DGMS Helmet Approval Discontinued – New BIS Standards for Mining Safety Helmets

DGMS Helmet 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. Under which section of the Mines Act does DGMS issue special orders regarding safety equipment?

Solution: Section 57 empowers DGMS to make regulations and special orders concerning safety. Note: Sec 18 deals with powers of inspectors to issue orders, Sec 58 deals with power to make rules. The context suggests Sec 57 is appropriate for overarching special orders/regulations modifying approval processes.

Q2. DGMS discontinued approval of helmets used in mines subject to compliance with which Indian Standard?

Solution: IS 2925:1984 is the Indian Standard specification for Industrial Safety Helmets.

Q3. BIS stands for:

A. Bureau of Industrial Safety B. Bureau of Indian Standards C. Board of Industrial Standards D. Bureau of International Safety E. Bureau of Infrastructure Standards

Solution: BIS is the national standards body of India, the Bureau of Indian Standards.

Q4. Helmets must have which marking to be acceptable for use in mines?

Solution: The ISI mark signifies certification by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).

Q5. DGMS can discontinue helmet usage by:

Solution: Section 18 of the Mines Act allows inspectors (DGMS) to issue specific written orders prohibiting unsafe practices or equipment.

Q6. Which Rule of the Mines Rules, 1955 mandates protective equipment for workers?

Solution: Rule 125 specifically addresses the requirement for providing and using protective equipment. (Note: Original text had 126 for footwear, 125 is general PPE).

Q7. Helmets for mining personnel must resist:

Solution: The primary function of a safety helmet in mines is protection against falling objects (impact) and sharp protrusions (penetration).

Q8. Which of the following is responsible for helmet inspection in mines?

Solution: All these stakeholders have a role: Manager (overall responsibility), Safety Officer (implementation), DGMS (statutory oversight), WI (worker representation).

Q9. What should be the minimum replacement period for mining helmets?

Solution: While manufacturer guidelines vary, a common industry practice, often guided by DGMS recommendations, is replacement every 3 years or sooner if damaged.

Q10. IS 2925:1984 helmets must pass which test?

Solution: Impact absorption and penetration resistance are the key performance tests specified in IS 2925.

Q11. The discontinuance order primarily relies on the effectiveness of:

Solution: The decision hinges on the reliability of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) certification system.

Q12. Who is responsible for procuring BIS-certified helmets?

Solution: The mine management (Owner/Agent/Manager) is responsible for providing compliant PPE.

Q13. If a DGMS inspector finds a BIS-certified helmet unsafe during use, they can:

A. Issue an order prohibiting its use B. Only inform BIS C. Take no action as it's BIS certified D. Fine the manufacturer directly E. Recommend design changes

Solution: DGMS retains the power under the Mines Act (e.g., Sec 18) to prohibit the use of anything found dangerous in a mine, regardless of other certifications.

Q14. The shift from DGMS approval to BIS certification aims to:

A. Increase DGMS workload B. Reduce helmet quality C. Simplify compliance & align with national standards D. Make helmets optional E. Increase helmet costs

Solution: This aligns with 'Ease of Doing Business' by reducing specific approvals where robust national standards exist.

Q15. IS 2925 covers helmets for which type of use?

Solution: IS 2925 is specifically titled "Specification for Industrial Safety Helmets".

Q16. Records related to helmet procurement and testing should be available for:

Solution: These records are important for internal safety management and statutory compliance checks.

Q17. A damaged BIS-certified helmet should be:

Solution: Any damage compromises the protective integrity of the helmet, requiring immediate replacement.

Q18. The "Reaffirmed 2010" status for IS 2925:1984 means:

A. The standard was cancelled in 2010 B. A new version was published in 2010 C. The 1984 version was reviewed and found still valid in 2010 D. It is only valid until 2010 E. It was first published in 2010

Solution: Reaffirmation indicates the standard was reviewed and deemed current without technical changes.

Q19. Which part of the helmet provides primary impact protection?

Solution: The rigid outer shell distributes the force, and the internal harness absorbs the shock.

Q20. The discontinuance of DGMS approval places more emphasis on:

A. DGMS testing procedures B. Mine management's responsibility for verification C. Manufacturer's advertising D. Importing helmets E. Worker's choice of helmet

Solution: With DGMS stepping back from pre-approval, the onus is stronger on mine management to ensure they procure and use compliant equipment.

Q21. The Mines Rules, 1955 are made under the powers given by which Act?

Solution: The Mines Rules are subsidiary legislation framed under the main Mines Act, 1952 (specifically Section 58 empowers rule making).

Q22. Mine management must ensure helmets are suitable for:

Solution: While meeting IS 2925, the helmet must also be appropriate for the specific risks (e.g., electrical hazards, molten metal) present.

Q23. The color coding of helmets in mines often indicates:

Solution: Many mines use different helmet colors to easily identify roles (e.g., worker, supervisor, electrician, visitor).

Q24. Maintaining helmets involves:

Solution: Proper maintenance includes cleaning, regular inspection, and timely replacement.

Q25. The shift to BIS standards promotes:

A. Dependence on DGMS approval B. Alignment with national quality norms C. Use of non-standard helmets D. Reduced safety levels E. Increased bureaucracy

Solution: Relying on BIS aligns mine safety practices with the broader national standardization framework.

🔗 INTERNAL LINKS

Related Topic	Read More On...
PPE in Mines	Behavioural Safety, Health & Welfare
Mine Safety Circulars	DGMS Tech Circular No. 02 of 2020
Mines Act	Mines Act, 1952 Simplified - Key Provisions
Safety Management	DGMS Role in Safety Plans

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DGMS Helmet Approval Discontinued – New BIS Standards for Mining Safety Helmets

🦺 DETAILED NOTES

1️⃣ Introduction

2️⃣ Background

3️⃣ Key DGMS Circular Highlights

4️⃣ Applicable Legal Framework

5️⃣ Compliance Guidelines

6️⃣ Advantages of Discontinuance

⚡ QUICK ONE-LINERS

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE MODEL QUESTION & ANSWER

🎯 25 DGMS MCQs (Dynamic Options with Solutions)

🔗 INTERNAL LINKS

💡 Prepare Smarter for DGMS Exams!

OUR COURSES View More

📚 Daily Quiz • DGMS Prep

DGMS Helmet Approval Discontinued – New BIS Standards for Mining Safety Helmets

🦺 DETAILED NOTES

1️⃣ Introduction

2️⃣ Background

3️⃣ Key DGMS Circular Highlights

4️⃣ Applicable Legal Framework

5️⃣ Compliance Guidelines

6️⃣ Advantages of Discontinuance

⚡ QUICK ONE-LINERS

🧠 DESCRIPTIVE MODEL QUESTION & ANSWER

🎯 25 DGMS MCQs (Dynamic Options with Solutions)

🔗 INTERNAL LINKS

💡 Prepare Smarter for DGMS Exams!

OUR COURSES View More

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