O. Reg. 167/16, s. 1.

(2) No means of exit from a plant building shall be obstructed and no door to a fire escape, tower stair or other smokeproof enclosure shall be prevented from closing or remaining closed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 44 (2).

45. A process that is likely to produce a gas, vapour, dust or fume to such an extent as to be capable of forming a flammable mixture with air shall be carried out in an area which,

(a)  is isolated from other operations;

(b)  has a system of ventilation which removes the gas, vapour, dust or fume;

(c)  has no potential sources of ignition; and

(d)  has vents, baffles, chokes, dampers or other means to reduce the effects of any explosion, as may be required.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 45.

PART III
ACCESS TO WORKPLACES

46. (1) A safe means of access to a workplace shall be provided by a walkway, stairway or ladderway.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 46 (1).

(2) Where workers are required to work, operate, maintain or service equipment, a safe means of access shall be provided as prescribed in subsection (1).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 46 (2).

(3) Every walkway and every working platform more than 1.5 metres above the ground shall be provided with,

(a)  a handrail not less than 0.91 metre or more than 1.07 metres above the floor of the walkway or platform;

(b)  a second rail placed at the mid-point between the top rail and the floor of the walkway or platform or have the space between the top rail and the floor closed by a screen; and

(c)  toeboards which shall extend from the floor a height of not less than 100 millimetres.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 46 (3).

(4) The handrail required by clause (3) (a) shall be capable of withstanding a load applied in any direction to the top rail of at least 0.9 kilonewton.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 46 (4).

(5) Despite clauses (3) (b) and (c), toeboards and second rails are not required on a temporary walkway or working platform or on an underground drilling platform that is normally not more than three metres above the ground.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 46 (5).

(6) When a platform consists of wooden planks, the planks shall,

(a)  be sound, unpainted and free of large knots;

(b)  provide a minimum safety factor of three times the maximum load to which it is likely to be subjected; and

(c)  be nailed or otherwise secured against movement.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 46 (6).

(7) Where a means of access to a workplace is inclined at more than twenty degrees and less than fifty degrees to the horizontal, a stairway or ladderway shall be provided.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 46 (7).

(8) Where a means of access to a workplace is inclined at more than fifty degrees to the horizontal, a ladder shall be provided.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 46 (8).

(9) A stairway shall,

(a)  be at an angle not greater than fifty degrees to the horizontal;

(b)  not have the rise or vertical distance between landings of a flight exceed 3.6 metres;

(c)  have the treads and risers uniform in width and height respectively in any one flight; and

(d)  be provided with handrails of adequate strength not less than 0.91 metre and not more than 1.07 metres in height above the treads of the stairs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 46 (9).

47. (1) A ladder shall,

(a)  be of strong construction;

(b)  be free from broken or loose members or other faults;

(c)  be installed and maintained so as to reduce to a minimum the hazard of a person falling therefrom;

(d)  if made of wood,

(i)  be of sound straight-grain lumber,

(ii)  not be painted or otherwise treated in a manner to obscure the grain;

(e)  have a distance between centres of the rungs not greater than 300 millimetres or less than 250 millimetres;

(f)  have the spacing between rungs not vary more than fifteen millimetres in a ladderway;

(g)  have not less than 100 millimetres clearance behind any rung from a wall or any timber or obstruction underneath the ladder; and

(h)  project at least one metre above the landing or opening unless strong handholds are provided above the top of the ladder.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 47 (1).

(2) A fixed ladder shall be securely fastened in place.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 47 (2).

48. Except in an underground mine, the following rules apply in respect of a ladderway:

1.  If a worker is exposed to the hazard of falling more than three metres, the ladderway shall be fixed in place and be provided with,

i.  a safety cage, or

ii.  a protective device that will prevent a worker from falling.

2.  If a ladderway is seven metres or longer and at an angle steeper than 70 degrees to the horizontal, in addition to the requirement in paragraph 1, the ladderway shall be provided with platforms at intervals not greater than seven metres.

3.  If platforms are used in conjunction with a ladderway, whether as required under paragraph 2 or otherwise,

i.  the ladders shall be offset,

ii.  a platform shall be provided at each place where the ladders are offset, and

iii.  a platform shall not be less than 600 millimetres in width by 1.2 metres in length. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 8.

49. A portable ladder shall,

(a)  be equipped with non-slip feet or otherwise secured;

(b)  where any activity in the vicinity may create a hazard to a person thereon, be protected at its base; and

(c)  where the ladder has metal or metal-reinforced side rails, not be used near exposed and energized electrical circuits or equipment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 49.

50. (1) Subject to subsection (2), a suitable ladderway shall be provided in every shaft.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 50 (1).

(2) An independently powered conveyance may be used in place of a ladderway.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 50 (2).

(3) Except for an auxiliary ladder used in shaft-sinking operations, a shaft ladder shall be inclined.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 11.

(4) During shaft-sinking operations, if a permanent ladder is not provided to the bottom, an auxiliary ladder that will reach from the permanent ladders to the bottom shall be provided in such convenient position that it may be promptly lowered to any point at which a worker is working.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 50 (4).

50.1 (1) For the purposes of subsection 50 (2), an independently powered conveyance that is used in place of a ladderway must,

(a)  have a source of power that is independent of the main source of power for the mine;

(b)  be capable of safely transferring persons up and down in a shaft to a location from which they can safely exit the shaft; and

(c)  be readily available for use. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 9.

(2) In addition to the requirements of subsection (1), the following rules apply if the independently powered conveyance is part of a mine hoisting plant and is used for emergency purposes only:

1.  Before it is first used, an engineer must give a written statement to the owner setting out that that the conveyance is designed and manufactured in accordance with appropriate engineering standards.

2.  The conveyance shall be examined, maintained, operated and tested regularly in accordance with good industry practices and with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

3.  Sections 203 to 250 do not apply in respect of the conveyance. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 9.

(3) A record of the examinations and tests required under paragraph 2 of subsection (2) shall be made and kept readily available at the mine site. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 9.

51. (1) Where a ladderway is installed in an underground mine or in a headframe used in conjunction with a shaft and the ladderway is inclined at more than seventy degrees from the horizontal,

(a)  the ladderway shall be provided with substantial platforms at intervals not greater than seven metres;

(b)  the ladders shall be offset at the platform;

(c)  except for openings large enough to permit the passage of a worker, the platforms shall be fully closed; and

(d)  if installed in a shaft manway, the ladders shall be placed over the openings of the platforms below.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 51 (1).

(2) Where the ladderway is inclined at less than seventy degrees to the horizontal, the ladders may be continuous and the provisions of clauses (1) (a) and (c) shall apply.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 51 (2).

(3) Where a ladderway is inclined at less than fifty degrees to the horizontal, no platform is required except at points of offset.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 51 (3).

(4) Where a ladderway is the only means of access for mine rescue purposes, the opening shall be large enough for such purpose.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 51 (4).

52. Wire ropes used for climbing purposes shall not be frayed or have projecting broken wires.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 52.

53. No person shall be, or be permitted to be, in a combined ladderway and hoistway compartment while a bucket or material is being,

(a)  loaded or unloaded at the top; or

(b)  hoisted or lowered.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 53.

54. (1) A walkway, stairway or ladderway shall be,

(a)  maintained in a safe condition;

(b)  free from obstructions;

(c)  of sufficient size to ensure that crowding does not occur; and

(d)  cleared of hazardous accumulation of material without undue delay.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 54 (1).

(2) Any opening in a floor or other surface which may be a hazard to a worker shall be,

(a)  protected by a guardrail; or

(b)  covered with securely fastened planks or other material capable of supporting any load to which it is likely to be subjected.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 54 (2).

PART IV
PROTECTION OF WORKERS

55. No worker shall work in a location where another worker is working overhead unless measures are taken to protect the worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 55.

56. Where a gas, liquid or vapour is contained at a pressure other than atmospheric pressure, before any fastening of the container or system connected therewith,

(a)  is loosened, any flow into or out of the container or system shall be effectively stopped; or

(b)  is removed, the container or system shall be drained or bled so that the pressure in the container or system equals atmospheric pressure.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 56.

57. No liquids or solids shall be transferred from one location or container to another location or container by the application of air under pressure except where equipment specifically designed for the purpose is used.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 57.

58. Plastic pipe and fittings shall,

(a)  meet CSA Standards B137.0-M 1981 and B137.3-M 1981 or, if installed after the 1st day of September, 1992, meet CSA Standards B137.0-M1986, “Definitions, General Requirements and Methods of Testing For Thermoplastic Pressure Piping” and B137.3-M1986, “Rigid Polyvinyl Chloride PVC Pipe For Pressure Applications”;

(b)  be properly supported;

(c)  not be used for the main supply or discharge of compressed air or water in mine shafts; and

(d)  not be forced around bends that may unreasonably stress the pipe or its connections.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 58; O. Reg. 571/92, s. 5.

59. (1) All openings, sumps, vessels, bins, hoppers, elevated platforms or pits, other than grease pits, which constitute a hazard, shall be fenced or otherwise guarded.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 59 (1).

(2) Every power-operated door through which vehicles or pedestrians travel,

(a)  shall be clearly distinguished from its surroundings; and

(b)  shall be operated in accordance with the procedures adopted by the employer for its use.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 59 (2).

60. (1) Before a worker enters any silo, bin, hopper or other container or structure containing bulk material, all further supply of material thereto shall be stopped and any removal of material therefrom shall be prevented.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 60 (1).

(2) When working on top of bulk material in any silo, bin, hopper or other container or structure,

(a)  a worker shall use a fall arrest system; and

(b)  at least one other worker, who is a competent person, equipped with a suitable alarm shall be in constant attendance outside the silo, bin, hopper or other container or structure.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 60 (2).

61. (1) Stockpiles of unconsolidated material shall be,

(a)  inspected for hazardous conditions regularly by a competent person; and

(b)  made safe before a worker is allowed to work close to or on top of the stockpile.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 61 (1).

(2) Bulk or packaged material shall be piled or stacked in a manner to prevent accidental movement or collapse.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 61 (2).

(3) When a tunnel is used under a stockpile for the purpose of reclaiming material from the stockpile at least two exits shall be provided from the tunnel.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 61 (3).

62. A procedure shall be established and maintained at an underground mine to record every worker and other person who is underground in the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 62.

62.1 (1) This section applies with respect to tasks at a workplace that are determined to be non-routine hazardous tasks jointly by the employer and the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, for the workplace.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 4.

(2) The employer and the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative shall jointly establish safe procedures for performing a non-routine hazardous task.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 4.

(3) The employer shall ensure that the safe procedures are set out in writing.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 4.

(4) The employer shall ensure that workers are informed that a task is a non-routine hazardous task and are informed about the procedures for performing it before beginning the task.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 4.

(5) A worker performing a non-routine hazardous task shall follow the established procedures.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 4.

63. (1) Subject to subsection (2), a supervisor shall examine, in person, every place where drilling and blasting is being carried out at least once during each work shift. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 10.

(2) Where drilling and blasting is being carried out in a raise, the following rules apply:

1.  An examination required under subsection (1) may be carried out by use of an electronic device that is equipped with a high definition camera rather than in person if the device,

i.  allows the supervisor to adequately assess the place where drilling and blasting is being carried out, and

ii.  creates a record that is retained and can be made available for inspection at the request of an inspector.

2.  In addition to examinations required under subsection (1) that are carried out by use of an electronic device equipped with a high definition camera in accordance with paragraph 1 of this subsection, a supervisor shall also examine, in person, every place in a raise where drilling and blasting is being carried out at least once each work week. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 10.

(3) A supervisor shall examine, in person, every place where workers carry on work, other than where drilling and blasting is being carried out, at least once each work week. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 10.

64. (1) Where a potential or actual danger to the health and safety of a worker has not been remedied or removed at the end of a work shift, the supervisor of the work shift shall make and sign a written record describing,

(a)  the dangerous condition; and

(b)  the state of corrective measures taken. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 11.

(2) Before any worker on the next work shift does any work in the area of the dangerous condition, the supervisor of that work shift shall,

(a)  read and countersign the record made and signed under subsection (1); and

(b)  advise any workers who may be affected by the condition about,

(i)  the dangerous condition,

(ii)  the state of corrective measures taken, and

(iii)  the work required to be done to remove or remedy the dangerous condition. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 11.

65. (1) An employer in an underground mine, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee, if any, for the mine, shall develop a written program to provide for the timely communication of information between workers and supervisors in the mine respecting ground stability, ground movement, falls of ground, ground monitoring equipment and emergencies.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 65 (1).

(2) The communications program shall set out,

(a)  means and procedures for communicating information;

(b)  the kind of information to be communicated; and

(c)  the actions to be taken by supervisors and workers with respect to information that is communicated to them.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 65 (2).

66. (1) Before work is begun in a workplace in an underground mine, the ground conditions of the workplace shall be examined for dangers and hazards and, if required, made safe.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 66 (1).

(2) Revoked:  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 6.

67. (1) An employer shall prepare written procedures to be used at an underground mine concerning,

(a)  activities relating to the installation of ground support at the mine; and

(b)  activities that require a worker to be exposed to unsupported ground before the ground support is installed.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 7.

(2) The procedures shall state the methods for undertaking the activities and for preventing workers’ exposure to unsafe ground conditions.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 7.

(3) The employer shall consult with the joint health and safety committee or, if no committee exists, with the health and safety representative in preparing the procedures.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 7.

67.1 During scaling procedures in a workplace in an underground mine, no other work shall be carried on that hinders the scaling procedures.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 7.

68. Where a workplace, travelway, manway or other area of an underground mine is under repair or where there is a danger or hazard to a worker,

(a)  the workplace, travelway, manway or other area shall be closed by barricades, fencing or other suitable means; and

(b)  warning signs shall be posted indicating that it is under repair or indicating the nature of the danger or hazard.  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 2.

69. (1) Illumination shall be provided in an underground mine adequate for a worker to visually assess ground conditions at the worker’s workplace.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 69 (1).

(2) Where a cap lamp is used to provide the illumination as required by subsection (1), it shall be capable of providing a peak illuminance of at least 1500 lux at 1.2 metres from the light source.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 69 (2).

(3) An employer in an underground mine who supplies cap lamps to workers shall develop a procedure for assessing and maintaining cap lamps and a copy of the procedure shall be available at the mine site for review by the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, for the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 69 (3); O. Reg. 272/97, s. 12.

(4) A record of cap lamp maintenance test results shall be kept.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 69 (4).

(5) Despite subsection (2), if the ground to be assessed is at a distance that is greater than the effective range of a cap lamp, the employer shall supply, and the worker shall use, auxiliary lighting that will provide the illumination required by subsection (1).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 69 (5).

70. Revoked:  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 13.

71. (1) An overhead protective device to protect the operator from falling objects shall be installed on every motor vehicle that is used,

(a)  in an underground mine that is developed after June 1, 1988; or

(b)  in an area in an underground mine with respect to which the Director has given the owner a written opinion that local ground stability presents a hazard to the operators.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 4.

(2) Clause (1) (a) does not apply to a motor vehicle while it is being used in an area in an underground mine that is made safe,

(a)  by scaling, timbering or rockbolting; or

(b)  by measures that provide safety equal to or better than scaling, timbering or rockbolting.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 4.

(3) An overhead protective device required by subsection (1) shall comply with the falling-object protective structures requirements of International Standard ISO 3449-05 (R2022) “Earth-Moving Machinery – Falling Object Protective Structures – Laboratory Tests and Performance Requirements”. O. Reg. 84/07, s. 4; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 7; O. Reg. 69/23, s. 12.

(4) An overhead protective device shall be maintained in good condition.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 4.

71.1 (1) An owner of an underground mine shall, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, develop and maintain a written seismic risk management program. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 13.

(2) The program shall,

(a)  set out how areas of the mine that have high levels of seismic risk and activity are to be identified;

(b)  include a description or list of the areas of the mine identified under clause (a) and set out mitigation plans for those areas;

(c)  set out how micro seismic activity will be monitored in the areas of the mine identified under clause (a) and how frequently that data will be analysed;

(d)  include measures and procedures to assess the performance of the system used to monitor micro seismic activity and to maintain the system and its components;

(e)  identify the persons responsible for implementing the program, including the persons responsible for responding to seismic events and rockbursts;

(f)  set out how seismic events and rockbursts are to be documented and where the documentation will be kept; and

(g)  establish a re-entry protocol following seismic events or rockbursts and set out how and when the re-entry protocol applies. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 13.

(3) A copy of the program shall be provided to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, and be kept readily available at the mine site. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 13.

(4) Subject to subsections (5) and (6), the program shall be reviewed at least annually. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 13.

(5) The program shall be reviewed as soon as possible if,

(a)  a risk assessment conducted under section 5.1 identifies a new seismic risk;

(b)  a measure developed and maintained under section 5.2 in relation to seismic risks fails; or

(c)  a mine design prepared and maintained under subsection 6 (1) identifies a new zone or area of the mine that is expected to be seismically active. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 13.

(6) If a review is required under subsection (5), the next annual review required by subsection (4) shall be within one year of the date of the review under subsection (5). O. Reg. 69/23, s. 13.

(7) For greater certainty, an employer’s duty to provide information and instruction to a worker under clause 25 (2) (a) of the Act includes the duty to provide the worker with information and instruction that is appropriate for the worker on the contents of the seismic risk management program. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 13.

72. (1) In the event of an occurrence listed in subsection (2) at a surface mine producing metallic ore or at an underground mine, a record of that occurrence shall be kept in writing and shall provide the following:

1.  The time, location and extent of the occurrence.

2.  Any other relevant information, including the records of any monitoring instruments or devices before the occurrence. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 14.

(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), the following are considered occurrences:

1.  A rockburst.

2.  An uncontrolled fall of ground.

3.  A seismic event that is of a magnitude that is likely to cause significant rock mass damage or may compromise the effectiveness of the ground support system.

4.  A seismic event that occurs in or near an active area of a mine that is of a magnitude that may cause ground instability. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 8.

73. (1) An employer shall develop a quality control program for work in an underground mine to ensure that the ground support systems that are specified in the mine design are properly installed and remain effective while in use.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 8.

(2) The employer shall maintain a record of the tests that are required under the quality control program.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 8.

(3) If requested, the employer shall provide a copy of the quality control program and of the record of tests under the program to the joint health and safety committee or, if no committee exists, to the health and safety representative.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 8.

74. A shaft, raise or other opening in an underground mine shall be securely fenced, covered or otherwise guarded.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 74.

75. (1) A shaft shall be securely cased, lined or timbered.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 75 (1).

(2) During shaft-sinking operations, the casing, lining or timbering shall be maintained within a distance of the bottom not exceeding twenty metres.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 75 (2).

76. (1) Except during shaft-sinking operations, a shaft compartment used for the handling of material shall be enclosed at the collar and at all levels, except the side on which material is loaded on or off the shaft conveyance.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 76 (1).

(2) The enclosure referred to in subsection (1) shall,

(a)  be made of substantial materials;

(b)  extend above the collar and each level a distance of not less than the height of the shaft conveyance plus two metres but need not exceed seven metres;

(c)  extend below the collar and each level a distance of not less than two metres; and

(d)  conform to the size of the shaft conveyance, allowing for necessary operating clearance.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 76 (2).

77. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the manway in a shaft shall be separated from the hoisting or counterweight compartments by a partition which complies with subsection 76 (2).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 77 (1).

(2) Between levels, the partition may consist of metal of suitable weight and mesh to prevent,

(a)  a falling object from entering the manway; or

(b)  the intrusion of an object from the manway into the hoisting compartment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 77 (2).

(3) A safe passageway and standing room for a person outside the shaft shall be provided at all workings opening into a shaft and the manway shall be directly connected with such openings.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 77 (3).

78. (1) Except when the hoisting compartment at a shaft station is securely closed off, a substantial gate shall be installed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 78 (1).

(2) The gate required by subsection (1) shall,

(a)  be kept closed except when the shaft conveyance is being loaded or unloaded at the station;

(b)  have a minimum of clearance beneath it; and

(c)  be reinforced against impact of,

(i)  a locomotive, train or car when rail tracks lead to the compartment, or

(ii)  a motor vehicle when motor vehicles are used in the vicinity of the shaft.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 78 (2).

79. Where a counterweight is used in a shaft, the counterweight compartment shall be enclosed except when the counterweight travels on guides.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 79.

80. During shaft-sinking operations, no work shall be done in any place in a shaft while a worker is working in another part of the shaft below such place unless the worker in the lower position is protected from the danger of falling material by a securely constructed covering extending over a sufficient portion of the shaft to afford complete protection.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 80.

81. Hooks used in connection with the suspension of any equipment or material in a shaft or raise or over a worker shall be choked or equipped with a safety latch.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 81.

82. When work or an examination is taking place in the compartment of a shaft or in that part of the headframe used in conjunction therewith,

(a)  hoisting operations in that compartment, except for those necessary to perform the work or examination, shall be suspended;

(b)  protection from accidental contact with any moving shaft conveyance or counterweight, or falling objects shall be provided for a worker performing the work or examination; and

(c)  the power supply to all conveyor belts, gates and other devices that are located above a worker and that could cause material to flow into the shaft shall be locked and tagged in the safe position and the gates shall be mechanically secured in the closed position.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 82; O. Reg. 571/92, s. 9.

82.1 Before the commencement of work or of an examination below a loading pocket in a shaft, a competent person who is authorized by the employer to proceed, and who proceeds, below the loading pocket shall inspect it to ensure that the work or examination can proceed safely.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 2.

83. (1) This section applies when a raise is being developed and there are workers in the raise.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 15.

(2) A raise that is inclined at an angle greater than 50 degrees and is longer than 10 metres from the collar to the face shall be divided into at least two compartments, one of which shall be a ladderway.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 15.

(3) Subsection (2) does not apply where a raise climber is used.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 15.

(4) The ladderway shall be maintained within five metres of the face of the raise.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 15.

84. (1) If a worker may be endangered by the withdrawal, collapse, shifting or movement of bulk material such as rock, ore or other material in a stope, pass or chute or in a storage area, the employer shall ensure that written procedures for the precautions to be taken before, during and after removal of the material are established and followed.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 3.

(2) The written procedures required by subsection (1) shall address the following matters:

1.  The conditions under which workers are required to wear a fall arrest system.

2.  The communication of hazards to all persons who may be at risk.

3.  The identification of those locations that are not safe for workers to enter.

4.  The need to post warning signs that indicate the nature of the danger or hazard and the need to erect barriers to prevent inadvertent access to the area.

5.  Any additional protection to be provided to workers required to enter or work in the area.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 3.

(3) No worker shall be positioned so that when the worker is pulling a chute his or her access to an exit from the area may be blocked by an uncontrolled run of material, water or slime.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 3.

(4) A mechanical locking device shall be installed on overcut power operated chute gates, so that the gate may be locked in the open or closed position.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 3.

(5) A power-operated safety guard or gate shall be designed and installed to minimize hazards when the power fails.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 3.

85. Where the entrance or exit to a workplace in an underground mine cannot be used at all times, a second means of entrance or exit shall be provided.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 85.

86. A diamond drill hole in an underground mine shall at the time that drilling is discontinued or an intersection with the drill hole is made,

(a)  be clearly marked at the collar and any points of intersection or breakthrough, with a single capital letter “H” that is,

(i)  located within one metre of the collar or intersection, and

(ii)  at least 300 millimetres by 300 millimetres in size;

(b)  have the approach to the collar or to any intersection or breakthrough securely closed off or guarded,

(i)  when mining is in progress towards the hole, and

(ii)  when blasting is to be done within five metres of an intersection of the hole; and

(c)  be shown on the plans of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 86; O. Reg. 68/96, s. 2.

87. (1) A workplace in an underground mine shall,

(a)  be kept free from accumulations or flows of water which might endanger a worker in the area; and

(b)  have a water removal and drainage system to remove excess or unwanted water from the mine to the surface through a pumping system or by other means. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(2) The water removal and drainage systems referred to in clause (1) (b) shall be maintained in good condition. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(3) A positive displacement water pump shall be equipped with a relief valve or system. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(4) Any drain hole in an underground mine shall be,

(a)  clearly marked by signs that are visible, readable by workers and clearly distinguished from their surroundings; and

(b)  identified on any drawings, plans and specifications relating to that area of the mine. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(5) An employer and supervisor shall take all reasonable precautions in the circumstances to do the following:

1.  Prevent an accumulation or flow of water, either of which might endanger a worker.

2.  Guard against an accumulation of water in a chute, raise or waste or ore pass where material in the chute, raise or waste or ore pass may block drainage.

3.  Control an accumulation or flow of water in areas of a mine where an accumulation or flow of water is likely to be present. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(6) Where an accumulation of water is likely to be present, a borehole shall be drilled at least six metres ahead of the working face to protect against a sudden breakthrough of water. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(7) A drill or blast hole that is located in an area of the mine where an accumulation or flow of water is likely to be present shall be identified on any drawings, plans and specifications relating to that area of the mine. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(8) A drill or blast hole that could allow water to enter a chute, raise or waste or ore pass shall be filled or plugged to prevent water from entering the chute, raise or waste or ore pass. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(9) If, despite the requirements in subsections (1), (5), (6), and (8), an accumulation or flow of water that may endanger a worker occurs in an area of an underground mine,

(a)  the employer shall ensure that the supervisor for that area is informed of the accumulation or flow of water;

(b)  the employer shall ensure that all workers in that area are notified of the accumulation or flow of water;

(c)  the employer shall ensure that the area is adequately barricaded to prevent access; and

(d)  the employer and the supervisor shall not permit any worker to enter that area unless the purpose of the work directly relates to the management and removal of the water and all reasonable precautions in the circumstances have been taken for the protection of such workers. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

87.1 (1) An owner of an underground mine shall, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, develop and maintain a written water management program. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(2) The program shall include measures and procedures to,

(a)  identify areas of the mine where water is likely to accumulate;

(b)  control the volume of water that may enter the mine, either naturally or as a result of the mining process;

(c)  prevent unwanted or uncontrolled flows of water in all areas of the mine;

(d)  effectively and safely manage and remove water that poses a risk of injury to a worker; and

(e)  maintain water removal and drainage systems and all of the components of such systems. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(3) A copy of the program shall be provided to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, and shall be kept readily available at the mine site. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(4) Subject to subsection (5), the program shall be reviewed at least annually. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(5) The program shall be reviewed as soon as possible following any significant alteration to the water removal or drainage system and if such a review is required, the next annual review required by subsection (4) shall be within one year of the date of the review under this subsection. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 9.

