1️⃣ Introduction

Adequate illumination in opencast coal mines is vital for safe and efficient operation, especially during night shifts and foggy conditions. Poor visibility causes accidents during haulage, drilling, loading, and dumping operations. To ensure safety and compliance, DGMS prescribes illumination standards under Regulation 146 of the Coal Mines Regulations, 2017, and DGMS (Tech.) Circular 18 of 1975, based on IS: 6665 – 1972 (Reaffirmed 2016) – “Code of Practice for Industrial Lighting.”

2️⃣ Objective of Proper Illumination

• Prevent accidents caused by poor visibility.
• Improve production efficiency during night operations.
• Enhance safety of workers, HEMM operators, and drivers.
• Reduce visual strain and fatigue.
• Ensure compliance with DGMS statutory requirements.

3️⃣ DGMS Legal Framework

4️⃣ Standard Illumination Levels (DGMS & IS: 6665)

5️⃣ Lighting Arrangements in Opencast Coal Mines

• High-mast lighting towers (8–12 metres high) installed at pit bottom, haul roads, and dump yards.
• Floodlights (LED/Sodium Vapour) used for wide-area illumination.
• Portable light towers for drilling and blasting areas.
• Vehicle-mounted spotlights on dumpers and loaders.
• Lighting designed to avoid glare or dark shadows on roadways.

6️⃣ Measurement & Maintenance of Illumination

Measurement Procedure: Measurement taken using a digital Lux Meter. Readings recorded at 1 metre above ground level. Average of multiple readings taken across working areas.

Maintenance Practices:

• Clean light reflectors and glass covers regularly.
• Replace defective lamps immediately.
• Maintain records in Illumination Logbook (Form IV).
• Monthly illumination survey by Electrical Engineer.

7️⃣ DGMS Recommendations

• Provide redundant lights on main haul roads.
• Use LED lights for better energy efficiency and visibility.
• Regularly check illumination uniformity.
• Conduct monthly inspection of lighting circuits.
• Submit illumination survey reports to DGMS during inspections.

8️⃣ Safety Importance of Proper Illumination

• Prevents haul road collisions.
• Improves dump edge visibility at night.
• Helps in identifying obstructions and hazards.
• Reduces operator fatigue and errors.
• Enhances overall mine safety and production continuity.

⚡ Quick One-Liners (Revision Points)

• Illumination regulated under Reg. 146 of CMR 2017.
• DGMS Circular 18/1975 prescribes standards.
• IS: 6665 – Industrial Lighting Code.
• Working faces – 20 lux minimum.
• Haul roads – 3–5 lux.
• Workshop – 100 lux.
• Lux measured at 1 metre height.
• Use LED or sodium vapour lamps.
• Illumination Logbook mandatory.
• Poor lighting causes haulage accidents.

🧠 Descriptive Model Question & Answer

🎯 25 MCQs – Standards of Illumination