The first phase of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the series of explosion at the Pike River coal mine on the West Coast which killed 29 workers was completed in Greymouth today, with former company boss Peter Whittall testifying.
Mr Whittall told the inquiry he had agreed to take part in a practice run with three others up a ladder in the ventilation shaft months before last November's explosion and was ribbed by fellow workers when he did not show up.
The ladderway up the ventilation shaft provided a second exit from the mine, but was not the second designated emergency exit.
The inquiry was told there had never been a trial emergency evacuation of all workers underground, but workers had been up and down the ladder.
Engineers and tradesman had climbed up and down it to do repairs, Mr Whittall told the inquiry.
The first phase of the inquiry focused on New Zealand's regulatory environment, and the geography, approval and development of the mine.
A series of experts told the inquiry last week Pike River Coal (PRC) had insufficient knowledge of the geology of the mine, ignored the advice of mine experts, overestimated its profitability and underestimated safety risks.
Mr Whittall's cross-examination was expected to be completed today.