(6) For greater certainty, an employer’s duty to provide information and instruction to a worker under clause 25 (2) (a) of the Act includes the duty to provide the worker with information and instruction that is appropriate for the worker on the contents of the water management program. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 15.

88. (1) Where earth, clay, sand or gravel is being removed from a surface mine by means of powered equipment,

(a)  the working face shall be sloped at the angle of repose; or

(b)  the vertical height of the working face shall not be more than 1.5 metres above the maximum reach of the equipment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 88 (1).

(2) Where earth, clay, sand or gravel is being removed from a surface mine by means other than powered equipment,

(a)  the working face shall be sloped at its angle of repose; or

(b)  the vertical height of the working face shall not be more than three metres.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 88 (2).

(3) No undercutting of the working face shall be permitted or done.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 88 (3).

(4) Except when mining operations are being actively pursued, benches and walls shall be sloped to less than the angle of repose.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 88 (4).

89. (1) Where metallic or non-metallic rock is being removed from a surface mine,

(a)  the vertical height of the working face shall not be more than twenty-five metres; and

(b)  except where a tunnelling method is used to remove the rock, no undercutting of the working face shall be permitted or done. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 89.

(2) Clause (1) (a) does not apply if an engineer certifies in writing that no worker would be endangered if the vertical height of the working face is more than twenty-five metres. O. Reg. 187/19, s. 10; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 6.

90. Every surface mine,

(a)  that is dangerous because of its condition or depth shall be securely fenced or otherwise guarded against inadvertent access; and

(b)  shall have a safe travelway leading from the working level to the surface.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 90.

91. (1) Trees and other vegetation and unconsolidated materials such as earth, clay, sand or gravel and rocks within two metres of the rim of a surface mine and likely to endanger any person shall be removed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 91 (1).

(2) Overburden beyond two metres of the rim of a surface mine shall be sloped to an angle less than its natural angle of repose.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 91 (2).

92. (1) Subject to subsection (2),

(a)  where earth, clay, sand or gravel is being removed from a surface mine no mining operations shall be carried on within a distance from the property boundary of half the total depth of the surface mine and earth, clay, sand or gravel that sloughs from within this distance shall not be removed; and

(b)  where metallic or non-metallic rock is being removed from a surface mine, no mining operations shall be carried on within a distance of six metres from the property boundary.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 92 (1).

(2) Adjoining owners may, by agreement in writing, waive the provisions of subsection (1).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 92 (2).

93. (1) In a surface mine where metallic or non-metallic rock is being removed, no work shall be carried on,

(a)  near a working face following a blast; or

(b)  near a face on which mining operations have been discontinued for a period of more than seven days,

until a supervisor examines the face for any potential or actual hazard to the health or safety of a worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 93 (1).

(2) When a surface mine is worked in benches, loose rock on berms or benches shall not be permitted to accumulate so that a worker on a lower bench is endangered.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 93 (2).

94. A worker barring loose rock, or scaling or cleaning on a face of a surface mine shall use and wear a fall-arrest system.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 94.

95. (1) An employer shall provide personal protective equipment, shield, appliance or other device where a worker is exposed to the hazard of being burned by molten materials.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 95 (1).

(2) An employer shall require a worker to use or wear personal protective equipment, shield, appliance or other device provided by the employer where the worker is exposed to the hazard of being burned by molten material.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 95 (2).

96. (1) Precautions shall be taken to prevent contact between molten material and damp surfaces, rusty surfaces, cold surfaces, moisture, water, or other substance where such contact may cause an explosion, and where such explosion may endanger a worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 96 (1).

(2) Precautions shall be taken to prevent spillage of molten material from a ladle, slag pot or similar vessel where such spillage may endanger a worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 96 (2).

(3) A ladle, slag pot or similar vessel shall be examined immediately before use and, if found to be defective or contaminated by a substance which may cause an explosion, shall not be used for molten material.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 96 (3).

97. (1) Where a worker is required to go above the casting floor level of an operating blast furnace, the worker shall notify a supervisor.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 97 (1).

(2) When a worker is above the casting floor level of an operating blast furnace, a second competent worker shall,

(a)  be in attendance to render assistance to the worker; and

(b)  remain in a safe place until such assistance is required.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 97 (2).

98. A suitable working platform shall be provided on the bustle pipe of a blast furnace.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 98.

99. A system of communication shall be provided and maintained between all dangerous workplaces of a blast furnace, including the blast furnace top structure and,

(a)  the cast house;

(b)  the skip operator’s room; and

(c)  every other place where workers are continuously on duty.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 99.

100. A ladderway or stairway shall be provided from the foundation to the top of a blast furnace.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 100.

101. When a blast furnace is hanging, no worker or other person shall be, or be permitted to be, above the level of the casting floor.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 101.

102. Where a major repair is to be carried out at the top structure of a blast furnace that requires the blast furnace to be shut down,

(a)  the blast furnace area shall be cleared of workers other than those carrying out the repair; and

(b)  the major repair area shall be tested for gases likely to endanger the health and safety of a worker before the repair is commenced and during the carrying out of the repair.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 102.

PART V
HAULAGE

103. (1) When in use, a motor vehicle running on rails, other than a standard gauge railroad, shall,

(a)  be in safe working condition;

(b)  have brakes that will stop and hold the vehicle or cars under full load condition;

(c)  have headlights;

(d)  have an audible warning system that shall be sounded,

(i)  where a worker may be endangered by the movement of the vehicle and cars, if any, or

(ii)  whenever the vehicle and cars, if any, are about to move underground or in an enclosed building;

(e)  be provided, where possible, with a fixed seat for the operator;

(f)  have a guard that will provide protection for the operator from collision or other impact;

(g)  when manually operated, be operated only when the operator is in the proper position at the controls;

(h)  when operated by remote control or by an automated system, be so arranged that in the event of failure of part of the control or system, the vehicle and cars, if any, will be brought to a stop immediately;

(i)  when left unattended, have,

(i)  the control placed in the parking position, and

(ii)  the brake fully applied; and

(j)  when electrically powered by storage battery or from a trolley wire, have control levers so arranged that they cannot be moved accidentally or removed when the power is on.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 103 (1); O. Reg. 34/14, s. 4.

(2) Except for clauses (1) (a) and (g), this section does not apply to a motor vehicle propelled by compressed air.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 103 (2).

103.1 (1) Rail tracks in use shall be in good working condition. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 16.

(2) A rail track switch in which a person’s foot may become trapped shall have guards at the frog and switch point to effectively protect against the hazard. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 16.

103.2 (1) This section applies if multiple motor vehicles running on rails operate on the same track in an underground mine. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 16.

(2) An employer shall develop and maintain written procedures for the safe operation of the motor vehicles to protect the health and safety of workers. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 16.

(3) Rail track switches shall be installed and equipped with visual indicators showing the position of the switch. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 16.

(4) Visual indicators required under subsection (3) shall be situated at locations and distances such that they are visible to operators and allow the motor vehicles on rails to be stopped safely if needed. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 16.

104. Except when used in areas where natural or artificial lighting provides good visibility, a train shall have a tail light on the last car.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 104.

105. (1) When in use, a motor vehicle, other than a motor vehicle running on rails, shall,

(a)  be in safe working condition;

(b)  have brakes which will stop and hold the vehicle under full load conditions on all operating grades, slopes and ramps;

(c)  subject to subsection (2), have headlights and tail lights;

(d)  where,

(i)  equipped with power-assisted steering, and

(ii)  operated on surface,

have a system such that in the event of a failure of the power-assistance element of the system, the vehicle can be held on course by the steering until the vehicle is stopped;

(e)  except for purposes of training or testing, be operated only by a competent operator;

(f)  be provided, where practical, with a fixed seat for the operator;

(g)  when manually operated, be operated only when the operator is in a proper position at the controls;

(h)  where operated by remote control or by an automated system, be so arranged that in the event of the failure of part of the control or system, the vehicle will be brought to a stop;

(i)  when left unattended, have,

(i)  the control placed in the parking position, and

(ii)  the brake fully applied;

(j)  except when used in an underground mine, have lights or reflectors that show the width of the vehicle to a person in the path of its direction of travel;

(k)  where the motor vehicle is to be operated in reverse and the operator or another person may be endangered thereby, be operated only when another worker is stationed to direct and warn the operator of any hazard to himself or another person; and

(l)  be equipped with a type BC fire extinguisher.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 105 (1); O. Reg. 31/04, s. 4 (1); O. Reg. 84/07, s. 5.

(2) In areas where natural or artificial lighting is adequate to enable the operator to have a clear view of the areas and persons, a motor vehicle may be operated without headlights or tail lights.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 105 (2).

(3) Where the view of the operator of a motor vehicle in the direction of its travel is limited,

(a)  the vehicle shall be equipped with an audible or visible alarm that will warn a worker who may be endangered by the movement of the vehicle; and

(b)  the alarm shall be activated before the vehicle is put in motion.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 4 (2).

(4) Except when the motor vehicle is used in an underground mine, a rear view mirror shall be installed in the motor vehicle where the view to the rear of the operator is limited.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 105 (4).

(5) The windshield and windows of the cab of a motor vehicle shall consist of safety glass and be maintained so as to provide unobstructed vision.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 105 (5).

(6) Where motor vehicles that restrict the view of the operator because of size or design are used, procedures to control and govern the movement of such vehicles, other vehicles and pedestrians shall be established.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 105 (6).

(7) A procedure for the testing, maintenance and inspection of each motor vehicle shall be adopted and the procedure shall,

(a)  schedule the testing of brakes, steering, lighting and other safety components prior to initial use of the motor vehicle for the shift;

(b)  schedule the motor vehicle for routine inspections and maintenance, taking into consideration the recommendations of the manufacturer and the conditions of use;

(c)  itemize the tests to be carried out following maintenance work and before first use of the motor vehicle;

(d)  provide a record of the testing, maintenance, inspection and testing that has been carried out; and

(e)  provide for the testing, maintenance and inspections to be performed by competent persons.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 105 (7).

(8) Except for clauses (1) (a), (e) and (g), this section does not apply to a motor vehicle propelled by compressed air.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 105 (8).

105.1 (1) An employer at a mine shall, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, develop and maintain a written traffic management program. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 10.

(2) The program shall include measures and procedures to,

(a)  prevent collisions, of motor vehicles, that may endanger the health and safety of workers by addressing hazards relating to reduced or impeded visibility of motor vehicle operators; and

(b)  protect the health and safety of workers and pedestrians who may be endangered by the movement of a motor vehicle. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 10.

(3) A copy of the program shall be provided to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, and shall be kept readily available at the mine site. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 10.

(4) The program shall be reviewed at least annually. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 10.

(5) For greater certainty, an employer’s duty to provide information and instruction to a worker under clause 25 (2) (a) of the Act includes the duty to provide the worker with information and instruction that is appropriate for the worker on the contents of the traffic management program. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 17.

106. (1) Where a motor vehicle is operated on a grade or ramp, traffic control procedures shall be established including provision for the control of emergency situations.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 106 (1).

(2) Where a motor vehicle is disabled or parked in the travelled portion of a roadway, a warning to approaching traffic shall be provided by,

(a)  flashing lights;

(b)  flares;

(c)  reflectors;

(d)  lamps; or

(e)  a worker suitably equipped to be readily seen, who directs traffic approaching the area.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 106 (2).

(3) In the operation of a motor vehicle in an underground mine,

(a)  the maximum load to be carried;

(b)  the maximum speed; and

(c)  the gear selection to be used,

on a grade or ramp shall be established and made known to the operator by the supervisor in charge of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 106 (3).

(4) Before ascending or descending a main access ramp in an underground mine, the operator of a motor vehicle shall,

(a)  fully engage the forward-reverse lever;

(b)  select the proper gear; and

(c)  test the service and emergency brakes.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 106 (4).

107. (1) A motor vehicle in a mine shall be equipped with wheel chocks that comply with Society of Automotive Engineers Standard SAE J348 JUN90 “Wheel Chocks”.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 5.

(2) The wheel chocks shall be used to block movement whenever the vehicle,

(a)  is left unattended on a slope; or

(b)  is being maintained or repaired.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 5.

(3) Despite subsections (1) and (2), an alternative means of blocking the movement of a motor vehicle in the circumstances described in subsection (2) may be used if the alternative means is developed by the employer in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, for the workplace.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 5.

(4), (5) Revoked:  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 8.

107.1 (1) An employer shall establish written procedures for work performed on tire and wheel assemblies.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 9.

(2) The procedures shall address the hazards associated with the work in a manner that protects the health and safety of workers.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 9.

(3) Where possible, the procedures shall require the use of devices to protect the health and safety of workers.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 9.

(4) An employer shall train workers in work performed on tire and wheel assemblies and in the procedures established under subsection (1) before the workers perform that kind of work.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 9.

108. (1) When the controls are left unattended,

(a)  the bucket of a front-end loader, backhoe or other excavating machine;

(b)  the blade of a bulldozer; or

(c)  the load of a fork-lift truck, mobile crane or other hoisting machine,

shall be in the lowered position or adequately supported.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 108 (1); O. Reg. 61/18, s. 5.

(2) Any part of a motor vehicle or other equipment, including the blade or bucket or dump box of a truck, the lowering of which may endanger a worker, shall be blocked so as to prevent its lowering accidentally.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 108 (2).

(3) A crane or other hoisting machine shall be operated in such a way that no part of its load will pass over a person, other than a worker receiving the load and a worker receiving a load shall, so far as is practicable, position himself or herself so that the load does not pass over him or her.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 108 (3).

(4) A shovel, backhoe or similar excavating machine shall be operated in such a way that no part of its load will pass over a person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 108 (4).

(5) An operator who may be endangered during the loading of a vehicle shall vacate the vehicle.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 108 (5).

109. Revoked: O. Reg. 69/23, s. 18.

110. (1) Vehicles being used for transporting workers shall,

(a)  be provided with suitable seats or other facilities;

(b)  be limited to a maximum number of passengers, which number shall be posted in or on the vehicle; and

(c)  when enclosed, be equipped with an emergency exit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 110 (1).

(2) Whenever the face of an inclined tunnel in a mine exceeds a vertical depth of 100 metres without intermediate access to the tunnel from a shaft with hoisting facilities for people, a vehicle shall be provided to transport workers down and up the tunnel.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 110 (2).

(3) Except for training purposes, only those workers authorized and required to handle the load shall ride on a vehicle that is transporting,

(a)  explosives;

(b)  steel or timber; or

(c)  heavy equipment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 110 (3).

(4) The load on a vehicle shall be adequately secured.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 110 (4).

(5) A worker may carry personal hand tools or equipment on a vehicle when,

(a)  the vehicle is not crowded;

(b)  the tools and equipment are properly protected by guards; or

(c)  the tools or equipment are isolated in separate containers.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 110 (5).

(6) The maximum speed and the maximum load of a vehicle transporting workers or a service vehicle shall be posted on the vehicle in a conspicuous location.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 110 (6).

111. (1) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), a haulageway for a motor vehicle running on rails in an underground mine shall have,

(a)  a walkway on one side so that there is at least 0.6 metres clearance between the sides of the haulageway and the motor vehicle running on rails or the train; or

(b)  safety stations as prescribed in section 114 at intervals not exceeding thirty metres.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 111 (1).

(2) Despite subsection (1), a haulageway that is used by a motor vehicle running on rails that travels more than 12 kilometres per hour shall have a walkway on one side of at least 1.2 metres between the side of the haulageway and the motor vehicle and pedestrian traffic shall be restricted to designated periods during which no motor vehicle running on rails shall be used in the haulageway.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 111 (2).

(3) Where pedestrian traffic is permitted in a haulageway to which subsection (2) applies and the walkway is less than two metres in width, safety stations, as prescribed in section 114, shall be provided at intervals not exceeding thirty metres.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 111 (3).

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to any haulageway that was driven prior to the 1st day of October, 1979 if the haulageway complies with section 245 of The Mining Act, being chapter 274 of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1970, as it read on the 30th day of September, 1979.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 111 (4).

112. A haulageway used by motor vehicles, other than motor vehicles running on rails, shall,

(a)  except where pedestrian traffic is effectively prevented, be at least 1.5 metres wider than the maximum width of a motor vehicle using the haulageway; and

(b)  where it is regularly used by pedestrians and it is less than two metres wider than the maximum width of a motor vehicle using the haulageway, have safety stations as prescribed in section 114 at intervals not exceeding thirty metres.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 112.

113. Except in an underground mine with a low clearance roof in which equipment designed to be operated herein is used, a haulageway used by a motor vehicle shall have sufficient clearance below the roof, support or overhead installations to enable the operator of a motor vehicle to sit erect at all times.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 113.

114. (1) A safety station shall consist of a recess in the wall of a haulageway that shall be,

(a)  at least,

(i)  0.6 metre in depth, in addition to any existing clearance between the vehicle and the wall,

(ii)  two metres in height, and

(iii)  1.5 metres in length;

(b)  plainly marked; and

(c)  clean and free of obstruction.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 114 (1).

(2) Clause (1) (a) does not apply to a safety station in a haulageway that was driven before the 1st day of October, 1979, if the safety station complies with section 245 of The Mining Act, being chapter 274 of the Revised Statutes of Ontario, 1970, as it read on the 30th day of September, 1979.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 114 (2).

115. (1) Subject to subsection (2), where the view of rail traffic at railway tracks on surface is obstructed in one or both directions, guardrails shall be placed at the approach to the tracks.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 115 (1).

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply where,

(a)  restricted clearance makes guardrails impracticable; and

(b)  a warning signal which automatically functions at the approach of a locomotive or train gives a warning signal that is both audible and visible; or

(c)  a worker is guarding the approach.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 115 (2).

116. (1) Haulage roads on surface shall be designed, constructed and maintained to,

(a)  minimize hazards from the slipping or skidding of vehicles;

(b)  enable vehicles to pass each other safely; and

(c)  avoid steep grades wherever practical.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 116 (1).

(2) The open side of a ramp haulage road in a surface mine shall be provided with a suitable protective barrier.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 116 (2).

(3) Every haulage road on surface shall be kept in good repair.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 116 (3); O. Reg. 693/92, s. 1.

117. (1) Where, on surface at a mine or mining plant, the clearance between the sides of a train or motor vehicle and the wall of a building or other structure is less than 500 millimetres, the location shall be plainly marked showing the danger.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 117 (1).

(2) Where the operator may be exposed to overhead hazards on surface at a mine or mining plant, a cab, screen or other adequate overhead protection shall be provided on,

(a)  a power-driven crane, shovel or similar machine;

(b)  a fork-lift truck; and

(c)  a front-end loader or other excavating machine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 117 (2).

118. (1) When material is dumped from a vehicle that is occupied by a person, the dump point shall include features designed to prevent the vehicle from going over a bank, over a bench or into a raise or other open hole.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 4.

(2) In an underground mine, the features referred to in subsection (1) shall not include the use of a ridge of material.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 4.

119. (1) In this section and in sections 119.1 and 119.2,

“emergency brake system” means a secondary brake system that is used for stopping a motor vehicle in the event of any single failure in the service brake system.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(2) The brake system on a motor vehicle that is operated on a grade, slope or ramp shall be able to perform the individual system function requirements of,

(a)  a service brake system;

(b)  an emergency brake system; and

(c)  a parking brake system.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(3) The capacity of retarders shall not be considered in determining the capacity of the brake systems described in clauses (2) (a), (b) and (c).  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(4) Any combination of the system function requirements described in clauses (2) (a), (b) and (c) may be performed by a single brake system.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(5) Each brake system shall be capable of being,

(a)  tested independently; and

(b)  readily applied by a worker seated in the driver’s seat.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(6) A service brake system may consist of a hydraulic pump motor drive system.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(7) The service brake system and the emergency brake system shall be capable of safely stopping the motor vehicle while it is being operated,

(a)  on the maximum grade, slope or ramp in its area of operation;

(b)  at its maximum authorized speed; and

(c)  with its maximum authorized load.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(8) The parking brake system shall be capable of holding the motor vehicle stationary, with its maximum authorized load, on the maximum grade, slope or ramp in its area of operation.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(9) The emergency brake system shall be set up so that, whether the brake is applied automatically or manually, a deliberate act is required to release it.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(10) Before a motor vehicle is first put into service, the following systems shall be tested by a competent person for proper operation:

1.  Service brake.

2.  Emergency brake.

3.  Parking brake.

4.  Steering.

5.  Warning devices.

6.  Lighting.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(11) A record of the tests described in subsection (10),

(a)  shall be signed by the competent person who performed the tests;

(b)  shall be kept as long as the motor vehicle is in service; and

(c)  shall be made available to the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

119.1 (1) The brake system of a rubber-tired motor vehicle that was first used in an underground mine after September 1, 1992 shall meet the requirements of CSA Standard M424.3:22, “Braking Performance — Rubber-Tired, Self-Propelled Underground Mining Machines”. O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6; O. Reg. 34/14, s. 5 (1); O. Reg. 69/23, s. 19 (1).

(2) The brake system of a rubber-tired motor vehicle that was first used in a surface mine on or after October 1, 2007 shall meet the requirements of ISO 3450: 2011 (R2022) “Earth-moving machinery — Wheeled or high-speed rubber-tracked machines — Performance requirements and test procedures for brake systems”. O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6; O. Reg. 34/14, s. 5 (2); O. Reg. 69/23, s. 19 (2).

(3) The brake system of a tracked motor vehicle that was first used in an underground mine or in a surface mine on or after October 1, 2007 shall meet the requirements of ISO 10265: 2008 (R2019) “Earth-moving machinery — Crawler Machines — Performance requirements and test procedures for braking systems”. O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6; O. Reg. 69/23, s. 19 (3).

119.2 (1) This section applies with respect to motor vehicles, other than vehicles operating on rails, that are,

(a)  first put into service by the employer on or after August 16, 1997; and

(b)  equipped with a stored energy brake system that uses a pneumatic system or a full hydraulic system to apply the service brakes.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(2) For the purposes of this section, the critical level of pressure is the level of pressure in a motor vehicle’s stored energy brake system, torque converter or transmission below which the manufacturer has determined that the vehicle is unsafe to operate.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(3) A motor vehicle that is operated on the surface must be equipped with a device that warns the operator that the vehicle’s stored energy brake system is approaching the critical level of pressure, so that the vehicle can be safely stopped.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

(4) A motor vehicle that is operated underground must be equipped with,

(a)  a device that automatically applies the emergency brake system and stops the vehicle before the vehicle’s stored energy brake system, torque converter or transmission pressure reaches the critical level of pressure; and

(b)  a device that warns the operator that the emergency brake system is about to be applied.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 6.

120. (1) A service garage, service bay or fuelling station in an underground mine shall,

(a)  be designed and protected to prevent inadvertent entry of an uncontrolled motor vehicle;

(b)  be located so that in the event of a fire or explosion in the garage, bay or station there will be a minimum effect on working areas of the mine or on underground installations including shafts, magazines, refuge stations, transformer installations and other installations;

(c)  have a concrete floor without service pits in the floor; and

(d)  be equipped with a system to contain spills of oil and grease.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 6.

(2) A service garage or service bay shall be of sufficient size to,

(a)  accommodate the longest and widest vehicle that will use the garage or bay; and

(b)  provide clearance around the vehicles being serviced to permit the safe performance of all work in the garage or bay.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 6.

(2.1) A vehicle shall be serviced where practicable at a service garage or a service bay.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 6.

(2.2) Only one vehicle may be serviced at a service bay at any one time.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 6.

(3) A fuelling station shall be established before a heading has advanced 250 metres from the ramp or shaft unless vehicles can be fuelled at another fuelling station.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 120 (3).

(4) A fuelling station shall be separate from a service garage.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 120 (4).

(5) A vehicle shall be fuelled where practicable at a fuelling station.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 120 (5).

(6) Where a mobile fuelling supply tank is used the tank shall be clearly labelled with “No Smoking” signs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 120 (6).

(7) Any spillage of oil or fuel shall be taken up at once, deposited in a fireproof receptacle and removed from the mine without undue delay.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 120 (7).

(8) All fuel handling, transfer, storage and dispensing systems in an underground mine shall be designed according to good engineering standards and subjected to a fire safety hazard review before first use.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 5.

(9) The employer, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, shall develop appropriate safeguards and procedures for the safe handling, transfer, storage and dispensing of fuel in an underground mine.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 5.

PART VI
EXPLOSIVES

121. An owner of an underground mine shall ensure that,

(a)  no explosive is used in an underground mine unless it has been determined by the Explosives Regulatory Division of the Department of Natural Resources of the Government of Canada to be suitable for use in that environment; and

(b)  written procedures are developed and maintained to protect workers from exposure to blasting contaminants that may endanger their health and safety. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 20.

122. (1) Explosives stored or kept at a mine or mining plant shall be used only for authorized purposes and if not so used, returned to the supplier of the explosives.  O. Reg. 236/99, s. 4.

(2) Smoking shall not be permitted and no fire or naked flame shall be taken,

(a)  within a magazine; or

(b)  within eight metres of any explosive.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 122 (2).

(3) Any careless act of placing or handling explosive shall be,

(a)  reported forthwith to a supervisor in charge of the workplace;

(b)  investigated by the supervisor; and

(c)  reported forthwith by the supervisor to an inspector.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 122 (3).

(4) No explosive shall be used to blast or break up ore, salamander or other material where, by reason of its heated condition, there is any danger or risk of premature explosion of the charge.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 122 (4).

(5) When operations at a mine are discontinued or suspended for more than three months, all explosives shall be disposed of in a safe manner.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 19.

123. (1) Explosives kept or stored on the surface must be kept or stored in compliance with the Explosives Act (Canada) and the regulations made under that Act. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 21.

(2) If a magazine is required, it must be,

(a)  constructed in conformity with the requirements in National Standard of Canada CAN/BNQ 2910-500/2015 “Explosives — Magazines for Industrial Explosives”, as it may be amended from time to time;

(b)  located in conformity with the requirements of National Standard of Canada CAN/BNQ 2910-510/2015 “Explosives — Quantity Distances”, as it may be amended from time to time; and

(c)  protected by a fire break. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 21.

(3) An operator of a surface magazine or a mine using explosives shall give written notice to an inspector and the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any,

(a)  before a magazine is or explosives are first used; and

(b)  annually after the magazine is or explosives are first used. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 21.

(4) The notice must be posted in the magazine and contain the following information:

1.  The address of the operator.

2.  The specific location of any surface magazine or a statement that the explosives are delivered directly to the underground workings.

