DGMS Equipment Approval Procedure – Application, Testing, Forms & Certification Process

The DGMS Approval Procedure ensures that all mining machinery, electrical equipment, rescue gear, and protective systems used in Indian mines are safe, reliable, and compliant with statutory standards. Every manufacturer—Indian or overseas—must follow this approval process before supplying equipment to mines.

🔹 1. What is DGMS Equipment Approval? DGMS approval certifies that:

Equipment is safe for use in mines

It meets BIS/IEC/ATEX safety standards

It has passed all required tests

The manufacturer maintains a Quality Management System (QMS)

Equipment complies with Mines Act & Regulations

No electrical or flameproof equipment can be used in underground mines without DGMS approval.

🔹 2. Types of DGMS Approvals

⭐ 1. General Order Approval For items already listed in DGMS General Order.
Testing not required unless modified.

⭐ 2. Special Order Approval (Most Critical) For equipment requiring DGMS testing, especially:

Flameproof enclosures

Intrinsically safe devices

Cap lamps

Gas detectors

Communication systems

Mining explosives

Rescue devices

⭐ 3. Provisional Approval Granted for field trials of new equipment.
Validity: 6–12 months.

🔹 3. DGMS Approval Workflow (Step-by-Step) Application → Document Review → Laboratory Testing → Factory Inspection → Technical Evaluation → Approval Grant/Renewal → Market Supply

🔹 4. Step-by-Step Explanation

⭐ Step 1: Application Submission Manufacturers submit Form B or Form C with:

Technical specifications

Drawings & circuit diagrams

Material details

Quality certificates (ISO 9001 mandatory)

Test reports (from recognized labs)

User manual

Hazardous area classification documents

For Overseas Manufacturers:

Indian Authorised Representative (IAR) certificate

After-sales support & spares commitment

Import documentation

⭐ Step 2: DGMS Document Review DGMS checks:

Completeness of technical dossier

Conformity to Indian standards

Explosion protection category

Legal compliance under Mines Act

If incomplete → DGMS issues deficiency notes.

⭐ Step 3: Laboratory Testing (Mandatory for Special-Order Items) Testing is done at DGMS-recognized labs:

CIMFR – Explosion/Flameproof testing

ERTL/ETDC – Intrinsic safety testing

CPRI – Electrical safety tests

🔹 FLP Testing Includes:

Flamepath accuracy

Spark ignition test

Temp rise test

Pressure withstand

🔹 IS Testing Includes:

Energy limitation

Short-circuit stability

Spark safety tests

🔹 Electrical Testing:

HV withstand

Insulation resistance

IP rating

Earthing

⭐ Step 4: Factory Inspection (Appendix XIX) DGMS verifies:

Quality Management System (QMS)

Calibration of testing equipment

Manufacturing records

Safety inspection procedure

Traceability of parts

Storage & handling of critical components

Inspection failures may delay approval.

⭐ Step 5: Technical Evaluation DGMS reviews:

Test reports

Factory audit findings

Hazardous zone suitability

Compliance with:

BIS standards

IEC 60079 (FLP/IS standards)

ATEX / IECEx (if applicable)

Only after full compliance → approval is granted.

⭐ Step 6: Grant of Approval Issued via:

Form K – Full approval

Provisional letter – For field trials

Each approval includes:

Validity period (1–5 years)

Conditions of use

List of approved models

Hazardous ratings (Ex d, Ex ia, Ex ib)

🔹 5. Validity of DGMS Approvals

Item Category Validity

Flameproof machinery 5 years

Intrinsically safe devices 3–5 years

Rescue equipment 3 years

PPE (helmets, shoes) 2–3 years

Explosives 1–2 years

Provisional approval 6–12 months

Renewal requires fresh test reports and compliance review.

