Intimation of Electrical Accidents in Mines – DGMS Regulations, Reporting Procedure & Safety Provisions

🧾 DETAILED NOTES

1️⃣ Introduction

Electrical energy is widely used in mines for lighting, drilling, pumping, conveyors, ventilation fans, and machinery. However, electrical hazards such as shocks, burns, arc flashes, and fires are significant causes of accidents. DGMS has laid down strict procedures for intimation, reporting, and investigation of all electrical accidents occurring in mines.

2️⃣ Legal Framework

Reference	Description
The Mines Act, 1952 – Sec. 23	Immediate notice to DGMS for any accident causing death or serious injury.
Coal Mines Regulation, 2017 – Reg. 131(1)	Reporting of electrical accidents and dangerous occurrences.
Indian Electricity Rules, 2003 – Rule 44A	Accidents to be reported to Electrical Inspector and DGMS.
DGMS Circular 2 of 2014	Standard format and time limits for intimation.
DGMS Technical Instruction 1 of 2018	Electrical safety & isolation protocols in mines.

3️⃣ Definition

An Electrical Accident means any incident in which electricity or its equipment causes: Injury or fatality to a person, or Fire, explosion, or damage to machinery or property.

4️⃣ Reporting Procedure (Intimation Process)

Immediate Notification: In case of fatal or serious electrical accident, intimation must be given within 24 hours to: The Regional Inspector (DGMS), The Electrical Inspector under CEA, and The Owner, Agent, or Manager of the mine.

Form of Intimation: Written or electronic notice as per DGMS Circular 2/2014 (Annexure-I format). Includes: Name of injured person, Location, Description of occurrence, Electrical system details, and Immediate actions taken.

Detailed Report: A complete report within 72 hours after investigation, sent to DGMS with root cause, preventive measures, and photographs.

Preservation of Scene: The scene must not be disturbed until inspected by DGMS or Electrical Inspector unless it endangers safety.

5️⃣ Responsibilities

Responsible Person	Duty
Manager	Ensure immediate intimation and scene preservation.
Electrical Engineer/Foreman	Conduct preliminary examination and isolate the circuit.
Owner/Agent	Ensure compliance and cooperation with DGMS investigation.
DGMS Electrical Inspector	Investigate, analyze, and recommend safety measures.

6️⃣ Common Causes of Electrical Accidents

Contact with live conductors.
Failure of earthing or insulation.
Overloading and overheating of cables.
Improper maintenance of electrical switchgear.
Absence of interlocks, alarms, or protective relays.
Wet and humid conditions leading to leakage currents.

7️⃣ Preventive Measures

Use flameproof and intrinsically safe apparatus in gassy mines.
Maintain earth continuity and insulation resistance tests.
Follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) before maintenance.
Conduct monthly inspection by electrical supervisor.
Display Danger Notices and provide earthing pits.
Ensure compliance with DGMS Circular 1/2018 for isolation and testing.

8️⃣ DGMS Recommendations

Mandatory electrical safety audit every six months.
Regular calibration of relays and ELCBs.
Immediate reporting of all electrical fires or burns, even if non-fatal.
Maintain accident register and investigation logbook.

⚙️ QUICK ONE-LINERS (Revision Points)

Reg. 131 (CMR 2017) – Reporting electrical accidents.
Rule 44A (IE Rules, 2003) – Intimation to Electrical Inspector.
Sec. 23 (Mines Act, 1952) – Notice of accident.
DGMS Circular 2/2014 – Reporting format and timelines.
Intimation must be given within 24 hours.
Detailed report – within 72 hours.
Scene to be preserved till DGMS inspection.
LOTO system mandatory for all maintenance.
Electrical accidents include shock, fire, explosion, or damage.
Failure to report = prosecution under Mines Act.

🧩 DESCRIPTIVE MODEL QUESTION

Q. Explain the procedure for intimation and reporting of electrical accidents in mines as per DGMS and statutory provisions.

Answer:
As per Regulation 131 of the Coal Mines Regulations, 2017, and Rule 44A of the Indian Electricity Rules, 2003, every electrical accident causing injury, death, or damage must be immediately reported to the DGMS and Electrical Inspector. Initial intimation must be given within 24 hours, followed by a detailed report within 72 hours. The scene must be preserved until inspected by authorities. DGMS Circular 2/2014 provides the standard format for reporting. Non-compliance attracts penalties under Section 23 of the Mines Act, 1952.