3.  The identification number provided by the Ministry.

4.  The nature and quantity of explosives to be stored or delivered. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 21.

124. (1) An employer at an underground mine shall, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, develop and maintain written procedures for the mine that set out,

(a)  how the security of explosives will be addressed, including during transport, delivery, storage and use;

(b)  how access to explosives will be controlled; and

(c)  how the inventory of explosives will be controlled, including procedures in respect of,

(i)  the return of unused explosives, and

(ii)  the temporary storage of explosives.  O. Reg. 69/23, s. 22.

(2) A copy of the written procedures shall be provided to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, and shall be kept readily available at the mine site. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 22.

(3) For greater certainty, an employer’s duty to provide information and instruction to a worker under clause 25 (2) (a) of the Act includes the duty to provide the worker with information and instruction that is appropriate for the worker on the contents of the written procedures developed and maintained under subsection (1) of this section. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 22.

125. (1) Subject to subsections (2), (3) and (4), explosives in an underground mine shall be kept or stored in a magazine. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 23.

(2) If less than 160 kilograms of explosives are kept or stored in the underground mine, they may be kept or stored in suitable storage containers at locations removed from drilling and blasting operations. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 23.

(3) If long hole blasts or similar blasting operations are being carried on in the underground mine, the quantity of explosives that can be loaded in a 24-hour period and the quantity of explosives necessary to maintain that supply may be kept or stored in suitable storage areas. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 23.

(4) Explosives may be kept or stored outside of a magazine on a temporary basis before being used or transferred to a magazine if,

(a)  the procedures described in subsection 124 (1) are followed; and

(b)  any unused explosives are transferred or returned to a magazine as soon as practicable. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 23.

(5) The employer shall ensure that suitable plans and specifications showing the following are prepared, kept up to date and kept readily available at the mine site:

1.  The design and location of magazines and of explosive storage areas other than magazines, including temporary storage areas.

2.  The maximum storage capacity of each magazine and of each other storage area, including temporary storage areas. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 23.

126. (1) A magazine, storage container or explosive storage area referred to in section 125 that is in an underground mine shall be,

(a)  located at least 60 metres from,

(i)  the main access into or from a mine,

(ii)  key mechanical and electrical installations that remain in service during a mine emergency,

(iii)  areas of refuge or other areas where workers may congregate, and

(iv)  storage areas for fuels or other potential sources of fire;

(b)  located and designed to protect explosives from vehicle impact or vehicle fires; and

(c)  conspicuously marked by a “DANGER EXPLOSIVES” sign.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 22; O. Reg. 84/07, s. 9.

(2) Subclause (1) (a) (i) does not apply during the initial stages of exploration and development of a mine.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 22.

127. (1) A magazine in an underground mine shall be under the control and direction of a competent person.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 23.

(2) A weekly inspection of a magazine in an underground mine shall be carried out by a competent person who shall report in writing to a supervisor,

(a)  as to the condition of the magazine and the explosives; and

(b)  as to the quantities of explosives stored therein.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 127 (2).

(3) Reports required by subsection (2) shall be kept for a period of at least six months.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 127 (3).

128. (1) Every magazine and every storage container shall be kept clean, dry and free from grit at all times.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 128 (1).

(2) The floors and shelves of a magazine where nitroglycerine explosives are kept shall be treated with a neutralizing agent to remove any traces of nitroglycerine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 128 (2).

(3) When explosive is issued or removed from a magazine, the explosive longest in the magazine, if not defective, shall be used first.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 128 (3).

(4) Explosive that is damaged shall be disposed of in accordance with the following rules:

1.  The employer shall establish, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, a procedure for safely disposing of damaged explosive.

2.  The procedure shall state,

i.  what maximum accumulation of damaged explosive is permitted in a magazine or storage place before the damaged explosive must be disposed of,

ii.  what means of disposal shall be used, and

iii.  how frequently damaged explosive shall be disposed of, in addition to disposal under subparagraph i.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 7.

(5) Explosive that is unattended shall not be left in or about any working place but shall be returned to storage.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 7.

(6) Detonators and capped fuse shall be stored in a separate, suitable, closed storage container located at least eight metres from any other explosive.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 128 (6).

(7) Explosive shall not be heated above the ambient temperature of its storage place.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 128 (7).

129. (1) All electrical equipment and wiring installed or used in a magazine or in an explosives storage area that is not a magazine,

(a)  shall comply with,

(i)  the requirements of the Ontario Electrical Safety Code with respect to Zone 22 hazardous locations, and

(ii)  the requirements of National Standard of Canada CAN/BNQ 2910-500/2015 “Explosives — Magazines for Industrial Explosives”, as it may be amended from time to time; and

(b)  shall be protected against lightning strikes and electrical surges. O. Reg. 84/07, s. 10; O. Reg. 69/23, s. 24 (1, 2).

(2) The reference to the Ontario Electrical Safety Code in subclause (1) (a) (i) is to the 28th edition (2021), published by the Electrical Safety Authority. O. Reg. 84/07, s. 10; O. Reg. 69/23, s. 24 (3).

130. Revoked:  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 24.

131. A motor vehicle when transporting explosives on the surface at a mine or plant shall,

(a)  be kept in sound mechanical condition;

(b)  be conspicuously marked by red signals or flags easily visible from front, rear and both sides;

(c)  have all metal parts that could come in contact with containers of explosives covered with wood, tarpaulin or similar non-sparking material;

(d)  not be used to transport other goods or materials at the same time as explosives are being transported;

(e)  be equipped with a type BC fire extinguisher;

(f)  not be loaded in excess of its rated carrying capacity;

(g)  have explosives secured or fastened so as to prevent any part of the load from becoming dislodged;

(h)  transport detonators with other explosives only if the detonators are,

(i)  in a suitable container in a separated compartment, and

(ii)  5,000 or less in number;

(i)  be attended at all times; and

(j)  carry only those persons necessary for handling explosives.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 131.

132. (1) Except as provided for in subsection (2), explosives transported at a mine shall,

(a)  be in suitable closed containers;

(b)  have detonators, blasting caps and capped fuses kept separate from other explosives.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 132 (1).

(2) Capped fuses may be transported with other explosives without placing them in a container if they are kept separate from other explosives.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 132 (2).

(3) Primers shall be made up,

(a)  as near to their point of use as is practicable; and

(b)  only in sufficient numbers for the immediate work in hand.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 132 (3).

(4) Made-up primers shall be transported,

(a)  in separate, suitable, closed containers conspicuously marked with the words “DANGEREXPLOSIVES”; and

(b)  in a separate vehicle or conveyance from other explosives.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 132 (4).

133. (1) When transporting explosives in a shaft conveyance the worker in charge of the operation shall give or cause to be given notice of the operation to the deck attendant and hoist operator.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 133 (1).

(2) No worker shall,

(a)  place in;

(b)  have while in; or

(c)  take out of,

a shaft conveyance any explosive except under the immediate supervision of a worker authorized for the purpose by a supervisor.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 133 (2).

(3) No other material shall be transported with explosives in a shaft conveyance.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 133 (3).

134. (1) Explosives shall be removed without delay from,

(a)  near the shaft collar;

(b)  other entrances to the underground workings; and

(c)  a shaft station.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 134 (1).

(2) Explosives underground shall be transported from a magazine to other magazines or place of use,

(a)  without delay; and

(b)  by the most direct and safe route.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 134 (2).

135. (1) Where explosives are transported underground by means of a motor vehicle or a train,

(a)  the speed of the vehicle or train shall not exceed ten kilometres per hour;

(b)  specific arrangements for the right of way of the vehicle or train shall be made before the vehicle or train is put in motion;

(c)  the explosives shall be in suitable containers;

(d)  the requirements prescribed by section 131, except clauses (b) and (c), apply with necessary modifications; and

(e)  the motor vehicle or train shall display and operate a flashing red light whenever explosives are being transported.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 135 (1); O. Reg. 84/07, s. 11.

(2) Where explosives are transported underground by means of a train,

(a)  the motor vehicle running on rails shall be maintained on the forward end of the train unless a worker walks in front of the train to effectively guard it;

(b)  a car carrying explosives shall be separated from the motor vehicle by an empty car or spacer of equivalent length;

(c)  no explosives shall be carried on the motor vehicle; and

(d)  every car carrying explosives shall be protected from contact with a trolley wire.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 135 (2).

135.0.1 (1) In this section,

“bulk explosives vehicle” means a motor vehicle that is used to transport bulk explosives underground.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 12.

(2) A bulk explosives vehicle shall be provided with a fire suppression system that uses sprinklers, foam or some other suitable means of suppressing fire.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 12.

(3) Whenever a bulk explosives vehicle is not in use, it shall be parked in a place designated as a safe parking place by the employer.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 12.

(4) A place may be designated as a safe parking place for the purpose of subsection (3) only if it is located at least 60 metres away from,

(a)  the main access into or from a mine;

(b)  key mechanical and electrical installations that remain in service during a mine emergency;

(c)  areas of refuge or other areas where workers may congregate; and

(d)  storage areas for fuel or other potential sources of fire.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 12.

(5) Plans and specifications showing the design and location of the designated safe parking places shall be kept readily available at the mine site.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 12.

(6) Subsections (3), (4) and (5) do not apply during the initial stages of development and exploration in a mine.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 12.

(7) A bulk explosives vehicle shall not be parked in a magazine.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 12.

(8) The employer shall, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, develop a procedure for the regular power washing of bulk explosives vehicles.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 12.

(9) Without limiting the generality of subsection (8), the procedure shall specify how often washing is to take place.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 12.

(10) Before a bulk explosives vehicle enters a garage for maintenance,

(a)  all explosives, detonators and explosive residue shall be removed from the vehicle; and

(b)  the vehicle shall undergo power washing in accordance with the procedure mentioned in subsection (8).  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 12.

135.1 (1) This section applies when detonators are being transported otherwise than by means of a motor vehicle or train.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 8.

(2) Detonators shall be carried in containers that are,

(a)  suitable for the purpose; and

(b)  clearly marked as containing detonators.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 8.

(3) The employer shall make containers that comply with subsection (2) readily available to workers.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 8.

136. (1) Subject to subsection (2), before drilling or sampling is commenced in a working place in an underground mine, the exposed faces shall be,

(a)  washed with water; and

(b)  carefully examined for misfires, cut-off holes and remnants of blasted holes.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 136 (1).

(1.1) Despite subsection (1), if it is not practical to examine for misfires, cut-off holes or remnants of blasted holes, drilling or sampling may be done using methods and procedures described in subsection (7).  O. Reg. 171/92, s. 1 (1).

(2) In gypsum mines and in mines containing soluble minerals and salts where water cannot be used,

(a)  an alternate method shall be used for checking each face for misfires and cut-off holes; and

(b)  a written procedure detailing the method shall be prepared and followed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 136 (2).

(3) Where practical, after the face has been checked all remnants of blasted holes shall be conspicuously marked by,

(a)  a ring of contrasting paint or crayon; and

(b)  inserting sticks or plugs into the holes for lifter remnants in a heading.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 136 (3).

(4) In a mine, no drilling or sampling shall be done within 160 millimetres of the bottom remnant, or an intact portion, of a hole that has been charged and blasted unless the methods and procedures described in subsection (7) are followed.  O. Reg. 171/92, s. 1 (2).

(5) In a mine, no drilling or sampling shall be done within one metre of any hole containing explosives unless the methods and procedures described in subsection (7) are followed.  O. Reg. 171/92, s. 1 (3).

(6) No development heading shall be abandoned or work therein discontinued until,

(a)  the material broken at the firing of the last round has been cleared from the face; and

(b)  the whole face of the heading examined for explosives in misfires or remnants of holes.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 136 (6).

(7) For the purposes of subsections (1.1), (4), (5) and 139 (3), drilling or sampling may be done using methods and procedures developed by the employer and the workers involved in the task and agreed upon by the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative for the workplace,

(a)  if the employer gives notice, at least ten days before implementing the methods and procedures, to each union representing workers at the workplace;

(b)  if the employer ensures that workers are trained in the methods and procedures; and

(c)  if the employer publicizes the methods and procedures and displays them in the workplace before implementing them.  O. Reg. 171/92, s. 1 (4); O. Reg. 272/97, s. 25.

(8) Subject to subsection (9), if a frozen cut is encountered, drilling may be done only if it is done in accordance with methods and procedures developed by the employer and the workers involved in the task and agreed on by the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative for the workplace.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 6.

(9) No collaring may be done within 300 millimetres of a frozen cut or if there is a possibility of intersecting any portion of a frozen cut, unless the methods and procedures of subsection (7) are used.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 6.

(10) In subsections (8) and (9),

“frozen cut” means the first holes blasted in a development round that do not break the rock as intended, but rather shatter and cover over with no explosives visible.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 6.

137. (1) Subject to subsection (2), any explosive charge that has misfired or cut off,

(a)  shall not be withdrawn; and

(b)  shall be blasted without undue delay at a safe and suitable time.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 137 (1).

(2) Except for nitroglycerine sensitized explosives, water soluble explosives may be washed out of the hole by means of an approved device.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 137 (2).

(3) A worker who fires any charges shall, where possible, count the number of shots and if a misfire is suspected shall report it to his or her supervisor.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 137 (3).

(4) Where at the end of a shift a misfire is suspected, or if a misfire has been reblasted and it has not been checked, such fact, together with the location of the hole, shall be recorded in the shift log.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 137 (4).

(5) An employer shall establish and maintain a system for reporting to the employer and recording misfired explosives.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 3.

(6) An employer shall use reasonable efforts to determine the cause of a misfiring of an explosive and shall take such preventive action as is reasonable in the circumstances.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 3.

138. (1) Drill holes shall be of sufficient size to admit the free insertion to the bottom of the hole of a cartridge of explosive or a loading hose.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 138 (1).

(2) Before charging a hole with explosives, the hole shall be cleared of all obstructions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 138 (2).

139. (1) Drilling or undercutting and charging operations at a mine shall not be carried on simultaneously,

(a)  on the same face above or below each other; or

(b)  within eight metres horizontal distance of each other.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 139 (1).

(2) In charging holes for blasting, no iron or steel tool or rod shall be used.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 139 (2).

(3) No iron or steel tool shall be used in a hole that contains an explosive unless the methods and procedures described in subsection 136 (7) are followed.  O. Reg. 171/92, s. 2.

(4) Drill holes charged with explosives shall,

(a)  have a properly prepared detonating agent placed in the charge;

(b)  be fired in their proper sequence;

(c)  when loaded in one loading operation, be blasted in one blasting operation, except where a procedure for doing otherwise has been prepared and adopted by the supervisor in charge of the mine; and

(d)  when primed, not be left unfired, but shall be fired at the time for blasting required by the supervisor in charge of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 139 (4).

(5) Except when blasting electrically or when only one charge is to be fired, there shall be at least two workers present at a blasting operation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 139 (5).

(6) Except when the blasting operation is conducted on surface in daylight or under artificial light, every worker engaged in a blasting operation shall carry a light.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 139 (6).

(7) Where detonating cord is used,

(a)  loading shall be completed in all holes; and

(b)  all equipment not required for the loading operation shall be removed from the blast site before,

(i)  cords are interconnected between holes or attached to trunk line circuits, and

(ii)  delay devices or initiating detonators are attached to trunk line circuits.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 139 (7).

140. Where holes are loaded pneumatically with explosives,

(a)  only semi-conductive hoses manufactured for such purpose shall be used;

(b)  pneumatic loading equipment shall not be grounded directly to pipes, rails or other similar continuous conductors; and

(c)  where electrical blasting caps are used,

(i)  no plastic or other non-conducting liners shall be used, and

(ii)  the cap shall not be placed in the hole until the pneumatic loading of the hole has been completed, except where a procedure for doing otherwise has been prepared and adopted by the supervisor in charge of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 140.

141. (1) Before blasting,

(a)  a worker shall be stationed at each entrance or approach and instructed to prevent inadvertent access to every place where,

(i)  the blasting is to take place,

(ii)  the safety of persons may be endangered by the blasting, or

(iii)  a diamond drill hole intersection may connect with the blast;

(b)  the worker doing the blasting shall,

(i)  give or cause to be given due warning in every direction by shouting “FIRE”, or give warning of a primary blast by siren where the extent of the operation makes shouting ineffective,

(ii)  satisfy himself or herself that all persons have left the workplace or the vicinity except those required to assist him or her in blasting and guarding, and

(iii)  take necessary precautions to ensure that all areas of the mine to be affected by the blasting operation are vacated.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 141 (1).

(2) In surface mines,

(a)  the warning of a primary blast by siren shall be given,

(i)  at least five minutes prior to the blast, and

(ii)  again at one minute prior to the blast;

(b)  where it is necessary to stop traffic on a public road,

(i)  signs shall be posted to warn traffic of the impending blast, and

(ii)  guards equipped with suitable red flags shall be posted to stop traffic prior to the blast;

(c)  an all-clear signal shall be sounded after all danger from the blast has passed; and

(d)  where a worker is required near the blast area, blasting shelters shall be provided.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 141 (2).

(3) If there is a disagreement as to the time of setting off blasts in contiguous or adjacent claims or mines, the owners or employers shall jointly determine times at which blasting operations may be performed.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 26.

141.1 (1) In a blasting operation, the worker who makes the final connections necessary to allow the blast to be fired is the only person who is permitted to fire the blast.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 9.

(2) Despite subsection (1), if it is not possible for the same worker to perform both functions in a particular blasting operation,

(a)  the employer, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee, or the health and safety representative, if any, shall establish safe procedures for performing the blasting operation;

(b)  the employer shall ensure that the safe procedures are set out in writing and that the workers involved in the blasting operation are informed about the safe procedures before performing any tasks in connection with the blasting operation; and

(c)  every worker involved in the blasting operation shall follow the safe procedures.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 9.

142. (1) A competent person shall be appointed to design each primary blast at a surface mine.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 13.

(2) The design of a primary blast shall include,

(a)  the number of holes to be blasted;

(b)  the burden, spacing and depth of each hole;

(c)  the type and weight of explosives;

(d)  the length of stemming and firing delay detonator used for each hole;

(e)  the firing sequencing of the holes;

(f)  the weight of explosives used per estimated tonne broken; and

(g)  the guarding procedures necessary to protect the safety of workers.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 13; O. Reg. 60/94, s. 5.

(3) A competent person shall ensure that each blast is carried out according to the design.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 13.

(4) The person in charge of a blast shall keep a record of the design data for the blast and shall sign it.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 13.

143. (1) The person in charge of a primary blast at a surface mine shall keep a record setting out,

(a)  the date, time and location of the blast;

(b)  the wind direction and velocity at the time of the blast; and

(c)  the atmospheric conditions at the time of the blast.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 13.

(2) The person shall sign the record.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 13.

144. A vehicle shall not be driven, parked or located over or under loaded holes except where a procedure for doing so has been prepared and adopted by the supervisor in charge of the mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 144.

145. Before a connection is made between two underground working places,

(a)  an examination shall be made of the workings towards which the active working is advancing, where practicable, to determine that the work can proceed in a safe manner; and

(b)  when the distance between the working places is less than,

(i)  twice the length of the longest drill steel used, or

(ii)  a minimum of five metres from the bottom of the longest hole,

all approaches to both working places shall be guarded before blasting.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 145.

146. Where safety fuse is used in any blasting operation,

(a)  no fuse shorter than one metre shall be used;

(b)  no fuse shall be lighted at a point closer than one metre from the capped end;

(c)  capped fuses shall be supplied in standard lengths;

(d)  the uncapped ends of fuses of the same length shall be identified;

(e)  where more than one charge is to be fired, each fuse connected to a charge shall be lighted by a suitable and reliable timing device;

(f)  where igniter cord is used, no connections shall be made to fuses until all holes are loaded; and

(g)  where igniter cord is used, a worker shall, immediately after the ignition of the igniter cord, leave the workplace which will be affected by the blasting operation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 146.

147. (1) A worker performing blasting operations shall not permit any person to return to a workplace affected by the operation until the applicable minimum period of time described in this section has elapsed.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 3.

(2) If safety fuses are used, the minimum period is,

(a)  10 minutes after the worker performing the blasting operations hears the last shot, if a single fuse is used; or

(b)  30 minutes after the worker performing the blasting operations hears the last shot, if more than one fuse is used.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 3.

(3) In the case of a misfire when at least one safety fuse is used, the minimum period is 30 minutes after a reblast.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 3.

(4) If detonators that are not safety fuses are used, the minimum period is,

(a)  the time for the blasting contaminants to clear, if one detonator is used; or

(b)  10 minutes after the worker performing the blasting operations hears the last shot, if more than one detonator is used.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 3.

(5) If the worker performing the blasting operations does not hear a shot when using detonators that are not safety fuses, the minimum period is 10 minutes after,

(a)  the worker has disconnected the lead wires from the power source and short-circuited them and locked the blasting switch, if any, in the open position; or

(b)  the worker has disconnected the initiation device from the blasting system.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 3.

147.1 (1) No worker shall use safety fuses in an underground mine to blast hang-ups in chutes, passes, millholes or drawpoints.  O. Reg. 68/96, s. 3.

(2) No worker shall insert a safety fuse into a drilled hole in an underground mine.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 6.

148. (1) Blasting in a shaft, shaft station or other workings being driven from a shaft shall be done by means of electricity,

(a)  after the first three metres of advance has been made in the shaft; and

(b)  until such time as the permanent timbers and ladders have reached the level upon which blasting is being done.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 148 (1).

(2) Blasting in a raise, where free escape is not readily available, shall be done by means of electricity from a safe location outside the raise.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 148 (2).

149. When blasting by means of electricity,

(a)  where balanced circuits are required, each circuit shall be tested before firing with a suitable galvanometer or other similar suitable instrument;

(b)  where electric blasting caps are used,

(i)  the protective shunt shall not be removed from the leg wire until connections are made,

(ii)  the leg wire shall not be shortened to less than one metre,

(iii)  the firing cables leading to the face or faces shall be short-circuited while the leads from the blasting caps are being connected to each other and to the firing cables,

(iv)  the short-circuit prescribed in subclause (iii) shall not be removed until all workers have left the workplaces to be affected by the blasting operation, and

(v)  the short-circuit prescribed in subclause (iii) shall be located so that a premature explosion will be harmless to the worker opening the short-circuit; and

(c)  before any person returns to the workplace affected by the blasting operation,

(i)  the firing cables shall be removed from the battery, blasting machine or other source of electricity and shall be short-circuited, and

(ii)  the blasting switch shall be locked in the open position.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 149.

150. (1) Where the source of current is a portable direct current battery or blasting machine the firing cables or wires shall,

(a)  not be connected to the source of current until,

(i)  the workplace to be affected by the blasting operation has been cleared of persons, and

(ii)  immediately prior to blasting; and

(b)  be disconnected and short-circuited immediately after the blast has been fired.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 150 (1).

(2) A blasting machine shall,

(a)  be of a type and design specifically manufactured for the purpose;

(b)  be kept in good mechanical and electrical condition;

(c)  be tested regularly using methods specified by the manufacturer;

(d)  be tested before any blasts that may require the maximum output of the machine;

(e)  be clearly marked with the capacity of the machine; and

(f)  not be used in excess of its rated capacity.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 150 (2).

(3) A portable direct current battery shall be of a type and design specifically manufactured for the purpose. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 6.

151. Blasting cables and blasting wires shall,

(a)  be distinguished from other cables and wires;

(b)  be used for blasting purposes only; and

(c)  not come into contact with,

(i)  detonating cords,

(ii)  power, lighting or communication cables, or

(iii)  pipes, rails or other continuous metal grounded circuits.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 151.

152. (1) When a common electrical source is used to fire blasts in more than one workplace provision shall be made for,

(a)  the continued shorting of the blasting cables;

(b)  a three-way switch for each individual blasting circuit which can be locked in either the shorted or closed position to provide for,

(i)  shorting of the circuit,

(ii)  energizing the circuit, and

(iii)  testing of the circuit;

(c)  identification of blasting cables and switches; and

(d)  a written blasting procedure setting forth,

(i)  the method of connecting the blasting wires to the electrical supply,

(ii)  the evacuation of all workers from the area of the blast, and

(iii)  the method of testing the system to ensure that the proper connections have been made.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 152 (1).

(2) The written blasting procedure shall be followed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 152 (2).

153. (1) Circuits from a source other than from a portable hand-operated device used for blasting shall be,

(a)  from an isolated, ungrounded power source; and

(b)  used for blasting only.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 153 (1).

(2) A blasting device shall,

(a)  be designed for the purpose;

(b)  be kept in good mechanical and electrical condition;

(c)  be constructed so that it automatically opens the circuit by gravity to short-circuit the blasting conductor;

(d)  have the live side enclosed within a fixed box with a door,

(i)  that can be locked and unlocked only by the worker doing the blasting, and

(ii)  so arranged that the door cannot be closed unless the contacts of the firing circuit are in the opened and shorted position; and

(e)  where the power source exceeds 300 volts be electromagnetically operated.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 153 (2).

154. (1) No electrical blasting circuit connections shall be made on or near to surface or in or near to a shaft during an electrical storm in the vicinity.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 154 (1).

(2) If electrical blasting operations are undertaken, an employer shall ensure that the operations are conducted so as to ensure that there is no interference from any system, device or controller capable of producing radio frequencies or radiating electromagnetic energy.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 27.

(3) An employer shall ensure that a system, device or controller that is capable of producing radio frequencies or radiating electromagnetic energy does not set off detonators.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 27.

(4) Subsections (1), (2) and (3) do not apply with respect to blasting operations that use,

(a)  a combination blast initiation device and high-frequency radio signal that have been designed for that purpose; or

(b)  a high-frequency impulse-initiated detonator.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 27.

PART VII
ELECTRICAL

155. (1) If electrical equipment is installed or modified, the work shall be done in accordance with good electrical practices.  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 3.

(2) The electrical equipment shall be operated in accordance with good electrical practices.  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 3.

(3) The quantity and trade name of any liquid insulant or coolant when in excess of one litre shall be shown on the name plate of the electrical equipment in which it is contained.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 155 (3).

(4) A person who is competent in the electrical trade shall be appointed to be in charge of electrical equipment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 155 (4).

156. If the employer intends to make a major electrical installation or a major alteration to existing electrical installations, the employer shall give the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, written notice of that fact.  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 4.

157. Revoked: O. Reg. 486/99, s. 5.

158. (1) This section applies with respect to all work done on electrical equipment or conductors, other than work that is performed on energized equipment as permitted under subsection 159 (1). O. Reg. 265/15, s. 7.

