Afternoon Session
Afternoon Session
THE MINES ACT, 1952
Examination for Mine Manager’s Certificate of Competency under
the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957
FIRST CLASS
MINE MANAGEMENT, LEGISLATION & GENERAL SAFETY
Sunday, the 12th December, 2010
Full Marks: 100
Time: 3 Hours
Answer Any SIX Questions
(Question 1 carry 20 marks and all other questions carry 16
marks)
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1.
(a). Elaborate the terms “fixed cost”, “variable cost” and
“marginal cost” in respect of a coal mine for its financial
viabilities. Assume your own conditions.
For any industry cost is the amount of resources given up
generally in terms of money or if not in terms of money, they are
always expressed in monetary units. Fixed cost, variable cost and
marginal cost in respect of a coal mine for its financial viability
is a classification based on changes in activity or volume.
i) Fixed cost: It is a cost which does not change in total for a
given time of period despite wide fluctuations in output or volume
of activity. This includes expenses which must be incurred
irrespective of the changes in use of direct materials and do not
vary directly with volume or rate of output.
Examples of fixed cost are rent, property taxes, supervising
salary, depreciation, advertising, insurance, welfare expenses,
administrative cost, etc. fixed cost are expressed in terms of time
such as per day, per month or per year and not in terms of unit. It
is improper to say that fixed costs never change in amount. Rents,
insurance rates, taxes, salaries and other similar items may go up
or down depending on the circumstances. The basic concept is that
the term “fixed” refers to fixity (non-variability) related to
specific volume (or relevant range); the term does not imply that
there will be no changes in fixed cost.
Fixed costs can be classified in the following categories for
the purpose of analysis:
1. Committed costs: P & M depreciation, taxes, insurance
premium rate, rent charges, etc.
2. Managed costs: Management & staff salaries etc.
3. Discretionary costs: R & D costs, marketing programmes
costs, new system development costs etc.
4. Step costs: Supervision costs etc.
Total fixed costs remain unchanged when activity changes within
a relevant range. Fixed costs per unit decline as activity
increases.
ii) Variable cost: Variable costs are those cost that vary
directly and proportionately with the output.
Examples of variable costs are materials (explosives, power,
spares, support materials, POL, etc.), labour cost (salary and
wages, OT, retirement benefits, etc.).
Total variable costs change when activity changes. Variable
costs per unit do not change as activity increases.
iii) Marginal cost: Marginal costs are the increase or decrease
in total costs that result from producing as additional unit of
product. These are also known as incremental costs per unit. If
fixed costs remain unchanged by increasing output by one more unit,
the marginal cost of the product will consists of variable cost
only.
Marginal costing is used to ascertain costs for increased
production and to separate fixed and variable elements to show
volume-profit relationship. It is essential in determining the
profitability and to decide whether to increase the production or
not.
Assumptions:
The mine is a coal mine.
Cost of production – Rs. 1000/- per tonne.
Production of the mine is 1000 tonnes per day.
Fixed cost per tonne – Rs. 300/-
Variable cost per tonne – Rs. 700/-
Marginal cost per tonne – Rs. 700 provided fixed cost remains
unchanged.
This shows that for increasing 10 tonne production in addition
to 10000 TPD per tonne total cost of production will be Rs. 1000 x
1000 + 7000 = 1007000.
Overall cost per tonne will be 1007000/1010 = 997.
This shows that as the volume increases, variable cost will
decrease.
----------------------------------------------------------------
(b) What is the economic impact of mining? Define in your own
terms and enumerate “corporate social responsibilities”.
Economic impact of mining:
Mining is a major economic activity. Minerals are of great
economic significance for the well-being of man as well as for his
survival. Mining activity generates employment opportunities and
substantially boosts the domestic economy. They are important
sources of tax revenue and contribute to national income. Royalty
from mines is an important source of revenue for the state.
In addition to this following are other economic impacts
i) Minerals are at the foundation of industrial development in
any country.
ii) The Project Affected People (PAPs) are given jobs and are
also trained for self employment as per provisions of
Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R&R) schemes.
iii) The mining and associated activities in mining areas bring
about infrastructural development, i.e., roads, schools, hospitals,
etc.
iv) Due to mining and associated activities, ethnic people are
exposed to various developments and this increases their
aspirations.
v) It develops environmental awareness amongst the employees and
the villagers.
