AN OVERVIEW ON INDIAN COAL MINE LEGISLATION

Dr. Netai Chandra DeyProfessor (Mining)Indian Institute of Engineering Science & Technology, ShibpurHowrah -3.

Safety & Legislation

Table of Content for Discussion:

1.General Overview on Statutes2.Velocity of Air

2.1 Its Adequacy2.2 Quality and Quantity Assessment

3. Inflammable Gas3.1 Remedial measures3.2 Relevant Statutes

4. Water related Issues5. Duties of O/man, M/S and S/F6. Determination of PL of Dust and Its Treatment7. Guidelines for conducting Air-borne Dust Survey8. Duties of Colliery Manager & Specific Provision on Statutes9. Statutes on Mine Boundary10. Code of Standing Orders and COP11. Statutes on Securing Immediate Roof12. Duties of Key Personnel in respect of Haulage, Conveyors13. Statutes on Fencings and Relevant Circulars14. Qs-Answers on FAQ

Mines Act (The Principal Statute)

Coal Mine Regulations

(Technical Issues)

Mines Rule(Welfare Issues)

DGMS Circulars(to further strengthen)

When velocity of air as recommended in 136A is made double?CMR 136A – Velocity of air current measured at 4.5 m from any face whether working

or discontinued on the intake side of the brattice cloth shall not be less than 30m/min i.e. 0.5 m/sec

CMR 130 states that where wet bulb temperature exceeds 30.50C, arrangements are to be made to ventilate the place with an air current not less than 1m/sec.

Why in CMR 136A, it is always stated that air measurement shall be done at 4.5m from the face?

CMR 137/1c – Every auxiliary fan shall be so installed and work in such a manner so as to ensure an adequate supply of air within 4.5m of the face.

What is Adequate supply?

It is the quantitative requirement stated in CMR 130 i.e. @ 6m3/min/person working in

the largest shift OR 2.5m3/min/ton of output , whichever is larger.

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Why Mechanical ventilator is allowed to install beyond 10m of incline opening?CMR 117: All surface structures and supports within a distance of 10m from all entrances to a mine shall be of fire-proof material.CMR 131: Every main mechanical ventilator shall be installed on the surface at a distance of not less than 10m from the opening of shaft or incline.

Quantity and Quality of Air in Underground Coal Mines –

Quantity : 6m3/min/person of the largest shift OR 2.5m3/min/ton of coal outputshall pass through inbye most gallery of the district.

Quality : O2 > 19 % , CO2 < 0.5 % , Inflammable Gas < 0.75% in general bodyof return air and < 1.25% at any place.

Wet Bulb Temperature : <33.5 0CAir-borne dust : 3 mg / m3

Humidity ? Dry Bulb Temperature ?

Regarding Inflammable Gas:CMR 152 – Subject to provision of IER 1956, relating to the use of electric energy

in mines where inflammable gas is likely to occur in quantity sufficient to be indicative of danger ………..??

What do you mean by sufficient to be indicative of danger?CMR 142 – Inflammable gas shall be deemed to have been found or detected

when methane indicators do indicate one and a quarter (1.25 %) percent of inflammable gas.

Other CMR’s on Inflammable gas – ………………??What to do when Inflammable Gas percentage is 1.25?1. All persons from that place shall be withdrawn and the place to be fenced off.2. Supply of electricity shall be cut off. 3. Any person who detects shall immediately inform his superior official.4. Overman or other competent person in-charge shall without delay take steps to remove

the gas by improving ventilation.5. No naked light shall be used in the ventilating district where gas is detected.6. Particulars on where and when the gas was found and when it was removed &

percentage thereof shall be recorded in a bound paged book.7. No person shall be re-admitted until the place has been examined and reported free

from gas. Every such examination shall be done by approved system.

