Who should be notified before sealed areas are reopened?

The proper procedure requires that the Director of the Mine Health and Safety Technical Division (MHST) be notified before any sealed areas are reopened. This is important because the Director is responsible for ensuring that all safety protocols and regulations are adhered to, especially in potentially hazardous environments such as sealed mines. Their involvement ensures that safety inspections and assessments are conducted, which is crucial for protecting the health and safety of all miners and workers involved.

Additional oversight by a regulatory body helps to mitigate the risks associated with reopening sealed areas that may have been closed due to safety concerns, structural integrity issues, or hazardous atmospheric conditions. By having the Director informed, it guarantees that the reopening process follows established safety guidelines and that necessary precautions are taken prior to re-entry.