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📘 DGMS (Legis.) Circular No. 03 of 2017 Issued on: 28th April 2017, Dhanbad
Published in Gazette of India: 21st June 2017 (Part II, Section 3(i))
Authority: Chief Inspector of Mines under Reg. 148(2), MMR 1961
Supersedes: GSR 829 (18th June 1975)

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🔑 Objective To specify standards of illumination in different areas of opencast metalliferous mines, where natural light is insufficient, for safety, efficiency, and visual comfort.

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📊 Standards of Illumination (in Lux)

S. No	Location / Operation	Illumination Standard
1	Drilling operations – Rig working area	25 V
	Drilling operations – Drill holes area	15 H
2	Manual work places	15 H, 25 V
3	Loading/Unloading/Transfer (Dumpers, Trucks, Trains, OB Dumps, Stack Yards)	15 H, 15 V
4	Operator cabins	50 H
5	Haul roads (Trucks/Dumpers)	10 H
6	Rail haulage track in pit	10 H
7	Roadways & footpaths (bench to bench)	10 H
8	Permanent paths for workers	10 H
9	In-pit Crusher/Feeder Breaker	40 H
10	Hand Picking Points	50 H
11	Conveyors – Transfer points & drive/tail end	40 H
	Conveyors – Along conveyor	20 H
12	Mineral/Ore Handling Plant – Crushing, screening, loading/unloading	40 H
	Mineral/Ore Handling Plant – Operation points	50 H
	Mineral/Ore Handling Plant – Other places	20 H
13	Pumping Station	40 H
14	Electrical Sub-station	100 H, 50 V
	Other electrical apparatus operation	20 H, 20 V
15	First Aid Station	50 H
16	Rest Shelter	30 H
17	Workshop	100 H, 50 V
18	Parking Yard	50 H
19	General working areas (as per Manager’s decision)	10 H (at surface level)

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⚖️ General Guidelines for Mine Illumination

1. Design & Installation
• Lamps & fixtures must ensure uniform distribution of light, avoiding shadows, glare, clutter, and stress.
2. Portable Lighting
• To be used where fixed lighting is not possible.
3. Emergency Lighting
• Mandatory at substations & strategic points (separate source).
4. Haul Road Lighting
• Orientation across the road (not along).
• Wide roads → Lights on both sides or central row.
5. Machinery & Loading Areas
• Lighting must avoid dark zones.
6. Hydraulic Excavators
• Illumination should be mobile, matching machine mobility.
7. Dump/Stack Yards
• High mast towers to cover edges of active dump.
8. Illumination Scheme (Manager’s Responsibility)
• Written plan including duties of key officials.
9. Variance
• If standard illumination not practicable, Manager can propose modified standard in the Illumination Scheme (with justification) → Copy to Regional Inspector.
• 
  

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📏 Illumination Survey

• To be conducted at least once every month.
• Light measurement → Taken at the farthest point from source within workplace/haul road.
• Record → Signed by competent person, countersigned by Manager.

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🗺️ Illumination Plan

• Must show location of lights, fixtures, type, support, values (required vs measured).
• Non-working/non-required areas → Marked with reasons.
• Signed & dated by surveyor + responsible official, countersigned by Manager.
• Plan must be updated monthly after illumination survey.

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🎯 Key Points to Remember (Memory Hacks for Exam)

• Drilling rig = 25 V → “Rig rises Vertical”
• Manual work = 15 H, 25 V → “Hand work needs both H & V”
• Operator cabin = 50 H → “Cabin Half-Century”
• Crusher/Feeder = 40 H → “Crush @ 40”
• Electrical Sub-station = 100 H, 50 V → “Power = Max Lux”
• Workshop = 100 H, 50 V → Same as Sub-station
• General working areas = 10 H → “Base level = 10”
• Survey & Plan → Monthly update mandatory

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🔎 Exam Relevance

• Frequently asked in DGMS 1st/2nd Class exams.
• Numerical values of Lux standards are direct memory-based questions.
• Questions on Illumination Survey and Illumination Scheme test application knowledge.

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📘 50 MCQs – DGMS Circular No. 03 of 2017 (Illumination in Opencast Metalliferous Mines)

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Q1. 📝 DGMS (Legis.) Circular No. 03 of 2017 deals with which subject? A) ⛰️ Systematic slope monitoring
B) 💡 Standards of illumination in opencast metalliferous mines
C) 🌫️ Dust sampling & control in coal mines
D) 💥 Explosives handling procedures
E) ⛓️ Safety in winding 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Issued under Regulation 148(2) of MMR, 1961.
• Focus = illumination standards (Lux levels) in opencast metalliferous mines where natural light is insufficient.
• Earlier covered by GSR 829 (1975), now updated to new levels in 2017.
  👉 So the correct answer is B – Standards of Illumination.

