The COP must set out how the significant risks in relation to PPE for WIM identified and assessed in terms of the risk assessment process referred to in paragraph 7.1 above will be addressed. The COP must cover at least the aspects set out below unless there is no significant risk associated with that aspect at the mine.
| 8.1 | Roles and responsibilities of different persons |
The COP should set out the roles and responsibilities of the various different persons involved in the processes to ensure that suitable PPE is provided to WIM at the mine. These roles and responsibilities could include the following:
| 8.1.1.1 | Ensure that sufficient quantities of the required and appropriate PPE for each activity performed by WIM is available at the mine. In this regard, PPE should be provided which is suitable and having regard to the local operational procedures, culture and environmental conditions; |
| 8.1.1.2 | Ensure that training is provided on the selection of appropriate PPE for use at the mine, on when the different types of PPE are to be used and the correct use of the different types of PPE; |
| 8.1.1.3 | Ensure that procedures are established and implemented and facilities provided that will ensure proper maintenance of PPE; |
| 8.1.1.4 | Ensure that suitable facilities a r e provided for the storage, transport and cleaning of PPE; |
| 8.1.1.5 | Ensure that a documented monitoring system is established and maintained on the appropriateness and effectiveness of PPE used by WIM at the mine; and |
| 8.1.1.6 | Ensure that any confidential medical information required for the implementation of the COP remains confidential. |
| 8.1.2 | Managers and Supervisors |
Managers/Supervisors are responsible for ensuring effective day to day use of PPE by the WIM falling under their supervision. This could include the following:
| 8.1.2.1 | Familiarise themselves and the WIM falling under their supervision with the content of this COP which is relevant to them. |
| 8.1.2.2 | Ensure that specific assessments are carried out for both the risk to be protected against and the different types of PPE that could be used to protect WIM from that risk. On this basis the suitability of the selected PPE against the risk should be assessed. |
| 8.1.2.3 | Ensure that WIM receive suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training with regard to PPE supplied to them. |
| 8.1.2.4 | Ensure the proper use, storage, maintenance, cleaning, examination, repair and replacement of PPE. |
WIM have personal responsibilities to ensure the effectiveness of any safe system of work provided. In particular they must:
| 8.1.3.1 | Ensure that PPE provided is used, maintained and cleaned in accordance with the training, instruction and information received. |
| 8.1.3.2 | Return PPE after use to storage facilities provided for it. If this i s not possible, to take reasonable steps to safeguard the condition of PPE when temporarily stored elsewhere and must not be taken home. |
| 8.1.3.3 | Regularly examine PPE and report any defect, damage or loss to their manager/supervisor. |
| 8.1.3.4 | Inform their manager/supervisor of any medical or other conditions that may affect their ability to wear or use PPE. |
| 8.1.3.5 | Report to their manager/supervisor, problems with the equipment or suggested improvements to SOPs, which may reduce the requirement for PPE, or improvements in the design or application of PPE. |
| 8.2 | Selection, provision and maintenance |
The COP should set out measures to ensure that suitable PPE for WIM is selected and provided, and that such PPE for WIM is properly maintained, which measures should include:
| 8.2.1 | Identifying all areas in which PPE for WIM may be required; |
| 8.2.2 | Identifying the types of PPE for WIM which would provide suitable protection against the identified hazards; |
| 8.2.3.2 | Type of workplace hazards; |
| 8.2.3.3 | Purpose of PPE; and |
| 8.2.3.4 | Nature of work to be undertaken. |
| 8.2.4 | Ensuring PPE for WIM is regularly maintained to remain fully functional for its intended use; |
| 8.2.5 | Ensuring PPE for WIM is timeously replaced when no longer fully functional for its intended use; and |
| 8.2.6 | Ensuring the use and effectiveness of the PPE is monitored, including with regard to fit, comfort and maximum protection from the identified hazards for WIM. |
The COP must set out measures to ensure that WIM are properly trained in the use of PPE provided to them, which should include the following:
| 8.3.1. | Identifying appropriate persons to carry out training for WIM on the use of PPE and the qualifications, experience and other requirements to be met by such persons; |
| 8.3.2 | Conducting training two phases for all WIM who are required to wear PPE; |
| 8.3.3.1 | General training should include: |
| • | When and why personal protective equipment is necessary; |
| • | What type of personal protective equipment is necessary? |
| • | How properly to put on, take off, adjust and wear PPE; |
| • | The limitations of the PPE ; |
| • | The proper care, maintenance, useful life and disposal of the PPE; and |
| • | Advising WIM on appropriate personal wear with the different types of PPE for WIM |
| 8.3.3.2 | Site specified training (to be conducted by direct supervisors and documented) should include: |
| • | What type of PPE is necessary for each job; |
| • | How properly to put on, take off, adjust and wear PPE; |
| • | Departmental cleaning, maintenance and replacement procedures. |
| 8.3.3 | Ensuring that each trainee demonstrates correct use of PPE before being allowed to perform work requiring the use of PPE. |
| 8.3.4 | Ensuring that retraining is done, wherever required when: |
| 8.3.4.1 | New equipment or processes are introduced that could create new or additional hazards; and |
| 8.3.4.2 | There have been changes in the workplace or PPE that renders previous training obsolete. |
| 8.3.5 | Ensuring, if any employee who has been trained does not have the understanding or skills required to use the PPE properly, that such employee is retrained and the retraining is documented. |
