WESTERN AUSTRALIAN MININGKnowledge. Practice. Responsibility.

Schedule 26 position

Underground Supervisor — non-coal

Supervise the underground area allocated by the Underground Manager (non-coal).

THE LEGISLATION EXAM IN NUMBERS

  • 55questions: 15 mandatory, 20 general, 20 on the Underground Supervisor 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.

Appointment is for a defined supervised area. Clause 9(4) requires a non-coal FCMM or underground-supervisor certificate.

Read Schedule 26 clause 9 and current WorkSafe competency guidance before appointment.

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.

  • The Underground Manager (non-coal) allocates the supervised area and directs operations.
  • Coordinates with the incoming supervisor and communicates WHS handover information to workers.

LEGAL FUNCTIONS

What the position is responsible for.

  • Supervise the allocated area under the Underground Manager’s direction.
  • Assess task safety so far as reasonably practicable and allocate work.
  • Inspect working and travel areas, address worker exposure to hazards and provide written handover when replaced.

Schedule 26 clause 9 · r. 630 · r. 634A

PRACTICAL SHIFT ROUTINE

Daily prompts to adapt to your site.

  • Read the underground handover and confirm the area and crew covered.
  • Check task conditions and assigned inspection findings before work.
  • Record restrictions, actions and the written shift handover.

PQM suggested workflow — adapt to site arrangements; not a universal daily legal frequency. Inspection timing is risk-based; these prompts are not a universal statutory daily checklist.

WHEN AN INCIDENT OCCURS

Work through the site emergency plan.

Raise the alarm, protect the workgroup within your authority and escalate to the Underground Manager. Follow withdrawal, refuge and emergency directions; leave specialist rescue to the planned response.

Open incident first actions

SOURCE & REVIEW

Read the controlling source.

Schedule 26 clause 9 · r. 630 · r. 634A

Current WA Mines Regulations

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.

NEXT STEP

Prepare for this role, or cover it.