1 This document, which has been prepared by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in consultation with the Mining Qualifications Board (MQB), sets out the criteria by which HSE determines eligibility for certificates of qualification for appointments in coal mines, and explains how such certificates may be obtained.
2 Regulation 17 of the Management and Administration of Safety and Health at Mines Regulations 1993 (MASHAM), provides for the HSE to approve qualifications for appointments in the mining industry. It has done so for positions in coal mines, on the recommendation of the MQB which advises HSE on mining qualifications. These qualifications are set out in lists 2 and 3 of Appendix 1 of the MASHAM Approved Code of Practice (ACoP). They are the minimum qualifications for the positions for which they have been approved.
3 Regulation 18 of MASHAM requires the possession of any approved qualification to be attested by a valid certificate of qualification. Regulation 18(2)(d) effectively requires that the body issuing the certificate should be satisfied that the individual, to whom the certificate relates, has attained a satisfactory standard of education, training or experience, or a combination of them.
4 Regulation 20 of MASHAM requires that the applicant should be notified of a decision by HSE to refuse a certificate of qualification, and provides a right of appeal against such a decision. Paragraph 133 of the supporting ACoP says that notification of a refusal to issue a certificate will include reasons for the decision. A procedure for review of such a refusal has been approved by the Health and Safety Commission (HSC), and is set out at Annex A of this document.
5 Regulation 21 of MASHAM provides for the replacement of certificates that have been defaced, lost or destroyed.
6 For all appointments in respect of which the HSE has approved qualifications, MASHAM requires, additionally, that the appointee should be suitably competent. A certificate of qualification for these appointments does not attest to the holder's competence. It simply confirms that the holder is suitably qualified, through knowledge, education and specified practical experience, for appointment to the position to which the qualification relates.
7 Competence is, in the first instance, a matter for the judgment of the person making the particular appointment. It encompasses such matters as relevant experience, and fitness and capacity to discharge duties, and exercise authority, in a particular post at a particular mine. For example, a person appointing a mine manager would normally expect the likely appointee to have demonstrated competence in a previous relevant supervisory or management appointment. The type and range of that experience would depend upon the type of command to which the person is to be appointed. The competency required of appointees can vary widely in different circumstances, even though the job title is the same.
8 Competence is, nevertheless, a legal requirement enforceable by HSE.
9 HSE has approved the following qualifications:
10 Further information about how to obtain mining qualifications, and the criteria for determining eligibility for certificates of qualification, is available from:
Mining Qualifications,11 In this document, unless the context otherwise requires:
12 Details of academic qualifications which are no longer available, but which remain acceptable, are held by HSE. Information about these can be obtained from the address shown in paragraph 10.
13 The qualifications and practical experience referred to in the following criteria relate to those obtained in the United Kingdom . However there are statutory requirements for the mutual recognition of qualifications obtained in member states of the European Union. HSE will consider such qualifications in accordance with these requirements. Relevant qualifications and practical experience from countries outside the European Union may also be considered.
14 The HSE has approved the First Class Certificate of Qualification, which supersedes the First Class Certificate of Competency, but does not invalidate those already issued.
15 The First Class Certificate of Qualification, and the First Class Certificate of Competency, are the only qualifications approved by the HSE for the position of manager of a Class A mine.
16 In addition to being approved for the post of mine manager at Class A mines, these certificates are also approved for the post of mine manager at Class B mines, and for the following positions at Class A and B mines:
| Regulation | ACoP | |
|---|---|---|
| 8(3) | 39 | Substitute for manager when manager is not readily available; |
| 10(3)(a) | 67 | Substitute for manager when manager is not present at the mine but is readily available; |
| 10(2)(b) | 64 | Daily personal supervision of all underground workings of a mine; |
| 10(2)(b) | 43,63 | Daily personal supervision of part of the underground workings of a mine; |
| 10(2)(c) | 62 | Shift supervision for the whole of the underground workings of a mine; |
| 10(2)(a) | 50 | Shift supervision for each area of command; 12(2) 106 Inspection. |
17 All applicants should have passed the approved examination in mining health and safety law (now administered by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining).
