Electrical Safet in Mines Rules Etc
Electrical Safet in Mines Rules Etc
Electrical Safet in Mines Rules Etc
Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 20/05/2006 AEI Training Programme, 2006 v Rule Page
90. Earthing –
(1) All metal supports and all reinforced and prestressed cement concrete supports of overhead
lines and metallic fittings attached thereto, shall be permanently and efficiently earthed. For this
purpose, a continuous earth wire shall be provided and securely fastened to each pole and
connected with earth ordinarily at three points in every km, the spacing between the points being
as nearly equidistance as possible. Alternatively, each support and the metallic fitting attached
thereto shall be efficiently earthed.
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2 [(1A) Metallic bearer wire used for supporting insulated wire of low and medium voltage
overhead service lines shall be efficiently earthed or insulated.] (2)Each stay-wire shall be
similarly earthed unless insulator has been placed in it at a height not less than 3.0 metres from
the ground.
(1) Every overhead line, (not being suspended from a dead bearer wire and not being covered
with insulating material and not being a trolleywire) erected over any part of street or other
public place or in any factory or mine or on any consumer's premises shall be protected with a
device approved by the Inspector for rendering the line electrically harmless in case it breaks.
(2)An Inspector may by notice in writing require the owner of any such overhead line wherever
it may be erected to protect it in the manner specified in sub-rule(1) 3
(3) [The owner of every high and extra-high voltage overhead line shall make adequate
arrangements to the satisfaction of the Inspector to prevent unauthorised persons from ascending
any of the supports of such overhead lines which can be easily climbed upon without the help of
a ladder to special appliances, Rails, reinforced cement concrete poles and pre-stressed cement
concrete poles without steps, tubular poles, wooden supports without steps, I-sections and
channels shall be deemed as supports which cannot be easily climbed upon for the purpose of
this rule.]
2 [(2) The earthing lead for any lightning arrestor shall not pass through any iron or steel pipe,
but shall be taken as directly as possible from the lightning-arrestor to a separate earth electrode
and/or junction of the earth mat already provided for the high and extra high voltage sub-station
subject to the avoidance of bends wherever practicable. Note-A vertical ground electrode shall be
connected to this junction of the earth mat.]
(1) Where an overhead line ceases to be used as an electric supply line, the owner shall maintain
it in a safe mechanical condition in accordance with rule 76 or shall remove it.
(2) Where any overhead line ceases to be used as an electric supply line, an Inspector, may by a
notice in writing served on the owner, require him to maintain it in a safe mechanical condition
or to remove it within fifteen days of the receipt of the notice.
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ADDITIONAL PRECAUTIONS TO BE ADOPTED IN MINES AND OIL-FIELDS
The rules in this Chapter shall apply only where energy is used in mines as defined in the Mines
Act, 1952 (35 of 1952).
1 [(2) In mines and oil fileds, the rules in this Chapter shall not apply to apparatus above the
ground level except where such apparatus may directly affect the safety of the persons employed
in underground, open-cast and oil fields.]
(1) It shall be the duty of the owner, agent, engineer or manager of a mine, or of the agent,
engineer of any company operating in an oil field, or of the owner, engineer of one or more
drilled wells situated in an oil field, to comply with and enforce the following rules and it shall
be duty of all persons employed to conduct their work in accordance with such rules.
(2) Adequate number of authorised supervisors and electricians shall be on duty in every mine or
oil-field while energy is being used therein. 2 [Explanation. – For the purposes of this rule, the
word “engineer” shall –
(a) in the case of a coal mine, have the same meaning as assigned to it in the Coal Mines
Regulations, 1957;
(b) in the case of a metalliferous mine, have the same meaning as assigned to it in the
Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961; and
(c) in the case of an oil mine, mean the ‘Installation Manager’ under the Oil Mines Regulations,
1984.]
111. Notices. –
(1) On or before the first day of February in every year, in respect of every mine or oil-field,
returns giving the size and type of apparatus, together with such particulars in regard to
circumstances of its use which may be required by the Inspector, shall be sent to the Inspector by
the persons specified in rule 110 in the form set out in Annexure-X or XI, whichever is
applicable.
(2) The persons specified in rule 110 shall also give to Inspector not less than seven days’ notice
in writing of the intention to bring into use any new installation in a mine or oil-field giving
details of apparatus installed and its location : Provided that in case of any additions or
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alterations to an existing low and medium voltage installation, immediate notice in writing shall
be sent to the Inspector before such additions or alterations are brought into use.
112. Plans. –
(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 (35 of 1952), shall be available in the office at 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 cm. to a km. (1:4000) 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 electric supply lines, shall be kept in the office of any licensee or other person transmitting or
distributing energy in a mine or oil-field.
(1) In a mine illuminated by electricity, one or more flame safety lamps, or other lights approved
by the Inspector of mines, shall be maintained in a state of continuous illumination in all places
where, failure of the electric light at any time would be prejudicial to safety.
(2) Efficient means of communication shall be provided in every mine between the point where
the switchgear provided under sub-rule (1) of rule 121 is erected and the shaft bottom or other
distributing centres in the mines.
(3) Fire extinguishing appliances of adequate capacity and of an approved type shall be installed
and properly maintained in every place in a mine containing apparatus, other than cables,
telecommunications and signalling apparatus.
(1) Where necessary to prevent danger of mechanical damage, transformers and switchgear shall
be placed in a separate room, compartment or box.
(2) Unless, the apparatus, is so constructed, protected and worked as to obviate the risk of fire,
no inflammable material shall be used in the construction of any room, compartment or box
containing apparatus, or in the construction of any of the fittings therein. Each such room,
compartment or box shall be substantially constructed and shall be kept dry and 1 [illuminated]
and efficient ventilation shall be provided for all apparatus installed therein.
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(3) Adequate working space and means of access, clear of obstruction and free from danger,
shall, so far as circumstances permit, be provided for all apparatus that has to be worked or
attended to and all handles intended to be operated shall be conveniently placed for that purpose.
115.Method of earthing
Where earthing is necessary in a mine it shall be carried out by connection to an earthing system
at the surface of the mine, in a manner approved by the Inspector.
(1) In the interest of safety, appropriate equiment shall be suitably placed in the mines for
automatically disconnecting supply to any part of the system, where a fault, including an earth
fault occurs. Fault current shall not be more than 750 milli-amps in 550/1100 volt systems for
underground oil fields and 50 amps in 3.3 KV/6.6 KV systems in open cast mines. The
magnitude of the earth fault current shall be limited to these specified values by employing
suitably designed, restricted neutral system of power supply.]
(2) The operation of the switchgear and the relays shall be recorded daily at the generating
station, sub-station or switch station in register kept for the purpose.
(3) The effectiveness of the switchgear and the protective system 3 [shall always be kept and
maintained in working order, shall be checked once every three months] and the result thereof
shall be recorded in a separate register kept for the purpose. Earthing metal, etc. ±
(1) All metallic sheaths, coverings, handles, joint boxes, switchgear frames, instrument covers,
switch and fuse covers of boxes, all lamp holders (unless efficiently protected by an insulated
covering made of fire resisting material) and the frames and bedplates of generators,
transformers and motors (including portable motors), shall be earthed by connection to an
earthing system in the manner prescribed in rule 115.
(2) Where cables are provided with a metallic covering constructed and installed in accordance
with clause (d) of rule 122, such metallic covering may be used as a means of connection to the
earthing system.
(3) All conductors of an earthing system shall have conductivity, at all parts and all joints, at
least equal to 50 per cent of that of the largest conductor used solely to supply the apparatus, a
part of which it is desred to earth: Provided that no conductor of an earthing system shall have a
cross-sectional area less than 0.15 sq. cm. except in the case of the earth conductor of a flexible
cable used with portable apparatus where the voltage does not exceed 125 volts, and the cross-
sectional area and conductance of the earthcore is not less than that of the largest of the live
conductors in the cable.
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(4) All joints in earth conductors and all joints in the metallic covering of cables shall be
properly soldered or otherwise efficiently made.
(6) This rule shall not apply (except in the case of portable apparatus) to any system in a mine in
which the voltage does not exceed 30 volts.
118. Voltage limits. ± 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) Where 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
between phases; (ii) on the surface of a mine or in an open cast mine, the voltage may be raised
to 250 volts, if the neutral or the mid point of the system is connected with earth and the voltage
between the phases does not exceed 250 volts; (c) Where portable hand-lamps are used in
underground working of 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.]
119. Transformers
Where energy is transformed, suitable provision shall be made to guard against danger by reason
of the lower voltage apparatus becoming accidentally charged above its normal voltage by
leakage from or contact with the higher voltage apparatus.] 120. Switchgear and terminals.
Switchgear and all terminals, cable-ends, cable joints and connections to apparatus shall be
totally enclosed and shall be constructed, installed and maintained as to comply with the
following requirements:-
(a) all parts shall be of mechanical strength sufficient to resist rough usage;
(b) all conductors and contact areas shall be of adequate current-carrying capacity and all joints
in conductors shall be properly soldered or otherwise efficiently made;
(c) the lodgement of any matter likely to diminish the insulation or affect the working of any
switchgear shall be prevented;
(d) all live parts shall be so protected or enclosed as to prevent persons accidentally coming into
contact with them and to prevent danger from arcs, short-circuits, fire, water, gas or oil;
(e) where there may be risk of igniting gas, coal-dust, oil or other inflammable material, all parts
shall be so protected as to prevent open sparking; and (f) every switch or circuit-breaker shall be
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so constructed as to be capable of opening the circuit, if controls and dealing with any short-
circuit without danger.
(1) Properly constructed switchgear for disconnecting the supply of energy to a mine or oil-field
shall be provided 1 [***] at a point approved by the Inspector. During the time any cable
supplying energy to the mine from the aforesaid switchgear is live, a person authorised to operate
the said switchgears shall be available within easy reach thereof:
2 [Provided that in the case of gassy coal seam of degree II and degree III, the main mechanical
ventilator operated by electricity shall be interlocked with the switchgear so as to automatically
disconnect the power supply in the event of stoppage of main mechanical ventilator.] (2) When
necessary in the interest of safety, appropriate apparatus suitably placed, shall be provided for
disconnecting the supply from every part of a system.
(3) Where considered necessary by the Inspector in the interest of safety, the apparatus specified
in sub-rule (2) shall be so arranged as to disconnect automatically from the supply any section of
the system subjected to a fault.
(4) Every motor shall be controlled by switchgear which shall be so arranged as to disconnect the
supply from the motor and from all apparatus connected thereto. Such switchgear shall be so
placed as to be easily operated by the person authorised to operate the motor.
(5) Whenever required by the Inspector the motor shall be controlled by a switchgear to
disconnect automatically the supply in the event of conditions of over-current, overvoltage and
single phasing.]
122. Cables. ± All cables, other than flexible cables for portable or transportable apparatus, shall
comply with the following requirements:- (a) All such cables (other than the outer conductor of a
concentric cable) shall be covered with insulating material and shall be efficiently protected from
mechanical damage and supported at sufficiently frequent intervals and in such a manner as to
prevent damage to such cables;
(c), no cables other than concentric cables or twocore or multicore cables protected by a metallic
covering or single core cables protected by a metallic covering and which contain all the
conductors of a circuit shall be used- (1) where the voltage exceeds
125 volts, or (2) when an Inspector considers that there is risk of igniting gas or coal-dust or
other inflammable material, and so directs; (ii) the sheath of metal-sheated cables and the
metallic armouring of armoured cables shall be of a thickness not less than that recommended
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from time to time in the appropriate standard of the 1 [Bureau of Indian Standards]; (c) Where a
medium voltage direct current system is used, two single core cables may be used for any circuit
provided that their metallic coverings are bounded together by earth conductors so placed that
the distance between any two consecutive bonds is not greater than 30 metres measured along
either cable; (d) The metallic covering of every cable shall be- (i) electrically and mechanically
continuous throughout; (ii) earthed, if it is required by sub-rule (1) of rule 117 to be earthed by a
connection to the earthing system of conductivity not less than of the same length of the said
metallic covering; (iii) efficiently protected against corrosion where necessary; (iv) of a
conductivity at all parts and at all joints at least equal to 50 per cent of the conductivity of the
largest conductor enclosed by the said metallic covering; and (v) where there may be risk of
igniting gas, coal-dust, or other inflammable material, so constructed as to prevent, as far as
practicable, the occurrence of open sparking so as the result of any fault or leakage from live
conductors; (e) Cables and conductors where connected to motors, transformers, switchgear and
other apparatus, shall be installed so that :- (i) they are mechanically protected by securely
attaching the metallic covering to the apparatus; and (ii) the insulating material at each cable end
is efficiently sealed so as to prevent the diminution of its insulating properties; (f) Where
necessary to prevent abrasion or to secure gas-tightness, properly constructed glands or bushes
shall be provided; (g) Unarmoured cables or conductors shall be conveyed either in metallic
pipes or metal casings or suspended from efficient insulators by means of non-conducting
materials which will not cut the covering and which will prevent contact with any timbering or
metal work. If separate insulated conductors are used, they shall be installed at least 3.75 cm.
apart and shall not be brought together except at lamps, switches and fittings.
(1) Flexible cables for portable or transportable apparatus shall be two-core or multi-core (unless
required for electric welding), and shall be covered with insulating material which 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.
(2) Every flexible cable intended for use with portable or transportable apparatus shall be
connected to the system and to such apparatus by properly constructed connectors: Provided that
for high voltage machines a bolted type connector shall be used and the trailing cable shall be
suitably anchored at the machine end.
(3) At every point where flexible cables are joined to main cables, a 1 [circuit breaker] shall be
provided which is capable of 1 [automatically] disconnecting the supply from such flexible
cables.
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(4) Every flexible cable attached to a portable or transportable machine shall be examined
periodically by the person authorised to operate the machine, and if such cable is used
underground, it shall be examined at least once in each shift by such person. If such cable is
found to be damaged or defective, it shall forthwith be replaced by a cable in good condition.
(5) If the voltage of the circuit exceeds low voltage, all flexible cable attached to any
transportable apparatus shall be provided with flexible metallic screening or pliable armouring. 2
[Provided that this sub-rule shall not apply to flexible cables attached to any transportable
apparatus used in open cast mines where reeling and unreeling of such cables is necessary as per
design features of the equipment.]
(6) All flexible metallic screening or armouring specified in sub-rule (5) shall comply with the
provisions of rule 122 (d): Provided that in the case of separately screened flexible cables the
conductance of each such screen shall not be less than 25 per cent of that the power conductor
and the combined conductance of all such screens shall in no case be less than that of 0.15 sq.
cm. Copper conductor.
(7) Flexible cable exceeding 90 metres in length shall not be used with any portable or
transportable apparatus: Provided that such flexible cable when used with coalcutting machines
for long wall operation shall not exceed 180 metres in length: Provided further that the aforesaid
cable in case of an open cast mine, when used with 3 [electrically operated heavy earth moving
machinery] shall not exceed 300 metres in length.
(8) Flexible cable, when installed in a mine, shall be efficiently supported and protected from
mechanical injury.
(9) Flexible cables shall not be used with apparatus other than portable or transportable
apparatus.
(10) Where flexible cables are used they shall detached or otherwise isolated from the source of
supply when not in use, and arrangements shall be made to prevent the energising of such cables
by unauthorised persons.
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(1) All apparatus shall be maintained reasonably free from dust, dirt and moisture, and shall be
kept clear of obstruction.
(2) All apparatus other than portable and transportable apparatus shall be housed in a room,
compartment or box so constructed as to protect the contents from damage occasioned by falling
material or passing traffic.
(3) Inflammable or explosive material shall not be stored in any room, compartment or box
containing apparatus, or in the vicinity of any apparatus.
(4) Should there be a fault in any circuit, the part affected shall be made dead without delay and
shall remain so until the fault has been remedied.
(5) While lamps are being changed the supply shall be disconnected.
(6) No lamp holder shall be in metallic connection with the guard or other metal work of a
portable hand lamp.
(7) The following notices in Hindi and local language of the district, so designed and protected
as to be easily legible at all times, shall be exhibited:-
(a) at all places where electrical apparatus is in use, a notice forbidding unauthorized person to
operate or otherwise interfere with such apparatus;
(b) at those places in the interior or at the surface of the mine where a telephone or other means
of communication is provided, a notice giving full instructions to persons authorised to effect the
disconnection, at the surface of the mine, of the supply of energy to the mine.
(8) All apparatus, including portable and transportable apparatus, shall be operated only by those
persons who are authorised for the purpose.
(9) Where a plug-and-socket-coupling other than of bolted type is used with flexible cables, an
electrical inter-lock or other approved device shall be provided to prevent the opening of the
coupling while the conductors are live. 2
(a) all cables shall be constructed, installed, protected, operated and maintained in such a manner
as to prevent risk of open sparking;
(b) at any place which lies in-bye of the last ventilation connection, all signalling,
telecommunication 1 [and remote control] circuits shall be so constructed, installed, protected,
operated and maintained as to be intrinsically safe;
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(c) all apparatus including portable and transportable apparatus including lighting fittings used at
any place which lies in bye of the last ventilation connection shall be flame-proof.
(2) At any place which lies in any part of a coal-seam of second and third degree gassiness
(a) all signalling, telecommunication 1 [and remote control] circuits shall be so constructed,
installed, protected, operated and maintained as to be intrinsically safe;
(b) all cables shall be constructed, installed, protected, operated and maintained in such a manner
as to prevent risk of open sparking;
(c) 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 gassymine and within 270 metres
of any working face or 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 airways shall be flame-proof; (d) all electric
lamps shall be enclosed in flame-proof enclosures.
(3) In any oil mine or oil-field, at any place within the Danger Areas, -
(a) all signalling, telecommunication 1 [and remote control] circuits shall be so constructed,
installed, operated, protected and maintained as to be intrinsically safe;
(b) all cables shall be so constructed, installed, operated and maintained as to prevent risk of
open sparking;
(c) all apparatus including portable and transportable apparatus shall be flame-proof;
(4) In any coal-seam of degree second and degree third gassiness or the danger zone of oil-mine
the supply shall be discontinued, -
(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 adjustment 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 lamps indicates 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; 2 [and such apparatus shall be interlocked with the
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controlling switch
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1. Subs.
2006.
(5) (i) In any part of a coal-seam of any degree of gassiness or in 2 [any hazardous] area of an
oil-mine, if the presence of inflammable gas in the general body of air is found any time to
exceed one and one quarter 3 [per cent], the supply of energy shall be immediately disconnected
from all cables and apparatus in the area and the supply shall not be reconnected so long as the
percentage of inflammable gas remains in excess of one and one quarter 2 [per cent]. 4 [In an oil
mine where concentration of inflammable gas exceed 20% of its lowest explosive limit, the
supply of electric energy shall be cut-off immediately from all cables and apparatus lying within
30 metres of the installation and all sources of ignition shall also be removed from the said area
and normal work shall not be resumed unless the area is made gas-free:] 5 [Provided that such
disconnection shall not apply to intrinsically safe environmental monitoring scientific
instruments.] (ii) Any such disconnection or reconnection of the supply shall be noted in the
logsheet which shall be maintained in the form set out in Annexure – XII and shall be reported to
the Inspector.
(6) The provisions of this rule shall apply to any metalliferrous mine which may be notified by
the Inspector of Mines if inflammable gas occurs or if the Inspector of Mines is of the opinion
that inflammable gas is likely to occur in such mine. Explanation – For the purpose of this rule, -
(1) the expression ‘coal-seam of first degree gassiness’, ‘coal-seam of second degree gassiness’,
‘coal-seam of third degree gassiness’ and ‘flame-proof apparatus’ shall have the meanings
respectively assigned to them in the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957. (2) The following areas in an
oil-mine or oil-field shall be known as 2 [hazardous areas], namely:- (a) an area of not less than
90 metres around an oil-well where a blow-out has occurred or is likely to occur, as may be
designated by the engineer-incharge or the seniormost official present at the site; (b) an area
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within 90 metres of an oil-well which is being tested by open flow; (c) an area within 15 metres
of – (i) a producing well-head or any point of open discharge of the crude therefrom or other
point where emission of 2 [hazardous] atmosphere is normally likely to arise, or (ii) any wildcat
or exploration well-head being drilled in an area where abnormal pressure conditions are known
to exist, or (iii) any exploration or interspaced well-head being drilled in the area where
abnormal pressure conditions are known to exist; or (d) any area within 4.5 metres of (i) any
producing well-head where a closed system of production is employed such as to prevent the
emission or accumulation in the area in normal circumstances of a 1 [hazardous] atmosphere; or
(ii) exploration or interspaced well-head being drilled in an area where the pressure conditions
are normal and where the system of drilling employed includes adequate measures for the
prevention in normal circumstances of emission or accumulation within the area of a 1
[hazardous] atmosphere; or (iii) an oil-well which is being tested other than by open flow.