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About Inflammable Gas in the general body of return air?CMR 130: Percentage of inflammable gas shall not exceed 0.75% in the general body of the return air of any ventilating district.CMR 145: If any determination of inflammable gas percentage in the general body of return air exceeds 0.8% then determination shall be done at intervals not exceeding 24 hrs, though for 0.8% to >0.6% it is done once in 7 days. But when it falls below 0.6% determination is done once in 30 days.

CMR 169: S/Firer shall use a well insulated cable of not less than 18m. Based on this 18m length, two more CMR’s 171, 175 have been introduced.CMR 171: No shots shall be fired unless the place within 18m is treated in the manner as prescribed in CMR 123.CMR 175: Before charging and firing of shots, Shotfirer shall carefully test for inflammable gas within 18m of the face.But Nothing of these CMR restricts DGMS circulars namely 2/1992, 16/1970 where it is stated that depending upon the Size of Pillar, a sufficient length of cable should be used by the Shotfirer so that he is able to fire shots from a place beyond the reach of flying fragments of coal. Therefore, it is decided to maintain two right angle bends to keep the persons out of danger.

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For determining % of I/Gas (Once in 7 days) Air Samples CMR145

For determining Temp and humidity

Air Quantity measurement Once in every 14 days where Mech Ventilator is in use CMR133Air borne dust survey Once in 30 days to know exposure limit of persons to dust as per Cir 5/88

Testing for CO from Goaf (once in 7 days)Spon. Heating CMR 118A

Complete analysis of Graham’s ratio (once in 30 days)

Regarding Water Spraying in UG:

CMR 42A/m – VO shall take steps for proper treatment and suppression of coal dust in the mine and arrange for water spraying within 90m of working places.

CMR 123- Every working face including roof, floor and sides within 50m unless naturally wet, shall be regularly washed down to prevent accumulation of dust and shall be kept wet through out the shift.

Cirl 60/1964 and 41/1965 – Suitable arrangements shall be made for treating coal dust with water within 90m of working faces in underground and water pressure available at the working place should not be less than 75 Ib/inch2

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Regarding Water-logged Working:CMR 127: No working that has approached to 60m of water logged working shall be extended without prior permission in writing of the RI and subject to the conditions as he may specify therein.CMR 49: Surveyor shall record full facts when mine workings have approached to about 75m of water-logged working. So, working upto next 15m is allowed to do the preparatory work.

Provision of drinking water:- Mines Rule 30: Quantity of drinking water shall be at a scale of 2 lit per worker. Where >100 persons are employed whether above ground or opencast working, the drinking water to be effectively cooled.-Mines Act 19: Sufficient supply of cool and whole some drinking water for all persons are to be provided.-DGMS Cirl 1/1978: Quantity of wholesome drinking water to be increased to 3 lit/person whenever wet bulb temp exceeds 300C.

• Statutes on Duties of Overman: CMR 43, 94 and Circulars 6/83 and 48/666/1983- He shall give instruction in writing when 2 faces comes within 10m of each other.48/1966-

-Number of persons including all category of workers should not exceed 100-Distance between first and last working face not more than 750m as measured along his inspection route BUT when seam thickness is less than 1.5 m or working is steeper than 1 in 5 this distance will be limited to 450m.

This is not applicable for long wall and in Assam mines.• Statutes on Duties of Mining Sirdar:CMR 44, 113, 171 and Circulars 2/2001, 7/2002, 1/772/2001-

-In case of manual working where less than 30 workers are employed at any point of time under his charge then concerned Mining Sirdar is not permitted to fire more than half of the maximum no. of shots specified in clause 5 of CMR 166.-In case of mechanized mines this is not applicable.

7/2002 – He shall assess the need of Support requirement1/1977 – He is to Supervise the Shotfiring operation when 2 faces comes within 10m of each

other.

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Duties :It is individuals assignmentResponsibilities: May NOT be his Direct Assignment But it is his Obligation. e.g. Preparation of Plans & Its correctness is the duty of Surveyor But it is under the Responsibility of Manager.

So, Preparing Coal at Face & Giving tubs is the duties of M/S and O/Man BUT Safety of Men and Mine is their Responsibilities.