18 They should also hold a suitable academic qualification. At present, acceptable qualifications are:
19 All applicants should hold a gas-testing and hearing certificate, which is valid on the date of application.
20 They should also have had a minimum of three years practical experience below ground in a coal mine, including at least 18 months experience at the working face. This means:
Work in the above context includes the performance, immediate supervision or responsible control of the getting of minerals or work directly connected with such getting, setting of supports or repairing and stonework. The above excludes work on a haulage or conveyor system, in handling supplies, or which involves only occasional time spent at the working face. It includes any period carrying out such work as part of a training programme. Not more than 12 months' experience under subparagraph (b) can be counted towards the total of 18 months experience at the working face, and a maximum of 6 months’ shall be devoted to the installation or maintenance of associated equipment.
21 The HSE may accept the satisfactory completion of suitable management training schemes, to a level appropriate to the mining engineering discipline, in place of the above practical experience requirement. The schemes enable successful candidates to be considered for appointment as front line supervisors to gain further industrial experience. The approved schemes are listed in Annex B.
22 The HSE has approved the Second Class Certificate of Qualification, which supersedes the Second Class Certificate of Competency, but does not invalidate those already issued.
23 The Second Class Certificate of Qualification and the Second Class Certificate of Competency are the minimum qualifications approved by the HSE for the following positions.
| Regulation | ACoP | |
|---|---|---|
| 8(3) | 39 | Substitute for manager at a Class A mine when manager is not readily available; |
| 10(2)(b) | 64 | Daily personal supervision of all underground workings at a Class A mine; |
| 10(2)(b) | 43,63 | Daily personal supervision of part of the underground workings of a Class A mine. |
24 They are also approved for the following positions at Class A and B mines:
| Regulation | ACoP | |
|---|---|---|
| 8(1) | 36 | Manager of Class B mine; |
| 8(3) | 39 | Substitute for manager of a Class B mine when manager is not readily available; |
| 10(3)(a) | 67 | Substitute for manager when manager is not present at the mine but is readily available; |
| 10(2)(c) | 62 | Shift supervision for the whole of the underground workings of any mine; |
| 10(2)(a) | 50 | Shift supervision for each area of command in any mine; |
| 12(2) | 106 | Inspection in any mine. |
25 All applicants should have passed the approved examination in mining health and safety law (now administered by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining).
26 They should also hold a suitable academic qualification. At present the minimum acceptable qualification is a Higher National Certificate (HNC), from BTEC, in mining engineering.
27 All applicants should hold a gas-testing and hearing certificate which is valid on the date of application.
28 They should also have had a minimum of three years practical experience below ground in a coal mine, including at least 18 months experience at the working face. This means:
Work in the above context includes the performance, immediate supervision or responsible control of the getting of minerals or work directly connected with such getting, setting of supports or repairing and stonework. The above excludes work on a haulage or conveyor system, in handling supplies, or which involves only occasional time spent at the working face. It includes any period carrying out such work as part of a training programme. Not more than 12 months' experience under subparagraph (b) can be counted towards the total of 18 months experience at the working face, and a maximum of 6 months’ shall be devoted to the installation or maintenance of associated equipment.
29 The HSE may accept the satisfactory completion of suitable management training schemes, to a level appropriate to the mining engineering discipline, in place of the above practical experience requirement. The schemes enable successful candidates to be considered for appointment as front line supervisors to gain further industrial experience. The approved schemes are listed in Annex B.
30 The list of approved qualifications in appendix 1 to the MASHAM ACoP includes four for mechanical engineers, and four for electrical engineers. The following are the minimum qualifications for engineering appointments under regulation 11(3) of MASHAM:
| MASHAM | Function | Approved minimum qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Class A mines | ||
| ACoP 84(a) | Engineering direction and management, with daily personal supervision of the appropriate staff and functions | Mechanical Engineer's Certificate, Electrical Engineer's Certificate (as appropriate) |
| Appendix 1 (Exceptions, paragraph 2) | As above where (a) not more than 75 prime movers are installed or (b) the number of electric motors installed does not exceed 75. | (a) Class I Mechanic's Certificate, (b) Class I Electrician's Certificate |
| 84 (e) | Engineering supervision when engineer is not present (a) on a production shift, or (b) when significant engineering work is being undertaken. | Class I Mechanic's Certificate Class I Electrician's Certificate |
| 84(e)(ii) | Engineering supervision when engineer is not present when only a few persons are below ground and there is no production or significant engineering work in progress. | Mechanic's Qualification Electrician's Qualification |
| 84(b) | Supervisory technician | Class II Mechanic's Certificate Class II Electrician's Certificate |
| 84(c) | Mechanics and electricians (Technicians) |
Mechanic's Qualification Electrician's qualification |
| Class B Mines | ||
| 84(a) | Engineering direction and management | Class II Mechanic's Certificate Class II Electrician's Certificate |
| 84(b) | Supervisory technicians | Class II Mechanic's Certificate Class II Electrician's Certificate |
| 84(c) | Mechanics and electricians (Technicians) | Mechanic's Qualification Electrician's Qualification |
Each qualification is also acceptable for engineering appointments subordinate to those for which they are the minimum requirement.
