Who approves the ventilation plan in a NSW coal mine?

• A. Mine's competent person/ventilation officer.
• B. Site safety representative.
• C. Operations manager.
• D. Regulator inspector.

Answer: (A)

The key point is who has the authority to approve a ventilation plan, a safety-critical document that governs airflow, gas control, and dust suppression in a coal mine. The mine's competent person, or ventilation officer, is the designated professional with the qualifications to review and sign off on the ventilation plan, ensuring it meets regulatory requirements and matches the mine’s actual conditions. This officer checks airflow calculations, fan arrangements, gas readings, and emergency procedures, making sure the plan is workable and up to date. Regulators inspect for compliance and can require changes, but the formal approval comes from the mine’s own ventilation officer. A site safety representative focuses on workers’ safety concerns, and the operations manager oversees daily activities, but neither has the formal authority to approve the ventilation plan.