DGMS Guidelines for Appointment of Engineers in Mines – Duties, Responsibilities & 25 MCQs

🧾 DETAILED NOTES

1️⃣ Introduction

Every mechanized mine requires qualified engineers to supervise the installation, maintenance, and safe working of machinery. DGMS mandates the appointment of competent engineers to ensure that all mechanical, electrical, and hydraulic systems are operated and maintained as per statutory safety standards. Such appointments are crucial for accident prevention, production continuity, and compliance with the Mines Act and CMR 2017.

2️⃣ Legal Framework

Reference	Description
The Mines Act, 1952 – Sec. 18 & 23	Responsibility for safe installation and operation of machinery.
CMR 2017 – Regulation 126	Appointment of engineers to hold charge of machinery.
MMR 1961 – Regulation 125	Engineer’s duties in metalliferous mines.
DGMS Circular (Mech.) No. 05/2018	Competency and appointment of mechanical/electrical engineers.
DGMS Tech. Circular 02/2015	Guidelines for maintenance and supervision (LOTO).

3️⃣ DGMS Requirements for Appointment

Every mine using mechanical or electrical machinery must appoint a competent engineer.
The engineer must hold a valid DGMS-recognized degree or diploma in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering.
The appointment must be approved and notified to DGMS and recorded in Form-B.
Engineers are responsible for all equipment including: Conveyors, crushers, pumps, fans, winders, and HEMMs.
Assistant Engineers may be appointed under the supervision of the Chief Engineer.

4️⃣ Duties and Responsibilities

Duty	Description
Machinery Installation	Ensure correct installation and alignment as per design.
Inspection & Testing	Periodic inspection of all mechanical and electrical systems.
Maintenance Schedule	Plan and execute preventive maintenance programs.
Record Keeping	Maintain machinery logbooks and inspection registers.
Supervision	Oversee competent persons performing maintenance work.
Safety Compliance	Ensure all equipment is guarded, grounded, and safe to operate.
Reporting	Report any machinery failure, accident, or hazard immediately.

5️⃣ DGMS-Approved Responsibilities

Ensure installation drawings and manufacturer manuals are followed.
Maintain records of overhaul and lubrication.
Conduct load testing before commissioning new machinery.
Certify safety guards, brakes, and limit switches.
Train mechanics and operators in safe maintenance practices.

6️⃣ Reporting & Documentation

Engineers must maintain: Machinery Register (Form-M), Breakdown and repair reports, Test certificates (wire ropes, brakes), Log of preventive maintenance, and DGMS inspection records.

7️⃣ Consequences of Non-Compliance

❌ Operation without a competent engineer violates the Mines Act.
❌ DGMS may issue prohibition notices under Sec. 22A.
❌ Manager’s certificate may be suspended for negligence.
❌ Increased machinery breakdowns and accident risks.

⚙️ QUICK ONE-LINERS (Revision Points)

CMR Reg. 126(1): Appointment of competent engineer.
Engineer = responsible for installation, maintenance, and safe working.
Qualification: Degree/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
Record maintenance is mandatory.
DGMS Circular 4/2010: Preventive maintenance procedures.
Engineer inspects machinery weekly and reports defects immediately.
Machinery must not operate without safety guards.
Lockout/Tagout procedure required before repairs.
Form-B register to record engineer’s appointment.
Violations attract action under Mines Act Section 72.

🧩 DESCRIPTIVE MODEL QUESTION & ANSWER

Q. Discuss the DGMS provisions regarding the appointment and duties of engineers responsible for machinery in mines.

Answer:
As per Reg. 126 of CMR 2017 and DGMS Circular 05/2018, every mechanized mine must appoint a competent engineer to hold general charge of machinery. The engineer must hold a recognized degree or diploma in Mechanical/Electrical Engineering. Their duties include supervising machinery installation, ensuring periodic inspection and testing, planning preventive maintenance (as per Circular 4/2010), maintaining logbooks, and ensuring all safety devices (guards, LOTO) are functional. They must report all defects to the Manager and ensure statutory compliance.