Explanation ± For the purposes of clause (d) 1 [hazardous] atmosphere means an atmosphere
containing any inflammable gases or vapours in a concentration capable of ignition. 2 [(e) All
appliances, equipments and machinery that are or may be used in zone 0, zone-1 & Zone-2
hazardous areas shall be of such type, standard and make as approved by the Inspector by a
general or special order in writing. Explanation. ± (i) ª Zone 0 hazardous areaº means ª an area in
which hazardous atmosphere is continuously present.º (ii) ª Zone 1 hazardous areaº means ª an
area in which hazardous atmosphere is likely to occur under normal operating conditionsº . (iii) ª
Zone 2 hazardous areaº means ª an area in which hazardous atmosphere is likely to occur under
abnormal operating conditionsº .] 127. Shot-firing. ± (1) When shot-firing is in progress adequate
precautions shall be taken to protect apparatus and conductors other than those used for shot-
firing from injury. (2) Current from lighting or power circuits shall not be used for firing shots.
(3) The provisions of rule 123 shall apply in regard to the covering and protection of shot-firing
cables, and adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent such cable touching other cables and
apparatus. 128.Signalling. ± Where electrical signalling is used ± (a) adequate precautions shall
be taken to prevent signal and telephone wires coming into contact with other cables and
apparatus; (b) the voltage used in any one circuit shall not exceed 30 volts; and (c) contact-
makers shall be so constructed as to prevent the accidental closing of the circuit. 3 [(d) bare
conductors, where used shall be installed in suitable insulators.] 129.Haulage. ± Haulage by
electric locomotives on the overhead trolley-wire system, at medium or low voltage, and haulage
by storage battery locomotives may be used
______________________________________________________________________ 1. Subs.
vide G.S.R. 466, dated 17.8.1991. 2. Ins. vide G.S.R. 466, dated 17.8.1991. 3. Ins. vide G.S.R.
45, dated 23.1.1993. Indian Electricity Rules, 1956 20/05/2006 AEI Training Programme, 2006
65 with the prior consent in writing of the Inspector, and subject to such conditions as he may
impose in the interests of safety. 130.Earthing of neutral points. ± Where the voltage of an
alternating current system exceeds 30 volts, the neutral or mid-point shall be earthed by
connection to an earthing system in the manner prescribed in rule 115. Provided that when the
system concerned is required for blasting and signalling purposes, the provisions of this rule
shall not apply: 1 [Provided further that in case of unearthed neutral system adequate protection
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shall be provided with the approval of the Inspector.] 2 [131. Supervision. ± (1) (i) One or more
electrical supervisors as directed by the Inspector shall be appointed in writing by the owner,
agent or manager of a mine or by the agent or the owner, of one or more wells in an oil field to
supervise the installation. (ii) The electrical supervisor so appointed shall be the person holding a
valid Electrical Supervisor's Certificate of Competency, covering mining installation issued
under sub-rule (1) of rule 45. (iii) If the Inspector considers necessary for the compliance with
the duties specified in this rule, he may direct the owner or agent of the mine to appoint one or
more electricians, who shall be persons holding licence under sub-rule (1) of rule 45. (2) Every
person appointed to operate, supervise, examine or adjust any apparatus shall be competent to
undertake the work which he is required to carry-out as directed by the engineer. (3) The
electrical supervisor shall be responsible for the proper performance of the following duties, by
himself or by electrician appointed under sub-rule (1):- (a) through examination of all apparatus
(including the testing of earth conductors and metallic coverings for continuity) as often as may
be necessary to prevent danger; (b) examination and testing of all new apparatus, and of all
apparatus, re-erected in the mine before it is put into service in a new position. (4) In the absence
of any electrical supervisor for more than three days, the owner, agent or manager of the mine or
the agent or owner of one or more oil-wells in an oil-field, shall appoint in writing a substitute
electrical supervisor. (5) (i) The electrical supervisor or the substitute electrical supervisor
appointed under sub-rule (4) to replace him shall be personally responsible for the maintenance
at the mine or oil-field, of a log-book made up of the daily log sheets prepared in the form set out
in Annexure ± XII. (ii) The results of all tests carried out in accordance with the provisions of
sub-rule (3) shall be recorded in the log-sheets prepared in the form set out in Annexure -± XII.]
132. Exemptions. ± The provisions of rules 110 to 128 both inclusive and rule 131 shall not
apply in any case,where, on grounds of emergency or special circumstances, exemption is
obtained from the Inspector. In granting any such exemption the Inspector may prescribe such
conditions as he thinks fit. ________________________________________
The Coal Mines Regulation 1957 & Oil Mines Regulation 1984 Statutory Authority:
Director General of Mines Safety, Dhanbad
Under Coal Mines Regulations 1957, it is specified “In every gassy seam of the second or
third degree, only flameproof electrical apparatus & equipments shall be used below
ground unless otherwise provided for under the Indian Electricity Rules, 1956.”
This rule was inserted by GSR 32 Dated 14.12.1978. (Refer rule 181-2) Under the Oil Mines
Regulations, 1984 (Rule 75-2) Chief Inspector of Mines has been empowered to grant product
approval for Ex equipments to be used in Zone 1 & 2. 6 Aug28’2003 Although essence of rules
is to prevent use of unsuitable equipments from safety point of view, DGMS has converted this
to enforce his powers in approving suitable equipments. DGMS is granting approval for
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field-testing & after successful testing & receipt of field trial report from users is granting
product approval.
Granting field test approval re-testing from CIMFR is required. Whereas certificates issued by
CIMFR are valid without any time limit. The performance certificate of it should be acceptable
to DGMS for granting approval. As Plant & installations are of similar nature, there is only
difference in Statutory Authority.
Winding in shafts
71. Appointment, etc., of winding enginemen – (1) No person shall be appointed as a winding
engineman unless he holds – (a) in the case of an electric winding engine of 75 h.p. or more or of a
steam or compressed air winding engine which has cylinders exceeding 30 centimetres of diameter, a I
Class Engine Driver’s Certificate and (b) in any other case a II Class Engine Driver’s Certificate: Provided
that this clause shall not apply to the driver of an Electrical Winding Engine upto 30 h.p. or of a siteam or
compressed air winding engine which has cylinders not exceeding 18 centimetres in diameter and which
is not used for raising or lowering persons. (2) Where special difficulties exist which made compliance
with the provisions of subregulation (1) not reasonably practicable, the Chief Inspector may, by an order
in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, relax and said provisions. (3) No
person, other than a winding engineman appointed under sub-regulation (1) shall operate any winding
engine: Provided that in an emergency any other competent person may be permitted to operate the
engine. (4) The name of the winding engineman on duty, together with the period of his shift shall be
posted in the winding engine room. Where the Regional Inspector is of the opinion that the duties of
any winding engineman are unduly arduous, he may by an order in writing require the period of his shift
to be reduced to such period, not less than five hours, as he may specify. (5) This regulation shall come
into force on such date as the Central Government may by notifications in the official Gazette, appoint.
72. New winding installations – (1) When it is intended to bring into use any new winding installation for
lowering and raising persons, the owner, agent or manager shall, not less than 60 days before such use,
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give notice of such intention to the Regional Inspector. The notice shall contain detailed specifications of
the installation. (2) If the Chief Inspector, by an order in writing to requires, such additions or alterations
shall be made to the installation, as he may specify the order.
73. Construction and installation of winding equipment – (1) Every part of a winding installation,
including headgear shall be of sound construction and adequate strength, and 43 shall be maintained in
safe working order. In case of any doubt as to the foregoing, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector
for decision. (2) The engine shall be firmly connected to a rigid foundation and shall be so designed,
constructed and maintained that with the power provided, the raising and lowering of persons or
materials can be carried out with ease, regularity and safety. (3) Unless otherwise permitted in writing
by the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, every engine for
winding shall be so situated in relation to the headgear that the winding rope shall not, in the extreme
position, subtend in either direction an angle more than one and a half degrees with the plane of the
sheave or pulley used in connection with the rope. (4)(a) The diameter of the drums or sheaves of the
winding engine, and of the pulleys and sheaves used in connection with the winding shall, unless
otherwise permitted in writing by the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify
therein, be not less than 80 times the diameter of the rope in the case of winding installations installed
before the 25th day of October, 1955 and not less than 100 times the diameter of the rope in other
cases: Provided that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing, require that in the case of any
specified winding installation installed before the date aforesaid, the diameter of the said drums, pulley
or sheaves shall not be less than such size, upto 100 times the diameter of the rope, as he may specify in
the order. (b) The grooves of such sheaves or pulleys shall be suited to the diameter of such rope. (c)
Every pulley or sheaves used in connection with winding shall, while in motion, rotate in a vertical plane,
and shall be maintained in such a condition that slipping is reduced to a minimum.
74. Fittings of winding engines – At every shaft, including a shaft in the course of being sunk, where
winding is effected by means of an engine, the following provisions regarding winding engines shall have
effect, namely: (1) There shall be on the drum such flanges, and also if the drum is conical or spiral such
other appliances, as will be sufficient to prevent the rope from slipping or coiling unevenly. Except in the
‘Koepe’ system of winding, the end of the rope shall be securely fixed in such a manner that the rope is
not unduly strained. There shall be at least two turns of the rope on the drum when the cage or other
means of conveyance is at its lowest working point in the shaft. (2)(a) There shall be provided one or
more brakes on the drum or the drum-shaft, which : (i) if there are two cages or other means of
conveyance, will hold such cages or other means of conveyance when the maximum torque is applied in
either direction; or (ii) if there is only one cage or other means of conveyance, will hold the loaded cage
or other means of conveyance in midshaft when the maximum torque is applied downwards. (b) At least
one of the brakes shall be so designed that the brake remains at the ‘on’ position except when operated.
(c) Where the brake or brakes are power-operated, at least one of them shall be arranged to be applied
automatically at all times if the power supply fails. (d) The brake on the drum shall be used only for the
purpose of keeping such drum stationary and not for lowering the cage or other means of conveyance,
except in cases where the engine is to be worked at a very low speed as when examining the winding
rope or the shaft. 44 (3) Where the winding engine is worked by steam or compressed air, a screw stop-
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valve shall not be used as controlling valve of the engine. (4) Every engine shall be equipped with a
reliable depth-indicator (in addition to any mark on the rope) showing to the winding engineman the
position of the cage or other means of conveyance in the shaft, and an automatic device that will ring a
bell in the engine room when the asconding cage or other means of conveyance is at a distance of not
less than two revolutions of the drum from the top of the shaft. The depth-indicator shall be tested after
every adjustment or replacement of the winding rope.
75. Shaft fittings – At every winding shaft, other than a shaft in the course of being sunk – to which the
provisions of regulation 79 shall apply – the following provisions shall have effect, namely: (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 or electrical means.
(b) In signalling, the following code of signals shall be used and strictly observed :
THREE RAPS : IN REPLY – men may enter the cage or other means of conveyance.
Any other signals shall be 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 in the winding engine room.
(d) No person other than the banksman or onsetter shall give any signal unless he is an official of the
mine or is authorised in writing by the manager to give signals. (2)(a) The shaft shall be provided with
sufficient number of guides to ensure smooth and safe travel of the cage or other means of conveyance.
(b) Where rope guides are used, the cheese-weights or bottom clams shall be kept so exposed as to
permit regular examination. (3) Above the topmost landing, ‘dogs’ or other devices for holding the cage
or other means of conveyance in the event of an overwind shall be provided, other guides, runners or
receivers shall be sprung. (4)(a) Exception in the ‘Koepe’ system of winding, at the top of every shaft
where cages are used, suitable keps shall be provided and so arranged as to fall into the ‘on’ position
when the operating lever is released. (b) At every inset where keps or folding platforms are provided,
arrangements shall be made to lock the keps or platforms securely in the ‘off’ position; and when in the
‘off’ position such keps or platforms shall leave the shaft clear for the passage of the cage. In every such
case, a proper automatic indicator to show the position of the keps or platforms, as the case may be,
shall be provided in such a position as to be easily seen by the banksman. 45 (5) Protective roofing,
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sufficient to prevent danger from anything falling in the shaft, shall be provided and maintained at the
bottom of the shaft. The gap, both vertical and horizontal, between the protective roofing and the top of
cage, when the cage is at the bottom of the shaft, shall not exceed 15 centimeters.
76. Manwinding –
At every shaft, other than a shaft in the course of being sunk, where a winding engine is used for the
purpose of lowring or raising persons, the following provisions shall have effect, namely : - (1) In respect
of every part of the winding installation, including pulleys or sheaves, cages, chains, distribution plates
and detaching hooks, the following particulars shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the
purpose - (a) Name of the manufacturer and the year of manufacture; (b) Specifications and dimensions;
(c) Reference to every certificate supplied with the part; and (d) Any other detail that may be necessary
or required by the Regional Inspector; All entries in the book shall be made and signed by the engineer
or other competent person, and shall be countersigned and dated by the manager. (2) Whenever any
part or article is replaced or any repaired part or article used in any winding installation, the fact of such
replacement or repair shall be recorded in the book kept under sub-regulation (1). (3) (a) A single linked
chain shall not be used, except for the short coupling chain attached to a cage or other means of
conveyance. Such single-linked chain shall be attached to the safety hook through a distribution plate or
other approved appliance. (c) Where safety-chains are used, their length shall be such that if the king-
bolt breaks, the shock to the cage or other means of conveyance is as slight as possible. (4) Where drum-
clutches are provided, the following provisions shall have effect, namely – (a) The operating gear of the
clutch of the drum shall be provided with locking gear to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the clutch.
(b) Every engine used for the lowering or raising of persons shall have a suitable interlocking device so
fitted that it is not possible – (i) to unclutch any drum unless the brakes of such drum are applied; or (ii)
to release the brakes until the drum clutch is fully engaged and securely locked. (c) Unless the cage or
other means of conveyance attached to the drum is resting at the bottom of the shaft, the drum shall
not be unclutched unless the winding engineman has assured himself immediately beforehand that the
brake is fully applied. (5) Except in the ‘Koepe’ system or winding, there shall be provided between the
rope and the cage or other means of conveyance a detaching hook. The space between such detaching
hook, measured from the centre of the hole for attaching it to the rope shackle, and the detaching-bell
or plate when the cage or other means of conveyance is at its normal position at the top of the shaft,
shall be not less than 1.8 metres where a geared engine is used, and not less than 3.6 metres where a
direct acting engine is used. (6) In every shaft the engine shall be fitted with an automatically recording
speed indicator. (7)(a) In every shaft exceeding 100 metres in depth, there shall be provded an effective
automatic contrivance to prevent overspeeding and overwinding, hereinafter called the ‘Automatic
Contrivance”. The Automatic Contrivance shall prevent the descending cage from 46 being landing at
the pit bottom or other permanent landing at a speed exceeding 1.5 metres per second and shall also
control the movement of the ascending cage in such a manner as to prevent danger to persons riding
therein. The Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, specify the maximum speed of winding in
any shaft. (b) Tests of every Automatic Contrivance and every brake shall be made by the engineer or
other competent persons appointed for the purpose, in the following manner - (i) once at least in every
seven days, by raising each cage or other means of conveyance, in turn, to pass the last control point
18
above the topmost landing; and (ii) once at least in every three months, by attempting to land the
descending cage at excessive speed. For the purpose of this test, the setting of the Automatic
Contrivance may be altered so that pre-determined point in the shaft is regarded as the landing. The
results of every such tests shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, and shall be
signed and dated by the person making the test. (c) Unless the Automatic Contrivance is in full and fixed
engagement with the winding engine, it shall be fully engaged, either automatically or by the winding
engineman, wherever necessary to be lowered or raised; and a proper automatic indicator to show that
this has been done shall be provided in such a position as to be easily seen by the banksman. No person
shall be allowed to enter any cage or other means of conveyance until the indicator shows that the
Automatic contrivance has been fully engaged. (8) Except where an Automatic Contrivance is provided
to prevent overwinding, a point shall be fixed and marked on the indicator of the engine in such a way
as to show when the cage or other means of conveyance is at a distance of not less than twice the
circumference of the drum from the completion of the wind; and if such cage or other means of
conveyance contains persons, the winding engineman shall not, as soon as it has reached the point
aforesaid, raise it for the remaining distance at a speed exceeding 1.2 metres per second. (9) Where the
only means of egress in a mine is by apparatus worked by steam or electricity, precautions shall be taken
to ensure that the two winding engines do not fail simultaneously, and in particular, in the case of
electric winding engines, the engines shall be capable of being connected to two separate power
supplied. Unless the Chief Inspector by an order in writing otherwise directs, the provisions of this sub-
regulation shall be deemed to be satisfied if an emergency winding gear is maintained. (10(a) Every cage
of other means of conveyance in which persons ride, shall be – (i) covered completely at the top; (ii)
closed in at the two sides in a manner sufficient to prevent persons or things from projecting beyond the
sides; (iii) provided with a rigid hand-bar fixed in a position where it can be easily reached by all persons
in the cage or other means of conveyance; and (iv) provided with suitable gates or other rigid fences
such that the gap between the floor of cage or other means of conveyance and the lowest part of the
gate of fence does not exceed 15 centimetres and that between any two members of the gate or fence
does not exceed 25 centimetres. Gates or fences shall not open outwards; and they shall be so fitted and
maintained that they cannot be accidentally opened. (b) The floor of every cage or other means of
conveyance shall be strongly constructed and so maintained to prevent any part of the body of a person
riding in the cage or other means of conveyance from projecting beyond the floor. (11) Not more than
such number of persons as may be authorised by the manager shall be allowed to ride in the same cage
or same deck of a cage or other means of conveyance at one time; and a notice specifying the number
shall be posted at the top and bottom of every 47 shaft and at every inset. The number of persons fixed
as aforesaid shall be such as to allow approximately 0.20 square metre of floor area per person. (12)(a)
No person shall, when ascending or descending a shaft, take with him any bulky material other than
tools and instruments, except when engaged in repairing the shaft or with the written authority of the
manager. (b) Except as provided in clause (a), no person shall ride in a cage while materials or tubs are
being raised or lowered in any of the cages or other means of conveyance. (13) The Chief Inspector may,
subject to such conditions as he may specify, relax the requirements of this regulation if the
circumstances in any mine or part thereof are such as to tender compliance with such requirements not
reasonably practicable.
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77. Multi-decks – Where a cage has two or more decks which are used simultaneously, each floor at a
landing shall be connected by an effective signalling device with the main floor of the landing; and only
the banksman or the onsetter or an official, as the case may be, at such main floor shall give action
signal, and only after he has satisfied himself that all cage gates are closed.
78 Winding of material – (1) Every cage used for the raising or lowering of tubs shall be provided of tubs
shall be provided with catches or other effective contrivances to prevent the tubs failing out. The cage
shall not be set in motion unless the catches or other effective contrivances are in position. (2)(a) The
floor of every cage shall be kept clean; and no skip, bucket or tub shall be filled up to such height that
any of the contents can fall out. (b) Before long timber, pipes, rails, or other material projecting over the
top of the cage or other means of conveyance are lowered or raised, the projecting ends shall be
securely fastened to the rope, chain or bow.
79. Winding in sinking shafts – At every shaft in the course of being sunk, where a winding engine is use
the following provisions shall have effect, namely : (1) If the shaft exceeds 45 metres in depth, there
shall be provided for each bucket or other means of conveyance a detaching-hook between the centre
of the hole for attaching the detaching-hook to the rope shackle and the detaching bell or plate, when
the bucket or other means of conveyance is at the top landing, there shall be a clear over-run space of
not less than 3.6 metres. (2) Where the shaft exceeds 150 metres in depth – (a) the bucket or other
means of conveyance, when used for lowering or raising persons, shall be provided with sufficient cover
overhead for protection from things falling down the shaft; and (b) these shall be provided for each
bucket or other means of conveyance a sufficient number of guides which shall be kept extended to
within 22.5 metres of the shaft bottom at all times when sinking is in progress: Provided that the
Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require the provision of guides in a shaft less than 150
metres in depth. (3)(a) There shall be provided and maintained two separate means of interchanging
distinct and definite signals between the bottom and the top of the shaft. Efficient means shall also be
provided and maintained for transmitting such signals from the top of the shaft to the winding
engineman. The signalling appliances shall be examined by a competent person once at least in every 24
hours. The result of every such examination shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the
purpose and shall be signed and dated by the person making the examination. 48 1[ (b) Except with the
permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, the
following code of signals shall be used and observed in signalling].
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when men are riding. 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 also in the winding engine room.
(d) Except while riding in a bucket or other means of conveyance, no person other than the chargeman
or a person authorised in writing by the manager, shall give any signal.
(4) Every bucket or other means of conveyance in which persons or materials are conveyed, shall be of
strong construction and so maintained as to prevent persons or materials from falling.
(5)(a) At the top of the shaft or at the Slanding where the bucket or other means of conveyance is
normally landed, suitable doors or covering shall be provided. Except as may be required for the passage
of the bucket or other means of conveyance, the doors or covering shall always be kept closed. (b)
Where the shaft exceeds 45 metres in depth, the persons working at the bottom of the shaft shall also
be protected by an adequate protective covering which shall be kept lowered to within 22.5 metres of
the bottom of the shaft at all times when sinking is in progress. Every such protective covering shall
extent over the whole area of the shaft, sufficient space being left therein only for the passage of the
bucket or other means of conveyance. Where special circumstances exist, the Chief Inspector may, by an
order in writing and subject to such conditions, as he may specify therein, grant an exemption from the
provisions of the clause.
(6) Not more than such number of persons as may be authorised by the manager shall be allowed to
ride in the bucket or other means conveyance at one time; and a notice specifying such number shall be
posted prominently at the top of the shaft.