Adverse economic impacts of mining:
1. Mining affects the environment adversely. Ecological factor
should be a criterion in deciding the exploration & extraction
of minerals in an area.
2. Since, the land is taken for mining and associated
activities, these people lose their livelihood.
3. Development of activities in such areas generate more money,
increases buying power of the people and the cost of living, which
adversely affects the people who are not directly associated with
these activities.
4. Health of the people living in and around the mining
complexes gets affected due to the environmental degradation.
Corporate Social Responsibility:
Corporate Social Responsibility is the continuing commitment by
business organisations to behave ethically and contribute to the
economic development. It also cares for improving the quality of
life of the workforce and their families as well as of the local
community and society at large.
CSR emphasizes that the companies have not only economic and
legal obligations, but also certain responsibilities to the
society.
Objectives of CSR:
Taking responsibility by mining companies for impact of mining
on society and taking measures to minimise them or improve the
conditions better than what they initially were.
Measure areas covered under CSR:
i) Health care
ii) Educational facilities
iii) Civic amenities
Advantages of effective implementation of CSR:
i) It improves the trust between the employees, villagers and
the management.
ii) It also improves the brand image of the company.
iii) Improves overall performance of the company.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Q. 2. Answer any two:
(a) Composition of Safety Committee and function of Safety
Committee.
Safety Committee is a bipartite statutory forum for Workers
participation in Safety Management at mine level.
The Safety Committee shall consist of:-
(a) The manager who shall be the Chairman;
(b) Five officials or competent persons of the mine nominated by
the Chairman;
(c) Five workmen nominated by the workmen of the mine in
accordance with the procedure prescribed in
Clause (a) of sub-rule (1) of rule 29Q for nomination of
Workmen’s Inspector;
(d) Workmen’s Inspector where so designated; and
(e) The Safety Officer, or where there is no Safety Officer, the
senior most mine official next to the manager, who shall act as
Secretary to the Committee;
Provided that any other official, competent person or work
person may be co-opted by the Chairman as a member of the Committee
on any day or days of the meeting, if considered necessary.
The functions of the Committee shall be-
(1) To discuss remedial measures against the unsafe conditions
and practices in the mine as pointed out in the reports of
Workmen’s Inspector or otherwise brought to the notice of the
Committee and make appropriate recommendations;
(2) To consider, before commencement of operations in any new
district of mine or commissioning of new electrical or mechanical
installation or introduction of new mining technique, the proposed
Safety and health measures including related codes of practice and
to make appropriate recommendations;
(3) To discuss the report of inquiry into accident and make
appropriate recommendations;
(4) To formulate and implement appropriate Safety campaign based
on analysis of accidents;
(5) To meet at least once in 30 days to consider the matter
placed before it and any other matter that may be raised by the
members and make such recommendations as it may deem fit; and
(6) To serve as a forum for communication on Safety and
occupational health matters.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Withdrawal of supports and standing orders.
Withdrawal of supports is a hazardous operation and several
accidents take place during this operation. Therefore, provisions
have been made in Reg. 110, CMR, 1957 for this important
operation.
According to Regulation 110, whenever supports are to be
withdrawn, the withdrawal shall be done in accordance with the
method which shall be specified in 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 persons engaged in operation and all
persons present nearby;
(e) training of competent persons who are entrusted with the
operation; and
(f) Supervision during withdrawal of supports.
A model standing order for withdrawal of supports is given below
–
This standing order shall apply to all the workings of ‘X’ mine
for withdrawal of supports. The withdrawal shall be carried out as
per the following procedure –
i) The supports should be withdrawn by experienced workers only
under the general supervision of a mining sirdar.
ii) A safety prop withdrawer or other suitable tool/ contrivance
supplied by the management shall be used.
iii) Work should be done by installing the prop withdrawer at a
safe place. Adequate length of chain shall be used for this
purpose.
iv) Blasting and other activities in the district shall be kept
suspended during the withdrawal operation.
v) Withdrawal of supports shall be carried out strictly
following the sequence of withdrawal, starting from the goaf edge
and withdrawal of a cog is to precede withdrawal of its corner
props.
vi) One prop shall be withdrawn at a time and before withdrawing
second prop, the movement of the roof shall be observed
carefully.
vii) Withdrawn props shall be kept sufficiently away from the
area to provide free passage for workers to run away in an
emergency.
viii) No attempt shall be made to dislodge any support by
hammering which has got jammed/ fixed too tight against the roof.
