Australia’s vast and diverse landscape is home to a myriad of industries, each contributing significantly to the nation’s economy. Among these, mining is a cornerstone, with Australia being one of the world’s leading producers of minerals such as coal, gold and iron ore. However, this sector comes with its own set of challenges, primarily the risk of accidents and emergencies that can occur in the often harsh and confined conditions underground. This underscores the importance of underground rescue training and highlights the growing demand for skilled personnel adept in managing such emergencies.
The current industry approach to emergency response preparedness in the mining sector emphasises comprehensive, nationally accredited training (such as the RII30719 Certificate III in Emergency Response and Rescue and the RII41319 Certificate IV in Emergency Response Coordination), the establishment of industry mutual aid groups (such as the Central Victorian Mine Rescue Group) and specialised volunteer community rescue brigades (such as CFA’s Oscar 1 Technical Rescue Team). Over the past decade, ISH24 has played an integral part in supporting the underground mining industry in Australia in building robust emergency preparedness systems, forging meaningful relationships amongst key industry stakeholders and providing support to community volunteer organisations.
Nationally accredited training for mining emergency response
Effective underground rescue training is crucial for emergency response preparedness and as a critical tool for preventative education. Well-structured training addresses the inherent dangers of the underground mining environment which poses numerous risks, including cave-ins, gas leaks, fires and equipment failures. Rescue operations in such settings are complicated by the limited accessibility, poor visibility and hazardous conditions that can make even routine operations fraught with danger. The current industry approach to underground response preparedness emphasises comprehensive, nationally accredited training.
As a Registered Training Organisation (RTO ID 41559) ISH24 delivers essential rescue training programmes including the Certificate III in Emergency Response and Rescue and the Certificate IV in Emergency Response Coordination.
RII30719 Certificate III in Emergency Response and Rescue
This multi-disciplinary certification covers fundamental rescue techniques, including the use of specialised equipment and basic medical treatment. It provides a solid foundation for those entering the field of emergency response. ISH24 provides a tailored solution based on each rescue team’s operational needs with the option to create a bespoke training experience covering:
- Advanced casualty management
- Underground rescue
- Fire & HAZMAT
- Road crash rescue
- Confined space rescue
- Vertical rescue
RII41319 Certificate IV in Emergency Response Coordination
Building on the Certificate III, the Certificate IV is designed for those with existing experience in emergency response looking to enhance their skills in coordination and incident management. Ideal candidates for this training are captains, team leaders, ER coordinators and supervisors who will focus on the following concepts during the training:
- Leadership and team motivation
- Emergency management planning
- Coordination of incident response
- Application of emergency response systems
Industry mutual aid agreements
Mutual aid agreements are essential for enhancing the effectiveness of emergency response within the mining industry. These agreements enable organisations to collaborate and support each other during emergencies, leveraging shared resources and expertise to improve overall safety outcomes. The Central Victorian Mine Rescue Group (CVMRG) serves as a prime example of how mutual aid agreements can foster cooperation and standardise emergency response processes across various mining sites.
The Role of the Central Victorian Mine Rescue Group
The CVMRG was established in 2019 as a collaboration between ISH24 and major Victorian mines including key industry players such as Agnico Eagle (Fosterville Gold Mine), Victory Metals (Ballarat Gold Mine), Stawell Gold Mines, Mandalay Resources (Costerfield Mine), Kaiser Reef (A1 Gold Mine & Maldon Goldfields) and CFA (Oscar 1). Participation by WorkSafe Victoria and the Minerals Council Australia further underscores the group’s commitment to safety and regulatory compliance.
Benefits of mutual aid agreements
Resource sharing: Member organisations can share resources such as equipment, expertise and personnel. This collective resource pool ensures that all members have access to advanced tools and support during emergencies, even if they do not have these resources in-house.
Standardisation of procedures: By collaborating on emergency response processes, the group has established standardised CVMRG guidelines that have been adopted across different member sites. This consistency is crucial for ensuring that all responders are familiar with the protocols and can work seamlessly together during an incident.