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Q2. 📜 This circular was notified vide which Government Notification? A) 📑 GSR 829
B) 📰 GSR 618(E)
C) 📑 GSR 975(E)
D) 📑 GSR 976(E)
E) 📑 GSR 299(E) 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• The circular came through Government Notification No. GSR 618(E).
• Date: 28th April 2017 → Published in Gazette of India (21st June 2017).
• It superseded GSR 829 (1975).
  👉 Correct = B.

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Q3. ⛏️ What is the required illumination where the drilling rig works in opencast metalliferous mines? A) 15 H
B) 25 V
C) 40 H
D) 50 H
E) 10 H 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Drilling rig = 25 Lux Vertical (25 V).
• "Vertical" because illumination should cover full height of the drilling rig.
  👉 Correct answer = 25 V.

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Q4. 🕳️ Illumination required at the drill hole area is: A) 10 H
B) 15 H
C) 25 V
D) 20 H
E) 50 H 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Drill hole area → 15 Lux Horizontal (15 H).
• Horizontal light ensures visibility of drill holes on the bench floor.
  👉 Correct = 15 H.

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Q5. 👷 Manual working places should be illuminated at: A) 15 H, 15 V
B) 25 H, 25 V
C) 15 H, 25 V
D) 20 H, 20 V
E) 50 H, 50 V 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Manual working areas → 15 Lux Horizontal + 25 Lux Vertical.
• Horizontal → floor work, Vertical → visibility of faces.
  👉 Correct = 15 H, 25 V.

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Q6. 🚚 Illumination for loading/unloading areas (OB dump, stack yard, trucks, trains): A) 10 H, 10 V
B) 15 H, 15 V
C) 25 H, 25 V
D) 20 H, 20 V
E) 50 H only 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• These are high-risk zones for accidents.
• Standard = 15 Lux Horizontal + 15 Lux Vertical.
  👉 Correct = 15 H, 15 V.

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Q7. 🏗️ Illumination for in-pit Crusher/Feeder Breaker must be: A) 20 H
B) 25 H
C) 30 H
D) 40 H
E) 50 H 

 ✅ Answer: D Explanation:

• Crusher area involves heavy mechanical work.
• Standard = 40 Lux Horizontal.
  👉 Correct = 40 H.

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Q8. 🪨 Hand picking points require: A) 15 H
B) 25 H
C) 40 H
D) 50 H
E) 100 H 

 ✅ Answer: D Explanation:

• Manual picking of ore needs maximum visibility.
• Standard = 50 Lux Horizontal.
  👉 Correct = 50 H.

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Q9. ⚡ Illumination at electrical substation is: A) 50 H only
B) 50 H, 50 V
C) 100 H, 50 V
D) 20 H, 20 V
E) 40 H 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Substations = critical areas → maximum illumination.
• Standard = 100 Lux Horizontal + 50 Lux Vertical.
  👉 Correct = 100 H, 50 V.

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Q10. 🛠️ Who is responsible for preparing a written Illumination Scheme in a mine? A) Electrical Engineer
B) Safety Officer
C) Manager
D) Surveyor
E) Regional Inspector 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Mine Manager must prepare a detailed Illumination Scheme.
• It includes → plan, standards, duties of officials, emergency lighting.
• Copy to be submitted to Regional Inspector if standards are varied.
  👉 Correct = Manager.

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Q11. 🛣️ What is the minimum illumination required on haul roads for trucks and dumpers? A) 5 H
B) 10 H
C) 15 H
D) 20 H
E) 25 H 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Haul roads = 10 Lux Horizontal.
• Orientation of lights → across the road (not along).
  👉 Correct = 10 H.

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Q12. 🚂 Illumination standard for rail haulage track in the pit is: A) 5 H
B) 10 H
C) 15 H
D) 20 H
E) 25 H 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Rail haulage = 10 Lux Horizontal.
• Same as haul road requirement.
  👉 Correct = 10 H.

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Q13. 🥾 Illumination of roadways and footpaths from bench to bench should be: A) 5 H
B) 10 H
C) 15 H
D) 20 H
E) 25 H 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Bench-to-bench paths = 10 Lux Horizontal.
• Ensures safe travel for workers on benches.
  👉 Correct = 10 H.

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Q14. 🚶‍♂️ Illumination of permanent paths for workers is: A) 5 H
B) 10 H
C) 15 H
D) 20 H
E) 25 H 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Worker paths = 10 Lux Horizontal, same as footpaths.
  👉 Correct = 10 H.