That may be left to collapse under roof pressure.
ix) In stowing district, in the areas where persons have to
work, pass or remain for a length of time, adequate supports for
their safety must be left or re-erected till the voids are fully
stowed.
x) Any danger noted during the withdrawal of support shall be
immediately brought to the notice of safety officer/ manager.
--------------------------------------------------------------
(c) Cost of accident, frequencies and severity rate.
It is a well known fact that apart from disruption in
production, accidents in mines result in increased cost of
production or in other words there is cost involved in every
accident.
There are two components of this cost, namely one which is quite
apparent like the compensation to be paid and expenditure on
medical treatment and the second which is not apparent like loss of
production, loss of productivity due to disruption of work and loss
of morale etc. The apparent part is called direct cost and the
other part is indirect cost. OSHA, U.S.A has estimated that in case
of industrial accidents, the ratio of direct: indirect cost varies
from 1:1 to 1:20.
Direct cost: As has been mentioned, it is the cost on account of
compensation and medical expenditure. The minimum compensation to
be paid is given in Workmen’s compensation Act. However, the mining
companies pay much more than that.
Indirect cost: It includes:
· Higher insurance premium to the insurance companies.
· Cost of rescue and recovery.
· Cost on account of appointment of another person in case of
fatal accident and training him.
· Cost on account of absenteeism and overtime wages resulting
after accident.
· Cost on account of loss of production and productivity due to
accident.
· Cost on account of accident investigation.
· Cost on account of court case, if any instituted by regulatory
authorities or police.
· Cost for replacing the damaged machinery or making the place
safe.
It will be observed from the foregoing that if total cost of
accidents is like an iceberg with only a small portion of direct
cost which is visible above water level while majority of it
(indirect cost) remains submerged and invisible.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
3. An intensively Bord & Pillar developed mine is planning
to increase production from 2000 to 5000 tonnes per day by
introducing highly productive machinery. List out the preparatory
work to be undertaken till the targeted production is achieved.
Describe the safe operating procedure for one of the machinery used
for production.
Answer:
Such a high production from Bord and Pillar workings can be
achieved by using Continuous miner with shuttle cars and
conveyor.
Assuming that the above mentioned machines are to be introduced,
the important preparatory work to be done will include:
(a) Transport facilities for transport of machinery
belowground;
(b) Good workshop facilities for maintenance;
(c) Recruitment of competent operators;
(d) Training of operators and workers;
(e) Training of supervisors;
(f) Procurement of genuine spare parts;
(g) Providing adequate facilities for clearing of coal;
(h) Providing man-riding facilities to save time prevent
fatigue;
(i) Providing adequate ventilation to meet the statutory
requirements, including changing the main mechanical ventilator of
higher capacity;
(j) Providing adequate lighting;
(k) Procuring and providing adequate power at high voltage;
(l) Appointing and training adequate number of officials as per
CMR;
(m) Getting statutory permissions, exemptions and relaxations
from DGMS for mechanized extraction of pillars (Reg 100) , widening
of roadways (Reg99), use of high voltage machines belowground
(IER), etc;
(n) Strengthening of supports.
(o) Establishing R&D facilities for monitoring of strata
control etc.
(p) Preparing safe operating procedures.
Safe operating procedure for Continuous miner
CONSTRUCTION:
a) Motors and switches – FLP enclosure
b) FLP and I.S features to be strictly maintained
c) Cables to be connected through glands and bushes
d) Safety devices – horns, lights, LMD, remote control, AVA
etc.
OPERATION:
a) Operation by authorized person
b) Operator to check lights, horn, AVA & other safety
devices
c) Cable man to wear gloves
d) Before starting, operator to see that all persons in vicinity
been warned
EXAMINATION:
a) Manager to frame standing orders
b) In every shift by competent foreman, every week by
Engineer
SCHEME OF MAINTENANCE: As recommended by Manufacturer.
