Shaft sinking or deepening

• Pages: 63-66

CHAPTER XVI

SHAFT SINKING OR DEEPENING

REGULATION 56. GENERAL PROVISIONS

1.

In addition to the other examinations of the shaft required

by the present Code, the master sinker, or a competent person

appointed by him or by the manager, shall at least once in every

twenty-four hours examine thoroughly the state of the shaft and

the state of all gear by which cradles, platforms or pumps are slung

in the shaft.

2.

Every cradle or platform used in the shaft shall be con-

structed with a grid or other suitable contrivance, when necessary

to secure the efficient ventilation of the whole of the shaft.

3.

National laws or regulations shall specify the precautions

to be taken while men are working on any cradle or platform in the

shaft, and particularly to prevent falls of persons.

4.

If sinking is done from the surface, and work is carried on

during the night, the surface at the shaft top shall be adequately

lighted.

5.

A supervisory official (chargeman or foreman) shall, during

his shift, have entire charge of the operations at the shaft bottom,

subject to the directions of the master sinker, the contractor or

the manager.

6. (1) Immediately before the descent of the shift, or if

work is carried on without any interval by a succession of shifts,

during his shift, the supervisory official shall carry out a general

safety examination and satisfy himself that the shaft is in a safe

condition for men to work at the bottom.

(2) When men are engaged in walling or tubbing a shaft, a

similar examination shall be made by a competent person appointed

by the manager.

7.

The supervisory official shall be the last man to ride at the

end of the shift, and if this shift is succeeded immediately by

another shift, he shall not leave the bottom of the shaft until the

descent of the supervisory official of the next shift.

8. (1) No person shall be allowed to descend after any

cessation of work in the shaft, caused by the withdrawal of the