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. Officially a safety lamp mine, there's actually no firedamp to
speak of. Requests to visit are not uncommon and the owner is toying with
the idea of putting things on a more formal footing. There's a lot of
interest and the Inspector is in favour. But a few 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? If
you have them, please let me have names and 'phone numbers;
- is it permissable/advisable to allow visitors to "play with" machinery, or
even fire a shot?
- who's responsible if something goes wrong: the owner or the mine manager?
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?
- there's also a lead mine connected to the coal mine - does this make any
difference?
I hasten to add that the people asking these questions are serious
individuals for whom safety and legal issues are paramount. They are also
members of the Institute of Mining Engineers and the Federation of Small Mines.
Any help would be appreciated.
John Gibson
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