(7) When tools, implements or other materials are lowered or raised, the banksman or chargeman, as
the case may be, shall see that - (a) the bucket is properly loaded; (b) materials are not loaded above the
rim; (c) long timber, pipes, rails, tools or other material with ends projecting over the rim are securely
fastened to the rope, chains or bow; and (d) the bucket, before being sent away, is steadied, and the
bottom and sides thereof are free from adhering material. (8) Where guides are provided, the bucket or
other means of conveyance shall be raised slowly from the bottom of the shaft, until the rider is picket
up. (9) While persons are at work on any scaffold or platform in the shaft, the following precautions shall
be strictly observed : (a) The scaffold or platform shall be secured to the sides of the shaft in order to
prevent it from swinging; (b) The opening for the passage of the bucket or other means of conveyance,
shall be so protected as effectively to prevent anything falling through it; 49 (c) The scaffold or platform
shall not be lowered or raised except under the order of the chargeman or other competent person. 80.
Winding ropes, etc. – At every shaft where a rope is used for winding purposes, the following provisions
shall have effect, namely : (1)(a) No rope, bar, link, chain or other attachment to a cage or other means
of conveyance shall be used unless it is of good quality and manufacture, is free from any visible defect
and is of adequate calculated strength : Provided that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing
prohibit the use of any rope or type of ropes where, in his opinion such use is unsafe. (b) The
attachment between the rope and the cage or other means of conveyance shall be of such type and be
21
maintained in such manner as to obviate accidental disconnection. (c) In case of a doubt, as to the
fitness of any rope, bar, link, chain or other attachment used or intended for use, it shall be referred to
the Chief Inspector for decision. (2)(a) Except, in a sinking shaft less than 30 metres in depth, every
winding rope shall be made of cold drawn steel wire, and the gauge of the wires used in the
construction of such rope shall be suited to the diameter of the drums, pulleys and sheaves of the
winding installation. (b) In any shaft, including a shaft in course of being sunk, where persons are
lowered or raised and where guides are not provided, no rope other than a rope of non-spinning type
shall be used. (c) No rope which has been spliced shall be used for winding purposes. (d) Unless
exemption in writing has been granted by the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may
specify therein, no rope the braking load of which at any one point therein is less than 10 times the
maximum static load on it when the cage or other means of conveyance attached to the end of the rope
is at the lowest working point, shall be used or continued in use. (e) At every mine where a shaft is used
for lowering or raising persons, at least one spare winding rope suitable for use in such shaft, shall be
kept in store. (3)(a) For every rope in use or intended for use, a certificate showing its breaking load,
quality, construction and diameter (obtained from the manufacturer or supplier) and a history of it use,
including a record of diameters of the drums, sheaves and pulleys used in conjunction with the rope,
shall be kept in a bound paged book kept for the purpose. All entries therein shall be made and signed
by the engineer or other competent person, and shall be countersigned and dated by the manager. (b) If
in the case of a rope a test certificate as to the amount of its breaking load is not available, it shall not be
used unless a portion thereof, not less than three metres in length, has been cut off from the end of the
rope attached to the cappel and tested in a laboratory, institution or test house approved by the Central
Government for the purpose. (4) No winding rope which has been in use for more than three and half
year shall be used for winding purposes : Provided that where the Regional Inspector is satisfied that
due to sparing use any such rope is in good condition even after the expiry of the said period, he may, by
an order writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, allow the use of such rope for
a longer period. Every application for permission to use a rope after the period of three and a half years
aforesaid shall be accompanied by a copy of the entries, in respect of the rope, in the book kept for the
purpose under sub-regulation (3), and also by a certificate as to the strength 50 of the rope, obtained in
the manner laid down in clause (b) of the sub-regulation. The certificate aforesaid shall relate to a piece
of the rope cut off not more than three months prior to the date of the application: Provided further
that where the Regional Inspector is of the opinion that any rope has become unsafe for use in a shaft
before the expiry of the period of three and a half years aforesaid, he may, by an order in writing,
prohibit the use of such rope for winding purposes. An appeal any such order may be preferred to the
Chief Inspector. (5)(a) No mode or type of capping shall be used, which fails to withstand a load of at
least 10 times the maximum static load thereon. (b) The cappel of a round rope shall not be attached to
the rope by rivets passing through the rope. (c) In those forms of capping, in which the wires at the end
of the rope are bent back on the rope itself to form a cone, wedges formed by the lapping of soft iron
wire shall be placed between the rope and that portion which is bent back. The length of the tapered
portion of the socket shall be not less than 12 times the diameter of the rope. (d) Where white metal is
used in the capping of ropes, the tapered portion of the socket shall not be less than eight times the
diameter of the rope. (e) If white metal is used in the capping of ropes - (i) its melting point shall not
exceed 300 degrees centigrade, and its temperature when poured into the socket shall not exceed 363
22
degree centigrade; (ii) in the length of rope which is to lie within the tapered part of the socket, the fibre
core, if any, shall be cut and the wires shall be untwisted and thoroughly cleaned; and (iii) the socket
shall be heated to a temperature of about 100 degrees centigrade before the white metal is poured into
it. (6) Except in the ’Koepe’ system of winding, every rope shall be recapped once at least in every six
months, or if necessary, at shorter intervals and also after every overwind. Before every such recapping,
a length, including the capping, of at least two metres shall be cut off the rope. Every piece of rope so
cut-off shall be opened and its internal condition examined. The operation shall be carried out under the
supervision of the engineer or other competent person, who shall record the date and other particulars
thereof (including the length of the rope remaining after recapping) in a bound paged book kept for the
purpose and shall sign and date the same. 81. Suspension gear – (1) All parts of suspension gear in
regular use shall unless otherwise permitted by the Chief Inspector, be renewed after a period of service
of not more than ten years, and at shorter intervals, if necessary. (2)(a) All cage chains in general use
and all other parts of suspension gear between the rope and the cage or other means of conveyance,
including the detaching-hook, shall be taken apart, cleaned and carefully examined as to wear and tear
(where necessary by gouging) and for rust and cracks, once at least in every six months, or if necessary,
as shorter intervals. The various parts shall be annealed or given other proper heat treatment before
being refitted. 1 [ The annealing or other heat treatment shall be done only in a proper furnace where
the temperature could be controlled] : Provided that in the case of such chains or gear manufactured
from a steel which is not liable to deterioration necessitating annealing or heat treatment, the Chief
Inspector may by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant
exemption from the carrying out of this operation; 51 Provided 1[further than detaching hooks used in
sinking shafts shall be taken apart, cleaned and carefully examined once at least in every week and the
shear pin replaced by a new one every time such examination is carried out]. (b) Every detaching bell or
plate used in connection a safety-hook shall be examined, and the opening therein checked by calipers
or gauges, once at least in every 30 days. (c) The operations and examination required under this sub-
regulation shall be carried out by or under the supervision of the engineer or other competent person,
who shall record the date and other particulars thereof in a bound paged boo kept for the purpose, and
shall sign and date the same. 82. Precautions after recapping, etc - After every installation or recapping
of a rope and after every renewal or refitting of any suspension gear, the engineer or other competent
person shall, after the cages or other means of conveyance fully loaded with materials have made five
trips up and down the working portion of the shaft, examine the cappel and other parts of the
suspension gear to see that they are in proper working order. A report of every such examination shall
be recorded in the book kept under regulation 81(2), and shall be signed and dated by the persons
making the examination. 83. Examination of winding equipment – (1) It shall be the duty of the engineer
or other competent person to examine – (a) Once at least in every 24 hours – (i) the attachment of the
winding rope to the drum, the depth indicator, every part of the suspension gear in the shaft, including
cages or other means of conveyance and their gates, and every external part of the winding apparatus,
upon the proper working of which the safety of persons depends; and (ii) the brakes of the winding
engines; (b) Once at least in every seven days – (i) each winding rope, by passing the rope at a speed not
exceeding one meter per second; and (ii) the external parts of the winding engine, the guides and the
signalling arrangements fitted in a shaft; (c) Once at least in every 30 days, every winding rope, by
passing the rope at a speed not exceeding 0.5 metre per second. For the purpose of this examination,
23
the rope shall be cleaned of any entrusted dirt and grease at all places particularly liable to deterioration
and at other places, not more than 30 metres apart throughout the length, and any reduction in the
circumference of the rope and the superficial condition of the wires as to wear, corrosion, brittleness
and fracture at every such place shall be noted; and (d) Once at least in every 12 months, the winding
engine as to the condition of its internal parts. (2) 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 person who made the
examination. (3) If on any examination made as aforesaid, there is discovered any weakness or defect by
which the safety of persons may be endangered, such weakness or defect shall be immediately reported
in writing to the engineer or other competent person and to the manager; and until such weakness or
defect is remedies the winding installation shall not be used. 84. Gates and fences – (1) At the tope of
every shaft and at every inset which is in use, there shall be provided suitably gates or fences which shall
effectively close the openings into the 52 shaft at all times when a cage or other means of conveyance is
not at the tope or the inset. Every such gate at the tope of a shaft shall be self-operating. (2)(a) At every
landing where it is necessary for persons to pass from one side of the shaft to the other, an adequate
passby shall be provided for enabling them to do so without entering or crossing the shaft. Every passby
so provided shall be not less than 1.8 metres high and 1.2 metres wide, and shall be kept clear of all
obstructions. (b) No person shall enter or cross, or be permitted to enter or cross the exposed space at
the bottom of any working shaft except for the purpose of entering or leaving a cage or other means of
conveyance or for undertaking an examination, repair or any other work therein; and no persons shall
be allowed to work in any such space unless the cages or other means of conveyance, if any, have been
stopped and adequate precautions have been taken for the protection of such person. 85. Duties of
persons riding or working in shafts – (1) No person shall get or off a cage or other means of conveyance
after the same has been signalled to be set in motion or leave it until it has reached the appointed
stopping place; nor shall any person ride on the tope or edge of any cage or other means of conveyance
except when engaged in an examination, repair or any other work in the shaft. (2) Every person, when at
or about the top or bottom of a shaft or any inset, shall obey the lawful orders and directions of the
banksman or onsetter, as the case may be. (3)(a) NO person shall carry out any examination, repair or
other work in any shaft while winding operations are being carried on; and no winding shall be carried
on or permitted while persons are engaged in such examination, repair or work, except where winding is
necessary for the same. (b) The person in immediately charge of any examination, repair or work in any
shaft shall warn the banksman and the winding engineman that such examination, repair or work is
about to be undertaken. (c) Every person while engaged in any examination, repair or other work in a
shaft shall be accompanied by at least one other person; and all such persons shall be provided with
effective safety belts unless otherwise efficiently protected against the risk of falling. (d) Every person
engaged in trying out an examination, repair or other work in a shaft shall be protected by a suitable
covering from objects falling from above. Every such person shall also be provided with a protective hat;
and shall wear the same when so engaged. 86. General precautions – (1) No unauthorised person shall
enter or be allowed, in a winding engine room. (2) No adolescent or woman shall descend or ascend a
shaft in a cage or other means of conveyance unless accompanied by one or more adult males.
CHAPTER-IX : Transport of Men and Materials – Haulage 87. Haulage roadways – The following
provisions shall have effect with respect to every length of road or roadway in a mine where materials
are transported in tubs by means of gravity of mechanical power, namely : (1) Every such roadway shall
24
– (a) be of adequate dimensions and, as far as practicable, shall be straight and of regular gradient; and
(b) have tracks properly laid with rails of adequate section. (2)(a) Pulleys, sheaves and rollers that alter
the direction of a rope shall be securely fixed. 53 (b) No person shall guide or adjust a moving rope on to
a drum, pulley, sheave or roller except with a lever or other proper appliance. (3) Where haulage is
effected by one or more ropes, there shall be provided and maintained - (a) at the top of every inclined
plane, at least one stop-block or other effective contrivance to arrest tubs from running or moving out of
control; (b) at least one run way switch or other effective contrivance below the first stop-block or other
effective contrivance at a distance greater than the length of a set or train of tubs: Provided that such
distance shall not exceed the length of a set or train of tubs by more than 10 metres: Provided further
that where the Regional Inspector, by an order in writing so requires, the stop-block and the switch or
other effective contrivance aforesaid shall be so intercoupled that they do not remain simultaneously
ineffective: (c) an attachment, behind an ascending tub or set or train of tubs, of a back-stay, drag or
other suitable contrivance for preventing the tub, set or train of tubs running back. Where an endless
rope or chain is used, the provisions of this clause shall be deemed to be satisfied if suitable automatic
catches or other effective contrivance are provided at suitable intervals along the track to prevent the
ascending tubs running back : Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and
subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant exemption from the operation of this clause
on grounds that compliance with the provisions thereof is not reasonably practicable; (d) safety hooks,
jazz-rails or other suitable contrivances to prevent runaway in the forward direction; (e) tub re-railers at
intervals of not more than 250 metres. Where a tubs is re-railed manually, it shall either be detached
from the rope or ropes or the haulage engine which works the rope shall be stopped; and (f) on every
haulage roadway exceeding 30 metres in length, effective means of transmitting signal from every
stopping place on the roadway to the place at which the machinery working the rope is operated. All
signals shall be transmitted by mechanical or electrical means: Provided that the Regional Inspector
may, by an order in writing, require means of transmitting signals in the reverse direction also. If any
doubt arises as to whether any means of transmitting signal is effective or not, it shall be referred to the
Chief Inspector for decision. (4)(a)(i) The following code of signals shall be used and strictly observed –
ONE RAP .. STOP when in motion TWO RAPS .. LOWER or haul in slowly THREE RAPS .. START when at
rest FOUR RAPS .. RAISE or haul out slowly Any other signals shall be in addition to, and shall not
interfere with, the foregoing. (ii) A printed copy of the code of signals, including additional signals, if any,
shall be posted prominently at the place in which the machinery that works the rope is operated and at
all regular stopping places along the roadway. (iii) No person, other than a competent persons or an
official, shall give any signal. (b) Where in any mine belowground, a system of haulage roadway (and
conveyors, if any) extent to distance of more than 600 metres from the shaft or the entrance to the
mine, 54 efficient telephonic communication shall be provided and maintained between the end of
every such system and the bottom and top of the shaft or the entrance to the mine as the case may be :
Provided that where travelling is unduly arduous, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing,
require the provisions and maintenance of telephonic communication shall be provided and maintained
between the end of every such system and the bottom and top of the shaft or the entrance to the mine
as the case may be : Provided that where travelling is unduly arduous, the Regional Inspector may, by an
order in writing, require the provision and maintenance of telephonic communication in any other case
also. (c) Where telephones or electrical signals are provided - (i) adequate precautions shall be taken to
25
prevent signal and telephone wires coming into contact with other cables and electrical apparatus; (ii)
signal wires shall be supported on insulators, and shall not be energised at more than 30 volts; (iii)
contact makers shall be so constructed as to prevent accidental closing of the circuit; and (iv) 1[in every
gassy seam of the second or third degree], all signalling or telephonic communication circuit shall be
constructed, installed, protected, operated and maintained in such a manner as be intrinsically safe. (5)
At places where telephone receivers are installed or where signals and safety contrivances are regularly
operated, every person using the telephone or operating any such signal or safety contrivance shall be
afforded adequate protection against tubs moving out of control. (6)(a) Where any person is allotted to
work or pass while the haulage is in motion, manholes for refuge shall be provided at intervals of not
more than 10 metres: Provided that where the gradient is less than 1 in 6 such manholes may be
provided at intervals of not more than 20 metres. (b) Manholes shall be not less than 1.8 metres in
height and 1.2 metres in depth, and not less than 0.75 metres but not more than one metre in width:
Provided that where the roadway is less than 1.8 metres in height, the manholes may be made to the
full height of the roadway: Provided further that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and
subject to such condition as he may specify therein, permit the use as manholes or cross-roadways other
than haulage roadways, of dimensions larger than those aforesaid. (c) Every manhole shall be kept clean
and clear of obstruction, and white washed both inside and for a distance of not less than 0.3 metres
around the aperture. (d) As far as practicable, all manholes shall be provided on one side of the haulage
roadway. (e) In case where there are serious practical difficulties in providing manholes as specified in
clauses (a) and (b), the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as
he may specify therein, permit manholes to be at greater intervals or of other dimensions. (f) Except
where haulage is effected by means of an endless rope or chain, whenever the haulage rope is in
motion, every person on the haulage roadway shall take shelter in a manhole. 55 (7) The manager shall,
by an order in writing, in respect of every haulage road or roadway, fix the maximum number of tubs,
according as to whether they are loaded or not loaded, that may be coupled together to run as a set or
train. A notice specifying the number of tubs so fixed shall be posted prominently at the top and at all
regular stopping places of the haulage road or roadway. (8) At all places where tubs are coupled or
uncoupled, there shall be a clear space of not less than one metre – (a) between, the tubs and one side
of the roadway; and (b) where there are two or more tracks also between the adjacent tracks. (9)(a)
When any roadway or face is in direct line with a haulage track and persons may be exposed to danger
from runaway tubs, a strong buffer or other effective contrivance to prevent such danger shall be
provided and maintained. (b) A stopblock or other effective contrivance shall be provided near the
entrance of every tramming roadway branching off the main haulage road or roadway, and on every
track which slopes towards a shaft. 88. Travelling roadways – (1) Except when an exemption in writing
has been granted by the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein,
travelling roadways, separate from haulage roadways on which haulage is effected by mechanical means
or gravity, shall be provided for persons to travel to and from their working places. (2) Every such
travelling roadway shall – (a) be not less than 1.8 metres high throughout; (b) where the inclination
exceeds 30 degrees from the horizontal, be provided with suitable steps or ladders; (c) where the
inclination exceeds 45 degrees from the horizontal, be provided, in addition to steps or ladders, with
hand rails or ropes so as to ensure safe travel; and (d) where the inclination exceeds 60 degrees from
the horizontal, be provided, in addition to the steps or ladders and rails or ropes, with suitable platforms
26
at intervals not exceeding 10 metres measured along the slope. (3) Except for purposes of inspection,
examination or repair, every person other than an official of a haulage attendant shall travel by the
travelling roadway. (4) Where persons using a travelling roadway have to cross a conveyor or a haulage
worked by mechanical means or gravity, a suitable cross-over or cross-under bridge or other suitable
device approved in writing by the Regional Inspector shall be provided. (5) No haulage shall be used for
the general conveyance of persons except with the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and
subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. 89. Tubs and their movement – (1)(a) On every tub
there shall be provided and maintained at each coupling end a strong buffer projecting beyond the end
and so arranged that when two such tubs are in tandem, the gap between the innermost ends shall not
be less than 20 centimeters. (b) On every side-tipping tub in use, safety-catches shall beprovided to
prevent accidental tipping. No tub or set or train of tubs shall be set in motion unless all the safety
catches are properly secured. (c) The attachment between a rope or locomotive and a tub or set or train
of tubs and the attachment between any two tubs in a set or train, shall be of a type approved in writing
by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order and so maintained as to obviate accidental
disconnection. 56 (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 once at least in every 14 days, by a
competent person appointed for the purpose. 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 person who made the
examination. (2)(a) When tubs are about to be moved, persons likely to be endangered shall be warned.
(b) Two or more tubs shall not be moved by hand in close succession but shall be coupled and moved
together. Two tubs shall be deemed to be in close succession when the distance between them at any
time in less than 10 metres. (c) No person shall cause or permit a tub to run uncontrolled except with
the written permission of the manager: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing,
prohibit the uncontrolled movement of tubs at any place if he is of the opinion that such movement is
likely to cause danger. (d) No person while taking a tub down a gradient exceeding 1 in 20, shall go in
front of the tub; and in every case where conditions are such that a person cannot control the tub from
behind, he shall not take the tub down unless sprags or other suitable contrivances are used to control
it. (e) Where required for use, a sufficient number of sprags of suitable material and dimensions shall be
provided. (f) Every tub while standing on a track having a gradient of more than 1 in 20 shall unless held
effectively by brakes or securely coupled to a haulage rope or locomotive, be effectively blocked,
chained or otherwise secured. (g) Except where haulage is effected by means of an endless rope, the
coupling and uncoupling to tubs shall as far as practicable, be done only when the tub or set of the tubs,
and the rope if connected to the set is not in motion. (h) As far as practicable tubs shall not be coupled
or uncoupled on a gradient. (3) No person shall ride on any tub or haulage rope except with the written
authority of the manager. A list of all persons so authorised shall be maintained. 90. Haulage Ropes – (1)
Every haulage engine shall be provided with an effective brake. 91. No rope shall be used for purposes of
haulage if it has any serious visible defect over any length. (2) Every rope which is capped shall be
recapped once at least in every six months, and if necessary, at shorter intervals, under the supervision
of a competent person. (3) For every haulage rope in use, a record of size, construction, quality, name of
supplier, and dates of installation and of recapping, shall be kept in a bound paged book kept for the
purpose, and all entries therein shall be made by the competent person who shall sign the same and
date his signature. 92. Roadway Conveyors – (1) Every roadway conveyor shall be so installed that – (a)
27
between the conveyor and one side of the roadway, there is a travelling space from obstruction not less
than one metre wide; (b) the conveyor or any part thereof does not scrape against wooden props or
supports; 57 (c) the anchoring of the return station of the conveyor is independent of the face or
roadway support. (2) Where the inclination of the conveyor is such as to give rise to danger from sliding
objects or material suitable devices shall be used to provide adequate protection against such danger.
