Question 1

a) Safety concerns are more vital in mining than any other industries. Explain why?
• Mining involves in a hazardous work environment, comparatively in a higher degree.
• Mining hazards may result in severe disasters and catastrophes.
• Mine accidents can cause serious damage to the business, miners, stakeholders, etc.
• Mining accidents, incidents create negative images within the local community,
government, shareholders, environmentalists etc.
• Unsafe mining activities create dissatisfaction within
• related authorities who involve in issuing licenses, recommendations, certificates, etc.
(Mines Bureau, Environmental Authority etc.)
• Mine accidents adversely affect the contractors, outsource activities, schedules, future
plans, company goodwill, reputation etc.
b) What do you understand by an ergonomic hazard and how it affects in mine accidents?
• These are hazards from Poor work design Layout or activity.
• Example of ergonomic problems include Manual handling Workplace layout Task
design.
• Common ergonomic problems in mining
o Difficult access to vehicles or maintenance
o No visibility from vehicles
o Head above height protection
o Displays and controls not in direction the miner /driver must face.
c) Explain the likelihoods and consequences in risk identification.
In risk identification in mines, likelihood refers to the probability that a particular hazard
or event will occur, while consequences refer to the potential impact of the events if it
does occur.
Examples for likelihood
Very Likely -- Could happen frequently.
Likely -- Could happen occasionally.
Unlikely -- Could happen, but only rarely.
Highly Unlikely -- Could happen but probably never will.
consequences in risk identification
There are four types of consequences.
• FATAL - Death
• MAJOR INJURIES - Normally irreversible injury or damage to health requiring
extended time off work to effect best recovery.
• MINORINJURIES - Typically a reversible injury or damage to health needing several
days away from work to recover. Recovery would be full and permanent.
• NEGLIGIBLE INJURIES -Would require first aid and may need the remainder of the
work period or shift off before being able to return to work.
d) List out five (05) recommendations to prevent the following accidents:
i. The operator of a 170-ton capacity haul truck was killed when his truck went out of
control and going over the safety fence as he was descending a 8-percent grade ramp.
 • Training: Ensure the operator is adequately trained in controlling the vehicle,
especially on slopes.
• Vehicle Maintenance: Regularly check the vehicle’s braking system and other control
mechanisms.
• Safety Barriers: Strengthen safety fences and barriers, especially on steep grades.
• Speed Limit: Enforce strict speed limits on ramps and slopes.
• Emergency Procedures: Implement clear emergency procedures for loss of vehicle
control.
ii. The victim was in a front-end loader about 65 feet from the base of a high wall when a
rock blast was initiated. Consequently, the broken rock covered the loader, and the victim
was missing for about one hour. The rock was removed from the loader and the victim
was rescued about 10 hours after the blast.
• Safe Distance: Maintain a safe distance from the blast area, especially near high walls.
• Blast Timing: Schedule blasts when no other operations are being conducted nearby.
• Warning Systems: Implement effective warning systems before initiating a blast.
• Protective Structures: Ensure loaders and other heavy equipment have reinforced
protective structures.
• Emergency Rescue: Have an emergency rescue plan in place, including locating
missing personnel and removing debris.
e) List out sources of information for hazard identification and explain three of them.
• Previous accident reports
• Physical inspection of the workplace
• Brainstorming
• Knowledge of employees
• Trade journals
• Osh publications
• Contacts
• Industry associations
• Manufacturers' instruction books
Brainstorming - This is a process of conducting group meetings with people who are
familiar with the operation of the area under review, recording all ideas and thoughts
relating to possible hazards and then sorting the results into some sort of priority order.
Knowledge of Employees - Employees should be encouraged to describe any
hazards they are aware of. Inquiries of this nature should be conducted in an
atmosphere of 'no blame' where even if the employee is not doing things properly they
are not criticized for it. The aim is to identify and document hazards at this stage.
Trade Journals - Trade journals are often a source of information regarding hazards
encountered by others in the industry. They can be a source of useful inquiry, as
members of the same industry would expect to encounter similar hazards.