(2) An employer shall establish a written locking and tagging program to protect the health and safety of workers. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 7.

(3) Before doing any work to which this section applies, a worker shall verify, by testing, that the following requirements have been complied with:

1.  All hazardous sources of electrical supply to the electrical equipment or conductors are isolated.

2.  Subject to subsection (4), all energy isolating devices are properly engaged, locked and tagged in accordance with subsection (5).

3.  All hazardous stored electrical energy is discharged. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 7.

(4) A locking device required under paragraph 2 of subsection (3) may be omitted where,

(a)  the locking device in itself creates a hazard due to the design of the energy isolating device; or

(b)  circuit breakers or fuses for voltages of less than 150 volts to ground are not equipped with a means of locking. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 7.

(5) A tag required under paragraph 2 of subsection (3) shall,

(a)  be secured to prevent its inadvertent removal;

(b)  state the reason the energy isolating devices are locked and tagged;

(c)  show the name of the person responsible for locking and tagging the energy isolating devices;

(d)  show the date on which the energy isolating devices were locked and tagged;

(e)  be made of nonconducting materials; and

(f)  be installed so as not to become energized. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 7.

159. (1) Electrical work shall not be performed on energized equipment except where,

(a)  de-energizing the equipment,

(i)  would increase or introduce additional hazards, or

(ii)  is not feasible due to equipment design or operational limitations;

(b)  equipment and personal protective devices and clothing that are appropriate to the work are provided and used;

(c)  the employer has established written measures and procedures for energized work to protect the health and safety of workers;

(d)  no hazard from explosive or flammable materials exists; and

(e)  all necessary precautions to work safely are taken. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 8.

(2) Except as provided for in subsection (1), no object shall be brought closer than the distance specified in Column 2 of the following Table to an exposed, energized overhead electric supply line of the voltage specified in Column 1:

TABLE

 

Column 1
Voltage of Powerline

Column 2
Minimum Distance

300 to 150,000 volts

3 Metres

150,000 to 250,000 volts

4.5 Metres

Over 250,000 volts

6 Metres

R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 159 (2).

(3) Precautions to guard workers against injury by moving or energized parts shall be taken before maintenance, repair or adjustment work is performed on a machine that is energized.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 159 (3).

(4) When located less than 1.5 metres measured in a horizontal plane or 2.5 metres measured in a vertical plane from a walkway or landing, any bare part of electrical equipment energized in excess of 150 volts DC or 50 volts AC shall be guarded.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 159 (4).

(5) Machines that have movable or extendable booms must not be operated in close proximity to energized electrical supply lines unless,

(a)  they are operated in accordance with subsection (1); or

(b)  the operator of the machine has been authorized to perform such work and,

(i)  there is a clearance between any part of the machine and the energized line that is more than the greater of,

(A)  one-half the maximum horizontal reach of the boom, or

(B)  the distance determined under subsection (2),

(ii)  the lines are disconnected and grounded,

(iii)  the machine is a railroad crane operating on railroad tracks and the supply line is energized to less than 750 volts direct current, or

(iv)  the supply lines are guarded against contact by any part of the machine or its load.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 7.

(6) Subsections (2) to (5) apply only with respect to electrical lines installed on the surface and electrical equipment used on the surface.  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 6.

160. Revoked: O. Reg. 265/15, s. 9.

161. A portable ladder which has metal or metal reinforced side rails shall not be,

(a)  stored in or about electrical equipment having energized and exposed parts; or

(b)  used about electrical equipment having energized exposed parts.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 161.

162. Revoked:  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 7.

163. (1) The supports for electrical equipment and the compartments in which it is installed shall be of such material and arranged in such a manner as to reduce the potential for a fire to a minimum.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 163 (1).

(2) No flammable material shall be stored or placed in the same compartment as electrical equipment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 163 (2).

(3) Lamps or heating units shall be installed and protected so as to prevent the heat generated from causing a fire.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 163 (3).

(4) A fire extinguishing device shall be provided in each area where electrical equipment creates a fire hazard.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 163 (4).

(5) The fire extinguishing device prescribed in subsection (4) shall be,

(a)  of a type approved for use on electrical fires;

(b)  of a size recommended for the size and type of equipment;

(c)  located convenient to an exit from the area; and

(d)  maintained in condition for immediate use.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 163 (5).

164. (1) Electrical mobile equipment operating at more than 300 volts to ground shall be supplied by a system wherein,

(a)  the neutral is grounded through a current limiting device in such a manner as to limit the possible rise of ground fault potential to a maximum of 100 volts to ground; and

(b)  ground fault protection is provided.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 164 (1).

(2) Electrical mobile equipment operating at more than 300 volts to ground must have a fail safe circuit that prevents the supply of electricity to the equipment when the conductivity of the ground return circuit is not continuous.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 29 (1).

(3) In this section,

“electrical mobile equipment” means equipment which, during its operating cycle, is required to move along the ground while energized and which receives its current through a trailing cable and includes drills which connect to an electrical power supply.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 29 (2).

165., 166. Revoked:  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 7.

167. Revoked: O. Reg. 167/16, s. 11.

168., 169. Revoked:  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 7.

170. (1) The power supply to a motor shall not be run through the enclosure of the controller for another motor.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 170 (1).

(2) Revoked:  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 10.

171. Revoked:  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 7.

172. (1), (2) Revoked:  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 8.

(3) Switchboards shall be made of materials that are noncombustible.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 172 (3); O. Reg. 167/16, s. 1.

173. Revoked:  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 9.

174. (1) This section applies with respect to equipment that can be operated or moved by remote control using a system, device or controller that produces radio frequencies or radiates electromagnetic energy.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 31.

(2) An employer shall ensure that the system, device or controller is not capable of operating or moving equipment unless it is intended to do so.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 31.

(3) An employer shall ensure that only one system, device or controller can be used at a time to operate or move the equipment.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 31.

(4) The system, device or controller must be equipped with a device that enables the operator to stop the equipment in an emergency.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 31.

(5) The employer shall establish procedures to ensure that the operator and other workers are in a safe location when the equipment is being operated or moved.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 31.

175. (1) Cables supplying electrical power from surface to underground shall be fed through a circuit breaker located on surface.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 175 (1).

(2)-(6) Revoked:  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 10.

176.-178. Revoked:  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 11.

179. The voltage of any underground lighting circuit shall not exceed 150 volts to ground except in circuits using direct current where the voltage shall not exceed 300 volts to ground.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 179.

180. (1) In an underground mine with trolley lines installed underground, the owner shall ensure that the requirements of this section are met.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 5.

(2) The lines must be designed to have a nominal voltage less than 1,200 volts and operated with a nominal voltage less than 1,200 volts.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 5.

(3) The lines must have ground fault protection if they use alternating current.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 5.

(4) If the operating voltage of the lines is greater than 300 volts, there must be,

(a)  lighting or reflectors sufficient to indicate the location of the lines; and

(b)  warning signs installed at points of access to the lines.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 5.

(5) Trolley lines of the bare conductor type must be protected by guards made of insulating materials.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 5.

(6) The guards must extend at least 75 millimetres below the lowest point of the trolley line and must be placed not more than 150 millimetres from the nearest line.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 5.

(7) Despite subsection (5), guards are not required on trolley lines of the bare conductor type that use alternating current if the trolley lines have ground fault protection that prevents a worker from being exposed to an electrical current sufficient to cause ventricular fibrillation.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 5.

(8) Trolley lines of the bare conductor type that are installed underground after December 31, 1994 must be located,

(a)  at least 2.4 metres above grade, if the operating voltage is 300 volts or less;

(b)  at least 2.7 metres above grade, if the operating voltage is more than 300 volts but less than 750 volts;

(c)  at least 4.0 metres above grade, if the operating voltage is 750 volts or more.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 5.

(9) Trolley lines of the busway conductor type that are installed underground after December 31, 1994 must be located at least 2.4 metres above grade.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 5.

(10) Subsections (8) and (9) do not apply with respect to trolley lines that are an extension of a trolley line system,

(a)  if the system is installed before January 1, 1995;

(b)  if the system has an operating voltage of 300 volts or less; and

(c)  if the extension is located at least 1.8 metres above grade.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 5.

(11) The employer shall establish written procedures to require all necessary precautions to work safely around trolley lines.  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 12.

PART VIII
MECHANICAL

181. (1) An explosive actuated fastening tool shall,

(a)  when in storage be,

(i)  accessible only to an authorized worker, and

(ii)  kept in a locked container; and

(b)  be of a type and design that conforms to CAN3-Z166-M85 Series “Powder Actuated Fastening Tools”.  O. Reg. 174/01, s. 4 (1); O. Reg. 34/14, s. 8.

(1.1) An explosive actuated tool or explosive actuated system shall be,

(a)  maintained in proper condition; and

(b)  serviced in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations.  O. Reg. 174/01, s. 4 (1).

(2) The shells for use with an explosive actuated tool or explosive actuated system shall,

(a)  be identified as to size and strength;

(b)  be kept in containers which contain only one size and strength;

(c)  not be left unattended except when in storage; and

(d)  when in storage be,

(i)  accessible only to an authorized worker, and

(ii)  kept in a locked container.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 181 (2); O. Reg. 174/01, s. 4 (2).

(3) The operator of an explosive actuated tool or explosive actuated system shall,

(a)  be a competent person;

(b)  operate the tool or system in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions; and

(c)  ensure before use that the barrel is clean and free from any obstruction.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 181 (3); O. Reg. 174/01, s. 4 (3, 4).

181.1 Revoked: O. Reg. 69/23, s. 25.

182. (1) An employer at a mine or mining plant shall, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, develop and maintain a written airborne hazard management program. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(2) The program shall,

(a)  set out the airborne hazards and potential airborne hazards that have been identified and assessed in a risk assessment conducted under section 5.1;

(b)  list any measure developed and maintained under section 5.2 to eliminate or control the airborne hazards or potential airborne hazards;

(c)  set out the number of samples to be taken and the frequency and locations of testing and monitoring;

(d)  include measures and procedures to,

(i)  maintain control systems and all of the components of such systems, and

(ii)  monitor the effectiveness and measure the performance of those controls;

(e)  identify the persons responsible for implementing the program, including the persons responsible for testing, monitoring or sampling; and

(f)  set out information about the training and instructions that the persons responsible for implementing the program must complete. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(3) A copy of the program shall be provided to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, and be kept readily available at the mine or mining plant. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(4) Subject to subsections (5) and (6), the program shall be reviewed at least annually. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(5) The program shall be reviewed as soon as possible if there has been a change to,

(a)  a mining process, work method or ventilation system that results in new airborne hazards or a change to existing airborne hazards; or

(b)  the biological or chemical substances in the workplace that affect airborne hazards. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(6) If a review is required under subsection (5), the next annual review required by subsection (4) shall be within one year of the date of the review under subsection (5). O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(7) For greater certainty, an employer’s duty to provide information and instruction to a worker under clause 25 (2) (a) of the Act includes the duty to provide the worker with information and instruction that is appropriate for the worker on the contents of the airborne hazard management program. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

183. (1) All non-rail-bound diesel-powered equipment that is first used in an underground mine after June 1, 1995 must meet the requirements set out in CSA Standard M424.2:22 “Non-Rail-Bound Diesel-Powered Machines for use in Non-Gassy Underground Mines”. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(2) An employer at an underground mine shall keep and maintain a record for every piece of diesel-powered equipment used in an underground mine and shall keep the records readily available. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(3) The record required under subsection (2) must include,

(a)  the make, model and serial number of the equipment and of any emission control devices used with the equipment;

(b)  the rated power, rated RPM, maximum fuel injection rate and ventilation rate as certified in accordance with the CSA Standard referred to in subsection (1); and

(c)  the capacity of the fuel tanks and hydraulic fluid tanks. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(4) An employer at an underground mine shall keep and maintain the following information relating to the use and operation of diesel-powered equipment in the underground mine:

1.  The volume of air flowing in the underground haulageways and workings where the equipment is operating.

2.  The total ventilation requirements for the equipment when it is operating in a single continuous course of air. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(5) The employer shall ensure that the information required under subsection (4) is,

(a)  provided directly to the operators of the diesel-powered equipment or is otherwise available to them in a readily accessible format; and

(b)  is readily available at the mine site. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(6) No gasoline or other volatile fuel shall be used in the starting mechanism in diesel-powered equipment used in an underground mine. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(7) The fuel used in diesel-powered equipment that is used in an underground mine must,

(a)  have a flash point of 52℃ or higher; and

(b)  meet one of the following standards:

(i)  Canadian General Standards Board CAN/CGSB-3.517-2020 “Diesel Fuel”, as it may be amended from time to time.

(ii)  Canadian General Standards Board CAN/CGSB-3.520-2020 “Diesel Fuel containing low levels of biodiesel (B1-B5)”, as it may be amended from time to time.

(iii)  Canadian General Standards Board CAN/CGSB-3.522-2020 “Diesel Fuel containing biodiesel (B6-B20)”, as it may be amended from time to time. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

183.1 (1) Where diesel-powered equipment is operating in an underground mine, the employer shall ensure a mechanical ventilation system produces a flow of air in accordance with the following rules:

1.  For equipment with a diesel engine certified in accordance with CSA Standard M424.2:22 “Diesel-Powered Machines for use in Non-Gassy Underground Mines” or previously certified in accordance with an earlier version of that Standard, the flow of air must be at least equal to the recommended ventilation rate as appears on the certificate of homologation.

2.  For equipment with a diesel engine not certified in accordance with CSA Standard M424.2:22 “Diesel-Powered Machines for use in Non-Gassy Underground Mines” or not previously certified in accordance with an earlier version of that Standard, the flow of air must be at least 0.06 cubic metres per second for each kilowatt of power of the equipment.

3.  If the equipment described in paragraph 1 or 2 has been subsequently modified with a diesel particulate filter or similar after-treatment device, but has not been certified or recertified in accordance with CSA Standard M424.2:22 “Diesel-Powered Machines for use in Non-Gassy Underground Mines” after the modification or was not previously certified in accordance with an earlier version of that Standard after the modification, the employer shall consult with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, and determine a suitable flow of air based on:

i.  the applicable rates for the equipment prior to modification as determined under paragraphs 1 and 2,

ii.  good engineering practices, and

iii.  the results of testing performed on the equipment, including emission levels produced by the equipment after the installation of a diesel particulate filter or similar after-treatment device.

4.  Where more than one piece of diesel-powered equipment is operating in a single continuous course of air in an underground mine, the flow of air must be at least equal to the cumulative ventilation rates as determined under paragraphs 1 to 3. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(2) A record of the suitable flow of air determined under paragraph 3 of subsection (1) together with the information, testing results and calculations used to make that determination must be kept readily available at the mine site. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(3) A diesel particulate filter or after-treatment device shall be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(4) The employer shall ensure that each piece of diesel-powered equipment has the required flow of air as determined under subsection (1) posted in a location on the equipment that is visible to and readable by the operator. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

183.2 Where diesel-powered equipment is operated in an underground mine, the time-weighted average exposure of a worker to elemental carbon shall not be more than 0.12 milligrams per cubic metre of air. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

183.3 (1) The employer at an underground mine shall ensure that tests are carried out to determine,

(a)  the volume of air flowing in underground haulageways and workings where diesel-powered equipment is operating; and

(b)  the volume of air flowing in the workplace and the concentration of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, or elemental carbon in the atmosphere of the workplace. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(2) The test required under clause (1) (a) shall be conducted at least weekly and the test required under clause (1) (b) shall be conducted at the request of a worker. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(3) The employer at an underground mine shall ensure that,

(a)  the results of tests conducted under subsection (1) are recorded and the record is maintained and is readily available at the mine site; and

(b)  the results are provided to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, on request. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(4) If a test indicates that a worker has been exposed to a hazardous substance referred to in clause (1) (b) in excess of a limit set out in section 183.2 or in section 4 of Regulation 833 (Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents) made under the Act, the employer shall,

(a)  investigate the cause and take remedial action, if possible, to prevent a recurrence of the situation;

(b)  notify the worker and the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, for the workplace; and

(c)  re-evaluate emission levels and confirm that the concentrations do not exceed the applicable limits. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

183.4 (1) At an underground mine, an employer shall test the undiluted exhaust discharging from diesel-powered equipment into the atmosphere to ensure that it contains,

(a)  less than 600 parts per million by volume of carbon monoxide; and

(b)  less than 60 parts per million by volume of nitrogen dioxide. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(2) The testing in subsection (1) must be done,

(a)  immediately after repairs are made to the engine or the exhaust system or both; and

(b)  at routine intervals for maintenance as the manufacturer recommends or, if there is no such recommendation, at least once a month. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

(3) The employer shall ensure that,

(a)  testing measures and procedures are developed in consultation with, and take into consideration any recommendations made by, the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any;

(b)  each individual piece of equipment is tested under consistent conditions so that results from different tests can be compared;

(c)  testing is carried out, as far as is practical, on equipment under full load;

(d)  test results are provided to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, on request; and

(e)  a record of the results of every test is created, maintained and kept readily available at the mine site. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 26.

184. The exhaust of an internal combustion engine which is temporarily or permanently installed within a building on surface shall be,

(a)  conducted to a point outside the building; and

(b)  prevented from,

(i)  re-entering the building,

(ii)  entering the intake of any compressor,

(iii)  contaminating the atmosphere of another building, and

(iv)  contaminating mine workings.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 184.

184.1 A temporary attachment used to connect a lifting device to its load or to anchor it,

(a)  shall be appropriate for the use;

(b)  shall be designed and installed in accordance with safety factors recognized by good engineering practice; and

(c)  shall be used in a manner that minimizes shock loading.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 14.

185. (1) In this section,

“machine” includes a prime mover, transmission equipment and thing.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 10.

(2) A machine that has an exposed moving part that may endanger the safety of any person shall be fenced or guarded unless its position, construction or attachment provides equivalent protection.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 10.

(3) A machine shall be provided with a device that automatically prevents a worker operating it from coming in contact with any moving part.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 10.

(4) The travelway of a counterweight shall be guarded or located to prevent,

(a)  inadvertent entry thereto by a worker; and

(b)  injury to a worker should the counterweight become detached from its fastenings.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 10.

(5) Clearance sufficient for the safety of a worker shall be provided from the path of travel of,

(a)  a load carried by a machine;

(b)  a moving part of a machine; and

(c)  another machine.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 10.

(6) A revolving set screw, bolt, key or other similar device shall be recessed, encased or guarded to prevent inadvertent contact by a worker.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 10.

(7) If any work is being done on a machine,

(a)  the moving parts shall be stopped;

(b)  any stored energy that could be a hazard to workers shall be dissipated or contained;

(c)  energy isolating devices shall be installed if the machine is not already equipped with them; and

(d)  all energy isolating devices shall be properly engaged, locked and tagged. O. Reg. 31/04, s. 10; O. Reg. 69/23, s. 27.

(8) Before doing any work to which subsection (7) applies, a worker shall verify, by testing, that the requirements of that subsection have been complied with.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 10.

(9) A tag required by clause (7) (d) shall,

(a)  be secured to prevent its accidental removal;

(b)  state the reason the energy isolating devices are locked and tagged;

(c)  show the name of the person responsible for locking and tagging the energy isolating devices; and

(d)  show the date on which the energy isolating devices were locked and tagged.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 10.

(10) If it is not practical to comply with subsection (7), work to which that subsection applies may be done if, while it is being done, barriers, shields or other effective precautions are used or taken for the safety of a worker.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 10; O. Reg. 265/15, s. 12.

186. (1) Subject to subsection (10), no elevator shall be put into service without an engineer giving written statement to the owner setting out,

(a)  the location of the elevator;

(b)  the maximum loading of number of persons and material that may be carried by the elevator when it is installed, maintained and operated in compliance with this Regulation;

(c)  that the elevator is designed and manufactured in accordance with appropriate engineering standards and installed where it is to be put into service in compliance with good engineering practice. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 33 (1); O. Reg. 373/22, s. 7.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to an elevator that is operated for testing purposes. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 33 (1).

(3) The owner shall ensure that a copy of the statement is posted at the mine site in a location readily visible to workers and that a copy is given to the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any. O. Reg. 236/99, s. 5 (1).

(4) The maximum loading set out in the statement required under subsection (1) or a permit referred to in subsection (10) shall not be exceeded. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 33 (1).

(5) An elevator installation shall meet the following standard:

1.  If it was installed before October 15, 1991, CSA Standard B44-1975, “Safety Code for Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators and Moving Walks”.

2.  If it was installed on or after October 15, 1991 and before April 23, 1999, CSA Standard B44-M90, “Safety Code for Elevators”.

3.  If it was installed on or after April 23, 1999 and before October 1, 2007, CSA Standard B44-94, “Safety Code for Elevators”.

4.  If it was installed on or after October 1, 2007, CSA Standard B44-00, “Safety Code for Elevators”. O. Reg. 84/07, s. 13; O. Reg. 34/14, s. 10.

(6) Each component that may affect the safe operation of an elevator shall be examined and tested by a competent person before an elevator is initially used and thereafter at intervals not exceeding one month. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 186 (6).

(7) A log book shall be kept in which the date, findings and name of the competent persons performing the examinations and tests prescribed in subsection (6) shall be recorded. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 186 (7).

(8) In addition to the standards required to be met under subsection (5), an elevator shall,

(a)  have a safe means of access to the machinery room which access shall be located outside the hoistway;

(b)  not have hoisting or balance ropes that are spliced;

(c)  have the entry to the machinery room restricted to authorized persons;

(d)  have a means by which a person stranded in an elevator can alarm persons outside the elevator when the elevator is operated on automatic control; and

(e)  have its controls and machine parts protected against physical damage, moisture, dust or extreme temperatures. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 186 (8).

(9) The machinery room of the elevator shall be kept clean and contain only those materials required for the elevator. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 186 (9).

(10) Subsections (1) and (3) do not apply to an elevator being operated under a permit issued by the Ministry of Labour before August 16, 1997. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 33 (2).

187. A dumbwaiter, escalator or moving walk shall meet the following standard:

1.  If it was installed before April 1, 1994, CSA Standard B44-1975, “Safety Code for Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators and Moving Walks”.

2.  If it was installed on or after April 1, 1994 and before April 23, 1999, CSA Standard B44-M90, “Safety Code for Elevators”.

3.  If it was installed on or after April 23, 1999 and before October 1, 2007, CSA Standard B44-94, “Safety Code for Elevators”.

4.  If it was installed on or after October 1, 2007, CSA Standard B44-00, “Safety Code for Elevators”.  O. Reg. 84/07, s. 14; O. Reg. 34/14, s. 11.

188. Revoked: O. Reg. 167/16, s. 11.

189. (1) No worker shall be raised or lowered or be permitted to be raised or lowered by any hoist, derrick, crane or similar device unless,

(a)  such device is examined and tested by a competent person before being used to raise or lower the worker;

(b)  a safe procedure for raising or lowering the worker is established in accordance with subsection (2) and is used; and

(c)  there is a device by which the hoist operator and the worker being raised or lowered can exchange movement signals except where the worker being transported is visible at all times to the hoist operator.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 189; O. Reg. 571/92, s. 15; O. Reg. 60/94, s. 9 (1).

(2) The procedure must be jointly developed by the employer and the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, for the workplace.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 9 (2).

190. A worker using a bosun’s chair, suspended scaffold or mobile staging shall be protected by a fall arrest system as prescribed by section 14 if the worker may fall more than three metres from the chair, scaffold or staging.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 190.

191. No elevator, dumbwaiter, escalator, moving walk or manlift shall be used when a component, which may affect its safe operation, is defective.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 191.

192. (1) A lifting device shall be,

(a)  designed to safety factors recognized by good engineering practice;

(b)  installed in accordance with such design criteria;

(c)  provided with overwind protection if power operated; and

(d)  provided with an identification plate.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 192 (1); O. Reg. 34/14, s. 12.

(2) The maximum load that a lifting device may carry, based on its design criteria, shall be established by its designer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 192 (2).

(3) A notice showing the maximum load established under subsection (2) shall be posted in a location visible to the operator of the device.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 192 (3).

(4) Except during testing, the maximum load established under subsection (2) shall not be exceeded.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 192 (4).

(5) Each component that may affect the safe operation of a lifting device shall be examined and tested by a competent person before initial use and thereafter at intervals not exceeding one year.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 192 (5).

(6) The dates, findings and names of the competent persons performing the examinations and tests prescribed in subsection (5) shall be recorded and the records shall be kept available for inspection.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 192 (6).

(7) Where a combination of lifting devices is used simultaneously, the work shall be supervised by a competent person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 192 (7).

193. (1) A grinder shall be assembled and adjusted in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 193 (1).

(2) The maximum speed at which a grinding wheel may be operated shall be indicated on the grinding wheel or in a manner by which the speed may be readily ascertained.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 193 (2).

(3) A grinding wheel shall be,

(a)  enclosed by a protective hood except for the area at the workrest;

(b)  stored where it will not be damaged by impact, extreme heat and cold;

(c)  stopped when the grinder or workrest is being adjusted; and

(d)  not operated in excess of the manufacturer’s recommended maximum speed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 193 (3).

(4) The operator of a grinder shall wear eye protection.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 193 (4).

(5) The workrest of a grinder shall be mounted above the centre line of the grinding wheel not more than three millimetres from the wheel.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 193 (5).

(6) An air operated grinder shall have a governor to prevent its operation in excess of the rated speed of the grinding wheel.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 193 (6).

(7) The governor required by subsection (6) shall be inspected regularly and maintained in proper operation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 193 (7).

194. (1) A person directing workers who perform welding, burning or cutting operations shall be a competent person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (1).

(2) Every worker who as part of his or her work performs welding, burning or cutting operations shall be a competent person.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (2).

(3) Protection for workers to protect them against injury from fumes, radiation and electric arcs produced during welding, burning or cutting operations shall be provided and used.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (3).

(4) A device to extinguish a fire that may be caused by heat or cuttings produced during welding, burning or cutting shall be provided with each oxygen-acetylene unit.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (4).

(5) The device required by subsection (4) shall,

(a)  have a capacity for extinguishing a fire that is equal to or greater than a minimum Underwriters’ Laboratories of Canada classification of 1A 10B; and

(b)  be suitable for class A and B fires.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (5).

(6) Equipment for welding, burning or cutting shall be protected against physical damage and from damage by heat, fire and sparks.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (6).

(7) No gas welding, burning or cutting equipment shall be used unless it is free from defects, leaks, oil and grease.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (7).

