ποΈ Detailed Notes
1οΈβ£ Introduction
Adequate illumination is essential in underground metalliferous mines for safe and efficient working. Poor visibility in underground workings can cause accidents, slips, and equipment mishandling. DGMS mandates lighting standards under Regulation 147 of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 (MMR 1961). Lighting must be sufficient, uniform, and designed to minimize glare and shadow in all working areas, travel routes, and haulage ways.
2οΈβ£ Objectives of Proper Illumination
- Ensure safety of workers during operations and travel.
- Reduce eye strain and fatigue.
- Improve visibility for inspection and supervision.
- Prevent accidents during drilling, loading, and haulage.
- Support DGMS compliance and enhance productivity.
3οΈβ£ DGMS Legal Framework
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| MMR 1961 β Reg. 147 | Requires adequate and suitable lighting in all parts of underground mines. |
| DGMS Circular (Tech.) 18 of 1975 | Prescribes illumination levels and methods for measurement. |
| IS: 6665 β 1972 (Reaffirmed 2016) | Code of Practice for Industrial Lighting (reference standard). |
| DGMS Circular (Tech.) 08 of 2002 | Updates lighting requirements for mechanized underground mines. |
4οΈβ£ Standard Illumination Levels (as per DGMS & IS: 6665)
| Location / Operation | Minimum Illumination (Lux) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Working faces (stopes, headings) | 10 lux | Measured at 1 m above floor. |
| Travel roads / haulage roads | 5 lux | Uniform lighting required. |
| Loading/transfer points | 20 lux | Avoid glare near operators. |
| Pump chambers / shaft bottom | 20 lux | Continuous illumination required. |
| Electrical substation / control room | 100 lux | White light preferred. |
| Workshops / mechanical rooms | 150 lux | Shadow-free lighting. |
| Refuge bays / rest shelters | 30 lux | Comfortable visibility for reading. |
| Return airways (non-working) | 1 lux | Minimum requirement. |
5οΈβ£ Types of Lighting Systems
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Fixed Lighting | Permanent lamps installed at junctions, loading points, and pump rooms. |
| Portable Lighting | Cap lamps and hand lamps for workers. |
| Emergency Lighting | Battery-backed lamps for power failure. |
| Reflective Lighting | Mirrors and reflectors used to enhance illumination in large voids. |
6οΈβ£ Equipment & Lamp Types
- Cap lamps: LED/minerβs safety lamps with rechargeable batteries.
- Flame-proof fittings: For gassy or fiery mines.
- LED floodlights: For pump houses, electrical rooms.
- Handheld inspection lamps: For supervisors and engineers.
7οΈβ£ Measurement & Maintenance
Measurement Method: Lux readings taken at 1 m height from floor using calibrated digital lux meter. Minimum 5β10 readings per location averaged. Recorded in Illumination Register (Form IV) maintained by Electrical Engineer.
Maintenance Practices: Regular cleaning of lamp covers and reflectors. Replacement of burnt lamps immediately. Routine survey and documentation every 30 days.
8οΈβ£ DGMS Recommendations
- Maintain minimum 10 lux at all working faces.
- Use flameproof or intrinsically safe lights in gassy mines.
- Avoid shadowed areas near supports and intersections.
- Provide emergency lighting in all vital installations.
- Conduct monthly illumination surveys with DGMS-approved meters.
β‘ Quick One-Liners (Revision Points)
- Regulation 147 of MMR 1961 governs mine illumination.
- DGMS Circular 18/1975 specifies lighting standards.
- IS: 6665 β Industrial Lighting Standard.
- Minimum 10 lux at working faces.
- Lux measured at 1 m above floor.
- Monthly illumination survey mandatory.
- Flameproof fittings used in gassy mines.
- Cap lamps are mandatory for all underground workers.
- Emergency lighting essential in pump rooms.
- Poor lighting increases accident risk.
π§ Descriptive Model Question & Answer
Q. Describe the DGMS standards of illumination in underground metalliferous mines and the procedure for measurement.
Answer:
As per Regulation 147 of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961, every underground metalliferous mine shall be provided with adequate and suitable lighting in all working areas, roadways, and approaches to ensure safe operation.
According to DGMS (Tech.) Circular 18 of 1975 and IS: 6665 β 1972, the following minimum illumination levels must be maintained: 10 lux at working faces, 5 lux at haul roads, 20 lux at loading points, and 100β150 lux in control and workshop areas.
Illumination should be uniform and glare-free. Measurements are taken using a Lux Meter at 1 m above floor level, and readings are recorded in the Illumination Logbook. Flameproof lights must be used in gassy mines, and emergency lighting systems must be available in pump houses and shaft bottoms. Hence, maintaining proper illumination ensures safety, operational efficiency, and compliance with DGMS standards in underground metalliferous mines.
π― 25 MCQs β Standards of Illumination
Q1. Illumination in underground metalliferous mines is governed by:
Q2. DGMS Circular prescribing illumination levels:
Q3. Minimum illumination at working faces:
Q4. Haul roads require illumination of:
Q5. Workshop illumination requirement:
Q6. Unit of illumination:
Q7. Flameproof fittings used in:
Q8. Lux measured using:
Q9. Height for measurement of illumination:
Q10. Minimum lux in pump chamber:
Q11. Illumination survey frequency:
Q12. Record of lighting kept in:
Q13. IS standard for lighting:
Q14. Illumination in non-working return airways:
Q15. Control room illumination:
Q16. Lux is equal to:
Q17. Cap lamps are used for:
Q18. Flameproof lamp design approved by:
Q19. Poor lighting results in:
Q20. Workshop light requirement (shadow-free):
Q21. Emergency lighting required in:
Q22. Light reflectors should be cleaned:
Q23. DGMS recommends light survey equipment:
Q24. Cap lamp light intensity at 1 m distance:
Q25. Illumination ensures:
π Internal Linking Suggestions
| Related Topic | Read More On... |
|---|---|
| Electrical Safety | DGMS Training Syllabus for Electrical Engineers & Supervisors |
| MMR 1961 Regulations | MMR 1961 Chapter 1 Notes & 50 MCQs |
| Mine Safety & Management | DGMS Management & Safety Notes with MCQs |
| DGMS Exam Preparation | Complete DGMS Exam Preparation Strategy |
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