🧮 25 DGMS-Based MCQs

Q1. Regulation for appointment of engineers in coal mines:

Solution: Regulation 126(1) of CMR 2017 specifically mandates the appointment of a competent engineer for machinery.

Q2. DGMS Circular for engineer competency:

Solution: DGMS Circular (Mech.) No. 05/2018 provides guidelines on the competency and appointment of engineers.

Q3. Engineers are responsible for:

Solution: The engineer's primary statutory role is to ensure all machinery is installed, maintained, and operated safely.

Q4. Minimum qualification for Mechanical Engineer:

Solution: A formal qualification (Degree or Diploma) in the relevant engineering branch is required.

Q5. Machinery register is maintained in:

Solution: Form-M is the prescribed register for recording details and inspections of machinery.

Q6. Preventive maintenance ensures:

Solution: The purpose of preventive maintenance is to identify and fix potential issues before they cause a breakdown.

Q7. Engineers must be:

Solution: The appointee must be 'competent' as per DGMS standards, holding the required qualifications and experience.

Q8. Assistant engineer can work:

Solution: Assistant Engineers are appointed to assist the Engineer-in-charge and must work under their supervision.

Q9. DGMS prohibits working:

Solution: Operating a mechanized mine without a statutorily appointed competent engineer is a violation.

Q10. CMR Reg. 126 covers:

Solution: Regulation 126 is titled "Installation and maintenance of machinery" and mandates the appointment of an engineer.

Q11. Engineers maintain records of:

Solution: Maintaining statutory logbooks for machinery inspection and maintenance is a key duty.

Q12. DGMS Circular 02/2015 relates to:

Solution: DGMS Tech Circular 02/2015 provides detailed guidelines for Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) and energy isolation procedures.

Q13. Engineers ensure:

Solution: Their primary role is to ensure all machinery under their charge is safe to operate.

Q14. Failure to appoint engineer leads to:

Solution: This is a violation of regulations and can lead to legal action, including prosecution, by DGMS.

Q15. Engineers must report:

Solution: Any defect or failure of machinery, especially one that is dangerous, must be reported to the Manager immediately.

Q16. Preventive maintenance should be:

Solution: A key aspect of preventive maintenance is that it is planned and scheduled regularly, not done randomly.

Q17. Mines Act Sec. 18 deals with:

Solution: Section 18 of the Mines Act outlines the statutory duties and responsibilities of the owner, agent, and manager, including ensuring machinery safety.

Q18. DGMS may issue notice under:

Solution: Section 22A of the Mines Act gives DGMS inspectors the power to issue notices prohibiting or restricting employment in case of immediate danger (e.g., from unsafe machinery).

Q19. Engineers train:

Solution: The engineer is responsible for ensuring that the people who operate and maintain the machinery are trained in safe practices.

Q20. Engineers ensure compliance with:

Solution: Their primary focus is ensuring all machinery complies with DGMS safety regulations (CMR/MMR, Circulars).

Q21. Record of appointment kept in:

Solution: Form-B is the register of all employees, where the appointments of statutory persons like engineers are recorded.

Q22. Engineers test:

Solution: A key duty is to test safety devices like brakes, limit switches, guards, and alarms.

Q23. DGMS circular ensures:

Solution: Circulars like 05/2018 clarify the required competency and qualifications for appointed engineers.

Q24. Monthly safety meetings ensure:

Solution: These meetings are forums to review safety performance, discuss hazards, and ensure ongoing compliance.

Q25. Engineers’ primary goal:

Solution: The engineer's statutory and primary goal is to ensure all machinery is safe, reliable, and compliant.

🔗 INTERNAL LINKS

Related Topic	Read More On...
HEMM Safety	Safety Features in Crawler/Tyre Mounted Machinery
LOTO	Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures in Mines
Electrical Safety	Electrical Safety & Accident Investigation
DGMS Circulars	DGMS Tech Circular No. 02 of 2020

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