CHAPTER 7

STATUTORY PROVISIONS AND ORGANISATION

Question 1. What are the statutory provisions regarding inspection and enquiry by mine officials?
Answer: INSPECTION AND ENQUIRIES BY MINE OFFICIALS
Even since the early days the mine management structure has included a range of officials from
manager downwards, who have been concerned with safety. Such officials have always had statutory
responsibilities for safety, which they had to take into account as well as their concern for the efficiency of
production.
The statutory provisions regarding inspection and enquiries by mine officials may be summarised as
follows -
(a) By Manager (Reg. 41)
(i) Inspection of underground workings at least four times a week to ensure safety. At least one of
these inspections should be made during night shift in each fortnight. He is also required to maintain a
record of his inspections in a bound paged book.
(ii) Examination of all reports, records and registers maintained under the regulations, (iii) Enquiry
into representation or complaints concerning safety and health that the made to him in writing.
(iv) Inspections, as soon as possible, of the site of accident (fatal or serious) and an enquiry into
causes and circumstances attending to accident. The manager should himself inspect the site o accident.
(b) By Safety Officer (Reg. 41 A)
(i) Enquiry into all types of accidents so as to pinpoint the nature and common causes of accident.
(ii) Inspection of mine working and report to manager regarding compliance of statutory provisions.
(c) An Assistant Manager (Reg. 42)
(i) Mine workings under his charge must be inspected on every working day.
(ii) Inspection of every travel able part of the mine under the charge of assistant manager must be
made by him irrespective of the fact whether such place if frequented by workers or not.
(d) By ventilation Officer (Reg. 42A)
(i) Ventilation Officer is required to inspect main mechanical ventilator every day to check its speed,
current drawn by its motor, water gauge, etc. Any unusual change in these is required to be investigated by
him and reported to the manager.
(ii) Ventilation Officer is required to inspect all ventilation appliances frequently and report to the
manager regarding any defect.
(iii) Inspection of mine workings at frequent intervals to ensure that all ventilation appliances like
doors, brattices, aircorssings, regulators, stoppings, fans and ductings, etc. are in good working order and to
ensure that good quality air in sufficient quantity reaches all workings belowground
(iv) He is required to ensure maintenance of fire fighting equipments.
(v) He is also required to regularly inspect the return airways of workings and check for symptoms
of spontaneous heating.
(vi) Coal dust cleaning and its treatment; sampling of dust, maintenance of stone dust barriers and
sampling of air are to be ensured by him through regular inspection of workings and checking of records.
(e) By Overman (Reg. 43)
(i) Inspection to see that sufficient supply of timber, brattice, ductings, etc. are kept at convenient
places in his district.
(ii) Inspection of ventilation devices in his district to ensure adequacy of ventilation,
(iii) Inspection of haulage track and safety devices like stop block, runaway switch, drag, sprags, etc.
(iv) Inspection of haulage rope, chains, pulleys, signals, etc.
(v) Inspection to check for dangerous place, (vi) Inspections to ensure discipline.
(f) By Mining Sirdar
(i) Inspection of goaf edges, supports and to check for presence of gas.
(ii) Inspections of part of his district to ensure that persons are working in their assigned working
places and to see that in-experienced persons work under supervision of experienced person.
(iii) Inspections to see that buntons, ladder, timber and safety prop-withdrawer etc. are available.
(iv) Inspection to check roof and sides of all working places in his district.
(v) Inspection of outlets at least once in seven days.
(vi) Inspection to see that dangerous places are fenced off.
(vii) Inspection of place of accident in his district.
Besides the above officials, the inspection by engineer relates to the machinery, their regular
examination and record.

Question 2. State the statutory obligations when the following operations are proposed to be
undertaken in belowground workings:
(i) Use of oxy-acetylene flame for welding/cutting.
(ii) Construction of water dams.
(iii) Extension of workings under the land acquired by National Highway. (Second Class, 1987)
 Answer: STATUTORY OBLIGATIONS
Use of oxy-acetylene flame for welding/cutting:
(a) In the case of gassy seam of first degree, flame or electric welding/cutting apparatus may be
used belowground if permitted by an order in writing of the manager. Every such order shall specify the
person who shall be in charge of the apparatus and it shall be the duty of such person to bring the apparatus
back to the surface when no longer required belowground; and
(b) In the second or third degree gassy mine, such apparatus may be used belowground if prior
permission in writing has been obtained from the J.D.M.S. and subject to such conditions as he may specify
therein. (Reg. 118ofC.M.R. 1957)
(ii) Construction of Water Dams: Where in any mine it is intended to construct a water dam, the
owner, agent or manager shall give in writing not less that 14 days notice to such intention to the J.D.M.S.
Every such notice shall be accompanied by two copies of plans and sections showing the design and other
details of the proposed construction.
Provided where the safety of the mine or of the persons employed therein is seriously threatened, the
provisions of the regulation shall be deemed to have been complied with if said notice is given to the
J.D.M.S. as soon as the work of construction is commenced;
The J.D.M.S. may by an order in writing, require such modification or alteration to be made in the
design of such dam, as he may specify therein. (Reg. 129 of C.M.R., 1957).
(iii) Extension of workings under National Highway: Reg. 105 of the C.M.R., 1957 status that-
1. No workings shall be made and no work of extension or reduction of pillars shall be conducted
at, or extended to, any point within 45 m of the land acquired for National Highway without the prior
permission in writing of the D.G.M.S. and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein.
2. Every application for such permission shall specify the position of the workings of the mine in
relation to the Highway, the manner in which it is proposed to carry out the intended operations, and the
limits to which it is proposed to carry out the said operations, and shall ‘be accompanied by two copies of a
plan showing the existing and intended mining operations in so far as they effect the highway.
3. The stability of such road shall not be endangered until it has been dismantled, diverted or
vacated as the case may be.

Question 3. What are the statutory requirements in mines relating to -?

(a) Employment of women,
(b) Leave with wages.
(c) First Aid (Second Class, 1986)
Answer: STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
(a) Employment of women: Section 46 of the mines Act stipulates that women can not be employed
belowground. However women employed in health and welfare services, and who, in the course of their
duties, occasionally have to enter the underground workings of a mine for purposes other than manual work
have been exempted from the provisions. Every such women, before entering belowground shall be in
possession of a pass, granted by the manager, which shall show the date or dates on, and hours between
which, she is permitted to be present belowground. No women shall descend or ascend a shaft in a cage
unless accompanied by one or more adult males.
Women can be employed aboveground or in opencast workings only between 6 A.M. and 7 P.M.
This provision shall not apply to the women employed in the pithead baths, crèches and canteens, and
midwives and nurses, employed in hospitals and dispensaries. The women employees shall be allowed an
interval or rest of not less than 11 hours between the termination of employment on any one day and the
commencement of next period of employment.
The Central Government may vary the hours of employment of women. In no case shall a women be
employed between 10 P.M. and 5 A.M. The exemption is admissible for women employed on surface in
loading or unloading railway wagons of coal or sand, or in screening plant and washing plant in works
connected with fighting, isolating and controlling of fires.
In any mine workshop, to which the Factories Act is applicable, no women shall be allowed to clean,
lubricate, or adjust any part of prime mover, or of any transmission machinery, which is in motion, or to
clean, lubricate or adjust any part of any machine if, in doing so, she would be exposed to risk of injury.
(b) Leave with wages: Sections 49, 50, 51 and 52 of the Mines Act provide the requirement relating
leave with wages.
Every person employed in a mine who has completed a calendar year's service, shall be allowed
during the subsequent calendar year, leave with wages, calculated at the rate of
(i) For persons employed belowground, 1 day for every 15 days of work belowground, and
(ii) For other person, 1 day for every 20 days of work performed by him.
A calendar year has been defined as the period of 12 months commencing from 1st January in any
year. A calendar year's service means:
(i) In case of persons employed belowground not less than 190 attendances,
(ii) In case of any other person at least 240 days.
For calculation of leave, fraction of leave of half day or more shall be treated as full day, and less
than half day shall be omitted.
 1. The days of lay-off by arrangement of contract, or permissible under the standing orders.
2. In cases of female employees, maternity leave for any number of days not exceeding 12 weeks;
and
3. Earned leave in the year prior to that in which the leave is enjoyed;
Shall be deemed to be the days on which the employee has worked in a mine for computing the
qualifying period of 190 or 240 days, as the case may be, but he shall not earn leave for these days.
A person whose service commences in the middle of the year, shall be entitled to leave with wages
in the subsequent calendar year at the specified rates if -
(i) an underground employee has put in attendance for not less than half of the total number of days
during the remainder of the year, and
(ii) in other cases he has put in attendance for not less than two-thirds of the total number of days
during the remainder of the year.
The leave not taken by any person, to which he is entitled in any calendar year, shall be added to the
leave to be allowed to him during the next calendar year. The total accumulated leave shall not exceed 30
days at any time. But an employee shall be 'refused' leave without limit.
The written application for the leave with wages shall be made to the manager at least 15 days
before the date of leave and during a calendar year maximum 3 number of times such leave may be taken.
To cover a period of illness, leave may be granted even if the application is not made within specified time
of 15 days.
If an employee is terminated from his service or he quits his employment before taking the leave due
to refusal, the owner, agent or manager shall pay him his due leave wages.
First-Aid: The Mines Rules, 1955 provide for a three tire arrangement of first-aid in the mine -
1. The small first-aid kit. which can take care of very minor injury, to be carried by every overman,
foreman, sirdar, mate, shotfirer, blaster, electrician and mechanic in a mine. All such persons should hold
first-aid qualifications.
2. First-aid station at the top of every shaft or incline, workshop, screening plant, loading places or
at places where more than 50 persons are employed above ground at any one time, in opencast workings
and belowground at every haulage, in or at the entrance to every district or section.
3. A first-aid room is to be provided and maintained on the surface, if more than 150 persons were
employed on any day on the preceding calendar year, at a convenient place.
Adequate and suitable arrangements shall be made in mines for training of persons in first-aid. No
person other than a qualified nurse, dresser, compounder-cum-dresser or medical practitioner shall be
appointed to render first-aid to be in charge of a first-aid station unless he is the holder of a valid first-aid
certificate of the standard St. John's Ambulance Association (India).