Enhanced training and preparedness: Regular meetings and structured training scenarios hosted on different member sites allow for continuous learning and skill development. These sessions provide opportunities for members to share insights, discuss best practices and refine their response strategies.
Tangible benefits during active response
The value of having a mutual aid group in Victoria was highlighted by the unfortunate incident in Ballarat earlier this year. Ballarat Emergency Response Team managed the initial response, but as the severity became evident, the response needed to be augmented. This is where the volunteer rescue brigade, Oscar 1, played a crucial role. Having been involved in numerous mutual aid training scenarios with the same equipment and emergency response protocols used across member CVMRG sites, Oscar 1 was exceptionally well prepared to provide the necessary support during a critical underground incident.
Oscar 1: a unique asset in underground rescue capabilities
CFA’s Oscar 1 brigade, based in Bendigo, Victoria, is one of only two government-funded volunteer brigades in Australia with underground rescue capabilities, underscoring its unique position in the emergency response sector. Oscar 1 members undergo rigorous training to handle the specific challenges of underground rescues. The brigade also undertakes training in road crash, vertical, grain engulfment, fire & hazmat incident response.
ISH24 is proud supporter of Oscar 1 through facilitation of regular training sessions for the brigade. Beyond training, ISH24 fosters a strong, collaborative relationship with Oscar 1, enabling brigade members to openly seek advice and support. This close connection ensures that Oscar 1 benefits from expert guidance and resources, continually improving their readiness and effectiveness in managing complex emergencies.
The future of effective emergency preparedness in the mining sector
Looking ahead, the future of effective emergency preparedness in Australia is likely to be shaped by several trends and developments:
1. Integration of technology: Emerging technologies such as drones, advanced communication systems and robotics are beginning to play a role in rescue operations. Training programmes will increasingly incorporate these technologies to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of rescue efforts.
2. Emphasis on diversity and breaking down barriers to entry: While the emergency response industry has historically been male dominated, there is a growing recognition of the need for diversity in emergency response roles. Many organisations are actively working to recruit and retain more women and other underrepresented groups. To help promote diversity in this sector and create an approachable and accessible environment for women to advance their technical and leadership skills, ISH24 has created the Women’s Rescue Training Week. Hosted every year in March to align with the celebration of International Women’s Day on 8 March, this event is a week of nationally accredited rescue training focusing on vertical and confined space rescue that is sponsored by ISH24 as an initiative to encourage women to further their technical skills in the rescue and ER sector while at the same time focusing on honing their leadership and problem-solving abilities.
Over the years, the training has included students from across Australia belonging to mining, industrial and public-sector rescue teams. The recognition for this unique programme has even reached outside of Australia with international participants joining the training course in 2023.
This training week is facilitated free of charge to the participants. More information about the application process can be found on the ISH24 website.
3. Further collaboration and shared resources: Ongoing collaboration between mining companies, industry bodies and emergency services will be crucial in improving rescue operations. Shared resources, joint training exercises, and knowledge exchange can enhance the capabilities of rescue teams and ensure a more coordinated response to emergencies. Seeing the success of the CVMRG and the positive impacts this collaborative group has had on the Victorian mining sector, ISH24 is striving to foster cooperation and advancing emergency response capabilities across other regions outside of Victoria as well.
4. Emphasis on psychological preparedness: The psychological demands of rescue operations are significant. Future training programmes will likely place greater emphasis on mental health and resilience, helping rescuers to cope with the stress and trauma associated with emergency situations. This holistic approach will support both the physical and mental well-being of rescue personnel.
Conclusion
Underground rescue training is a critical component of the mining industry’s safety infrastructure in Australia. The evolving mining sector will continue to underpin the growing demand for skilled and well-trained rescue personnel. To meet this demand, it is essential to invest in comprehensive training programmes, support ongoing professional development and foster collaboration across the industry. By doing so, Australia can ensure that its underground mining operations are not only efficient and productive but also safe and resilient in the face of emergencies. The ultimate aim is to protect lives, safeguard the industry’s future and uphold the highest standards of safety and preparedness.
For more information, go to: www.ish24.com.au