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Q15. 🏗️ The in-pit crusher/feeder breaker illumination requirement is: A) 15 H
B) 25 H
C) 30 H
D) 40 H
E) 50 H 

 ✅ Answer: D Explanation:

• Crusher = 40 Lux Horizontal.
• Extra illumination due to heavy machinery + risk of accidents.
  👉 Correct = 40 H.

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Q16. 🪨 At hand-picking points, illumination must be: A) 15 H
B) 25 H
C) 40 H
D) 50 H
E) 100 H 

 ✅ Answer: D Explanation:

• Hand picking = very visual-intensive work.
• Requires 50 Lux Horizontal illumination.
  👉 Correct = 50 H.

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Q17. 🔄 At conveyor transfer points, drive & tail ends, illumination required is: A) 10 H
B) 20 H
C) 25 H
D) 40 H
E) 50 H 

 ✅ Answer: D Explanation:

• Transfer points → 40 Lux Horizontal.
• More light needed at junctions where accidents/spillage risk is high.
  👉 Correct = 40 H.

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Q18. 📦 Along the conveyor belt, illumination should be: A) 10 H
B) 20 H
C) 25 H
D) 40 H
E) 50 H 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Conveyor along the length → 20 Lux Horizontal.
• Less than transfer points because work intensity is lower.
  👉 Correct = 20 H.

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Q19. 🏭 Illumination standard at Ore Handling Plant (crushing, screening, loading/unloading): A) 20 H
B) 30 H
C) 40 H
D) 50 H
E) 100 H 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Crushing & screening = 40 Lux Horizontal.
• Moderate brightness is sufficient here.
  👉 Correct = 40 H.

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Q20. ⚙️ Illumination at Ore Handling Plant operation points should be: A) 20 H
B) 30 H
C) 40 H
D) 50 H
E) 100 H 

 ✅ Answer: D Explanation:

• Operation points = 50 Lux Horizontal.
• Same as operator cabins and hand-picking points.
  👉 Correct = 50 H.

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Q21. 🔹 At other places inside Ore Handling Plant (general), illumination should be: A) 20 H
B) 30 H
C) 40 H
D) 50 H
E) 100 H 

 ✅ Answer: A Explanation:

• Other areas (general) = 20 Lux Horizontal.
  👉 Correct = 20 H.

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Q22. 💧 Illumination of the Pumping Station: A) 20 H
B) 25 H
C) 30 H
D) 40 H
E) 50 H 

 ✅ Answer: D Explanation:

• Pump house → 40 Lux Horizontal.
• Adequate visibility required to monitor pumps.
  👉 Correct = 40 H.

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Q23. ⚡ Illumination for an Electrical Substation is: A) 50 H only
B) 50 H, 50 V
C) 100 H, 50 V
D) 20 H, 20 V
E) 40 H only 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Substation = 100 Lux Horizontal + 50 Lux Vertical.
• Highest illumination standard (safety-critical).
  👉 Correct = 100 H, 50 V.

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Q24. 🔌 At other places of electrical apparatus/equipment operation, the illumination should be: A) 20 H only
B) 20 V only
C) 20 H, 20 V
D) 50 H, 50 V
E) 100 H, 50 V 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Other electrical areas = 20 Lux Horizontal + 20 Lux Vertical.
  👉 Correct = 20 H, 20 V.

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Q25. 🚑 Illumination standard for First Aid Station is: A) 20 H
B) 30 H
C) 40 H
D) 50 H
E) 100 H 

 ✅ Answer: D Explanation:

• Medical aid areas require bright light.
• Standard = 50 Lux Horizontal.
  👉 Correct = 50 H.

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Q26. 🛋️ Illumination standard for a Rest Shelter in opencast metalliferous mines is: A) 20 H
B) 25 H
C) 30 H
D) 40 H
E) 50 H 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Rest shelters = 30 Lux Horizontal.
• Higher than general areas but less than first aid/workshop.
  👉 Correct = 30 H.

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Q27. 🔧 Illumination requirement for a Workshop is: A) 50 H
B) 50 H, 25 V
C) 100 H, 50 V
D) 40 H only
E) 100 H only 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Workshop = same as substation.
• Standard = 100 Lux Horizontal + 50 Lux Vertical.
  👉 Correct = 100 H, 50 V.

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Q28. 🅿️ The Parking Yard illumination standard is: A) 20 H
B) 30 H
C) 40 H
D) 50 H
E) 100 H 

 ✅ Answer: D Explanation:

• Parking yard = 50 Lux Horizontal.
• Matches First Aid station & operation points.
  👉 Correct = 50 H.