(3) On every length of roadway in which a conveyor is installed for transporting loads over a distance
exceeding 30 metres, there shall be provided and maintained effective means of transmitting signals
from every point on the length of the road to the place at which the machinery working the conveyor is
operated: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require means of
transmitting signals in the reserve direction also. (4) No belt conveyor shall be used in a mine
belowground without the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as
he may specify therein. 93. Examination of haulage engines – (1) It shall be the duty of a competent
person to examine carefully - (a) once at least in every 24 hours, every haulage engine, brake-wheel,
rope and other appliance in use; and (b) once at least in every seven days, every track where the
haulage is effected by means of mechanical power of gravity, and every safety contrivance fitted
thereon. (2) 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 person who made the examination. 94. Examination of
haulage and travelling roadways – It shall be the duty of the overman or other competent person to
examine carefully, once at least in every seven days, the state of all haulage and travelling roads and
roadways, including roadways leading to all the outlets of the mine which are in use. 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 person who made the examination. 95. Locomotives – (1) No locomotive shall be used
belowground otherwise than in accordance with the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and
subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (2) No locomotive shall be used where the gradient
of the track exceeds 1 in 15. (3) No person other than the driver shall ride on any locomotive unless
authorised in writing to do so by the manager. (4) Except during shunting operations, the locomotive
shall lead the tubs or set or train of tubs. 1[95A. Road for trucks and dumpers – (1) All roads for trucks,
dumpers or other mobile machinery shall maintained in such condition as to be fit for their use. (2)
Except with the express permission of the Chief Inspector in writing and subject to such conditions he
may specify therein no load shall have a gradient steeper than 1 in 14 at any place]. 96. Movement of
wagons – (1) No adolescent shall be employed in moving railway wagons. (2) The movement of railway
wagons shall be carried on under the supervision of a competent male person who shall himself control
the brake. 58 (3) Before wagons are moved, persons likely to be endangered shall be warned by the
competent persons appointed under sub-regulation (2). (4) No person shall move or attempt to move a
wagon by pushing at the buffer, or by pulling from in front. (5) Where two or more wagons are moved
simultaneously, the wagons shall be coupled together, and the number shall not exceed the number
which can be effectively controlled; they shall be moved only by pushing from the sides or from behind
the last wagon. (6) No locomotive or wagon shall be moved when the natural light is insufficient, unless
the approaching end is distinguished by a suitable light or is accompanied by a person carrying a lamp.
(7) No person, other than the competent person referred to in-sub-regulation (2), shall pass immediately
in front of wagons moving under bins or screens, nor between moving wagons and the under-structure
of the bins or screens. (8) No person shall be upon the buffer of a locomotive or wagon in motion unless
28
there is a secure hard-hold, or stand thereon unless there is also a secure footplace. No person shall
pass over the coupling between any two wagons while the wagons are moving. (9) No person shall cross
a line of rails by crawling or passing underneath a train or wagon, nor shall a person sit or sleep
underneath a wagon. (10) Wherever railway wagons are specially placed so as to afford a thoroughfare,
such thoroughfare shall be not less than five metres in width. (11) No material shall be placed or
dumped within 1.2 metres from either side of a track of rails. (12) All space between the rails at switches
and crossings, in which the foot of a person is liable to be caught, shall, where possible, be kept filled
with concrete, tar, asphalt, or wooden blocks. 97. Fencings and gates – (1) Where any haulage road or
tramline passes over a public road, suitable gates shall be provided to prevent danger to public from a
moving tub, set or train of tubs or locomotive. Every such gate shall be fitted with a danger signal, and
when the natural light is insufficient, also with warning lamps. (2) Where occupied buildings are situated
within 15 metres of any haulage road or tramline, a substantial fence shall be provided and maintained
between such buildings and the haulage road or tramline. CHAPTER-X : Mine Workings 98. Opencast
worki
CHAPTER-IX : Transport of Men and Materials – Haulage 87. Haulage roadways – The following
provisions shall have effect with respect to every length of road or roadway in a mine where materials
are transported in tubs by means of gravity of mechanical power, namely : (1) Every such roadway shall
– (a) be of adequate dimensions and, as far as practicable, shall be straight and of regular gradient; and
(b) have tracks properly laid with rails of adequate section. (2)(a) Pulleys, sheaves and rollers that alter
the direction of a rope shall be securely fixed. 53 (b) No person shall guide or adjust a moving rope on to
a drum, pulley, sheave or roller except with a lever or other proper appliance. (3) Where haulage is
effected by one or more ropes, there shall be provided and maintained - (a) at the top of every inclined
plane, at least one stop-block or other effective contrivance to arrest tubs from running or moving out of
control; (b) at least one run way switch or other effective contrivance below the first stop-block or other
effective contrivance at a distance greater than the length of a set or train of tubs: Provided that such
distance shall not exceed the length of a set or train of tubs by more than 10 metres: Provided further
that where the Regional Inspector, by an order in writing so requires, the stop-block and the switch or
other effective contrivance aforesaid shall be so intercoupled that they do not remain simultaneously
ineffective: (c) an attachment, behind an ascending tub or set or train of tubs, of a back-stay, drag or
other suitable contrivance for preventing the tub, set or train of tubs running back. Where an endless
rope or chain is used, the provisions of this clause shall be deemed to be satisfied if suitable automatic
catches or other effective contrivance are provided at suitable intervals along the track to prevent the
ascending tubs running back : Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and
subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, grant exemption from the operation of this clause
on grounds that compliance with the provisions thereof is not reasonably practicable; (d) safety hooks,
jazz-rails or other suitable contrivances to prevent runaway in the forward direction; (e) tub re-railers at
intervals of not more than 250 metres. Where a tubs is re-railed manually, it shall either be detached
from the rope or ropes or the haulage engine which works the rope shall be stopped; and (f) on every
haulage roadway exceeding 30 metres in length, effective means of transmitting signal from every
stopping place on the roadway to the place at which the machinery working the rope is operated. All
signals shall be transmitted by mechanical or electrical means: Provided that the Regional Inspector
29
may, by an order in writing, require means of transmitting signals in the reverse direction also. If any
doubt arises as to whether any means of transmitting signal is effective or not, it shall be referred to the
Chief Inspector for decision. (4)(a)(i) The following code of signals shall be used and strictly observed –
ONE RAP .. STOP when in motion TWO RAPS .. LOWER or haul in slowly THREE RAPS .. START when at
rest FOUR RAPS .. RAISE or haul out slowly Any other signals shall be in addition to, and shall not
interfere with, the foregoing. (ii) A printed copy of the code of signals, including additional signals, if any,
shall be posted prominently at the place in which the machinery that works the rope is operated and at
all regular stopping places along the roadway. (iii) No person, other than a competent persons or an
official, shall give any signal. (b) Where in any mine belowground, a system of haulage roadway (and
conveyors, if any) extent to distance of more than 600 metres from the shaft or the entrance to the
mine, 54 efficient telephonic communication shall be provided and maintained between the end of
every such system and the bottom and top of the shaft or the entrance to the mine as the case may be :
Provided that where travelling is unduly arduous, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing,
require the provisions and maintenance of telephonic communication shall be provided and maintained
between the end of every such system and the bottom and top of the shaft or the entrance to the mine
as the case may be : Provided that where travelling is unduly arduous, the Regional Inspector may, by an
order in writing, require the provision and maintenance of telephonic communication in any other case
also. (c) Where telephones or electrical signals are provided - (i) adequate precautions shall be taken to
prevent signal and telephone wires coming into contact with other cables and electrical apparatus; (ii)
signal wires shall be supported on insulators, and shall not be energised at more than 30 volts; (iii)
contact makers shall be so constructed as to prevent accidental closing of the circuit; and (iv) 1[in every
gassy seam of the second or third degree], all signalling or telephonic communication circuit shall be
constructed, installed, protected, operated and maintained in such a manner as be intrinsically safe. (5)
At places where telephone receivers are installed or where signals and safety contrivances are regularly
operated, every person using the telephone or operating any such signal or safety contrivance shall be
afforded adequate protection against tubs moving out of control. (6)(a) Where any person is allotted to
work or pass while the haulage is in motion, manholes for refuge shall be provided at intervals of not
more than 10 metres: Provided that where the gradient is less than 1 in 6 such manholes may be
provided at intervals of not more than 20 metres. (b) Manholes shall be not less than 1.8 metres in
height and 1.2 metres in depth, and not less than 0.75 metres but not more than one metre in width:
Provided that where the roadway is less than 1.8 metres in height, the manholes may be made to the
full height of the roadway: Provided further that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and
subject to such condition as he may specify therein, permit the use as manholes or cross-roadways other
than haulage roadways, of dimensions larger than those aforesaid. (c) Every manhole shall be kept clean
and clear of obstruction, and white washed both inside and for a distance of not less than 0.3 metres
around the aperture. (d) As far as practicable, all manholes shall be provided on one side of the haulage
roadway. (e) In case where there are serious practical difficulties in providing manholes as specified in
clauses (a) and (b), the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as
he may specify therein, permit manholes to be at greater intervals or of other dimensions. (f) Except
where haulage is effected by means of an endless rope or chain, whenever the haulage rope is in
motion, every person on the haulage roadway shall take shelter in a manhole. 55 (7) The manager shall,
by an order in writing, in respect of every haulage road or roadway, fix the maximum number of tubs,
30
according as to whether they are loaded or not loaded, that may be coupled together to run as a set or
train. A notice specifying the number of tubs so fixed shall be posted prominently at the top and at all
regular stopping places of the haulage road or roadway. (8) At all places where tubs are coupled or
uncoupled, there shall be a clear space of not less than one metre – (a) between, the tubs and one side
of the roadway; and (b) where there are two or more tracks also between the adjacent tracks. (9)(a)
When any roadway or face is in direct line with a haulage track and persons may be exposed to danger
from runaway tubs, a strong buffer or other effective contrivance to prevent such danger shall be
provided and maintained. (b) A stopblock or other effective contrivance shall be provided near the
entrance of every tramming roadway branching off the main haulage road or roadway, and on every
track which slopes towards a shaft. 88. Travelling roadways – (1) Except when an exemption in writing
has been granted by the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein,
travelling roadways, separate from haulage roadways on which haulage is effected by mechanical means
or gravity, shall be provided for persons to travel to and from their working places. (2) Every such
travelling roadway shall – (a) be not less than 1.8 metres high throughout; (b) where the inclination
exceeds 30 degrees from the horizontal, be provided with suitable steps or ladders; (c) where the
inclination exceeds 45 degrees from the horizontal, be provided, in addition to steps or ladders, with
hand rails or ropes so as to ensure safe travel; and (d) where the inclination exceeds 60 degrees from
the horizontal, be provided, in addition to the steps or ladders and rails or ropes, with suitable platforms
at intervals not exceeding 10 metres measured along the slope. (3) Except for purposes of inspection,
examination or repair, every person other than an official of a haulage attendant shall travel by the
travelling roadway. (4) Where persons using a travelling roadway have to cross a conveyor or a haulage
worked by mechanical means or gravity, a suitable cross-over or cross-under bridge or other suitable
device approved in writing by the Regional Inspector shall be provided. (5) No haulage shall be used for
the general conveyance of persons except with the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and
subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. 89. Tubs and their movement – (1)(a) On every tub
there shall be provided and maintained at each coupling end a strong buffer projecting beyond the end
and so arranged that when two such tubs are in tandem, the gap between the innermost ends shall not
be less than 20 centimeters. (b) On every side-tipping tub in use, safety-catches shall beprovided to
prevent accidental tipping. No tub or set or train of tubs shall be set in motion unless all the safety
catches are properly secured. (c) The attachment between a rope or locomotive and a tub or set or train
of tubs and the attachment between any two tubs in a set or train, shall be of a type approved in writing
by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order and so maintained as to obviate accidental
disconnection. 56 (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 once at least in every 14 days, by a
competent person appointed for the purpose. 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 person who made the
examination. (2)(a) When tubs are about to be moved, persons likely to be endangered shall be warned.
(b) Two or more tubs shall not be moved by hand in close succession but shall be coupled and moved
together. Two tubs shall be deemed to be in close succession when the distance between them at any
time in less than 10 metres. (c) No person shall cause or permit a tub to run uncontrolled except with
the written permission of the manager: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing,
prohibit the uncontrolled movement of tubs at any place if he is of the opinion that such movement is
31
likely to cause danger. (d) No person while taking a tub down a gradient exceeding 1 in 20, shall go in
front of the tub; and in every case where conditions are such that a person cannot control the tub from
behind, he shall not take the tub down unless sprags or other suitable contrivances are used to control
it. (e) Where required for use, a sufficient number of sprags of suitable material and dimensions shall be
provided. (f) Every tub while standing on a track having a gradient of more than 1 in 20 shall unless held
effectively by brakes or securely coupled to a haulage rope or locomotive, be effectively blocked,
chained or otherwise secured. (g) Except where haulage is effected by means of an endless rope, the
coupling and uncoupling to tubs shall as far as practicable, be done only when the tub or set of the tubs,
and the rope if connected to the set is not in motion. (h) As far as practicable tubs shall not be coupled
or uncoupled on a gradient. (3) No person shall ride on any tub or haulage rope except with the written
authority of the manager. A list of all persons so authorised shall be maintained. 90. Haulage Ropes – (1)
Every haulage engine shall be provided with an effective brake. 91. No rope shall be used for purposes of
haulage if it has any serious visible defect over any length. (2) Every rope which is capped shall be
recapped once at least in every six months, and if necessary, at shorter intervals, under the supervision
of a competent person. (3) For every haulage rope in use, a record of size, construction, quality, name of
supplier, and dates of installation and of recapping, shall be kept in a bound paged book kept for the
purpose, and all entries therein shall be made by the competent person who shall sign the same and
date his signature. 92. Roadway Conveyors – (1) Every roadway conveyor shall be so installed that – (a)
between the conveyor and one side of the roadway, there is a travelling space from obstruction not less
than one metre wide; (b) the conveyor or any part thereof does not scrape against wooden props or
supports; 57 (c) the anchoring of the return station of the conveyor is independent of the face or
roadway support. (2) Where the inclination of the conveyor is such as to give rise to danger from sliding
objects or material suitable devices shall be used to provide adequate protection against such danger.
(3) On every length of roadway in which a conveyor is installed for transporting loads over a distance
exceeding 30 metres, there shall be provided and maintained effective means of transmitting signals
from every point on the length of the road to the place at which the machinery working the conveyor is
operated: Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require means of
transmitting signals in the reserve direction also. (4) No belt conveyor shall be used in a mine
belowground without the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as
he may specify therein. 93. Examination of haulage engines – (1) It shall be the duty of a competent
person to examine carefully - (a) once at least in every 24 hours, every haulage engine, brake-wheel,
rope and other appliance in use; and (b) once at least in every seven days, every track where the
haulage is effected by means of mechanical power of gravity, and every safety contrivance fitted
thereon. (2) 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 person who made the examination. 94. Examination of
haulage and travelling roadways – It shall be the duty of the overman or other competent person to
examine carefully, once at least in every seven days, the state of all haulage and travelling roads and
roadways, including roadways leading to all the outlets of the mine which are in use. 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 person who made the examination. 95. Locomotives – (1) No locomotive shall be used
belowground otherwise than in accordance with the permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and
subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (2) No locomotive shall be used where the gradient
32
of the track exceeds 1 in 15. (3) No person other than the driver shall ride on any locomotive unless
authorised in writing to do so by the manager. (4) Except during shunting operations, the locomotive
shall lead the tubs or set or train of tubs. 1[95A. Road for trucks and dumpers – (1) All roads for trucks,
dumpers or other mobile machinery shall maintained in such condition as to be fit for their use. (2)
Except with the express permission of the Chief Inspector in writing and subject to such conditions he
may specify therein no load shall have a gradient steeper than 1 in 14 at any place]. 96. Movement of
wagons – (1) No adolescent shall be employed in moving railway wagons. (2) The movement of railway
wagons shall be carried on under the supervision of a competent male person who shall himself control
the brake. 58 (3) Before wagons are moved, persons likely to be endangered shall be warned by the
competent persons appointed under sub-regulation (2). (4) No person shall move or attempt to move a
wagon by pushing at the buffer, or by pulling from in front. (5) Where two or more wagons are moved
simultaneously, the wagons shall be coupled together, and the number shall not exceed the number
which can be effectively controlled; they shall be moved only by pushing from the sides or from behind
the last wagon. (6) No locomotive or wagon shall be moved when the natural light is insufficient, unless
the approaching end is distinguished by a suitable light or is accompanied by a person carrying a lamp.
(7) No person, other than the competent person referred to in-sub-regulation (2), shall pass immediately
in front of wagons moving under bins or screens, nor between moving wagons and the under-structure
of the bins or screens. (8) No person shall be upon the buffer of a locomotive or wagon in motion unless
there is a secure hard-hold, or stand thereon unless there is also a secure footplace. No person shall
pass over the coupling between any two wagons while the wagons are moving. (9) No person shall cross
a line of rails by crawling or passing underneath a train or wagon, nor shall a person sit or sleep
underneath a wagon. (10) Wherever railway wagons are specially placed so as to afford a thoroughfare,
such thoroughfare shall be not less than five metres in width. (11) No material shall be placed or
dumped within 1.2 metres from either side of a track of rails. (12) All space between the rails at switches
and crossings, in which the foot of a person is liable to be caught, shall, where possible, be kept filled
with concrete, tar, asphalt, or wooden blocks. 97. Fencings and gates – (1) Where any haulage road or
tramline passes over a public road, suitable gates shall be provided to prevent danger to public from a
moving tub, set or train of tubs or locomotive. Every such gate shall be fitted with a danger signal, and
when the natural light is insufficient, also with warning lamps. (2) Where occupied buildings are situated
within 15 metres of any haulage road or tramline, a substantial fence shall be provided and maintained
between such buildings and the haulage road or tramline. CHAPTER-X : Mine Workings 98. Opencast
workings – In opencast workings, the following precautions shall be observed, nalely: - (1) In alluvial soil,
morum gravel, clay, debris or other similar ground - (a)(i) the sides shall be sloped at an angle of safety
not exceeding 45 degrees from the horizontal or such other angle as the Regional Inspector may permit
by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein; or (ii) the sides shall be
kept benched and the height of any bench shall not exceed 1.5 metres and the breadth thereof shall not
be less than the height: 59 Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject
to such conditions as he may specify therein, exempt from the operation of this clause any working in
the case of which special difficulties exist, which in his opinion make compliance with the provisions
thereof not reasonably practicable; and (b) where any pillar is left in situ for the purpose of
measurement, its height shall not exceed 2.5 metres; and where the height of such pillar exceeds 1.25
metres, the base of the pillar shall not be less than 1.5 metres in diameter. (2) In an excavation in any
33
hard and compact ground or in prospecting trenches or pits, the sides shall be adequately benched,
slopped or secured so as to prevent danger from fall of sides. (3) In coal, the sides shall either be kept
sloped at an angle of safety not exceeding 45 degrees from the horizontal, or the sides shall be kept
benched and the height of any bench shall not exceeds three metres and the breadth thereof shall not
be less than the height: Provided that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such
conditions as he may specify therein, exempt from the operation of this sub-regulation any working, in
the case of which special difficulties exist which in his opinion make compliance with the provisions
thereof not reasonably practicable. (4) No tree, loose stone or debris shall be allowed to remain within a
distance of three metres from the edge or side of the excavation. (5) No person shall undercut any face
or side or cause or permit such undercutting as to cause any overhanging. 99. Development work – (1)
The dimensions of pillars and galleries, and the shape of pillars, formed in any seam or section shall be
such as to ensure stability during the formation and extraction of pillars and during the period between
such formation and extraction. (2) Save with the previous permission in writing of the Region Inspector
and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein no gallery in a seam or section shall exceed
three metres in height or 4.8 metres in width at any place. (3) The pillars formed in any seam or section
shall normally be rectangular in shape. (4) The distance between the centres of any two adjacent pillars
left in a seam or section shall not be less than that specified in the appended table as corresponding to
the depth of the seam or section from the surface at that point and the width of the galleries in the
workings in question. Where the width of the galleries does not exceed 3.0 metres Where the width of
the galleries does not exceed 3.6 metres Where the width of the galleries does not exceed 4.2 metres
Where the width of the galleries does not exceed 4.8 metres Depth of seam from surface The distance
between centres of adjacent pillars shall not be less than 1 2 3 4 5 Metres Metres Metres Metres Not
exceeding 60 metres 12.0 15.0 18.0 19.5 Exceeding 60 but not exceeding 90 metres 13.5 16.5 19.5 21.0
Exceeding 90 but not exceeding 150 metres 16.5 19.5 22.5 25.5 Exceeding 150 but not exceeding 240
metres 22.5 25.5 30.0 34.5 Exceeding 240 but not exceeding 360 metres 28.5 34.5 39.0 45.0 Exceeding
360 metres 39.0 42.0 45.0 48.0 60 (5) Nothing in sub-regulation (2), (3) and (4) shall apply to workings in
a mine made before 7th September, 1926. In such workings, the following provisions shall apply, except
during the extraction or reduction of pillars - (a) If the distance between the centres of adjacent pillars is
smaller than that specified in the table appended to sub-regulation (4) the pillars shall not be further
reduced; or (b) If the distance between the centres of adjacent pillar is not small that that specified in
the table appended to sub-regulation (4), the pillars shall not be so reduced as to render such distance
smaller than – (i) the distance so specified; or (ii) any distance required in this behalf by the Regional
Inspector; and (c) The height and width of the galleries shall not be further increased without the
permission in writing of the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein.
