Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act No. 29 of 1996)NoticesGuideline for the Compilation of a Mandatory Code of Practice for the Management of Working in Confined Spaces at MinesPart A : The Guideline4. Definitions and Acronyms |
| (a) | "Bump test" |
means a brief exposure of gas monitor to gas to verify that the sensors respond and the instrument alarms function accordingly.
| (b) | "Confined space" |
means an enclosed or partially enclosed space that is not intended or designed primarily as place of work. Due to its nature, a Confined Space poses particular hazards to personnel that include the potential for:
| • | An oxygen deficient or otherwise non-breathable atmosphere. |
| • | An oxygen enriched environment supportive of combustion conditions |
| • | An atmosphere that is explosive or flammable. |
| • | An atmosphere that is toxic or contains harmful contaminants. |
| • | Temperature levels that pose a hazard to personnel. |
| • | Entrapment risks due to the nature of the Confined Space’s entry and exit points. |
| • | Engulfment risks due to the inrush of free-flowing solids or fluids. |
Entry to a confined space is defined as a person’s whole body, upper body or head being located within the confined space.
| (c) | "CIOM" |
means Chief Inspector of Mines
| (d) | "COP" |
means a Code of Practice.
| (e) | "DMR" |
means Department of Mineral Resources.
| (f) | "MHSA" |
means Mine Health and Safety Act, 1996 (Act 29 of 1996) as amended.
| (g) | "MHSC" |
means Mine Health and Safety Council.
| (h) | "MOHAC" |
means Mining Occupational Health Advisory Committee.
| (i) | "Permit" |
means an official document giving someone authorization to do something.
| (j) | "Risk" |
means the likelihood that occupational injury or harm to persons will occur.
| (k) | "SAMI" |
means South African Mining Industry.
| (l) | "SIMRAC" |
means Safety in Mines Research Advisory Committee.
| (m) | "Standby person / control attendant" |
means a person located outside the permit space who controls and records Confined Space entry and performs other duties as defined by the COP.