When must Principal Hazard Management Plans and Standard Operating Procedures be reviewed at a new mine?

The requirement for Principal Hazard Management Plans (PHMPs) and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to be reviewed as soon as practicable after starting operations is rooted in ensuring the safety and effectiveness of mining operations. This approach acknowledges that the initial phase of any project is critical for identifying and addressing potential hazards based on real-world conditions.

When a mine begins operations, there may be unforeseen challenges or risks that could not have been fully anticipated during the planning stages. Therefore, a timely review allows the management team to adapt the safety plans and procedures based on the actual operational experience, incidents, or changes in conditions. This flexibility is vital for maintaining workplace safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Regular review schedules, like those mentioned in the other options, serve important roles in ongoing safety practices, but they do not address the immediate need for assessment and adjustment that arises from commencing operations. Thus, establishing a review "as soon as practicable" is essential for promoting a proactive safety culture and consistently improving operational safety standards from the outset of mining activities.