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Approval of Dust Suppression Devices in Drilling and Boring Equipment – Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii), CMR 1957

Approval of Dust Suppression Devices in Drilling and Boring Equipment – Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii), CMR 1957

πŸ—οΈ DETAILED NOTES

1️⃣ Introduction

In coal mines, drilling and boring operations are major sources of airborne coal and silica dust. Prolonged exposure causes pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and other chronic respiratory diseases among miners.

To prevent such health hazards, Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii) of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 (CMR 1957) mandates that all dust suppression or dust prevention devices fitted in drilling and boring equipment must be approved by the Chief Inspector of Mines (DGMS) before being put into use. This ensures uniform, safe, and efficient dust control practices across all Indian coal mines.

2️⃣ Relevant Legal Provision – Regulation 123 (CMR 1957)

Regulation 123 – Precautions against dust

Sub-regulation (6)(b)(ii): β€œEvery dust suppression or dust prevention device fitted in any drilling or boring equipment shall be of a type approved by the Chief Inspector.”

This clause makes DGMS approval mandatory for all dust control equipment used in coal mines.

3️⃣ Objective of Regulation 123

  • To safeguard miners from occupational lung diseases.
  • To ensure standardized dust control technology in coal drilling machines.
  • To enforce quality and efficiency of dust suppression systems.
  • To promote compliance with DGMS and ILO standards for occupational health.

4️⃣ Types of Dust Suppression/Prevention Systems Used in Coal Mines

System TypeDescriptionApplication Area
Wet Drilling SystemWater injected through drill rod to arrest dust at the cutting face.Underground and opencast drilling.
Water Mist SystemAtomized water mist to trap airborne coal dust.Surface drilling rigs.
Dry Dust Collector (Vacuum System)Suction hood draws dust through filters.Surface drills.
Combination SystemMix of water injection and suction collection.Mechanized opencast mines.

5️⃣ DGMS Approval Process

StageDescription
1️⃣ ApplicationManufacturer or supplier submits details to DGMS with drawings & specifications.
2️⃣ TestingConducted at CIMFR, Dhanbad or NIRM, Kolar Gold Fields.
3️⃣ EvaluationDGMS assesses performance, pressure, filtration, and emission reduction.
4️⃣ ApprovalDevice listed under DGMS’s β€œApproved Equipment List.”
5️⃣ Renewal/MonitoringRe-evaluation periodically as per DGMS instructions.

6️⃣ Duties of Mine Manager (as per DGMS Guidelines)

  • Ensure only DGMS-approved dust control devices are installed.
  • Maintain a register of approvals for each drill/borer used.
  • Check device performance regularly.
  • Train operators on maintenance and safe operation.
  • Report malfunction or non-compliance to DGMS promptly.

7️⃣ Health & Safety Importance

  • Controls respirable coal dust concentration.
  • Prevents pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and bronchitis.
  • Improves visibility and work environment.
  • Ensures compliance with DGMS Circulars and the Mines Rules, 1955.
  • Aligns with Zero Harm & Sustainable Mining vision.

8️⃣ DGMS Circulars and Notifications

  • DGMS (Tech.) Circular No. 03 of 1987: Dust suppression systems in coal drilling.
  • DGMS (Tech.) Circular No. 01 of 2010: Control of respirable dust in mines.
  • DGMS (Tech.) Circular No. 08 of 2015: Testing & approval of drilling dust control equipment.

9️⃣ Examples of DGMS-Approved Devices

System TypeModelManufacturer
Wet Drilling SystemWDS-150BEML Ltd.
Mist Spray UnitMSU-125Atlas Copco India Ltd.
Dry CollectorDES-200Sandvik Asia Pvt. Ltd.
Combined SystemROC-L6Epiroc Mining India Ltd.

⚑ QUICK ONE-LINERS (Revision Points)

  • Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii) covers dust suppression device approval in coal mines.
  • DGMS = Directorate General of Mines Safety.
  • Dust suppression devices must be approved before use.
  • Wet drilling is most effective for dust control.
  • DGMS Circular 01/2010 deals with respirable dust control.
  • CIMFR Dhanbad conducts testing.
  • Managers must maintain an approval register.
  • Dust control prevents pneumoconiosis and silicosis.
  • Non-approved devices violate CMR 1957.
  • DGMS approval ensures standardization and health protection.

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE MODEL QUESTION & ANSWER

Q. Explain the requirements and significance of Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii) of Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 regarding approval of dust suppression/prevention devices fitted in drilling and boring equipment.

Answer: Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii) of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957 specifies that every dust suppression or prevention device fitted in drilling or boring equipment shall be of a type approved by the Chief Inspector (DGMS) before being used in any coal mine.