f) Definition of risk -The chance of something happening that will impact objectives.
Hazard - A source or a situation with a potential for harm in terms of human injury or ill
health, damage to the property, damage to the environment or a combination of all these.
g) List out at least three hazards, related to each of following operation and, briefly describe
preventive action these hazards:
Drilling and Blasting
Hazard: Fly rock - Rock fragments thrown by a blast can cause serious injuries or
damage. Preventive Action: Proper blast design, use of blasting mats, and maintaining a
safe distance during blasting operations.
1. Hazard: Misfires - Unexploded charges can cause unexpected explosions. Preventive
Action: Use reliable detonators, follow proper blasting procedures, and always check
for misfires after each blast.
2. Hazard: Dust and fumes - Drilling and blasting can generate harmful dust and
fumes. Preventive Action: Use dust suppression techniques, proper ventilation, and
personal protective equipment.
Crushing
1. Hazard: Machinery accidents - Workers can get caught in or struck by moving parts
of the crusher. Preventive Action: Use machine guards, provide safety training, and
enforce lockout/tagout procedures.
2. Hazard: Noise - Crushers can generate high noise levels. Preventive Action: Use
noise control measures, provide hearing protection, and limit exposure time.
3. Hazard: Dust - Crushers can generate significant dust, which can cause respiratory
problems. Preventive Action: Use dust control measures, provide respiratory
protection, and ensure good ventilation.
Transportation
1. Hazard: Vehicle accidents - Collisions or rollovers can cause serious
injuries. Preventive Action: Provide driver safety training, maintain vehicles
properly, and enforce speed limits.
2. Hazard: Load-related accidents - Improperly secured loads can shift or fall, causing
injuries or damage. Preventive Action: Train workers on proper loading techniques,
use appropriate load securing equipment, and regularly inspect loads.
3. Hazard: Pedestrian accidents - Workers on foot can be struck by vehicles. Preventive
Action: Separate pedestrian and vehicle routes, provide high-visibility clothing, and
enforce right-of-way rules.
h) Distinguish between mine incident and accident, and explain “Causes and consequence of
mining accident”.
 A mine incident, An unexpected situation or occurrence that will not be resulted in
serious injury or illness of employee but may resulted in property damage.
 A mine accident, which may be defined as unexpected, unplanned occurrence which
may involve an injury, illness or damage to plant material or the environment.
causes of mining accidents
 Direct Causes can be unsafe acts (like nullifying safety devices, using equipment
unsafely) or unsafe conditions (like poor storage of dangerous substances, inadequate
guards).
 Indirect Causes can be personal factors (like lack of hazard awareness, lack of job
knowledge) or external factors (like management factors, equipment factors).
consequences of mining accidents Question 1: c) part
Question 2
a) Explain the following accident theories.
i. Multiple factor theory
ii. Domino effects
Multiple Factor Theory: This theory recognizes that accidents are usually the result of
multiple factors coming together. These factors can be related to the individual (like lack of
training or fatigue), the task (like complexity or lack of standard procedures), or the
environment (like poor lighting or noisy conditions). By identifying and controlling these
factors, accidents can be prevented.
Domino Effect: This theory suggests that accidents are a chain reaction, much like dominos
falling. Each “domino” represents a factor or event, and the fall of one leads to the next. By
removing any one “domino”, the chain reaction can be stopped, and the accident can be
prevented.
• Social Environment: Those conditions which make us take or accept risks.
• Undesirable Human Traits: Anger, carelessness, tiredness, lack of understanding,
inattention.
• Unsafe Acts or Conditions: Poor planning, unsafe equipment, hazardous environment.
• The Accident: The accident occurs when the above events conspire to cause something
to go wrong.
• The Injury: Injury occurs when the person sustains damage.
By removing any one “domino”, the chain reaction can be stopped, and the accident can be
prevented.
b) Explain the hierarchical order of risk control in exposure to dangerous mine atmosphere
in an underground mine.
i. Elimination: This is the most effective method and involves completely removing the
source of the dangerous gases or dust. For instance, if a particular mining process is
known to release harmful gases, changing the process or using a different technique that
does not release such gases would be an application of this method.

