Transition arrangements allow for codes of practice approved under the Mines Safety and Inspection Act 1994 to continue being in effect as if approved by the Minister under the Work Health and Safety Act 2020.
The Code introduces the requirement to install surface rock support in high headings (ie. those greater than or equal to a nominal 3.5m in height) in all Western Australian underground mines unless a documented geotechnical risk assessment justifies otherwise. Where surface rock support is installed, it shall be applied to backs and side walls that are a nominal 3.5m from the floor of the excavation.