1️⃣ Introduction

Machinery in mines plays a vital role in production, transportation, and safety operations. To ensure safe installation, maintenance, and operation, DGMS mandates the appointment of qualified engineers to hold general charge of all machinery in a mine. These engineers are legally responsible for ensuring that mechanical and electrical systems comply with safety regulations and are maintained in efficient working order.

2️⃣ Relevant Regulations & DGMS References

3️⃣ Appointment Criteria

(A) Eligibility & Qualification: Must hold a Degree or Diploma in Mechanical Engineering from a recognized institution. Must have practical experience in mining machinery operation or maintenance. Appointment must be approved by the Mine Manager and recorded in statutory Form-B register.

(B) Appointment Procedure: Manager to issue formal appointment letter under CMR 126(1). Copy of the appointment to be submitted to DGMS if required. Engineer’s duties and jurisdiction to be clearly defined.

(C) Scope of Responsibility: All machinery, haulage, and transport systems; Installation, inspection, and maintenance; Safety devices, alarms, and interlocks; Accident investigation related to machinery failure.

4️⃣ Duties of Engineers (DGMS-Certified Guidelines)

• Ensure all machinery is properly installed and aligned.
• Conduct periodic examinations and testing as per manufacturer’s and DGMS instructions.
• Maintain maintenance registers and defect logs.
• Supervise repairs and overhauls of HEMM, compressors, pumps, and conveyors.
• Ensure guards and safety devices are intact.
• Certify that newly installed machinery is safe before use.
• Immediately report defects, breakdowns, or unsafe conditions to the Mine Manager.
• Conduct training of operators and fitters on safe practices.
• Ensure compliance with DGMS circulars and IS standards for machinery.

5️⃣ Supervision and Record-Keeping

6️⃣ Common DGMS Violations

❌ No qualified engineer appointed.
❌ Machinery operated without inspection.
❌ Alarms or brakes defective.
❌ Records not maintained properly.
❌ Untrained mechanics allowed to repair critical equipment.

Such violations may attract penal action under Mines Act, 1952 – Section 72 (1A) and CMR 2017 – Reg. 126(2).

7️⃣ Safety Provisions

• All rotating parts must be guarded (as per Reg. 130 of CMR 2017).
• Engineers to ensure LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) during repair.
• Fire suppression and emergency shutdown systems to be functional.
• Weekly inspections to be recorded and signed by both engineer and manager.

⚙️ QUICK ONE-LINERS (Revision Points)

• CMR 2017 Reg. 126(1): Appointment of competent engineer.
• Engineer = responsible for installation, maintenance, and safe working.
• Qualification: Degree/Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
• Record maintenance is mandatory.
• DGMS Circular 4/2010: Preventive maintenance procedures.
• Engineer inspects machinery weekly and reports defects immediately.
• Machinery must not operate without safety guards.
• Lockout/Tagout procedure required before repairs.
• Form-B register to record engineer’s appointment.
• Violations attract action under Mines Act Section 72.

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