What are the statutory duties of Shotfirer?

Duties as stated in CMRs 45, 166, 169,170, 171, 175, 176, 179

DGMS Circulars: 2/1983, 7/2001

What a S/F will do when 2 faces comes within 4.5m of each other?-He shall not fire any shot in any of the said workings unless all persons from other places are withdrawn.- The place is to be fenced to prevent inadvertent entry of the persons.

What a S/F should get from the Management prior to blast?1.Separate cases and containers for carrying explosive cartridges and detonators.2.A reserve station to keep the containers which should be free from overhangs, fenced and Cleaned with legibly marked “Reserve Station”.3.To Know from CM what is the maximum number of shots to be fired in any shift.4.All other accessories for carrying out blasting activity shall be provided to him.

Rest all is SF’s Responsibility e.g withdrawing persons, checking of gas, water sprayed or not, Proper drilling-charging-stemming, Misfire checking & Plugging of misfired hole etc.

For Determining PL ((Done once in every 6 months) CMR 123

Dust Samples

To Check effect of coal dust treatment (Done once in a month but for

travelling and other roadways sample collected in 3 months) CMR 123B

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CMR 123 recommended that av dust concentration in mine atmosphere to which each miner is exposed at any working point shall not exceed 3mg/m3 where free silica is 5% or less. Where silica concentration is more and less than 5, the limiting value (MAC) is to be determined accordingly. Precautions against airborne dust are observed as per statutes (Cir 5/1987, CMR 123, MMR124)

Permissible limit of concentration of airborne dust = 15 mg/m3

% free silica

WHY SILICA IS CONSIDERED?

The Owner, Agent or Manager shall make necessary arrangements to sample air-borne dust concentration once at least in every 6 months. If any measurements shows the concentration is

in excess of 50%, 75% or 150% of PL then What to do ? ?

Treatment with I/dust:Part of the mine which is not naturally wet or not isolated by explosion-proof stopping's, shall be treated with I/dust as follows-

Dust on the floor, roof and sides, shall always consist of a mixture containing not less than 75% in combustible matter for coal seam containing less than 30% VM and 85% incombustible matter for coal seams containing more than 30% VM.

Treatment with water:It shall ensure dust on the roof, floor, sides and on supports always is combined with not less than 30% by weight of water in intimate mixture.

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Dust Plan (CMR 123A):For every underground mine a ‘dust plan’ showing following area of treatment is required to be prepared-a.Plans that are naturally wet (A place is called naturally wet if coal dust is moist enough and always combined with not less than 30% by weight of water in intimate mixture).b.Places that require treatment with water indicating the laying of water pipe lines.c.Places which require treatment with incombustible dust at different intervals (it is decided based on the routine analysis of mine dust samples).

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Treatment with DSI (Cirl. No. 8 / 1997)Fine dust remains air borne for a considerable length of time polluting the environment. The best method of preventing the dust getting air-borne is to consolidate by wetting the dust with water. It is found that water spray alone do not produce good wetting of all deposited dust and large quantities of water may be required frequently for producing effective result. A dilution of an ionized emulsion with positive and negative charged ions when sprayed on dusty atmosphere binds the small charged particles together to large particles suspended in air and bring them down to settle on surface and remain there for a long time. The dust suppression material is thus able to encrust surface of the dust and reduce the concentration of air-borne dust. About 10 to 20 applications would be required in a cyclic manner for efficient dust suppression. Each application is required to be done in 2 weeks followed by daily watering.

Sampling Plan(CMR 123B):Every return airway within 200m of last working face and every haulage, tramming, conveyor roadway (which are not naturally wet) shall be divided into zones not longer than 150m each. Every zone so formed are divided into 3 sub-zones not exceeding 50m in length.Zones treated with I/dust- Sample is collected by ‘strip sampling’ the strips being as near as possible of equal width of not less than 10 cm and at uniform intervals not exceeding 5 m.Zones treated with water- Sample is collected by ‘spot sampling’ such that a spot collection of dust is made for every metre of the length sampled as nearly as possible at regularly spaced interval along a zig-zag path.