Question 4. What are the statutory provisions in respect of precautions against danger from coal
dust and inflammable gases in degree -1 gassy mine? (Second Class, 1986)
Answer: PRECAUTIONS AGAINST COAL DUST AND INFLAMMABLE GASES IN
DEGREE - I GASSY MINE
It is possible that inflammable gas may be found in a gassy seam of first degree in certain stations or
circumstances. One source of gas in such is the vicinity of faults and dykes and the Coal Mines Regulations
provide for precautions to be taken while working within 30 metres of these and other geological
disturbances. Other places where inflammable gas may occur are the parts of mine which have remained
discontinued for a period of more than 7 days or which are being or have been dewatered. The regulations,
therefore, require tests for gas to be made at all such places. Regular gas surveys are to be made to find out
well in time if the seams being worked at the mines had become of second or third degree of gassiness.
The various precautions that should be taken to prevent any danger from dry and fine coal dust and
inflammable gas in first degree gassy mines are summarised as follows -
(a) All statutory inspections should be made only with locked flame safety lamps (Circular No. 3 of
1966).
(b) Only approved electric lamps should be used underground (Circular No. 11 of 1962).
(c) The workings of the mine should be ventilated by surface mechanical ventilator if they extend to
a distance of 60 metres or more in any direction from the entrance to the mine (Circular No. 17 of 1966).
(d) The workings should be kept clear of coal dust and adequately treated with limestone or gypsum
dust (Regulation 123).
(e) Water pipe line should be laid in the working districts to wet the coal dust at and within 60
metres of the working places (Regulation 123).
(f) Wet cutting arrangements should be provided on every mechanical coal cutter (Regulation 123).
(g) Gallery shall not be driven to a distance of more than 45 metres from the nearest ventilation
connection unless the air is coursed upto a point within 4.5 metres from the face (Regulations 146),
(h) Unless otherwise exempted, only permitted explosives should be used in firing of shots
underground (Regulations 172), (i) Gas surveys should be carried out regularly (Circular No. 72 of 1965).
 Question 5. State the legal obligation when the following operations are proposed to be undertaken:
(a) Installation of a new winding engine.
(b) Intentional flooding of a mine.
(c) Abandonment of mine workings.
(d) Development of a 15 m thick seam in top and bottom section e.g. along roof and floor.
(e) Extension of workings beneath and in the vicinity of a river.
Answer: LEGAL OBLIGATION WHEN FEW OPERATIONS PROPOSED
(a) Installation of new winding engine: Reg 72 of CMR, 1957 stipulates that -
1. When it is intended to bring into use any new winding engine, the owner agent or manager shall
give notice to the Jt. Director of Mines safety in a form prescribed in the appendix CMR - 72A showing
detailed specification of the installation. The notice shall be given before not less than 60 days of such
installation.
2. If the D.G.M.S. by an order in writing so requires, such additions or alterations shall be made of
the installation, as he may specify in the order.
(b) Intentional flooding of a mine: Reg 128 of 1957 specified that -
1. When the owner, agent or manager intends or proposes, by introducing water from the surface or
from any other part of the mine or from an adjoining mine to flood any part of workings of his mine he shall
give in writing not less than 14 day's notice of such intention to the D.G.M.S. and the'Jt. D.M.S and to
management of all adjoining mines and to such other mines as might be affected by such flooding.
The Jt. D.M.S. may subject to such conditions, permit such operations to be commenced on any day
prior to the expiry of the said 14 days. He may prohibit any such operation or require that such operation
shall not be commenced until such precautions as he may specify, ha. e been taken to his satisfaction.
2 If the operations, in respect of which notice is given, are not commenced within 80 days from the
expiry of the said 14 days, the notice shall be deemed to have lapsed and the provision of sub-reg. (1) shall
apply as if no such notice had been given.
(c) Abandonment of mine workings: Provision of Reg. 6 of CMR, 1957 stipulate that -
1. When it is intended to abandon mine workings, the owner, agent or manager shall not less than
40 days before such abandonment give to the D.G.M.S and the Jt. D.M.S. a notice stating reason for the
proposed abandonment and the number of persons likely to be effected thereby.
When on account of unforeseen circumstances a mine is abandoned the notice shall be given
forthwith.
2. Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-reg (1), when it is intended to abandon any workings
belowground over which is situated any property vested in the Govt. or any local authority or any railway or
building or any permanent structure not belonging to the owner the notice shall be given to the D.G.M.S.
and J.D.M.S. before not less than 30 days of such intention.
3. When a mine has been abandoned, the owner, agent or manager shall within 7 days of the
abandonment give notice to the D.G.M.S. the J.D.M.S. & District Magistrate in Form 1.
Plan and Sections to be submitted : The Reg. 61 requires that where any mine or sections thereof
is abandoned, the person who was the owner of the mine at the time of the abandonment shall, within 30
days after the abandonment, submit to the D.G.M.S. two true copies of up-to-date plan and section of the
working of the mine maintained under clauses (b) and (c) of regulation 59 (1). Every such copy shall show
the bearing and distance of at least one of the shafts or opening of the mine from a trijunction or revenue
pillar or from any other prominent and permanent surface feature, the position of all water dams built
belowground with their dimensions and also the spot level at the ends of the workings.
If a change of ownership occurs before the expiry of 30 days aforesaid such plans and sections shall
be submitted forthwith.
The original or certified true copy of the plan and sections submitted shall be kept in the office of the
mine.
Protective works : In terms of reg. 106 (1), the D.G.M.S. may by an order in writing, require the
owner of the mine to construct on the surface or belowground such protective works within such time as he
may specify therein.
Fencing : Reg. 112 (5) (b) requires that before a mine is abandoned, the owner, agent or manager
shall cause the top-or entrance of every shaft, incline or other opening into the mine to be permanently and
effectively fenced to prevent persons falling into or entering the same.
(d) Development of a 15m seam in two sections : According to Reg. 104 of CMR, 1957 -
1. Working shall be made after receiving permission from the D.G.M.S.
2. Every application for such permission shall be accompanied by two copies of a plan showing the
proposed layout of the workings, a section of the seam, the depth of the seam from the surface, the rate and
direction of dip, the proposed dimension of pillars and galleries in each section and the thickness of the
parting between the sections.
3. The pillars on the section shall as far as practicable, be vertically above or below the pillars in the
other sections, unless the strata are inclined at an angle of more than 30 degrees from the horizontal.
4. The parting left between the two sections shall not be less than three metres in thickness at any
place The D.G.M.S. may, however, permit or require a smaller or greater.
(e) Extension of workings beneath a river : Reg. 126 of CMR, 1957 requires that -
1. (a) Adequate protection against inrush of water shall be provided and maintained.
 (b) Every entrance into the mine shall not be less than 1.5m above the highest flood level at the
point.
2. No working shall be made in any mine vertically below (a) any part of any river, or (b) any spot
lying within a horizontal distance of 15m from either bank of river, except with prior permission of the
D.G.M.S. subject to such condition as he may specify.
3. Every application for such permission shall be accompanied by two copies of plans and sections
showing the existing position of workings, proposed lay-out, depth of workings from the surface of hard
ground underlying the sand or alluvium in the course of river, position and depth of any goaves in ever seam
in the neighbourhood, all faults, dykes and other geological disturbances, and other particulars which may
affect the safety of the mine or the workers employed therein.
4. All workings made under sub-reg. (2) shall be clearly demarcated belowground.
5. A competent person shall once at least in every 14 days during the rainy season and once at least
in every 30 days during other periods of the year, examine every protective measures provided whether in
use or not for their stability. A report of every examination shall be recorded in a register kept for the
purpose and shall be signed and dated by the person making such examination and countersigned by the
manager.
(b) The protective measures shall also be inspected by the manager once at least in every month.

Question 6. State the legal Obligations that are required to be fulfilled :

(a) If a worker suffers seriously bodily injury.
(b) If depillaring operations are to be commenced in a panel.
(c) When the workings of disused mine are dewatered or re-opened.
(d) If workings are proposed to be extended beneath and in the vicinity of railway line.
Answer : LEGAL OBLIGATIONS TO BE FULFILLED
(a) If a worker Suffers Serious Bodily Injury : According to Section 23 of the Mines Act, 1952
and Reg. 9 of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957-
1. The owner, agent or manager shall forthwith inform the Director of Mines Safety by telephone or
express telegram or by special messenger, and shall also within 24 hours of such occurrence, give notice in
Form IV A of the CMR to District Magistrate, Director General of Mines Safety, Joint Director of Mines
Safety, Coal Mines Labour Welfare Commissioner. A copy of the notice shall simultaneously be displayed
on a board outside the mine office and kept there legible for at least 14 days.
2. Dy. Director of Mines Safety (Electrical) shall also be informed by the telephone, express
telegram, or by special messenger in case of the injury connected with, generation, storage, transformation,
transmission, supply and use of electrical energy.
3. If any injury already reported as serious turns to fatal, a notice shall be given to above mentioned
authorities within 24 hours of being informed of the death.
4 A/within 7 days the owner, agent or manager shall also send to the D.G.M.S. informal on of
person injured in Form IV-B of First Schedule to CMR.
5. The authority shall make or caused to be made an enquiry into the occurrences within three
months.
Regulation 41 (8) of CMR, 1957 also requires that –
When any accident resulting in serious bodily injury to any person, the manager shall inspect the site
of accident as soon as possible, and shall also either himself or through an under manager or assistant
manager, have an enquiry made into the cause of any circumstances attending the accident. The result of
every such enquiry and a plan of the site of the accident Showing details, shall be recorded in a. bound
paged book kept for purpose.
(b) If Depillaring Operations to be Commenced in Panel: The sub-reg. (1) of Reg. 100 of the CMR
1957, requires that no extraction or reduction of pillars shall be commenced except with the prior
permission in writing of the D.G.M.S. and in accordance with conditions as he may specify therein. An
application in proper proforma for permission shall be accompanied by two copies of an up-to-date plan of
the area where pillars are proposed to be extracted, showing the proposed extent of extraction to be carried
out, thickness and depth of the seam, nature of roof and the rate and direction of dip.
The application and plans for permission should be suitably numbered and submitted at least 3
months in advance of the proposed date of commencement of depillaring operations (Circular No. 17 of
1966).
To prevent spontaneous heating, the provision of the Reg. 118 A of the CMR, 1957 requires that -
(a) The panels must have independent ventilation to facilitate isolation of panels one from another
in emergency. ;
(b) When development has already been made without panels, artificial panels should be made by
construction of stoppings.
(c) Size of the panel shall be determined with due consideration to the desirability of enabling
complete extraction of the pillars within incubation period.
(d) Fire dam or stopping shall be provided in all entrances to the panel, except that in the fire dams
or stoppings built in entrances which are to be kept open for ventilation or haulage, suitable doors or
openings may be left and bricks and other suitable materials shall be kept readily available in the vicinity.
 (c) When Working of a Disused Mine Dewatered or Re-opened : Reg. 7(2) of the CMR, 1957
stipulates that'-
When a mine has been re-opened the owner, agent or manager of the mine forthwith communicate
the actual date of re-opening to the D.G.M.S. and Dy. Director of Mines Safety.
Reg. 141 (2) stipulates that-
(a) The first inspection of a discontinuance of mining operation for a period exceeding 7 days, and of
any part of a mine after being dewatered. shall be made by a competent person by an approved flame safety
lamp; and during such inspections no additional light or lamp except an approved electric torch or lamp
shall be used.
(b) The result of every such inspections shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the
purpose, and shall be signed and dated by the person making the inspection, and countersigned and dated by
the manager.
If the mine or part belowground is likely to contain irrespirable atmosphere, no party or less than
three persons shall be allowed to proceed to carry out any exploratory work and every such party shall carry
suitable means of detecting carbon monoxide and flame safety lamp approved by the Director General of
Mines Safety [Reg. 125 (3)}.
(d) If Working proposed Beneath Railway Line : Reg. 105 of the CMR, 1957 states that -
1. No working shall be made and no work of extension or reduction of pillars be conducted at, or
extended to any point within 45 metres of any railway without the prior permission in writing of the
D.G.M.S. and the subject to such conditions as he. may specify therein.
2. Every application for permission shall specify the position of workings of the mine in relation to
the railway, the manner of proposed operations and the limits to which it is proposed to carry out the said
operations; and shall be accompanied by two copies of a plan showing the existing intended mining
operations in so far as they effect the railway line.
3. The stability of such railway line shall not be endangered until it has been dismantled, diverted or
vacated as the case may be.

Question 7. What statutory actions are required to be taken in following cases -

(a) A cage has been over wound.
(b) CO has been detected in the return airway of a depillaring district in a seam of degree III
gassiness.
(c) Strata movement has started in the goaf of a depillaring district having large area of hanging roof
while persons are working.
Answer : STATUTORY ACTIONS IN CERTAIN CASES
(a) Over winding of Cage: When there occurs an over winding of a cage while men are being
lowered or raised, the owner, agent or manager shall forthwith inform the JDMS about the occurrence by
telephone or express telegram or by special messenger; and shall also, within 24 hours of such occurrence,
give notice thereof in Form IV-A to the District Magistrate, DGMS and JDMS and also to Coal Mines
L.W.Commissioner in case of death or serious bodily injury. A copy of the notice shall also be exhibited
simultaneously on a special notice board out side of the office of the mine which must be in legible
condition for at least 14 days.
The manager shall give notice to all the aforesaid authorities within 24 hours being informed of any
death arising from serious bodily injury already reported or any injury becomes serious. The particulars of
every person killed or injured shall be sent in From IV-B to the D.G.M S. by the owner, agent or manager
within 7 days of such occurrence.
[Reg. 9 of CMR, 1957]
By virtue of section 23 of the Mines Act, 1952, a notice is also required to be furnished to the
specified authorities in prescribed form when an over winding of cages occur while material are being
raised or lowered.
[Sec 23, Mines ActJ62]
(b) Carbon monoxide in return airways : If CO is detected with an automatic detector of a type
approved by the DGMS in the return airway of a depillaring district the ration of CO-formed/Oxygen-
absorbed shall be determined and the result of such test shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the
purpose and shall-be signed and dated by the person carrying out the test. In case the tests show steady
increase in such ratio, suitable measures shall be taken to determine the site of heating and to deal with it. If
a fire or heating is confirmed or if it appears that it may have broken out, all persons other than those whose
presence is required for dealing with the fire or heating, shall be withdrawn from the mine. No person other
than those required for dealing with or sealing off the fire or heating shall be re-admitted in the mine until
the fire or heating has been extinguished or effectively sealed off, and the mine is declared safe after and
examination by the manager or assistant manager.
(c) Strata movement in the goaf : In order to warn persons in the district and in the vicinity of an
impending air-blast, the overmen/mining sirdar shall blow the warning whistle provided for the purpose :
(a) On hearing the whistle all persons in the area shall at once precede to the rest station.
(b) If any person is caught in an air blast, he shall at once lie flat on ground preferably in the
nearest level or dip gallery at right angles to the path of the air-blast.
 (c) Electricity shall be cut off before the anticipated air blast, and resumed only after the dust
settled and the test for the presence of methane made.
(d) Man winding and travelling through inclines should be stopped.
(e) Tubs on gradients should be derailed or spragged to prevent their free movement
(f) No person shall re-enter or permitted to re-enter the district and in the area until the mining
sirdar has thoroughly inspected the area and declared it safe.

Question 8. State briefly the provision of the statute with respect to the following :
(a) Weekly day of rest and compensatory day of rest under the Mines Act 1952.
(b) Duties and responsibilities of Managers under the Mines Act, 1952.
(c) Provisions and standard of shelters under the Mines Rules.
(First Class, 1985)
Answer : PROVISIONS OF THE STATUTE
(a) Weekly Day of Rest and Compensatory Days of Rest:
Weekly Day of Rest: Section 28 of the Mines Act, 1952 stipulates that no person shall be allowed to
work in mine on more than six days in any one week. Compensatory Days of Rest: Section 28 of the Mines
Act, 1952 stipulates that-
(1) Where in pursuance of action under section 38 or as a result of exempting any mine or the
persons employed therein deprived of any of the weekly days of rest for which provision is made in section
28, he shall be allowed, within the month in which such days of rest were due to him or within the two
months immediately following that month, compensatory days of rest equal in number to the days of rest of
which he has been deprived.
(2) The Central Government, may prescribe the manner in which the day of rest for which provision
is made in sub-section (1) shall be allowed.
(b) Duties and Responsibilities of Manager:
The duties and responsibilities of manager appointed in terms of sections 17 (1) of the . Mines Act,
1952 are as follows -
Subject to any instructions given to him or on behalf of the owner or agent of the mine, the manager
shall be responsible for the overall management, control, supervision and direction of the mine and all such
instructions when given by the owner or agent shall be confirmed in writing forthwith.
[Section 17 (2)]
Subject to the provisions of the sub-section (2) and (3) of section 18, the owner, agent or manager of
every mine shall each be responsible to see that all operations carried on in connection with the mine are
conducted in accordance with the provisions of this Act and of the regulations, rules, bye-laws and order
made there under.
[Section 18 (4)]
In the event of any contravention by any person who so ever of any of the provisions of this Act or
the regulations, rules, bye-laws or orders made there under except those which specifically require any
persons to do any act or thing or prohibit any person from doing act or thing, beside the persons who
contravenes, the manager of the mine along with others shall also be deemed to be guilty of such
contravention unless he proves that he had used due diligence to secure compliance with the provisions and
had taken reasonable means to prevent such contravention.
[Section 18(5)]
(c) Provisions and Standard of Shelters under the Mines Rules.
The provisions and standard of shelters as given in Rule 62 and 63 of the Mines rules, 1955 are as
follows-
Provisions of Shelters: At every mine where more then 50 persons are ordinarily employed, there
shall be provided adequate and suitable shelter at or near loading wharves, opencast workings, workshops,
and the mine entrances where 25 or more persons are ordinarily employed, for taking food and rest:
Standard of Shelter: Every shelter shall -
(a) have a floor area of not less than 14 square metres, and
(i) In the case of a flat roof, a height of not less than 2.5 meters to the lowest part of roof; and
(ii) Where the roof is sloping one, height of roof not less than 1.8 metre to the lowest part of the roof
and not less than 2.5 metres to the highest part of the roof; and
(b) be so constructed as to afford protection from weather;
(c) be sufficiently lighted during all hours when open for use; adequate supply of drinking water
during all hours of the mine;
(d) be kept in clean and tidy condition.