(8) Acetylene cylinders shall be placed in an upright position for at least thirty minutes before use.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (8).

(9) The valve protection cover or cap of an oxygen or acetylene cylinder shall be secured in place when the cylinder is not in use and, in the case of a threaded cover or cap, the cover or cap shall be secured at least hand-tight.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (9).

(10) The valves of oxygen and acetylene cylinders shall be closed when,

(a)  a job is completed;

(b)  the oxygen and acetylene cylinders are on portable units and unattended underground; and

(c)  the oxygen and acetylene cylinders are transported.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (10).

(11) The regulators and manifolds of an oxygen or acetylene cylinder shall be disconnected when the cylinder is being transported underground, unless the construction of the cylinder is such that it would not endanger worker health and safety for the regulators and manifolds to remain connected when the cylinder is being transported underground. O. Reg. 187/19, s. 11.

(12) Unless procedures for safe use have been established by a supervisor in charge of the workplace, a charged gas system installed for welding, burning or cutting shall not be used for any other purpose.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (12).

(13) An insulated conductor of adequate size shall be used to carry the welding current back to an electric welder unless another safe return path has been provided.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (13).

(14) No welding, cutting, burning or soldering shall be done on a container in which an explosive or flammable substance has been stored unless the substance,

(a)  has been completely removed; or

(b)  has been made non-flammable or non-explosive.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (14).

(15) No explosive or flammable substance shall be put in a container on which welding, burning, cutting or brazing has been done until the container has cooled sufficiently to prevent ignition of the substance.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (15).

(16) A second worker who is a competent person shall attend oxygen and acetylene control devices when oxygen and acetylene cylinders are set up in,

(a)  a position not readily available to the worker performing cutting, welding or burning operations; and

(b)  a shaft conveyance while a worker is welding, burning or cutting on or from the conveyance.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 194 (16).

195. (1) An overhead travelling crane for general use shall meet the standards set out in CSA Standard B167-16 (R2021) “Overhead cranes, gantry cranes, monorails, hoists, and jib cranes”. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 28 (1).

(2) An electric overhead travelling crane for steel mill service shall meet the standards set out in the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers Standard No. 6, “Specifications for Electric Overhead Travelling Cranes for Steel Mill Service”. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 195 (2).

(3) Every production crane shall be provided with,

(a)  a safe means of access and egress for the operator from the cab mounted on the crane when,

(i)  it is parked in the normal parking position, and

(ii)  it cannot be brought to the normal parking position; and

(b)  an alarm by which the operator can warn persons that may be endangered by the moving crane. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 195 (3).

(4) Every service crane shall be provided with an alarm that is visible to persons in the vicinity of the crane when the crane is operating on,

(a)  pendant control, where the worker controlling the crane does not have a clear view of the area in which the crane is operating; or

(b)  radio frequency control. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 195 (4).

(5) Every production crane and every service crane shall be provided with,

(a)  protection against inadvertent operation by radio frequencies when equipped with radio frequency controls;

(b)  an operating procedure to guard against colliding with other cranes on the same track;

(c)  a load rating plate, stating the maximum load that can be carried by the crane, posted on the crane;

(d)  a means by which the power conductors for the crane can be safely disconnected from the source of electrical supply; and

(e)  a switch or circuit breaker by which the maximum power to the crane can be safely interrupted from the cab on the crane, unless the crane collectors can be safely removed. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 195 (5).

(6) Before a crane is first used, a person trained in and using the commissioning and testing requirements contained in CSA Standard B167-16 (R2021) “Overhead cranes, gantry cranes, monorails, hoists, and jib cranes” shall test devices that may affect the safe operation of the crane. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 28 (2).

(6.1) While a crane is in use a trained person shall examine and service devices that may affect the safe operation of the crane at a frequency at least equal to that recommended by its manufacturer or, if there is no manufacturer’s recommendation, at a frequency at least equal to that specified by a competent person. O. Reg. 571/92, s. 16 (1).

(7) In addition to the requirements of subsection (6), devices that may affect the safe operation of,

(a)  a production crane shall be tested daily when in use; and

(b)  a service crane shall be tested daily when in use and the test shall be made before the first use of the crane on that day. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 195 (7).

(8) The shafting of each hoist drive train of a production crane shall be subjected to the appropriate non-destructive test or tests to determine if it is in sound condition,

(a)  before the production crane is first used; and

(b)  after the production crane has been first used, at a frequency at least equal to that recommended by its manufacturer or, if there is no manufacturer’s recommendation, at a frequency at least equal to that specified by an engineer. O. Reg. 187/19, s. 12 (1); O. Reg. 373/22, s. 8.

(8.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 12 (1).

(9) A log book shall be kept for each crane and the log book shall contain,

(a)  a record of the dates on which testing, servicing and inspections were performed;

(b)  a record of the findings of any tests and examinations;

(c)  a record of repairs and modifications performed and the signature of the person performing such work; and

(d)  the signature of the supervisor authorizing the repairs or modifications referred to in clause (c). R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 195 (9).

(10) No crane shall be operated,

(a)  when in the hoisting rope,

(i)  the number of broken wires in one lay length exceeds 5 per cent of the total in the rope, or

(ii)  defects that seriously affect its strength are known to exist;

(b)  when a person is in the vicinity of the wheel tracks unless precautions have been taken to ensure his or her safety;

(c)  by an unauthorized person;

(d)  by a person who is not a competent person, except for the purpose of training;

(e)  when any device that may affect safe operation is found to be faulty; and

(f)  when the load exceeds the load rating of the crane, except for the purpose of a test. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 195 (10).

(11) No person shall ride or be permitted to ride,

(a)  on the load being carried by a crane;

(b)  on a crane except,

(i)  the crane operator and any trainee,

(ii)  personnel performing maintenance, inspection, or testing of the crane,

(iii)  supervisors, and

(iv)  for the purpose of maintenance repairs from the crane when precautions for the safety of workers doing the repair have been implemented. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 195 (11).

(12) A production crane shall be operated by a competent person who is in possession of a subsisting crane operator’s medical certificate, and a list of the names of active crane operators and the expiry dates of their medical certificates shall be recorded and posted. O. Reg. 187/19, s. 12 (2).

(13) A person operating a production crane shall,

(a)  be physically and mentally fit to discharge the duties of a crane operator;

(b)  undergo a medical examination by a physician before commencing work as a crane operator and every twelve months thereafter;

(c)  obtain a crane operator’s medical certificate from the physician that,

(i)  certifies that the person is physically fit to operate a crane and is not subject to any infirmity of body or mind that may interfere with the duties of a crane operator,

(ii)  expires twelve months from its date,

(iii)  is signed and dated by the physician, and

(iv)  is kept available for inspection. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 195 (13); O. Reg. 187/19, s. 12 (3).

(14), (15) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 12 (4).

196. (1) No person shall ride on a conveyor belt.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 196 (1).

(2) A conveyor shall have,

(a)  a means to safely apply belt dressing while the conveyor is in motion; and

(b)  if the conveyor is started automatically, by remote control or if a portion or portions of the conveyor are not visible from the operator’s position, a start-up warning device. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 12 (1); O. Reg. 61/18, s. 6 (1).

(3) Subsections (3.1) and (3.2) apply to the following pinch points on a conveyor:

1.  The head, tail, drive, deflection and tension pulleys.

2.  If the lift of the belt is restricted, the return rollers and the carry rollers. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 12 (1).

(3.1) Subject to subsection (3.2), the pinch points referred to in subsection (3) shall be guarded by a guard that, unless it would render the pinch point inaccessible, extends at least 0.9 metres from the pinch point. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 12 (1).

(3.2) If it is impracticable to comply with subsection (3.1),

(a)  a fence shall be in place that prevents access to the pinch points;

(b)  a barricade shall be in place that prevents access to the pinch points; or

(c)  a gate equipped with an interlocking device, which has a manual reset switch, shall be in place that prevents access to the pinch points while the conveyor is operating. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 12 (1).

(3.3) Subsections (3.1) and (3.2) do not apply if the position or construction of the conveyor provides equivalent protection that renders the pinch points inaccessible. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 12 (1).

(4) Guards shall be provided beneath a conveyor,

(a)  that passes over a worker; or

(b)  from which falling materials or parts may endanger a worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 196 (4).

(5) A conveyor in an underground mine shall have,

(a)  devices that guard against excessive slip between the belt and the driving pulley; and

(b)  a fire suppression system at the driven end unless fire retardant belting is used or the conveyor is continually attended by a worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 196 (5); O. Reg. 61/18, s. 6 (2).

(6) A conveyor shall be stopped and the prime mover de-energized, locked and tagged out when the conveyor is undergoing repairs, adjustments or maintenance unless,

(a)  it is necessary to run the conveyor during such work; and

(b)  effective precautions are taken to prevent injury to a worker from moving parts.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 196 (6); O. Reg. 167/16, s. 12 (2).

196.1 (1) Every conveyor shall have an emergency stopping system that operates a manual reset switch that stops the conveyor. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 13.

(2) If a conveyor is accessible to a worker, the emergency stopping system is required,

(a)  at any pinch point on the conveyor that is not set out in subsection 196 (3) and the emergency stopping system must be within easy reach of a worker at each of those pinch points; and

(b)  at any other locations along the conveyor in order to ensure that the system is always within easy reach of a worker. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 13.

(3) If a conveyor is inaccessible to a worker by any means listed in subsection (4), the emergency stopping system is required at a location or locations determined by the employer following consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 13.

(4) For the purposes of subsection (3), the following are considered means by which a conveyor is inaccessible:

1.  A fence.

2.  A barricade.

3.  A gate equipped with an interlocking device, which has a manual reset switch that renders the conveyor inoperative when the gate is moved or opened.

4.  The location of the conveyor renders it inaccessible.

5.  Any combination of paragraphs 1 to 4. O. Reg. 167/16, s. 13.

197. (1) A power driven raise climber shall,

(a)  have at least two independent means of braking,

(i)  one of which shall be as close as practical to the final drive of the motor,

(ii)  each capable of stopping and holding the climber with its maximum rated load, and

(iii)  each arranged to permit independent testing;

(b)  have the maximum load that it may carry as certified by its manufacturer, displayed on the climber or at the raise service position;

(c)  be operated within the maximum load limit;

(d)  except when the track on which it operates is being extended, have a stop block to prevent the climber being taken beyond the track;

(e)  have an effective means for communication between the climber and the raise service position; and

(f)  have an overspeed safety device that,

(i)  will stop the climber and hold it in place if it begins to travel faster than its design speed,

(ii)  is approved by the manufacturer of the climber,

(iii)  is overhauled at least once every three years by the manufacturer or by another competent person, and

(iv)  bears a suitable mark identifying the device’s serial number, the most recent date on which the device was overhauled and the name of the person who performed the overhaul.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 197 (1); O. Reg. 60/94, s. 10; O. Reg. 84/07, s. 15.

(2) A raise climber that is electrically powered shall,

(a)  not be operated in excess of 750 volts;

(b)  be protected by a ground fault system;

(c)  have a visible break switch at the raise service area by which its power can be isolated;

(d)  have a switch at the raise service area by which its power can be safely interrupted; and

(e)  have a control switch on the climber by which power to its motor can be removed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 197 (2).

(3) The electrical supply to a raise climber shall be disconnected while explosives and electric caps are being loaded into a position for blasting.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 197 (3).

(4) A means by which workers can be reached and removed from a raise climber shall be available for use.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 197 (4).

(5) Devices that may affect the safe operation of a raise climber shall be examined by a competent person,

(a)  before the raise climber is first used at the raise and daily thereafter when in use; and

(b)  during every major overhaul of the raise climber.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 197 (5).

(6) A major overhaul shall be performed on a raise climber at the frequency recommended by the manufacturer of the climber or a competent person, whichever is the more frequent.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 197 (6).

(7) A raise climber being used at a raise shall be cleaned thoroughly weekly.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 197 (7).

(8) The brakes and controls of the raise climber shall be tested prior to first being used during a workshift.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 197 (8).

(9) The main shafting of the drive train of a raise climber shall be subjected to the appropriate non-destructive test or tests to determine if it is in sound condition,

(a)  before the raise climber is first put into service; and

(b)  during every major overhaul of the raise climber and not less frequently than once for every 4,000 hours of use.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 197 (9); O. Reg. 174/01, s. 6; O. Reg. 187/19, s. 13.

(10) A log book shall be kept for each raise climber and the log book shall contain,

(a)  a record of the dates the examinations prescribed in subsections (5) and (9) are performed;

(b)  a record of the findings during the examinations referred to in clause (a);

(c)  a record of any repairs and modifications, and the signature of the person performing such examinations, repairs and modifications; and

(d)  the signature of the supervisor authorizing the repairs and modifications referred to in clause (c).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 197 (10).

(11) The owner shall give written notice to the joint health and safety committee or a health and safety representative, if any, of a proposed raise climber installation.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 35.

(12) A raise climber shall be,

(a)  designed, maintained and operated in accordance with good engineering practice; and

(b)  built and installed in accordance with the design.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 35; O. Reg. 236/99, s. 7 (1).

(13) The employer of workers operating the raise climber shall ensure that a notice showing the maximum number of persons or load weight is posted on or near the raise climber and that the number or weight is not exceeded.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 35; O. Reg. 236/99, s. 7 (2).

(14) Revoked:  O. Reg. 236/99, s. 7 (3).

198. (1) Procedures for the safe operation of a steam or compressor plant shall be prepared in writing and made available to the workers operating and maintaining the plant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 198 (1).

(2) A steam boiler or compressor to which Ontario Regulation 220/01 (Boilers and Pressure Vessels) made under the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000 does not apply shall be regularly cleaned and examined for proper and safe condition.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 11.

199. (1) An air compressor driven by a prime mover exceeding twenty-five kilowatts when installed in an underground mine shall be,

(a)  designed and installed so as to minimize the hazard of fire or explosion due to the accumulation of carbonaceous materials in the air system;

(b)  provided with protective devices that prevent its operation if,

(i)  the temperature of the air at the discharge line is in excess of normal,

(ii)  the temperature of the compressor cooling water and cooling air is in excess of normal, or

(iii)  the flow and pressure of compressor lubricating oil is below normal;

(c)  provided with an alarm that,

(i)  is audible and visible to the worker in charge of the compressor,

(ii)  operates when a device as prescribed in clause (b) is activated,

(iii)  operates as long as the conditions exist that cause a device as prescribed in clause (1) (b) to operate.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 199 (1).

(2) No protective device prescribed in clause (b) shall be,

(a)  capable of automatically restarting the compressor; and

(b)  used unless tested and found to function properly.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 199 (2).

200. (1) A reciprocating type air compressor driven by a prime mover exceeding thirty kilowatts, that is lubricated by oil and discharges to a closed system over 100 kilopascals, shall have,

(a)  a temperature-indicating device installed at the high-pressure discharge pipe; and

(b)  the normal operating temperature marked on the device.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 200 (1).

(2) The discharge air temperature shall be,

(a)  read at least once every operating shift; and

(b)  recorded in a compressor log book.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 200 (2).

201. (1) An operator of mobile cranes, shovels and boom trucks, or similar equipment, whereby rope is wound onto a drum driven by an engine for the purpose of raising, lowering or swinging materials, shall,

(a)  hold a certificate of qualification or a provisional certificate of qualification issued under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021, that is not suspended, or, if the worker is an apprentice, be working pursuant to a training agreement registered under that Act, that is not suspended, in the trade of,

(i)  hoisting engineer — mobile crane operator 1, if the mobile crane, shovel and boom truck or similar equipment is capable of raising, lowering or swinging any material that weighs more than 30,000 pounds,

(ii)  hoisting engineer — mobile crane operator 1 or hoisting engineer — mobile crane operator 2, if the mobile crane, shovel and boom truck or similar equipment is capable of raising, lowering or swinging only material that weighs more than 16,000 pounds but no more than 30,000 pounds, or

(iii)  hoisting engineer — tower crane operator, if the equipment is a tower crane; or

(b)  be qualified in accordance with a program approved by the Director, when the person is an employee of the mine or mining plant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 201 (1); O. Reg. 60/94, s. 11; O. Reg. 92/13, s. 1; O. Reg. 884/21, s. 1.

(2) An approved program referred to in clause (1) (b) shall consist of,

(a)  instruction time;

(b)  field time;

(c)  familiarization with the equipment to be used; and

(d)  a method of examination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 201 (2).

(3) Mobile cranes, shovels, boom trucks and similar equipment shall be inspected for safe and proper condition by a competent person,

(a)  before being used at the start of each workshift; and

(b)  at regular intervals as recommended by the manufacturer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 201 (3).

PART IX
RAILROADS

202. (1) Standard practices to govern the safe operation of a standard gauge railroad, a self-propelled track crane, motorized equipment used for the maintenance of a standard gauge railroad, a motor vehicle equipped with rail wheels in addition to rubber-tired wheels or other similar equipment shall be prepared in writing.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (1).

(2) A copy of the standard practices prepared in accordance with subsection (1) shall be provided to each railroad worker and each railroad worker,

(a)  shall be trained and instructed in and be knowledgeable of the standard practices for his or her work; and

(b)  shall have a copy of the standard practices readily available while on duty.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (2).

(3) Where a railroad of a mine or mining plant interconnects with a railroad of a railway company a standard procedure shall be established and followed for carrying on operations on the first mentioned railroad.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (3).

(4) A railroad shall be built to safely withstand speeds and loads to which it will normally be subjected by a train.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (4).

(5) A low bridge warning sign shall be installed at an approach of a railroad to an overhead structure, where the clearance between the underside of the structure and the top of any railroad car is less than two metres.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (5); O. Reg. 34/14, s. 13.

(6) Guard rails shall be placed at the approach to railroad tracks where the view is obstructed in one or both directions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (6).

(7) A locomotive shall,

(a)  have an audible warning system in proper working condition;

(b)  have a suitable headlight for each travel direction when operating in areas without adequate lighting;

(c)  be equipped with brakes in proper working condition; and

(d)  have the control lever so mounted as to prevent its inadvertent removal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (7).

(8) The locomotive operator shall be in position at the controls when operating the locomotive on manual control.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (8).

(9) Before leaving a locomotive unattended, the operator shall,

(a)  set the controls in position for parking;

(b)  set the brakes; and

(c)  on a grade, use hand brakes or wheel chocks to prevent movement of the locomotive.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (9).

(10) The owner shall give notice to the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representatives, if any, before installing remote or automatic controls for the operation of a locomotive.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 36.

(11) A standard practice shall be prepared for the use of radio communications systems on a railroad.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (11).

(12) Only authorized persons shall ride on a train.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (12).

(13) One or more workers shall be stationed to direct the operator of a locomotive when backing a train in a location where persons may be endangered.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (13).

(14) A car shall not be permitted to run free unless,

(a)  adequate control thereof is maintained; and

(b)  there is no hazard to a worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 202 (14).

PART X
MINE HOISTING PLANT

203. (1) Subject to subsection (5), no mine hoisting plant shall be operated without an engineer giving written statement to the owner setting out,

(a)  the location of the plant;

(b)  the maximum loading of number of persons and material that may be carried by the plant when it is installed, maintained and operated in compliance with this Regulation;

(c)  that the plant is designed and manufactured in accordance with appropriate engineering standards and installed where it is being operated in compliance with good engineering practice. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 37; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 9.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a plant that is operated for testing purposes. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 37.

(3) The owner shall ensure that a copy of the statement for each plant is available at the mine site and readily reviewable by the workers and that a copy is given to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 37.

(4) The mine owner shall ensure that the mine hoisting plant is installed, maintained and operated in compliance with this Regulation. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 37.

(5) Subsections (1) and (3) do not apply to a plant being operated under a permit issued by the Ministry of Labour before August 16, 1997. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 37.

204. (1) Subject to subsection (5), no shaft conveyance shall be operated without an engineer giving written statement to the owner setting out,

(a)  the location of the conveyance;

(b)  the maximum loading of number of persons and material that may be carried by the conveyance when it is installed, maintained and operated in compliance with this Regulation;

(c)  that the conveyance is designed and manufactured in accordance with appropriate engineering standards and installed where it is being operated in compliance with good engineering practice. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 37; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 10.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a conveyance that is operated for testing purposes. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 37.

(3) The owner shall ensure that a copy of the statement is posted at the shaft collar and that a copy is given to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 37.

(4) The owner shall ensure that the conveyance is installed, maintained and operated in compliance with this Regulation. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 37.

(5) Subsections (1) and (3) do not apply to a conveyance being operated under a permit issued by the Ministry of Labour before August 16, 1997. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 37.

205. Tests for compliance with this Regulation shall be conducted on a mine hoisting plant before being put into initial service in a particular location.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 205.

206. (1) In determining the maximum weight to be included in the written statement required under subsection 204 (1), the engineer shall take into consideration the maximum load that a mine hoisting plant is capable of safely carrying. O. Reg. 272/97, s. 38; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 11.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), the maximum number of persons that can be carried on a shaft conveyance shall be determined as follows:

1.  Where the clear floor area of a deck of a shaft conveyance is 1.86 square metres or less, there shall be at least 0.19 square metre for each person.

2.  Where the clear floor area of a deck of a shaft conveyance is more than 1.86 square metres and less than 4.64 square metres, there shall be at least 0.16 square metre for each person.

3.  Where the clear floor area of a deck of a shaft conveyance is 4.64 square metres or more, there shall be at least 0.14 square metre for each person. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 206 (2).

(3) The maximum number of persons that may be carried by a shaft conveyance shall not exceed 85 per cent of the maximum weight of materials divided by ninety kilograms. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 206 (3).

207. The following log books shall be obtained from the Ministry and used for each mine hoisting plant:

1.  Electrical Hoisting Equipment Record Book.

2.  Hoisting Machinery Record Book.

3.  Hoist Operator’s Log Book.

4.  Rope Record Book.

5.  Shaft Inspection Record Book.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 207.

208. A headframe on surface or underground in an underground mine shall,

(a)  be designed in accordance with good engineering practice;

(b)  have the plans of the design certified by an engineer;

(c)  be constructed in accordance with the design;

(d)  be of sufficient strength to safely withstand all loads to which it is likely to be subjected; and

(e)  be of sufficient height to provide a distance for an overwind that exceeds the greater of,

(i)  twice the stopping distance of the hoist at the maximum speed permitted by the hoist controls, or

(ii)  three metres. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 208; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 12.

209. (1) A mine shaft shall,

(a)  be designed in accordance with good engineering practice;

(b)  have a means to guide each shaft conveyance to prevent contact with another shaft conveyance or shaft furnishings;

(c)  have underwind clearances that exceed the stopping distance of the shaft conveyance when travelling at the maximum speed permitted by the hoist-controls, except,

(i)  during shaft sinking, or

(ii)  when chairs are used to land a skip during loading; and

(d)  where a friction hoist is installed, have tapered guides or other such devices above and below the limits of regular travel of the shaft conveyance and counterweight, arranged to act as a direct physical brake to decelerate and stop the counterweight and shaft conveyance in the event of an over-travel.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 209 (1).

(2) A barrier or obstruction to prevent a shaft conveyance from being lowered into water in the shaft bottom must be installed in the shaft except,

(a)  when the shaft is being sunk; or

(b)  where a friction hoist is installed.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 9.

(3) A probe indicating the high water level shall be installed below the lowest working level in a shaft in which natural drainage is not provided and in which flooding may occur due to equipment failure.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 9.

(4) The probe shall be installed so that it can be read by the person in control of the hoist.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 9.

(5) The probe shall be installed so that,

(a)  it enables the person in control of the hoist to prevent a shaft conveyance from being lowered into water; or

(b)  it prevents a shaft conveyance from being lowered into water.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 9.

(6) If a probe is installed, a procedure must be established to prevent a conveyance with occupants from being lowered into water.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 9.

(7) The employer shall establish the procedure in consultation with the joint health and safety committee.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 9.

(8) The procedure shall be implemented when the probe indicates that there is water at the high water level.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 9.

210. (1) Subject to subsection (5), protective devices and procedures shall be used to prevent a shaft conveyance or counterweight from coming into contact with an intermediate shaft obstruction.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 210 (1).

(2) A device which may become an intermediate shaft obstruction shall be positively locked out of the shaft compartment to prevent inadvertent entry into the compartment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 210 (2).

(3) The location of the intermediate shaft obstruction shall be marked on the depth indicator of a hoist.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 210 (3).

(4) The protective procedure for operating the intermediate shaft obstruction shall be prepared in writing and posted for use by the hoist operator.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 210 (4).

(5) Doors for covering the shaft at the collar to facilitate the maintenance of a shaft conveyance are not an intermediate shaft obstruction if,

(a)  they are positively latched out of the shaft compartments when not in use; and

(b)  dual lights are installed to indicate to the hoist operator whether such doors are in or out of the shaft compartment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 210 (5).

(6) Equipment used to directly discharge material into a skip shall operate in such a way that actuating power is required before any gate will open.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 5.

211. (1) This section applies if a shaft conveyance is being used to transport persons.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 12.

(2) The hoist shall be equipped with control devices that prevent the shaft conveyance from being taken,

(a)  to the dump position, unless a procedure is established and followed that ensures persons on the shaft conveyance remain securely in place if the conveyance is taken to the dump position; or

(b)  below a loading pocket, unless the controls for loading the shaft conveyance from that pocket have been made inoperative or the persons are being transported in a separate compartment of the shaft.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 12.

(3) If a shaft conveyance that is being used to transport persons is not a cage or a combination skip and cage designed to normally transport persons, the hoist shall not be permitted to travel at a speed that is more than the lesser of,

(a)  one-half the normal speed of the hoist; or

(b)  five metres per second.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 12.

(4) The control devices of the hoist shall be designed and installed to be fail safe.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 12.

(5) An audible or visible signal that the control devices for the hoist are set in operation shall be given to persons entering the shaft conveyance.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 12.

212. (1) Chairs used for landing a cage shall be,

(a)  arranged to fall clear and remain clear of the shaft compartment when the cage is lifted off the chairs;

(b)  operable only from outside the cage; and

(c)  so arranged as not to distort the cage.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 212 (1).

(2) Chairs fastened to shaft station posts shall be of a chain type.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 212 (2).

213. A certificate for each hoist shall be obtained from the manufacturer of the hoist or an engineer competent in the design of mine hoisting plants certifying,

(a)  the maximum rope pull;

(b)  the maximum suspended load; and

(c)  the maximum unbalanced load in the case of a friction hoist,

and no hoist shall be loaded above the maximums as certified. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 213; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 13.