VENTILATION:
a) Velocity: Not less than 30 m per sec;
b) Quantity: 284 Cu. M per min
c) Inflammable gas: Not more than 0.5 %
DUST CONTROL:
a) Complete set of picks
b) Speed : As specified by Manufacturer
c) Avoid cutting in stone
d) Interlocking cutting and water spraying
e) Strict dust Monitoring
SUPPORT:
a) Development galleries & splits: with resin bolt as per
SSR
b) Goaf edges: 3 rows of roof bolts at 0.8 m between bolts and
between rows; length 1.8 m
c) In development and split headings, C.M will not be taken 3.2
m beyond last row of roof bolts; in slice not 10 m beyond last
row
d) Strata monitoring as per strata management plan drawn
IMPLEMENTATION:
a) Duties of person will be drawn and implemented
b) Adequate number of supervisors
c) Training
d) Proper records
e) Discussion in Safety committee meeting
GENERAL:
a) Cut off power at shift end
b) Park at safe place at shift end
c) Joints in trailing cable to be vulcanized
--------------------------------------------------------------------
4. Write short notes on any two:
(a) Special training to front line supervisors with reference to
10th Safety Conference.
Front line supervisors like Overmen & Sirdars’ role is very
important for improving safety standards in mines as they are the
officials who are required to take on the spot decisions. For
example, it is the overman in a depillaring district who will
decide whether it is safe to continue with withdrawal of supports
in case the goaf is ‘talking’. Hence it is necessary that these
officials have adequate practical experience. Since the mining
techniques and safety management systems are changing rapidly,
their past experience of working under old conditions may not prove
adequate. Hence it is essential to keep them updated. This is
possible through periodical training.
In this regards following recommendation of 10th Safety
Conference is relevant:
“All front-line supervisory officials like Sirdars / Mates,
Overmen /Foremen, Surveyors, Electrical/ Mechanical
supervisors/Chargemen / Foremen as well as persons supervising
other surface operations should be imparted structured training in
safety management, for at least two weeks, once in every five
years, covering about 20% strength every year.”
------------------------------------------------------
(b) Risk management.
Fatality rates per thousand persons in our mines are stagnating
for a long time. It has now been thought that apart from reactive
approach, there is a need to adopt proactive approach to prevent or
reduce accidents. Risk management aims at this approach. Risks
associated with different hazards due to geological and working
conditions, machinery and methods are assessed in advance and such
risks are given rating. Higher rated risks are given due
attention.
Objective of risk management: It aims to reduce the likelihood
and impact of mishaps of all kinds, reduce the inherent potential
for major accidents which could kill or injure persons or cause
production and profit losses. Ninth Conference on safety in mines
recommended that risk management should be used as a tool for
development of appropriate health and safety management system.
Tenth Safety Conference made the following recommendations:
1. Every mine should employ a sound risk analysis process,
should conduct a risk assessment and should develop a safety
management plan to address the significant hazards identified by
the analysis assessment.
2. The managements of every mining company should adopt the
process of safety management system and commit itself for proper
formulation and implementation of the same in totality.
3. Necessary training of all employees of mining companies
should be organized with the help of experts for optimal adoption
of the safety management system
Risk Management is the process of identifying, analyzing,
assessing, rectifying and monitoring of hazardous activities and
formulates the management policies, procedures and practices to
reduce the chances of uneventful happening.
The risk management plan involves:
Risk assessment, risk identification, assessment of risk and
ranking and treatment, control and action plans
Risk assessment is the most important part of risk management.
This is to be carried out by a multidisciplinary team in order to
assess all types of risks arising out of method of work, natural
conditions and due to machinery etc.
Risk assessment is to be performed on a regular basis. The goal
for each risk assessment session is to identify hazards, determine
risk ratings and controls, and to review the implementation of risk
controls from previous risk assessment sessions.
The following workflow diagram illustrates the areas involved in
performing a risk assessment session.
Assemble
team
Identify
Hazards
Determine
Risk
Rank
Risks
Determine
Controls
Initiate
Controls
Review Ranking
Review Hazards
After risk assessment, the risks with high rates are tabulated
and control measures are determined. A control programme is then
formulated indicating also the time frame and responsibility.
A beginning has been made and it is expected that soon it will
yield results and the accident rates which are stagnating for the
last several years will start declining.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
(c) Goaf edge support in mechanised depillaring.
Purpose of goaf edge support:
In caving methods, goaf edge is heavily supported to ensure that
strata movement in goaf area does not affect the working area.
In stowing methods, requirement of goaf edge support is not
heavy as the roof is supported by stowed material and only load of
a small span of roof is to be taken by supports.
Statutory provisions –
Reg. 108 of CMR 1957 stipulated that, every area in depillaring
district including goaf edge shall be supported as per SSR framed
by manager of mine and approved by DGMS.