🔹 6. Conditions of DGMS Approval Manufacturers must ensure:

No design change without DGMS approval

Maintain after-sales service

Ensure spare parts availability

Provide user training

Maintain calibration certificates

Submit annual performance reports

🔹 7. Grounds for Rejection or Withdrawal Approvals may be suspended for:

Failure in field use

Accidents due to faulty design

Unauthorized design modifications

Manufacturing defects

Poor service support

Fake/incorrect documentation

Failure to meet QMS requirements

🔹 8. DGMS Forms Used

Form Purpose

Form B Equipment approval application

Form C Explosives approval

Form K Grant of approval

Form L Renewal

Form M Modification approval

Form N Provisional approval

🔹 9. Flow Diagram – DGMS Approval Process Manufacturer → Form B/C Submission ↓ Document Verification → Lab Testing ↓ Factory Inspection → Technical Evaluation ↓ Final Approval (Form K) ↓ Renewal every 1–5 years

🔹 10. Items Commonly Needing DGMS Approval

Flameproof motors

Shuttle cars & LHDs

Intrinsically safe communication devices

Underground signaling systems

Gas detectors

Self-Contained Self-Rescuers (SCSR)

Explosives & detonators

Cap lamps

Battery electric vehicles (BEV)

Conveyors & FLP switchgear

🔥 25 MCQs (DGMS Style) with Answers

1) DGMS approval is required for —

a) Schools
b) Office lighting
c) Mining equipment
d) Agriculture tools
e) None
Ans: c

2) Form B is used for —

a) Renewal
b) Export
c) Equipment approval
d) Fuel management
e) None
Ans: c

3) Intrinsic Safety testing is done at —

a) IIT
b) NCDC
c) ERTL/ETDC
d) NAL
e) None
Ans: c

4) FLP testing is done at —

a) AIIMS
b) CIMFR
c) Survey of India
d) BHEL
e) None
Ans: b

5) Provisional approval validity —

a) 1 month
b) 6–12 months
c) 10 years
d) Lifetime
e) None
Ans: b

6) Form K is used for —

a) Tax submission
b) Calibration
c) Final DGMS approval
d) Water testing
e) None
Ans: c

7) Which certificate is mandatory?

a) ISO 45001
b) ISO 9001
c) ISO 27001
d) ISO 14001
e) None
Ans: b

8) DGMS factory inspection verifies —

a) Office salary
b) QMS & production quality
c) Computer speed
d) Vehicle types
e) None
Ans: b

9) IEC 60079 relates to —

a) Survey
b) Fire escape
c) Flameproof/Ex standards
d) Finance
e) None
Ans: c

10) Equipment modification requires —

a) Mechanic approval
b) Supplier verdict
c) DGMS permission
d) Manager note
e) None
Ans: c

11) Overseas manufacturer must appoint —

a) Crane operator
b) Indian Authorized Representative (IAR)
c) Accountant
d) Welder
e) None
Ans: b

12) IS stands for —

a) Indian Steel
b) Internal safety
c) Intrinsically Safe
d) International Standard
e) None
Ans: c

13) DGMS approval ensures —

a) More production
b) Worker safety
c) Free electricity
d) Paint quality
e) None
Ans: b

14) Renewal is based on —

a) Age
b) Fuel rate
c) New test reports
d) Lighting
e) None
Ans: c

15) Lab testing is skipped for —

a) Flameproof equipment
b) IS circuits
c) General Order items
d) Gas detectors
e) None
Ans: c

16) DGMS uses which form for modification approval?

a) Form X
b) Form M
c) Form L2
d) Form E
e) None
Ans: b

17) PPE approval falls under —

a) Mining plan
b) Water law
c) General order
d) Gas law
e) None
Ans: c

18) For underground coal mines, equipment must be —

a) Ordinary
b) FLP/IS
c) Wooden
d) Transparent
e) None
Ans: b

19) A defect during factory audit leads to —

a) Approval
b) Reward
c) Delay or rejection
d) Promotion
e) None
Ans: c

20) Which is NOT a DGMS-recognized test lab? a) CPRI
b) ETDC
c) CIMFR
d) Google Labs
e) None
Ans: d