Question 9. What are the statutory requirements in respect of -

(a) Dust suppression measures and lighting arrangements in a development heading worked by
road headers.
(b) Pit bottom lay out where the shaft is used both for coal raising and man winding.
(c) Providing stations to work-persons for two adjoining depillaring districts. (Second Class, 1985)
 Answer: STATUTORY REQUIREMENTS
(a) Dust Suppression and lighting in Road header Faces : There is no special provision for dust
suppression measures and lighting measurements in a development heading workers by road headers except
the general provisions for precaution against dust, execution means uses for dust control, check on measures
for dust control as stipulated in regulation nos. 12" 123 (A) and 123 (B) of Coal Mines Regulations, 1957
and for general lighting, electrical lighting in gassy mines, standards of lighting as stipulated in regulation
nos. 151, 152 and 154 and few relevant circulars issued by the Director General of Mines Safety.
In order to minimise the formation, liberation and propagation of dust the following measures should
be taken :
(a) The cutter pick speed and traverse speed shall have optimum values, as regards dust formation
and gas emission rates.
(b) The cutter head shall always, while in use be, equipped with the complete set of tools that are
sharp and of proper shape.
(c) Cutting in stone, igneous intrusion and shale and pyrite band shall be avoided as far as
practicable.
(d) Through a suitable lock-out system, the machine shall be prevented from being operated/cutting
dry.
(e) Water of right quality and quantity and at right pressure, as per the recommendation of the
manufacturers, shall be constantly made available at the spray outlets. Suitable water-flow and pressure
metres shall be installed in the spraying pipe line.
(f) Nozzles and line filters shall be cleaned as often as necessary to prevent nozzle blockage.
(g) In order to guard against explosion hazard of coal dust all the relevant provisions of Regulations
shall be strictly complied with.
Lighting arrangement: For safe and protective driving of a road header uniform illumination of the
area should be ensured. One or two projectors having reflectors may be used to illuminate the face.
Electronic light in the form of cluster of bulbs of 100-200W at 110V enclosed in hermetically sealed fittings
should be used nearest to the face area. The light fittings are to be suspended at a height not less than 2.5
metres from the floor.
(b) Pit bottom layout for coal-raising and man winding :
The Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 is silent with regard to the above question, However the
following points may be suggested for the purpose :
(a) The pit bottom level should be sufficiently wide for track laying and also for the passage of
person in one side. The passage should be suitably fenced by means of substantial metal fencing or by brick
walling to make it separated from the track.
(b) Suitable bye-pass in the shaft should be provided.
(c) Persons should be allowed to enter from one side of the shaft and go out from other side.
(d) Suitable controls should be provided so that no loaded tub can be pushed into the cage while the
persons are entering or going out of the cage.
(e) Removable buffers should be installed to control and prevent any rolling tub coming into the
cage while man-winding is taking place.
(c) Stations for two adjoining Depillaring District:
Regulation 113 (3) (a) of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 stipulates that-At the entrance to every
mine or district, one or more stations shall be fixed by the manager, and except in the case of a mine
working in continuous succession of shifts, no person other than the person making the examination under
clause (b) or an official shall pass beyond any such station until the roadways and working places to which
such persons are required to have access, have been examined by the competent persons in charge of the
mine or district and found to be satisfactorily ventilated and in safe condition. Every such station shall be
legibly marked STATION and shall be of such a size as to accommodate all the persons employed in the
district in any shift.
For better control and safety at least two stations for two different depillaring districts are therefore
required in terms of the above regulation.

Question 10. Enumerate the provisions of Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 and the Mines Rules,
1955, and describe the arrangements in respect of -
(a) Providing water to face workers in an underground mine.
(b) Examination and maintenance of tub couplings.
(c) Signalling arrangements in deep shaft.
Answer : STATUTORY PROVISIONS
(a) Drinking Water: (1) The quantity of drinking water to be provided in a mine or part thereof
shall be on a scale of at least two litres for every person employed at any one time and such drinking water
shall be readily available at conveniently accessible points during the whole of the working shift.
(2) Where 100 persons or more are employed, either above ground or in opencast workings, at any
one time, an inspector may by an order in writing require the drinking water to be effectively cooled by
mechanical or other means available.
(3) No charge shall be made for drinking water so supplied. (Rule 30 of Mines Rules, 1955)
 Storage of drinking water : (1) If drinking water is not provided from taps connected with constant
water supply system, it shall be kept cool in suitable vessel sheltered from weather and such vessels shall be
emptied, cleaned and refilled every day. Steps shall Be taken to preserve the water, the storage vessels and
vessels used for drinking water in a clean and hygienic conditions.
(2) If the source of drinking water is not from a public water supply system an inspector by an order
in writing may require the owner, agent or manager of the mine to submit with the least possible delay a
certificate from a competent health authority analyst as to the fitness of the water for human consumption.
(Rule 31 of Mines Rules, 1955)
If any question arises thereof as to whether water supply arrangements are satisfactory and in
accordance with the Requirements of Section 19 and Rules 30 and 31, the decision of the Chief Inspector
shall be final.
(Rule 32 of Mines Rules, 1956)
(b) Examination and Maintenance of Tub-coupling :
In terms of regulation (89) (1) (d) of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 the set of coupling chain and
other attachment shall be examined once at least in every 14 days, by a competent person appointed for the
purpose. A report pf every such examination shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose,
and shall be signed and dated by the person who made the examination.
The dimensions of the coupling should be such that tensile yield strength is not less than 3 times the
maximum drawbar pull. Every coupling shall be annealed once at least in every 6 months. Where
manganese steel coupling are in use, the frequency of annealing may be relaxed by the D.G.M.S subject to
such conditions as he may deem it fit to impose.
Any coupling involved in a derailment or accident should be specially inspected at the earliest
opportunity and if suspected to have been damaged, it should not be used unless certified by a competent
person superior in rank to the one making the inspection and the report of such inspection should be kept.
Repair and rejection : Wear and tear of any component shall not be built up through welding. The
components shall be discarded when the maximum loss of cross-section due to wear over any portion
exceeds 30% of the original cross-sectional area of the portion.
(c) Signalling Arrangement in Deep Shaft:
The provisions of regulation 75 of Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 are as follows –
1. (a) Efficient means shall be provided and maintained for interchanging separate, distinct and
definite signals between the top of the shaft and –
(i) the bottom or other permanent landing of the shaft; and
(ii) every inset for the time being in use.
There shall also be provided and maintained efficient means for transmitting such signals from the
top of the shaft to the winding engineman. All signals shall be transmitted by mechanical of electrical
means.
(b) In signalling, the following code of signals shall be used and strictly observed -One Rap...
Stop when engine in motion.
One Rap... Raise when engine at rest.
Two Rap... Lower
Three Raps... Men ready to ascend or descend.
Three Raps... In reply : men may enter the cage or other means of conveyance.
Any other signals shall be in addition to, and shall not interfere with the foregoing.
(c) A printed copy of the code of signals, including additional signals, if any, shall be posted
prominently at the top of the shaft and at every such inset and landing and also the winding engine room.
No person other than the banks man or on-setter give any signal unless he is an official of the mine
or is authorised in writing by the manager to give signals.
In deep shafts the voltage drop in the long circuit in case of electrical signalling creates troubles and
the alternative system cannot be mechanical. Therefore telephonic arrangement, fibre optics or electronics
system with display device should be used.

Question 11. What are the provisions of the Coal Mines Regulations with respect to the following :
(a) Checking of plans on re-opening, etc.
(b) Specifications of roads and footpaths along which load is carried by human agency.
(c) Duties of attendants of main mechanical ventilators.
(d) Precautions against irruption of gas.
(e) Precautions to be taken in Safety Lamp Rooms.
In each case point out further additions/alterations that you could suggest with a view to improve
upon safety. (Second Class, 1988, First Class, 1976)
Answer: IMPORTANT PROVISIONS OF THE CMR
(a) Checking of Plans on Re-opening etc. : Regulation 65 of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957
stipulates that -
(i) When there is a change in the ownership of the mine, or where a mine or part thereof is reopened,
or before any extraction or reduction of pillars, the owner, agent or manager shall ensure the accuracy of
plans and sections of the mine. If any doubt arises as to the accuracy of such plans and sections, he shall
have accurate plans and sections prepared afresh before any work is commenced.
(ii) If the Jt. D.M.S. doubts the accuracy of the plans and sections prepared, kept or submitted under
the regulation, he may by an order in writing, require a fresh survey made and a new plan or sections
prepared within a specified time.
(iii) If plans and sections required under the above clause are not prepared within the specified time,
the Jt. D.M.S. may get the plan or section by any other agency and the cost thereof shall be defrayed by the
owner of the mine and recoverable from him as arrear of land revenue.
Suggestions to improve upon safety : In mines where there are potentially dangerous old workings
which may likely to contain water, fire or gas - a systematic checking of plans and sections should be made
by appropriate authority. Regular checking of offset plans with relations to running mines should also be
made.
(b) Specifications of Roads and Footpaths : Reg. 115 (5) of the CMR, 1957 stipulates that-
(a) No person shall carry or be permitted to carry any load along a road or footpath having an
inclination of 30 degree or more from the horizontal.
(b) Every road or footpath, along which loads are carried by human agency, shall be as follows :
(i) Not less than 1 metre wide, and
(ii) If the inclination exceeds 15 degree from the horizontal level steps shall be provided such that
the vertical height of every steps does not exceed 0.18 metre and its width is not less than 0.35 metre.
Suggestion : Better lighting, ventilation and suitable wide platforms at regular intervals of not more
than 9 metres should be provided.
(c) Duties of Attendants of Main Mechanical Ventilator : Regulation 47 of the CMR, 1957 states
the duties of the attendants of main mechanical ventilator which may be summarised as follows -
(i) Keep running the ventilator at the speed fixed by the manager.
(ii) Examine the machinery, and observe the pressure-recorder, water-gauge and speed-indicator
every hour and enter the readings in a bound-paged book.
(iii) Immediately reported to his superior official of any stoppage, damage, defect or derangement of
any machinery, unusual variation in any indicator and any unusual circumstances.
(iv) If the ventilator is continuously operated, shall not leave his place until relieved by proper
substitute.
Suggestions: (i) Duty during stoppage of fan should be included-
(ii) Duty after an explosion or fire should be defined.
(iii) Some measures to guard against idleness during working hours especially back shifts by
blowing of whistle should be provided.
(d) Precautions against irruption of Gas : Reg. 124 of the CMR, 1957 states that any working
extended to within 30 metres of any goaf or disused working containing or likely to contain gas, a borehole
not less than 1.5 metres deep in advance of the workings must be maintained under the supervision of a
competent person. Only approved safety lamp or torch shall be used in such workings.
Suggestions: In case of irruption of gas -
(i) Cut off electricity in the area immediately,
(ii) Withdrawal of persons from the area.
(iii) Fencing of the area effected or likely to be effected.
(iv) Dealing with gas by blower, fan or brattice.
(v) If beyond control, erection of temporary or permanent stopping.
(e) Precautions to be taken in Safety Lamp Rooms : Reg. 15SoftheCMR, 1957 stipulates that -
1. No unauthorised person shall enter in the safety lamp room.
2. No person shall smoke in the safety lamp room.
3. Where highly volatile oil is used in safety lamps -
(a) lamps shall be cleaned, refitted and refilled in separate room.
(b) only the required quantity of volatile spirit for one working day shall be stored in such room.
(c) Internal relighters shall not be taken out of lamps and cleaned, repaired or refitted on the same
table where lamps are cleaned or refilled.
(d) adequate number of suitable fire extinguishers shall be kept ready in such room.
Suggestions: Following additions or alterations may be considered –
(i) Well lighted, spacious, clean and well ventilated rooms,
(ii) Electric switchgears and regulators housed in separate rooms,
(iii) Welding, brazing, etc in separate rooms,
(iv) Checking of contrabands of lamp room workers.
(v) Closed receptacles for used wicks and inflammable materials and their regular disposal.

