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Approval of Dust Suppression Devices in Drilling and Boring Equipment – Regulation 124(6)(b)(ii), MMR 1961

Approval of Dust Suppression Devices in Drilling and Boring Equipment – Regulation 124(6)(b)(ii), MMR 1961

🏗️ DETAILED NOTES

1️⃣ Introduction

Dust generated from drilling and boring operations in metalliferous mines is one of the primary health hazards for mine workers. Fine respirable silica dust causes pneumoconiosis and silicosis, resulting in long-term occupational diseases.

To mitigate this, Regulation 124(6)(b)(ii) of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 (MMR 1961) mandates that every dust suppression or prevention device fitted to drilling and boring equipment must be approved by the Chief Inspector of Mines (DGMS) before use. This ensures that only efficient, standardized, and tested equipment is deployed for safe mining operations.

2️⃣ Relevant Legal Provision – Regulation 124 (MMR 1961)

Regulation 124 – Precautions against dust

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

3️⃣ Purpose of Regulation 124

  • Prevent health hazards from airborne dust.
  • Ensure only DGMS-approved devices are used in drilling machines.
  • Standardize dust suppression methods across metalliferous mines.
  • Maintain occupational hygiene standards as per Mines Rules, 1955 and DGMS circulars.

4️⃣ Common Dust Suppression / Prevention Devices

TypeSystem DescriptionUsage
Wet Drilling SystemWater injected through drill rod to suppress dust at source.Common in rotary & percussive drills.
Mist Spray SystemFine water spray traps airborne particles.Used in surface drills.
Vacuum Dust CollectorAirborne dust sucked through hood and filter system.Used in dry drilling.
Combined Wet + Vacuum SystemDual mechanism for maximum control.Used in mechanized open-cast drilling.

5️⃣ DGMS Approval Procedure

StepProcess
1️⃣ ApplicationManufacturer applies to DGMS with design, specs, and test results.
2️⃣ TestingConducted at CIMFR (Dhanbad) or NIRM (Kolar).
3️⃣ EvaluationDGMS examines efficacy, pressure, air-flow, filtration efficiency.
4️⃣ ApprovalDevice listed on DGMS-approved list with unique number.
5️⃣ RenewalPeriodic performance verification and reapproval.

6️⃣ Responsibilities of the Mine Manager

  • Use only DGMS-approved devices.
  • Maintain a register of approved models with DGMS reference number.
  • Inspect devices regularly for performance.
  • Train drill operators in dust control maintenance.
  • Replace defective or non-approved units immediately.

7️⃣ Health & Environmental Importance

  • Reduces respirable dust concentration (RDC).
  • Prevents Silicosis, Pneumoconiosis, and Chronic Bronchitis.
  • Improves air visibility and reduces dust exposure near faces.
  • Ensures compliance with DGMS & MoLE occupational health standards.

8️⃣ DGMS Circulars & References

  • DGMS (Tech.) Circular No. 1 of 2010 – Dust Control in Drilling.
  • DGMS (Tech.) Circular No. 8 of 2015 – Approval Guidelines for Drilling Equipment Dust Suppression Systems.
  • DGMS (Tech.) Circular No. 5 of 2020 – Maintenance and Performance Testing of Dust Collectors.

9️⃣ Example of DGMS-Approved Devices

Device TypeModelManufacturer
Wet Drilling SystemWDS-150Atlas Copco India Ltd.
Vacuum Dust CollectorDES-200Sandvik Asia Pvt. Ltd.
Combined SystemROC-D65Epiroc Mining India Ltd.

⚡ QUICK ONE-LINERS (Revision Points)

  • Reg. 124(6)(b)(ii) – DGMS approval of dust suppression devices.
  • Dust causes silicosis and pneumoconiosis.
  • Only approved devices allowed in drilling machines.
  • DGMS Chief Inspector grants approval.
  • CIMFR and NIRM conduct device testing.
  • Wet drilling and vacuum systems are common types.
  • DGMS Circular 08/2015 covers surface drills.
  • Mine Manager must maintain an equipment approval register.
  • Non-approved devices violate MMR 1961.
  • Dust suppression improves safety and air quality.

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE MODEL QUESTION & ANSWER

Q. Explain the requirements and importance of Regulation 124(6)(b)(ii) of Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 regarding approval of dust suppression or prevention devices in drilling and boring equipment.

Answer: Regulation 124 of MMR 1961 deals with precautions against dust in metalliferous mines. Sub-regulation 124(6)(b)(ii) specifically states that every dust suppression or dust prevention device fitted in any drilling or boring equipment shall be of a type approved by the Chief Inspector (DGMS).

