Mines and Quarries Act, 1965

Permitted lights.

63.—(1) Subject to this section, no lamps or lights other than permitted lights shall be allowed or used below ground at a mine after—

(a) the occurrence in any part of the mine below ground of an ignition or explosion of gas naturally present in the mine (whether or not causing death or bodily injury), or

(b) the introduction of the use, in any part of the mine below ground, of locked safety-lamps otherwise than by way of temporary precaution, or

(c) the expiration of four weeks from the day next following that on which a notice, served on the manager by an inspector, stating that he is of opinion that no lamps or lights other than permitted lights ought to be used below ground in the mine, has become operative.

(2) A notice under paragraph (c) of subsection (1) shall not be served except where inflammable gas is known to have been naturally present in the mine at some time during the period of five years ending with the date on which service is effected; and the provisions of section 146 as to references upon notices served by inspectors shall apply to any such notice.

(3) If an inspector is satisfied that, by reason of the special character of a mine or part of it, compliance with the foregoing provisions is unnecessary, he may, by notice served on the manager of the mine, exempt the mine or part from those provisions.