Question 12. What are the sources of danger in the following and what precautions will you take in
each case ?
(a) Depillaring a thick seam.
(b) Air blast in a district.
(c) Existence of inflammable gas in a slice/split gallery.
 (d) Releasing of stuck up stand and residual sand inside the sand bunker.
(e) While extracting a 3m thick seam at a depth of 50 to 70m from the surface where there is a
village.
(g) While extracting pillars by caving under an area having colliery dwellings when the cover is only
80 metres,
(h) While developing towards outcrop,
(i) Simultaneous extraction of pillars in multisection contiguous seams by caving.
Answer: SOURCES OF DANGER AND PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED
(a) Depillaring a thick seam: The sources of danger in such case may arise from –
(i) Roof trouble due to working in lifts and the roof may become difficult to control after the third
lift even if stowing is done;
(ii) Bumps and air-blast where the seam is at a greater depth with strong sand stone roof;
(iii) Spontaneous heating and a fire because of less percentage of extraction, fall of coal and
crushing of pillars;
(iv) Ventilation which is not generally satisfactory because of multi-section workings, wider rooms
and chances of gas accumulation is more;
(v) Haulage and travelling due to complicated and circuitous roads in different horizons of the seam.
The precautions required are -
(i) Proper roof control by judicious selections of the method of work and support system. The
extraction and reduction of pillar shall be conducted- in such a way as to prevent collapse or subsidence of
the roof over pillars which have not been extracted [Reg 100 (2) of CMR. 1957].
(ii) Systematic Support Rules should be framed and strictly observed. [Reg. 100 (2)]
(iii) Leaving as small uncollapsed roof as possible. [Reg. 100 (5)]
(iv) Systematic extraction avoiding V-line of extraction to prevent bump.
(v) Adequate precautions to guard against spontaneous heating and fire.
(vi) Arrangement for good ventilation.
(vii) Main and tail or endless haulage installation.
(b) Air blast in a district: The dangers from an air blast in a district are -
(i) Work persons are exposed to injury and death; (ii) Dislodgement of supports causing roof -fall
and bed separation; (iii) Derangement of ventilation system; (iv) Damage to haulage system; (v) Cracking,
Crushing and breakage of isolation and ventilation stoppings resulting chances of fire coming out or
spreading in; (vi) Chances of heating due to crushing of pillars.
The precautions required are -
(i) Provisions of safe shelter in every district. Such shelter should have crossbar and girder supports.
Provision of pressure release type of stopping fitted with 1.5m x 1.5m relief valves loosely sealed to form an
opening. Such a shelter should not be situated in direct path of air blast,
(ii) Induction of main roof fall by firing in goaf,
(iii) Minimum area of exposure maintaining straight line of extraction.
(iv) Provision of additional roadways.
(v) Provision of warning device to warn persons in the vicinity of an impending air blast.
Convergence recorders may be installed to get prewarning of any impending air blast.
(vi) Disconnection of electric current to the district before any anticipated air blast.
(c) Existence of inflammable gas in a slice/split gallery :
Dangers due to existence of inflammable gas in such area are - (i) Chances of ignition of gas; (ii) Cycle of
operation delayed in dealing with the gas and towards the end of the shift possibility of accidents due to
hurriedness; (iii) Oxygen deficiency in case of excessive percentage of gas.
The precautions would include:
(i) Strict compliance to testing of gas before and after blasting [Reg. 175].
(ii) Regular sampling and analysis of gas [Reg. 145].
(iii) Split galleries or slices should not be connected to the goaf. Necessary parting (1 to 1.5m)
should be left against the goaf.
(iv) Sufficient supply of air to clear any gas in excessive percentage, stopping blasting and
disconnecting electric current in the area.
(d) Releasing stuck up sand in the bunker : The main danger associated with this case is the fall
of person employed in the clearing job. The Precautionary measures of such types of accidents are :
(i) Well designed bunker.
(ii) Cleaning of sand by directing a jet of water from outside the bunker, or operating a long rake
from outside the bunker,
(iii) Provision of U-brackets inside the bunker to serve as steps for persons going inside the bunker,
(iv) The use of a strong steel rope, anchored on the surface, to provide the persons with necessary
hand-hold.
(v) Strict supervision by a competent person during cleaning works,
(vi) The use of safety belts must be insisted.
(e) While extracting a 3 m thick seam by caving : The sources of danger in working a 3 m thick
seam at a depth of 300 m are - (i) Danger due to depth (ii) Danger from air-blast and bumps.
Precautions against such dangers are :
 (i) Mining by longwall retreating method.
(ii) Precautions against danger of air-blast and bumps.
(iii) Heavy timbering and strict adherence to S.S.R.
(iv) Precautions against gas. Drainage of gas if in excessive quantity.
(v) Good ventilation, dust control, etc.
(f) Developing a 3 m thick seam under a village : The seam being at a shallow depth 50 to 70m
from the surface, the following dangers may arise - (i) Danger of subsidence; (ii) Vibration of ground
during blasting; (iii) Damage to surface structures.
The following precautions are to be taken : (i) Restriction on width of galleries, (ii) Adequate pillar
size as per reg. 99. (iii) Proper roof support, (iv) No blasting below dwelling areas.
(g) Extracting pillars by caving below dwellings : The danger that may arise are -(i)
Development of cracks in the buildings; (ii) Collapse of buildings; (iii) Subsidence of ground.
Precautions against such dangers are;
(i) All the dwellings likely to be affected shall be evacuated before depillaring operation.
(ii) Safety pillars shall be left below important public buildings, roads, etc.
(iii) Regular surface subsidence and strain measurements shall be made.
(iv) The dwelling shall be watched carefully if any crack is developed by fixing glass pieces in walls
of hut.
(v) In the event of any change in the circumstances which may effect the safety of work persons,
mine or the public or the surface structures, roads, etc. depillaring operations shall be stopped forthwith and
the matter shall be informed to the D.G.M.S.
(h) While developing towards outcrop : The following dangers may arise - (i) Unexpected
subsidence due to inadequate cover; (ii) The outcrop side of the seam is the weakest Zone which may cause
serious roof trouble; (iii) Existence of old water logged quarries nearby, forming a threat of inundation.
The necessary precautions include:
(i) There shall be no development in areas where the depth of hard cover is less than 6m. 00 While
developing, extreme care should be taken about the roof rock and coal which may be detected to be weak,
(iii) If any old quarry, which is full of water, exists nearby, the same should be dewatered before developing
towards the outcrop, (iv) No explosives shall be used in such workings, (v) Where the cover is less than
15m, all roadways shall be kept supported by rails or cross-bar at intervals not exceeding 2m.
(i) Simultaneous extraction of pillars in multi-section or contiguous seams :
The danger associated with such workings is mainly due to premature collapse of roof if the parting
is inadequate.
Precautions required against such dangers are :
1. Simultaneous extraction may be permitted if the parting is less than 6m and the workings are
reasonably coincident.
2 Where the parting is more than 6m, the top seam/section may be extracted in advance of the
bottom seam or section, keeping in mind that persons shall not be engaged beneath the hanging goaf of the
top seam.
3. The line of extraction/splitting in the top and bottom seams/sections shall be kept vertically
coincident as far as practicable, and it shall be constantly moving at a reasonable rate.
4 While withdrawing supports, care should be taken to see that the withdrawal from the
corresponding stocks in two seams/sections is done simultaneously.
5. Whenever the roof conditions, whether in the top or the bottom seam/section, become
uncontrollable, and the place has to be abandoned, persons shall not be employed in the stocks above or
below the abandoned area as the case may be.
6. The bottom section shall be kept generally in advance by not more than half-a-pillar.
7. If the pillars in either seam/section are not too much out of coincident vertically, the galleries may
be widened so as to restore verticality. Then the pillars may be extracted simultaneously.
8 If the verticality of the pillars and galleries is too much out –
(a) The pillars in the bottom seam/section may be split and the voids stowed. The pillars in
the top seam/section may then be caved in, or
(b) If the coal in one seam/section is comparatively inferior to the coal in the other
seam/section only the pillars containing better quality of coal may be caved in leaving the pillars of
other seam/section in situ, or
(c) In case the coal is of uniform quality in both the seams/sections, the pillars in both
seams or sections may be split as a final operation, or
(d) The pillars in the top seam/section may be split and the pillars in the bottom seam/
section may be caved.
Each case has to be considered and decided on its merit.
9. While withdrawing supports, the supports from the corresponding stocks in the two seams or
sections shall be withdrawn simultaneously.
10. An adequate number of staple pits shall be provided in each panel for communication.
11. Both top and bottom seams/sections shall be kept under the supervision of one overman in each
shift.
 Question 13. Indicate Who, When and How about the statutory inspections or examinations in
respect of any five of the following:
(i) Isolation/fire Stoppings inspections.
(ii) Winding ropes and Suspension gear examinations.
(iii) Shaft inspections.
(iv) Tub couplings and other attachments examinations.
(v) First inspection after holiday/rest day.
(vi) Idle day inspection.
(vii) Pre-shift inspection.
Answer: STATUTORY INSPECTION
(i) Isolation/Fire stopping inspections : Regulation 122 (5) of CMR 1957 provides that -
A competent person - holder of either an Over man’s of a Manager's certificate shall inspect all
stoppings erected to isolate or Control a fire or spontaneous heating belowground. Such inspection shall be
made once at least in every seven days, or shorter intervals if required by the Joint Director of Mines Safety.
During every such inspection the competent person shall ascertain the general condition of every
stopping, check it for leakage and presence of gas, and ascertain the temperature and humidity of the
atmosphere outside the stopping. For every stopping, he shall place his signature, with date on a check
board provided for the purpose at a suitable position on the stopping and this record shall be maintained for
a period of not less than three months. A report of every such inspection shall also be recorded in bound-
paged book kept for the purpose and shall be signed and dated by the person making the inspection.
(ii) Winding ropes & Suspension gear examination.
Winding Ropes Examination (Reg. 83) -
Under the regulations, winding ropes shall be examined by the Engineer or other competent person.
Three types of examinations are required by law for ropes used for winding. These are
i) Weekly examination [Reg. 83 (i) b of CMR].
ii) Monthly examination [CMR 83 (1) c].
iii) Recapping samples examination [CMR 80 (6)].
Weekly Examination : The whole rope is examined roughly by passing the rope at a speed not
exceeding one metre per second through a handful of clean cotton waste; the broken end of wires usually
pick up shreds of waste. Broken wires, loose wires, distortion o< irregular lay can be sought by passing the
rope slowly and looking carefully.
Monthly Examination: The rope shall be cleaned of any encrusted dirt and grease a ail places
particularly liable to deterioration at other places not more than 30 m apart, through out the length. The rope
shall then be passed at a speed not exceeding 0.5 m per second. Am reduction with circumference of the
rope and superficial condition of the wires as to wear, corrosion, brittleness and fracture at every such place
shall be noted.
Recapping Sample Examination: Except with the 'Koepe system of winding, before every
recapping (normal practice of recapping a winding rope is at least once in every six months or if required at
shorter intervals, and also after every over winding) a length including the capping, of at least two metres
shall be cut off the rope. Every piece of rope so cut shall be opened and its internal condition examined
thoroughly.
A report of every examination shall be recorded in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose and
shall be signed and dated by the person who made the examination.
Suspension Gear Examination (Reg. 68) : The examinations shall be carried out by or under the
supervision of the Engineer or other Competent person.
All cage chains and all parts of suspension gear between the rope and the cage including detaching
hook shall be examined once at least in every six months, or if necessary at shorter intervals, unless any
exemption is granted by the D.G.M.9. for any special condition.
Detaching hooks used in sinking shafts shall be examined once at least in every week.
Detaching bell or plate shall be examined once in every 30 days.
Cage chains in general use and all parts of suspension gear including the detaching hook, shall be
taken apart, cleaned and carefully examined as to wear and tear (where necessary) by gauging and for rust
and cracks. The various parts shall be annealed or given other heat treatment before being refitted.
Detaching hooks used in sinking shaft shall be taken apart, cleaned and carefully examined and the
shear pin replaced by a new one every time such examination is carried out.
Every detaching bell or plate shall be examined and the opening therein shall be checked by calipers
or gauges.
(iii) Shaft inspection (Reg. 70) : Periodic examination of shaft shall be carried out by a competent
person - by an overman or Manager's certificate holder.
Every shaft shall be examined once at least in every seven days.
Shafts in use or sinking shaft shall be examined for the effectiveness of fencing arrangements at top
and bottom of shafts, shaft wall, buntons, pipe lines, water garlands, etc.
Precautionary measures shall be taken during shaft inspection and Reg. 85 shall be strictly, flowed
for the purpose.
Every such examination shall immediately thereafter be recorded in a bound paged book Kept for
the purpose and shall be signed and dated by the person making such examination.
 (iv) Tub-Coupling and other attachments examinations - Reg. 89 (d): The state of every buffer and
drawbar of every tub in use and of every safety catch, coupling chain and other attachment shall be
examined by a competent person appointed for the purpose once at least in every 14 days. A report of every
such examination shall be recorded in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose and shall be signed and
dated by the said competent person.
(v) First Inspection after Holiday/Rest day (Reg. 113,143): A mining Sirdar or Overman shall make
statutory inspection of the working places in accordance with the provisions of Reg 113 and or Reg. 143 of
CMR, 1957.
After a rest day or holiday, the conditions of every part of the mine and all roadways and working
places as regards ventilation, sanitation, the presence of gases, the state of the roof and the sides and
generally so far as the safety of the workers is concerned shall be thoroughly inspected by the competent
person and found to be satisfactorily ventilated and in safe condition. The examination shall be made with
an approved flame safety lamp and in case of a fiery seam also with a cage containing suitable birds or other
means of detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the D.G.M.S. The result of such examination should
be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose.
(vi) Idle day inspection (D.G.M.S. Circular No. 70 of 1967 and 7 of 1960) : In order to ensure that
spontaneous heating was detected in its early stages both in development and depillaring district throughout
the week, an overman should be deputed on every shift of the rest day or holiday etc. to make inspection. A
record of the inspections should be kept as for other week day inspections.
(vii) Pre-shift inspection (Reg. 113-b): The sirdar or other competent person accompanied by such
assistant as may be required shall, within two hours before the commencement of work in a shift inspect
every part of the mine or district assigned to him in which persons have to work or pass during the shift and
shall ascertain the condition thereof as regards ventilation, the presence of spontaneous combustion and
other fire risks, and generally so far as the safety of the persons is connected. The examination shall be
made with an approved flame safety lamp and with a carborimonoxide gas detector of approved type. All
such inspections shall be recorded in details giving all the particulars without delay at the completion of his
shift, in a bound paged book kept for the purpose.