(6) In the case of all workings, where in the opinion of the Regional Inspector the dimensions of pillars or
galleries are such as to render it likely that crushing of pillars or the premature collapse of any part of
the workings will occur either before or during the extraction of pillars, he may, by an order in writing
require such modification of the dimensions aforesaid in respect of any future working as he may
specify. 100. Depillaring operations – (1) No extraction or reduction of pillars shall be commenced,
conducted or carried out except with the permission in writing of the 1[Regional Inspector] and in
accordance with such conditions as he may specify therein. An application for permission under this sub-
regulation shall be accompanied by two copies of an up-to-date plan of the area where pillars are
34
proposed to be reduced or extracted showing the proposed extend of extraction or reduction of pillars,
the manner in which such extraction or reduction is to be carried out the thickness and depth of the
seam, the nature of the roof, and the rate and direction of dip. (2) The extraction or reduction of pillars
shall be conducted in such a way as to prevent, as far as possible the extension of a collapse or
subsidence of the goaf over pillars which have not been extracted. (3)(a) Ave as provided by clause (b),
no pillars shall be reduced or split in such a manner as to reduce the dimensions of the resultant pillars
below those required by regulation 99 or by any order made thereunder, nor shall any gallery be so
heightened as to exceed three metres. (b) During the extraction of pillars, no splitting or reduction of
pillars or heightening of galleries shall be affected for a distance greater than the length of two pillars
ahead of the pillar that is being extracted or reduced : Provided that where pillar extraction is about to
begin in a district such splitting or reduction of pillars or the heightening of galleries shall be restricted to
a maximum of four pillars. The width of the split-galleries shall not exceed the width prescribed for
galleries under regulation 99(4). (c) The Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and stating the
reasons therefor, relax or restrict the provisions of this sub-regulation in respect of any specified
workings to such extend and on such conditions as he may specify therein. 1[ * * * * * *] (5) Whether
the method of extraction is to remove all the coal or as much of the coal as practicable and to allow the
roof to cave in, the operations shall be conducted in such a way as to leave as small an area of
uncollapsed roof as possible 2[with due to danger from an air 61 blast or weighting on pillars.] Where
possible, suitable means shall be adopted to bring down the goaf at regular intervals. (6) Where the
voids formed as a result of extraction are stowed with sand or other materials, the owner, agent or
manager shall, on or before the 10th day of every month submit to the Regional Inspector a statement
giving the quantity of coal raised and the quantity of sand or other material stowed in every district
during the preceding month. 3[100A. Extraction of coal by method other than the Bord and Pillar system
– Where in any mine or part thereof it is proposed to extract coal by a system other than the bord and
pillar system, the owner, agent or manager shall give notice in writing of the proposed system of
working to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector in Form III of the Third Schedule and no such
system shall be commenced or carried out except with the permission in writing and in accordance with
such conditions as the Chief Inspector may specify by an order in writing]. 101. Saving clause – Nothing
in regulation 99 or regulation 100 shall prevent the driving of any gallery through any pillar or the
enlargement of any gallery beyond the limits specified by or under these regulations, where in the
opinion of the manager such work is necessary for haulage, ventilation, drainage or any other purpose
necessary for the proper working of the mine, if 14 days’ previous notice in writing of the intention to
commence such work has been given to the Regional Inspector. Every such notice shall be accompanied
by an offset plan showing details of the operation. If in the opinion of the Regional Inspector such work
is likely to endanger the stability of the workings, he may, by an order in writing, require the completion,
before commencing such drivage or enlargement, of such protective works as he may specify therein.
102. Roads and working places – (1) The roof and sides of all working places and travelling roadways,
including airways and travelling road-ways to second outlets, shall be made and kept secure. (2) Proper
provision shall be made to prevent the premature collapse of workings; and adequate steps shall be
taken to isolate, control or remedy any such collapse which may occur. (3) Whenever crush of pillars or
any symptom of an impending collapse other than ordinarily caused by pillar extraction is detected, the
manager shall inform the Regional Inspector forthwith. 103. Powers of Inspectors – If in any mine or part
35
thereof, it appears to the Regional Inspector that the provisions of regulations 98,99, 100 and 102 or of
any order issued under any of these regulations have not been complied with, he may give notice in
writing to the owner, agent or manager requiring him to take such protective measures, within such
time as he may specify in the notice. In case of non-compliance with the requirements of the notice, the
Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, prohibit the extraction of coal in the part or parts of the
mine in which protective measures are required to be taken, until the requirements specified in the
notice are complied with. 4[103A. Pointing out contraventions during inspections – (1) If the Chief
Inspector or an Inspector, during his inspection of any mine, finds or comes to know of any
contravention of any provisions of Act or the regulations, rules, bylaws of orders made thereunder, he
shall enter such contravention in an inter leafed paged and bound register kept for the purpose at the
mine, in Form VI and shall also point out such contravention to the owner, agent or manager, it present
on the spot. The Chief Inspector or the Inspector making the entry in the Register aforesaid shall duly
sign such entries with date, and take a carbon copy of the entries for his record: Provided that the Chief
Inspector or the Inspector need not enter such contraventions which require confirmation after a survey
or other further examination and he may subsequently 62 intimate the owner, agent or manager,
specifying the contraventions, if confirmed, and also any other contraventions which were, by
inadvertence, not entered in the register aforesaid:] 1 [Provided further that an entry made in the
register or the absence of an entry therein as also a communication in pursuance with the aforesaid
proviso or absence thereof shall not in any way limit the duties or obligations of a person under the Act
or the regulations, rules, bye-laws or orders made thereunder] 2 [(2) When an entry is made in the
register – (a) the owner, agent and manager shall each be deemed to know what is contained in that
entry; and (b) a copy thereof shall be displayed within three days of the date of such entry on the notice
board of the mine for not less than fifteen days.] (3) The owner, agent or manager of the mine shall
return one copy, within a period not exceeding fifteen days from the date of the entry, to the Chief
Inspector or the Inspector who made the entry with remarks thereon showing the action taken to
remedy the contravention and the date on which such action was taken. 1 [(4) The register – (a) shall be
kept available for inspection in the office of the mine for a period of at least three years after the date of
making of the last entry in it; and (b) shall not be removed therefrom before the expiry of the aforesaid
period, except by or with approval in writing of the Regional Inspector.] 104. Multi-section and
contiguous workings – (1) No work in a higher seam or section shall be done over an area in a lower
seam or section which may collapse. (2)(a) No workings shall be made in more than one section in any
seam, nor shall workings made in any two seams lying within nine metres of each other, without the
prior permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify
therein. (b) Every application for permission under the sub-regulation shall be accompanied by two
copies of a plan showing the proposed layout of the workings, a section of the seam or seams, the depth
of the seam(s) from the surface, the rate and direction of dip, the proposed dimensions of pillars and
galleries in each seam or section, and the thickness of the parting between the seams or sections. (c)
Where two or more such seams or sections are worked in a mine, the pillars in one seam or section shall
as far as practicable, be vertically above or below the pillars in the other seam or section unless the
strata are inclined at an angle of more than 30 degrees from the horizontal. (d) The parting left between
any two such seams or section shall not be less than three metres in thickness at any place : Provided
that the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify
36
therein, permit or require a smaller or greater thickness of parting, as the case may be. 105. Workings
under railways and roads, etc. – (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 45 metres of any railway, or of any public
works in respect of which this regulation is applicable by reason of any general or special order of the
Central Government, or of any public road or building, or of other permanent structure not belonging to
the owner of the mine, without the prior permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such
conditions as he may specify therein. 63 (2) Every application for permission under sub-regulation (1)
shall specify the position of the workings of the mine in relation to the railway or public road or works or
building or structure concerned, 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
as they affect the railway or public road or works or building or structure concerned. A copy of the
application shall also be sent in the case of a railway, to the railway administration concerned; and in the
case of any public works as aforesaid, in such authority as the Central Government may by general or
special order direct. (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the regulations, the stability of such
railway, road, works, building or structure shall not be endangered until it has been dismantled, diverted
or vacated, as the case may be. (4) Where the stability of such railway, road, works, buildings or
structure has been endangered due to any mining operations, the Chief Inspector may, by an order, in
writing, require the owner to construct in the mine belowground or on the surface such protective
works within such time as he may specify in the order. 106. Protective works before a mine is closed –
3[(1) The Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing, require the owner of any mine to which regulation
6 applies, to construct in the mine belowground or on the surface such protective works within such
time as he may specify therein. 1 [(2) If the owner fails to construct such protective works within the
time specified in the order, the Chief Inspector may get the works executed by any other agency, and
the cost thereof, as certified by the Chief Inspector shall be defrayed by the owner of the mine and
recoverable from him as an arrear of land revenue. (3) Until the protective works have been constructed
to the satisfaction of the Chief Inspector, the means of entering the mine at not less than two entrances
shall be kept intact and in working order.] 2 [107. Working and mine boundaries – (1) The owner, agent
or manager of every mine shall have fixed boundaries of the mine and notwithstanding anything
contained in sub-regulation (2), these shall not be changed except with the express permission of the
Chief Inspector in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (2) No working shall
be made within a distance equal to half the distance as specified in column (5) of table under sub-
regulation (4) of regulation 99, corresponding to the depth of the seam being worked, of the boundary
of any mine and in case of a disputed boundary no working shall be made within the aforesaid distance
of the boundary claimed by the owner of an adjacent mine until such time as a binding agreement has
been reached as to the correct boundary or the question has been finally determined by a court of law:
Provided that, where work is done in more than one seam, the barrier kept at the boundary shall, as far
as practicable, be vertically coincident and of the same dimensions: Provided further that, where the
workings of any seam, for any reason, are extended or get extended within any shorter distance than
what is laid down herein above, the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing, require the owner to
construct such protective works within such time as he may specify in the order. (3) Notwithstanding
anything contained in sub-regulation (2), the Chief Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to
37
such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the workings of any mine or part thereof to extend
within any shorter distance than what is laid down in sub-regulation (2) or may require that the said
working shall not extend further than a specified distance.] 64 3 [108. Systematic Support Rules – (1) The
provisions of this regulation with respect to systematic support shall apply to – (a) every district in a
mine in which extraction or reduction of pillars is going on; (b) every “longwall” working;] 4 [(bb) every
development working within 10 metres of face and every junction of roadways immediately outbye of a
development face;] (c) every working in a disturbed or crushed ground; and (d) any mine or part of a
mine where, in the opinion of the regional inspector, the roof or side is of such a nature as to require
artificial support. 5[(2) The manager of every mine having workings below ground shall, before
commencing any operation specified in sub-regulation (1) and also when required by the Regional
Inspector, frame, with due regard to the physico-mechanical properties of strata, local geological
conditions, system of work and mechanisation, and past expreience and enforce Systematic Support
Rules specifying in relation to each working place the type and specifications of supports and the
intervals between. (i) supports on roadways including places where machinery is used for cutting,
conveying or loading; (ii) each row of props, roof bolts or other supports; (iii) adjacent rows of props,
roof bolts or other supports; (iv) last row of supports and the face; (v) hydraulic chocks and powered
supports; and (vi) the pack and the face: Provided that, in respect of a mine where development
operations are already in progress, the Systematic Support Rules in relation to the working places
specified in clauses (bb) and (c) of sub-regulation (1) shall be framed and enforced within 15 days of the
date of coming into force of this sub-regulation. 1 [(2) If the owner fails to construct such protective
works within the time specified in the order, the Chief Inspector may get the works executed by any
other agency, and the cost thereof, as certified by the Chief Inspector shall be defrayed by the owner of
the mine and recoverable from him as an arrear of land revenue. (3) Until the protective works have
been constructed to the satisfaction of the Chief Inspector, the means of entering the mine at not less
than two entrances shall be kept intact and in working order.] 2[107. Working near mine boundaries –
(1) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall have fixed boundaries of the mine and
notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (2), these shall not be changed except with the
express permission of the Chief Inspector in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify
therein.’ (2) No working shall be made within a distance equal to half the distance as specified in column
(5) of table under sub-regulation (4) of regulation 99, corresponding to the depth of the seam being
worked, of the boundary of any mine and in case of a disputed boundary no working shall be made
within the aforesaid distance of the boundary claimed by the owner of an adjacent mine until such time
as a binding agreement has been reached as to the correct boundary or the question has been finally
determinated by a court of law: Provided that, where work is done in more than one seam, the barrier
kept at the boundary shall, as far as practicable, be vertically coincident and of the same dimensions:
Provided further that, where the workings of any seam, for any reason, are extended or get extended
within any shorter distance than what is laid down herein above, the Chief Inspector may, by an order in
writing, require the owner to construct such protective works within such time as he may specify in the
order. 65 (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (2), the Chief Inspector may, by an
order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit the workings of any
mine or part thereof to extend within any shorter distance than what is laid down in sub-regulation (2)
or may require that the said working shall not extend further than a specified distance.] 3 [108.
38
Systematic Support Rules - (1) The provisions of this regulation with respect to systematic support shall
apply to – (a) every district in a mine in which extraction or reduction of pillars is going on; (b) every
“longwall” working] 4 [(bb) every development working within 10 metres of face and every junction of
roadways immediately outbye of a development face;] (c) every working in a disturbed or crushed
ground; and (d) any mine or part of a mine where, in the opinion of the regional inspector, the roof or
side is of such a nature as to required artificial support. 5 [(2) The manager of every mine having
workings below ground shall, before commencing any operation specified in sub-regulation (1) and also
when required by the Regional Inspector, frame, with due regard to the physico-mechanical properties
of strata, local geological conditions, system of work and mechanisation, and past experience, and
enforce Systematic Support Rules specifying in relation to each working place the type and specifications
of supports and the intervals between. (i) supports on roadways including places where machinery is
used for cutting, conveying or loading; (ii) each row of props, roof bolts or other supports; (iii) adjacent
rows of props, roof bolts or other supports; (iv) last row of supports and the face; (v) hydraulic chocks
and powered supports; and (vi) the pack and the face: Provided that, in respect of a mine where
development operations are alrady in progress, the Systematic Support Rules in relation to the working
places specified in clauses (bb) and (c) of sub-regulation (1) shall be framed and enforced within 15 days
of the date of coming into force of this sub-regulation. (3) The manager shall, at least 30 days before the
commencement of any operation specified in sub-regulation (1) and subject to the proviso to sub-
regulation (2) submit a copy of the Systematic Support Rules to the Regional Inspector who may at any
time, by an order in writing, require such modification in the Rules as he may specify therein.] (4) The
Manager shall hand over copies of the Systematic Support Rules 1 [ ] together with illustrative sketches,
to all 1 [ ] supervisory officials concerned including the Assistant Manager and Under Manager and shall
also post such copies at all conspicuous places in the mine. (5) The Manager and such supervising
officials shall be responsible for securing effective compliance with the provisions of the Systematic
Support Rules, and no mine or part of a mine shall be worked in contravention thereof.] 2 [(6) The
manager shall formulate and implement a code of Standing Orders specifying – (a) the system and the
organisation for procurement and supply of supports of suitable material, adequate strength and in
sufficient quantity where these are required to be readily available for use; (b) the method of handling
including dismantling and assembling where necessary and transportation of the supports from the
surface to the face and from the face line to their new site; 66 (c) the system and the organisation for
maintenance and checking of supports, dressing the roof and side erecting, examining and re-tightening
of supports and re-erecting dislodged supports, including the use of appropriate tools; (d) the panel of
competent persons for engagement as substitutes in the event of a regular supportsman or dresser
absenting from duty; and (e) the manner of making all concerned persons such as loaders, dressers,
supportsmen, shortfirers, sirdars, overmen and assistant managers including persons empanelled for
engagement as substitute supportsman or dresser fully conversant with the Systematic Support Rules
and the Codes of Standing Orders under this sub-regulation and under regulation 110 and the nature of
work to be performed by each in that behalf.] 3 [109 Setting of support – (1)(a) Every prop shall be set
securely and on a sound foundation, shall be kept tight against the roof. (b) Where a prop is set on sand
or, other loose material, a flat base-piece not less than 5 centimeter in thickness 25 centimeters in width
and 75 centimeters in length shall be used. (c) The lid used over a prop shall have a width not less than
the diameter of the prop, a thickness not less than 8 centimeters and a length not less than 50
39
centimeters. (2) Every bar set for supporting the roof of a roadway shall be set securely on props or on
cogs on steel clamps of suitable design and adequate strength, securely fixed on the sides of the
roadway in holes at least 50 centimeter deep made in the sides of the roadway and shall be made and
kept tight against roof. Where lagging is necessary the number of laggings shall not be less than one for
every metre length of the bar and the laggings shall be made and kept tight against the roof. (3)(a) Every
cog used as a support shall be well built and set on the natural floor or on a secure foundation, and shall
be made and kept tight maintaining maximum possible contact against the roof. (b) Only rectangular
pieces shall be used as members of a cog, so however that, in case of timber it shall be sufficient to
joggle two opposite sides. (c) The cogging members shall be not less than 1.2 metres in length. (d)
Before erecting cogs in a depillaring area, props shall be erected at the corners of each cog. (4) In
inclined seams the supporting props and cogs shall be so set as a ensure maximum support having
regard to the inclination of the seam or roadway and probable strata movement. Where necessary such
supports shall be re-inforced to prevent displacement. (5) Every ledge and every prominent crack or slip
in the roof shall be kept supported with at least a pair of cogs or cross-bars suitable lagged. (6)
Overhanging sides shall be dressed down. Where this is not practicable, stay props or other suitable
means of support shall be erected at intervals not exceeding one metre. (7) Where sand or other
material is stowed or a pack is formed for the purpose of support, it shall be packed or made as tight
against the roof as practicable over its whole area. (8) (a) Roof and sides and supports shall be tested as
often as necessary; and except where it is not longer necessary for purposes of support, any support
loosened, broken or dislodged by or removed in any operation shall be tightened, replaced ore reset
with the least possible delay and particularly before persons are allowed to pass or resume work after
an interruption. Where floor coal or roof coal is taken shorter props shall be replaced with longer props.
67 (b) In every place wherein roof coal is taken or a fall or roof or sides has occurred, no work of
cleaning the dislodged coal or the fall or any part thereof shall be undertaken nor shall any person be
allowed to pass, until the newly exposed roof and sides in the vicinity thereof have been examined and
made safe, if necessary, by temporary supports. (9) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-
regulation (8), only such minimum number of persons may be engaged under the supervision of a sirdar
or overman as may be necessary for securing the roof and sides threat. (10) Where roof bolts are used
for support, bolts shall be securely fixed in place. (11) (a) Powered supports, hydraulic chocks or link-
bars shall be advanced as soon as practicable after a web of coal has been taken off the face so as to
ensure that the area of unsupported newly exposed roof is kept to a minimum. (b) Powered supports,
hydraulic chocks and props and friction props shall be set securely and checked from time to time. When
any defect is detected in any powered support or hydraulic chock the same shall be attended to as soon
as possible and until then the roof at that place shall be kept effectively supported with conventional
supports. Any defective hydraulic or friction prop shall be replaced immediately. (c) Where, by reason of
any irregularity in the roof, floor or sides or due to any other reasons, any powered support or hydraulic
chock become ineffective, conventional supports in sufficient number shall be used”. 1 [110. Withdrawal
of supports – Whenever supports are to be withdrawn, the withdrawal shall be done in accordance with
the method which shall be specified in the Manager’s Standing Orders. The standing orders shall cover –
(a) the supply and use of appropriate tools and safety contrivances; (b) the setting of extra supports to
control the collapse of roof from which supports are being withdrawn; (c) the sequence of withdrawal of
supports; withdrawal of a cog to precede withdrawal of its corner props; (d) safe positioning of the
40
persons engaged in the operation and all other persons present nearby; (e) training of competent
persons who are entrusted with the operations; and (f) supervision during withdrawal of supports.] 111.