21) Mandatory QMS requirement —

a) ISO 22000
b) ISO 9001
c) ISO 9999
d) OSHA
e) None
Ans: b

22) DGMS approval ensures compliance with —

a) Motor Act
b) GST Law
c) Mines Act
d) Company Act
e) None
Ans: c

23) IS circuit testing ensures —

a) Colour
b) Spark energy limitation
c) Solar power
d) Battery warranty
e) None
Ans: b

24) Provisional approval is used for —

a) Export
b) Field trials
c) Insurance
d) Travel
e) None
Ans: b

25) DGMS may withdraw approval if —

a) Product is excellent
b) Good performance
c) Non-compliance or safety failure
d) Discount offered
e) None
Ans: c

🔚 Conclusion

The DGMS equipment approval procedure is a tight, scientific, and mandatory system ensuring that all machinery used in mines meets the highest safety standards.
By following proper documentation, testing, and factory inspection norms, manufacturers ensure smoother approval, safer mines, and complete statutory compliance.

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DGMS Equipment Approval Procedure – Application, Testing, Forms & Certification Process

⭐ 1. General Order Approval For items already listed in DGMS General Order.
Testing not required unless modified.

a) Schools
b) Office lighting
c) Mining equipment
d) Agriculture tools
e) None
Ans: c

2) Form B is used for —

a) Renewal
b) Export
c) Equipment approval
d) Fuel management
e) None
Ans: c

3) Intrinsic Safety testing is done at —

a) IIT
b) NCDC
c) ERTL/ETDC
d) NAL
e) None
Ans: c

4) FLP testing is done at —

a) AIIMS
b) CIMFR
c) Survey of India
d) BHEL
e) None
Ans: b

5) Provisional approval validity —

a) 1 month
b) 6–12 months
c) 10 years
d) Lifetime
e) None
Ans: b

6) Form K is used for —

a) Tax submission
b) Calibration
c) Final DGMS approval
d) Water testing
e) None
Ans: c

7) Which certificate is mandatory?

a) ISO 45001
b) ISO 9001
c) ISO 27001
d) ISO 14001
e) None
Ans: b

8) DGMS factory inspection verifies —

a) Office salary
b) QMS & production quality
c) Computer speed
d) Vehicle types
e) None
Ans: b

9) IEC 60079 relates to —

a) Survey
b) Fire escape
c) Flameproof/Ex standards
d) Finance
e) None
Ans: c

10) Equipment modification requires —

a) Mechanic approval
b) Supplier verdict
c) DGMS permission
d) Manager note
e) None
Ans: c

11) Overseas manufacturer must appoint —

a) Crane operator
b) Indian Authorized Representative (IAR)
c) Accountant
d) Welder
e) None
Ans: b

12) IS stands for —

a) Indian Steel
b) Internal safety
c) Intrinsically Safe
d) International Standard
e) None
Ans: c

13) DGMS approval ensures —

a) More production
b) Worker safety
c) Free electricity
d) Paint quality
e) None
Ans: b

14) Renewal is based on —

a) Age
b) Fuel rate
c) New test reports
d) Lighting
e) None
Ans: c

15) Lab testing is skipped for —

a) Flameproof equipment
b) IS circuits
c) General Order items
d) Gas detectors
e) None
Ans: c

16) DGMS uses which form for modification approval?

a) Form X
b) Form M
c) Form L2
d) Form E
e) None
Ans: b

17) PPE approval falls under —

a) Mining plan
b) Water law
c) General order
d) Gas law
e) None
Ans: c

18) For underground coal mines, equipment must be —

a) Ordinary
b) FLP/IS
c) Wooden
d) Transparent
e) None
Ans: b

19) A defect during factory audit leads to —

a) Approval
b) Reward
c) Delay or rejection
d) Promotion
e) None
Ans: c

20) Which is NOT a DGMS-recognized test lab? a) CPRI
b) ETDC
c) CIMFR
d) Google Labs
e) None
Ans: d