Question 14. What are the provisions of Coal Mines Regulations -

(a) When a person has to work as manager of more than one mine.
(b) When it is desired to flood a mine by introducing water from the surface.
Answer: DIFFERENT PROVISIONS OF COAL MINES REGULATIONS
(a) To work as Manager of More than one Mines : In terms of sub regulation (4) of Reg. 31 of CMR,
1957, no person shall act, or be appointed as manager of more than one mine except with the previous
permission in writing of the D.G.M.S. and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. No such
permission shall have effect for a period exceeding 12 months unless renewed. The D.G.M.S. may at any
time, by an order in writing vary or revoke any such permission if the circumstances under which the
permission was granted have altered or D.G.M.S. finds that the manager not been able to exercise effective
supervision in the mines under his charge.
(b) Intentional Flooding: Regulation 128 of CMR 1957 provides that -
(1) When the owner, agent or manager intends or proposes by introducing water from the surface or
from any other part of the mine or from an adjacent mine to flood any parts of the workings of his mine, he
shall give in writing not less than 14 days notice of such intention or proposal to the D.G.M.S. and the
J.D.M.S. and to the management of all adjoining mine and of such other mines as might be affected by such
flood.
Provided that the Joint Director of Mines Safety may, by an order in writing and subject to such
conditions as he may specify therein permit such operation to be commenced on any day prior to the expiry
of the said 14 days, or prohibit such operation or require that such operations shall not be commenced until
such precautions as he may specify, have been taken to his satisfaction.
(2) If such operations are not commenced w thin 60 days from the expiry of the said 14 days, the
notice shall be deemed to have lapsed and the provisions of sub-reg. (1) shall apply as if no such notice have
been given.

Question 16. State obligations when the following operations are proposed to be under-taken-
(A) Depillaring of a panel.
(B) Extension of workings under railway line.
(C) Development of two coal seams lying within 4m of each other.
Answer: OBLIGATION WHEN FEW OPERATIONS ARE PROPOSED
(A) Depillaring of a Panel: The sub-reg. (1) of reg. 10Q of the CMR, 1957 requires that no
extraction or reduction of pillars shall be commenced except with the prior permission in writing of the
D.G.M.S. and in accordance with such conditions as he may specify therein. An application in proper
proforma for permission shall be accompanied by two copies of an up-to-date plan of the area where pillars
are proposed to be extracted, showing the proposer 1 extent of extraction to be carried out, thickness and
depth of the seam, nature of roof and the rate of direction of dip.
 According to the D.G.M.S. Circular No. 19 of 1960 -
1. The areas for depillaring operation should be sufficiently large to last for a period of at least 3
years but the proposed panels for depillaring should be kept limited keeping in mind the incubation period
of the seam.
2. The applications and plans for permission should be suitably numbered, and should be submitted
at least 3 months in advance of the proposed date of commencement of depillaring operations.
The provision of reg. 118A of the CMR, 1957 requires that:
(a) The panels for depillaring must have independent ventilation in such that it is possible to isolate
one from another if necessary.
(b) Where development has already been made without panels, artificial panels should be made by
the construction of stoppings.
(c) Size of the panel shall be determined with due consideration to the desirability of extracting
complete extraction of the pillars therein within the incubation period.
(d No coal, shale or carbonaceous material shall be left or stacked belowground. (e) Fire dams or
stoppings shall be provided in all entrances to the panel except that in entrances which are to be kept open
or ventilation for haulage suitable doors or opening may be left and bricks and other suitable materials shall
be kept readily available in their vicinity. Shale or other carbonaceous materials shall not be used in
construction of fire dams or stoppings
(f) Sufficient material for dealing with fire shall be kept in readiness at suitable places belowground.
Sufficient number of persons shall be trained in the use of this material.
(B) Extension of workings under Railway Line : Reg. 105 of the CMR, 1957 states that-
(1) No workings shall be made and no work of extraction or reduction of pillars shall be conducted
at, or extended to any point within 45m of any railway without the prior permission in writing of the
D.G.M.S. and subject to such condition as he may specify therein.
(2) Every application for permission under sub-reg. (1) shall specify the positions of the workings of
the mine in relation to the railway, the manner in which it is proposed to carry out the intended operations
and the limits to which it is proposed to carry out the said operations, and shall be accompanied by two
copies of a plan showing the existing and the intended mining operations in so far they affect the railway
concerned.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the regulation, the stability of such railway shall not be
endangered until it has been dismantled, diverted, vacated as the case may be.
(C) Development of Two Seams lying within 4 meters: Reg. 104 of the CMR, 1957 specifies that-
1. No work in a higher seam shall be done over an area in a lower seam which may collapse.
2. [a] No workings shall be made in any two seams lying within 9 metres of each other, without the
prior permission of the D.G.M.S. and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein.
[b] Every application for permission under this sub reg. shall be accompanied by two copies of a
plan showing the proposed layout of the workings, a section of the seam or seams, proposed dimensions of
pillars and galleries in each seam and the thickness of parting between the seams

Question 16. What are the statutory requirements of the following -

(a) Use of protective equipment.
(b) Precautions against fire in ventilation applications.
Answer: PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT, PRECAUTION AGAINST FIRE
(a) Use of Protective Equipment: Out of the total number of non-fatal accidents in our country on
an average around 50% of the accidents affect those parts of the body which could be most easily
safeguarded, '.'-idoubtedly, many of these accidents could have been avoided or their severity reduced by
the use of protective equipments like - footwear, helmet, etc.
Use of Footwear: Sub-reg (1) of Regulation 191 of CMR 1957 requires that- no person shall go into,
or work, or be allowed to go into or work in a mine, unless he wears protective foot wear of such type as
may be approved by the D.G.M.S. by a general or special order in writing.
Use of Helmet: Sub-reg. (1) of Regulation 191-A requires that no person shall go into, or wok in a
mine other than the precincts of a mine occupied by an office building, canteen, crèche, rest shelter, first-aid
room or any other building of similar type unless he wears a helmet of such type as may b approved by the
D.G.M.S. by a general or special order in writing.
Provided that where the D.G.M.S. is of the opinion that owing to special circumstances it is not
necessary or reasonable for any person or class of persons going into or working in a mine to wear a helmet
he may, by a general or special order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein,
exempt such person or class of persons from the operation of the provision of this sub-reg.
Use of Gloves, shinguards, etc. : The sub-reg. (1) of Regulation 191-B requires that when! it
appears to the Jt. Director of Mines Safety or the D.G.M.S. that any person or class of persons employed in
a mine is exposed to undue hazard by a reason of the nature of his employment, he may, by a general or
special order in writing required the owner, agent or manager of the mine to supply to such person or class
of persons free of charge, gloves, shinguards or such other protective equipment as the Jt. Director or the
Director General of Mines Safety may specify in the order.
Other Protective Equipments as Recommended by D.G.M.S. :
 (i) Protective Goggles or Shields fitted with unsplinterable glass or other suitable material for person
engaged in any operation in which they are exposed to the risk of injury to their eyes due to the flying
fragments of any substance or otherwise. (Circular No. 29 of 1974)
(ii) Ear-Plugs, ear-muff, helmets and other specialised ear protections against noise and vibration in
the working environment such as while operating pneumatic drills, Anderton Shearers, and near surface
mechanical ventilators, screening plants, under ground main pumps, heavy earth-moving machineries, etc.
(Circular No. 18 Tech. of 1975).
Obligations: Regulation 191-C of CMR 1957 specifies that whenever any person is supplied by the
owner, agent or Manager of the mine with any protective equipment, he shall use the same while on work.
(b) Precaution against Fire in Ventilation Appliances: The provisions of the CMR 1957 are as
follows -
1. Every mechanical ventilator on the surface shall be installed in a suitable fire-proof housing.
2. In case of every fan (other than an auxiliary fan) installed belowground the coal or other
carbonaceous material exposed in the sides, roof and floor shall be covered with masonary or other adequate
protection against fire, for a distance of not less than 5 metres in every direction from the fan.
3. The covering of every shaft sealed off or covered for ventilation purposes, every fan drift, duct or
casing and every air-crossing and ventilation door, shall be constructed of fire-proof material. Small lid of a
shaft covering operated by rope cappel is exempted from this regulation.

Question 17. What are the safety precautions to be observed to guard against the danger given in
brackets under following conditions?
(a) In case of splitting of pillars with stowing as the final operation (Roof fall).
(b) While approaching a deep waterlogged heading (Inundation).
(c) During development in a disturbed ground in a degree I gassy mine (Roof fall, gas).
(d) While lowering a set of tubs from surface on direct haulage plane (Forward runaway).
(e) During sealing off an active fire area (Noxious gases)
Answer : PRACAUTIONS TO GUARD AGAINST DANGERS
(a) Splitting of pillars with stowing as the final operations : To guard against danger from roof
fall the following measures should be taken -
1. No splitting is generally permitted where the hard cover is less than 15 mts.
2. The splits before stowing, should have a minimum factor of safety of 1.
3. The minimum size of stocks shall be 6m 2 where the depth is 135m or more or the thickness of the
seam is more than 7.5m. In all other cases, it should be kept at 4.5m2.
4. The maximum width of splits/galleries should be kept at 5.4m where the extraction is in one lift,
and 4.8m where the extraction is in more than one left.
(b) While approaching a dip water-logged heading : Following precautions are to be taken in
accordance with the Reg. 127 of CMR, 1957 :-
1. No gallery shall be driven if it has reached within 60m of the waterlogged heading except with
the prior permission in writing of the D.G.M.S. and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein.
2. The height or width of the gallery shall not be more than 2.4m and at least one borehole near the
centre of the working face, sufficient flank holes on each side and where necessary, boreholes above and
below the workings at intervals not more than 5m shall be maintained. All such boreholes shall be
constantly maintained at sufficient distance in advance of the working and such distance shall not be less
than 3m.
3. All these precautions shall be carried out under the direct supervision of a competent person
specially authorised for the purpose. .
The following additional precautions should also be taken -
(a) Proper roof support.
(b) Strict supervision for avoidance of robbing of pillars.
(c) Development in a disturbed ground : During development in a disturbed ground in degree I
gassy seams the following precautions should be observed to guard against roof fall and explosion -
1. Systematic support rule approved by appropriate authority should be strictly followed.
2. Freshly exposed roof should be supported by safari support.
3. Arrangement for good ventilation has to be made.
4. Frequent inspection by competent person for testing the presence of gas.
5. Minimum width and height of galleries should be maintained.
6. Blasting may have to be suspended if the roof condition is very bad.
(d) Lowering a set of tubs on direct haulage plane : To guard against forward runaway -
1. Approved number of tubs should be coupled.
2. Approved type of couplings should be used.
3. Interconnected runaway switch and stop block should be used and maintained in good working
order.
4. Safety hooks, jazz rails or other suitable contrivances should be used.
(e) During sealing of an active fire area : The following measures should be taken against danger
from noxious gases -
 1. A competent person should remain present on the spot during the work.
2. Arrangement for adequate ventilation should be ensured.
3. Approved type of safety lamps and’ CO-detector should be used. A cage containing suitable birds
and a flame safety lamp shall be kept at the place throughout the work.

Question 18. What are the statutory provisions on general lighting belowground? Describe the safety
features of an electric Cap Lamp. (Second Class, 1986)
Answer: GENERAL LIGHTING BELOWGROUND
Regulation 151 of the CMR, 1957 provided that adequate general lighting arrangement shall be
provided during working hours belowground.
1. (i) At every shaft inset and shaft bottom or siding which is in regular use;
(ii) in every travelling roadway normally used by 50 or more persons during any shift.
Provided that the above provisions shall be deemed to have satisfied if electric lamps or light are
provided to every work persons.
(iii) At the top and bottom of every self-acting incline in regular use.
(iv) At every place on haulage roadway, at which tubs are regularly coupled or uncoupled or
attached to or detached from a haulage rope,
(v) At every place at which tubs are regularly filled mechanically,
(vi) At every room and place containing any engine, motor or other apparatus,
(vii) At every place where any pillar is under extraction; and
(viii) At every first-aid station belowground.
Provided that the lighting fixture installed in a gassy seam of second or third degree and in the blind
ends of a gassy seam of the first degree which are not ventilated by a mechanical ventilator, shall comply
with the provisions of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.
2. The lighting provided in a mine shall be so arranged as to prevent glare or eye-strain.
3. Where electric energy is available at the mine the lighting arrangement shall be made by
electrical means.
4. Where electric lighting is used, an additional light or lamp having no connection with the electric
supply be kept continuously burning, belowground in every shaft inset and shaft bottom or landing in
regular use and in every engine room.
5. Every electrical lamp-fitting shall be so constructed and fitted as to protect it from accidental
damage; and adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent lamps being damaged from shot firing.
Safety Features of Cap Lamp : The cap lamp is neither intrinsically safe nor flameproof. The cap
lamp is usually safe because of the statistical improbability of ignition, due to special care that is taken in its
design and construction.
As an important safety feature a cartridge type silver fuse wire is incorporated in the circuit between
the cable lead and the negative battery terminal to restrict excessive current flow n the event of short-circuit.
The fuse is rated to blow at 4 amps and leaving adequate margin of safety as 4 volts, a current of 26 amps
will be required to provide a spark of sufficient energy to ignite an explosive mixture.