Restriction:i) Each sample shall be well mixed and reduced to ≥ 30 gm weight

ii) Packed in moisture proof container suitably labelled

iii) Samples shall not be collected within 20 hours of cleaning and treating any zone.

iv) Within 7 days of collecting such samples, it shall be sent for analysis.

v) Results shall be mandatorily signed and dated by CM.

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Bord & Pillar working:1.Samples should be taken in the intake airway of a working district within 30m outbye of the first working face.2.Samples should be taken at the return side of the working faces at a distance of not more than 30m from the last working face.Longwall working:1.Samples should be taken at 30m outbye of the face in Intake airway.2.10m from the intake end at the face.3.10m inbye from the return side of the face.4.At the centre of the face.5.Samples should be taken at 30m outbye of the face in return airway.

30m

30m

10m

centre

Guidelines for conducting airborne dust surveys (Cir 5/1988)Sampling position: the sampler should be positioned adjacent to the workers at a distance of not more than 1m from them and should be placed on the return side of the point of dust generation but in any case the device shall not be placed behind the worker.

10m

Intake

Return

Duration of sample:A working place should be sampled continuously during the whole working shift from the time men reaches the working place. It should be done in such a way to get representative sample. In case of personal sampler, the sampler shall be attached to the person from the time he enters the mine to the time he leaves the mine.

Frequency of sampling:Every place mentioned above shall be sampled once in every month. If the respirable dust concentration exceeds the TLV then the face shall be sampled again for 5 times in the next successive 7 shifts and continued till the concentration comes within limit of TLV. Once the respirable dust content falls below TLV then monthly schedule is to be followed.

Recording of the results:a)Record of respirable dust content and quartz content of the sample in respect of any place where sample have been taken shall be kept in a bound paged book.b)A plan should be maintained showing clearly all the places where sampling for air-borne dust has been conducted. The air-borne dust content, quartz content and the last date of sampling should also be indicated on the said plan.

For opencast working:Samples should be taken at the working places near the person. Direction for air current should be keptin mind and during sampling the instrument is actually placed on the return side of the point of dustgeneration. In opencast working, sampling by personal sampler is considered more reliable thansampling by fixed point sampler.

In CMR 41/6 –Manager shall examine all reports, registers and records required to be kept in pursuance of the Act and Regulations made there under and shall countersign the same and date his signature. However, he may by an order in writing, delegate this duty to an Asst Managerexcept in cases where specific provision is made requiring CM only to counter sign. Which are those provisions?Specific Provisions are ……………………………? ? ?

Other than the duties and responsibilities earmarked in Prov. 41 of CMR 1957, there are some major provisions as stated in CMR, Act, Circulars-CMR 64/4- Preparation of plans by surveyors: This is the responsibility of Manager to ensure that every plan or section prepared and submitted under this regulation is correct and maintained up to date.CMR 59/4b- Manager as soon as its working extends to 60m of settled boundary with the adjacent mine, shall also give all reasonable facilities to surveyors to carryout surveying and leveling required to be made under this sub-regulation.

CMR 193- Manpower distribution plan: During first week of every month, he shall arrange to prepare a sketch plan showing number of persons normally employed in underground. It shall be signed and dated by CM and a copy is kept with the attendance clerk.CMR 199A- CM of every mine having belowground mine, shall prepare a general plan outlining duties and responsibilities of each official and key men including telephones operators. The emergency plan shall also provide for mock rehearsals at regular intervals. He shall submit a copy of the plan to RI.

Rescue Rule 24 of 1985:Duties of CM in case of emergency: On receiving information of any emergency,

the Manager shall immediately inform the rescue room or station serving the mine for necessary assistance. All rescue and recovery work at underground shall be conducted under his control, direction and supervision. He shall also summon medical assistance.DGMS Cirl. 32/1964: Manager has the responsibility to arrange for prompt detection of surface fires.Mines Act 1952- ………………?