Steep workings – (1) In workings having an inclination of 30 degrees or more from the horizontal
adequate precautions shall be taken to prevent danger to persons from falling or rolling of timber, tools
or other appliances or material. (2) No person shall work or be permitted to work at any place having an
inclination of 45 degrees or more from the horizontal, where he is likely to slip or overbalance, unless he
is secured by a safety belt or life line or is otherwise safeguarded. 112. Fencings and gates – (1)(a) The
top of every opencast working shall be kept securely fenced. (b) Where an excavation which has been
formed as a result of any mining operation, extends within a distance of 15 metres from a public road or
any building, substantial fencing shall be erected and maintained around the excavation. (c) Where as a
result of mining operations, a subsidence of the surface has taken place or is likely to take place and
persons are likely to be endangered thereby, the owner, agent or manager shall keep the entire surface
area securely and effectively fenced. 68 (2) Every entrance to a shaft, staple pit, sump, goaf or other
dangerous place shall be provided with an efficient fence, barrier or gate, so designed and constructed
as to effectively prevent any person from entering or falling therein. (3) Where a shaft or staple pit or a
gallery having an inclination of more than 30 degrees from the horizontal leads directly into a working
place or travelling roadway, such place or roadway and any working place situated on its dip side, shall
be securely guarded or otherwise protected as to prevent danger to persons from falling materials. (4)
Every entrance from a roadway in a mine to a part of the mine which, for the time being, is neither being
worked nor being used for any purpose, by reason of any cause whatsoever, shall be provided with a
fence, barrier or gate so designed and constructed as to prevent any person from inadvertently entering
that part of the mine. (5) (a) Shafts and opencast workings temporarily or permanently out of use and
any place in or about an excavation which is dangerous shall be completely filled in or kept securely
fenced: Provided that if in the opinion of the Regional Inspector, any disused trench, pit or other
excavation is dangerous, he may, by an order in writing, require the same to be filled in to the level of
the adjacent ground. (b) Before a mine is abandoned or the working thereof discontinued, the owner,
agent or manager shall cause the top or entrance of every shaft, incline or other opening into the mine
to be fenced by a structure of a permanent character sufficient effectively to prevent persons falling into
or entering the same. 113. Examination by Sirdars – (1) Every place in a mine, whether belowground or
in opencast working including travelling roadways and landings, where work is carried on or where
persons are stationed or required to pass shall be placed under the charge of a sirdar or other
competent person. (2) The mine or district assigned to a sirdar or other competent person shall not be
of such a size, nor shall any additional duties other than his duties under the regulations be such, as to
be likely to prevent him from carrying out in a thorough manner the duties prescribed for him under the
regulations. If any doubt arises as to the foregoing, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for
decision. (3)(a) At the entrance to every mine or district, one ore more stations shall be fixed by the
manager; and except in the case of a mine working in a continuous succession of shifts no person other
the persons making the examination under clause (b) or an official shall pass beyond any such station
until all the roadways and working places to which such persons are required to have access, have been
examined by the competent person 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 one shift. 1 [(b) The sirdar
41
or other competent person accompanied by such assistants as may be required shall, within two hours
before the connection 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 all roadways and working places where work is
temporarily stopped and shall ascertain the condition thereof as regards ventilation, sanitation, the
presence of gases, the state of the roof and sides, presence of spontaneous heating and other fire risks,
and generally so far as the safety of the persons is concerned. Similar inspections shall be made once at
least in every four hours during which the shift continues, of all the roadways and other working places
to which persons engaged in the mine or district are required to have access; (c) The examination under
clause (b) 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 Chief
Inspector.] 69 (d) The Sirdar or other competent person shall, at the completion of his shift, record
without delay the result of his inspections in a bound paged book kept for the purpose. Every such
report shall be a full and accurate report of the inspections and shall include the following. (i) the details
referred to in clause (b); (ii) the number of persons working under his charge; (iii) such instructions for
the purposes of securing the safety of the persons as he may have given during his shift; and (iv) the
date and time of the inspections, the signature of the sirdar or other competent person, and the date
and time when the report was written. (4) In the case of a shaft in the course of being sunk, the
competent person or chargeman shall – (a) have entire charge of the shaft bottom and shall, in his shift,
remain in the shaft while persons are at work at the bottom of the shaft. He shall be the last person to
ascend the shaft at the end of the shift and if his shift is succeeded immediately by another shift, he shall
not leave the bottom of the shaft until after the descent of the chargeman of the succeeding shaft; and
(b) after each round of shots, and at the beginning of every shift, and after every cessation of work in the
shaft for a period exceeding two hours, shall examine the sides of the shaft and remove all loose pieces
before persons are allowed to descend. 114. Avoidance of dangers – (1) If at any time it is found by a
competent person in charge of a mine or district, that by reason of any cause whatsoever, the mine or
district is dangerous, he shall immediately withdraw all persons from the mine or district; and the mine
or district shall be fenced off so as to prevent persons inadvertently entering therein. (2) The competent
person shall also immediately inform the manager or under-manager or assistant manager about the
danger, and shall record the fact in the book kept under subregulation (3). (3) The manager shall make,
or cause to be made by a competent person, a careful examination of the mine or district; and no
person shall, except in so far as is necessary for enquiring into the cause of the danger or for the
removal thereof or for exploration, be readmitted into the mine or district until the mine or district is
reported to be safe. A report of every such examination shall be recorded without delay in a bound
paged book kept for the purpose and shall be signed and dated by the person who made the
examination. (4) If the work of removing the danger is suspended before the danger is removed, the
mine or district shall be securely fenced off effectively to prevent persons entering therein during the
period of suspension. (5) Notwithstanding anything contained in these regulations – (a) where the
danger arises from the presence of inflammable or noxious gas, the provisions of regulation 142 shall
apply; and (b) where the appearance in any part of amine of smoke or other sign indicates that a fire or
spontaneous heating has or may have broken out the provisions of regulation 119 shall apply. 115.
General precautions – (1) No person shall cut or remove coal from or in the vicinity of any place unless it
is his authorised working place. (2) Every person shall carefully examine his working place before
42
commencing work and also at intervals during the shift. If any dangerous conditions is observed, he shall
cease all work at that place and shall either take immediate steps or remove such danger or inform an
official 70 or the competent person in charge of the mine or district. Where several persons are working
together and one of them is in charge, the examination required by this sub-regulation shall be made by
the person in charge. (3) Every person cutting coal and every person operating a coal-cutting machine in
any place shall see that the dimensions of that place do not exceed the dimensions specified in that
behalf by these regulations. (4) No person shall work or travel on any ledge or footpath less than 1.5
metres wide, from which he will be likely to fall more than 1.8 metres, unless he is protected by guard
rails, fence or rope suitably fixed and sufficiently strong to prevent him from falling. (5) (a) No person
shall carry or be permitted to carry any load along a road or footpath having an inclination of 30 degrees
or more from the horizontal. (b) Every road or footpath, along which loads are carried by human agency,
shall comply with the following requirements - (i) its breadth shall not be less than one metre; and (ii) at
every place where the inclination exceeds 15 degrees from the horizontal, level steps shall be provided
such that the vertical height of every step does not exceed 0.18 metre and the distance from the edge.
To the back is not less than 0.35 metre. Explanation – gang-planks used for loading purposes shall not be
deemed to be part of a footpath for the purposes of this sub-regulation, provided that every gang-plank
shall be so inclined or constructed as to give a secure foot-hold. (6) No person shall be employed to lift,
carry or move a load so heavy as is likely to cause bodily injury or injury to health of that person. In case
of any doubt as to whether risk of bodily injury or injury to health is involved, it shall be referred to the
Chief Inspector for decision. (7) Every person shall ensure that tools, wood, stones, or other articles are
not put down or allowed to remain, in or near a shaft or dip gallery where work is going on, in such
position as may result in their falling into the shaft or gallery. (8) No person shall work or be permitted to
work alone in any remote part of a mine where, in any accident occurred he would not soon be
discovered or assisted. (9) No inexperienced person shall be employed in the mine for any work
whereby he or other persons can be seriously endangered except under the supervision and guidance of
an experienced person. CHAPTER-XI : Precautions against Dangers from Fire, Dust, Gas and Water 1
[116. Classification of Coal seams according to their degree of gasiness – (1) After the coming into force
of this regulation all the coal seams, shall be classified into different degrees of gasiness by the Chief
Inspector or an Inspector assisted by such assistants and after such investigation as he may consider
necessary. (2) If in a gassy seam the percentage of inflammable gas in the general body of air or the rate
of emission of such gas increases so as to bring that seam into a higher degree of gasiness, the owner,
agent or manager shall within 24 hours from his knowledge of such increase, inform the Regional
Inspector are also observe all the precautions required to be taken under these regulations in respect of
a gassy seam of that degree. The Regional Inspector shall within 30 days of the receipt of such
information verify the degree of gasiness by suitable investigations and classify the seam into the
appropriate degree of gasiness: Provided that if it is not practicable to observe all the precautions
required to be taken under these regulations within 24 hours stipulated in this sub-regulation, the
Regional Inspector, on a request in writing by the owner, agent or manager, may defer the observance
of the 71 required precautions, subject to such conditions as he may specify, for a period not exceeding
sixty days. (3) If in a gassy seam the percentage of inflammable gas in the general body of air or the rate
of emission of inflammable gas decreases so as to bring that seam to a lower degree of gasiness, the
owner, agent or manager may inform the Regional Inspector of the same. The Regional Inspector shall
43
within 30 days from the receipt of such information verify the degree of gasiness by suitable
investigations and classify the same into appropriate degree of gasiness. Till such time as the Regional
Inspector so classifies all the precautions required to be observed previously shall be observed. (4)
Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-regulation (2) or (3) the Regional Inspector may at any time
make investigations and reclassify a gassy seam into the appropriate degree of gassiness. (5) The owner,
agent or manager shall at least once to every 30 days examine the rate of emission of inflammable gas in
cubic metres per tonne of coal raised and the percentage of inflammable gas in the general body of air
as laid down in regulation 145. The results of every such examination shall be recorded in a bound paged
book kept for the purpose.] 2 [General precautions against Fire – (1) No oil, grease, canvas or other
inflammable material shall be stored in any mine except in a fire-proof receptacle. Greasy or oily waste
in workings belowground, shall be regularly removed to the surface. (2) No person shall place or throw,
or cause or permit to be placed or thrown, any naked light or lamp on or near any timber, wooden
structure or other combustible material.] 117. Surface precautions against fire – (1) All surface
structures and supports within a horizontal distance of 10 metres from all entrances to a mine shall be
of incombustible material : Provided that this clause shall not apply to temporary structures, supports
and coverings at the top of a shaft which is in the course of being sunk an to the small lid of a shaft-
covering operated by the rope cappel. (2) Shale or other carbonaceous material shall not be heaped or
dumped, and dead leaves or dry vegetation shall not be allowed to accumulate or remain, and
combustible materials other than materials required for use within a period of 24 hours, and
inflammable materials, shall not be stored within a distance of 15 metres from any entrance to a mine,
which is not effectively sealed off from the workings belowground : Provided that nothing in this sub-
regulation shall prevent the dumping of coal, raised from the mine, near the entrance to the mine. (3) In
opencast workings and, where possible, in any ground broken by extraction of coal, all wild or
herbaceous plants shall be removed and all dead leaves and dry vegetation cleared as often as may be
necessary to prevent an outbreak of fire. (4) No person shall deposit any heated material or ashes on
any outcrop of coal or in any opencast working or any ground broken by extraction of coal. (5) No
person shall light a fire or permit a fire to be lighted in any opencast working within a distance of 15
metres from any entrance to a mine, except by the permission in writing of the manager and only for a
special purpose specified in such order. All such orders shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for
the purpose: Provided that this clause shall not apply to boilers other than vertical boilers. (6) A
competent person shall, once at least in every seven days, inspect the top of all entrances to a mine, all
opencast workings and any ground broken by extraction of coal in order to ascertain whether the
precaution laid down in this regulation have been complied with, and for the presence of any fire that
may have broken out or any indications thereof. A record of every such inspection shall be maintained in
a bound paged book kept for the purpose, and shall be signed and dated by the person making the
inspection. 72 118. Underground precautions against fire – (1)(a) No timber or other combustible
material shall be used in the construction of, or in connection with, any shaft lining or any room housing
any machinery or apparatus belowground. (b) Wood cuttings shall not be left in any working
belowground, but shall be removed to the surface at the end of every shift. (2) No person shall light a
fire or permit a fire to be lighted in any workings belowground : Provided that – (i) 1 [in the case of a
gassy seam of the first degree], flame or electric welding or repairing apparatus may be used
belowground if permitted by a order in writing of the manager. Every such order shall specify person
44
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 (ii) 2 [in the case of a gassy seam of the
first degree], a flame or electric welding or repairing apparatus may be used belowground if prior
permission in writing has been obtained from the Regional Inspector and subject to such conditions as
he may specify therein. (3)(a) No person shall leave a portable light or lamp belowground unless he has
placed it in charge of some other person remaining therein. (b) At the end of a shift, unless the mine is
worked by a continuous succession of shifts, after all persons have left the mine, all lights shall be
extinguished and all power cut off. 2 [(4) Proper provisions shall be made to prevent an outbreak of the
fire belowground or the spread of fire from any part of the same mine or from any adjoining mine, and
adequate steps shall be taken to control or isolate any such fire or heating that may occur. (5) All unused
workings connected to the surface though a walkable entrance which is not permanently closed, shall
once at least in every 30 days be inspected by a competent person for signs of illicit distillation of liquor.
A report of every such inspection shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, and
shall be signed and dated by the person making the inspection.] 3 [118A. – Further precautions against
spontaneous heating – The following further precautions shall be taken against the danger of
spontaneous heating : (1)(a) The seam or section shall be worked in panels having independent
ventilation in such a manner that it is possible to isolate one from another easily if necessary. Where
development has already been made without regard to this factor, artificial panels should be created by
the construction of stoppings. In determining the size of the panel due consideration shall be given to
the desirability of enabling complete extraction of the pillars therein within the incubation period of the
coal. (b) No coal, shale or other carbonaceous material shall be left or stacked belowground. Where
removal of fallen coal out of the mine is not practicable, the area shall be effectively sealed off. (c)
Except where otherwise permitted by the Chief Inspector by an order in writing and subject to such
conditions as he may specify therein, no extraction of pillars in any seam or section shall be commenced
until fire dams or stoppings have been provided in all entrance 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 their vicinity.
Shale or other carbonaceous material shall not be used in the construction of fire dams or stoppings; (d)
A panel be isolated by adequate stoppings as soon as it has been goaved out. (2) Sufficient material for
dealing with fire shall be kept in readiness at suitable places belowground for transport and use. A
sufficient number of persons shall be trained in the use of this material. (3)(a) In order that spontaneous
heating is detected in early stages, the air in the return airway of every depillaring district, and of every
goal which has not been isolated, shall be; (i) tested for percentage of carbon monoxide once at least in
every seven days with an automatic detector of a type approved by the Chief Inspector; and (ii)
completely analysed once at least in every 30 days with a view to determining the ratio CO-formed/O2-
absorbed. 73 The result of every such tests 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. (b) If successive tests show
any steady increase in the CO-formed O2 – absorbed ratio, suitable measures shall be taken to
determine the site of the heating and to deal with it. (c) Every depillaring district shall be inspected on
every idle day, and all unused workings which have not been sealed off shall be inspected once at least
in every seven days, by a competent person for any fire risks. The isolation stoppings built around
goaved out areas 2 [and unused workings] shall be inspected at similar intervals. A report of every such
45
inspection shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose, and shall be signed and dated
by the person making the inspection. (4) Where at any mine or part special conditions exist which make
compliance with any of the provisions of this regulation not necessary or reasonably practicable, the
Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein,
grant a relaxation from the provision: 3 [ * * * * * * *] 119. Precautions after a fire has broken out – (1)
(a) On the appearance in any part of a mine of smoke or other signs indicating that a fire or spontaneous
heating has or may have broken out, all persons other than those whose presence in the mine is
deemed necessary for dealing with the fire or heating shall be immediately withdrawn from the mine.
No person, other than those required for dealing with or sealing off the fire or heating, shall be admitted
in the mine until the fire or heating has been extinguished or effectively sealed off and an examination
has been made by the manager or by the assistant manager or underground manager and the mine has
been declared to be safe. 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 person making the examination : Provided
that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify
therein, permit the employment in the mine, of persons other than those required to deal with the fire
or heating. (b) The examination required by clause (a) shall be made with an approved flame safety lamp
and a cage containing suitable birds or other means of detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the
Chief Inspector. No additional light shall be used other than an approved safety lamp or torch. 4 [(2)
During the whole time that any work of dealing with or sealing off a fire or heating belowground is in
progress – (a) a competent person shall be present on the spot throughout. (b) adequate precautions
shall be taken to prevent danger to persons from any noxious asphyxiating or inflammable gases, flame,
steam and ejected or rolling down hot material ; explosion of water gas and falling into crevices pot
holes that may occur in the area on fire; (c) there shall be kept available, at or near all places
belowground: (i) adequate number of self-rescuers and at least two smoke helmets or other suitable
apparatus for use in emergency; (ii) a cage containing suitable birds or other means of detecting carbon
monoxide gas approved by the Chief Inspector; and (iii) a flame safety lamp or other means of detecting
carbon dioxide gas and oxygen deficiency, approved by the Chief Inspector. 1 [120. Equipment for free-
fighting – (1) In every mine: (a) unless expressly exempted in writing by the Regional Inspector, effective
means of delivering to all working places belowground and all other places of fire risk such as coal 74
stocks, spoil heaps containing carbonaceous material and exposed coal surfaces liable to heating an
adequate quantity of water at sufficient pressure for the purpose of efficient fire fighting shall be
provided and kept maintained; (b) fire stations with a suitable supply of fire-fighting equipment shall be
established and kept maintained at convenient points, both on surface and belowground; and (c)
sufficient supply of sand or in combustible, dust or suitable portable fire extinguishers shall be provided
at: (i) every entrance to a mine or district and at every landing and shaft bottom in use; (ii) every place
where timber, grease, oil or other inflammable material is stored; (iii) every engine room, electrical gear,
driving unit of roadway conveyor, diesel engine maintenance workshop and filling station storage
battery charging station; and (iv) such other special places of fire risk as may be specified by the
manager. (d) an upto-date fire-fighting plan showing the water mains, taps, fire-stations, pumping
stations, ventilation system, escape route etc. shall be kept maintained and a copy thereof posted in the
mine office and a convenient places belowground. Adequate number of persons shall also be trained in
the use of fire-extinguishers and in fire fighting. All such persons shall be made familiar with the position
46
of all fire-fighting equipment provided in the mine. (2)(a) Soda-acid type extinguishers or water shall not
be used for fighting oil or electrical fires. (b) Foam type extinguishers shall not be used for fighting
electrical fires.
74 stocks, spoil heaps containing carbonaceous material and exposed coal surfaces liable to heating an
adequate quantity of water at sufficient pressure for the purpose of efficient fire fighting shall be
provided and kept maintained; (b) fire stations with a suitable supply of fire-fighting equipment shall be
established and kept maintained at convenient points, both on surface and belowground; and (c)
sufficient supply of sand or in combustible, dust or suitable portable fire extinguishers shall be provided
at: (i) every entrance to a mine or district and at every landing and shaft bottom in use; (ii) every place
where timber, grease, oil or other inflammable material is stored; (iii) every engine room, electrical gear,
driving unit of roadway conveyor, diesel engine maintenance workshop and filling station storage
battery charging station; and (iv) such other special places of fire risk as may be specified by the
manager. (d) an upto-date fire-fighting plan showing the water mains, taps, fire-stations, pumping
stations, ventilation system, escape route etc. shall be kept maintained and a copy thereof posted in the
mine office and a convenient places belowground. Adequate number of persons shall also be trained in
the use of fire-extinguishers and in fire fighting. All such persons shall be made familiar with the position
of all fire-fighting equipment provided in the mine. (2)(a) Soda-acid type extinguishers or water shall not
be used for fighting oil or electrical fires. (b) Foam type extinguishers shall not be used for fighting
electrical fires. 75 Provided that nothing in this clauses shall be declined to prohibit the use
belowground fireextinguishers giving off carbon dioxide when operated. (3)(a) A competent person
shall, once at least in every month, examine all the equipment, material and arrangements provided for
fire-fighting and shall discharge and re-fill the fireextinguishers as often as may be necessary to ensure
that these are in proper working order. (b) Any deficiency found during any such examination or
otherwise shall be immediately remedied. (c) A report of every such examination including discharge
and re-filling of fire-extinguishers shall be made in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose and shall
be signed and dated by the person making the examination.] 2 [121. Apparatus for testing for Carbon
Monoxide - In every fiery seam there shall be kept at the mine constantly available for use two or more
suitable birds or other means of detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the Chief Inspector :
Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require compliance with this regulation
in case of any other mine also.] 3 [122. Precautions when a fire exists – (1) No person shall be employed
in any seam – (a) where a fire or spontaneous heating exists in a lower seam whether such fire has been
sealed off by means of fire stoppings or not; or (b) where the seam has a common ventilation system
with another seam on fire; or (c) where the outlets of openings of the seam are within 60 metres of an
active fire or spontaneous heating in a higher seam or on the surface in any ash heap or spoil heap or in
any other heap or place or any other fire or spontaneous heating which cannot be controlled
immediately or where broken ground connected with the seam exists within 60 metres of such fire or
spontaneous heating; or (d) where the parting with an overlying seam on fire or in which spontaneous
heating has taken place; or with surface containing an active fire or spontaneous heating in any spoil
heap or ash heap or in any other heap or place; or any other fire or spontaneous heating which cannot
be controlled immediately, consist of less than 10 metres of hard rock; except with the permission in
writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein.] 1 [(2) In any
47
working mine, in which a fire is known or believed to exist – (a) adequate precautions shall be taken to
prevent the passage of air, from any part of the mine or from the surface, into the fire area through any
broken strata. (b) No work other than the operations required by clause (a) shall be done in any part of
the mine which is not effectively sealed off from any such goaf or broken strata. (3) In every fiery seam
or gassy seam of the second or third degree, arrangements shall be made once at least every 30 days to
ascertain the atmospheric condition behind the stoppings built to sealed off the area of old workings or
such goaf or a fire or spontaneous heating unless such stoppings are capable of resisting force of an
explosion.] (c) Fire-extinguishers containing chemicals which are liable, when operated, to give off
poisonous noxious gases shall not be provided or used belowground: 76 (4) (a) Every stopping erected to
isolate or control a fire or spontaneous heating belowground 2 [or to seal off goaf or an area of old
workings] shall be numbered, and shall be of adequate strength and so maintained as to prevent any
leakage of air or gas through it. Where water is likely to accumulate behind any such stopping there shall
be provided in the stopping a suitable pipe or other device to drain away the water without permitting
any leakage of air or gas, etc. (b) where in any mine or part thereof the provisions of clause (a) have not
been complied with or where in the opinion of the Regional Inspector the steps so taken are inadequate,
he may give notice in writing to the owner, agent or manager requiring him to take such protective
measures, within such time, as he may specify therein. In case of non-compliance with the requirements
of the notice, the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, prohibit until the requirements of the
notice have been complied with to his satisfaction, the employment in the mine or part, of any person
whose employment is not, in his opinion, necessary for the purpose of complying with the requirements
aforesaid. (5) A competent person shall, once at least in every seven days, inspect all stoppings erected
to isolate or control a fire or spontaneous heating belowground. During every such inspection, he 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 a bound paged book kept for the purpose an shall be
signed and dated by the person making the inspection : Provided that the Regional Inspector may, by an
order in writing, require such inspection to be made at such shorter intervals as he may specify therein.