Question 19. (a) What are the difference between "intrinsically safe" and "FLP" apparatus? Where in
mines are these to be used?
(b) Write briefly the statutory requirements in respect of any two of the following –
(i) Disconnection of supply under the IER, 1956.
(ii) Voltage limits in workings belowground;
(iii) Precautions regarding the use of portable electric light in a workshop, (First Class, 1969, 72,87)
Answer: INTRINSICALLY SAFE AND FLAMEPROOF APPARATUS
(a) Intrinsically Safe Apparatus : The term "intrinsically safety" implies that the circuit or
apparatus to which it refers is inherently incapable of creating a spark of sufficient intensity to ignite
firedamp. Intrinsic safety can only be achieved in low power equipments such as bells, relays, telephones,
signalling in remote control and interlock circuits and in exploders, where the operating current is of the
order of one ampere or less. These equipments remain safe only as long as these are maintained in the
designed condition and power supplied to them must be from prescribed source only.
Flameproof Apparatus : It means an apparatus that can withstand without injury any explosion of
the inflammable gas that may occur within it and can prevent the transmission of flame such as will ignite
the inflammable gas which may be present in the surrounding atmosphere. The commonest form of making
apparatus flame-proof (including explosion proof) is by flange protection, whereby the hot gases or flame
produced by an internal explosion are so cooled by contact with the metal of the flanges, and also by
explosion, that they emerge at a temperature below the ignition temperature of inflammable gas or vapour.
Flameproof enclosure is needed for apparatus such as motors and switchgears which are only too
capable of creating a dangerous spark and can not be made intrinsically safe. Conversely, an intrinsically
safe apparatus does not require FLP enclosure.
Where used in Mines : Rule 126 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 requires -
1. In any part of a coal seam of the first degree of gassiness :
 (i) At any place which lies inbye of the last ventilation connection, all signalling or
telecommunication circuits shall be so constructed, installed, protected, operated and maintained as to be
intrinsically safe.
(ii) All apparatus including portable and transportable apparatus including fitting used at any place
which lies inbye of the last ventilation connection shall be flameproof.
2. At any place which lies in any part of a coal seam of second and third degree gassiness.
(a) All signalling or telecommunication circuits shall be so constructed, installed, protected,
operated and maintained as to be intrinsically safe.
(b) All apparatus, including portable and transportable apparatus used at any place within 90 metres
of any working face or goaf in case of a second degree gassy mine and within 270 metres of any working
face of goaf in case of third degree gassy mine or at any place which lies in-bye of the last ventilation
connection or in any return airway shall be flameproof.
(c) All electric lamp shall be enclosed in flameproof enclosures.
According to the present requirements. FLP apparatus is to be used in every gallery driven beyond
the last (immediate outbye) ventilation connection. Whenever any new equipment like auxiliary fan, pump,
etc. is installed or replaced within 90 metres of working faces or sealed off areas in a first degree gassy
seam, it shall be only FLP design whenever the equipment is available from indigenous sources.
In second degree seams only FLP apparatus is to be installed in every working face, whether in
development or depillaring areas, and in every discontinued gallery and at all other places where the
percentage of methane in general body of air exceed 0.2 and also at any other place if so required by the
D.G.M.S. If in such seams there is active emission of gas at the faces and yet the total make of gas is very
small, FLP apparatus shall be used in those seams within 90 metres of any working face and sealed off
areas.
In third degree seams only FLP apparatus and equipment are to be used within 270 metres of the
working face, and all other places where the percentage of methane in the general body of air exceed 0.5.
But depending on the merits of a case non FLP apparatus may be used with the prior permission of the
D.G.M.S. but in no case non FLP apparatus shall be used within 60 metres of such places.
(i) Disconnection of supply :
In any coal seam of degree second and degree third gassiness the supply shall be disconnected -
(a) Immediately, if open sparking occurs;
(b) during the period required for examination or adjustment of the apparatus which would
necessitate the exposing of any part liable to open sparking.
(c) the supply shall not be reconnected until the apparatus has been examined by the electrical
supervisor or one of his duly appointed assistants until the defect if any has been remedied or the necessary
adjustments made.
(d) a flame safety lamp shall be provided and maintained in a state of continuous illumination near
an apparatus (including portable or transportable apparatus) which remains energised and where the
appearance of the flame of such safety lamp indicate the presence of inflammable gas, the supply to all
apparatus in the vicinity shall be immediately disconnected and the incident reported forthwith to an official
of the mine.
In any part of mine of any degree of gassiness, if the presence of inflammable gas in the general
body of air found any time to exceed one and-quarter, the supply of energy shall be immediately
disconnected from all cables and apparatus in the area and supply shall not be reconnected so long as the
percentage of inflammable gas remains in excess of one and one-quarter.
Any such disconnection or reconnection of supply shall be noted in the log sheet which shall be
maintained in the form set in Annexure XII and shall be reported to the Inspector.
(ii) Voltage limits in workings Belowground :
Rule 118 of the IER, 1956 has prescribed that energy shall not be used in a mine at a voltage
exceeding 6,600 volts.
Where electric lighting is used in underground mines, the lighting system shall have a mid or neutral
point connected with earth and the voltage shall not exceed 125 volts between phases.
Where portable hand-held lamps are used in underground workings of a mine the voltage shall not
exceed 30 volts.
Where any circuit is used for the remote control or electric interlocking of apparatus, the circuit
voltage shall not exceed 30 volts.
In fixed plants with bolted type plug system the voltage shall not exceed 640 volts.
(iii) Precautions for portable electric light in workshop :
The following precautions should be observed -
Flexible cables used for portable light shall be covered with insulating material shall be efficiently
protected from mechanical injury. If flexible metallic covering is used either as the outer conductor of a
concentric cable or as a means of protection from mechanical injury, it shall not be used by itself to form an
earth conductor for such apparatus, but it may be used for that purpose in conjunction with an earthing core.
Flexible cable for such use shall be connected to the system by properly constructed connectors. At every
point where such cables are joined to main cables, a switch shall be provided which is capable of entirely
disconnecting supply from such cables.
It shall be examined periodically by the person authorised for the purpose.
 The cable shall not exceed 100 m in length and supported efficiently and protected from mechanical
injury.
When these are not used, the cable shall be detached or isolated from the source of supply.
Arrangements shall be made to prevent unauthorised handling.
The cable should not be dragged along on floor.
While lamps are being changed, the supply shall be disconnected.

Question 20. (a) What are the provisions of Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 in respect of workings
and examinations of machinery?
(b) What plans under Indian Electricity Rules, 1956, are required to be submitted by a Mine
Manager/Owner?
Answer: PRIVISIONS OF CMR AND IER
(a) Working and examinations of Machinery : In terms of regulation 186 of the Coal Mines
Regulations, 1957 -
(1) No machinery shall be operated otherwise than by or under the constant supervision of a
competent person.
(2) In a gassy seam of the second or third degree no person shall be appointed to supervise or
operate any electrical machinery, apparatus or appliance other than a telephone or signalling device or an
electric lamp or light, unless he holds gas testing certificate. Every such person shall, whilst on duty be
provided with and carry an approved flame safety lamp.
(3) Every person in charge of any machinery, apparatus or appliance shall before commencing work,
see that it is in proper working order and if he observes any defect therein, he shall immediately report the
fact to the manager, engineer or other competent person.
(4) Every person in charge of air-receiver shall see that no extra weight is added to the safety valves
and that the permissible pressure of air is not exceeded.
(5) A competent person or persons appointed for all such purpose shall, once at least in every 7 days,
make a thorough inspection of all machinery and plant in use, and shall record the result thereof in a bound-
paged book kept for the purpose. In respect of electrical machinery and plant, the competent person shall be
an engineer or electrician holding qualifications specified in the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.
(b) Plans to be Submitted under IER : The provisions under rule 115 of the Indian Electricity Rules
are as follows -
(1) A correct plan, on the same scale as the plan kept at the mine in fulfilment of the requirements of
the Mines Act, 1952, shall be available in the office of the mine showing the position of all fixed apparatus
and conductors therein, other than lights, telecommunication or signalling apparatus or cables for the same.
(2) A similar plan on the scale not less than 25.24 cm to 1 km shall be kept by the manager or owner
of one or more wells in any oil-field.
(3) A similar Plan on such scale as the Central Government may direct, showing the position of all
electrical supply lines, shall be kept in the office of any licensee or other person transmitting or distributing
energy in a mine or oil-field.
(4) The plan specified under the provision of this rule shall be examined and corrected up to date.
The dates of such examinations shall be entered by the manager or owner of the mine and such plans shall
be available to the Inspector of Mines at any time.
The copies of such plans should be submitted by the manager or owner of the mine.

Question 21. What details are required to be shown on (i) Ventilation plan, (ii) Water danger plan,
(iii) Joint survey plan, (iv) Underground plan, and (v) Subsidence plan.
Also state the usefulness of above plans. (Second, Class, 1972, 1988)
Answer: PARTICULARS TO BE SHOWN ON MINE PLANS (i) Ventilation Plan:
Details to be shown -
(a) The general direction of air current, (b) Every point where the quantity of air measured, (c) Every
air-crossing, ventilation door, stopping and every other principal device for the regulation and distribution
of air. (d) Every fire-stopping and its serial number, (e) Every room used for storing inflammable material,
(f) The position of the fire-fighting equipment, (g) Every water dam with dimensions and other particulars
of construction, (h) Every pumping, telephone and ambulance stations, (i) Every haulage and travelling
roadway, (j) The position and type of stone-dust barrier and date of its construction.
Usefulness : (a) To ensure adequate ventilation in the mine to clear away or dilute smoke, steam and
inflammable or noxious gases, (b) It also helps to ascertain the various condition that may have detrimental
effects on the health of the workers and suitable measures that can be taken to improve the conditions.
(ii) Water Danger Plan:
Details to be Shown -
It is virtually a copy of the underground plan with the following additional features: (a) Every
reservoir and dam or other structure both on surface and belowground. (b) Highest flood level line in the
area, (c) Extent of water-logged workings belowground, lying within 60m of any part of the workings, (d)
Warning lines to draw visual attention to the dangers arising out of surface water, water bearing strata
connected with faults and dykes and waterlogged workings both underground and opencast, (e) Surface
drainage system of the mine (0 Incline opening through opencast workings.
Usefulness : (a) It helps in assessing the danger of water that may flow, and advance measure may
be taken for remedy, (b) The measures that may be taken or the procedure that may be followed if any
incidence of inundation occurs.
(iii) Joint Survey Plan : Details to be Shown -
(a) Settled boundary of mine, or where the boundary is in dispute, the boundaries claimed by the
owner of the mines adjacent to the dispute boundary (b) If complete boundary is not possible to be shown,
additional key plan showing such boundaries, (c) Workings and all features as prescribed for underground
plans, both above and belowground of all adjacent mines as are situated within 60m measured on any plane
of the boundary claimed by owner of the mine, (d) The position of workings of adjacent mines in relation to
one another.
Usefulness : (a) Provides a settled boundary between two adjacent properties thus avoiding
unauthorised entrance of one into others properties thus inviting danger, (b) Maintenance of common
boundary of 15m in between two properties is ensured.
(iv) Underground Plan : Details to be shown -
(a) The up-to-date position of all the workings belowground. (b) All shafts, inclines or drifts with
reduced levels at entries and ends, (c) All important surface features which lie within 200 m of any part of
the mine boundaries, (d) The position of every fault, dyke and other geological disturbances, (e) The
abstract of all statutory restriction imposed, (f) The extent of goaf, if any. (g) Workings of all adjacent
mines seams lying within 60 m of mine boundary measured on any plane, (h) Nomenclature of the seam, (i)
Workings near the unit boundaries, (j) Workings lying within 9 metres, (k) Strata and seam sections. (I)
Workings near and below railways, road and any public works, (m) Spot level on all identifiable points of
underground workings.
Usefulness : (a) To ascertain the present position of workings, (b) To find out the measures that can
be taken to avoid inundation, fire etc. (c) To provide protective measures while working below the railway,
road, etc. (d) Underground spot levels help in assessing danger of inundation or for dewatering and also for
correlating the seams in adjoining workings.
(v) Subsidence Plan : Separate subsidence plans and sections are to be maintained and details to be
shown are -
(a) Observation points in the test lines.
(b) Depillared area and/or the area under extraction, (c) Geological disturbance (s) if any.
(e) Extent of surface subsidence : Where the overlying seams have been depillared, the line of
subsidence for the different seams should be shown in different colours.
(f) Method of extraction.
(g) A section of the strata overlying the seam under extraction indicating (i) thickness and nature of
overlying strata, and (ii) the condition of the overlying and underlying seam, if any, whether they are
depillared, virgin, etc. (h) Amount of subsidence from time to time. (i) The angle of draw. (j) The points at
which the maximum tensile and compressive strains were observed indicating values thereof.
Usefulness : (a) Helps in assessing the amount, extent and rate of subsidence as well as angle of
draw and to plan protective measures accordingly, (b) Arrangement of drainage may be planned in the area
to avoid inundation.

