The new code, put together from a meeting of experts on safety and health in coal mines in Geneva during May last year, replaces the existing 20-year-old code.

“This new code, which reflects the many changes in the industry, its workforce, the roles of the competent authorities, employers, workers and their organisations, and on the development of new ILO instruments on occupational safety and health, focuses on the production of coal from underground mines,” ILO said in the new code.

While not intended to replace national laws, regulations or standards, the code of practice sets out a framework of responsibility for employers, workers, manufacturers and contractors.

It also includes provisions for safe underground coal mining operations covering:

• General physical, chemical, safety and ergonomic hazards
• Flammable coal dust
• Respirable dust
• Mine fires
• Inrushes of water, gas or other material
• Electricity
• Machinery and plant
• Explosives and shotfiring
• Surface buildings, other surface structures and surface roads
• Surveyors and plans
• Commencement and cessation of mining operations
• Means of access and egress, including hoisting of persons and material.
• Roads
• Haulage and transport
• Support of roof and walls
• Ventilation
• Lamps and lighting
• Competence, education and training
• Personal protective equipment
• Contingency, emergency preparedness and rescue
• Work organisation
• Safety and health committees
• Special protection
• Personal hygiene

The full report can be found at http://www.ilo.org/public/english/standards/relm/gb/docs/gb297/pdf/meshcm-9.pdf