John Gibson wrote:
>
> A colleague who works Saturdays in a small private coal mine near
> Alston in Cumbria has asked for advice on the ramifications of opening
> the mine to visitors.
If the Mines Inspector is in favour then you are half way there. Being
a working mine then it already has to comply with most of the relevant
legislation so there may be little extra cost there. Re your questions
:-
> who are the best people/contacts to turn to for advice on the issues of
> health and safety, the legalities of it all, insurance, licensing, etc?
For Health & Safety and the legalities they will have to formally write
to the Mines Inspector and detail their plans. Say that they want to
use it for a Show Mine. They will have responsibilities under the
Health & Safety at Work Act for members of the public as well as workers
as currently. The Inspector should be able to give instructions on what
additional safeguards are needed.
Insurance-wise, their existing insurer can be contacted to extend cover
but it may well be expensive! If so, tell them to try finding out the
insurers for show mines with underground experiences such Big Pit in
South Wales or Clearwell Caves in Forest of Dean.
They will incur a potential big liability if they charge public to go
around - solicitors will love to sue if anything goes wrong.
> - is it permissable/advisable to allow visitors to "play with"
> machinery, or even fire a shot?
NO NO NO!!!! Doing that will incur the wrath of the Mines Inspector as
untrained public will be put at risk. If there is an accident they will
face criminal prosecution. Also they will have no leg to stand on at
all in any court and a solicitor will take them for all they have. By
all means let them watch machinery from behind a safe barrier or have a
"mock" taped explosion.
> who's responsible if something goes wrong: the owner or the mine
> manager?
Both really as each has a duty of care. Each could face prosection for
negiligence.
> The mine manager has total responsibility and control over the mine by
> law, but what if a separate company were set up to take tours round?
Unless the separate company actually took over the mine on a lease it
makes no difference. The mine owner and manager would still be
responsible for the safety of the mine and all activities in it.
> there's also a lead mine connected to the coal mine - does this make
> any difference?
None as far as the Mines Inspector is concerned if members of the public
are being taken underground for a fee.
Email me if you want more info.
Adrian
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