Schedule 26 position
Underground Ventilation Officer
Plan, implement, monitor and document underground ventilation controls.
THE LEGISLATION EXAM IN NUMBERS
- 55questions: 15 mandatory, 20 general, 20 on the Ventilation Officer 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.
Required for an underground mine. Clause 11(3)–(4) covers an appropriate ventilation qualification or approved alternative, risk training, the law exam and specified underground experience.
Read Schedule 26 clause 11 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.
- Advises both the SSE and the appropriate Underground Manager.
- Coordinates with operational supervisors and exposure-monitoring personnel under mine arrangements.
LEGAL FUNCTIONS
What the position is responsible for.
- Plan and implement ventilation meeting air, heat, humidity and contaminant-control requirements.
- Ensure the ventilation control plan is prepared and implemented.
- Monitor underground atmospheric conditions, retain monitoring records and maintain the ventilation plan.
- Advise the SSE and Underground Manager of deficiencies and necessary precautions.
Schedule 26 clause 11 · rr. 648, 654, 656 and 656A
PRACTICAL SHIFT ROUTINE
Daily prompts to adapt to your site.
- Review ventilation changes, abnormal readings and work locations.
- Check scheduled atmospheric monitoring and outstanding deficiencies.
- Update plans and records and communicate relevant restrictions.
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.
Escalate ventilation loss, abnormal atmospheres and ineffective controls to the SSE and Underground Manager. Supply current monitoring and plan information to the emergency response; follow authorised withdrawal and re-entry arrangements.
Open incident first actionsSOURCE & REVIEW
Read the controlling source.
Schedule 26 clause 11 · rr. 648, 654, 656 and 656A
- WA legislation: current WHS (Mines) Regulations 2022
- WorkSafe: demonstrating competency
- WorkSafe: emergency plan for mining operations
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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