Statutes on Mine Boundary or Water body:

CMR 59- Manager shall inform other mines Manager when his working extends to within 60m of boundary or claimed boundary. He shall arrange for joint survey work.

CMR 49- Surveyor shall record the full facts when working of the mine has approached to 75 m from boundary or from disused working or water-logged working.

CMR 107- No working shall be made within a distance equal to half the distance specified in column 5 of CMR 99 corresponding to depth of working of the mine.

CMR 127- No working shall be extended which has approached within a distance of 60m of any working (other than any working that has been found to be free from accumulation of water).

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Responsibility of adherence of other statutes By CM

Emergency Plan 199A

Manpower Distribution Plan(MDP) 193

General Precautions regarding explosive 180

Fixing of Danger Zone in OCP 170

Fixing of Maximum number of Shots 166

Statement on where & when Gas was found, Removed, % 142

Standing orders on Withdrawal of persons on stoppage of Ventilator 134

Formulation and Implementing Scheme on Airborne Dust in mines 123

Determination of Finding PL in mines 123

Preparation of Detailed Scheme on Fire-Fighting 119

Permission of Using Welding App in Lower Deg Gassy Mines 118

Contd.

Before mine is Abandoned or Working Discontinued (S2 Type Fencing on the Top of every Entrance to Shaft or Incline) 112

Preparation of Standing Orders on Support Withdrawal 110Preparation & Handing over App SSR to all Supervisory Staff & Formulation of Code of Standing Orders 108

CM is only Authorize to enlarge Gallery beyond limit on Explanation 101Submission of statement on Quantity of Coal Raised Vs Sand Filled on or Before 10th Day of Every Month 100

Cross Over bridge for Belt Conveyor 92

List of Persons Authorized for Riding on Tubs or Haulages 89

CM Shall Fix No. of Tubs (Loaded or Unloaded) to run as Set 87

Shall Fix No. of Persons to ride in same Cage or Deck 76

Manager shall formulate Code of standing orders specifying-a) System for procurement and supply of supports materialsb) Method of handling including dismantling and assembling of supports from surface to the

face and face line to their new site.c) System and organization for maintenance, checking of supports, dressing of roof and sides,

examining and tightening of supports including use of appropriate tools.d) Panel of competent persons for engagement as substitutes in the event of absence of regular

persons.e) Making all concerned persons fully conversant with SSR provisions and codes of standing

orders.

Code of Practice (COP) Cirl No. 3/2001(for fire gas & inundation)Every mine should frame site-specific COP for fighting with fire, gas, inundation etcunder different circumstances in the mine. The COP may include the following -1.The process of dealing with different types of odds under different circumstances at the mine in such a manner that is safe.2.Responsibility of all concerned persons starting from workers at the grass root level to supervisors, managers and higher management at the mine and company level.3.Outline of training needs of various persons.4.Details of PPE required to deal with the odds.

COP for Misfire (Cirl 10/2001):In order to eliminating risks of accidents from Misfire a suitable COP mentioning specificduties of SF/Blaster, Sirdar/Mate and Overman shall be formulated.

What is to be done before a mine is closed for more than 60 days?

1. Not less than 2 entrances shall be kept intact and in order till protective work in underground or on surface as required are constructed (CMR 106).

2. Two up to date copies of plan and section to be submitted to CI (CMR 61) by the Owner of the mine.

3. Each plan shall show bearing and distance of at least one of the shafts or inclines from any prominent surface features, all underground water dams, spot levels of ends of working (CMR 61).

4. At least 40 days before such intended discontinuance, OAM shall give notice to CI, RI stating the reasons of such closure (CMR 6) and if it is done for indefinite period then notice in Form D should be given to Controller General and Regional Controller of Mines (MCDR 88).