Question 22. How will you deal with -

(a) Spontaneous heating in a quarry coal face.
(b) Water feeder under pressure in an underground development gallery.
(c) Transportation of an injured worker from face to hospital. (First Class, 1988)
Answer: HOW TO DEAL WITH
(a) Spontaneous heating in Quarry Coal Face : To deal with the spontaneous heating in a quarry coal
face the following measures may be adopted -
1. As water is the best medium for fighting surface fires, water pipes of 100 mm bore should be laid
near the coal face and branch pipes to accommodate 50 mm canvas hose pipes should be provided on the
water mains. The coal bench in which heating has started should be drenched with water jets under pressure.
The quenched coal should be extracted and despatched first to the stock yard where it should be treated
further with water and the quenched coal spread on the ground for further cooling in thin layers.
2. To cut down supply of oxygen the coal face may be coated with mud mixed with cow dung or
coal tar, a coating of asphalt or Mobil emulsion.
At Singarauli colliery, Jhingurda seam coal is so prone to spontaneous heating that it catches fire in
about a fortnight in the coal bench itself. Central Fuel Research Institute had suggested the following
remedial measures :
(i) Accumulation of stack coal in the floor of the quarry benches should be avoided, (ii) A suitable
protective coating (tar, burnt mobil oil, etc.) to the face of coal bench where fissured or crushed coal layers
are met with, making them virtually impervious to air entry.
An emulsion of burnt oil and bitumen in the ratio of 3:1 was spread over an experimental face. The
treated area over 1000 m2, showed no sign of heating for over 6 months though many untreated areas of the
vicinity had caught fire. The coating fairly withstood moderate rain showers. Recoating was made only once
in 6 months.
(b) Water Feeder in Development Gallery : Whenever any seepage of water, which is not normal to
the seam is noticed at any place in any working the following measures should be taken -
(i) Such working should immediately be stopped.
(ii) All persons should be withdrawn from the area speedily in an orderly manner without creating
any panic.
(iii) The fact should be informed to the D G.M.S. and the Jt. Director of Mines Safety.
(iv) No working should be extended further except with prior permission of the D.G.M.S.
(c) Transportation of an injured Worker from Face : The importance of a very efficient transport
arrangement for removing injured persons to Ambulance Room or Hospital needs no emphasis. The need of
an efficient transport arrangement is keenly felt underground because of the following -
1. The accident occurs most frequently in place from which transport is difficult and arduous, and
2. The space available where the accident occurs is often too small to admit of adequate treatment
being given or owing to dangerous conditions, it may be necessary to move the patient sooner the ordinary
rules of First Aid dictate. This is only possible where there is band of well-trained and, experienced first-aid
men equipped with suitable appliances and stretchers are readily available in the district where the accident
has taken place.
After the appropriate first-aid treatment has been given, the injured person has to be transported
from working face to the hospital. The operation may be divided into three stages:
1. From the face to pit bottom via the underground roadways which may be inclined going up or
down.
2. From pit bottom to pit top via the shaft if mine is served by shaft.
3. From shaft to hospital.
For these stages a suitable stretcher should be used. A Kolar type stretcher made of aluminium sheet
with telescopic handles, foot-rest and special notches on sides for securing the victim by straps is very
convenient for transporting the victim in vertical position, such situation may arise while going up or down
a shaft or ladder way.
The following principles of transport must be kept in mind -
1. The position assumed by the casualty or in which he has been placed, must not be disturbed
unnecessarily.
2. Throughout the transport a careful watch must be kept on -
(a) the general condition of the casualty.
(b) any dressings that may have been applied.
(c) any recurrence of haemorrhage.
3. The transport must be safe, steady and speedy.
The position of head and feet of the victim on a stretcher will depend upon the roadways up or down
and also upon the injuries on head or trunk or in lower limbs. If the roadway is steeply inclined, the victim
should be tied to the stretcher. The stretcher may be raised or lowered with the help of ropes attached to its
ends. Special attention should be paid to the victim while he is being shifted through shaft in a cage to the
surface. For the speedy removal of the injured person from the mine to hospital Ambulance Van should be
provided. Such van should be equipped with life saving medicines and equipment such as oxygen cylinder,
etc. In all cases colliery doctor's active help and suggestions are essential.

Question 23. Write short notes on :

(i) Precautions while inflating a tyre of a dumper.
(ii) Monitoring efficiency of powered supports.
(iii) Insulation resistance of cable and its limitations. (First Class, 1992)
Answer: SHORT NOTES
(i) Precautions while Inflating Tyre of a Dumper: The tyre of a dumper should be properly
maintained for safety and longer life of the tyres. Correct inflation of the tyre is essential for the purpose.
With over inflation tyre centre of tyre is subjected to excessive wear. To the regular operator’ of the vehicle
over-inflation is felt by bumps during driving. Under-inflation causes the tyre to flex at every turn of wheel
resulting in high internal heat. Under-inflation gives better absorption of road shocks, but results in heavier
steering, lack of control on corners, increased fuel consumption due to the added rolling resistance and
increased wear of tyre. Tyre pressure should be checked when it is cool, and slight rise of pressure due to
heat during a run is not harmful.
The following precautions should be taken during inflating a tyre of dumper:
(a) A competent person will supervise the inflating operation.
(b) Before starting the work the supervisor shall see that the various safety devices (high
temperature auto-cut-off device, fusible plug in air-compressor, safety valve, stop-off valve, pressure
adjusting device, pressure gauge in air compressor, etc.) are functioning properly.
(c) The pressure adjusting device is adjusted according to the required amount of pressure
(d) The bead, chafer seals, lock ring, rim, etc. are in good condition and properly fitted with the
wheel.
 (e) The delivery hose lime is defect less, designed to withstand high pressure (at least three times of
maximum pressure), and of sufficient length.
(f) No body is present near the tyre.
(g) The supervisor himself will take shelter under a protective cage during inflating operation.
(ii) Monitoring efficiency of Powered Supports : The proper use and maintenance of powered
supports is of great importance because they are complicated, depend for their proper functioning of
different parts and because they involve both safety and cost.
The officer-in-charge for supports economy should be responsible for a scheme of checking,
inspecting, testing, maintaining and repairing of powered supports which are used on different parts of the
mine and should supervise the carrying out of these functions so that minimum of the supports (1% or 2%)
are out of use at any one time.
In such monitoring scheme, the officer-in-charge in liaison with the underground mechanical
engineer would have a staff of one man for each working face. Each men could be an experienced fitter.
These fitters should have received instruction in the maintenance of supports, and because manufacturers
provide courses in the maintenance of their supports, there should be no problem. Each fitter is in charge of
the supports on his section and must carry out the functions stipulated in the scheme. Necessary tools,
equipment and report forms for monitoring the efficiency of the supports should be provided by the
management.
(iii) Insulation Resistance of Cable and its Limitations : Insulating material is used to surround a
conductor so that under normal condition no current flows through the insulator. It is needed to prevent
electrical contact with (and consequent leakage to) earth. It also serves, as in a cable, two or more
conductors and to prevent electrocution. Insulation resistance is the resistance obtaining between two
conductors separated by an insulating material. It is normally so large that it is usually stated in MegOhms
(millions of ohms).
The insulation resistance of power cables should be
(a) one Mega Ohm for medium pressure power cable, and
(b) Over ten MegOhms for high pressure cables. In no case should this value fall below that obtained
by the following empirical formula -
I = V / (100 + hp) Mega Ohm;
Where I is the insulation Resistance, V is supply voltage, and hp is the Horse Power or load carried
by the cable.

Question 24. (i) What are the limiting voltages during transmission of electrical energy at the surface
and underground?
(ii) How would you lay haul roads in an opencast workings having heavy mechanised machinery
The mine is situated in an area which receives 800 cm of rain annually and output is 7.5 million tonnes of
coal annually. (First Class, 1992)
Answer: VOLTAGE LIMITS & HAUL ROADS IN A LARGE OPENCAST MINE
(i) Voltage Limits: In terms of Rule 118 of the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956, the energy shall not be
transmitted into a mine at a voltage exceeding 11000 volts and shall not be used therein at a voltage
exceeding 6600 volts. Provided that -
(a) where hand-held portable apparatus is used, the voltage shall not exceed 125 volts;
(b) when electric lighting is used;
(i) In underground mines, the lighting system shall have a mid or neutral point connected with earth
and the voltage shall not exceed 125 volts in phases;
(ii) on the surface of a mine or in an opencasfmine, the voltage may be raised to 250 volts, if the
neutral or mid point of the system is connected with earth and the voltage between the phase does not
exceed 250 volts;
(c) where portable hand-lamps are used in underground workings of a mine, the voltage shall not
exceed 30 volts.
(d) where any circuit is used for the remote control or electric inter-locking of apparatus, the circuit
voltage shall not exceed 30 volts.
Provided that in fixed plants, the said voltage may be permitted upto 650 volts if the bolted type plug
is used.
(ii) Haul Roads in Mechanised Opencast Mines : Haul road should be planned, designed and
constructed and maintained on sound scientific principles. Particular attention should be paid to the drainage
of surface water. Unsatisfactory removal of water would quickly damage the road surface and cause pot
holing. Over-watering of haul road causes lack of traction and becomes a safety hazard. It also accelerates
tyre and component damage. Properly planned and maintained haul roads will increase safety and
productivity.
The following points should be borne in mind while laying the haul roads in a large mechanised
opencast mine -
1. All roads for trucks, dumpers or other • mobile machineries are to be maintained in good
condition.
 2. Where practicable, all roads leading from the opencast working to surface shall be arranged to
provide one way traffic. Where this is not practicable, no road shall be of a width less than three times the
width of the largest vehicle plying on that road unless definite turnout and waiting points are designed.
3. All corners and bends in roads shall be made in such a way that the operators and drivers have a
clean view for a distance of 30m, there shall be provided two roads for the up and down traffic.
4. Except with the express permission of the D.G.M.S. in writing, and subject to such conditions as
he may specify therein, no road shall have a gradient steeper than 1 in 14 at any place. In case of ramps over
small stretches, a gradient upto 1 in 10 may be permitted. Adverse grade of road reduces both speed and
carrying capacity of dumpers. Above 5% grade is not workable and 3% gradient in favour of load is
desirable.
5. Where any road exists above the level of the surrounding area, it shall be provided with strong
parapet walls or embankments, not less than 1 m in freight, to prevent any out-of-control vehicle from
getting off the road.
6. Where natural light is insufficient, adequate general lighting shall be provided during working
hours in the opencast workings and along the roads.
7. Suitable Water Management Plan should be formulated with the following object ties -
(a) Provision of suitable surface drainage system with erosion stabilisation facility.
(b) Provision of mine dewatering system.
(c) Interfacing the water management plan with the long term mining plan.
8. The mine is situated in an area where rainfall is 8,000mm in a year. Soil erosions by water
deteriorate the haul road condition. Hence proper drains should be made by giving downward slope to the
sump located within the pit. The sump Should be serviced by submersible pumps.

Question 25. (a) State the provisions of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 regarding. Bulk Loading
Systems of explosives in mechanised opencast mine.
(b) Comment of their adequacy and suggest suitable provisions.
(c) Suggest ways and means to prevent over reporting the use of such explosives.
(d) Suggest suitable conditions to allow "Sleeping" of loaded shotholes in opencast mechanised
mines. (First Class, 1994)
Answer: BULK LOADING IN OPENCAST MINES
(a) Provisions regarding Bulk Loading : Reg. 164 A of CMR, 1957 stipulate that (1) the quantity
of explosive transported at one time to the site of blasting shall not exceed the actual quantity required for
use in one round of shots.
(2) The explosives shall be transported to the blasting site not more than 30 minutes before
commencement of charging holes.
All holes charged on any day shall be fired on the same day.
(b) Comments on Adequacy : The operation involved in loading of such large number of large
diameter holes is time consuming and may not be completed in one day. Also often drilling and loading
operations have to be carried out simultaneously on the same bench. Such loaded holes may thus be
required to lie as sleeping holes for a period of few days.
Under the circus stances, there should have some provisions to leave the loaded holes unblasted upto
a certain specified period subject to such conditions as may be specified by the D.G.M.S.
(c) Measures to Prevent Over-reporting: Over-reporting of explosives is dangerous from safety as
well as security point of view. The following steps should be taken with a view to tightening up the
procedure for the transport of explosive to mines and to remove all possible loop holes where an approved
system of bulk conveyance is not in force :
1. Transport of explosives from the magazine to priming station or site of blasting shall be done in
daylight only.
2. Actual requirement of the explosive for the day's use shall be requisitioned and issued.
3. Explosives issue and return voucher shall be prepared by a competent person.
4. Records pertaining to stock, issue and return and actual use shall be strictly checked regularly by
the manager or an asstt. manager specially authorised for the purpose.
5. All operations, connected with the transport of explosives shall be conducted under the personal
supervision of an overman solely placed in charge of blasting operations at the mine.
6. The explosives must not be handled by undesirable persons who may indulge in anti-social
activities. Only such persons shall be appointed as shotfirer, sirdars, vehicle drivers, etc. whose antecedents
have been checked.
7. The manager or an assistant manager specially authorised for the purpose shall once at least in
every week check the stock of explosives in the magazine, and compare it against the records maintained by
the magazine clerk,
8. Any overwriting of entries in the transit slip shall be countersigned by the person making the
same.
(d) Sleeping of Loaded Holes : Sometimes holes drilled for blasting are loaded with explosives but
left in unfired condition for few days. In large opencast mines such loaded holes, known as sleeping holes,
can not be avoided.
The following conditions are suggested to allow sleeping holes in mechanised opencast mines :
 1 . The area of loaded holes should be distinctly marked both in day light and during night hours.
2. The area should be effectively fenced and suitable guards should be posted for strict vigilance in
the area.
3. No smoking or open flame, etc. should be allowed within 30m of the loaded holes.
4. Blast holes should be properly stemmed exposing a short length of detonating cord outside.
5. No hole should remain loaded for more than 10 days or as be stipulated by the D.G.M.S.

