Mines Rules 1955 – Safety & Supervision Provisions


                     Introduction
The Mines Rules, 1955, framed under Section 58 of the Mines Act, 1952, specify essential safety, supervision, health, and welfare provisions applicable to all mines in India.
These rules form an important part of the DGMS Legislation Paper for both Coal and Metal First/Second Class Manager exams (Restricted & Unrestricted). The goal of the Mines Rules is to ensure that mining operations are carried out under strict supervision, competent management, and safe working conditions.

⚖️ Safety Provisions in Mines Rules 

 The Mines Rules define statutory obligations for safety measures, training, rescue, and supervision within a mine. 

  🔹 Key Provisions:
  1. Medical Examination (Rule 29–30)
    • Every mine worker must undergo a medical fitness test before employment and periodically thereafter.
    • Unfit workers must be declared medically unfit for underground work.
  2. Training of Workers (Rule 36–45)
    • Training in safety practices, use of PPE, and first aid is compulsory.
    • Every new employee must complete initial and refresher training as per DGMS standards.
    • Training centers must be approved by DGMS.
  3. First-Aid and Rescue (Rule 44–45)
    • Every mine must maintain first-aid appliances, stretchers, and rescue rooms.
    • Adequate number of trained rescue men and attendants must be available.
  4. Safety Equipment (Rule 46–48)
    • Provision of helmets, belts, lamps, dust masks, gumboots, and gloves is mandatory.
    • Workers must use only DGMS-approved equipment.
  5. Ventilation & Lighting (Rule 55–57)
    • Sufficient fresh air and lighting must be provided in all workings.
    • Illumination levels must comply with DGMS Circular 03 of 2017.
  6. Precautions against Inundation, Fire, and Explosions
    • Every manager must take steps to prevent accumulation of water or gas.
    • Firefighting and emergency escape routes must be maintained.
  7. Safety Supervision
    • Statutory supervision by manager, assistant manager, overman, and sirdar.
    • Daily inspection records to be maintained in statutory registers.
  8. Accident Reporting (Rule 24–25)
    • Every fatal or serious accident must be reported to DGMS and local authority within 24 hours.

👷 Supervision Requirements 

 The Mines Rules emphasize competent supervision and define clear responsibilities for different supervisory levels.
Level Key Responsibility
Manager Overall control and compliance with the Mines Act & Rules.
Assistant Manager Supervises specific sections or shifts.
Overman Supervises group of workings, checks ventilation, roof & support.
Sirdar Directly supervises workers and reports hazards.
Competent Person Carries out duties requiring special training or certification.
DGMS Certification Required:
All supervisory officials must hold DGMS certificates of competency and renewal must follow Rule 17 of the Mines Rules, 1955.

📌 DGMS Exam-Oriented Points
  • Mines Rules = framed under Section 58 of Mines Act, 1952.
  • Manager → legally responsible for supervision.
  • Rule 36–45 → training & safety education.
  • Rule 24–25 → accident reporting timelines.
  • DGMS-approved PPE mandatory.
  • Medical fitness certificate = pre-requisite for employment.
  • Firefighting & rescue appliances compulsory.
  • First-aid training for at least one in every 10 workers.
  • Accident report (Form IV) to be sent within 24 hours.

Quick One-Liners
  • Mines Rules enacted in 1955 under Section 58, Mines Act 1952.
  • Objective: worker safety, welfare, and supervision.
  • Manager = head of safety compliance.
  • Training mandatory before work.
  • DGMS approval needed for equipment & training centers.
  • Fire & rescue provisions = compulsory.
  • Daily inspections recorded by manager/overman.
  • PPE → helmet, gloves, boots, goggles, dust mask.
  • Rule 44 → First-aid appliances.
  • Rule 55 → Lighting requirements.

✍️ Descriptive Model Answer 

  Q: Describe the main safety and supervision provisions of the Mines Rules, 1955. 

Answer:

The Mines Rules, 1955, framed under Section 58 of the Mines Act, 1952, provide detailed regulations to ensure the safety, health, and supervision of mine workers.
Key provisions include medical examination, training, rescue arrangements, supervision by competent persons, and use of safety equipment.
It mandates regular inspections, accident reporting, and compliance with DGMS-approved safety standards. 

                              Conclusion:
The Mines Rules, 1955, form the backbone of statutory mine safety supervision, ensuring that all operations are conducted by trained personnel under DGMS oversight.

🎯 25 MCQs – Mines Rules 1955 (Safety & Supervision) 

 Q1. Mines Rules, 1955 were framed under which section of the Mines Act, 1952?
A. Section 10
B. Section 17
C. Section 58
D. Section 59
E. Section 60
Answer: C.
Solution: Rule 1 preamble states powers under Section 58.