31 A formal qualification is not required for engineering direction, management, and supervision at any mine which has no prime mover underground capable of developing more than 15 kw. In such cases, the mine manager may authorise a suitably competent person to undertake these duties.
32 Applicants for engineering certificates should hold a suitable academic qualification. Details of acceptable qualifications, currently or recently available, are listed Annex D. The latest qualifications for Class I and II Certificates require a national engineering BTEC qualification supplemented by an award in mining for colliery technicians (mechanical or electrical engineering) or supplemented by a successful assessment in the National and/or Scottish Vocational Qualification (N/SVQ). (See Annex G),
33 Details of academic qualifications which are no longer available, but which remain acceptable, are held by HSE. Information about these can be obtained from the address shown in paragraph 10.
34 Applicants for a mechanical engineer's certificate or electrical engineers certificate should, additionally, have passed the approved examination in mining health and safety law (now administered by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining)
35 All applicants for engineering certificates should have the following practical experience:
This experience should also include at least 18 months at a coal mine, of which at least 200 working days should be below ground.
36 The HSE may accept the satisfactory completion of suitable management training schemes, to a level appropriate to the electrical or mechanical engineering discipline, in place of the above practical experience requirement. The schemes enable successful candidates to be considered for appointment as front line supervisors to gain further industrial experience. The approved schemes are listed in Annex B.
37 For the purposes of regulation 11(3)(c) of MASHAM, HSE has approved the apprenticeship schemes listed in Annex C.
38 The HSE has approved the Mine Surveyor's Certificate of Qualification which supersedes the Mines Surveyor's Certificate, but does not invalidate those already issued.
39 The Mine Surveyor's Certificate of Qualification and the Mine Surveyor's Certificate are the only qualifications approved by the HSE for the position of surveyor at a coal mine.
40 All applicants should hold a suitable academic qualification. At present acceptable qualifications are:
41 All applicants should have passed the approved Practical Examination in Mine Surveying (now administered by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining).
42 Applicants should have a minimum of 80 weeks certified experience in surveying at coal mines, as follows:
and includes any period carrying out such work as part of a training programme. Not more than 16 weeks of the overall experience should be related to experience under subparagraph (b).
43 The list of currently approved qualifications, list 1 of appendix 1 of the MASHAM ACoP, includes the Deputy's Qualification. It is the minimum qualification, with additional experience for certain appointment as detailed in Lists 2 and 3 of appendix 1, for the following functions:
| Regulation | ACoP | |
|---|---|---|
| Class A Mines | ||
| 10(3)(a) | 67 | Substitute for manager when manager is not present at the mine but is readily available; |
| 10(2)(c) | 62 | Shift supervision for the whole of the underground workings of a mine; |
| 10(2)(a) | 50 | Shift supervision for each area of command; |
| 12(2) | 106 | Adequate inspection. |
| Class B Mines | ||
| 8(1) | 36 | Mine manager; |
| 8(3) | 39 | Substitute for manager when manager is not readily available; |
| 10(3)(a) | 67 | Substitute for manager when manager is not present at the mine but is readily available; |
| 10(2)(b) | 62 | Shift supervision for the whole of the underground workings of a mine; |
| 10(2)(a) | 50 | Shift supervision for each area of command; |
| 12(2) | 106 | Adequate inspection. |
44 There are four elements of the Deputy's Qualification, these are:
45 The HSE has approved the Deputy's Certificate which attests to academic knowledge, and practical experience for the purpose of the Deputy's Qualification. It may be granted by HSE, or such other body granting the certificate in accordance with Regulation 18 of MASHAM. See Note 1 of Appendix 1 of the MASHAM Approved Code of Practice (ACoP).
46. All applicants should:
Practical experience
47 Applicants should have spent a minimum period of time, specified in paragraph 48, gaining practical experience below ground in a UK coal mine. This should include time at the face of the workings, which means:
and includes any period carrying out such work as part of a training programme.