123. Precautions against dust. – (1) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall take such steps as
are necessary for the minimising of emissions of dust and for the suppression of dust which enters the
air at any work place belowgroud or on surface and for ensuring that the exposure of workers to
respirable dust is limited to an extent that is reasonably practicable but in any cast not exceeding the
limits that are harmful to the health of persons. (2) For the purpose of this regulation, a place shall not
be deemed to be in a harmless state for person to work or pass or be therein if the 8 hours time –
weighted average concentration of airborne respirable dust in milligrams per cubic metre of air sampled
by a gravimetric dust sampler of a type approved by and determined in accordance with the procedure
as specified by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order, exceeds five in case of manganese ore
and the value arrived at by dividing the figures of fifteen with the percentage of free respirable silica
present in other cases; or (3) (a) The owner, agent or manger of every mine shall, within six months of
the coming into force of the regulation and once at least every six months thereafter or whenever the
Regional Inspector so requires by an order in writing, cause the air at every work place where airborne
48
dust is generated to be sampled and the concentration of respirable dust therein determined : Provided
that, if any measurement at any workplace shows the concentration in excess of fifty percent or seventy
five percent of the allowable concentration as specified in subregulation(2) (hereinafter referred to as
‘permissible limit’) the subsequent measurements shall be carried on at intervals not exceeding three
months or one month respectively : Provided further that, such measurements shall also be carried on
immediately upon the commissioning of any plant, equipment or machinery or upon the introduction of
any new work practice or upon any alteration therein that is likely to bring about any substantial change
in the level of airborne respirable dust. (b) The samples drawn shall as far as practicable, be
representative of the levels of dust exposure of work-persons. For this purpose, the sampler shall be
positioned on the return side of the point of dust generation and within 1 metre of the normal working
position of but not behind the operator or other worker whose exposure is deemed to be maximum in
his working group. 77 (c) Based on the results of fixed-point sampling the representative dust exposure
profiles for different categories of workers shall be estimated and as a measure of cross-check the
“static monitoring” shall be duly supplemented by “portal to portal personal monitoring” of selected
workers whose exposure is deemed to be representative of their working groups. (d) samples shall be
taken by a person who has been specially trained for the purpose in the sampling equipment and
assessors that have been checked to ensure correct maintenance and efficient operation thereof and
examined, treated and calibrated on a date which is not earlier that one year. (e) Respirable dust
content of the samples and in case of samples collected from a working other than the working being
made wholly in a coal seam, quartz content shall be determined as soon as practicable at a properly
equipped laboratory approved in writing by the Chief Inspector in that behalf. (f) All result of
measurements of airborne respirable dust and all other relevant particulars shall be systematically
recorded within fourteen days of the date of collection of samples, in a bound paged book kept for the
purpose and every entry in the book aforesaid shall be countersigned and dated by the manager within
twenty four hours. (4) When the dust monitoring results have established that the permissible limit of
dust concentrations being exceeded at any place, immediate steps shall be taken to minimize the
emission of dust and to notify the Regional Inspector. If however, the average concentration of
respirable dust in a series of times the “permissible limits” the relevant operation or operations causing
excessive dust shall cease. The operation or operations shall not be resumed and allowed to be carried
on until improvements have been made in the prevention and suppression of dust and fresh sampling
carried out immediately on resumption of the said operation or operations has established that such
improvements have reduced the dust concentration below the “permissible limit”. Provided that if the
dust prevention and suppression device of any machinery or equipment fails to operate efficiently the
operation of the said machinery or equipment shall likewise cease and shall not be resumed until the
defect therein has been rectified: Provided further that, purely as a contingency measure or as a
secondary means of protection in a work situation wherein it is technically not feasible to reduce the
respirable dust concentration below the ‘permissible limit’ or during the time period necessary to install
and commission any device or to institute any new work practice for dust prevention or suppression,
compliance with the permissible limit of dust may be achieved by remote operation or by job rotation
and failing which by the use of suitable dust respirator. (5) The owner, agent or manager or every mine
where need of dust respirators might arise, shall provide dust respirators in sufficient number and at no
cost to the concerned workpersons for their use; for the dust respirators to be regularly cleaned,
49
disinfected and maintained in efficient working order; and for the proper fitting of and for thorough
training of the concerned workers in the need for the correct use of respirators. (6) To prevent the
liberation and accumulation of dust and the propagation of airborne dust, the following provisions shall
have effect namely : (a) dust shall be suppressed as close as possible to its source of formation; (b)
during any operation of drilling or boring on surface or belowground - (i) the production of dust shall be
reduced by using bits which are sharp and of proper shape, by keeping suitable pressure on the bits and
by keeping the holes clear of the cuttings; (ii) except in naturally wet ground, a jet water shall be
directed on to the cutting edge to wet the cuttings or other equally efficient device approved by the
Chief Inspector shall be provided and kept in operation throughout the drilling or boring operation to
prevent the atmosphere being charged with dust. Where pneumatic drilling is performed, water shall be
turned on before turning on compressed air to the drill. When, however, drilling is done by hand, it shall
be sufficient if holes are kept constantly moist during such drilling. 78 (c) every roadways on surface or
below ground where mobile mining machinery ply, shall be regularly wetted or shall be effectively
treated with some other equally efficient agent to reduce dust being raised in the atmosphere to a
minimum. (d) no plant for the screening or sorting of coal and as far as practicable, no heap of cinder,
cement, sand, mortar or other dry and fine material shall be placed within 80 m. of the top of any down-
cast shaft or other intake airway nor shall any such material be so handled as to make it air-borne an
drawn into such shaft or airway. (e) In every working belowground – (i) no machinery or equipment
which is likely to emit dust in excess of ‘permissible limit’ shall be operated unless it is equipped with a
suitable dust-prevention and suppression device and unless such device is operating efficiently ; (ii) the
design, arrangement, material and condition of picks on every mechanical coal cutter shall be such as to
reduce the formation of dust to the minimum and no mechanical coal cutter shall be operated unless
suitable water sprays or jets of water are directed on the cutting edges thereof so as to damp the
cuttings as they are formed; (iii) every working face and the floor, roof and sides of every roadway or
airway within 50 metres thereof shall be, unless naturally wet throughout, regularly washed down to
prevent accumulation of dust and shall be kept thoroughly wetted during the work shifts; (iv) a current
of air sufficient to clear away the dust emitted by any machinery or operation and to dilute the dust
concentration below the ‘permissible limit’, shall be maintained by means of general ventilation and if
necessary, by local ventilation, so however that, as far as practicable, the velocity of air in any roadway
or workplace shall not be such as to raise dust in the atmosphere; (v) after blasting, working places shall
not be entered unless sufficient time has elapsed for dust, smoke and fumes to be cleared by a current
of air and the broken material shall not be moved unless it has been thoroughly wetted with water; (vi)
vehicles, tubs and conveyors used for transport of coal shall be maintained in good condition so as to
minimise spillage or leakage. Chutes, spiral conveyors, bins, tipplers conveyor discharge points and skip
loading and unloading installations shall be so controlled as to reduce the formation of dust to the
minimum. Such material shall be also thoroughly wetted with water unless it is already wet or other
effective means of dust suppression are used; and (vii) unless, owing to special difficulties, exempted in
writing by Regional Inspector in that behalf and subject to such conditions as he might specify therein,
water in pipes in sufficient quantity and under adequate pressure and independent of any pumping
system, shall be provided ad maintained so as to get maximum efficiency in the laying of dust. (f) no
process of crushing, breaking, disintegrating, opening, grinding, screening or sieving of coal or any
operation incidental thereto, shall be carried out at any mine unless efficient watering or other
50
appropriate and effective dust control measures, such as, bust not limited to isolation, enclosure,
exhaust ventilation and dust collection are designed, provided, maintained and used. (g) the exhausted
air, belowground, which contains dust in excess of the ‘permissible limit’ shall be efficiently diluted and
if necessary filtered so as to reduce the concentration of respirable dust therein below ten percent of
the ‘permissible limit’ before being re-circulated into working places. 79 (h) every device used for the
prevention and suppression of dust produced by any machinery, equipment or process as also for the
filtering of the exhausted air and every dust respirator shall be inspected once at least in every seven
days and shall be thoroughly examined and tested at least once in every period of six months and
reports of the results of every such inspection, examination and test shall be recorded in the register
maintained under clause (f) or sub-regulation (3). (7) The manager of every mine where airborne dust is
generated shall formulate and implement a scheme specifying – (a) the location, frequency, timing,
duration and pattern of sampling; (b) the instruments and accessories to be used for sampling, (c) the
laboratory at which respirable dust content of samples and quartz content shall be determined; (d) the
format in which the results of measurements of dust concentration and other particulars are to be
recorded; (e) the organisation for dust monitoring and for the examination and maintenance of dust
prevention and suppression measures and dust respirators; and (f) the manner of making all persons
concerned with the implementation of the dust control measures fully conversant with the nature of
work to be performed by each in that behalf. (8) The Regional Inspector may, where special conditions
exist, permit to require by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein,
any variation in the foregoing provisions or in the manager’s scheme. (9) If any doubt arises as to why
matter referred to in this regulation, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector for decision.”. 1 [123A.
Execution of measures for dust control – (1) (a) These shall be maintained at every mine having working
belowground a dust plan on a scale having representative factor of not less than 1/2400. The dust plan
shall clearly show (by distinctive colours, code letter and/or numbers) the separate areas: - (i) which are
naturally wet; (ii) which require treatment with water indicating the system of water pipe lines laid
down for the purpose; and (iii) which require treatment with incombustible dust at such intervals of 24
hours, 7 days, 14 days, 30 days three months or other specified period as the case may be (The intervals
aforesaid shall be based on the results of analysis of routine mine dust samples collected from the areas
concerned). (b) The areas aforesaid shall be clearly demarcated in the workings belowground by means
of suitable notice boards or by other suitable means. 2 [(1A)(a) Every part of a mine which is not
naturally wet throughout or which is not isolated by explosion-proof stoppings shall be treated – (i) with
fine incombustible dust in such manner and at such intervals as will ensure that the dust on the floor,
roof and sides and any support or structure shall always consist of a mixture containing not less than
that 75% of incombustible matter in case of coal seams containing less than 30% volatile 80 matter (on
dry ash free basis) and 85% of incombustible matter in case of coal seams containing more than 30% of
such volatile matter; or (ii) with water in such manner and at such intervals as will ensure that the dust
on the floor, roof and sides and or any support or structure is always combined with not less than 30%
by weight of water in intimate mixture; or (iii) in such manner as the Regional Inspector may approve by
an order in writing. (b) The incombustible dust used for the purpose fo this sub-regulation shall be : (i)
such that it does not contain more than 5% of free silica; (ii) of such fineness and character, that it is
readily dispersible into the air and that, when used in places which are not directly wetted by water
from the strata it does not cake but it is dispersed into the air, when blown upon with mouth or by a
51
suitable appliance; and (iii) as far as practicable light in colour. (c) No such incombustible dust shall
continue to be used if it is found by tests which shall be carried out once at least in every three months,
not to comply with the foregoing requirements: Provided that when the supply of incombustible dust
used in a mine is not from a regular source, these tests shall be carried out whenever a fresh supply of
incombustible dust is received. (d) where any place or part of the mine is to be treated with
incombustible dust : (i) before treating with incombustible dust, all coal dust shall be cleaned, as far as
practicable, from the roof, sides, floor, props, cogs, bars, brattice cloth or any other objects or structure
or place on which coal dust may deposit, and all dust so collected shall be removed to the surface within
24 hours. (ii) Incombustible dust shall be spread on the objects, structure and places aforesaid in
adequate quantity and at such intervals as may be necessary to ensure compliance with the provisions
of this sub-regulation. (iii) the cleaning of coal dust and spreading of incombustible dust shall be carried
out in the direction of the flow of the air; (iv) a sufficient supply of incombustible dust shall be kept
readily available at suitable places in the mine, and any deficiency in the supply of dust underground
shall immediately be brought to the notice of the manager; and (v) incombustible dust stacked at
different places and kept on pans or on dust barriers in the mine shall be changed whenever it is no
longer readily dispersible or whenever it becomes coated with coal dust, such dust shall be removed.]
(2) A daily record of the areas cleaned of coal dust and of the areas treated with incombustible dust or
with water and the amount of incombustible dust used shall be maintained in a bound paged book kept
of the purpose. Every entry in this book shall be signed and dated by the dust in-charge, and
countersigned by the manager or the ventilation officer. 81 (3) The dust control measures aforesaid shall
be carried out under he supervision of a competent persons holding a manager’s or overman’s
certificate or a degree or diploma in mining or mining engineering from a university or institution
approve by the Central Government for the purpose of proviso to Regulation 16(1). No duties with
respect of sampling of dust under Regulation 123B shall be entrusted to this person who may be
designated as the “Dust Incharge” nor any other duties shall be entrusted to such person except with
the previous permission of the Regional Inspector: Provided that in the case of a mine having an average
monthly output of less than 5000 tonnes, the Dust Incharge referred to in this regulation can act as the
Sampling Incharge referred to in regulation 123B. (4) The Dust Incharge shall see : (a) that every part of
the mine which, under these regulations, requires treatment with water, is thoroughly drenched or
sprayed with water immediately before firing shots and also at intervals during the working hours so as
to strictly comply with the provisions of regulation 123(5)(b)(ii); (b) that every part of the mine which,
under these regulations can be treated with incombustible dust, is so treated as to strictly comply with
the provisions of regulation 123(5)(b)(i); and (c) that the arrangements for treating with water or
incombustible dust as aforesaid are maintained in good order. 123B. Check on measures for dust control
– (1) For the purpose of ensuring adequate treatment of coal dust as required under regulations 1 [123
and 123A] systematic samples of mine dust shall be collected, tested and analysed at intervals and in the
manner specified in this regulation. (2)(a) Every return airway as lies within two hundred metres of the
last working face and every haulage tramming or conveyor roadway which is not naturally wet
throughout, shall be divided into-ones not longer than one hundred and fifty metres each: Provided that
where in a mine some parts are being treated with water and others with incombustible dust the zones
shall be so formed that in each zone only one system of treating coal dust is being followed. (b) Every
zone formed as aforesaid shall be divided into three equall sections, each not exceeding 50 metres in
52
length. (3)(a) Every zone shall be given a distinct number and every section the code letters a, b or c in a
systematic manner. The zones and sections, with their numbers and code-letters, shall be clearly marked
on a plan prepared on a scale having a representative factor of not less than 1/2400 hereinafter called
the “sampling plan”. The sampling plan shall clearly show the areas of the mine that are naturally wet
throughout. (b) Every zone and section shall also be distinctly demarcated in the workings below ground
by means on suitable notice boards or by other suitable means. (4)(a) Representative samples of dust
shall be collected once in every 30 days from every zone, and for this purpose samples may be collected
from different sections a, b or c in rotation such that, during every such period of 30 days, all samples
are collected from the section a or section b or section c. (b) Representative samples aforesaid shall be
collected in a systematic manner irrespective of the cleaning and treating operations but shall in no case
be collected with 2 [20] hours of cleaning and treating of any zone, section or part thereof. 82 (c) If the
representative sample of mine dust from any particular zone shows that the provisions of regulation 3
[123A(1A)(a)] have not been complied with, immediate steps shall be taken to clean and treat whole of
the zone so as to comply with the provisions of regulation 3 a[123A(1A)(a)]. (5) In every travelling
roadway, and in every airway other than those specified in subregulation (2)(a) samples shall be taken in
such a systematic manner and at such intervals (not exceeding three months) that a proper check is
maintained on the efficiency of the treatment thereof in terms of regulation 1 [123A(1A)(a)]. (6)(a)
Samples of dust shall be collected from roof, sides, and floor, and shall comprise of dust collected to a
depth not exceeding five millimeters on the roof and sides, and to a depth not exceeding 10 millimeters
on the floor. (b) Where a zone is treated with incombustible dust, the samples shall be collected by a
method of ‘strip’ sampling, the strips being as near as possible of equal width of not less than 10
centimetres, and a uniform intervals not exceeding five metres. (c) Where a zone is treated with water
the samples shall be collected by a method of “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 intervals along a
zigzag path. (d) In collecting the samples aforesaid, the strips shall be extended into or spot collection
made from any cross galleries upto the air-stoppings, if any. (e) Each sample shall be well-mixed and
then reduced in bulk (by quartering) to a weight of not less than 30 grammes. Each sample so reduced
shall be packed in a moisture-proof container which shall be suitably labelled or marked. (7) The
sampling operations aforesaid shall be carried out under the supervision of a competent person holding
a manager’s or overman’s certificate or degree or diploma in mining or mining engineering from a
university or institution approved for the purpose of regulation 16. He shall be designated as the
“Sampling Incharge” and shall be different from Dust Incharge appointed under regulation 123A. No
other duties shall be entrusted to this person except with the previous permission of the Regional
Inspector. (8) Within seven days of taking of each sample, it shall be sent for analysis and the result of
such analysis, immediately on its receipt, shall be recorded in a bound-paged book kept for the purpose.
Every entry in the book aforesaid shall be signed and dated by the sampling incharge and be
countersigned and dated by the manager. Explanation – A place in a mine is considered “Naturally wet
throughout” if it is moist enough to keep the coal dust present, at any time, on the roof, sides and floor
and other objects at that place so that it is always combined with not less than 30 percent by weight of –
was in intimate mixture.] 2 [123C. Stone dust barriers – (1) In every gassy seam of the second or third
degree 1 [or in the development working in a gassy seam of the first degree in which there is likelihood
of occurrence of inflammable gas in dangerous quantities], additional precautions shall be taken by
53
providing stone dust barriers to prevent an ignition or explosion from extending from one part of the
mine to the other. (2) Every such stone dust barrier shall be of such a type as may be approved by the
Chief Inspector by a general or special order in writing and shall be maintained in such manner as may
be specified in the said order : Provided that the Chief Inspector may permit in any mine or part thereof
may alternative precautionary measures to be taken in lieu of stone dust barriers.] 83 3 [(3) If any
dispute arises as to whether stone dust barriers or other alternative precautionary measures are
required to be provided in any part of a gassy seam of the first degree, under sub-regulation (1), the
question shall be referred to the Chief Inspector or who shall decide the same]. 124. Precautions against
irruption of gas – 4 * * * * [(1)]Where any working is extended to within 30 metres of any goaf or
disused workings containing or likely to contain an accumulation of inflammable or noxious gases, there
shall be maintained at least one bore-hole not less than 1.5 metres in advance of the working. The
operation of drilling the bore hole shall be carried out under the supervision of a competent person, and
no lamp or light other than an approved safety lamp or torch shall be used in any such working. 125.