Q2. The main objective of Mines Rules, 1955 is:
A. Production control
B. Safety and welfare
C. Cost management
D. Survey operations
E. Mine leasing
Answer: B.
Solution: Ensures worker safety and welfare. Q3. Medical fitness of mine workers is covered under:
A. Rule 10
B. Rule 29–30
C. Rule 44
D. Rule 17
E. Rule 52
Answer: B.
Solution: Rules 29–30 deal with medical examination.

Q4. Training of workers is mentioned under:
A. Rule 36–45
B. Rule 46
C. Rule 20
D. Rule 12
E. Rule 60
Answer: A.
Solution: Training & refresher courses under these rules.

Q5. Accident reporting timeline is:
A. 12 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 48 hours
D. 7 days
E. 10 days
Answer: B.
Solution: Report to DGMS within 24 hours.

Q6. Every mine must provide:
A. Clubhouse
B. First-aid appliances
C. Free meals
D. School facility
E. Quarters
Answer: B.
Solution: Rule 44 mandates first-aid facilities. Q7. PPE used in mines must be:
A. Locally purchased
B. DGMS-approved
C. Imported only
D. Worker-supplied
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Only DGMS-approved PPE allowed. Q8. Manager’s main duty under Mines Rules:
A. Production
B. Safety & supervision
C. Sales
D. Budgeting
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Manager ensures compliance with safety provisions.

Q9. Who supervises a group of districts in a mine?
A. Sirdar
B. Overman
C. Assistant Manager
D. Clerk
E. Safety Officer
Answer: B.
Solution: Overman supervises multiple workings.

Q10. Firefighting appliances are covered under:

A. Rule 45
B. Rule 44
C. Rule 48
D. Rule 50
E. Rule 55
Answer: C.
Solution: Rule 48 – firefighting and rescue provisions.

Q11. Rescue room must have:
A. Trained rescue men
B. Stretcher & oxygen apparatus
C. First-aid kit
D. All of the above
E. None
Answer: D.
Solution: All are compulsory as per rules.

Q12. Training centers must be:
A. DGMS-approved
B. Company-approved
C. Self-certified
D. ISO only
E. None
Answer: A.
Solution: Approval by DGMS is mandatory. Q13. Minimum age for mine work:
A. 14 years
B. 16 years
C. 18 years
D. 20 years
E. 21 years
Answer: C.
Solution: No one under 18 years can work underground.

Q14. Rule 55 deals with:
A. Illumination
B. Drinking water
C. Dust control
D. Ventilation
E. Support system
Answer: A.
Solution: Rule 55 specifies lighting standards. Q15. Rule 36 mandates:
A. Worker safety training
B. Employment registration
C. Wage payment
D. Leave rules
E. Insurance policy
Answer: A.
Solution: Rule 36 relates to training.

Q16. The Mines Rules apply to:
A. Coal mines only
B. Metalliferous mines only
C. All mines
D. Open cast only
E. None
Answer: C.
Solution: Applicable to all mines in India.

Q17. Accident investigation responsibility lies with:
A. DGMS
B. Manager
C. Both
D. Labour department
E. None
Answer: C.
Solution: Jointly by DGMS and Manager.

Q18. Rule 24–25 deal with:
A. Accidents & notices
B. Training
C. Health & welfare
D. Survey
E. Electrical safety
Answer: A.
Solution: Rule 24–25 specify accident reporting. 

Q19. Who maintains inspection books?
A. Clerk
B. Overman
C. Manager
D. DGMS
E. Safety Officer
Answer: C.
Solution: Manager keeps statutory registers. Q20. Rescue training is compulsory for:
A. All workers
B. Rescue staff
C. Clerical staff
D. Surface labour
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Compulsory for rescue team members.

Q21. Rule 46–48 cover:
A. Firefighting & PPE
B. Blasting
C. Illumination
D. Safety checks
E. Noise control
Answer: A.
Solution: Safety equipment and fire control.

Q22. DGMS ensures enforcement through:
A. Inspections
B. Circulars
C. Audits
D. All of the above
E. None
Answer: D.
Solution: All are DGMS functions.

Q23. Training records are kept by:
A. Training officer
B. Manager
C. HR Department
D. DGMS
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Manager maintains statutory records. Q24. Accident reporting form used:
A. Form I
B. Form IV
C. Form VIII
D. Form V
E. None
Answer: B.
Solution: Form IV is standard for DGMS accident reports.

Q25. Mines Rules 1955 are covered under which DGMS exam subject?
A. Legislation
B. General Safety
C. Management
D. Environment
E. None
Answer: A.
Solution: Part of Legislation paper.

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