Modern Quarrying Q4 2018

porate this challenge. If this is accepted, approved, promulgated then we would have won a huge battle. But, I have to caution – this does not mean you do not have to comply with COPs. A mine determines its own risk and place control mea- sures to reduce the risk – that makes a COP site specific and includes size of the operation. It is of sheer impor- tance to abide by your own rules. One challenge that remains is that some auditors assume that one solution will fix every mine’s risk and that is far from the truth. If a large underground mine finds solutions for PDS/CAS, it does not mean that these can be replicated in a surface operation – that is a lesson we have learnt the hard way. MS: The regulator has previously facilitated various meetings with industry, OEMs and PDS suppliers to discuss the issue. What has come out of these meetings? LvdB: The outcome is definitely a better understanding from industry on the requirements and risk evaluation process and user requirements for PDS/CAS. OEMs are now starting to liaise with the Minerals Council and PDS suppliers. Many suppliers now have monthly meetings with OEMs to assist in finding operable reliable solutions for PDS/CAS. One thing I am not sure of is how involved is the DMR in all these discussions and solutions? Who is conveying the message to our legislator? Good and detailed work has gone into this process by all stakehold- ers, the process must not get lost for future technology changes. l

viewpoint during the early days of the promulgation of the legislation. However, since 2017 the Minerals Council has worked with us to find cost-effective and operable solutions. The Mining Industry Occupational Safety and Health (MOSH) is also working closely with us to find traffic management solutions to reduce the need for installation of PDS/CAS units. If you reduce your TMM, both small and large, and pedestrian interaction, you can avoid the installation of PDS/CAS systems. I must also stress that as a small-scale mine you must be committed to the entire process and take time out to attend the various workshops regarding traffic manage- ment and PDS/CAS systems. Invites are normally sent through ASPASA, but you can contact any MOSH individ- ual for assistance and be added to the invite list. MS: The quarrying industry has previously been lobbying for a differentiation between quarries and large-scale mining operations for several years and believed that this would help it regulate and implement codes of practices (COPs) better. What has been the outcome of this lobbying? LvdB: We are in the process of updating Chapter 2 (responsibilities – appointments) and 15 (competency and training) of the MHSA through the MHSC, MRAC, DMR. Here we have won major steps in demonstrating the need for surface mines being split by size through a risk assessment process. Nothing has been approved by the legislator or MRAC but the draft changes incor-

SAFETY UPDATE – PDS COMPLIANCE

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MODERN QUARRYING QUARTER 4 - 2018