The aim of this provision is to ensure that drilling and boring operationsβ€”one of the major sources of coal dustβ€”are equipped with effective dust control systems. These systems undergo laboratory testing at CIMFR or NIRM to evaluate dust reduction efficiency, safety, and reliability before DGMS approval.

Mine managers are responsible for ensuring installation, maintenance, and record-keeping of DGMS-approved systems. This minimizes the concentration of respirable dust, thereby preventing pneumoconiosis and silicosis among mine workers.

Thus, Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii) plays a vital role in ensuring safe, healthy, and compliant drilling operations in Indian coal mines, aligning with DGMS’s health and safety objectives.

🎯 25 MCQs – Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii), CMR 1957

Q1. Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii) deals with:

Solution: This specific regulation mandates the approval of dust suppression devices for drilling equipment in coal mines.

Q2. Approval authority for dust suppression devices:

Solution: The Chief Inspector of Mines, head of DGMS, is the sole authority for granting such approvals as per CMR 1957.

Q3. Testing of dust suppression equipment is conducted at:

Solution: CIMFR (Dhanbad) and NIRM (Kolar) are the designated national institutes for testing mining equipment for DGMS approval.

Q4. Dust exposure in coal mines causes:

Solution: Pneumoconiosis, or "Black Lung Disease," is a chronic occupational lung disease caused by the inhalation of coal mine dust.

Q5. The main function of a wet drilling system is:

Solution: Wet drilling systems inject water at the drill bit to suppress dust at its source, preventing it from becoming airborne.

Q6. DGMS Circular 03/1987 deals with:

Solution: This is one of the key early circulars providing technical guidance on dust suppression systems specifically for coal drilling.

Q7. Regulation 123 belongs to:

Solution: Regulation 123 is under Chapter XIII of CMR 1957, which covers precautions against dangers from dust, gas, and fumes.

Q8. Devices under Reg. 123(6)(b)(ii) must be:

Solution: The regulation explicitly states that the device must be of a type "approved by the Chief Inspector" (DGMS).

Q9. The major testing parameter for dust control devices:

Solution: The primary goal and key performance indicator is the device's efficiency in reducing the concentration of respirable dust.

Q10. DGMS (Tech.) Circular 01/2010 focuses on:

Solution: This important circular outlines comprehensive measures for controlling respirable dust across all types of mines.

Q11. Vacuum dust collector works on:

Solution: These dry systems use powerful suction to capture dust-laden air and pass it through filters to trap the dust particles.

Q12. Combined system includes:

Solution: A combination system uses both water injection (wet) and air suction (vacuum) for maximum dust suppression efficiency.

Q13. DGMS approval ensures:

Solution: The approval process verifies that the equipment is both effective in its function and safe to operate in a mining environment.

Q14. Respirable coal dust means:

Solution: Respirable dust refers to fine particles (typically less than 5-10 microns) that can penetrate deep into the lungs.

Q15. CIMFR is located at:

Solution: The Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR) is headquartered in Dhanbad, Jharkhand.

Q16. DGMS approval record is maintained by:

Solution: The Mine Manager is legally responsible for maintaining a statutory register of all DGMS-approved equipment used in the mine.

Q17. Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii) applies to:

Solution: This regulation is part of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957, and thus applies specifically to coal mines.

Q18. Periodic re-approval is needed for:

Solution: Approvals are not indefinite and require periodic re-evaluation to ensure the device continues to meet performance and safety standards.

Q19. Main disease caused by respirable coal dust:

Solution: Pneumoconiosis is the primary occupational lung disease associated with long-term inhalation of coal dust.

Q20. Mist system functions by:

Solution: A mist system atomizes water into very fine droplets that capture airborne dust particles, causing them to settle.

Q21. DGMS approval list includes:

Solution: The official approval documents and lists contain specific identification details like manufacturer, model, and the unique approval number.

Q22. Non-approved dust suppression devices:

Solution: Using a non-approved device is a direct violation of Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii) and is strictly prohibited.

Q23. DGMS stands for:

Solution: DGMS is the chief regulatory body for mine safety and health in India under the Ministry of Labour and Employment.

Q24. Regulation 123(6)(b)(ii) ensures:

Solution: The fundamental purpose of this regulation is to protect the health and ensure the safety of mine workers from dust-related hazards.

Q25. Primary benefit of dust control devices:

Solution: The main advantages are protecting workers from occupational diseases and ensuring the mine operates in compliance with the law.

πŸ”— INTERNAL LINKING SUGGESTIONS

Related TopicAnchor Text
CMR 2017 – Dust PrecautionsDust Control and Prevention in Coal Mines – CMR 2017 Reg. 123 Notes
Mine Health & HygieneMine Health and Occupational Diseases – DGMS Notes
DGMS ApprovalsDGMS Approved Equipment & Testing Procedures
Safety in DrillingSafety in Drilling & Boring Operations – DGMS Guidelines

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