48 The minimum period of practical experience is determined by the applicant's academic qualification as follows:
49 Additionally, applicants should have passed a practical underground test at a mine, in which they satisfy the mine manager that they can make suitable inspection reports, orally and in writing, for the purposes of Regulation 12(8) of MASHAM. The person who conducts the test must hold a first class certificate of qualification and, as far as practicable, should not be in the management structure at the candidate's mine. A list of the topics to be covered in the test is at Annex F.
50 This certificate should have been obtained within the last preceding three years. It attests that, at the time the certificate was issued, the holder was able to make proper tests for firedamp, and that his hearing was sufficient to enable him to carry out his duties efficiently. The certificate should have been granted by a competent educational establishment or a body approved by HSE for the purpose. It is a condition of the approval that this certificate is renewed every three years.
51 The first aid at work certificate should attest that the applicant has satisfactorily completed an approved course in first aid. Such a course should have covered aspects of first aid that are specific to mining. It is a condition of the approval that this certificate is renewed every three years.
52 The certificate should attest knowledge of shotfiring that meets HSE's requirements for the shotfiring qualification (see paragraph 5 of Appendix 1, Note 2 (Part 1) of the MASHAM ACoP. The certificate is currently only issued by the Mines Rescue Service Limited.
(Appendix 5 of the MASHAM ACoP)
1 Regulation 20(2) of the Management and Administration of Safety and Health at Mines Regulations 1993 requires that:
'Where a person is aggrieved by a decision of the Executive or other body empowered to issue certificates made in accordance with paragraph (1) to refuse to issue a certificate of qualification, he may, by an application in writing to the Executive, made within 28 days of the date on which he was notified of the decision, apply for that decision to be reviewed by it in accordance with the procedure approved for that purpose by the Health and Safety Executive and the Executive shall notify him of the result of that review.'
2 The following procedure for such reviews of decisions has been approved by the Health and Safety Executive.
The Health and Safety Executive shall notify the applicant in writing and, if the applicant is an employer, the employee to whom the review relates, of the result of the review in writing.
(paragraphs 21 and 29 and 36 refer)
The British Coal Engineering and Management Training Scheme
The UK Coal Engineering and Management Training Scheme
(paragraph 32 refers)
Currently or recently available academic qualifications are as follows:
Mechanical engineer's certificate
Electrical engineer's certificate
Class I mechanic's certificate
Class I electrician's certificate
Class II mechanic's certificate
Class II electrician's certificate
(paragraph 46b refers )
Currently or recently available academic qualifications are as follows:
(paragraph 49 refers)
As part of the practical experience requirements for the award of the above certificate, an applicant needs to pass a practical underground test at a mine. In this test they must satisfy the mine manager that they can make adequate oral and written inspection reports as far is practicable.
The person who conducts the test must hold a first class certificate of qualification and, as far as practicable, should not be in the management structure at the candidate's mine.
It is suggested the test should cover the topics listed below.
Doors - sheets, Regulators - Position of fan or ducting - Ventilation of rippings, cavities and fast ends. Air movers and venturis on machines. Ventilation of headings.
Places of likely accumulation - layering and detection of layering - methods of diluting and dispersing - methane drainage. Fire damp detectors.
Support on face, roadheads, stables, rippings, roads and junctions. Knowledge of the support rules regulations and rockbolt guidance where appropriate.
Types of machine, types of conveyor - methods of working - advance headings - continuous, conventional - strata control - packing, caving, stowing, drivages.
Endless, direct, main and tail, free steered vehicles, conveyors, bunkers, locomotives, stage loaders. Supply system and manpower. Regulations. Transport Rules.
Fires, Fire fighting Equipment, Position of Pethidine Safe. Position of Meeting Station. Position of Notice Boards. First Aid Equipment.
Safe use and dangers associated with electricity, compressed air and hydraulics. Care of cables. Fencing/guarding of machinery. Immobilisation procedures.
Reporting ability - clarity - accuracy.
Examiner's assessment of candidates general ability
National and/or Scottish Vocational Qualification (N/SVQ) in the Supervision of Underground Mining Operations for Coal Mines for a Deputy's Certificate for the purposes of the Deputy's qualification. Currently awarded by The Mines Rescue Service Ltd, the Accredited Assessment Centre for the Mineral Products Qualifications Council (MPQC)
(Paragraph 46a refers)
National and/or Scottish Vocational Qualification (N/SVQ) in the supervision of Mines Technical Operations for Coal Mines for the purposes of the Class I and II Mechanic's and Electrician's Certificates. Currently awarded by the Mines Rescue Service Ltd, the accredited assessment centre for the Mineral Products Qualification Council (MPQC) Awarding Body.
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