214. (1) No hoist shall be used for the transporting of persons unless it has a braking system consisting of at least two sets of mechanical brakes to stop and hold the drum for the shaft conveyance transporting the persons.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 214 (1).

(2) Each set of mechanical brakes shall,

(a)  stop and hold the drum when the shaft conveyance or counterweight is operating at its maximum load;

(b)  be so arranged to be capable of being tested independently; and

(c)  be arranged to apply normal braking effort before a linkage or brake piston reaches a limit of travel.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 214 (2).

(3) At least one of the mechanical brakes shall be designed and arranged so that the brake,

(a)  applies directly to the drum; and

(b)  applies automatically when,

(i)  the safety circuit of the hoist is interrupted, or

(ii)  the pressure in the hydraulic or pneumatic system for applying brakes has dropped below normal.  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 13.

(4) The braking system shall be arranged so that,

(a)  the brakes are applied by control levers that are pulled unless brake and power control levers are common;

(b)  any brake weights installed to provide auxiliary braking force can be readily tested for freedom of movement; and

(c)  the hoist brakes are applied automatically upon the loss of electrical, hydraulic or pneumatic power.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 214 (4).

(5) Subject to subsection (6), the brakes of a drum hoist shall be arranged to decelerate the hoist at a rate greater than 1.5 metres per second per second and less than 3.7 metres per second per second where braking is initiated by an interrupted safety circuit and the hoist is,

(a)  normally used for the transporting of persons; and

(b)  operating in the normal full speed zone.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 214 (5).

(6) Subsection (5) does not apply to a drum hoist installed at a particular location prior to the 1st day of October, 1979.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 214 (6).

(7) The brakes of a drum hoist installed in a particular location before the 1st day of October, 1979 and that is normally used for transporting persons shall be tested to determine its deceleration rates.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 214 (7).

(8) Revoked: O. Reg. 34/14, s. 14.

(9) The braking system of a hoist not normally used to transport persons shall be designed and arranged to safely stop and hold the hoist under all conditions of normal load, speed and direction of travel.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 214 (9).

(10) Clause (4) (a) does not apply to a hoist that was installed before the 1st day of October, 1979.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 214 (10).

215. (1) A clutch of a drum hoist shall be interlocked with the brake so that,

(a)  the clutch can be disengaged only when the brake of the drum is fully applied;

(b)  the clutch is fully engaged before the brake of the drum can be released; and

(c)  the brake will apply if the clutch begins to disengage inadvertently.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 215 (1); O. Reg. 60/94, s. 12 (1).

(2) The controls for engaging and disengaging a clutch shall be guarded to prevent their inadvertent operation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 215 (2).

(3) No band type friction clutch shall be used.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 215 (3).

(4) A device must be installed that indicates to the hoist operator whether or not the clutch is fully engaged.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 12 (2).

(5) The following apply if a hoist is installed on or after October 25, 2002 or if a brake control system or clutch control system on a hoist is modified after that date:

1.  The hoist shall be designed and equipped with at least two independent clutch brake interlocking systems to prevent any single component from causing a failure.

2.  The hoist shall be designed so that the clutch brake interlocking systems may be safely examined.

3.  The clutch control shall be designed so that the selection of clutch disengagement automatically applies the clutch drum brake.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 7.

216. (1) Except as prescribed in subsections (2), (3) and (4), the drum diameter to rope diameter ratio for a drum hoist shall be equal to or greater than,

(a)  60 to 1, where the nominal rope diameter is 25.4 millimetres or less; or

(b)  80 to 1, where the nominal rope diameter is greater than 25.4 millimetres.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 216 (1).

(2) The drum diameter to rope diameter ratio for a drum hoist in use for shaft sinking or for preliminary development work during shaft sinking shall be equal to or greater than,

(a)  48 to 1, where the nominal rope diameter is 25.4 millimetres or less; and

(b)  60 to 1, where the nominal rope diameter is greater than 25.4 millimetres.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 216 (2).

(3) The drum diameter to rope diameter ratio of a friction hoist shall be equal to or greater than,

(a)  80 to 1, for stranded ropes; and

(b)  100 to 1, for locked coil ropes.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 216 (3).

(4) Subsection (1) does not apply to a drum hoist where the drum diameter to rope diameter is,

(a)  54 to 1, where the nominal rope diameter is 25.4 millimetres or less; or

(b)  72 to 1, where the nominal rope diameter is greater than 25.4 millimetres,

so long as the drum hoist was manufactured prior to 1954 and the original load rating given by its manufacturer is not exceeded.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 216 (4).

217. (1) No drum hoist shall have,

(a)  more than three layers of rope where the drum has helical or spiral grooving or does not have grooving;

(b)  more than four layers of rope if the drum has parallel and half pitch grooving; and

(c)  less than three dead turns of the rope on the drum.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 217.

(2) Despite clause (1) (b), a drum hoist may have a maximum of five layers of rope if,

(a)  the mine hoisting plant meets the standards set out in SABS Code of Practice 0294, Ed. 1, “The performance, operation, testing and maintenance of drum winders relating to rope safety”, as approved according to procedures of SABS on August 4, 2000; and

(b)  the rope is used, maintained and examined according to the requirements set out in SABS Code of Practice 0293:1996, “Condition assessment of steel wire ropes on mine winders”, as approved by the President of SABS on September 16, 1996.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 13.

218. (1) Subject to subsection (2), the drum of a drum hoist shall be provided with,

(a)  grooves that properly fit the rope, unless the hoist is being used for shaft sinking or preliminary development work during shaft sinking in which case the drum may be smooth; and

(b)  flanges of sufficient height to contain all the rope and which are strong enough to withstand any loading by the rope.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 218 (1).

(2) A conical drum hoist shall be provided with grooves that prevent the rope from slipping off.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 218 (2).

219. A drum hoist and a sheave shall be arranged so that the rope,

(a)  coils properly across the face of the drum;

(b)  winds smoothly from one layer to another; and

(c)  winds without cutting into the rope layer beneath.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 219.

220. Bolts and other fittings of a mine hoisting plant shall be properly secured.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 220.

221. A hoist shall be provided with depth indicators that continuously, accurately and clearly show to the hoist operator the position,

(a)  of a shaft conveyance and counterweight, if any;

(b)  in an inclined shaft, of a change in gradient that requires a reduction in hoist speed;

(c)  at which the overwind, underwind and track limit devices are set to operate;

(d)  of any intermediate shaft obstruction;

(e)  of the limits of normal travel for the shaft conveyance and counterweight, if any; and

(f)  of any collar doors, dump doors and crosshead landing chairs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 221.

222. (1) A steam or air powered hoist shall be provided with devices that,

(a)  protect against an overwind;

(b)  protect against an underwind, except during shaft sinking;

(c)  indicate the air or steam pressure for the hoist operator; and

(d)  permit the air or steam supply to the hoist engine to be readily shut off by the hoist operator. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 222 (1).

(2) Where the hoisting plant consists of a single shaft conveyance without a counterweight, the compression of the engine of an air or steam powered hoist may be used as an automatic brake if,

(a)  the engine is non-reversing;

(b)  the exhaust restraining valve is fail safe;

(c)  the piping system is strong enough to withstand the air or steam pressures;

(d)  the compression has sufficient braking capacity to stop the hoist carrying its maximum load;

(e)  the normal speed of the hoist is less than 2.5 metres per second; and

(f)  specifications and arrangements of the hoist have been prepared or checked by an engineer and comply with this section. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 222 (2); O. Reg. 272/97, s. 39; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 14.

223. A hoist being used as a tugger or a utility hoist shall be maintained and used so as not to endanger the safety of a worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 223.

224. A hoist that is relocated shall comply with the requirements of this Regulation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 224.

225. (1) Before a sheave is used, a certificate for the sheave shall be obtained from the manufacturer of the sheave or an engineer competent in sheave design certifying as to,

(a)  the maximum rated load;

(b)  the diameter of rope for which it was designed;

(c)  the breaking strength of the rope for which it was designed; and

(d)  the maximum amount of groove wear that shall be permitted. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 225 (1); O. Reg. 373/22, s. 15 (1).

(2) No sheave shall be,

(a)  loaded above the maximum rated load; or

(b)  used other than in compliance with the certificate. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 225 (2).

(3) The ratio of the diameter of the sheave to the diameter of the rope shall be as prescribed in section 216. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 225 (3).

(4) A sheave shall,

(a)  be made of materials which will safely withstand the ambient temperatures;

(b)  be fitted with a groove to fit the rope being used; and

(c)  bear a serial number and the date of its manufacture. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 225 (4).

(5) The shaft of a sheave shall be examined for flaws using the appropriate non-destructive test or tests,

(a)  before being put into service in a particular location;

(b)  after installation; and

(c)  at a regular frequency at least equal to that recommended by a person certified in accordance with section 1.1 or by an engineer. O. Reg. 187/19, s. 14; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 15 (2).

226. (1) No hoist that is electrically powered shall be used unless it has a safety circuit that,

(a)  is fail safe;

(b)  when interrupted, operates to,

(i)  set the brakes,

(ii)  remove power from the hoist motor or motors, and

(iii)  stop the mine hoist when in motion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (1).

(2) The safety circuit of a hoist shall be interrupted when,

(a)  there is a failure of a power supply to the hoist electrical system which may affect safe operation;

(b)  there is an overload on the hoist motors of a magnitude and duration exceeding normal;

(c)  there is a short circuit in the hoist electrical system; and

(d)  a prescribed safety device has operated.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (2).

(3) A switch to interrupt the safety circuit of a hoist shall be installed and the switch shall be,

(a)  manually operable;

(b)  located within easy reach of the hoist operator when at the controls;

(c)  readily recognizable; and

(d)  readily operable.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (3).

(4) A track limit device shall be installed in each shaft compartment that will be operated directly by the shaft conveyance or counterweight to interrupt the safety circuit of a hoist in the case of an overwound shaft conveyance or counterweight.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (4).

(5) Devices shall be installed to protect a shaft conveyance or counterweight against,

(a)  an overwind;

(b)  an underwind, except during shaft sinking;

(c)  approaching the limits of travel at an excessive speed; and

(d)  operating or being operated at an overspeed in excess of that for which the hoisting plant was designed and intended.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (5).

(6) The devices required by subsection (5) shall,

(a)  operate to interrupt the safety circuit when activated;

(b)  be driven directly by the drum;

(c)  be protected for loss of motion;

(d)  prevent the paying out of excess rope during shaft sinking; and

(e)  be set to stop the hoist before a shaft conveyance, counterweight and their attachments make contact with a fixed part of a mine shaft or headframe.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (6).

(7) Devices shall be installed for a friction hoist that are set to interrupt the safety circuit where,

(a)  there is abnormal slip between the hoist drum and the hoist ropes;

(b)  there is abnormal wear of the rope treads or the tread wear limit has been reached;

(c)  a shaft conveyance and counterweight approaches the collar of a mine shaft at excessive speed; or

(d)  a violent swing or large rise in the loop of a balance rope occurs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (7).

(8) The devices required for the purposes of clause (7) (c) shall be installed in the mine shaft.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (8).

(9) On a friction hoist, a device shall be installed that synchronizes the position of the shaft conveyance with safety devices driven from the drum.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (9).

(10) A hoist that is electrically powered shall,

(a)  be equipped with a device that,

(i)  measures the load on the hoist drive motor at all times, and

(ii)  is always within plain view of the hoist operator;

(b)  except when the slowdown control at the limits of travel is automatic, have a device to warn the operator, audibly, that the hoist is approaching the limit where a reduction in speed is necessary for safe manual braking;

(c)  have a speed indicator if the normal speed exceeds 2.5 metres per second;

(d)  have a device from which a voltage signal that is proportioned to the speed of the hoist can be obtained;

(e)  have a backout device as prescribed in subsection (11) by which a shaft conveyance or counterweight can be removed from an overwound or underwound position;

(f)  if equipped with an underwind by-pass device, have such device,

(i)  manually operable only, and

(ii)  restrict the hoist operation to slow speed;

(g)  have overwind by-pass devices that,

(i)  are manually operable only,

(ii)  when in use restrict hoist operation to slow speed, and

(iii)  allow hoist travel beyond the first device providing overwind protection;

(h)  have a master controller that has a neutral or brake reset position;

(i)  have any brake operating levers arranged so that upon an interruption of the safety circuit the power to the hoist cannot be restored until the levers are in the brake applied position;

(j)  have accurate and sensitive safety controllers; and

(k)  have each safety-related device capable of being effective under the environmental conditions in which it is installed. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (10); O. Reg. 69/23, s. 29.

(11) A backout device shall,

(a)  be manually operable only; and

(b)  prevent the brake or brakes from being released until sufficient torque has been developed to ensure movement in the correct direction.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (11).

(12) The adjustment of a protective device shall be altered only by a competent person authorized to do so.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 226 (12).

226.1 (1) Every drum hoist in a mine that is regularly used to transport persons in a cage or skip must be equipped with a slack rope protection system that,

(a)  will interrupt the safety circuit when activated; and

(b)  is effective over the entire operating length of the shaft.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 16.

(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to a drum hoist that was installed at or relocated within a mine before January 1, 2012.  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 16.

227. (1) A device that permits changing from manual to automatic control shall be installed on an automatic hoist and the device shall be,

(a)  located where it is readily accessible to the manual controls; and

(b)  operated only by an authorized worker.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 227 (1).

(2) Where a hoist is designed to be operated from control stations located at shaft levels and within a shaft conveyance, the switch for affecting the change-over of the control mode between that at the shaft levels and at the shaft conveyance shall be effective only at the shaft level at which the shaft conveyance is stopped.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 227 (2).

(3) Devices installed on the levels for the purpose of selecting the shaft conveyance destination and initiating hoist movement shall be effective only when,

(a)  the shaft conveyance is stopped at that level; and

(b)  the installation is designed for call operation.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 227 (3).

(4) When an executive signal for hoist motion is given from controls at a level, at least five seconds shall lapse before the hoist moves.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 227 (4).

(5) Except for jogging, devices at shaft level control stations for initiating hoist motion shall be effective only when the shaft gate at the level where the conveyance is stopped is closed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 227 (5).

(6) Except for jogging, devices located within a cage for initiating hoist motion shall be effective only when the door of the cage and the gate of the shaft are closed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 227 (6).

(7) Where the controls for initiating hoist motion are located within a cage, a device shall be installed in the cage by which the safety circuit of the hoist can be interrupted.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 227 (7).

228. (1) A shaft rope shall not be used unless,

(a)  a 2.5 metre representative sample has been subjected to a destructive test in accordance with CSA Standard G4-15 (R2020) “Steel Wire Rope for General Purpose and for Mine Hoisting and Mine Haulage”, as it may be amended from time to time; and

(b)  a Certificate of Test has been obtained from a cable testing laboratory approved by the Minister. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (1); O. Reg. 31/04, s. 14 (1); O. Reg. 187/19, s. 15 (1); O. Reg. 69/23, s. 30 (1).

(2) The test described in subsection (2.1) shall be performed not more than six months after a hoisting rope is first used on a drum hoist, and afterwards at intervals of not more than six months.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 10 (1).

(2.1) A piece of the rope at least 2.5 metres long located at the lower end above the attachment to the conveyance shall be cut off, have its ends fastened to prevent unravelling and be tested in accordance with CSA Standard G4-15 (R2020) “Steel Wire Rope for General Purpose and for Mine Hoisting and Mine Haulage”, as it may be amended from time to time. O. Reg. 187/19, s. 15 (2); O. Reg. 69/23, s. 30 (2).

(2.2) The date of each test under subsections (1) and (2.1) and the results obtained shall be recorded in the Rope Record Book for the rope.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 14 (2).

(3) A Certificate of Test issued under section 20 shall be kept available for inspection, and a copy shall be given to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 14 (2).

(4) A hoisting rope being used as a shaft rope shall be tested throughout its working length by a competent person using an electromagnetic testing device designed, built and tested according to appropriate engineering standards,

(a)  within six months of being put into service; and

(b)  thereafter at regular intervals not exceeding four months; or

(c)  at intervals shorter than four months where, by extrapolation from past tests, the loss in breaking strength will exceed 10 per cent before the next prescribed test.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (4); O. Reg. 779/94, s. 10 (2); O. Reg. 272/97, s. 40 (1).

(5) A balance rope and, where practical, a guide and a rubbing rope in use, shall be tested throughout its working length by a competent person using an electromagnetic testing device designed, built and tested according to appropriate engineering standards,

(a)  within twelve months of being put into service; and

(b)  thereafter at regular intervals not exceeding eight months except where a test discloses a loss exceeding 5 per cent of the breaking strength recorded on the Certificate of Test, in which case the regular intervals shall not exceed four months.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (5); O. Reg. 272/97, s. 40 (2).

(6) The date of each electromagnetic test and the results obtained shall be recorded in the Rope Record Book for the rope.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (6).

(7) A person competent to do so shall interpret the electromagnetic test and graphs and shall sign the record consisting of the test, the graphs and the interpretation.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 40 (3).

(8) The record shall be kept readily available at the mine site while the rope is in service.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 40 (3).

(9) If a test shows a loss exceeding 7.5 per cent of the breaking strength recorded on the Certificate of Test, the person who signs the record shall send a copy of the record of the test to the owner and the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, within 14 days after the test is completed.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 40 (3).

(10) A rope shall not be used as a shaft rope if it has been spliced.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 10 (3).

(10.1) A shaft rope shall not be reversed unless it is used on a friction hoist.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 10 (3).

(11) The minimum nominal diameter of a hoisting rope shall exceed,

(a)  15.9 millimetres where only one rope supports a shaft conveyance or counterweight; and

(b)  12.7 millimetres where more than one rope supports a shaft conveyance or counterweight.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (11).

(12) The factor of safety of a hoisting rope installed on a drum hoist shall not be less than,

(a)  8.5 at the point the rope is attached to a shaft conveyance or counterweight, subject to clause (b);

(b)  7.5 at the point the rope is attached to a skip or counterweight where the material load was accurately weighed; and

(c)  5.0 at the point the rope leaves the head sheave when the shaft conveyance or counterweight is at its lowest point of normal travel, subject to subsection (12.1).  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 14 (3).

(12.1) Clause (12) (c) does not apply if,

(a)  the drum hoist is being used in a vertical shaft;

(b)  at the point that the rope leaves the head sheave when the shaft conveyance or counterweight is at its lowest point of normal travel, the rope has a breaking strength at the time of installation of not less than that obtained from the formula, 25,000 divided by the quantity (4,000 plus L) multiplied by the maximum suspended load to be carried by the rope, including the load represented by the weight of the rope itself, where L is the maximum length of the rope in metres, in the shaft compartment below the head sheave;

(c)  the mine hoisting plant meets the standards set out in SABS Code of Practice 0294, Ed. 1, “The performance, operation, testing and maintenance of drum winders relating to rope safety”, as approved according to procedures of SABS on August 4, 2000; and  

(d)  the rope is used, maintained and examined according to the requirements set out in SABS Code of Practice 0293:1996, “Condition assessment of steel wire ropes on mine winders”, as approved by the President of SABS on September 16, 1996.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 14 (3).

(13) The factor of safety of a hoisting rope installed on a friction hoist shall not be less than the greater of,

(a)  the factor obtained from the formula 8.0 minus 0.00164 L, where L is the maximum length of the rope in metres, in the shaft compartment below the head sheave or the drum of a friction hoist; or

(b)  5.5.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (13); O. Reg. 31/04, s. 14 (4).

(14) The factor of safety of a tail or balance rope shall not be less than 7.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (14).

(15) The factor of safety of a guide or a rubbing rope shall not be less than 5.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (15).

(16) Notice in duplicate in the form set out in the Rope Record Book of the installation of a shaft rope and containing the information set out in the said Book shall be kept readily available at the mine site.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (16); O. Reg. 272/97, s. 40 (4).

(17) When a shaft rope is removed from service notice thereof shall be kept readily available at the mine site for one year and the notice shall,

(a)  state,

(i)  the date of removal,

(ii)  the reason for removal, and

(iii)  the disposition of the removed rope; and

(b)  be in the form of the detachable part of the white Rope Installation Sheet in the Rope Record Book.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (17); O. Reg. 272/97, s. 40 (5).

(18) No rope shall be used as a shaft rope where the breaking strength of the rope has dropped below the breaking strength set out in the Certificate of Test as follows:

1.  In any part of a hoisting rope, 90 per cent.

2.  In any part of a multi-layer, multi-strand balance rope, 90 per cent.

3.  In any part of a single layer stranded balance rope, 85 per cent.

4.  In any part of a guide or rubbing rope, 75 per cent.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (18).

(19) Despite subsection (18), no rope shall be used as a shaft rope where,

(a)  the extension of a test piece has decreased to less than 60 per cent of its original extension when tested to destruction and marked corrosion or considerable loss in wire torsions has occurred;

(b)  the number of broken wires, excluding filler wires, in any section equal to one lay length exceeds 5 per cent of the total; or

(c)  the rate of stretch in a friction hoisting rope shows a rapid increase over its normal stretch recorded during its service.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 228 (19).

(20) If hoisting is discontinued or suspended in a shaft compartment, each shaft rope shall be removed from the shaft immediately.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 10 (4).

(21) Despite subsection (20), shaft ropes may be left in a shaft compartment if the ropes are continually maintained and tested in accordance with this Regulation.  O. Reg. 779/94, s. 10 (4).

229. (1) Shaft ropes shall be attached by closed type devices that will not inadvertently disconnect. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 229 (1).

(2) In a drum hoist installation, the hoisting rope from a shaft conveyance and counterweight shall be attached to the drum of the hoist. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 229 (2).

(3) No wedge type attachments shall be used unless the attachments are,

(a)  in sound condition; and

(b)  certified at least once every six years of use as meeting the manufacturer’s specifications by a competent person or by the manufacturer. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 229 (3); O. Reg. 187/19, s. 16.

(4) When the attachments for a shaft hoisting rope are first installed, or re-installed after disassembling, the following measures and procedures shall be taken before the hoist is put to use:

1.  Two test trips of the conveyance or counterweight through the working part of the shaft, while the conveyance or counterweight is carrying normal load shall be performed.

2.  An examination of the attachments upon the completion of the two test trips shall be made.

3.  Any necessary adjustments shall be made.

4.  A record of any adjustments, examinations and test trips shall be made in the Hoisting Machinery Record Book by the person or persons making the adjustments, examinations and test trips. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 229 (4).

(5) Where shaft rope attachments are made using rope clips, the number of clips to be used and their torque shall be in accordance with good engineering standards. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 229 (5).

(6) A socket attachment used between a shaft conveyance or counterweight and a shaft rope shall be,

(a)  designed to be suitable for mine hoisting;

(b)  installed by a person who,

(i)  is competent in the installation of the type of socket being used, and

(ii)  complies with the manufacturer’s current installation standard; and

(c)  if it is used for hoisting ropes, made with a socket long enough to ensure that the embedded length of rope in the socket is greater than seven times the rope diameter. O. Reg. 486/99, s. 14; O. Reg. 84/07, s. 16.

(7) Each component of an attachment between a shaft conveyance or counterweight and a shaft rope, except for a rope clip, shall be designed to ensure that when in service and carrying the rated load, the component is capable of withstanding at least four times the maximum allowable design stresses without permanent distortion. O. Reg. 486/99, s. 14.

(8) For the purpose of subsection (7), the maximum allowable design stresses are those established by good engineering practice and shall take into account the effects of,

(a)  the weight of the conveyance or counterweight;

(b)  the rated load;

(c)  any impact load;

(d)  any dynamic load;

(e)  stress concentration factors;

(f)  corrosion;

(g)  metal fatigue; and

(h)  dissimilar materials. O. Reg. 486/99, s. 14.

(9) The rope attachments, other than rope clips, installed after October 7, 1999 shall be identified and load rated by the manufacturer or an engineer. O. Reg. 486/99, s. 14; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 16.

230. (1) A certificate shall be obtained for each shaft conveyance or counterweight showing its,

(a)  rated load, as certified by an engineer; and

(b)  serial number, date of manufacture and the name of the manufacturer. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 230 (1); O. Reg. 373/22, s. 17.

(2) Each shaft conveyance and counterweight shall be examined and inspected at least once in every five years of use by a competent person and a record of such examination and inspection shall be kept available for inspection. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 230 (2).

(3) All parts of a shaft conveyance or counterweight when in service and carrying the rated load shall be capable of withstanding at least four times the maximum allowable design stresses without permanent distortion. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 230 (3).

(4) The maximum allowable design stresses shall be those established by good engineering practice and include the effects of,

(a)  the weight of the conveyance or counterweight;

(b)  the rated load;

(c)  any impact load;

(d)  any dynamic load;

(e)  stress concentration factors;

(f)  corrosion;

(g)  metal fatigue; and

(h)  dissimilar materials. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 230 (4).

(5) Where a worker performs work from the top of a shaft conveyance or counterweight, there shall be provided for the worker,

(a)  a safe footing; and

(b)  overhead protection, except when changing shaft guides. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 230 (5).

(6) Devices shall be provided in a shaft conveyance by which any equipment or supplies within the conveyance may be safely secured. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 230 (6).

231. (1) This section applies when a suspended or movable work platform that is not a shaft conveyance is used to transport or support a worker who is performing work in a shaft or in a raise. O. Reg. 68/96, s. 5.

(1.1) The work platform shall be designed by an engineer in accordance with good engineering practices and shall be built in accordance with the design. O. Reg. 68/96, s. 5; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 18.

(2) Before the initial use of a work platform, the employer shall give notice to the joint health and safety committee or to the health and safety representative, if any. O. Reg. 236/99, s. 8.

232. (1) A cage, being used to transport persons, shall,

(a)  where it is supported by only a single rope or attachment point have the safety catches and mechanisms prescribed in subsection (6);

(b)  except on any side which has a door, be enclosed by sheet steel at least three millimetres thick;

(c)  have ventilation, adequate for the persons being transported;

(d)  have a hood of steel plate, at least five millimetres thick;

(e)  have a door or doors as prescribed in subsection (2);

(f)  have an internal height greater than 2.1 metres;

(g)  have a clearance at the door that is greater than 1.8 metres; and

(h)  have where practical, an exit for the persons in the roof which can be opened from inside or outside the cage.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 232 (1).