The regulation aims to ensure that only tested, reliable, and safe dust suppression systems are used. The approval process includes technical evaluation by DGMS and laboratory testing at CIMFR or NIRM. Devices are approved based on dust reduction efficiency, design, and operational safety.

For implementation, mine management must ensure:

  • Only DGMS-approved devices are installed.
  • Regular maintenance and inspection are carried out.
  • Operators are trained to handle and inspect dust suppression systems.

This provision safeguards miners’ health by controlling respirable dust and preventing occupational diseases such as Silicosis. It also promotes cleaner and more sustainable mining operations aligned with DGMS’s “Zero Harm” policy.

🎯 25 MCQs – Dust Suppression Device Approval

Q1. Regulation 124(6)(b)(ii) requires DGMS approval for:

Solution: The regulation specifically and exclusively mandates the approval of dust suppression or prevention devices fitted to drilling equipment.

Q2. The main objective of dust suppression systems is:

Solution: The primary purpose is to mitigate health risks by controlling the concentration of airborne respirable dust at its source.

Q3. DGMS approval is granted by:

Solution: As per the MMR 1961, the Chief Inspector of Mines (the head of DGMS) is the designated authority for granting such approvals.

Q4. Testing of dust suppression devices is done at:

Solution: CIMFR (Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research) and NIRM (National Institute of Rock Mechanics) are the premier national labs for testing mining equipment.

Q5. Common system used in drilling for dust control:

Solution: Wet drilling, where water is used to suppress dust at the point of generation, is one of the most effective and widely used methods.

Q6. Regulation 124 falls under which chapter of MMR 1961?

Solution: Chapter XI of MMR 1961 is titled "Precautions against Dangers from Fire, Dust, Gas and Water," where Regulation 124 is located.

Q7. Respirable dust primarily causes:

Solution: Inhalation of fine respirable silica dust leads to incurable occupational lung diseases like silicosis and pneumoconiosis.

Q8. DGMS Circular 08/2015 relates to:

Solution: This specific circular provides guidelines for the approval of dust suppression systems used in surface drilling equipment.

Q9. DGMS approval ensures:

Solution: The approval process validates that the device meets required standards for efficiency, safety, and design to be effective in a mine environment.

Q10. Which of the following is NOT a dust control device?

Solution: A blasting cap is an explosive detonator and has no function related to dust control.

Q11. Mine Manager must maintain:

Solution: Maintaining a record of all DGMS-approved equipment is a key statutory responsibility of the mine manager to ensure compliance.

Q12. DGMS stands for:

Solution: DGMS is the primary regulatory agency for safety and health in Indian mines.

Q13. Which lab in India tests mining dust devices?

Solution: CIMFR, located in Dhanbad, is a key laboratory for testing and certification of mining equipment in India.

Q14. DGMS approval certificate includes:

Solution: The certificate provides specific details of the approved device, including model number and manufacturer, for identification and traceability.

Q15. The health hazard due to dust exposure:

Solution: Silicosis is a classic occupational disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust found in mines.

Q16. Vacuum dust collectors use:

Solution: These devices work by creating a vacuum to suck dusty air through a filtration system, capturing the dust particles.

Q17. MMR 1961 stands for:

Solution: These regulations govern safety and operations in all metalliferous mines in India.

Q18. DGMS approval validity is subject to:

Solution: Approvals are not permanent and are subject to periodic review and re-validation to ensure continued performance and compliance.

Q19. Regulation 124 applies to:

Solution: The regulation applies to all drilling and boring operations within the mine leasehold, including both opencast and underground workings.

Q20. Mist spray system works by:

Solution: The system atomizes water into fine droplets (mist) that bind with airborne dust particles, causing them to settle.

Q21. Chief Inspector’s approval number is recorded in:

Solution: The mine must maintain a statutory register specifically for recording details of DGMS-approved machinery and devices.

Q22. DGMS Circular 01/2010 deals with:

Solution: This circular provides technical guidance and standards related to dust control measures during drilling operations.

Q23. Devices not approved by DGMS are:

Solution: Using a non-approved device is a direct violation of Regulation 124(6)(b)(ii) of MMR 1961.

Q24. Dust control devices must be maintained:

Solution: Regular maintenance is essential to ensure the devices operate at their peak efficiency and provide continuous protection.

Q25. Main benefit of DGMS-approved dust device:

Solution: The primary benefits are safeguarding the health of workers and ensuring the mine complies with its statutory obligations.

🔗 INTERNAL LINKING SUGGESTIONS

Related TopicAnchor Text
MMR Machinery & SafetyMMR 1961 – Machinery, Inspections & Reports
Mine Dust ControlMine Dust Control Measures – DGMS Guidelines
Mine Health & HygieneOccupational Diseases and Health in Mines – DGMS Notes
Mine Air QualityVentilation and Dust Control in Metalliferous Mines

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