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Q29. 🌍 General working areas (as decided by Manager in writing) illumination is: A) 5 H
B) 10 H
C) 15 H
D) 20 H
E) 25 H 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• General areas = 10 Lux Horizontal at surface level.
• Lowest standard of illumination.
  👉 Correct = 10 H.

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🔦 Guidelines & Illumination Scheme Q30. 👀 Mine lighting must be designed to avoid: A) Objectionable shadows
B) Sharp contrasts of intensity
C) Glare and light clutter
D) Eye strain and fatigue
E) All of the above 

 ✅ Answer: E Explanation:

• Guidelines: lighting should ensure uniform distribution to prevent stress, fatigue, glare, shadows, and clutter.
  👉 Correct = All of the above.

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Q31. 💡 Portable lighting should be provided: A) Everywhere in the mine
B) Only in workshops
C) Where permanent lighting is not possible
D) In substations
E) In manager’s office 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Fixed lighting is preferred, but portable lights are allowed where fixed is not feasible.
  👉 Correct = C.

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Q32. 🚨 Emergency lighting arrangements must be provided at: A) Rest shelters
B) Electrical substation & strategic points
C) Parking yard
D) Haul roads
E) Crusher area 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Emergency lights with separate power source are compulsory in substations & key areas.
  👉 Correct = B.

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Q33. 🚛 In haul roads, light fittings should be oriented: A) Along the road
B) Across the road
C) Upward
D) Randomly
E) Only at curves 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Lights across the road ensure uniform spread.
• For wide roads → lights on both sides or central divider row.
  👉 Correct = B.

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Q34. 🏔️ Illumination of dump/stack yards should be provided by: A) Tube lights
B) Vehicle headlights
C) High mast towers
D) Hand lamps
E) Solar torches 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• High mast towers give broad coverage & illuminate edges of active dump.
  👉 Correct = C.

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Q35. 🧑‍💼 Who is responsible for preparing a written Illumination Scheme? A) Electrical Engineer
B) Safety Officer
C) Manager
D) Surveyor
E) Regional Inspector 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Mine Manager must prepare illumination scheme, plan, and assign duties.
  👉 Correct = Manager.

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Q36. 📅 Illumination Survey must be conducted at least: A) Daily
B) Weekly
C) Once a month
D) Once every 3 months
E) Once every 6 months 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Monthly survey mandatory to ensure compliance.
  👉 Correct = Once a month.

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Q37. 📏 In survey, light measurement is taken at: A) Closest point to source
B) Midpoint
C) Farthest point from source within work area
D) Random point
E) Entrance gate 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Must be measured at the farthest point from the light source.
  👉 Correct = C.

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Q38. 🖊️ Survey records should be signed by: A) Manager only
B) Competent person & countersigned by Manager
C) Electrical Engineer
D) Safety Officer only
E) DGMS Inspector 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Record = signed by competent person, countersigned by Manager.
  👉 Correct = B.

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Q39. 📜 Illumination Plan must be signed by: A) Manager only
B) Surveyor & authorized official, countersigned by Manager
C) Electrical Engineer only
D) Safety Officer only
E) DGMS Inspector 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Surveyor + authorized official sign, Manager countersigns.
  👉 Correct = B.

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Q40. 🔄 Illumination Plan must be updated: A) Daily
B) Weekly
C) Monthly
D) Quarterly
E) Yearly 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Updated every month after illumination survey.
  👉 Correct = Monthly.

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⚖️ Variance & Manager’s Duties Q41. ✍️ If standards cannot be met due to special conditions, Manager may: A) Ignore illumination
B) Provide lesser light without permission
C) Specify modified standards in Illumination Scheme with justification
D) Ask workers to bring torches
E) Wait for DGMS order only 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Variance allowed only if justified in scheme, with copy to Regional Inspector.
  👉 Correct = C.

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Q42. 📑 Illumination Scheme must include: A) Illumination Plan
B) Duties of key officials
C) Modified standards if needed
D) All of the above
E) None 

 ✅ Answer: D Explanation:

• Scheme = Plan + Duties + Variance (if any).
  👉 Correct = D.

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📊 Standards Recap Q43. 🌍 General working areas standard is: A) 5 H
B) 10 H
C) 20 H
D) 30 H
E) 40 H 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• 10 Lux Horizontal at surface.
  👉 Correct = 10 H.

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Q44. 🛤️ On wide haul roads, lighting should be: A) One side only
B) Both sides or central divider row
C) Vehicle headlights only
D) Not required
E) Hand lamps 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• To maintain uniform illumination → both sides or central row.
  👉 Correct = B.

