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DGMS Footwear Approval Discontinued – New Guidelines for Coal, Metal & Oil Mines

DGMS Footwear Approval Discontinued – New Guidelines for Coal, Metal & Oil Mines

🦺 DETAILED NOTES

1️⃣ Introduction

Footwear is an essential component of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) in mining operations. Earlier, DGMS approved footwear types to ensure safety in coal, metalliferous, and oil mines. Now, by a special written order, the system of DGMS approval for footwear has been discontinued, provided the footwear conforms to relevant BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) norms.

2️⃣ Background

Earlier, DGMS used to issue product-wise approvals to ensure safety against hazards like impact and compression, electrical resistance, penetration, and chemical exposure. Now, the emphasis has shifted to BIS certification and mine-level verification, reducing administrative dependency.

3️⃣ Key DGMS Circular Highlights

  • DGMS no longer provides footwear approvals individually.
  • Mine management is responsible for ensuring compliance.
  • BIS certified footwear (IS 15298) is mandatory.
  • DGMS may issue discontinuation or restriction orders in writing if unsafe products are found.

4️⃣ Applicable Legal Framework

Act / Rule / Regulation Provision Description
Mines Act, 1952 (Sec. 18) Power of DGMS to issue special orders
Mines Rules, 1955 (Rule 126) PPE and protective clothing requirements
CMR 2017 (Reg. 123) Safety equipment in coal mines
DGMS Circular 2020/01 Simplified PPE compliance
IS 15298 (Part 2 & 3) Indian Standard for safety footwear

5️⃣ Compliance Guidelines

  • Purchase footwear only from BIS-licensed manufacturers.
  • Verify IS 15298 marking on the product.
  • Maintain supplier’s test certificates.
  • Replace worn or damaged footwear immediately.
  • DGMS inspectors can withdraw unsafe models through a written order.

6️⃣ Advantages of Discontinuance

  • Simplified compliance
  • Encourages local manufacturing
  • Reduces DGMS administrative workload
  • Ensures continuous safety verification by management

⚡ QUICK ONE-LINERS

  • DGMS no longer approves footwear individually.
  • Mines must use BIS-certified safety shoes.
  • IS 15298 defines safety footwear standards.
  • Approval discontinuance was done by a written order.
  • Mine manager ensures PPE compliance.
  • DGMS may still issue special safety bans.
  • PPE rules are in Rule 126 of Mines Rules, 1955.
  • BIS replaces DGMS type approval.
  • PPE inspection is mandatory every 6 months.
  • DGMS retains power to stop unsafe PPE.

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE MODEL QUESTION & ANSWER

Q. Explain the DGMS decision to discontinue footwear approval and state the new compliance requirements for mines.

Answer:
DGMS earlier approved safety footwear used in mines to ensure protection against impact, penetration, and heat. However, due to the availability of high-quality BIS-certified footwear, DGMS discontinued its individual approval system through a special order in writing. Now, mine managements must procure footwear conforming to IS 15298 (Part 2 & 3) and maintain test certificates. DGMS retains authority to restrict unsafe products under Section 18 of the Mines Act, 1952.

References: Mines Act, 1952 (Sec. 18); Mines Rules, 1955 (Rule 126); IS 15298 (Part 2 & 3).

Conclusion: This move simplifies compliance while maintaining worker safety and accountability at mine level.

🎯 25 DGMS MCQs (Dynamic Options with Solutions)

Q1. Which authority earlier approved footwear for mine use?

Solution: DGMS approved PPE earlier under Mines Rules, 1955.

Q2. DGMS footwear approval has been:

Solution: DGMS discontinued footwear approval via written order.

Q3. BIS standard applicable to safety footwear:

Solution: IS 15298 covers safety and protective footwear.

Q4. Mines Rules, 1955 Rule 126 deals with:

Solution: Rule 126 outlines personal protective equipment.

Q5. DGMS may restrict unsafe footwear by:

Solution: Such restrictions are issued through special written orders under the Mines Act.

Q6. Safety footwear must conform to:

Solution: IS 15298 defines professional safety footwear standards applicable now.

Q7. The body responsible for standardization in India is:

Solution: Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) sets national standards for PPE and other products.

Q8. Footwear inspection in mines should occur:

Solution: General guidelines often suggest periodic PPE inspection at least every 6 months.

Q9. Which Act empowers DGMS to issue special orders?

Solution: Section 18 of the Mines Act, 1952 grants DGMS powers to issue special orders related to safety.

Q10. Footwear for miners working in wet conditions should be:

Solution: Rubber boots provide the necessary waterproof protection in wet mining environments.

Q11. IS 11226 relates to:

Solution: IS 11226 is the Indian Standard specifically for rubber knee boots and ankle boots suitable for miners.

Q12. DGMS circular likely discontinued footwear approval around:

Solution: The shift towards BIS standards and discontinuance gained momentum around 2020-2021. (Note: The provided text mentioned a 2021 date.)

Q13. PPE responsibility lies with:

Solution: The Mine Manager holds the ultimate responsibility for ensuring provision and compliance of suitable PPE.

Q14. BIS marking ensures:

Solution: The BIS (ISI) mark signifies that the product conforms to the relevant Indian Standard for quality and safety.

Q15. Safety footwear must resist:

Solution: Key safety features include protection against falling objects (impact) and sharp objects underfoot (penetration).

Q16. DGMS’s earlier footwear approval aimed to:

Solution: The primary goal of the DGMS approval system was to ensure that footwear used in mines met necessary safety standards.

Q17. Footwear testing is verified through:

Solution: Mines are required to maintain documentation like test certificates from suppliers to prove compliance.

Q18. Footwear PPE record is maintained in:

Solution: A dedicated PPE register is typically maintained to track issuance, inspection, and replacement.

Q19. IS 15298 Part 2 covers:

Solution: IS 15298 specifically deals with footwear; Part 2 covers safety footwear requirements.

Q20. Footwear in oil mines must be:

Solution: Antistatic properties are crucial in oil mines to prevent ignition hazards from static discharge.

Q21. PPE procurement records should be maintained by:

Solution: The Safety Officer is typically responsible for overseeing PPE procurement, records, and compliance.

Q22. Mine footwear must be inspected by:

Solution: Internal inspection by the mine management team (Manager/Safety Officer) is required.

Q23. DGMS discontinued footwear approval mainly because:

Solution: The existence of a robust national standard (BIS) made separate DGMS approval redundant.

Q24. IS marking is granted by:

Solution: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is the authority that grants the IS (ISI) mark license.

Q25. Primary benefit of discontinuing footwear approval:

Solution: Shifting reliance to BIS standards simplifies the procurement and compliance process for mine management.

🔗 INTERNAL LINKING

Related Topic Read More On...
PPE in Mines Behavioural Safety, Health & Welfare
Mine Safety Circulars DGMS General Circular No. 01 of 2023
CMR Regulations CMR 2017 Part 2 - Working & Supervision Rules
Mines Act Mines Act, 1952 Simplified - Key Provisions

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