Question 26. Give your suggestions for identification of accident-prone mines and taking corrective
measures in such mines. (First Class, 1995)
Answer: IDENTIFICATION OF ACCIDENT-PRONE MINES
Identification: To determine "Index for accident proneness" one empirical formula is suggested as
follows - NS + Nf x K
Accident Proneness = -----------------
PxM
where Ns = no. of serious accidents. Nf = no. of fatal accidents. K = a constant determined by
statistical studies. P = Production in 000 tonnes/day. M = manpower in 000 nos. per day.
For finding out accident proneness of mines serious and fatal accident records for the last 3 years are
collected in respect of the mine. The Index of Accident Proneness can then be worked out from the
following formula:
Nf x 5 + NS
Accident Proneness = -----------------
PxM
where Nf = No. of fatalities in last 3 years
Ns = No. of serious injuries in last 3 years. P = Production rate 1000 tonnes per day.
If Proneness Index as worked above is 25 or more, the area should be treated as accident prone. The
index for collieries has been arbitrarily fixed at 40.
Corrective Measures
Any accident whether involving injury or not, indicates that a hazard has not been controlled.
Thorough investigation and careful analysis of accidents are necessary to correctly identify the factors
involved and determine exact remedial measures.
Elimination of accidents requires that all hazardous conditions and unsafe practices that may cause
accidents be found and corrected. Certain categories of hazardous conditions are : (a) Defects of agencies,
(b) Environmental hazards, (c) Hazardous methods, (d) Placement hazards, (e) Inadequately guarded.
Records of accidents are essential to efficient and successful safety work. Records can be used to (1)
determine principal accident sources so that efforts can be focussed in directions which will result in the
largest reduction of accidents, (2) Provide the supervisory staff with information about hazardous conditions
and unsafe acts so that they can utilise their effort to the greatest advantage and (3) Evaluate progress.
(4) A safety status register be maintained in the mine indicating therein the various factors that affect
the mine safety and the control measures to overcome the same.
If the mine has a consistently bad record of accidents, a special safety organisation should be set up
for the mine. The management's attitude towards safety should be carefully phrased in the form of written
safety policy and made known to all of its employees and supervisors. The safety policy should be
introduced (i) to plan and design all operations to eliminate, or. materially reduce, the mining hazards; (ii) to
implement statutory regulations to make strenous efforts for achieving superior standards of safety; (iii) to
bring about improvement in working conditions by suitable changes in technology; (iv) to deploy the safety
personnel wholly and solely for accident prevention work; (v) to organise appropriate forums, with
workmen's representative, for joint consultation on Safety matters, and to recure their motivation and
commitment in safety management; (vi) to improve safety in various'opera-tion, as per respective geo-
mining needs; (vii) to arrange for multi-level monitoring of the implementation of the safety plans through
the I.S.O.; (viii) to institute continuous education, training, and re-training of all employees, with the accent
placed on the development of safety-oriented skill.
The following measures are suggested to improve the condition :
(1) The records of accidents and incidents at the mine during the last two or three years should be
collected. The data should then be analysed and classified. This will show overall position and the
comparative frequencies of the different types.
(2) A safety Audit Team should be formed for a very detailed and critical evaluation of safety, and
for finding out the serious hazards they may threaten the safety of the mine. The audit report should be
submitted to the top management of the mine to rectify the defects pointed out by the audit team. The aims
of such audit are : (a) to lay down such checks which will help to maintain high safety standards of the
mine; (b) to optimise the utilisation of the safety appliances so as to prevent injuries arising out of their non-
use; (c) to point out the areas where efforts are to be directed to achieve maximum safety; (d) to maintain a
constant awareness to face an emergency; (e) to analyse the causes of accidents and to suggest, measures;
(f) to identify the hazardous areas and to focus the areas of negligence where special attention should be
paid; (g) to pinpoint the unsafe acts, operations, and practices which need, attention for rectification
(3) Mine profile rating should be introduced to develop an internal management pool to better direct
its attention to the mine which require closure attention.
 Question 27. What is the role of conferences on safety in Mines at National level in improving safety
standards in mines? How many conferences have been held so far? Describe in your own words the
recommendations of the last conference regarding "Safety in opencast and surface operations"
(First Class, 1995)
Answer«r : CONFERENCES ON SAFETY IN MINES
Role of Conferences on Safety in Mines: One of the major disasters in the history of the Indian
coal mining occurred in the shape of explosion in Chinakuri Colliery (1958), resulting in 175 deaths. The
court of Enquiry recommended a number of precautionary measures which were sought to be included in
the Regulations. As a result the disaster, the Government of India convened the First Safety in Mines
Conference in 1958. Within its framework, a number of technical committees was set up to investigate and
make recommendations on : (a) Standards of lighting, ventilation, haulage track, and mine plans; (b)
Problems of coal dust, heat and humidity in mines; (c) Fatigue of mine workers; (d) Vocational training; (e)
Safety education and publicity; (f) Availability of safety material and equipment in the country. Most of the
recommendations have been incorporated in the statute by making suitable amendments in the Regulations
and by the D.G.M.S. circulars. Thereafter seven more conferences on safety in mines, studying the
recommendations of different Court of Enquiries, discussing the suggestions put forward by the Polish and
the I.L.O experts, the conferences made various recommendations comprising practically on all aspects of
safety, namely, the legal aspect, the technical aspects of accident prevention, emergency organisation, health
hazards, vocational training, rescue services, welfare amenities, internal safety organisation, worker's
participation in safety management, etc. etc.
Number of Safety Conferences held : Eight conferences on safety in mines at national level have
been held so far.
Safety in Opencast and Surface Operations : The eighth conference on safety in mines held on
14th and 15th May, 1993 at New Delhi recommended regarding the aforesaid subject as follows :
1.1. All persons to be employed to drive/operate HEMM should be trained and their competency
should be evaluated by a Board constituted by the mining company. The members of such board should be
persons who are not connected with imparting of training. However, the training officers may be co-opted in
the Board of observers.
1.2. Only such fitter/mechanics who possess driver's/operators competency certificate should be
allowed to carry out test-run of HEMM.
The legal position whether the fitters/mechanics who carry out the test run would be required to
possess vehicle driving licence under Motor Vehicles Act should be examined.
1.3. To prevent unauthorised driving, a system should be evolved whereby the ignition key and/or
cabin key always remains with the driver/operator or with specifically designated competent person(s).
2. Use of tractor-trailer combination on haul-roads should be discontinued. Where inevitable, the
trailer should have separate brake of its own and the use of four wheeled trailer should be preferred. The
operators should also be suitably trained on right selection of gears while travelling downhill.
3. The portion of surface haul road in mine premises where there is heavy traffic of men and
machines should have separate lane properly fenced off from the haul road for pedestrians and two
wheelers.
4. Wherever space permits, every mine should establish a system whereby loading and unloading
operations in the stock-yard are not done simultaneously at the same place. In case of adequate space is not
available, mine management should organise suitable traffic regulations for eliminating risk element in the
operations.
5. Trucks and other heavy vehicles not belonging to management should not be allowed in the mine
premises without a valid pass issued by the competent authority of the mine.
Before the pass is issued the mine engineer should check the road-worthiness of such vehicles.
In order to check entry of unauthorised vehicles in mine premises, each mine should establish
properly manned check gate(s) at the entrances where record of entry and exit of each vehicle should be
maintained.
At the check gate the licence of the driver should also be checked for eliminating the possibility of
unlicensed persons driving the vehicles.
6 Persons engaged in surface operations and, in particular, the contractors' workers, who incidentally
are offend inexperienced and least informed about job-safety matters, need closer and more competent
supervision. To minimise accidents due to surface operations it should be ensured that:
(i) All persons engaged at any work within the mine premises through the contractors have received
relevant training and other job-related briefings and that the drivers of vehicles belong to contractors
entering the mine premises have additionally been explained the salient provisions of "traffic rules".
Each mining company should draw up appropriate training schedules and modalities in this regard
and implement the same.
In case of smaller mines such arrangement may be made association of mine operators.
(ii) Each and every operation, including the operation carried out through contractors' workers or by
outside agency, is placed under the charge of a competent supervisor, duly appointed and authorised by the
management, his jurisdiction being clearly demarcated.
 Question 28. A gassy seam of first degree has been recategorised is a gassy seam of second degree
list additional precautions to be taken. (First Class, 1995)
Answer: ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS WHEN RECATEGORISED A GASSY SEAM OF
FIRST DEGREE TO SECOND DEGREE
The following precautions are to taken due to be recategorisation of a first degree gassy seam into
second degree of gassiness :
1. If electricity is used for driving the mechanical ventilator, electrical energy shall be supplied to
the drive motor through a separate circuit from the main distribution point of the mine.
2. No booster fan shall be installed, or shifted from one place to another, belowground unless the
manger is satisfied, as a result of the ventilation of every part of the mine liable to be affected, that such
installation is necessary or expedient for the proper ventilation of the mine and that it should be installed.
Seven days prior notice of every such installation together with particulars of survey, shall be sent to the
J.D.M.S.
3. (a) Where a booster or auxiliary fan is electrically driven, the drive motor, unless it is so
constructed, installed and maintained as to prevent the risk of open sparking, shall not be placed in return
airway.
(b) The installation and maintenance of every mechanical ventilator or booster fan shall be
supervised and controlled by a competent person. Except in emergency no person shall start or stop or
remove or in any way alter, repair or interfere with any such ventilator, and fan except by or on the authority
of the manager or other official authorised in this behalf. Particulars of such stoppage or alteration together
with duration there of, shall be recorded in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose.
(c) A competent person appointed for the purpose shall at least in every 7 days examine every
mechanical ventilator and booster fan in use and shall record the result thereof in a
bound-paged book kept for the purpose. Any serious defect revealed by such examination shall be
brought to the notice of the manager immediately.
(d) If a mechanical ventilator is in use, the quantity of air shall, once in every 14 days, be measured
(i) in every main intake and return airway of every seam or section, near to the entrance to the mine; (ii) in
every split at which it commences; (iii) in every ventilating district near to the point where the air is sub-
divided at the end of a split, and where it enters the first working place; (iv) any other point that the
J.D.M.S. may, by an order, specify. The measurements shall be recorded in a bound-paged book kept for the
purpose. The quantity of air shall also be measured and recorded whenever the system of ventilation is
altered.
(e) Every such ventilator or fan shall be in charge of a competent person, who shall not be entrusted
with any other additional duties.
4. For every ventilating district there shall be provided two intake airways one of which shall be
used as a travelling roadway.
5. Two or more auxiliary fans should not be installed in the same ventilating district or split, except
with the permission of the J.D.M.S. in writing, and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. The
application made for any such installation shall be accompanied by a plan showing the general system of
ventilation, the quantity of air flowing in the split and the proposed position of the fans; and the J.D.M.S.
may, at any time by an order in writing, require that the use of any auxiliary fan shall be discontinued.
6. Only flame proof electrical apparatus and equipment shall be used belowground in the mine
unless otherwise provided for under I.E.R., 1956. Provided the Central Govt, or the Chief Inspector or an
Inspector authorised by the Central Govt. may subject to such conditions as may be specified, permit the
continuance of the use of non-flame proof apparatus or equipment for a specified period not exceeding one
year.
7. A competent person holding a gas-testing certificate shall be appointed to supervise or operate any
electrical machinery, apparatus or appliance other than a telephone or signalling device or an electric lamp
or light.

Question 29. State briefly the precautions to be observed in following cases -

(a) Deep Hole blasting in an opencast mine having building not belonging to the owner within the
danger zone.
(b) Development in a coal seam having boreholes passing through inaccessible waterlogged
workings at a parting of 80 m above the seam. (Second Class, 1994)
Answer: PRECAUTIONS REQUIRED IN CERTAIN CASES
(a) Deep Hole Blasting : The dangers connected with deep hole blasting are mainly the hazards from
flying rock, noise and vibration. The following precautions should be taken -
(1) Adequate burden should be kept, but it will not exceed 40% to 60% of the bench height.
(2) Holes should be properly stemmed and length of stemming column should be sufficient, In no
case it should be 14 to 28 times the dia of hole.
(3) Holes should not be very shallow. This is one of the causes of fly rocks.
(4) Explosives with low velocity of detonation should be used to minimise vibrations.
(5) Delay detonators should be used, 25 to 100 millisecond detonators are more suited.
(6) Watery holes should be drained out before charging. The cartridges do not easily watery holes
giving concentration of explosive near the mouth.
 (7) Face should be checked for faults and weak zones which causes poor resistance.
(8) Muffle bleating should be practised. Bullies, perforated iron plates, old conveyor belts and heavy
wire nets are used covering the blast holes. Gunny bags filled with sand are then kept over the curtain before
firing holes.
(9) Small pieces of rock on the surface or slope of blasting site should be removed.
(10) A pre-splitting of the ground between structures and blasting site is a good protection against
ground vibrations.
(11) Plaster shooting should be avoided.
(12) Use coarse angular materials for stemming.
(b) Boreholes Passing Through Waterlogged Workings: Sudden inrush of water may occur if the
boreholes passing through any waterlogged workings are connected with the new development galleries.
The following precautionary measures should be taken to avoid inundation -
(1) The plans of the old workings should be studied to determine the position of boreholes if they are
shown on the old plan.
(2) All those persons who could assist with their personal knowledge of the disused workings should
be consulted to assess the position of the boreholes.
(3) The position of boreholes, if recovered, should be marked on the new plans.
(4) The possibility of entering the old workings for the purpose of pumping them dry, examining
them should be carefully considered.
(5) Old workings may be kept dry by pumping through boreholes drilled from surface.
(6) While planning the layout of workings for the lower seam, care should be taken to ensure that the
boreholes do not get connected with lower seam galleries, but that they are sited over the solid pillars.
(7) In case of prospecting boreholes made from the surface and passing through the old workings,
such boreholes should be utilised to drain cutwater from the old workings.
(8) In case it is not possible to avoid boreholes during development of the lower seam the following
measures should be taken.
(a) Driving a system of long advance boreholes in advance of the headings.
(b) The galleries should be narrowed to 2.4 m x 2.4 m.
(c) Keen and vigilant supervision of the workings and any sign of abnormal water seepage at any
place should be immediately investigated.
(d) Pumping arrangements shall be kept ready to deal with water.
(e) In case of heavy seepage of water, workings should be stopped forthwith and all persons should
be withdrawn from the area.
(f) Further workings should not be extended except with prior permission of the D.G.M.S. in terms
of Reg. 127ofCMR. 1957