What actions must the SSE take when aware that the average concentration of respirable dust exceeds stated levels?

• A. Ignore the sample and continue operations.
• B. Increase production and reduce sampling frequency.
• C. The cause is investigated. The results are recorded and analysed to identify trends and issues. If any changes to SHMS are made, changes are recorded. A further sample is taken within 2 weeks. Notification obligations are complied with: tell CMWs in a similar exposure group, within 24 hours tell Inspector, ISHR & SSHR within 72 hours, Chief Inspector.
• D. Report only to the mine manager and wait for action.

Answer: (C)

When respirable dust concentrations rise above the stated levels, the SSE must act to control exposure and understand what caused the spike. The best choice requires a thorough cause investigation and documenting what is found. By recording and analyzing the results to identify trends and issues, you build a clear picture of whether the excess is part of a pattern or a one-off event, which informs what changes are needed in the safety and health management system. If changes to the SHMS are made, they must be recorded so there is a traceable record of how the system was updated in response to the exceedance.

Taking a further dust sample within two weeks ensures you have timely evidence to confirm whether the corrective actions have reduced exposure or if more action is required. The notification requirements are a critical part of protecting workers and ensuring regulators and stakeholders are aware of the risk: informing workers in a similar exposure group within 24 hours, and notifying the Inspector, ISHR, and SSHR within 72 hours, with the Chief Inspector promptly informed, helps coordinate further risk control and accountability.

Other approaches fail the fundamental duty to protect health and maintain safety governance. Ignoring the sample or ramping up production with less frequent sampling would let the risk go unchecked. Reporting only to the mine manager and waiting for action delays necessary interventions and omits required notifications to regulators and worker representatives.