ii. Substitution: This involves replacing a hazardous process or substance with a less
hazardous one. For example, if a certain type of machinery is known to produce harmful
dust, using a different type of machinery that does not produce such dust would be an
application of this method.

iii. Isolation: This involves physically separating the workers from the hazardous
environment. This could be achieved by implementing physical barriers, or by scheduling
work processes in a way that workers are not present in the vicinity when the hazardous
gases or dust are being produced.

iv. Engineering Controls: These are modifications made to the work environment or the
equipment used in order to reduce the exposure to the hazard. In the context of a mine,
this could involve improving the ventilation system to ensure harmful gases are quickly
dispersed, or modifying machinery to reduce dust production.
 v. Administrative Controls: These are changes to the way work is organized and
procedures are carried out. This could involve implementing safety protocols, providing
safety training to workers, carrying out regular checks of air quality, or limiting the
amount of time workers spend in areas where they are exposed to the hazardous
atmosphere.

vi. Personal Safety Devices: This involves providing workers with personal protective
equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators. PPE serves as a barrier between the
worker and the hazardous environment. However, it’s important to note that PPE should
be considered as the last line of defense, and should be used in conjunction with the other
control measures mentioned above.
c) What are the most important factors that should be considered when establishing a
context for risk management process.
• Consideration of how an organization related to its external environment.
• Identification of the stakeholders in the organization.
• Understanding the legal, social, and political framework in which the organization
operates.
• Organization attitudes to risk and their management.
• Consideration of organizational policy that helps define the criteria against which a risk is
assessed to decide whether it is acceptable or not.
• Identifying specific studies needed.
• Defining the extent of the project in time and location.
• Defining the extent of the risk management activities to be carried out.
• Noting areas of particular concern.
• The roles & responsibilities of various people or part of the organization participating in
the risk management process.
• How the project interfaces with other projects or part of an organization.

d) Identify five (05) related events leading to an accident involving fly rock during blasting
in open cast mine and, construct the event tree and determine the likelihood of this risk
quantitatively.
Question 3

a) What we the main responsibilities of key person of the Mine Rescue Team?
1. Leadership: The Team Captain is the leader of the mine rescue team and is
responsible for maintaining discipline and ensuring the general safety of the team.
2. Decision Making: The Team Captain is the chief decision maker when the team is on
a mission. They need to be knowledgeable in all aspects of mine rescue theory and
procedures to make correct and timely decisions.
3. Communication: The Team Captain reports to the Mine Rescue Coordinator and
operates under their direction. They need to effectively communicate with both the
team members and the coordinator.
4. Focus on Safety: The Team Captain’s primary role is to ensure the safety of the team.
They should not engage in any work other than that which directly involves the safety
of the team.
5. Respect and Confidence: The Team Captain must have the respect and confidence of
the team members at all times. This is crucial for effective leadership and team
performance.
b) Describe the importance of safety gear (Personnel Protective Equipment) in mining, and
the responsibility of the employee and the employer in their use
1. Protection from Physical Hazards: Mining often involves working with heavy
machinery and in hazardous conditions, including falling objects, harmful substances,
and noise exposures. PPE like hard hats, safety glasses, earplugs, and steel-toed boots
can help protect workers from these physical hazards.
2. Reducing Exposure to Harmful Substances: Miners can be exposed to harmful
substances like dust, chemicals, and gases. Respirators and protective clothing can
help reduce this exposure.
3. Last Line of Defense: While the first approach to safety should always be to eliminate
hazards through engineering and work practice controls, this isn’t always possible. In
such cases, PPE serves as the last line of defense to protect workers.
4. Compliance with Regulations: Use of PPE is often required by safety regulations and
standards. Non-compliance can result in legal and financial consequences for the
mining company.
5. Promoting a Safety Culture: The use of PPE helps promote a culture of safety
among workers, reminding everyone on site that safety is a priority.

Responsibility
  Employer
 Assess workplace for hazards
 Provide PPE
 Determine when to use
 Provide PPE training for employees and instruction in proper use
 Employee
 Use PPE in accordance with training received and other instructions
 Inspect daily and maintain in a clean and reliable condition
c) Briefly explain the following related to mine rescue operations;
i. Time limit for rescue trips
ii. Searching for survivors

Time limit for rescue trips

A team should ordinarily allow twice the amount of time for the return trip it plans to use on
the in-going trip. Only one-third of the oxygen in the apparatus cylinder worn by any
member of the team should be used on the in-going trip. Two-thirds must be left for the
return trip to the fresh air base.

An exception to this procedure may be made where exploration or gas testing has been done
on the way to the objective. The time or oxygen spent on these side trips need not be
duplicated in estimating the amount required for the return trip.