Statutory requirements when a mine is re-opened after 7 days:

1. First inspection is done by a competent person

2. Approved safety lamps or torches shall be used

3. Results of inspection shall be recorded in a bound paged book and counter-signed by CM.

4. No notice as such is required to be sent to CI, RI.

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Duties of CM in respect of SSR preparation:Before commencing any operation of extraction, Manager shall arrange to do -i. Study on physico-mechanical properties of strata &ii. On Local geological conditions So as to decide intervals between supports on roadway where machinery is used for cutting, conveying or loading, each rows of props as well as roof bolts, last row of supports and

face etc. in connection with the preparation of SSR.

Duty of CM after receiving approved SSR:i) Hand over copies of approved SSR to all supervisory officialsii) Shall post such copies at all conspicuous placesiii) Shall be responsible for effective compliance of SSR provisions and no mine shall work in

contravention thereof.

Statutes on Roof Bolts:

Where roof bolts are used for supports, bolts shall be securely fixed in place followingDGMS Circulars 5/2002, 7/2002, 11/2002.Quality and efficiency of bolts should be monitored regularly as recommended in Cirl. 3/96 & 6/94.Frequency of Bolting is prescribed in Circulars 3/93 and 6/93 respectively.

Guidelines for preparing Support Plan (Cirl. 3/1993 & 6/1993):

In seams liable to spalling from sides, bolting with or without side straps and stitching the sides should be prime means of roof control.Full column grouted bolts using quick setting cement capsules appear ideal for most of the conditions prevailing in Indian mines. The specifications for bolting system-

a)The length of bolt should be at least 1/3rd of the width of the roadway. However, the length should be not less than 1.5 m.b) 20-22 mm diameter bolt (ribbed bar) will meet the requirement in most cases.c) The bolting density for the three types of roof are given below:- Poor : 1.2 to 1.5 bolts/m2 Fair : 1 bolt/m2

Good : 0.7 bolt/ m2

At junctions, the density should be increased by 25%.d) The bearing plate should not be less than 15 cm2 and the bolt angle should generally benormal to the bedding plane and side bolts may be inclined outwards (to stitch into side ofcoal pillars).

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The chemical properties should be –1.Calcium oxide : 30-35% 2.Alumina : 10-25% Out of these 2,3 and 6 acts as 3.Silica content : 15-25% quick hardness and rapid setting

and rests are acting as basic in-gradients4.Iron oxide : 5% (max) to give the strength.5.Magnesium oxide : 3% (max)6.Sulphuric Anhydrate : 3% (max)

Necessity –38-40% of fatal accidents in coal mines are caused due to fall of roof & sides.55-60% of the total underground accidents are caused due to fall of roof & sides.Around 60% of the roof fall accidents occur within 10m of the face i.e. within freshly exposed roof area.A number of accidents have occurred within 2-4 hours of exposure of roof where cement grouted roof bolts were used that failed and fell along with the falling roof of thickness varying from 0.25 to 1.2m.Roof bolts were not bearing the designed load i.e. 3t after 30 minutes and 5t after 2hrs of installation.

Standard composition and properties required for cement capsules to be used as grouting material in roof bolting in mines (Cirl no. 4 Tech 2010)

The roof bolt shall be of MS steel /TMT (thermo-mechanically treated) bar havingcircular cross-section with ribs on circumferential region as per IS 1786-2008 or

asper BS 7861.The chemical composition of the steel for manufacturing of the roofbolt varies according to the requirement of strength characteristics and certainchemical constituents that influences the required properties of steel arePrescribed below –

Carbon - 0.25%Sulphur - 0.05%

Phosphorus - 0.05%Manganese - 1.5%

Micro alloying elements - 0.50%

Standard components and properties of steel roof bolts to be used in mines (DGMS/Tech-Approval/3 of 2010)-

Prevention of accidents in mechanized longwall coal mines (Cir no. 4/99):a) Strict supervision shall be ensured at all places in a mechanized mine.

b) Proper code of practice should be framed for all operations in L/W mines and their implementation is to be ensured.

c) Only properly trained workers be deployed at L/W and other mechanized face operations.