21) Mandatory QMS requirement —

a) ISO 22000
b) ISO 9001
c) ISO 9999
d) OSHA
e) None
Ans: b

22) DGMS approval ensures compliance with —

a) Motor Act
b) GST Law
c) Mines Act
d) Company Act
e) None
Ans: c

23) IS circuit testing ensures —

a) Colour
b) Spark energy limitation
c) Solar power
d) Battery warranty
e) None
Ans: b

24) Provisional approval is used for —

a) Export
b) Field trials
c) Insurance
d) Travel
e) None
Ans: b

25) DGMS may withdraw approval if —

a) Product is excellent
b) Good performance
c) Non-compliance or safety failure
d) Discount offered
e) None
Ans: c

🔚 Conclusion

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DGMS Equipment Approval Procedure – Application, Testing, Forms & Certification Process

⭐ 1. General Order Approval For items already listed in DGMS General Order. Testing not required unless modified.

a) Schools b) Office lighting c) Mining equipment d) Agriculture tools e) None Ans: c 2) Form B is used for —

a) Renewal b) Export c) Equipment approval d) Fuel management e) None Ans: c 3) Intrinsic Safety testing is done at —

a) IIT b) NCDC c) ERTL/ETDC d) NAL e) None Ans: c 4) FLP testing is done at —

a) AIIMS b) CIMFR c) Survey of India d) BHEL e) None Ans: b 5) Provisional approval validity —

a) 1 month b) 6–12 months c) 10 years d) Lifetime e) None Ans: b 6) Form K is used for —

a) Tax submission b) Calibration c) Final DGMS approval d) Water testing e) None Ans: c 7) Which certificate is mandatory?

a) ISO 45001 b) ISO 9001 c) ISO 27001 d) ISO 14001 e) None Ans: b 8) DGMS factory inspection verifies —

a) Office salary b) QMS & production quality c) Computer speed d) Vehicle types e) None Ans: b 9) IEC 60079 relates to —

a) Survey b) Fire escape c) Flameproof/Ex standards d) Finance e) None Ans: c 10) Equipment modification requires —

a) Mechanic approval b) Supplier verdict c) DGMS permission d) Manager note e) None Ans: c 11) Overseas manufacturer must appoint —

a) Crane operator b) Indian Authorized Representative (IAR) c) Accountant d) Welder e) None Ans: b 12) IS stands for —

a) Indian Steel b) Internal safety c) Intrinsically Safe d) International Standard e) None Ans: c 13) DGMS approval ensures —

a) More production b) Worker safety c) Free electricity d) Paint quality e) None Ans: b 14) Renewal is based on —

a) Age b) Fuel rate c) New test reports d) Lighting e) None Ans: c 15) Lab testing is skipped for —

a) Flameproof equipment b) IS circuits c) General Order items d) Gas detectors e) None Ans: c 16) DGMS uses which form for modification approval?

a) Form X b) Form M c) Form L2 d) Form E e) None Ans: b 17) PPE approval falls under —

a) Mining plan b) Water law c) General order d) Gas law e) None Ans: c 18) For underground coal mines, equipment must be —

a) Ordinary b) FLP/IS c) Wooden d) Transparent e) None Ans: b 19) A defect during factory audit leads to —

a) Approval b) Reward c) Delay or rejection d) Promotion e) None Ans: c 20) Which is NOT a DGMS-recognized test lab? a) CPRI b) ETDC c) CIMFR d) Google Labs e) None Ans: d 21) Mandatory QMS requirement —

a) ISO 22000 b) ISO 9001 c) ISO 9999 d) OSHA e) None Ans: b 22) DGMS approval ensures compliance with —

a) Motor Act b) GST Law c) Mines Act d) Company Act e) None Ans: c 23) IS circuit testing ensures —

a) Colour b) Spark energy limitation c) Solar power d) Battery warranty e) None Ans: b 24) Provisional approval is used for —

a) Export b) Field trials c) Insurance d) Travel e) None Ans: b 25) DGMS may withdraw approval if —

a) Product is excellent b) Good performance c) Non-compliance or safety failure d) Discount offered e) None Ans: c 🔚 Conclusion