Searching for survivors

When a rescue team is looking for survivors, they might find them trapped under rocks or
equipment, or hiding behind barriers. Survivors often leave signs like notes or marks on
walls. The team should also listen for sounds like voices or knocking. When they find
survivors, they should quickly tell the control center who and where they are.

d) List out five (05) types of accident witnesses and briefly explain interviewing techniques
that could be practiced to obtain correct evidence from three (03) types of witnesses in the
accident investigation Process.
Five types of accident witnesses:
Impartial Witnesses, Biased Witnesses, Unfriendly Witnesses, Untruthful Witnesses,
Unwilling Witnesses.
Interviewing techniques for three types of witnesses:
Impartial Witnesses:
• Keep conversations informal: This helps to put the witness at ease and encourages
them to share information.
• Ask open-ended questions: This allows the witness to provide detailed information in
their own words.
• Listen: It’s important to listen carefully to the witness’s account without interrupting.
Biased Witnesses:
 • Separate witnesses from one another: This helps to prevent witnesses from influencing
each other’s accounts.
• Don’t blame, just get facts: Focus on gathering factual information rather than
assigning blame.
• Ask some questions you know the answers to: This can help to assess the credibility of
the witness’s account.
Unfriendly Witnesses:
• Choose a private place to talk: This can help to make the witness feel more
comfortable.
• Be respectful: Treat the witness with respect, regardless of their attitude.
• Be sympathetic: Show understanding and empathy, which can help to build rapport
with the witness.
• An underground miner. working at a deep level in a mine fell into a winze and died, as
the winze door at floor level had been kept open while the miner was taking a loaded
trolley across this door. As a safety manager of this mine, you have to investigate this
fatal accident. Explain the procedure you would follow, from the beginning to the end
of the investigation.
As a safety manager investigating this fatal accident, I would follow these steps:
1. Secure the Scene: The first step is to secure the accident site to preserve evidence.
This might involve closing off the area and documenting it with photographs or
sketches.
2. Gather Facts: Collect all relevant information about the accident. This includes
interviewing witnesses, examining the physical evidence, and reviewing any available
records such as work logs or maintenance records.
3. Identify Contributing Factors: Determine what factors contributed to the accident.
In this case, it would be important to understand why the winze door was left open.
4. Determine Root Causes: Identify the underlying causes of the accident. This could
involve a deeper examination of the mine’s safety procedures, training programs, and
culture.
5. Develop Recommendations: Based on the investigation findings, develop
recommendations to prevent similar accidents in the future. This could include
changes to safety procedures, additional training, or physical modifications to the
mine.
6. Implement Changes: Work with mine management to implement the recommended
changes. Monitor the effectiveness of these changes and adjust as necessary.
7. Report Findings: Prepare a detailed report outlining the investigation process,
findings, and recommendations. This report should be shared with mine management,
workers, and relevant regulatory authorities.
8. Review and Learn: Regularly review the investigation process and outcomes to learn
from the incident and continually improve the mine’s safety performance. This could
involve regular safety meetings, training sessions, and audits.

