DUST, FUMES & HAZARDOUS GASES Section 23(2)(iii) – OSHWC Code 2020 | Mine Workers Rules Section 23(2)(iii) – OSHWC Code 2020 | Mine Workers Rules ============================================================ 

  1.1 INTRODUCTION 

 Section 23(2)(iii) mandates that every mine workplace shall be kept free from harmful concentrations of dust, fumes, smoke, vapours, and gases which may affect the health, safety, or comfort of mine workers. This rule applies to all mine buildings, workplaces, machinery areas, and welfare units. Objective:

• Prevent respiratory diseases, poisoning, eye irritation, heat stress, explosions, and occupational health hazards.

============================================================

  1.2 SOURCES OF DUST, FUMES & GASES IN MINES A. Sources of Dust

• Drilling, blasting, loading
• Crushing & screening
• Coal handling plants
• Road traffic
• Dumping & dozing
• Dry drilling
• Cutting & welding (metal dust)
• Crusher belts

B. Sources of Fumes

• Welding & cutting
• Burning of material
• Explosives detonation
• Diesel generator & machinery exhaust
• Paint, chemicals, solvents

C. Sources of Hazardous Gases

• Vehicle exhaust: CO, NOx
• Poor combustion: CO
• Chemical storage: vapours
• Batteries: H₂
• Stagnant enclosed spaces: CO₂ buildup
• Waste decomposition: methane pockets around dumps

1.3 HAZARDS ASSOCIATED (EXAM-IMPORTANT) 

  Dust Hazards

• Silicosis
• Coal worker’s pneumoconiosis (CWP)
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Eye & skin irritation
• Reduced visibility → accidents

Fume Hazards

• Metal fume fever
• Irritation of lungs
• Welding fumes (Mn, Fe, Cr, Ni) → neurological issues
• Explosive fumes (NOx, CO) → toxic effects

Gas Hazards

• CO → poisoning
• NI gases → lung injury
• H₂ → explosion risk
• CH₄ pockets around dumps → ignition risk
• CO₂ accumulation → asphyxiation

1.4 CONTROL MEASURES REQUIRED (MANDATORY) 

  A. Dust Control

1. Water Sprinkling System
• On haul roads
• Coal faces
• Crusher areas
• Stockyards
2. Dust Suppression System
• Mist/fogging nozzles
• Fixed sprinklers at CHP
• Mobile water tankers
3. Enclosed Drilling / Water-Injected Drilling
4. Compulsory wet drilling
5. Dust extraction units in:
• Drills
• Crushers
• Conveyors
6. Good housekeeping
7. Speed control on haul roads

---

B. Fume Control

1. Mechanical ventilation where fumes generated
2. Welding in open ventilated areas
3. Use of exhaust hoods
4. Ban on internal combustion engine operation in confined areas
5. Gas monitoring after blasting
6. Battery charging rooms → forced ventilation
7. Prohibition of open burning

---

C. Gas Control

1. Forced ventilation in enclosed buildings
2. CO & NOx monitoring
3. Exhaust extraction in garages and workshops
4. No idling of diesel machines
5. Gas detectors for CO, NOx, H₂
6. Ban on diesel engines in confined areas

============================================================ 

  1.5 MONITORING REQUIREMENTS Section 23 requires continuous or periodic monitoring for: Dust

• Respirable Dust (RSPM)
• PM10, PM2.5
• Respirable silica (Free Silica %)
• Dust concentration at haul roads
• Dust at CHP & crushers

Gases

• CO
• NO
• NO₂
• SO₂
• CO₂
• H₂ at battery rooms
• Explosive fumes after blasting

Methods Used

• Personal dust samplers
• Real-time dust monitors
• Gas detectors
• Colour-index tubes
• Fixed gas sensors

Record Keeping

• Results must be recorded
• Deviations must be reported
• Corrective actions documented

1.6 SPECIAL AREAS WHERE MANDATORY CONTROLS APPLY 

  1. Battery Charging Rooms

• Forced ventilation
• No smoking
• Hydrogen detection
• Explosion-proof switches

2. Workshops

• Exhaust fans
• Welding fume extraction
• Diesel engine exhaust pipes directed outward