Goaf edge support by roof bolts –
Goaf edge in mechanised depillaring by caving with continuous
miner and shuttle cars shall be supported in the following
manner:
i) All the goaf edges shall be supported by rows of
non-retractable roof bolts with resin at 0.8m interval in between
the two bolts and the side of the pillar as well as between the
rows of bolts. The length and diameter of such bolts shall not be
less than 1.8m and 22m respectively. Such goaf edge support shall
be supported in the split/ original gallery, as the case may be, at
the start of the slice cut by the continuous miner.
ii) Each such goaf edge shall have three parallel rows of roof
bolts, 0.5m inside the roadway except those in between slices where
only two rows of roof bolts shall be provided.
iii) One wooden prop shall be installed 2.0m inside of every
primary breaker line near the goaf edge on the rib side/ centre of
the gallery as an indicator prop.
iv) Anchorage testing of 10% of the roof bolts shall be done and
record shall be maintained.
----------------------------------------------------------
5. A number of incidences/ accidents are occurring due to hard
landing of cages. List out the main causes and the statutory
provision in man-winding in shafts.
Answer:
If the descending cage in which persons are traveling lands at a
high speed, it is likely to cause accident to persons traveling
therein. Accident to persons in descending cage may also occur in
the event of over-winding.
It may occur due to following reasons:
a. Negligence of winding engine man
b. Failure of brakes
c. Breakage of rope
d. Accidental declutching of drum due to failure of the clutch
lock
e. Maladjustment/ mal-calibration of automatic contrivance.
f. Making the automatic contrivance defunct.
g. Wrong calibration of speed indicator.
h. Overloading of cage/ cages.
Statutory provisions
Briefly, following are the provisions of CMR to prevent hard
landing of cages:
Regulation 76:
a. Where drum clutches are provided, the following provisions
shall have effect:
I. The operating gear of the drum shall be provided with locking
gear to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the clutch.
II. Every engine used for lowering or raising persons shall have
suitable interlocking device so fitted that it is not possible
–
(a) to unclutch any drum unless brakes of such drum are applied;
or
(b) To release the brake until the drum clutch is fully engaged
and securely locked.
b. Unless the cage attached to the drum is resting at bottom of
shaft, the drum shall not be unclutched unless the winding
engineman has assured himself immediately beforehand that the brake
is fully applied.
c. In every shaft the engine shall be fitted with an
automatically recording speed indicator.
d. In a shaft exceeding 100 meters in depth, there shall be
provided an effective automatic contrivance to prevent overspeeding
and overwinding. It shall prevent descending cage from being landed
at pit bottom at a speed exceeding 1.5 m per sec and control
movement of ascending cage in such a manner as prevent danger to
persons in it. The RIM may specify maximum speed by an order in
writing. The contrivance and brakes shall be tested by engineer or
other competent person, once in every 7 days by raising each cage
in turn to pass the last control point above the top most landing,
and once in every thirty days by attempting to land the descending
cage at excessive speed. Results shall be recorded in a register
kept for the purpose.
e. Except where automatic contrivance is provided, a point shall
be fixed and marked on the indicator of the engine in such a way as
to show when the cage is at a distance of not less than twice the
circumference of the drum from completion of the wind. If persons
are traveling in cage, W.E man shall not raise the remaining
distance at a speed exceeding 1.2 metres per second.
f. Not more the specified number of persons shall travel in
cage.
g. No person shall carry any bulky material in the cages.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
6. Define arduous travel with respect to underground mechanised
mine. What are the statutory requirements before commissioning of
such a system in your mine?
Enumerate how to ensure safety of the persons travelling
belowground in one such system.
An arduous travel with respect to underground mechanised mine
may be defined as the journey in which workers needs much effort or
energy to reach their authorised working place due to long travel
distance and steep gradient.
An arduous travel may be considered where
1) The seam gradient is more than 1 in 4 and travelling distance
to the work place is more than 1.5 km.
2) The seam gradient is less than 1 in 4 but the travelling
distance is more than 3 km.
Statutory requirements before commissioning man riding
system:
i) Reg. 88(5) for haulage, Reg. 92(4) for belt conveyor, Reg. 95
for locomotive of CMR 1957 stipulates that no haulage, belt
conveyor or locomotive shall be used for the general conveyance of
persons/ man riding except with the permission in writing of CIM
and subject to such conditions as may be specified.
ii) No man riding system shall be used U/G unless it is of a
type approved by the Chief Inspector of Mines. All equipment used
for man riding system shall be –
(a) Of sound construction
(b) Inspected at regular intervals and
(c) Maintained in good and safe condition.
