When a Ventilation Officer directs the starting or stopping of an auxiliary fan, who must be given notice beforehand?

• A. The ERZ controller for the place; Each person likely to be affected by the proposed starting or stopping.
• B. The site manager only.
• C. The safety committee only.
• D. No notice is required.

Answer: (A)

Starting or stopping an auxiliary fan changes airflow in the mine and can quickly shift gas, heat, and dust patterns. Because of that, the Ventilation Officer must give notice to the ERZ controller for the place and to every person likely to be affected by the change, before acting. The ERZ controller oversees ventilation and emergency response within the Emergency Response Zone, so informing them ensures the change is coordinated with overall safety controls, gas monitoring, and communications. Notifying those likely to be affected allows workers to adjust tasks, take protective actions, or follow any instructions, reducing exposure to hazards. Options that restrict notice to a manager or safety committee or that skip notice entirely don’t provide the necessary coordination and protection.