Registration of Classified Plant

Under Part 2 of the MSIA and Part 6 of the MSIR, the principal employer and any other employer at a mine site must provide a safe working environment in relation to plant. There are many types of plant at a mine site but there is a particular group, related to a higher operational hazard, referred to as 'classified plant', that has specific regulatory requirements. MSIR regulation 6.1 defines classified plant as any boiler, crane, hoist, lift or pressure vessel.  The definitions for each of these are also found in regulation 6.1.  All other machinery is deemed to be Duty of Care type plant.

Regulations 6.34(1) and (5) requires that certain types and sizes of classified plant (that have a high hazard potential) be registered with the State Mining Engineer before they can be used on a mine site. 

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MSIR regulation 6.34(2) requires that an application for classified plant registration be made by the principal employer or manager of a mine or any person duly authorized to make application on their behalf.

If the applicant to register classified plant is an appointed or authorised person, a copy of their appointment letter or letter of authority must be included with the application for registration.

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In accordance with MSIR regulation 6.34 (3), an application for registration cannot be accepted unless it includes the following:

• An authorisation letter if the applicant is an authorised person
• Drawings of the plant design and its serial or equipment number
• Design calculations (including hazard level calculations for pressure vessels and boilers) design compliance.

However, subject to certain conditions, there is a general exemption if classified plant has already been registered with another statutory authority within Australia.

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Although there is no requirement for a specific application form, Resources Safety has provided a pro-forma for the registration of classified plant. This form and accompanying procedure (see below) are designed to ensure that the application process is completed satisfactorily without unnecessary delay, and are particularly useful for those applying for the first time.

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MSIR regulation 6.33 requires that classified plant is designed to the appropriate Australian Standard:

• Boiler - AS 1228
• Pressure vessel - AS 1210
• Crane or hoist - AS 1418
• Lift - AS 1735.

The regulations do not allow construction to any other standards.  However, pursuant to regulation 1.4 the State Mining Engineer may grant an exemption allowing construction to other standards if substantial compliance with the Australian standard can be demonstrated.  Requests for such specific exemptions must be made in writing.  If or when the exemption is granted, application for plant registration may then proceed in the normal way.  However, exemptions may include additional specific conditions that also need to be satisfied.

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Serially produced pressure vessels are covered by AS2971, and it is required to verify their design compliance with definition, scope and other requirements of this standard. Therefore, serially produced pressure vessels that strictly comply with AS2971 are not required to be registered with this Department as per Regulation 6.34. However, it is essential for these vessels to be operated, maintained and inspected in a safe manner.

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MSIR regulation 6.34(1) only stipulates (classified) plant registration. Unlike some authorities with responsibility for plant safety in Australia, Resources Safety does not register plant designs. This means that each application to register classified plant is assessed separately, even in a case of identical plant at the same mine site.

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There are currently six (6) general exemptions related to classified plant.  These may be downloaded from the link below.

• General exemptions

The June 2010 general exemption exempts any classified plant that has already been design approved by another Commonwealth or State authority in Australia, from complying with regulation 6.34 (i.e. registration with Resources Safety is unnecessary).  This includes classified plant that has been designed to standards other than those listed in regulation 6.33.

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Once classified plant has been allocated a registration number, the number must be marked on the unit or nameplate as appropriate. This registration number cannot be changed or altered until the end of the plant's operation at a particular mine site. Hence, modifications or repairs of any registered classified plant at a mine site do not require re-registration but, before the plant is used again, it must conform with the Australian Standard unless prior written approval by the State Mining Engineer is obtained.

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MSIR regulation 6.40(3) requires that the State Mining Engineer be informed when classified plant is installed or removed from a mine.  However, the General Exemption dated 5 December 2003 removed this requirement.

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Besides operational and maintenance requirements applicable to all plant at a mine site, there are two requirements in the regulations that are specific for classified plant:

• Incidents involving registered plant must be reported immediately in writing to Resources Safety (MSIR regulation 6.36)
• Registered plant is not to be used at a mine site unless it has undergone statutory inspection - the time limits for statutory inspections for different classified plant are set in the regulations (MSIR regulation 6.40).
  

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Copies of the Mines Safety and Inspection Act, 1994 and Regulations, 1995 are available from the State Law Publisher's website, or telephone +61 8 9321 7688.

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