Explanatory note

This order is made under the Mines and Quarries Act, 1954, s. 190, which empowers the Minister of Fuel and Power to re-enact (to the extent to which they could be enacted in regulations made under the Act and subject to modifications of the kind specified in that section) the provisions of regulations and enactments which will cease to have effect at the commencement of the Act.

The provisions set out as regulations in the first schedule to this order apply (as regards Part II of the regulations) to all mines of coal, stratified ironstone, shale and fireclay; (as regards Part III) to mines of those minerals in which or in part of which the use of lamps or lights, other than locked safety-lamps and any other means of lighting authorised by regulations, is unlawful; and (as regards Part IV) to every mine of coal or shale except such a mine at which not more than 10 persons are employed below ground.

Part II makes provision with regard to the storing of highly inflammable material and requires that certain buildings and structures shall not be made of or comprise inflammable material; that suitable and sufficient means for extinguishing fire (in certain cases, of a specified kind) shall be provided at specified places; that arrangements shall be made to ensure the inspection and maintenance of the fire-fighting equipment; and (except at a mine at which less than 100 persons are employed below ground) that there shall be a proper organisation of persons for fire-fighting.

Part III specifies the precautions to be taken in the case of outbreaks or suspected outbreaks of fire at any mine to which the Part applies, including provisions to ensure that (subject to certain exceptions) no person remains in, or is permitted to enter, any place likely to be affected by such a fire.

Part IV sets out requirements with regard to the provision, maintenance and manning of central rescue stations to provide facilities for the conduct of operations for rescue and other necessary work after any explosion or fire, or in an irrespirable atmosphere, at mines to which that Part applies. Provision is also made with regard to the appointment and qualifications of rescue workers and the organisation of rescue brigades at certain mines; the provision and inspection of rescue equipment; the conduct of rescue work; and other miscellaneous matters in connection with rescue work and equipment.

The regulations comprise, and will at the commencement of the Act replace, provisions of the regulations and enactments specified in the second schedule to the order.