Introduction

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📘 General Safety in Mines – Manager’s Role & DGMS Notes 

Ensuring general safety in mines is the foremost duty of every mine manager. Accidents in mines are caused not only by mechanical failures but also by human error, poor supervision, and lack of safety culture. The Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) emphasizes the role of management, supervision, and statutory compliance in achieving zero harm. For DGMS First and Second Class Manager exams, questions from general safety and managerial responsibility are frequently asked in both Management and Legislation papers.

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🧭 Manager’s Role in Safety

1. Legal Responsibility (Mines Act & CMR/MMR)
• Under Section 18 of the Mines Act, 1952, the manager is legally responsible for the safety, health, and welfare of all persons employed in the mine.
• The manager must ensure compliance with DGMS circulars, regulations, and bye-laws.
2. Safety Supervision & Planning
• Ensure safe design, support, and working methods.
• Appoint competent officials (overmen, sirdars, engineers) for supervision.
• Prepare a Safety Management Plan (SMP) and TARP (Trigger Action Response Plan).
3. Training & Awareness
• Conduct safety training and refresher courses under Mines Vocational Training Rules, 1966.
• Promote “Safety First” culture through toolbox talks and daily briefings.
4. Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA)
• Identify workplace hazards (mechanical, electrical, environmental).
• Assess risks and plan preventive actions.
• Maintain a risk register as per DGMS guidelines.
5. Accident Investigation & Reporting
• Investigate every accident or dangerous occurrence immediately.
• Submit reports to DGMS using prescribed forms under Mines Rules 1955.
6. Emergency Preparedness
• Maintain rescue team, firefighting equipment, and first-aid stations.
• Prepare and display emergency escape plans and contact lists.
7. Communication & Leadership
• Lead by example; ensure cooperation among all levels of staff.
• Maintain open communication with workers, supervisors, and inspectors.

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⚖️ DGMS Safety Guidelines

1. Safety Management Plan (SMP):
• Mandatory for every mine under DGMS Circular No. 3 of 2019.
• Includes risk assessment, hazard control, and monitoring systems.
2. TARP (Trigger Action Response Plan):
• Specifies actions when conditions deviate from normal (e.g., gas buildup, slope movement).
3. Safety Audits:
• Periodic audits as per DGMS Circular 8 of 2014 to review implementation of safety measures.
4. Accident Prevention:
• Analyze past accidents, identify unsafe acts, and improve procedures.
• Promote reporting of near-miss incidents.
5. Worker Welfare:
• Provide PPE, clean drinking water, medical facilities, and rest shelters as per Mines Rules 1955.

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🧾 Quick Exam-Oriented Notes

• Manager = legally responsible for safety under Section 18 of the Mines Act.
• DGMS issues circulars to strengthen safety management.
• SMP & TARP are mandatory for all operating mines.
• Safety audits must be conducted regularly.
• Accident investigation → report to DGMS within 24 hours.
• PPEs are compulsory for all workers.
• Safety meetings to be held monthly (Rule 29H, Mines Rules 1955).
• “Zero harm” is the target of modern mine safety systems.

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✍️ Descriptive Model Answer 

 Q: Describe the manager’s role in ensuring general safety in mines as per DGMS guidelines. 

 Answer:
The manager plays a key role in maintaining safety, health, and welfare in mines. As per Section 18 of the Mines Act, 1952, he is legally responsible for implementing statutory provisions, training, supervision, and accident prevention. The manager must prepare and enforce the Safety Management Plan (SMP), conduct hazard identification and risk assessment, and ensure emergency preparedness. He also investigates accidents, reports to DGMS, and promotes safety culture among workers. 

  Conclusion:
Effective leadership by the manager, combined with DGMS guidance, ensures safe and productive mining operations.

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🎯 25 MCQs – General Safety in Mines (Manager’s Role) 

 Q1. Who is legally responsible for general safety in a mine?
A. Owner
B. Agent
C. Manager
D. Overman
E. DGMS Inspector
Answer: C.
Solution: Section 18 of Mines Act – manager is responsible. 

Q2. Safety Management Plan (SMP) is mandatory under which DGMS Circular?
A. 1 of 2020
B. 3 of 2019
C. 4 of 2015
D. 8 of 2012
E. 7 of 2020
Answer: B.
Solution: DGMS Circular 3 of 2019 mandates SMP.

