Key statutory position
Underground Manager — coal
Manage underground coal operations under SSE instructions and support underground emergency management.
THE LEGISLATION EXAM IN NUMBERS
- 55questions: 15 mandatory, 20 general, 20 on the Underground Manager (coal) role
- 3 hoursin one sitting
- 80%to pass: 44 of 55
- Open bookyour own printed WHS Act and Mines Regulations, tabbed and highlighted within WorkSafe's rules
Published by WorkSafe WA (legislation examinations FAQ). The exam pass is one requirement among several; appointment to the position is a separate step by the mine operator.
APPOINTMENT
Check the role and eligibility.
Use the coal-specific certificate and workforce rules in Schedule 26 clause 8; non-coal pathways are not interchangeable.
Check the appointment criteria in the referenced legislation and current WorkSafe guidance; practice results do not establish eligibility.
A qualification, official exam pass and written mine appointment are separate things. Confirm your appointed place, functions and alternate arrangements.
WORKING INTERFACES
Who the role works with.
- Directs underground coal operations subject to SSE instructions.
- Allocates supervised areas to Underground Supervisors (coal).
LEGAL FUNCTIONS
What the position is responsible for.
- Direct and control underground coal operations.
- Ensure underground duties are understood and performed.
- Assist the SSE with underground emergencies.
Schedule 26 clause 8 · Schedule 27 clause 1
PRACTICAL SHIFT ROUTINE
Daily prompts to adapt to your site.
- Review the underground handover and coal-specific operating restrictions.
- Check supervision, monitoring and emergency readiness against site plans.
- Record decisions, action owners and the next shift’s restrictions.
PQM suggested workflow — adapt to site arrangements. Inspection timing is risk-based; these prompts are not a universal statutory daily checklist.
WHEN AN INCIDENT OCCURS
Work through the site emergency plan.
Assist the SSE through the mine’s coal-specific emergency arrangements.
Open incident first actionsSOURCE & REVIEW
Read the controlling source.
Schedule 26 clause 8 · Schedule 27 clause 1
- WorkSafe: statutory positions and eligibility
- WorkSafe: first class mine manager’s certificate for coal mines
Overview of the role-specific functions. Other WHS duties and site procedures may also apply. Sources checked 2026-10-05. Editorial summary awaiting independent professional review. Check current law, your written appointment and site procedures.
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