Statutory requirements of man riding system:
In our mine for ensuring safety of persons travelling
belowground in endless haulage (man riding system), the following
provisions shall be strictly complied with –
i) Gradient: The man riding car shall not run in a steeper
gradient more than 1 in 12.
ii) Speed: The normal speed of the system shall not be exceed 7
km/hr.
iii) FOS & life of haulage rope: Factory of Safety shall not
be less than 10 and Life of the rope shall not be more than 1 ½
years.
iv) The man riding car shall be provided with brake system which
actuates when speed of car exceeds 2.7 m/s.
v) Number of persons allowed to travel shall be notified by
manager. Provision of station shall be made for riding &
embarking.
vi) Rope and attachment used with man riding car shall be of
approved type.
vii) Track shall be not less than 35 lb/yard.
Ensuring safety of the persons:
The following safety devices should be incorporated in the man
riding haulage system.
(a) Safety devices –
1. Over speed tripping device
2. Position indicator and rope speed indicator
3. Run over indicator
4. Service brakes – having restraining torque capable of holding
1.5 to 2.0 times the torque resulting from the rope pull.
5. Emergency brakes
6. Track limit switch – to be provided at in-bye and out-bye end
of journey.
7. Over travel limit switch.
8. Pull cord system for stopping the train in case of
emergency.
(b) Clearance: - Below the roof – 0.3m
On the side of track on which manholes are provided - 0.6m. On
that side of track opposite to the man holes when there are not
more than two tracks – 0.3m.
In any other case – 0.6m
(c) Effective signalling system: Suitable code of signalling to
be specified by manager for strict enforcement.
(d) Notices –
1. Rope speed limit notice in the engine room
2. Notice at each stations prohibiting travel beyond specified
point.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
7. Write short notes on any two:
(a) Occupational health survey and its importance.
Now-a-days Occupational health is an important part of mining in
view the health hazards created due to respirable dust, noise,
fumes, vibrations etc in mechanized mines. Though the workers
undergo periodical medical examination as per the statutory
requirements at five yearly intervals, it is equally important to
keep a watch on occupational health status apart from watch on
occupational health hazards. There are no provisions in the statute
for such surveys.
The matter has been considered by various safety conferences who
made valuable recommendations . The most important aspect is to
have Occupational Health Surveillance cell for which recommendation
was made by sixth Safety Conference.
The Occupational Health Surveillance cell is required to have
necessary appliances like X-ray machines, equipment for audiometric
tests, appliances for doing lung function tests etc. In addition it
has to be manned by competent and qualified manpower trained in the
latest techniques of occupational health surveys.
Indeed it is very important to make occupational health surveys
at intervals to know the occupational health problems so that
corrective steps can be taken in time. If the occupational diseases
like Pneumoconiosis and hearing loss are allowed to go beyond
certain limits, it may be too late and the damage may be
permanent.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
(b) Objective of Tripartite & Bi-partite meetings. How far
it is useful in increasing the status of safety of a mine.
Mine management and workers are the stake holders in management
as far as safety in mines is concerned. Therefore, it is necessary
the stake holders should meet from time to time to discuss and sort
out the safety and occupational health issues. That is exactly the
objective of bi-partite meetings between management and mine
workers. These meetings provide forum for safety and health
promotional measures.
Apart from the above two stake holders, the Central Government
too has very valid part to play in promotion of safety as the
Safety, health and Welfare of mine workers is a central subject and
is regulated through the Mines Act, 1952. It is therefore,
necessary that there should be regular interaction between the mine
management, DGMS on behalf of Central Government and the mine
workers to discuss and resolve the issues pertaining to mine safety
and occupational health in mines. That is the objective of
tri-partite meetings. This too is a safety promotional forum.
Indeed very important part has been played by these meetings in
promoting safety in mines. Important amendments of statute have
emerged through the recommendations of various safety conferences.
The mining companies have been sort out in the past many safety
problems through bi-partite meetings. These meetings will continue
to play important role in future too.
--------------------------------------------------------------
(c) Emergency response procedure for entrapped underground
workers.
Speed is vital for rescue of workers trapped in mines due to
accidents and incidents like explosions, fires or even roof falls.