3. Canteen & Kitchen

• Chimneys + exhaust fans
• Odour and smoke removal

4. Toilets / Washrooms

• Proper exhaust fans
• Removal of foul gases (ammonia, sewer gas)

5. Enclosed Rooms

• Sub-stations
• Stores
• Compressor rooms
• Pump rooms

Must maintain:

• Odour-free
• Gas-free
• Dust-free atmosphere

1.7 DUTIES OF EMPLOYER / MANAGER (STATUTORY) 

 Manager must ensure:

• Adoption of engineering controls
• Adequate ventilation
• Monitoring of dust/gas levels
• Prohibition of operations when dangerous concentrations found
• Emergency arrangements for gas exposure
• PPE supply (respirators, masks)
• Ensuring compliance with OSHWC Code 2020

1.8 DUTIES OF WORKERS 

 Workers must:

• Use PPE
• Report unsafe fumes
• Avoid welding in closed spaces
• Not tamper with ventilation
• Avoid idling diesel vehicles

1.9 INSPECTION POINTS (DGMS LIKELY TO ASK) 

 During inspection, AM/Manager must check:

• Dust suppression functioning
• Mist/fogging system working
• No visible dust clouds
• Ventilation fans functional
• Battery rooms ventilated
• Gas monitors calibrated
• CHP dust extraction running
• Roads sprinkled
• No smoke accumulation in workshop
• No stagnant air pockets

2. QUICK ONE-LINERS (30 POINTS)

1. Section 23(2)(iii) covers dust, fumes, gases.
2. Mine buildings must be free from harmful concentrations.
3. Dust sources: drilling, blasting, traffic.
4. Fume sources: welding, explosives, diesel engines.
5. Gas sources: CO, NOx, H₂, vapours.
6. Dust causes silicosis, CWP.
7. CO causes poisoning.
8. NO₂ causes lung injury.
9. Battery rooms → hydrogen hazard.
10. Wet drilling is mandatory.
11. Dust suppression essential at CHP & haul roads.
12. Water sprinkling reduces dust.
13. Exhaust fans remove fumes.
14. Gas detectors must be used.
15. Foul odour indicates gas buildup.
16. PPE: N95, P2, half-mask respirators.
17. Blasting fumes must clear before entry.
18. Welding must be done in ventilated area.
19. Ventilation inspection must be daily.
20. Explosive fumes: CO, NOx.
21. NOx looks reddish-brown.
22. CO is colourless & odourless.
23. Fumes accumulate in low ventilation areas.
24. Diesel exhaust must be extracted outdoors.
25. Gas levels must be recorded.
26. DGMS checks all ventilation records.
27. Dust & fumes directly affect worker health.
28. Workers must report smell/smoke immediately.
29. Hydrogen explosion possible in battery rooms.
30. Safe workplace → dust, fumes, gas-free air.

3. DESCRIPTIVE MODEL ANSWER 

  Question: Explain the requirements related to dust, fumes and hazardous gases under Section 23(2)(iii) of OSHWC Code 2020 – Mine Workers Rules. Answer:
Section 23(2)(iii) of the Mine Workers Rules under the OSHWC Code 2020 requires that every mine building and workplace must be maintained free from dangerous levels of dust, fumes, vapours, smoke, and hazardous gases. The objective of this provision is to protect workers against respiratory diseases, toxic exposure, irritation, and explosion hazards arising from mining operations. Dust generated from drilling, blasting, loading, traffic movement, crushing and handling must be controlled using water sprinkling, wet drilling, dust suppression, mist fogging and dust extraction systems. Fumes from welding, cutting, explosive detonation and diesel exhaust must be removed through mechanical ventilation and exhaust hoods. Hazardous gases such as CO, NOx, H₂ and vapours must be detected using gas monitors, and forced ventilation must be provided in enclosed spaces such as workshops, battery charging rooms and sub-stations. The employer must monitor dust and gas levels periodically and maintain records. Workers must be provided PPE and no person shall be allowed to work in any area where harmful concentrations of dust, fumes or gases exist. These measures ensure occupational health, hygiene, and safety in accordance with OSHWC Code requirements.