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Q45. 🚜 Lighting for benches worked by hydraulic excavators should be: A) Fixed permanently
B) Mobile, matching excavator movement
C) Ignored
D) Vehicle headlights only
E) Below 10 Lux 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• Must match machine mobility to avoid dark zones.
  👉 Correct = B.

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Q46. 📂 File number of this circular is: A) Z-20041/01/2016/S&T(HQ)
B) Z-20041/02/2017/S&T(HO)
C) DGMS/ILL/2017/03
D) MIN/2017/148(2)
E) None 

 ✅ Answer: B Explanation:

• File No = Z-20041/02/2017/S&T(HO).
  👉 Correct = B.

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Q47. ⚡ Substations must be illuminated at: A) 50 H
B) 50 H, 50 V
C) 100 H, 50 V
D) 40 H
E) 20 H 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Substation = 100 H + 50 V (highest standard).
  👉 Correct = C.

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Q48. 🔧 Workshops illumination is equal to: A) Rest shelters
B) Operator cabins
C) Substations
D) Haul roads
E) First aid stations 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Workshop = 100 H + 50 V, same as substation.
  👉 Correct = C.

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Q49. 🚑 First aid station illumination is equal to which other area? A) Parking yard
B) Rest shelter
C) Workshop
D) Conveyor transfer points
E) Drill hole area 

 ✅ Answer: A Explanation:

• First aid station = 50 H, same as Parking yard.
  👉 Correct = A.

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Q50. 🎯 Main objective of mine illumination standards is: A) Save electricity
B) Reduce manpower
C) Provide visual comfort, avoid shadows, glare, fatigue
D) Increase production only
E) Reduce equipment wear 

 ✅ Answer: C Explanation:

• Proper illumination ensures safety, comfort, less strain, reduced accidents.
  👉 Correct = C.

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📘 DGMS Circular 03 of 2017 – Quick Revision Chart

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🔦 Standards of Illumination (Lux)

Place / Operation	Illumination Standard
⛏️ Drilling Rig working area	25 V
🕳️ Drill hole area	15 H
👷 Manual work	15 H, 25 V
🚚 Loading/Unloading/Transfer (OB dump, stack yard, trucks, trains)	15 H, 15 V
🧑‍💻 Operator cabins	50 H
🛣️ Haul roads	10 H
🚂 Rail haulage track	10 H
🥾 Bench-to-bench roadways & footpaths	10 H
🚶 Permanent worker paths	10 H
🏗️ In-pit Crusher/Feeder Breaker	40 H
🪨 Hand Picking Points	50 H
🔄 Conveyor transfer points (drive/tail end)	40 H
📦 Along Conveyor	20 H
🏭 Ore Handling Plant – Crushing/Screening/Loading	40 H
⚙️ Ore Handling Plant – Operation Points	50 H
🔹 Ore Handling Plant – Other places	20 H
💧 Pumping Station	40 H
⚡ Electrical Substation	100 H, 50 V
🔌 Other Electrical Apparatus	20 H, 20 V
🚑 First Aid Station	50 H
🛋️ Rest Shelter	30 H
🔧 Workshop	100 H, 50 V
🅿️ Parking Yard	50 H
🌍 General working areas (Manager decides)	10 H

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📑 General Guidelines

• 👀 Uniform light distribution → avoid shadows, glare, clutter, stress.
• 💡 Portable lights → where fixed lighting not possible.
• 🚨 Emergency lights → Substations & strategic points (separate power).
• 🚛 Haul roads → lights across road (both sides or central divider if wide).
• 🏔️ Dumps/Stack yards → High mast towers for full coverage.
• 🚜 Excavator faces → mobile lighting to match machine movement.
• 🧾 Manager → must prepare Illumination Scheme (Plan + Duties + Variance).

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📅 Illumination Survey

• 🗓️ Frequency → Once every month.
• 📏 Measurement → at farthest point from source within area/road.
• 🖊️ Record → signed by Competent Person, countersigned by Manager.

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🗺️ Illumination Plan

• ✍️ Prepared by Surveyor + authorized official, countersigned by Manager.
• 🔄 Must be updated monthly based on survey.
• ❌ Non-required areas → mark clearly with reason.

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🎯 Memory Hacks

• Rig = 25 V → “Rig rises Vertical”
• Manual = 15 H + 25 V → “Hands need both H & V”
• Crusher = 40 H → “Crush @ 40”
• Hand Picking = 50 H → “Pick with 50”
• Substation/Workshop = 100 H + 50 V → “Power = Max Lux”
• General = 10 H → “Base level = 10”