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⭐ 1. General Order Approval For items already listed in DGMS General Order.
Testing not required unless modified.

a) Schools
b) Office lighting
c) Mining equipment
d) Agriculture tools
e) None
Ans: c

2) Form B is used for —

a) Renewal
b) Export
c) Equipment approval
d) Fuel management
e) None
Ans: c

3) Intrinsic Safety testing is done at —

a) IIT
b) NCDC
c) ERTL/ETDC
d) NAL
e) None
Ans: c

4) FLP testing is done at —

a) AIIMS
b) CIMFR
c) Survey of India
d) BHEL
e) None
Ans: b

5) Provisional approval validity —

a) 1 month
b) 6–12 months
c) 10 years
d) Lifetime
e) None
Ans: b

6) Form K is used for —

a) Tax submission
b) Calibration
c) Final DGMS approval
d) Water testing
e) None
Ans: c

7) Which certificate is mandatory?

a) ISO 45001
b) ISO 9001
c) ISO 27001
d) ISO 14001
e) None
Ans: b

8) DGMS factory inspection verifies —

a) Office salary
b) QMS & production quality
c) Computer speed
d) Vehicle types
e) None
Ans: b

9) IEC 60079 relates to —

a) Survey
b) Fire escape
c) Flameproof/Ex standards
d) Finance
e) None
Ans: c

10) Equipment modification requires —

a) Mechanic approval
b) Supplier verdict
c) DGMS permission
d) Manager note
e) None
Ans: c

11) Overseas manufacturer must appoint —

a) Crane operator
b) Indian Authorized Representative (IAR)
c) Accountant
d) Welder
e) None
Ans: b

12) IS stands for —

a) Indian Steel
b) Internal safety
c) Intrinsically Safe
d) International Standard
e) None
Ans: c

13) DGMS approval ensures —

a) More production
b) Worker safety
c) Free electricity
d) Paint quality
e) None
Ans: b

14) Renewal is based on —

a) Age
b) Fuel rate
c) New test reports
d) Lighting
e) None
Ans: c

15) Lab testing is skipped for —

a) Flameproof equipment
b) IS circuits
c) General Order items
d) Gas detectors
e) None
Ans: c

16) DGMS uses which form for modification approval?

a) Form X
b) Form M
c) Form L2
d) Form E
e) None
Ans: b

17) PPE approval falls under —

a) Mining plan
b) Water law
c) General order
d) Gas law
e) None
Ans: c

18) For underground coal mines, equipment must be —

a) Ordinary
b) FLP/IS
c) Wooden
d) Transparent
e) None
Ans: b

19) A defect during factory audit leads to —

a) Approval
b) Reward
c) Delay or rejection
d) Promotion
e) None
Ans: c

20) Which is NOT a DGMS-recognized test lab? a) CPRI
b) ETDC
c) CIMFR
d) Google Labs
e) None
Ans: d

21) Mandatory QMS requirement —

a) ISO 22000
b) ISO 9001
c) ISO 9999
d) OSHA
e) None
Ans: b

22) DGMS approval ensures compliance with —

a) Motor Act
b) GST Law
c) Mines Act
d) Company Act
e) None
Ans: c

23) IS circuit testing ensures —

a) Colour
b) Spark energy limitation
c) Solar power
d) Battery warranty
e) None
Ans: b

24) Provisional approval is used for —

a) Export
b) Field trials
c) Insurance
d) Travel
e) None
Ans: b

25) DGMS may withdraw approval if —

a) Product is excellent
b) Good performance
c) Non-compliance or safety failure
d) Discount offered
e) None
Ans: c

🔚 Conclusion