The Resources Regulator recently hosted a forum for opal miners at Lightning Ridge. The forum covered changes to the Work Health and Safety (Mines and Petroleum Sites) Regulation 2022, which have direct provisions for winders, including gemstone hoists.
The change relating to hoists aims to simplify the legislation and means gemstone hoists no longer need to be design or item registered with the Resources Regulator.
Principal Inspector Dwaine Jones welcomed attendees before a presentation from Inspector Jeremy U’Brien, who explored the change in practical terms and touched on requirements for conveyances, frame, brakes, ropes, guarding and controls.
Hoist design elements, including electrical and mechanical safety systems, were discussed, as well as questions relating to existing item and design registration status.
A number of miners invited inspectors to view their winders to seek specific guidance for compliance. Forecast heavy rain meant some had already left Lightning Ridge, however the forum was well attended with over 30 participants.