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Statutes on Cross bars:i.Every bar for supporting roof shall be set securely on steel clamps of suitable design and adequate strengthii.Clamps shall be fixed in holes of at least 50cm deep made in side walls

Statutes on ledges:Every ledge and prominent crack/slips in the roof shall be kept supported with at least a pair of cogs or cross bars (CMR 109).

Relevant Circular s are: 5/77 and 5/75

Haulages:It shall have safety devices both at surface and in underground -At the top of incline:Stop-block, run-away switch - distance between this two?Jazz rails - Just below the incline entry and at district entries i.e. branching off.In Underground:Backstay (Pahalwan) - Behind the ascending tub/set of tubs.Tub re-railers - At intervals of not more than 250mDropwar wick -Near main dip to prevent run away in forward directionMan holes (1.8 ×1.2 × 1m) - At an intervals not more than 10m and for gradients <1 in 6, intervals not more than 20m.

Duty of CM (in respect of haulage):1. Fix up maximum number of tubs (loaded/not loaded). The notice to be posted at the top

and at all regular stopping places of haulage roadway.2. To see that there is not less than one metre space- between tubs and one side of the

roadway and also between adjacent tracks if there are two or more tracks.3. For every haulage rope in use- History of rope shall be kept in bound paged book.4. Rope which is capped shall be re-capped once at least in every 6 months.5. No persons shall ride on any tub or haulage rope.6. Arranging sufficient supply of safety devices.7. To put substantial fence between occupied buildings and haulage road where such

buildings are within 15 m of haulage road. 30

Duties of Overman and Mining Sirdar in Respect of Haulage

Overman:1. He shall see that the safety devices as mentioned are fixed and used as

required under regulation. Backstays are provided behind the ascending tubs.

2. He shall see that sufficient supply of suitable sprags are there in the mines. He shall also see that all tracks are properly laid, graded and ballasted.

Mining Sirdar: He shall report to his superior official for any deficiency of appliances

required for safe working in the district.

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Conveyors:1. Free space/ travelling space, free from obstruction

2. It should not scrape against any support

3. Return side/Tail end should move independently and act as anchoring.

4. Suitable device is given to prevent sliding of materials where inclination is high.

5. Effective means of transmitting signals from every point of conveyor roadway when transporting distance exceeds 30m.

6. Telephonic communication is to be provided for conveyor when it extends more than 600 m.

7. No belt conveyor shall be in use in underground where is no cross over bridge (Cirl. No. 11/74, 28/74)

Duty of Overman: It shall be the duty of Over man to examine carefully once at least in 7 days, the state of all haulage, travelling roadways and report of such examination shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose which shall be signed and dated by the person.

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Fencings (CMR’s 68,84,97,112,187):

CMR 68 :Fencing around every walkable entrance to mine

CMR 84 :Fencing around shaft in use or at every landing

CMR 97 :Fencing on surface haulage road

CMR 112 :Fencing around top of opencast,before mine abandonement & of

shafts, opencast working permanently or temporarily out of use,

any excavation which is dangerous.

CMR 187 :Fencing around a tank/reservoirDGMS Cirl (11/1959) on 10 Types of Fencings (S1, S2, S3, G1, G2, G3, G4, G5, U1, U2):

S1 - storage tank for water to be used for mining

S2 - Top of working and abandoned shaft/inclines

S1,S2,G2 - Top of storage of sand tankers

S1 or S2 - Top of abandoned queries and subsided area

G1 - Top of working shaft

G2 or S3 -Top of working quarry

G1 or G5 - Moving or around dangerous parts of machinery

U1 - Entrance to goaves

U2 - Disused galleries

Natural growth of thorny bushes- Subsided surface or likely to subside.

