Title and Definitions
- Officially called the "Small-Scale Mine Safety Rules and Regulations."
- Key definitions include terms such as Accident, Accident Frequency Rate, Adit, Association, Contractor, Cooperative, DENR, Development, Operator, Permittee, Safety Inspector, Small-Scale Mining, and others.
- Defines various mining terms critical for understanding the rules.
General Provisions
- Accidents must be recorded and reported to the Board and Regional Office.
- Immediate notification required for serious injuries or fatalities.
- Safety inspections and worker examinations may be conducted by the Board.
- Monthly accident and sickness reports must be submitted.
- Mines classified into Surface Mines, Underground Mines, and Underwater Nearshore Mining.
- Safety Inspectors required based on mine type and number of workers.
- Establishment of safety organizations headed by accredited Safety Inspectors is mandatory.
Qualification and Duties of Safety Inspector
- Filipino citizen, legal age, good moral character, physically and mentally fit.
- Minimum of six months experience in small-scale mining.
- Responsibilities include daily inspections, reporting unsafe conditions, training miners, investigating accidents, and maintaining records.
Duties and Responsibilities of Permittee/Operator/Contractor/Association
- Ensure worker safety and health.
- Provide safety equipment and facilities.
- Comply with labor and health regulations.
- Maintain first aid stations and train workers in emergency procedures.
- Submit regular safety reports and conduct safety meetings.
- Conduct medical examinations for workers annually.
Underground Mining Rules
- Minimum of two openings for ventilation and emergency escape.
- Proper ventilation, protective equipment use, support for underground workings.
- Prohibitions against working alone underground, entry into abandoned areas without clearance.
- Safety requirements for shafts, ladders, and excavation dimensions.
- Prohibitions on combustible materials underground and cutting trees near workings.
- Procedures for handling unsafe ground conditions.
Surface Mining Rules
- Protective gear mandatory for surface workers.
- Prohibition on vegetation burning for clearing.
- Safety measures for test pits, trenches, development areas, open pit operations including bench height and berms.
- Specific rules on dredging, sluicing, and hydraulicking operations.
Health and Sanitation
- Maintenance of cleanliness and prohibition against handling hazardous substances by unauthorized persons.
- Proper disposal of waste and provision of sanitary facilities.
- Standards for ventilation, allowable gas and dust concentrations, and use of dust respirators.
Emergency Preparedness and Fire Protection
- Maintenance and proper use of fire fighting equipment.
- Required fire alarm systems and trained fire brigades.
- Regular fire drills and clear fire escape routes.
Plant Operations
- Safety rules for handling hot materials, confined spaces, processing plants.
- Use of protective equipment and proper training for machinery operation.
- Strict controls on handling chemicals and toxic substances with proper labeling and antidote knowledge.
Electrical and Mechanical Rules
- Compliance with Philippine Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Codes.
- Operation and maintenance by authorized personnel.
- Use of safety devices and proper guarding of machinery.
- Detailed electrical safety protocols including working on energized equipment and maintenance.
Traffic Safety Rules
- Enforcement of traffic control measures following Land Transportation Office regulations.
- Prohibition of driving under the influence and rules on vehicle operation and parking.
Materials Storage and Handling
- Proper storage of combustible and poisonous substances separately.
- Strict prohibition of smoking in storage areas.
- Guidelines for handling compressed gas cylinders safely.
- Safe lifting and handling procedures for workers.
Miscellaneous Safety Rules
- Proper use and care of hand tools.
- Construction and placement rules for portable ladders.
- Safety measures for scaffolds, platforms, and road works.
- Regulations for welding and cutting operations emphasizing authorized persons and protective equipment.
Penal Provisions
- Violators of the Order subject to fines from P1,000 to P10,000 or suspension/cancellation of permits.
- Those obstructing safety officers may face fines or imprisonment.
Final Provisions
- The Order is supplemental and does not override existing laws on occupational safety and health.
- Unconstitutional provisions will be severed without affecting the rest of the Order.
- Effective 15 days after publication.
Severity of Injuries Table (Appendix B)
- Specifies days lost and disability percentages for various injuries to aid in classifying accident severity.
- Useful for weighting deaths and permanent injuries in statistical reporting and assessments.