Background

• Trackless Transportation Machinery (TTM): Includes dumpers, dozers, loaders, graders, tippers, and trucks used in opencast mining.
• Issue: High incidence of accidents in opencast coal mines due to collisions, brake failures, overturning, and operator errors.
• Key Causes:
  • Uncontrolled TTM movement.
  • Poor haul road design.
  • Lack of operator training.
  • Absence of adequate safety equipment.

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Legal Provisions

• Mines Act, 1952 → Prioritizes worker safety.
• Coal Mines Regulations, 2017 → Specifies rules for machinery & transportation.
• DGMS Circulars & Standing Orders → Regular updates for mine safety compliance.
• Circular No. 03 of 2024 → Focused on minimizing accidents involving wheeled TTM.

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Major Hazards of Wheeled TTM

• Collisions: Due to blind spots, poor visibility, or improper signaling.
• Overturning of Dumpers: Caused by steep gradients, uneven roads, or overloading.
• Brake Failures: Result of inadequate maintenance.
• Runaway Vehicles: When left unattended on inclines.
• Struck-by Incidents: Workers hit by reversing machines.

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Key Safety Measures Prescribed in the Circular
1. Operator Skill & Training

• Only trained and certified operators allowed.
• Regular refresher training is mandatory.
• Simulator-based training is encouraged.

2. Pre-Operational Checks

• Daily inspection of brakes, steering, tyres, lights, horn, etc.
• Checklist must be signed and maintained.

3. Haul Road Design & Maintenance

• Maximum gradient: 1 in 16 (as per DGMS standards).
• Roads must have adequate width, berms, drainage, and signage.
• Potholes must be repaired regularly.

4. Safe Operating Practices

• Mandatory use of seat belts.
• Clearly displayed speed limits must be followed.
• No overloading of machinery.
• Use of spotters/signallers for reversing.

5. Safety Equipment & Technology

• Rear-view cameras & Proximity Detection Systems (PDS).
• Collision avoidance systems.
• Reversing alarms and auto-dip headlights.

6. Parking & Idle Safety

• Vehicles must not be left unattended on slopes.
• Wheel chocks must be used when required.

7. Maintenance Protocols

• Preventive maintenance is compulsory.
• All breakdowns must be recorded in logbooks.

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Significance of the Circular

• Aims to reduce fatalities from TTM in opencast coal mines.
• Enhances discipline on mine haul roads.
• Promotes use of technology in safety management.
• Ensures accountability of both operators and management.

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Key Exam Pointers

• Circular No. 03 of 2024: Safety of Trackless Transportation Machinery (TTM) in opencast mines.
• Haul road gradient: Maximum 1 in 16.
• Seat belts: Mandatory for all TTM operators.
• Blind spot control: Rear-view cameras / PDS.
• Refresher training: Compulsory.

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