Establishment of following welfare amenities with respect to number of employees:

Name of establishment No. of workers

1. Shelter (near Opencast or mine entrance) >50 persons

2. Canteen >250 persons

3. First aid room (situated on surface) >150 persons

4. First aid station (both surface and underground) >50 persons for surfaces,

nothing for underground

5. Safety Committee >100 persons

6. Workmen’s Inspector >500 persons

7. Welfare Officer >500 Persons up to 2500

workers and one Addl. for

8. Drinking water to be made cool in above ground >100 persons

and underground

2000 or part

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Some Important Current Circulars:1/2008 Recommendation of 10th national conference on safety in mines held in 2007 mainly onSafety management system and strategies and Ergonomics assessment for work processes,working aids and working postures. Tech (S&T) 1/697 of 2008: F ire suppression and control system to be used in mines. 2/700 of 2008:Use of chemical additives for dust suppression in coal mines6/2008:Separate road for light motor vehicles in the mine premises of mechanized opencast coal and non-coal mines.8/2008:Protocol on use, care, maintenance and testing of self contained self rescuer (SCSR) under Reg 191D.1/2008:Calibration and maintenance of Oldham make gas detector, environmental monitoring system.2/2009: Structural safety audit for headgears used in mines.1/2009: Use of surveyed off equipment in opencast coal and Metalliferous Mines3/2009: Qualitative and quantitative assessment of fire fighting equipment6/2009: Use of Local Methane Detector (LMD) in underground coal mines 8/2009: System study and safety audit for the purpose of eliminating the risk of accidents and dangerous occurrences.10/2009: Standard composition and properties required for resin bolting capsules to be used as grouting material for roof bolting in mines.11/2009: Standard components and properties of roof bolts to be used in mines.13/2009:Telemonitoing systems for use in underground coal mines.1/2010: Respirable dust measurements and control to prevent pneumoconiosis in mines.A/2 of 2010: Standard components and properties of rigid steel props, chocks and cogs and steel roof bolts to be sued in mines.3/2010: Surface likely to subside due to extraction by caving method or to eliminate risks of accident.2/2011:Safety management system – provision for auditing and review.1/ 2012:Occupational safety and health (OSH) of contractual employees in mines – improvement needs.1(Exam)/2012: Training in surveying work in coal mines.

Some Frequently Asked Questions:1. What minimum quantity of air is required to be circulated along the last ventilation connection in the gassy seam 2nd degree having ventilating connection (4.2m x 3m) in a district where 120 persons are employed on the largest shift and producing 360 tonnes of coal per day?a)800 m3/min b) 900 m3/min c) 1000 m3/min d) 1200 m3/min

2. How many times a Mining Sardar should visit faces in the district?

3. What is the significance when Permissible limit (PL) of dust in underground is found as 15/5 and 15/7.5 ?

4. Why Silica is considered as important in calculating PL of dust in mines?

5. What new things have been introduced in DGMS Circular in 2007 to follow during introduction of a New Machine or System in mines?

6. What safety related issues are taken care of prior to blasting in mines?

7. What would be the size of Shelter required in mines during Depillaring operation? And Size of Cage in Winding ?

8. What is the life of winding rope and Parts of Suspension Gear as recommended in Statute?

9. What is the distance between Stop Block and RA Switch?

10. What should be the adequate length of ShotFiring Cable used in UG mines?

11. What is the Danger Zone earmarked in Opencast mines?

12. Can you blast in case there is any structure comes within 50m of Site of Blasting?

13. What will you do when 2 faces comes within 4.5m or 10m of each other?

14. When Mining Sardar should not be given the additional duty of blasting in mines?

15. How many Laggings are put in a Safari / Cross Bar Support erected in 4.8m face width?

16. What additional safety items are incorporated when conveyor length/system changes from 30m to more than 600m.

Q. What General and Common Safety Instructions are Mandatorily be Issued by the Management for All Mines in India?

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When Occurrence of Inf Gas falls under “Notice of Accident”?When Statutory Prov of 13.5m distance between 2 Shafts are not applicable?What are the Main Riders of Post-Dusting Sample Collection?

Thank You

For Further Correspondences: Dr. Netai Chandra DeyProfessor (Mining), IIEST ShibpurMob:09433524339netaidey@hotmail.com