Recovery and exploratory work – (1) After an explosion of inflammable gas or coal dust has occurred in a
mine, only such persons as are authorise by the manager or by the principal official present at the
surface, shall be allowed to enter the mine. (2) When it is intended of proposed to reopen a mine or part
thereof, which has been isolated, sealed off or flooded with water to deal with a fire or spontaneous
heating, the owner, agent or manager shall, not less than 14 days before the commencement of such
work, give notice in writing of such intention or proposal to the Regional Inspector and the Chief
Inspector. (3) Where it is intended to carry out any exploratory work in a mine or part belowground
likely to contain irrespirable atmosphere – (a) no party of less than three persons shall be allowed to
proceed to carry out such work; and (b) every such party shall carry a cage containing suitable birds or
other means of detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the Chief Inspector and also an approved
flame safety lamp. 126. Danger from surface water – (1) 1 [(a)] Where any mine or part thereof is so
situated that there is any danger of inrush of surface water into the mine or part, adequate protection
against such inrush shall be provided and maintained. 2[Whether such protection is adequate or not can
be determined by the Chief Inspector or whose decision shall be final.] 3 [(b) Except with the permission
of the Chief Inspector in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein and subject to
the provisions of clause (a), every entrance into a mine shall be so designed, constructed, and
maintained that its lowest point (which means the point at which a body of rising water on surface can
enter the mine) shall be not less than 1.5 metres above the highest flood level at that point]. (2) No
workings shall be made in any mine vertically below – (a) any part of any river, canal, lake, tank or other
surface reservoir; or (b) any spot lying within a horizontal distance of 15 metres from either bank of a
river or canal or from the boundary of a lake, tank or other surface reservoir; except with the permission
in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (3) Every
application for permission under sub-regulation (2) shall be accompanied by two copies of a plan and
section showing the existing position of the workings of the mine, the proposed layout of workings, the
depth of the surface, the position and depth of any goaves in every seam in the neighborhood, all faults,
dikes and other geological disturbances and such other particulars as may affect the safety of the mine
or of the persons employed therein. Explanation. – Where sand or alluvium are lying in the course of a
river, canal, lake, tank or reservoir, the depth from the surface shall be reckoned from the surface of
hard ground underlying such sand or alluvium. 84 3 [(4) All workings made under sub-regulation (2) shall
54
be clearly demarcated belowground. (5)(a) 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 measure provided under sub-regulation(1), whether in use or not, for their stability. 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 person making he examination and countersigned by the manager. (b)
The protective measure and workings aforesaid shall also inspected, once at least in every quarter by
the manager personally.] 127. Danger from underground inundation. – 4 [(1) Proper provision shall be
made in every mine to prevent irruption of water other liquid matter or any material that is likely to flow
when wet from the workings of the mine the same mine or of an adjoining mine and to prevent
accidents while drilling bore-holes for probe or release of a body of water or other liquid matter. (2)
Where work is being done in – (a)(i) Where work is being done in – (ii) any place in a seam or section,
which is at a lower level that any other place in a lower seam or section; or (iii) any place in a seam
approaching a fault passing through an upper seam or section, which contains or may contain an
accumulation of water or other liquid matter or any material that is likely to flow when wet; or (b) any
water-bearing strata 11 all useful information including the position, extent and depth of the above
mentioned features shall be acquired and kept recorded and a scheme of working designed to prevent
irruption of water or other liquid matter or any material which flows when wet shall be prepared and
put into operation. (3) Without prejudice to the requirement of sub-regulation (1) and sub regulation
(2), no working which has approached within a distance of 60 metres of any other working (not being
the working which has been physically examined and found to be free from accumulation of water or
other liquid matter or any material that is likely to flow when wet) and whether in the same mine or in
an adjoining mine, shall be extended further except with the prior permission in writing of the Regional
Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. Explanation – For the purpose of this
sub-regulation, the distance between the said workings shall mean the shortest distance between the
workings of the same seam or between any two seams or sections, as the case may be, measured in any
direction whether horizontal, vertical or inclined.]. 1 [(4)(a)Every application for permission to extend
any working referred to in sub-regulation (3) shall be accompanied by two copies of the plan and section
showing: (i) The outlines of all such disused or abandoned workings in relation to the working
approaching them and also the depth of such disused or abandoned workings from the surface; (ii) The
outlines, the lay out and the method of the proposed workings for which permission is sought; (iii) The
faults, dykes and other geological disturbances in relation to working specified in clause (i) or (ii) of the
sub-regulation; and (iv) Any other information that is available with the management and any other
particulars or information that may be required by the Chief Inspector. 85 (b) When permission is
granted to extend any working referred to in sub-regulation (3) or sub0-regulation (5), it shall be
extended strictly in accordance with the plan the method approved under, and the conditions specified
in, such permission; and there shall be no variation therefrom unless such variation is again approved by
the Chief Inspector. (5) Whenever seepage of water, which is not normal to the seam is noticed at any
place workings or if there be any such suspicion or doubt such working shall immediately be stopped
and the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector shall forthwith be informed of such seepage. Such
working shall not be extended further except with the prior permission in writing of the Chief Inspector
and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. (6)(a) The height or width of any working
referred to in sub-regulation (3) or sub-regulation (5) shall not exceed 2.4 metres and there shall be
55
maintained at least one bore-hole near the centre of the working face, and sufficient flank bore-holes on
each side; and, where necessary, bore-holes above and below the working to intervals of not more than
five metres. All such bore-holes shall be 2 [drilled sufficient close to each other to ensure that the
advancing face will not accidentally hole through into a working containing water or liquid matter or any
material that is likely to flow when wet and shall be] maintained and shall be constantly maintained at
sufficient distance in advance of the working and such distance shall in no case be less than three
metres. These precautions shall be carried out under the direct supervision of an official, having
Manager’s or Overman’s specially authorised for the purpose. (b) A record showing the exact height and
width of such working, the number of bore-holes driven, the length of each bore-hole, the places at
which and the direction in which each borehole was driven, shall be maintained by the official referred
to in clause (a) in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and the entries made therein shall be signed
and dated by such competent person and shall be countersigned by the manager every day. Also a plan
and section of such working showing the above particulars shall be prepared and maintained and they
shall be brought upto date at least once in every fifteen days. (7) Unless specific relaxation is granted by
the Chief Inspector in writing under sub-regulation (8), all the provisions of sub-regulation (6) shall be
strictly complied with while extending any working referred to in sub-regulation (3) or sub-regulation (5)
whether or not the permission granted to extend such workings requires compliance with all or any of
the provisions of subregulation (6). (8) If the Chief Inspector is satisfied that the conditions in any mine
or part thereof are such as to render compliance with all or any of the provisions specified in sub-
regulation (6) unnecessary or impracticable, he may, by an order in writing and subject to such
conditions as may be specified therein, relax, vary or dispense with all or any of the conditions and
requirements contained in sub-regulation (6), and, if he is of the opinion that the conditions at any mine
or part thereof are such as to require additional precautions to be taken, he may by an order in writing
require that such additional precautions besides those specified in subregulation (6) shall be taken.] 128.
International flooding . (1) When the owner, agent or manager intends or proposed, by introducing
water from the surface or from any other part of the mine or from an adjacent mine, to flood any part of
the workings of his mine, he shall give, in writing, not less than 14 days’ notice of such intention or
proposal to the Chief Inspector and the Regional Inspector and to the management of all adjoining
mines and of such other mines as might be affected by such flooding. Provided that the Regional
Inspector may, be an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit
such operations to be commenced on any day prior to the expiry of the said 14 days: 86 Provided
further that the Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, either prohibit any such operation or
require that such operation shall not be commenced until such precautions as he may specify therein,
have been taken to his satisfaction. Explanation. – For the purposes of this sub-regulation, a mine shall
have the meaning assigned to it under regulation 30. (2) If the operations in respect of which notice is
given under sub-regulation (1), are not commenced within 60 days from the expiry of the said 14 days,
the notice shall be deemed to have lapsed and the provision of the sub-regulation(1) shall apply as if no
such notice had been given. 129. Construction of a water dam, etc. – (1) Where in any mine, it is
intended to construct a reservoir, dam or other structure to withstand a pressure of water or other
material which will flow when wet, or to control an inrush of water, the owner, agent or manager shall
give in writing not less than 14 days notice of such intention to the Regional Inspector. Every such notice
shall be accompanied by two copies of plans and sections showing the design and other details of the
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proposed construction. Provided that where the safety of the mine or of the persons employed therein
is seriously threatened, the provisions of this regulation shall be deemed to have been complied with if
the said notice is given to the Regional Inspector as soon as the work of construction is commenced :
Provided further that where such a reservoir, dam or other structure was constructed before the coming
into force of these regulations, the said copies of the plans and sections shall be submitted to the
Regional Inspector within three months of the coming into force of these regulations. Where these
details are not available, the Regional Inspector shall be informed of the fact within the aforesaid period.
(2) The Regional Inspector may, by an order in writing, require such modification or alternations to be
made by the design of any such reservoir, dam or structure, as he may specify therein.
169. Electric Shotfiring. – Where shots are fired electrically, the following provisions shall have effect,
namely :- (1) (a) No shot shall be fired except by means of a suitable shotfiring apparatus; an the number
of shots fired at any one time by the apparatus shall not exceed the number for whichit is designed.
(b)Every electrical shotfiring apparatus shall b so constructed and used that – (i) it can only be operated
by a removable handle or plug. This handle or plug shall not be placed in position until a shot is about to
be fired and shall be removed as soon as a shot has been fired; and (ii) the firing circuit is made an
broken either automatically or by means of a push-button switch. (c) (i) No apparatus shall be used
which is defective; an every apparatus shall m once at least in every three months, be cleaned an
thoroughly overhauled by a competent person. (ii)If the apparatus fails to fire all the shots in a properly
connected circuit, the blaster shall return the apparatus to the manger or assistant manager or
underground manager as soon as possible, and it shall not be use again unless it has been tested on the
surface and found to be in safe working order. (iii) The result of every overhaul test or repair is aforesaid
shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose an shall be 104 signed an dated by the
person making the overhaul, test or repair. (2) No current from a signalling, lighting or power circuit
shall be used for firing shots. (3) The blaster shall – (a) retain the key of the firing apparatus in his
possession throughout his shift; (b) use a well-insulated cable of sufficient length to permit him to take
proper shelter, and in no case, shall this cable be less than 20 meters in length; (c) before coupling the
cable to the firing apparatus, couple up the cable himself to the detonator leads; (d) take care to
prevent the cable from coming into contact with any power or lighting cable or other electrical
apparatus; (e) take adequate precautions to protect electrical conductors and apparatus from injury; (f)
himself couple the cable to the firing apparatus; an before doing so, see that all persons in the vicinity
have taken proper shelter as provided under regulation 164; and (g) after firing the shots and before
entering the place of firing, disconnect the cable from the firing apparatus. Where more than one shot
are to be fire at the same time :- (a) care shall be taken that all connections are properly made; (b) all
shots if fired belowground shall be connected in series; (c) the circuit shall be tested either for electrical
resistance or for continuity before connecting it to the firing apparatus. Such a test shall be made with
an apparatus specifically designed for the purpose and after the provisions of regulation 164 have been
complied with; and (d) the cable to the shotfiring apparatus shall be connected last; 2 [and] 2 [(e)
detonators of the same electrical resistance shall lonely be used.] CHAPTER-XV : 2 [Machinery, Plant
Equipment]
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[(2) In every gassy seam of the second or third degree only flame proof electrical apparatus and
equipment shall be used belowground unless otherwise provided for under the Indian Electricity Rules,
1956]: Provided that the Central Government or the Chief Inspector or an Inspector authorised by the
Central Government 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, in any
mine of the first degree gassiness, which has subsequently been classified as second or third degree
gassines.]
(3) The Chief Inspector may, from time to time by notification in the Official Gazette, specify appliances,
equipment, machinery, or other material, that are or may be used in a mine, which shall be of such type,
standard and make as approved by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order, and where any such
appliance, equipment, machinery or other material had been specified by the Chief Inspector any such
appliance, equipment, machinery, or material, other than that approved by the Chief Inspector as
aforesaid, shall not be used in any mine.
(4) Where in respect of any appliance, equipment, machinery or other material, the Chief Inspector has
not made any notification under sub-regulation (3) and any such appliance, equipment machinery or
material is used in any mine, the Chief Inspector or Regional Inspector may, if he is of the opinion that
the use of such appliance, equipment, machinery, or material until the same is approved by the Chief
Inspector.] 182. General provisions about construction and maintenance of machinery. – All parts and
working gear whether fixed or movable, including the anchoring and fixing appliances, of all machinery
and apparatus used as or forming part of the equipment of amine, an all foundations in or to which any
such appliances are anchored or fixed shall be of good construction, suitable material, adequate
strength and free from visible defect, and shall be properly maintained.
185. Engine rooms and their exits. – Every engine, motor, transformer and battery charging room, and
every room in which highly inflammable materials are stored on the surface shall be kept clean, and be
provided with at least two exists. Every such exit shall be properly maintained and kept free from
obstruction. 186. Working and examination of machinery.
(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 a Gas-testing Certificate. 3 [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. x x x
(5) A competent person or persons appointed for the purpose shall, once at least in every seven days,
make a thorough inspection of all machinery and plant in use, and shall record the result thereof in a
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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.
CHAPTER-XVI :
Miscellaneous
188. Notices. – where at any place smoking or unauthorised entries prohibited, notices to that effect
shall be posted at conspicuous places at every entrance to the place.
189. Storage belowground of calcium carbide. – Calcium carbide shall not be taken or kept
belowground until about to be used, except in a secure metal case or container containing not more
than half a kilogram in weight thereof. No person shall have in the mine at any one time more than one
such case or container.
190. General Safety – No person shall negligently or willfully do anything likely to endanger life or limb in
the mine, or negligently or willfully omit to do anything necessary for the safety of the mine or the
persons employed therein.
191. Use, Supply maintenance of protective footwear. – (1) No person shall go into, or work in, or be
allowed to go into, or work in, a mine, unless he wears a protective footwear of such type as may be
approved by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order in writing. (2) The protective footwear
referred to in sub-regulation (1) shall be supplied free of charge, at intervals not exceeding six months,
by the owner, agent or manager of a mine who shall at all times maintain a sufficient stock of protective
footwear in order to ensure immediate supply as and when need for the same arises. (3) Where a
footwear is provided otherwise than as aforesaid, the supply shall be made on payment of full cost. (4)
The owner, agent of manager of a mine shall provide at suitable places in the mine dubbing and
revolving brushes or make other suitable alternative arrangements for the cleaning of protective
footwear by the persons using them. It shall however be the responsibility of the person supplied with
the protective footwear to arrange the repair of the same at his own cost. 191A. Use and supply of
helmet. (1) No person shall go into, or work, in or be allowed to go into or work in, a mine, other than
the precincts of a mine occupied by an office building, canteen, creche, rest shelter, first aid room or any
other building of a similar type, unless he wears a helmet of such type as may be approved by the Chief
Inspector by a general or special order in writing : 111 Provided that where the Chief Inspector is of the
opinion that due to special circumstances it is not necessary of reasonably practicable 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 provisions of this sub-regulation. (2) The helmet referred to in sub-
regulation(1) shall be supplied free of charge, at intervals not exceeding three years or such other
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interval as the Chief Inspector may specify by a general or special order in writing by the owner, agent or
manager of a mine, who shall at all times maintain a sufficient stock thereof in order to ensure
immediate supply as and when need for the same arises : Provided that when a helmet is accidentally
damaged during legitimate use, the owner, agent or manager shall immediately replace the damaged
helmet free of cost. (3) Where a helmet is provided otherwise than as aforesaid, the supply shall be
made on payment of full cost.
(1) Where is appears to the Regional Inspector or the Chief Inspector that any person or class of persons
employed in a mine is exposed to undue hazard by reason of the nature of his employment, he may, by
a general or special order in writing, require the owner, agent or manager of the mine to supply to such
person or class of persons, free of charge, gloves, goggles, shinguards, or such other protective
equipment as may be specified in the order.
(2) The protective equipment provided under sub-regulation(1) shall be replaced free of charge by the
owner, agent or manager whenever it is rendered unserviceable by legitimate use. In any other event,
the replacement shall be made on payment of full cost.
(3) If any dispute arises as to the life of any protective equipment, it shall be referred to the Chief
Inspector for decision. 191C. Obligation of persons provided with protective equipment. – Whenever
any person is supplied by the owner, agent or manager of a mine with any protective equipment, he
shall use the same while doing the work for which he is supplied with such protective equipment.]
195. Saving clauses – (1) Where under any regulation, a person is required to hold an Overman’s
Certificate, a literate person holding a Sirdar’s Certificate endorsed for gas-testing shall be considered as
qualified to carry out the duties there under until such date as the Central Government may notify in
that behalf in the Official Gazette. (2) Where under any regulation, a person is required to hold a Gas-
testing Certificate, a person holding a Sirdar’s Certificate endorsed for gas-testing shall be considred as
qualified to carry out the duties there under until such date as the Central Government may notify in
that behalf in the Official Gazette. 196. Officials to be literate. – After coming into force of these
regulations, no person shall be appointed as an official of a mine unless he is literate and is conversant
with the language of the district in which the mine is situated or with the language understood by a
majority of the persons employed in the mine : Provided that so much of this regulation as requires a
person to be conversant with the language of the district or of the majority of persons shall not apply to
managers, under managers, assistant managers, engineers and surveyors. 197. Writing of reports. – If
any person required to make any report is unable to write, he shall be present when his report is written
for him, and shall have it read over to him, and shall then attach his thumb mark to it or sign it. The
person writing the report shall certify that it has been read over to the person for whom it was written,
and shall sign the certificate an date his signature.
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198. Payment of fees. – Any fees payable under these regulations shall be paid directly into the Treasury
or a branch of the State Bank of India or by means of a Crossed Indian Postal Order and the receipt of
the Treasury or Bank or Postal Order shall be sent to the Chief Inspector along with the application to
which the fee relates.] 2 [199. Place of accident not to be disturbed – (1) Whenever an accident occurs
in or about a mine causing loss of life or serious bodily injury to any person, the place of accident shall
not be disturbed or altered before the arrival or without the consent of the Chief Inspector or the
Inspector to whom notice of the accident is required to be given under sub-section (1) of section 23 of
the Act unless such disturbance or alteration is necessary to prevent any further accident, to remove
bodies of the deceased, or to rescue any person from danger, or unless 113 discontinuance of work at
the place of accident would seriously impede the working of the mine: Provided that where the Chief
Inspector or the said Inspector fails to inspect the place of accident within seventy-two hours of the time
of the accident, work may be resumed at the place of accident. (2) Before the place of accident involving
a fatal or serious accident is disturbed or altered due to any reason whatsoever, a sketch of the site
illustrating the accident and all relevant details shall be prepared (in duplicate) and such sketch shall be
duly signed by the manager or assistant manager, safety officers, surveyor and the workmen’s inspector
or, where there is no workmen’s inspector by a work person present at the place of accident. Such
sketch shall also be supported by the photographs of the place of accident: Provided that, if the place is
disturbed or altered to prevent further accident or rescue persons from danger before the sketch could
be prepared, the same shall be prepared immediately thereafter giving all relevant details as existed
before the place was disturbed or altered. (3) One of the authenticated sketches shall be delivered or
sent to the concerned inspector or Mines.
199A. Emergency plan. – (1) The manger of every mine having workings below ground shall prepare a
general plan of action for use in time of emergency. The plan shall outline the duties and responsibilities
of each mine official and men including the telephone operators, so that each person shall know his
duties in case fire, explosion or other emergency occurs. All official and key men shall be thoroughly
instructed in their duties so as to avoid contradictory orders and confusion at the time when prompt and
efficient action is needed. The emergency plan shall also provide for mock rehearsals at regular
intervals. (2) The manager shall submit a copy of the aforesaid emergency plan prepared by him to the
regional inspector, within 60 days of the coming into force of the Coal Mines (Amendment) Regulations,
1985, or in the case of a mine which is opened or re-opened thereafter, within 30 days of such opening
or re-opening. The regional inspector may, by an order in writing approve of such action plan, either in
the Form submitted to him or with such additions and alterations as he may think fit, and the action plan
so approved shall be enforced at the mine. (3) On receiving information of any emergency, the manager
and his absence the principal official present at the surface, shall immediately put emergency action
plan in operation.] 200. Taking samples from mines. – Where for official purposes, an Inspector
considers it necessary to take samples of any mineral, rope or other material, the owner, agent or
manager shall make over to him such samples in such quantities as he may require. 3 * * * * * 202. Chief
Inspector etc. to exercise powers of the Regional Inspector. – Any power granted under these
regulations to the Regional Inspector may be exercised by the Chief Inspector or an Additional Chief
Inspector or a Deputy Chief Inspector or any other Inspector authorised in writing in this behalf by the
Chief Inspector. 203. Appeals to the Chief Inspector.- Against an order made by the Regional Inspector
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under any of these regulations, an appeal shall lie to the Chief Inspector who may confirm, modify or
cancel the order. Every such appeal shall be preferred within 15 days of the receipt of the order by the
appellant. 204. 2 [Appeals to committee] – (1) 3 [Against any original order made by the Chief Inspector
under any of these regulations or against any order passed under regulation 203 by the Chief Inspector
on an appeal against Regional Inspector’s order] an appeal shall lie within 20 days of the receipt of the
order by the appellant to the 4 [Committee constituted under section 12 of the Act]: 114 5 [ * * * * * * ]
(2) Every order of the Chief Inspector, against which an appeal is preferred under sub-regulation (1) shall
be complied with pending the receipt at the mine of the decision of 6 [the committee] : Provided that 6
[the committee] may, on application by the appellant, suspend the operation of the order appealed
against pending the disposal of the appeal. 205. Repeal and Saving. – The Indian Coal Mines Regulations,
1926 and the Coal Mines (Temporary) Regulations, 1955 are hereby repealed: Provided that all acts
done or orders issued or certificates, authorisation or permits granted or renewed under any of the said
regulations shall be deemed to have been done, issued, granted or renewed under the corresponding
provisions of these regulations.
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