Mines and Quarries Act, 1965

Securing of shafts and staple-pits.

34.—(1) Every mine shaft and staple-pit shall, save in so far as the natural conditions of the strata through which it passes render it unnecessary (either as to the whole or as to any part thereof) so to make it, be made secure, and shall be kept secure.

In any prosecution for a contravention of this subsection it shall be a defence to prove that at the time of the alleged contravention no insecure part of that shaft or staple-pit was in use or was the site of any operations in progress by way of driving or extending the shaft or staple-pit.

(2) Subsection (1) shall apply to unwalkable outlets at a mine as it applies to mine shafts.