The Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2022 prescribes that Departmental Approved Plant, often referred to as Mines Department Approved (MDA) plant, can no longer be used in a hazardous zone of an underground coal mine from 1 September 2028.
Until this date, MDA plant may only be used if it is on the Explosion Protected Electrical Apparatus Approvals List and was manufactured before 1 October 2015.
The Regulator is reviewing the 2,159 items on the list, with the intent to only include items currently in use in hazardous zones.
In making the list current, the Regulator will contact all underground coal mines, including those in care and maintenance, and request a list of all Department Approved Plant in use at the site.
Mine operators should be prepared to provide this information when requested.
The process will also assist mine operators to schedule plant replacement in the overhaul cycles for explosion-protected electrical equipment prior to 1 September 2028.