Q3. TARP stands for:

A. Technical Audit Review Plan
B. Trigger Action Response Plan
C. Training and Reporting Plan
D. Time Allocation Risk Plan
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: TARP = Trigger Action Response Plan. 

Q4. The manager must ensure accident reports are submitted to DGMS within:
A. 12 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 3 days
D. 7 days
E. 1 month
Answer: B.
Solution: Rule under Mines Rules 1955. 

Q5. DGMS stands for:
A. Directorate General of Mining Statistics
B. Directorate General of Mines Safety
C. Department of Geology & Mining Studies
D. Directorate of Mineral Safety
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: DGMS ensures mine safety enforcement. 

Q6. SMP includes:
A. Ventilation only
B. Hazard control and monitoring
C. Wage management
D. Shift schedule
E. All
Answer: B.
Solution: SMP covers hazard management.

 Q7. Hazard Identification & Risk Assessment (HIRA) involves:
A. Estimating production
B. Identifying risks & control measures
C. Planning shifts
D. Calculating wages
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: HIRA = core of SMP. 

Q8. Safety meetings must be conducted:
A. Weekly
B. Monthly
C. Quarterly
D. Yearly
E. Never
Answer: B.
Solution: Rule 29H, Mines Rules 1955. 

Q9. PPE stands for:
A. Public Protection Equipment
B. Personal Protective Equipment
C. Professional Practice Exam
D. Power Plant Essentials
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: PPEs protect workers from hazards. Q10. Who investigates mine accidents?
A. Manager
B. DGMS Inspector
C. Both
D. Police
E. None
Answer: C.
Solution: Manager investigates; DGMS verifies. Q11. Which Act defines the manager’s legal duties?
A. Mines Rules 1955
B. Mines Act 1952
C. MMR 1961
D. Industrial Safety Act
E. Labour Act
Answer: B.
Solution: Section 18 – Mines Act 1952. 

Q12. DGMS Circular 8 of 2014 relates to:

A. Mine surveys
B. Safety audits
C. Accident reporting
D. Training
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: DGMS – Safety audit framework. Q13. “Zero Harm” concept focuses on:
A. Productivity
B. Accident-free operations
C. Cost reduction
D. Bonus policy
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Aim: zero fatalities/incidents. 

Q14. Firefighting equipment must be maintained by:
A. Safety Officer
B. Manager
C. Both
D. DGMS
E. None
Answer: C.
Solution: Joint responsibility. 

Q15. DGMS safety inspections ensure:
A. Compliance with law
B. Accident prevention
C. Health & welfare
D. All of the above
E. None
Answer: D.
Solution: DGMS ensures statutory compliance. Q16. Accident register is maintained by:
A. DGMS
B. Manager
C. Overman
D. Clerk
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Manager ensures records. 

Q17. A safety audit is:
A. Financial review
B. Technical evaluation of safety systems
C. Manpower review
D. Wage inspection
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Identifies safety gaps. 

Q18. Workers must receive training under:
A. CMR 2017
B. MMR 1961
C. Mines Vocational Training Rules 1966
D. Mines Rules 1955
E. DGMS Circular 2/2019
Answer: C.
Solution: MVTR governs training.

Q19. Hazard register is maintained as part of:
A. SMP
B. Wage records
C. Attendance register
D. Ventilation plan
E. None
Answer: A.
Solution: Part of Safety Management Plan. Q20. Manager’s general safety duty includes:
A. Production maximization
B. Worker safety first
C. Financial reporting
D. Surveying
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Safety takes precedence.

Q21. DGMS inspectors conduct safety audits to:
A. Punish workers
B. Enforce compliance
C. Delay production
D. Collect fines
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: DGMS ensures safe practices.

Q22. Risk assessment must be updated:
A. Monthly
B. Annually or after major change
C. Every 5 years
D. Never
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Update when operations change. Q23. The most effective safety culture starts with:
A. Workers
B. Top management commitment
C. Government policy
D. Unions
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Leadership drives safety.

Q24. Safety training for workers is given by:
A. Safety Officer/Manager
B. DGMS
C. Owner
D. Union
E. Contractor
Answer: A.
Solution: Conducted under manager’s supervision.

Q25. DGMS exam covers general safety under which paper?
A. Management
B. Legislation
C. General Safety
D. All of the above
E. None
Answer: D.
Solution: Covered across all MMLGS sections.

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 👉 Practice mine safety topics with OnlineMiningExam quizzes, DGMS circular summaries, and video classes to excel in your DGMS exams.

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