I, Simon Bridges, Minister of Labour, have approved the following Codes of Practice pursuant to section 20A(3) of the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992:
1. Ventilation in underground mines and tunnels; and
2. Fire or explosion in underground mines and tunnels.
These Approved Codes of Practice set out a statement of preferred work practices or arrangements for the health and safety of those working within the mining and tunnelling industries.
The Approved Codes of Practice are designed to assist the site senior executive to develop a principal control plan for ventilation, and a principal hazard management plan for fire or explosion, as required by the Health and Safety in Employment (Mining Operations and Quarrying Operations) Regulations 2013.
These new Approved Codes of Practice have been consulted on with industry experts and the relevant union during their development over an 18-month period.
They have not been made available for public consultation as the Minister is satisfied that sufficient consultation has already taken place in respect of the matters in each Approved Code of Practice.
Dated at Wellington this 27th day of February 2014.
HON SIMON BRIDGES, Minister of Labour.