Question 5
a) Describe the major steps involve in IEE and EIA processes.
Step I – Preliminary Information: The project proponent provides preliminary information
about the proposed project to the Project Approving Authority (PAA). This includes details
about the nature, scope, location, and potential impacts of the project.
Step II – Screening: The PAA determines whether an IEE or EIA is necessary for the
project by referring to a prescribed list.
Step III – Environmental Scoping: The PAA undertakes scoping to identify potential
impacts of the project, decide whether the project requires an IEE or EIA, and draft the
Terms of Reference (ToR) for the IEE/EIA study. All relevant stakeholders are invited for
the scoping.
Step IV – IEE/EIA Report Preparation: The EIA report is prepared by the proponent or
consultants hired by the proponent in accordance with the ToR. The proponent is responsible
for submitting the EIA report to the PAA.
Step V – IEE/EIA Report Review: The IEE/EIA report is reviewed by the general public
(only EIA Reports) and a Technical Evaluation Committee (TEC) appointed by the PAA.
The report is reviewed for adequacy and content of the information.
Step VI – Public Participation and Evaluation of the Report: The involvement of the
public is one of the most crucial aspects of the EIA process. The provision for public
participation is contained in the NEA. The public comments received during the 30 day
period must be sent back to the project proponent for review and response.
Step VII – Decision Making: After the review of the EIA report, the PAA makes a decision
on whether to approve the project or not. The decision is based on the EIA report, the
recommendations of the TEC, and any public comments received.
Step VIII – Monitoring: If the project is approved, the next step is to monitor and audit the
project to ensure compliance with the EIA and any conditions of approval. Monitoring
involves regular checks to ensure that the mitigation measures are being implemented and
are effective. Auditing is a more formal process that checks the accuracy of the EIA
predictions, the effectiveness of the mitigation measures, and the compliance with the
conditions of approval.
b) What is the aim of the EIA Process?
protect environmental, social and economic impacts at an early stage in project planning and
design, find ways to reduce adverse impacts, shape projects to suit the local environment,
and recommend suitable options to decision makers.
c) Who are the key stake holders involved in the EIA Process?
There are four parties who involve in EIA Process;
1. Project Proponent (PP)- government Department, Corporation, Statutory Board, Local
Authority, Company, firm or individual who submits any prescribed project for approval.
2. Project Approving Agency (PAA)
3. Stakeholder
4. General Public
d) Describe in detail why we need to implement an ElA process before commencing a
development project in Sri Lanka.
• Make development projects environmentally sustainable,
• Reduce adverse environmental impacts,
• Identify environmental impacts on ecologically fragile landscapes before development
projects,
• Assess the effects of development pressures on the natural resources base as well as on
the socio-cultural aspects,
 • Reduce the overall environmental and economic costs of projects, and
• Optimize project benefits.
e) Describe in detail the major general outputs that are expected from the ElA process.
• an identification and analysis of the environmental effects of proposed activities.
• an environmental management plan which outlines the mitigatory measures
implemented; and
• an environmental monitoring programme.
f) Weaknesses of the existing EIA system of Sri Lanka
• Inefficient Project Approving Agency (PAA) System
• Timing of EIAs and insufficient integration with the feasibility studies
• EIA is only limited for projects.
• Prescription of projects with quantified magnitudes
• Weak follow up monitoring and review.
• Production of non-focussed EIA reports
• Use of the EIA process by agencies to achieve various goals other than environmental
aspects.
• Limited technical and managerial capacities to implement EIAs

Question 4
1) Current powers of the Bureau//to acquire, hold, take or give on lease or hire, mortgage,
pledge, sell or otherwise dispose of, any movable or immovable property.// to enter any
contracts which are necessary for the proper exercise of its powers and the discharge of its
functions //to appoint, terminate the employment of, remunerate and control, its officers and
servants // to issue licenses for the exploration, mining processing, transport, trade, and
export of minerals// to open, operate and close bank accounts, and borrow or raise money for
the purposes of the Bureau.// can get money or fees for the service providing. // can change
any rules related to their administrative functions.
b) Cancellation of any license issued by the Bureau//has contravened any term or
condition attached to such license // has not carried out any lawful direction given to him by
the Bureau // carries on wasteful mining despite the prior warning given in writing by the
Bureau against such mining // has suspended, ceased to carry on any activity authorized by
such license for a period of over six months without the permission "of the Bureau // has
surrendered his license subject to satisfaction of the requirements of this Act// has been
convicted of an offense under this Act or of any regulation made thereunder.
d) The functions of the Bureau
To undertake systematic geological mapping of Sri Lanka.//To identify and assess the
mineral resources of Sri Lanka.//To evaluate the commercial viability of mining for,
processing and export of such minerals.// To regulate the exploration and mining for
minerals and processing, trading in export of such minerals by issue of licence .//To advise
the minister on measures to be adopted the promotion of the extraction and production of
minerals on a commercial basis.// To Establish the context, Hazard Identification, Hazard
Analysis, Evaluation, Risk control, Monitoring and review.
Question 5
Board of Management of the Bureau. // three members appointed by the Minister from
among persons who appear to the Minister to have knowledge of Geology, Mining, Business
Management, law, and finance// one member appointed by the Minister in consultation with
the Minister in charge of the subject of Finance.// “The Director-General of the Geological
Survey and Mines//Secretary of the minister relevant subject industry or his
representative.//Secretary of the Ministry of Environment or his representative.
Restriction on the issue of licenses.
for individual //person who under the age of eighteen years //person of public officer or
employee of any Provincial Council or a local authority//with the identification of Sri
Lankan contest person identified as unsound mind. // with the Sri Lankan rules and context
the person declared as insolvent or bankrupt. (a) for company or firm // company not
registered to do business in Sri Lanka(c) company have bankrupt or in liquidation// any
applicant who does not possess the financial capacity and technical qualifications //The
applicant who didn’t to pay the prescribed fee for the issue of the license.
Termination of a license// Where the holder of a license being a limited liability company
becomes bankrupt or is adjudged an insolvent. //where the holder of a license dies //where
the holder of a license being a partnership is dissolved.