(2) The door or doors on a cage shall,

(a)  be at least 1.5 metres high;

(b)  be mounted and arranged so they cannot be opened outward from the cage;

(c)  have devices for positive latching in the closed position;

(d)  be of solid materials, except for a viewing window;

(e)  be so arranged that they may be closed at all times that persons or materials, except rolling stock, are being transported in the cage;

(f)  be mounted so as to provide only enough clearance at the floor to permit free closing or opening; and

(g)  be of adequate strength to withstand normal shock loads.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 232 (2).

(3) A skip used to transport workers in a shaft shall meet the following requirements unless it is being used to transport workers for shaft inspection or shaft maintenance or unless it is being used in an emergency:

1.  The skip must have the safety catches and mechanisms required by subsection (6) if the skip is supported by only a single rope or attachment point.

2.  The skip must provide an enclosure at least 1.07 metres high for the persons being transported.

3.  The skip must have ventilation that is adequate for the persons being transported.

4.  The skip must have a suitable floor that is adequately fastened.

5.  The skip must have a means for safe entry and exit.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 19.

(3.1) For the purposes of subsection (3), a skip is considered to be being used in an emergency if it is being used to hoist injured people, to evacuate people, to fight fire or to enable people to perform emergency repair work necessary to maintain the mine or the mine dewatering system, electrical system or ventilation system.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 19.

(4) The openings between a shaft and a skip box over which persons must pass to enter or leave a skip shall be closed off sufficiently to prevent a person from falling through the opening.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 232 (4).

(5) The shaft signal pull cord shall be located in a convenient place for the skip tender.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 232 (5).

(6) Safety catches and mechanisms on a cage or skip shall,

(a)  be of a type and design that meets good engineering practice;

(b)  stop and hold a cage or skip transporting persons should the supporting rope or attachment break; and

(c)  be subjected to the tests prescribed in subsection (7) and successfully pass the free fall test prescribed in subsection (8),

(i)  prior to the cage or skip first being used to transport persons, and

(ii)  prior to the cage or skip first being used after repairs to correct distortion of the safety catches and mechanisms.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 232 (6); O. Reg. 272/97, s. 42 (1).

(7) Free fall tests shall be performed under the following conditions:

1.  The cage or skip must carry a weight equal to its maximum permitted load of persons and any material permitted to be carried at the same time.

2.  The cage or skip must travel at a speed equal to,

i.  the normal hoisting speed when transporting persons, or

ii.  the speed attained by a free fall of 1.5 metres.

3.  The guides on which the test is made must be of the same specifications as those in the shaft in which the conveyance will operate.  O. Reg. 68/96, s. 6 (1).

(7.1) A free fall test shall not be performed at the speed attained by a free fall of 1.5 metres unless the design and configuration of the safety catches and mechanisms and the loading on the cage or skip have been tested at normal hoisting speed before the free fall. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 31 (1).

(7.2) If a free fall test is to be performed at the speed attained by a free fall of 1.5 metres, the person performing the test shall record the rate of deceleration and the rate of change in deceleration of the cage or skip on a chart suitable for determining the deceleration of the conveyance.  O. Reg. 68/96, s. 6 (1).

(8) A free fall test shall be successfully passed if,

(a)  the skip or cage decelerates to a stop at an average rate that is not less than nine or greater than 20 metres per second per second.

(b)  there is no damage to the safety catches and mechanisms;

(c)  the safety catches and mechanisms engage the guides continuously during deceleration; and

(d)  a calculation shows that the safety catches and mechanisms will stop the cage or skip when it is carrying its maximum material load. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 232 (8); O. Reg. 68/96, s. 6 (2); O. Reg. 69/23, s. 31 (2-4).

(9) A report of a free fall test shall be made in the Hoisting Machinery Record Book for the hoist.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 42 (2).

233. (1) A system for communicating by voice shall be installed and maintained at an underground mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 233 (1).

(2) The communication system required by subsection (1) shall permit communication between persons at,

(a)  the collar of the shaft, including the collar of an internal shaft;

(b)  the landing stations in use in a shaft;

(c)  the hoist room for the shaft including the hoist room for an internal shaft;

(d)  an underground refuge station; and

(e)  an attended place on surface.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 233 (2).

234. Where a call system is installed for a cage, the call system shall,

(a)  not be operated in excess of 150 volts; and

(b)  be arranged so that the call signals are inaudible to the hoist operator.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 234.

235. (1) A signalling system shall be installed at an underground mine by which signals may be exchanged between the tender of a shaft conveyance and the hoist operator for the purpose of controlling the hoist.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 235 (1).

(2) The system prescribed in subsection (1) shall,

(a)  not be operated in excess of 150 volts;

(b)  be supplied with power from a transformer which supplies no other load;

(c)  where the primary voltage of the transformer exceeds 750 volts,

(i)  have one conductor of the power supply grounded, or

(ii)  have the conductors ungrounded if,

(A)  an isolating transformer with a 1 to 1 ratio supplies the power for the signal, and

(B)  the circuit has a device to indicate a ground fault;

(d)  have the non-current carrying metal parts of the signalling unit grounded unless the unit is mounted at least 2.4 metres above the floor;

(e)  except as prescribed in subsection (3), be capable of providing signals that are,

(i)  audible and clear,

(ii)  separate for each shaft compartment, and

(iii)  distinctive in sound for each compartment;

(f)  be arranged so that the hoist operator can return a signal to the worker signalling; and

(g)  be installed at every working level, landing deck and any other necessary shaft location.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 235 (2).

(3) The system shall be capable of providing a signal that is both audible and visible when installed on a multi-deck sinking stage.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 235 (3).

(4) Signalling systems using radio frequencies for transmitting signals shall comply with section 174.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 235 (4).

236. (1) A signal for hoist movement shall be given only,

(a)  by an authorized worker; and

(b)  when the shaft conveyance or counterweight is at the same location as the worker signalling, except during,

(i)  shaft sinking and preliminary shaft development, or

(ii)  maintenance work in a shaft or on a mine hoisting plant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 236 (1); O. Reg. 265/15, s. 13.

(2) No hoist shall be moved on manual control unless,

(a)  the signal prescribed under this section is given;

(b)  the signal is returned by the hoist operator; and

(c)  at least four seconds have elapsed after the executive signal has been given.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 236 (2).

(3) Signals shall be given in the following sequence:

1.  Cautionary.

2.  Destination.

3.  Executive.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 236 (3).

(4) The following basic code of signals to a hoist operator shall be used:

Table

Column 1
Instruction to Hoist Operator

Column 2
Signal Code

Stop immediately

1 signal

Where the shaft conveyance is stationary, hoist

1 signal

Lower

2 signals

Persons entering or leaving a shaft conveyance

3 signals

Caution — blasting to take place

4 signals

Release of shaft conveyance

5 signals

Danger

9 signals

Chairing

1 signal followed by 2 signals

Hoist slowly

3 signals, followed by 3 signals, followed by 1 signal

Lower slowly

3 signals, followed by 3 signals, followed by 2 signals

R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 236 (4); O. Reg. 61/18, s. 7.

(5) In addition to the basic code of signals prescribed by subsection (4), the tender of a shaft conveyance shall comply with the Code of Standard Signals issued by the Ministry.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 236 (5).

(6) Where it is necessary for the operation of a shaft conveyance, the supervisor in charge of an underground mine may establish signals in addition to those prescribed by subsections (4) and (5).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 236 (6).

(7) The basic code of signals and destination signals shall be posted in every hoistroom, working level and landing deck.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 236 (7).

237. (1) This section applies during shaft sinking and preliminary development work during shaft sinking at an underground mine. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (1).

(2) A bucket used to transport persons shall,

(a)  be provided when the vertical depth of a shaft below the collar exceeds fifty metres;

(b)  be at least 1.07 metres high; and

(c)  be designed as prescribed by subsections 230 (3) and (4). R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (2).

(3) Where the distance between a head sheave and the shaft bottom exceeds 100 metres a crosshead shall be used with a bucket. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (3).

(4) A crosshead shall be,

(a)  landed on at least two chairs at the bottom crosshead stop to prevent distortion;

(b)  attached to the rope by a safety appliance in such manner that where the crosshead jams in the shaft compartment, the bucket is stopped; and

(c)  of a type that encloses the bucket unless,

(i)  the shaft compartment is tightly lined, and

(ii)  the bucket is barrel-shaped. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (4).

(5) Dual lights shall be installed to indicate to the hoist operator that,

(a)  the crosshead and bucket are descending together from the bucket dumping position;

(b)  the service doors are in or out of the shaft compartment; and

(c)  the dump doors are in or out of the shaft compartment. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (5).

(6) A service door or doors as prescribed by subsection (7), to cover the sinking compartment of a shaft, shall be provided. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (6).

(7) The service door or doors required by subsection (6) shall,

(a)  be installed at the collar and any place in the shaft where tools and other materials are loaded or unloaded into or from the bucket;

(b)  be automatically latched out by mechanical devices when out of the shaft compartment;

(c)  be closed when a bucket is being loaded or unloaded with tools and other materials; and

(d)  be closed when persons are entering or leaving a bucket, except where the closed crosshead provides equal protection for persons. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (7).

(8) Dump doors shall be installed and maintained that,

(a)  prevent a bucket from being dumped when the dump doors are open;

(b)  prevent any material from falling down the shaft while the bucket is being dumped; and

(c)  are provided with devices that securely latch the dump doors out of the shaft compartment automatically. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (8).

(9) Where a multi-deck stage is being used, the stage shall be,

(a)  designed by an engineer in accordance with good engineering practice; and

(b)  built in accordance with the design. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (9); O. Reg. 373/22, s. 19.

(10) Before the initial use of a multi-deck stage, the employer shall give notice to the joint health and safety committee or to the health and safety representative, if any. O. Reg. 236/99, s. 9.

(11) A bucket shall be filled so that no piece of loose rock projects above the level of the rim. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (11).

(12) No person shall ride on the rim of a bucket. O. Reg. 296/11, s. 17.

(12.1) A person who is being transported by a bucket shall ride inside the bucket. O. Reg. 296/11, s. 17.

(13) The worker authorized to give signals for hoist movement shall,

(a)  maintain proper discipline of persons riding in the bucket; and

(b)  enforce the loading restrictions of the conveyance permit. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (13).

(14) No person shall obstruct the worker mentioned in subsection (13) from performing his or her prescribed duties. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (14).

(15) A bucket shall not be allowed to leave the top or bottom of the shaft until the bucket has been steadied. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (15).

(16) A bucket returning to the shaft bottom shall be,

(a)  stopped at a distance at least five metres and not more than ten metres above the bottom of the shaft; and

(b)  lowered slowly below the point described in clause (a) only on a separate signal. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (16).

(17) On the initial trip following a blasting operation, no bucket transporting workers shall be lowered below a point,

(a)  less than fifteen metres above the blasting set or bulkhead; or

(b)  where the health and safety of workers is likely to be endangered. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (17).

(18) Below the point prescribed in subsection (17), the bucket shall be lowered slowly on the signal of the workers being transported and only a sufficient number of workers shall be transported on the initial trip as are required to conduct a proper examination of the part of the shaft that may be affected by the blast. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (18).

(19) Persons may be at the bottom of the shaft during the dumping cycle of the shaft conveyance. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 237 (19).

238. (1) No person shall operate, or be permitted to operate, a hoist, unless that person,

(a)  is in possession of a subsisting hoist operator’s medical certificate;

(b)  is over eighteen years of age;

(c)  Revoked:  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 13.

(d)  is a competent person or, in the case of a worker being trained to operate the hoist, is under the direct supervision of a competent person; and

(e)  is physically and mentally fit to discharge the duties of a hoist operator.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 238 (1); O. Reg. 60/94, s. 13.

(2) A person operating a hoist shall,

(a)  undergo a medical examination by a physician before commencing work as a hoist operator and every twelve months thereafter; and

(b)  obtain a hoist operator’s medical certificate from the physician that,

(i)  certifies that the person is physically fit to operate a hoist and is not subject to any infirmity of body or mind that may interfere with the duties of a hoist operator,

(ii)  expires twelve months from its date,

(iii)  is signed and dated by the physician, and

(iv)  is kept available for inspection. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 238 (2); O. Reg. 187/19, s. 17 (1).

(3), (4) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 17 (2).

239. (1) A report shall be made by the hoist operator in the Hoist Operator’s Log Book for each shift performed by him or her of,

(a)  the working condition of,

(i)  the hoist brakes, clutches and clutch brake interlocks,

(ii)  the depth indicator,

(iii)  the signal system,

(iv)  the hoist controls,

(v)  the overwind and underwind devices, and

(vi)  other devices which may affect safe hoist operation;

(b)  any instructions given to him or her affecting hoist operations;

(c)  any unusual circumstances in connection with the operation of the hoist;

(d)  the results of any tests prescribed by this Regulation;

(e)  any trial trips;

(f)  any inadvertent stoppages; and

(g)  his or her actual starting and finishing time.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 239 (1).

(2) The hoist operator shall,

(a)  review and countersign all entries in the Hoist Operator’s Log Book for the preceding two shifts; and

(b)  sign in the Hoist Operator’s Log Book for his or her period of duty.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 239 (2).

(3) A person issuing instructions to the hoist operator shall record and sign such instructions in the Hoist Operator’s Log Book.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 239 (3).

(4) The supervisor in charge of a mine hoist shall review and countersign each working day the entries in the Hoist Operator’s Log Book for the preceding twenty-four hour work period.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 239 (4).

(5) The Hoist Operator’s Log Book shall be kept in the hoistroom and available for inspection.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 239 (5).

240. (1) A hoist operator shall,

(a)  at least once during his or her shift, in accordance with subsection (2),

(i)  test for the satisfactory working conditions and holding capacity of the hoist brakes, and

(ii)  test the holding capacity of any friction clutch;

(b)  at least once in twenty-four hours of use of a hoist, test the overwind and underwind protective devices by operating the hoist into them;

(c)  make a trial trip of a shaft conveyance,

(i)  through the working part of a shaft if hoisting has been stopped for a period exceeding two hours and the hoist operator has reason to believe that an event may have occurred to cause damage or obstruction to the free and normal movement of the conveyances in the shaft, and

(ii)  below any part of a shaft that has been under repair, after the repairs have been completed;

(d)  remain at the hoist controls when the hoist is in motion under manual control;

(e)  except when the hoist is on automatic control due to a temporary absence of the operator from the hoist controls, set the brakes and controls so that at least two separate and distinct actions are required to put the hoist in motion;

(f)  not be in voice communication when the hoist is in motion and under his or her manual control, except during an emergency or during maintenance and examination;

(g)  not operate the hoist to transport any person unless at least two brakes can be applied to stop the hoist drum;

(h)  not lower persons on an unclutched drum;

(i)  when heavy loads or irregularly shaped loads are on or under the shaft conveyance, operate the hoist with caution;

(j)  complete the hoist movement required by an executive signal after the hoist movement is begun unless there is a signal to stop or an emergency signal; and

(k)  upon receiving three signals, remain at the hoist controls unless advised orally by the person in charge of the conveyance that hoist movement will not be required.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 240; O. Reg. 584/91, s. 6; O. Reg. 31/04, s. 15 (1); O. Reg. 34/14, s.15.

(2) The following applies with respect to the tests required by clause (1) (a): 

1.  The tests shall be conducted in accordance with a procedure established for the hoist.

2.  The hoist operator shall conduct the tests immediately before the hoist is used to move a shaft conveyance that is transporting persons.

3.  If the tests have been conducted under paragraph 2 during a shift, it is not necessary to conduct them again during the same shift.  O. Reg. 31/04, s. 15 (2).

241. No person shall,

(a)  operate or interfere with devices or controls for operating a hoist unless authorized;

(b)  speak to the hoist operator while he or she is operating the hoist on manual control, except in an emergency or when the hoist is being repaired, maintained or adjusted;

(c)  be on a cage while it is being placed onto or removed from chairs;

(d)  be in, on or under a shaft conveyance or counterweight which is supported by an unclutched drum unless the conveyance or counterweight is secured in position or unless permitted by subsection 237 (19);

(e)  leave a shaft conveyance that has inadvertently stopped at a point other than a shaft station, except upon instruction from an authorized person outside the conveyance;

(f)  put to use any chairs for landing a cage, unless,

(i)  a signal for chairing has been made and returned, or

(ii)  special arrangements have been made to operate a cage with a car, in balance, from that location;

(g)  permit the normal operation of a mine hoist if an object which may be a hazard to the operation of a shaft conveyance or counterweight has fallen down a mine shaft until,

(i)  a shaft inspection or a trial trip through the affected part has been made,

(ii)  any obstructions have been removed, and

(iii)  any damage affecting safe operation has been repaired.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 241; O. Reg. 34/14, s. 16.

242. (1) The hoist operator shall be instructed in the procedures to follow in operating the hoist where there is,

(a)  an intermediate shaft obstruction;

(b)  an emergency; and

(c)  an inadvertent hoist stoppage,

and shall be instructed in the procedures for operating any safety devices for people.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 242 (1).

(2) A notice shall be posted in the hoistroom warning that no person shall speak to the hoist operator while the hoist operator is operating the hoist on manual control, except in an emergency or when the hoist is being repaired, maintained or adjusted.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 242 (2).

(3) A hoist operator shall be available at a mine to manually operate an automatically controlled mine hoist when persons are underground.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 242 (3).

(4) A competent person or persons shall be designated to,

(a)  give mine shaft signals;

(b)  be in charge of a shaft conveyance;

(c)  maintain discipline of persons riding in a shaft conveyance;

(d)  enforce the load limits for the shaft conveyance; and

(e)  notify the hoist operator of heavy loads or irregular shaped loads on or under the shaft conveyance.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 242 (4).

(5) Procedures shall be adopted for removing persons from a shaft conveyance which has stopped inadvertently at a place in a shaft other than a shaft station.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 242 (5).

(6) The person or persons designated to carry out the functions set out in subsection (4) shall be readily available to perform those functions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 242 (6).

243. (1) When equipment or supplies are being transported in a shaft, they shall,

(a)  when in a shaft conveyance, be loaded and secured in a manner to prevent shifting;

(b)  when secured to a hoisting rope of the conveyance, be secured in a manner to prevent damage to the rope and permit the safety mechanisms of the conveyance to operate; and

(c)  when transported below the shaft conveyance or crosshead, be suspended in a manner to prevent contact with shaft furnishings.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 243 (1).

(2) The suspension system or arrangement used to transport equipment or supplies below the shaft conveyance or crosshead shall be capable of withstanding at least four times the maximum allowable design stresses without permanent distortion to any component of the system or arrangement and shall meet the requirements prescribed by subsection 230 (4).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 243 (2).

244. (1) No person shall be transported in a shaft conveyance,

(a)  that is a cage, unless the cage doors are closed;

(b)  while the hoist that is raising or lowering the shaft conveyance is being used to transport ore or waste;

(c)  that is a multi-deck cage, where supplies or service rolling stock are being transported, except that persons may be carried on the top deck when,

(i)  such materials are carried on another deck,

(ii)  the materials are adequately secured,

(iii)  the doors of the top deck are closed,

(iv)  the combined load does not exceed 85 per cent of the material load limit of the conveyance, and

(v)  the scheduled trips for persons have been completed;

(d)  where personal hand tools or equipment are being transported, unless such tools or equipment are,

(i)  protected by guards,

(ii)  secured, and

(iii)  the combined load does not exceed 85 per cent of the material load limit of the conveyance;

(e)  unless a worker authorized to give signals is in charge of the conveyance; and

(f)  with explosives, supplies or service rolling stock.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 244 (1).

(2) Despite clause (1) (f), those workers required to handle explosives, supplies or service rolling stock may be transported with the explosives, supplies or service rolling stock if space is provided for the safety of the workers and the combined load does not exceed 85 per cent of the material load limit of the conveyance.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 244 (2).

245. Where a mine shaft exceeds 100 metres in vertical depth, a shaft conveyance shall be provided for the raising and lowering of workers.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 245.

246. No mine hoisting plant shall be put to, or continued in, normal service if it is or ought to be known to have a defect or be in an improper state of repair except for the purpose of correcting the defect or improper state of repair.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 246.

247. (1) One or more competent persons shall be appointed to examine the following parts of an electrically-powered or electrically-controlled hoist:

1.  Hoist motors.

2.  Hoist controls.

3.  Electrical safety devices.

4.  Signalling devices.  O. Reg. 68/96, s. 7 (1).

(2) The examination shall be done at least once each week when the hoist is being used.  O. Reg. 68/96, s. 7 (1).

(2.1) If the parts were not examined during the week before the hoist is to be used, the examination shall be done immediately before it is used.  O. Reg. 68/96, s. 7 (1).

(3) A record of the examination, servicing and repair shall be made in the Electrical Hoisting Equipment Record Book.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 247 (3).

(4) The entries in the Electrical Hoisting Equipment Record Book shall be dated and signed by the person performing the examination, servicing or repairs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 247 (4).

(5) A record of a failure or accident involving an electrical component of a hoist motor and controls, electrical safety and signalling devices shall be made in the Electrical Hoisting Equipment Record Book by the supervisor in charge of electrical hoisting equipment.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 247 (5).

(6) The supervisor in charge of the mine hoisting plant shall,

(a)  review the entries made in the Electrical Hoisting Equipment Record Book within one week after each entry is made;

(b)  ascertain that the examinations required by this section and all necessary work have been done; and

(c)  upon completion of each review required by clause (a), certify in the Electrical Hoisting Equipment Record Book that he or she has complied with clauses (a) and (b).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 247 (6); O. Reg. 68/96, s. 7 (2).

248. (1) A competent person or persons shall be appointed to examine the mechanical parts of a mine hoisting plant in accordance with subsections (2), (2.1) and (2.2). R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 248 (1); O. Reg. 68/96, s. 8 (1).

(2) An examination shall be made,

(a)  immediately before the hoisting plant is used if it was not examined the previous day, and at least once each day thereafter that it is in use,

(i)  of the exterior of each hoisting and tail rope to detect the presence of kinks or other damage and to note the appearance of the rope dressing, and

(ii)  of the safety catches and mechanisms of the shaft conveyance for any defects;

(b)  Revoked: O. Reg. 68/96, s. 8 (2).

(c)  if the hoist is being used, at least once every month of,

(i)  the shaft ropes to determine,

(A)  the amount of wear, distortion and corrosion,

(B)  the need for lubrication,

(C)  the need for changing the wear patterns,

(ii)  the hoisting ropes for the number and location of broken wires, and

(iii)  the friction treads of a friction hoist;

(d)  at least once every six months of service of,

(i)  the hoisting rope of a drum hoist at the drum spout and at the attachments to the drum, and

(ii)  the hoisting rope of a friction hoist within attachments at the shaft conveyance or counterweight in accordance with an established procedure; and

(e)  at least once every twelve months of,

(i)  bolt locking devices, foundation bolts and all bolts critical to hoist safety, and

(ii)  the bails, suspension gear and structure of the shaft conveyance and counterweight. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 248 (2); O. Reg. 68/96, s. 8 (2); O. Reg. 272/97, s. 44 (1); O. Reg. 486/99, s. 15 (1); O. Reg. 296/11, s. 19 (1); O. Reg. 69/23, s. 32 (1).

(2.0.1) If any of the equipment described in clause (2) (c) was not examined in accordance with that clause during the month before the hoist is to be used, the examination shall be done immediately before the hoist is to be used. O. Reg. 486/99, s. 15 (2); O. Reg. 34/14, s. 17.

(2.1) The following parts shall be examined at least once a week when they are in use:

1.  Any conveyance safety mechanisms for proper adjustment and freedom of movement.

2.  Any head, deflection or idler sheaves, their shafting and bearer and sole plates.

3.  The attachments of each shaft rope.

4.  The attachments on any shaft conveyance or counterweight.

5.  Any shaft conveyance, counterweight and work platform.

6.  The hoist parts, brakes, clutch, brake-clutch interlocks and depth indicators.

7.  Any hoisting equipment being used for shaft sinking.

8.  Any auxiliary brake operating weights, to assure their freedom of movement and holding capacity. O. Reg. 68/96, s. 8 (3); O. Reg. 236/99, s. 10 (1).

(2.2) If the parts listed in subsection (2.1) were not examined during the week before they are to be used, the examination shall be done immediately before they are used. O. Reg. 68/96, s. 8 (3).

(2.3) An examination of the clutch and brake-clutch interlocks under subsection (2.1) shall include an operational check to ensure their performance. O. Reg. 236/99, s. 10 (2).

(3) At least once every three months, the safety catches and mechanisms of the cage or other shaft conveyance shall be tested and such tests shall consist of releasing the empty conveyance suddenly in some suitable manner from rest, so that the safety catches and mechanisms have the opportunity to grip the guides and, where the safety catches and mechanisms do not act satisfactorily, the cage or other shaft conveyance shall not be used for lowering or raising workers until the safety catches and mechanisms have been repaired and tested and shown to act satisfactorily. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 32 (2).

(4) Hoisting ropes in use on a drum hoist shall be cleaned when necessary and shall be dressed with lubricant at least once each month so as to maintain a good coating and a record of the cleaning and dressing shall be entered in the Hoisting Machinery Record Book and the entry shall be dated and signed by the supervisor in charge of the work. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 248 (4).

(5) Revoked: O. Reg. 779/94, s. 11.

(6) The portion of the hoisting rope and tail rope that is within a wedge attachment of a friction hoist shall be examined at least once after every 18 months of service and shall be cut off when an examination reveals that,

(a)  there are one or more broken wires;

(b)  there is advanced corrosion;

(c)  there is excessive pitting; or

(d)  there is excessive deformation of one or more wires. O. Reg. 296/11, s. 19 (2).

(6.1) The portion of the hoisting rope and tail rope that is within a socket attachment of a friction hoist shall be cut off,

(a)  after 24 months of service, in the case of tail rope within a resin socket attachment;

(b)  after 18 months of service, in all other cases. O. Reg. 296/11, s. 19 (2).

(7) An examination shall be made using the appropriate non-destructive test or tests to determine that the following parts are in sound condition before the parts are first used and at a regular frequency at least equal to that recommended by a person certified in accordance with section 1.1 or by an engineer:

1.  The mine hoist shafting, brake pins and linkages.

2.  Structural parts, attachment pins and draw bars of a shaft conveyance and counterweight. O. Reg. 187/19, s. 18; O. Reg. 373/22, s. 20.

(7.1) Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 18.

(8) Drawings of the parts to be examined under subsection (7) shall be made available, upon request, to the person performing the examination. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 248 (8).

(9) A record of the examinations required by this section and any servicing and repairs shall be entered in the Hoisting Machinery Record Book and the entries in the Record Book shall be dated and signed by the person performing the examination, servicing or repairs. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 248 (9).