🧮 25 DGMS-Based MCQs (5 Options Each)

Q1. Regulation for reporting electrical accidents in coal mines:

Solution: Regulation 131 of CMR 2017 specifically deals with the reporting of electrical accidents and dangerous occurrences.

Q2. Electrical accident notice must be sent within:

Solution: The initial notice of any fatal or serious accident must be sent to DGMS within 24 hours.

Q3. Rule under Indian Electricity Rules for electrical accident intimation:

Solution: Rule 44A of the IE Rules, 2003 (now superseded but reference often used) mandates reporting to the Electrical Inspector.

Q4. Detailed report to DGMS should be sent within:

Solution: While initial notice is 24 hours, the detailed report with particulars is often required within 72 hours.

Q5. Initial report sent by:

Solution: The Mine Manager is the statutorily responsible person for all such communications with DGMS.

Q6. Scene of accident should:

Solution: The accident scene must not be disturbed until inspected by DGMS, unless necessary for safety or rescue.

Q7. DGMS Circular prescribing accident report format:

Solution: DGMS Circular 2 of 2014 provided standard formats (Annexures) for reporting accidents.

Q8. Electrical accidents include:

Solution: All these incidents, if caused by electricity, are classified as electrical accidents or dangerous occurrences.

Q9. Mine electrical systems tested for:

Solution: A comprehensive electrical safety check includes all these parameters.

Q10. LOTO stands for:

Solution: LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) is the standard safety procedure for energy isolation.

Q11. Electrical Inspector under:

Solution: The Electrical Inspector functions under the Central Electricity Authority (CEA) or state electrical inspectorate, separate from DGMS.

Q12. Mines Act Section for accident reporting:

Solution: Section 23 of the Mines Act, 1952, is the primary provision mandating "Notice of Accidents".

Q13. Investigation report prepared by:

Solution: The mine's engineer prepares an internal report, and the DGMS Inspector conducts a statutory investigation.

Q14. Non-reporting of accident leads to:

Solution: Failure to report a statutory accident is a serious offense that can lead to prosecution of the Manager/Owner.

Q15. Electrical accident register maintained by:

Solution: The qualified Electrical Engineer/Supervisor is typically responsible for maintaining specific electrical logs and registers.

Q16. DGMS Circular 1/2018 deals with:

Solution: DGMS Technical Instruction 1 of 2018 provided updated protocols for electrical isolation, testing, and safety.

Q17. Electrical accident report includes:

Solution: A comprehensive accident report must include all these details for a thorough investigation.

Q18. Electrical fires in mines are:

Solution: An outbreak of fire (including electrical) is a "Dangerous Occurrence" and is mandatorily reportable to DGMS.

Q19. DGMS must inspect electrical accident site:

Solution: For fatal or serious accidents, DGMS officials will conduct an inquiry at the site as soon as possible.

Q20. Electrical accidents mostly caused by:

Solution: All these factors contribute to electrical hazards and accidents in a mine environment.

Q21. Mine switchgear must be:

A. Flameproof (in gassy areas) B. Weatherproof (on surface) C. Intrinsically safe (for low power) D. All of the above (depending on location) E. None

Solution: The type of protection (Flameproof, Weatherproof, IS) required depends on the specific location and hazard.

Q22. Electrical safety audit frequency:

Solution: A comprehensive electrical safety audit is often recommended to be conducted at least once every six months (half-yearly).

Q23. Immediate action after electrical accident:

Solution: All these actions are critical: isolate the power (to prevent further harm), rescue the victim (first aid), and inform statutory authorities (DGMS).

Q24. Electrical accidents mostly occur due to:

Solution: Accidents are often a combination of human error (improper isolation) and hazardous conditions (wetness, faulty gear).

Q25. Primary aim of accident reporting:

Solution: Reporting is a legal duty (A), which helps in analyzing causes to prevent recurrence (B) and improve overall safety (C).

🔗 INTERNAL LINKS

Related Topic	Read More On...
LOTO Procedure	Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) Procedures in Mines
Electrical Safety	Electrical Safety, Accident Investigation & Legal Framework
Mines Act	Mines Act, 1952 Simplified - Key Provisions
CMR 2017	CMR 2017 Part 2 - Working & Supervision Rules

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