Hence there has to be a set of standing orders or emergency
response plan drawn and rehearsed well in advance so that the
rescue operations can be carried out with utmost speed and urgency.
Regulation 199 A of CMR requires such a plan in underground mines.
The provisions are as follows:
1) The manager of every mine having workings belowground 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 key men including the telephone operators, so that
each person shall know what is expected of him in case fire,
explosion or other emergency occurs. All officials 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 required. 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
coming into force of the Coal Mines (Amendment) Regulations, 1985,
or in the case of a mine which is opened or reopened thereafter,
within thirty days of such opening or reopening. The Regional
Inspector may, by an order in writing, approve of such action plan,
either in the form submitted too him or with such additions or
alterations as he may think fit and action plan so approved shall
be enforced in the mine.
3) On receiving information of any emergency, the manager and in
his absence the principal official present on the surface, shall
immediately put the emergency plan in operation.
The essential elements of emergency plan are:
(1) Sending information to different parts of the mine.
(2) Safe and orderly withdrawal of persons from unaffected part
of the mine.
(3) Rescue of trapped persons. Speed of rescue operations is
important. This requires:
· Early location of trapped persons;
· Precise location of trapped persons;
· Training of rescue workers in use of rescue capsules;
· Special clothing for rescue persons near fire.
(4) Recovery of dead bodies and their identification.
(5) Prevention of further danger in mine.
(6) Keeping press and public informed about the correct
situation to avoid rumours.
----------------------------------------------------------------
8. In present day context of heavy mechanisation and outsourcing
in mines how as a manager of a mine you prevent employment of
persons below eighteen years of age. What is laid down under the
provisions of the Mines Act, 1952, Regulations, Rules and Orders
made thereunder including penalties.
To meet the energy demand of the country, coal production is to
be increased manifold. This can be possible by mechanising the
industry. Due to the non-availability of trained experienced
manpower, many mining activities are being outsourced. Outsourcing
has become attractive due to the following reasons –
1) It is difficult to manage the manpower directly on roll of
the company.
2) Specialised agencies can do the job faster, maintaining
quality and at cheaper cost with higher productivity.
3) Outsource of production activities in mines reduces the
requirement of capital to be invested on equipments.
Inspite of above advantages there are many disadvantages and
risks to the safety of persons. The outsourcing agency may be
tempted to engage under aged persons (below 18 years).
As a manager I would take following steps to prevent employment
of persons below 18 years of age.
1. I shall form a committee consisting of personnel & mining
executive to judge the age of the person by physical appearance of
the employee.
2. Age of the person shall be checked from the board
certificates of education. These certificates may be verified from
the issuing authority.
3. In case of the workers possessing driving license, high
school certificate, the age may be verified.
4. In case of any doubt, medical examination of the worker by
certifying surgeon shall be arranged for ascertaining the age.
5. Condition of heavy penalties shall be included in the work
order of the contractor in case he is found to be engaging workers
below 18 years of age.
Statutory provisions (section 40 of the Mines Act, 1952)
regarding employment of persons below 18 years of age.
(1) No person below eighteen years of age shall be allowed to
work in any mine or part thereof.
(2) Apprentices and other trainees, not below sixteen years of
age, may be allowed to work, under proper supervision, in a mine or
part thereof by the manager:
Provided that, in the case of trainees, other than apprentices
prior approval of the
Chief Inspector or an Inspector shall be obtained before they
are allowed to work.
If an inspector has reason to believe that any mine worker is
not an adult or an apprentice/ trainee is either below 16 years of
age or is not to fit to work in a mine, he may require medical
examination of such a person by a certifying surgeon.
(3) No person below 18 years of age shall be allowed to be
present in any part of mine above ground where any operation
connected with or incidental to any mining operation is carried on,
if notified by Central Govt. except apprentices and trainees.
Penalties for contravention of above mentioned provisions:
Section
Offence
Punishment
Punishment awarded to
67
Contravention of provisions regarding employment of labour
Imprisonment - 3 months or fine - Rs. 1000/- or both
Person contravening provisions
68
Employment of persons below 18 years of age
Fine - Rs. 500/-
Owner, agent or manager
74
Repeated conviction for the same offence committed again within
2 years of previous conviction
Double the punishment of first contraventions
Owner, agent or manager
******************************************************
_1097315206.doc
Assemble team
Identify Hazards
Determine Risk
Rank Risks
Determine Controls
Initiate Controls
Review Ranking
Review Hazards