(10) A record of a failure or accident involving a mechanical part of a mine hoisting plant shall be made in the Hoisting Machinery Record Book by the supervisor in charge of the mechanical hoisting equipment. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 248 (10); O. Reg. 167/16, s. 14.

(11) The supervisor in charge of the mechanical parts of the mine hoisting plant shall countersign each entry made in the Hoisting Machinery Record Book with respect to examinations made under subsection (7). R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 248 (11).

(12) The supervisor in charge of the mine hoisting plant shall,

(a)  review the entries made in the Hoisting Machinery Record Book within one week after each entry is made;

(b)  ascertain that the examinations required by this section have been made and all necessary work done; and

(c)  upon completion of the review required by clause (a), certify in the Hoisting Machinery Record Book that he or she has complied with clauses (a) and (b). R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 248 (12); O. Reg. 68/96, s. 8 (4).

249. (1) An examination shall be made by a competent person of,

(a)  the mine shaft, at least once a week when it is being used;

(b)  if the hoist is being used, the shaft guides, timbers, walls, and compartments used for hoisting, at least once every month;

(c)  the headframe, headframe foundation and backlegs, sheave deck, dump, bin and bin supports, at least once every year;

(d)  the shaft sump, at such frequency as is necessary to assure that the tail, guide and rubbing rope connections are clear of water and spillage; and

(e)  water in the shaft sump at least once every year to determine its pH.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 249 (1); O. Reg. 68/96, s. 9 (1); O. Reg. 486/99, s. 16 (1).

(1.1) If the mine shaft is not examined during the week before it is to be used, the examination shall be done immediately before it is used.  O. Reg. 68/96, s. 9 (2).

(1.2) If the shaft guides, timbers, walls and compartments used for hoisting are not examined during the month before the hoist is used, the examination shall be done immediately before the hoist is used.  O. Reg. 486/99, s. 16 (2).

(2) A record of the examinations required by subsection (1) and any servicing and repairs shall be entered in the Shaft Inspection Record Book and such entries shall be dated and signed by the person performing the examination, servicing or repairs.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 249 (2).

(3) The supervisor in charge of the mine shaft and headframe shall,

(a)  review the entries made in the Shaft Inspection Record Book within one week after each entry is made;

(b)  ascertain that the examinations required by subsection (1) have been made and all necessary work done;

(c)  upon completion of the review required by clause (a), certify in the Shaft Inspection Record Book that he or she has complied with clauses (a) and (b).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 249 (3); O. Reg. 68/96, s. 9 (3).

250. The ropes, sheaves, brakes, attachments and other parts of a utility or tugger hoist shall be regularly examined by a competent person and kept in safe condition.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 250.

PART XI
WORKING ENVIRONMENT

251. (1) Revoked:  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 45.

(2) Subject to subsection (2.1), a direct gas-fired non-recirculating make-up air heater being used for heating a mine or a mining plant shall be installed, operated and maintained to conform to CSA Standard 3.7-15 (R2020), “Non-Recirculating Direct Gas-Fired Industrial Air Heaters”. O. Reg. 187/19, s. 19; O. Reg. 69/23, s. 33.

(2.1) CSA Standard 3.7-77, “Direct Gas-Fired Non-Recirculating Make-Up Air Heaters” continues to apply to air heaters that were being used in a mine or a mining plant before July 1, 2019. O. Reg. 187/19, s. 19.

(3) All liquid or gas fuel for a heating system shall be piped and stored so that any leakage will not accumulate at or enter an underground mine.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 251 (3).

(4) A heating system shall be operated and maintained so as to eliminate the risk of fire or explosion.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 251 (4).

(5) A record of service, maintenance and tests on the heating system shall be kept in a log book.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 251 (5).

252. (1) In an underground mine or a mining plant building, an adequate ventilation system shall be provided, maintained and used that,

(a)  provides an oxygen content in the atmosphere of at least 19.5 per cent by volume to all workplaces in the underground mine or mining plant building;

(b)  is initiated prior to workers entering the workplace;

(c)  is installed and operated in a manner that does not expose workers to the recirculation of contaminated air;

(d)  is independent of air supplied to operate any drill or machine used; and

(e)  removes contaminants resulting from the detonation of a blast prior to workers entering the workplace. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 34.

(2) In an underground mine, the ventilation system described in subsection (1) must be mechanical. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 34.

(3) The employer shall keep and maintain the following:

1.  Accurate plans of the design of the ventilation system that show,

i.  the location of all ventilation fans or openings,

ii.  the location of all ventilation doors, including regulating doors,

iii.  the location and position of all fire doors, and

iv.  the location and position of all louvres, brattices, stoppings, regulators controlling airflows and similar devices.

2.  Records that show,

i.  the volume of air in cubic metres per second produced by the ventilation fans,

ii.  the operating gauge pressure of the primary fans,

iii  in a mining plant building, the volume of air in cubic metres per second withdrawn by processing equipment, and

iv.  in an underground mine, the direction of flow of the main ventilating airflows. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 34.

253. Revoked: O. Reg. 69/23, s. 35.

254. The employer at a mine or mining plant shall, in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any, develop and maintain written procedures for managing the hazards associated with heat stress and cold stress in the workplace in order to protect the health and safety of workers. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 36.

255. (1) An area of an underground mine that is not part of a ventilation system shall,

(a)  subject to subsection (2), be adequately barricaded to prevent entry by any person; and

(b)  have signs posted to warn persons that entry into the area is prohibited. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 37.

(2) Before any person enters or is permitted to enter an underground area referred to in subsection (1), the area shall be examined by a competent person. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 37.

(3) Before conducting an examination required under subsection (2), the competent person must be provided with written instructions setting out the following:

1.  The hazard or potential hazard involved in the area.

2.  The use of testing equipment required to conduct the examination.

3.  The personal protective devices the person is required to use or wear.

4.  Any other precautions or procedures to be taken for the protection of the person. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 37.

(4) An examination required under subsection (2) must include examinations for the following conditions in the area:

1.  Oxygen deficiency due to an oxygen content in the atmosphere that is less than 19.5 per cent by volume.

2.  The presence of a hazardous gas, vapour, dust, mist or fume.

3.  Any other dangerous conditions. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 37.

(5) The competent person shall provide the results of the examination to the employer. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 37.

(6) Subject to subsection (7), if any of the conditions set out in subsection (4) are present in an area, no worker shall enter the area. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 37.

(7) A worker may enter the area for the purpose of remedying a condition set out in subsection (4) that has been identified in an examination conducted under this section provided that such measures are taken as are necessary to protect the worker. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 37.

256. (1) Before material containing cyanide is used for back fill in an underground mine, an assessment shall be conducted to determine the precautions to be taken to protect the health and safety of workers.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 49.

(2) The assessment shall be done in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 49.

257. In an underground mine, clean water under pressure shall be made available for dust control purposes in a workplace where rock or ore is drilled, blasted, loaded or transported.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 257.

258. In an underground mine, broken rock or ore shall be thoroughly wetted by water,

(a)  during blasting operations or immediately thereafter; and

(b)  when the ore or rock is being loaded or scraped.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 258.

259. Sections 257 and 258 do not apply at a salt mine or any other operation where the ore or rock is hygroscopic.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 259.

260. No person shall enter or remain, or be permitted to enter or remain, in a workplace affected by blasting contaminants until the ventilation system has removed the contaminants or rendered them harmless.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 260.

261. A battery-charging station in an underground mine must be ventilated to prevent the accumulation of an explosive mixture of gases. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 38.

262. (1) Effective illumination by means of stationary lighting shall be provided in an underground mine,

(a)  at all active shaft stations and shaft conveyance landings where workers are required to travel or work; and

(b)  where the nature of the equipment or the operation may create a hazard due to insufficient illumination.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 262.

(2) Every worker in an underground mine shall wear,

(a)  high visibility safety apparel that makes the worker visible to others in the workplace and that meets the requirements set out in subsection (3); and

(b)  retro-reflective material applied to the front, back and sides of head gear. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 18.

(3) High visibility safety apparel must meet the following requirements:

1.  It shall be made of fluorescent or bright-coloured background material.

2.  It shall have retro-reflective striping that,

i.  is located on the outside of the garment,

ii.  measures at least 50 mm in width,

iii.  completely encircles the waist, each arm and each leg below the knee,

iv.  is arranged in two vertical lines on the front of the garment, extending over the shoulders and down to the waist, and

v.  is arranged in the form of an “X” on the back of the garment, extending from the shoulders and down to the waist. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 18.

(4) All high visibility safety apparel and all retro-reflective material on head gear must be maintained in good condition so that they adequately visually identify a worker. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 18.

263. (1) Effective illumination appropriate for the task shall be provided at all workplaces on the surface, including,

(a)  in those areas adjacent to the workplace where workers are required to travel; and

(b)  in those circumstances where the nature of the equipment or the operation may create a hazard to a worker due to insufficient lighting.  O. Reg. 174/01, s. 8.

(2) Subject to subsection (3), between sunset and sunrise, every worker on the surface shall wear,

(a)  high visibility safety apparel that makes the worker visible to others in the workplace and that meets the requirements set out in subsection 262 (3); and

(b)  retro-reflective material applied to the front, back and sides of head gear. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 19 (1).

(3) A worker is not required to comply with subsection (2) if the worker is in a booth, vehicle cab or another protective enclosure or if a work area is provided with fixed lighting that enables the worker to be seen.  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 8.

(4) All high visibility safety apparel and all retro-reflective material on head gear must be maintained in good condition so that they adequately visually identify a worker. O. Reg. 265/15, s. 19 (2).

264. In a workplace in a building which is solely dependent on artificial lighting and where a failure of the regular lighting system would create conditions that might endanger the safety of any person in the building, emergency lighting shall be provided which,

(a)  turns on automatically when the regular lighting fails;

(b)  is independent of the regular lighting source;

(c)  provides adequate lighting for evacuation of the building; and

(d)  shall be tested as frequently as necessary to ensure the system will function in an emergency but not less frequently than recommended by the manufacturer.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 264.

265. Revoked: O. Reg. 69/23, s. 39.

266. Where dust or other material is likely to cause a hazard by becoming airborne, the dust, or other material, shall be removed with a minimum of delay by,

(a)  vacuuming;

(b)  wet sweeping;

(c)  wet shovelling; or

(d)  other suitable means.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 266.

267. (1) An annual survey of potentially hazardous minor elements shall be conducted on all feed streams to and concentrates coming from a mining plant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 267 (1).

(2) An assessment shall be made of the potential hazard from the elements detected in the survey required by subsection (1) due to the processes used in the mining plant.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 267 (2).

(3) Workplaces in the mining plant shall be monitored for the hazardous elements and compounds revealed by the assessment required by subsection (2).  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 267 (3).

(4) The results of the survey, the assessment and description and results of the monitoring program shall be reported annually to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any.  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 50.

(5) This section does not apply to a mining plant at a gravel pit or quarry.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 267 (5).

268. (1) An employer at a mining plant shall keep and maintain records of the amount of potentially hazardous chemical reagents used at the mining plant. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 40.

(2) The records required under subsection (1) must be,

(a)  reviewed and updated as often as necessary and at least annually; and

(b)  provided to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 40.

269. Where, in a mining plant, the atmosphere may contain chemical or physical agents that are likely to endanger the health and safety of a worker, equipment for the detection of such agents shall be provided and be readily accessible. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 41.

270. Revoked: O. Reg. 69/23, s. 42.

271.-275. Revoked:  O. Reg. 630/05, s. 2.

276. (1) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), a mining plant shall have at least the number of toilets and washbasins set out in Columns 2 and 3 of the Table to this subsection opposite the row in Column 1 of the Table that corresponds to the number of workers in the mining plant, as determined in accordance with subsection (3).

TABLE

 

Column 1
Number of Workers

Column 2
Number of Toilets Required

Column 3
Number of Washbasins Required

1 to 9

1

1

10 to 24

2

2

25 to 49

3

3

50 to 74

4

4

75 to 100

5

5

More than 100

5, plus 1 additional toilet for each additional group of 30 or fewer workers

5, plus 1 additional washbasin for each additional group of 30 or fewer workers

O. Reg. 61/18, s. 8.

(2) In a washroom,

(a)  a toilet shall be enclosed by walls or partitions and a door that is capable of being locked from the inside to provide privacy to a person using the toilet;

(b)  hot and cold water shall be supplied to each washbasin;

(c)  ventilation to the outdoors capable of providing ten changes of air per hour shall be provided;

(d)  a reasonable supply of personal hygiene supplies and equipment shall be provided,

and where separate washrooms are provided for each sex, a legible sign indicating the sex by which the washroom is to be used shall be posted at the door.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 276 (2).

(3) In calculating the number of toilets and washbasins required by the Table in subsection (1), the number of workers in the Table in subsection (1) shall be that number of workers who are normally present on the premises for more than 25 per cent of their working shift.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 276 (3).

(4) Urinals may be substituted for one-half of the required number of toilets for males and for this purpose each 600 millimetres of straight trough urinal may be counted as one urinal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 276 (4).

(5) For the purpose of this section, each 500 millimetres of circumference of a circular wash fountain or length of straight trough washbasin may be counted as one washbasin.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 276 (5).

(6) Water that is to be used for personal washing purposes shall not,

(a)  exceed 60° Celsius at any outlet; or

(b)  be directly mixed with steam.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 276 (6).

277. (1) Suitable sanitary conveniences must be provided at a mine in accordance with this section.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 14.

(2) If workers are employed in an underground mine, one toilet must be provided for each group of twenty-five workers or less employed on a shift.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 14.

(3) If workers are employed at a surface mine, one toilet and one urinal must be provided for each group of twenty-five workers or less employed on a shift.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 14.

(4) A toilet at a mine must meet the following requirements:

1.  It must be the water-flushing type or of a sanitary design.

2.  It must be located in an individual compartment that has a suitable floor and a door that can be locked.

3.  It must be provided with clothes hooks.

4.  It must be provided with a means for cleansing hands.

5.  It must be supplied with toilet paper and, if any of the workers using it are women, with a means for disposing of feminine hygiene products.

6.  If electricity is available, the toilet must be provided with lighting.

7.  If electricity is available, the toilet must be provided with heating if the toilet is in a location that is colder than 10º Celsius or is in an area that is cold, damp and drafty.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 14.

(5) A toilet in an underground mine must be located in a well-ventilated part of the mine and must be conveniently placed having regard to the number of workers employed on the different levels of the mine.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 14.

(6) A toilet at a mine must be provided with disinfectant and cleansers and must be cleaned and maintained as often as is required to keep it sanitary and at least once a week.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 14.

(7) The waste from a toilet at a surface mine must be disposed of on a regular basis.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 14.

(8) The waste from a toilet in an underground mine must on a regular basis be removed, placed in a sturdy leak-proof container and brought to the surface for disposal.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 14.

(9) Despite subsection (8), the employer may use a different hygienic underground disposal system for wastes from a toilet in an underground mine with the agreement of the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, for the workplace.  O. Reg. 60/94, s. 14.

278. (1) Suitable and adequate facilities to wash and shower and to change and dry their clothing shall be provided for workers,

(a)  at an underground mine; and

(b)  at a surface mine, where the workers are subject to dusty, dirty or wet conditions.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 278 (1).

(2) At an underground mine, the facilities required by subsection (1) shall be located,

(a)  when above ground, near the principal entrance of the mine;

(b)  unless of noncombustible construction, not nearer than fifteen metres to a shafthouse or portal house; and

(c)  not in a hoistroom or boilerhouse, unless a separate, properly constructed room is provided.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 278 (2); O. Reg. 167/16, s. 1.

(3) At a surface mine, where the facilities required by subsection (1) are located at a considerable distance from the place of work, adequate transportation to the facilities from the workplace shall be provided to the workers in inclement weather.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 278 (3).

(4) Where practical, protection from the elements between the shaft entrance and the change rooms shall be provided.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 278 (4).

279. Where the clothing of a worker is likely to be contaminated by a biological or chemical agent that may be a hazard to health suitable facilities shall be provided for,

(a)  laundering work clothing; and

(b)  keeping work clothes separate from street clothes.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 279.

280. (1) Cool potable drinking water shall be provided in mining plants,

(a)  from,

(i)  a fountain with an upward jet, or

(ii)  a tap from a piped water supply or a covered vessel, together with a supply of single-use cups in a sanitary container located near the tap;

(b)  on every floor where work is regularly performed; and

(c)  within 100 metres of any area where work is regularly performed.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 280 (1).

(2) In underground mines cool potable drinking water shall be provided at locations that,

(a)  are reasonably accessible to a worker; and

(b)  shall be kept in a clean and sanitary condition.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 280 (2).

(3) The employer shall ensure that all potable drinking water in a mine or mining plant complies with,

(a)  Ontario Regulation 169/03 (Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards) made under the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002; or

(b)  the regulations governing pre-packaged water made under the Food and Drugs Act (Canada).  O. Reg. 291/02, s. 9; O. Reg. 34/14, s. 19.

281. (1) Where fifteen or more persons congregate to eat, a lunchroom shall be provided which,

(a)  is of sufficient size to accommodate all the persons therein;

(b)  is heated, lighted and ventilated;

(c)  has hand washing and drying facilities;

(d)  has hot and cold water;

(e)  has facilities for warming of food;

(f)  has suitable seating facilities; and

(g)  has a noncombustible, covered receptacle for waste disposal.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 281 (1); O. Reg. 167/16, s. 1.

(2) An employer shall ensure that all workers have access to an eating area with,

(a)  hand cleaning facilities;

(b)  potable water;

(c)  suitable seating facilities;

(d)  lighting;

(e)  ventilation;

(f)  facilities to keep food from freezing;

(g)  heating, if working conditions are wet or cold or both; and

(h)  a fire retardant receptacle for waste disposal.  O. Reg. 571/92, s. 21.

(3) All lunchrooms and eating areas shall be kept sanitary, clean and dry.  R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 854, s. 281 (3).

281.1 (1) Every employer shall equip and maintain a first aid room close to the entrance of an underground mine.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 6.

(2) A first aid room shall be equipped with at least the items listed in the Schedule.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 6.

(3) A first aid room shall be in the charge of a person,

(a)  who is certified in Standard St. John Ambulance First Aid-Mine Rescue or who holds equivalent qualifications;

(b)  who is readily available; and

(c)  who does not perform other work of a nature that is likely to adversely affect the person’s availability to administer first aid.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 6; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 15.

281.2 (1) Every employer shall ensure that a person trained in extrication and in rescue methods and equipment pertinent to underground mines is readily available.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 6.

(2) An employer shall keep at a location near a work area in an underground mine,

(a)  equipment enabling voice communication with the surface;

(b)  a basket stretcher with a spine board and stretcher straps and ropes for lowering and hoisting the basket stretcher;

(c)  two blankets, six triangular bandages and three pressure dressings, all of which are sealed in a container that keeps them clean, dry and serviceable;

(d)  a splint; and

(e)  a cervical collar.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 6.

(3) An employer shall consult with the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative or, if there is no committee or representative, with the workers to determine what equipment is necessary to rescue injured workers.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 6.

(4) An employer shall keep the equipment determined under subsection (3) to be necessary and a list of the equipment at suitable locations at an underground mine.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 6.

281.3 (1) An employer shall ensure that all first aid and rescue equipment is inspected at regular intervals as determined by the employer in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative or, if there is no committee or representative, with the workers.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 6.

(2) An employer shall keep a record of all inspections of first aid and rescue equipment.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 6.

282. (1) Where a worker is required to work with, or is likely to be exposed to, a hazardous biological or chemical agent that could cause injury to the worker, the employer shall provide as many of the following as are needed for adequate emergency treatment:

1.  Eye wash facilities.

2.  Emergency showers.

3.  Antidotes, flushing fluids or washes. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 43.

(2) The emergency equipment or treatments described in subsection (1) must,

(a)  be clearly marked with a sign or label;

(b)  be located or installed in a conspicuous place near where the hazardous biological or chemical agent is kept or used;

(c)  be readily accessible to workers; and

(d)  have instructions for its use displayed on the equipment or treatment or as near to it as is practical. O. Reg. 69/23, s. 43.

283. Revoked: O. Reg. 265/15, s. 20.

284. Revoked: O. Reg. 272/97, s. 52.

285. Revoked: O. Reg. 187/19, s. 21.

286. Revoked: O. Reg. 69/23, s. 44.

287. In sections 288 to 293,

“radon progeny” means polonium-218 (RaA), lead-214 (RaB), bismuth-214 (RaC) and polonium-214 (RaC’); (“produits de filiation du radon”)

WL” means working level of radon progeny as determined in accordance with subsection 288 (1); (“unité alpha”)

WLM” means working level month of radon progeny as determined in accordance with subsection 288 (2). (“unité alpha-mois”)  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 16.

288. (1) One working level of radon progeny is the amount of any combination of radon progeny in one litre of air that will release 1.3 × 105 mega electron volts of alpha particle energy during their radioactive decay to lead-210 (RaD).  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

(2) One working level month of radon progeny is the amount of a person’s exposure to radon progeny resulting from breathing air that contains one WL for a period of 170 hours.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

289. (1) Samples of air to which workers may be exposed in an underground mine shall be tested for the presence of radon progeny by a competent person.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

(2) The air to which workers may be exposed in an underground mine shall be tested,

(a)  before work begins in a mine that is being reopened; and

(b)  within six months after the commencement of excavation of a new mine.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8.

(3) The air to which workers may be exposed in an underground mine shall be retested,

(a)  at least monthly, if the concentration of radon progeny in a sample exceeds 0.1 WL; and

(b)  at least quarterly, if the concentration of radon progeny in a sample is greater than 0.06 WL up to and including 0.1 WL.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

(4) If the concentration of radon progeny in a sample is less than or equal to 0.06 WL, a competent person shall assess once a year whether to retest the air in the work area in the underground mine and in making the assessment shall consider previous test results and changes in the mine or its operations.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

(5) An employer shall keep a record of the results of all tests of samples of air in an underground mine and shall give a copy of all results to the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8.

(6) An employer shall post the results of all testing in a place where they are likely to come to the attention of workers as soon as the results become available and shall keep them posted for at least fourteen days.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8.

(7), (8) Revoked: O. Reg. 167/16, s. 18.

290. (1) Every employer shall ensure that the airborne concentration of radon progeny to which workers may be exposed in an underground mine is reduced to the lowest practical level in accordance with good industrial hygiene practice.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

(2) An employer shall ensure that no worker who is continuously employed by the employer during a year inhales air which exposes the worker to more than one WLM.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8.

291. If the concentration of radon progeny to which a worker may be exposed in an underground mine exceeds 0.33 WL, the employer,

(a)  shall immediately remove all workers from the affected area of the mine;

(b)  shall give written notice of the occurrence to the joint health and safety committee or health and safety representative, if any;

(c)  shall implement the measures and procedures required by subsection 255 (1);

(d)  shall provide the written instructions required by subsection 255 (3) to all workers assigned to do remedial work; and

(e)  shall provide to workers doing remedial work and require the use of respiratory equipment appropriate to prevent or limit the workers’ exposure to radon progeny.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 272/97, s. 53; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

292. (1) An employer shall develop and implement in consultation with the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any, a written description of work practices for a workplace at which the airborne concentration of radon progeny exceeds 0.1 WL.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 291/02, s. 10 (1); O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

(2) The written description of work practices shall include procedures for investigating the cause of and reducing the level of the airborne concentration of radon progeny to the lowest practical level in accordance with good industrial hygiene practice.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 291/02, s. 10 (2); O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

(3) An employer shall post the written description of work practices in a place where it is likely to come to the attention of all workers who may be affected by exposure to radon progeny.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 291/02, s. 10 (3); O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

(4) Revoked:  O. Reg. 272/97, s. 54.

293. (1) This section applies with respect to a workplace where a written description of work practices referred to in section 292 has been implemented.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 291/02, s. 11.

(2) An employer shall train workers in radiation hazards and protection practices.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8.

(3) An employer shall calculate in WLMs the annual cumulative level of exposure of a worker who is exposed to an average concentration of radon progeny greater than 0.1 WL over a period of eight hours.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 167/16, s. 17.

(4) An employer shall keep a record of the information calculated under subsection (3) and shall give a copy of the record,

(a)  to the worker or the next of kin or personal representative of a deceased worker, on receipt of a written request; and

(b)  to the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative, if any.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8.

(5) An employer shall forward a copy of a record kept under subsection (4) to the National Dose Registry administered by Health Canada’s Radiation Protection Bureau.  O. Reg. 583/91, s. 8; O. Reg. 265/15, s. 22.

293.1 Revoked: O. Reg. 383/15, s. 1.

Part XII (ss. 294-313) Revoked:  O. Reg. 99/11, s. 1.

Table 1 Revoked:  O. Reg. 496/09, s. 7.

SCHEDULE
FIRST AID EQUIPMENT

1. (1) Every first aid room referred to in section 281.1 of this Regulation shall be equipped with,

(a)  a current edition of a standard St. John Ambulance First Aid Manual;

(b)  medical instruments, including dressing scissors, dressing forceps, safety pins, a graduated medicine glass, tongue depressors and cotton-tipped applicators;

(c)  denatured ethyl alcohol; and

(d)  dressings, including individually-wrapped adhesive dressings, individually-wrapped sterile gauze pads of various sizes, gauze bandages of various sizes, adhesive plaster, absorbent cotton, triangular bandages, splints of various sizes and splint padding.

(2) Every first aid room shall be furnished with,

(a)  hot and cold running water;

(b)  three wash basins (preferably stainless steel);

(c)  one instrument sterilizer;

(d)  one cabinet for surgical dressings;

(e)  one enamel foot bath;

(f)  one sanitary disposal receptacle with a lid;

(g)  one couch in a cubicle separate from or curtained off from the rest of the first aid room;

(h)  one stretcher; and

(i)  two blankets.

2. (1) Every first aid room shall have one first aid box that contains at least the items listed in this section for use by a medical attendant at the site of an accident.

(2) A first aid box shall contain,

(a)  a current edition of a standard St. John Ambulance First Aid Manual; and

(b)  dressings, including twenty-four individually-wrapped adhesive dressings, twelve 3" square gauze pads, four rolls of 2" gauze bandage, four rolls of 4" gauze bandage, four individually-wrapped sterile surgical pads suitable for pressure dressing, six triangular bandages and one roll-up splint.

O. Reg. 583/91, s. 9.

Form 1 Revoked:  O. Reg. 296/11, s. 21.

 

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