MMR 1961 (Part 2) – Machinery, Inspections & Reports




                    πŸ—οΈ Introduction

The Metalliferous Mines Regulations, 1961 (MMR 1961) govern all mechanical, operational, and safety aspects of metalliferous mining.
Part 2 of MMR 1961 specifically deals with machinery, inspections, and statutory reporting, ensuring safe operation of all mechanical and electrical installations. For DGMS exams, this section is vital since questions often focus on manager’s responsibilities, inspection frequency, and record maintenance.

πŸ› οΈ 1. Machinery Rules in MMR 1961 

Machinery includes all devices used for cutting, loading, transporting, hoisting, and processing ore. The key DGMS concern is safety, maintenance, and compliance. Regulation 85 – General Provisions
  • All machinery must be of good construction, sound material, and free from defects.
  • Only competent persons are authorized to operate or maintain machinery.
  • Safety guards must be provided for moving parts, gears, and pulleys.
Regulation 86 – Installation & Maintenance
  • Every machine must be properly installed to prevent vibration and hazards.
  • Lubrication and maintenance schedules must be followed.
  • Flameproof or intrinsically safe equipment required in gassy mines.
Regulation 87 – Fencing of Machinery
  • All dangerous parts shall be securely fenced to prevent contact.
  • Manager must ensure guards are always in position before operation.
Regulation 88 – Signaling & Control
  • Effective communication between operator and worksite is mandatory.
  • Hoists, winders, and conveyors require two-way signaling systems.

πŸ” 2. Inspection Requirements

Regular inspections reduce mechanical failures and prevent accidents.


Regulations 89–91 

specify inspection routines and responsible persons. 

  Regulation 89 – Daily Inspection
  • All working machinery must be inspected daily by a competent person.
  • Any defect discovered must be recorded and rectified immediately.
Regulation 90 – Periodic Examination
  • Critical installations such as winding engines, compressors, and electrical switchgear must be examined at specified intervals.
  • Reports are signed by the Engineer/Manager and countersigned by Agent where necessary.
Regulation 91 – Examination of Lifting Appliances
  • Lifting appliances, chains, and ropes must be tested and certified annually.
  • All certificates must be preserved for DGMS verification.

πŸ“‹ 3. Reporting Obligations 

 Proper reporting ensures legal compliance and accountability under DGMS supervision.
Regulation Requirement
Reg. 92 Maintain a register of machinery inspections and repairs.
Reg. 93 Notify DGMS of any major breakdown or mechanical accident.
Reg. 94 Maintain a record of all certificates, tests, and repairs.
Reg. 95 Submit accident reports to DGMS and Regional Inspector.
DGMS Inspection Tip: Managers must ensure that all machinery registers and daily logbooks are updated and available during inspection visits.

🧯 4. Common DGMS Violations (and Remedies)
Violation DGMS Observation / Remedy
Lack of fencing around moving machinery Provide fixed guards and interlocks
No record of inspection Maintain daily logbook and signature of competent person
Defective signaling system Repair or replace before recommissioning
Use of uncertified lifting appliances Use DGMS-approved certified equipment only

⚑ 5. DGMS Circulars Related to Machinery
  • DGMS Tech Circular 2 of 2010: Inspection & maintenance in mechanized mines.
  • DGMS Circular 1 of 2020: Lifting appliance certification guidelines.
  • DGMS Circular 3 of 2019: Safety management for equipment inspection.

🧠 Quick One-Liners for Revision
  • Reg. 85–95 β†’ Machinery, inspection & report rules.
  • Only competent persons may operate machinery.
  • Daily inspections by authorized persons.
  • Lifting appliances β†’ tested once per year.
  • DGMS must be informed about machinery accidents.
  • All records maintained and signed by the manager.
  • Flameproof equipment mandatory in gassy mines.

Machinery must be well-maintained, fenced, and inspected daily by competent persons (Reg. 85–91).
Reports of inspections, tests, and breakdowns must be recorded and submitted as per DGMS rules (Reg. 92–95).
Flameproof equipment must be used in gassy mines, and all mechanical accidents must be reported immediately to DGMS.

🎯 25 MCQs – MMR 1961 (Part 2) Machinery, Inspections & Reports

Q1. Which regulation specifies that machinery must be of good construction and sound material?
A. Reg. 85
B. Reg. 87
C. Reg. 90
D. Reg. 92
E. Reg. 95
Answer: A.
Solution: Reg. 85 covers general provisions for machinery quality. 

Q2. Fencing of moving machinery is covered under:
A. Reg. 87
B. Reg. 85
C. Reg. 88
D. Reg. 92
E. Reg. 90
Answer: A

Q3. Daily inspection of machinery must be done by:
A. Manager
B. Competent person
C. DGMS Inspector
D. Foreman
E. Engineer
Answer: B. 

Q4. Lifting appliances must be tested:
A. Every 3 months
B. Every 6 months
C. Once a year
D. Every 2 years
E. Only after repairs
Answer: C

Q5. Reporting of machinery accidents is mandatory under:
A. Reg. 95
B. Reg. 91
C. Reg. 93
D. Reg. 89
E. Reg. 87
Answer: C. 

Q6. Machinery records and logbooks are maintained under:
A. Reg. 92
B. Reg. 89
C. Reg. 86
D. Reg. 95
E. Reg. 90
Answer: A

Q7. Who must sign inspection records?
A. DGMS Inspector
B. Competent person
C. Mine Manager
D. Owner
E. Contractor
Answer: C

Q8. Flameproof equipment is required in:
A. Gassy mines
B. Opencast mines
C. Non-gassy mines
D. Workshops
E. Crushing plants
Answer: A. 

Q9. DGMS must be notified of machinery breakdown under:
A. Reg. 93
B. Reg. 85
C. Reg. 90
D. Reg. 87
E. Reg. 89
Answer: A. 

Q10. Machinery accident reports are submitted to:
A. DGMS & Regional Inspector
B. Owner only
C. Safety Officer
D. Ministry of Coal
E. Local authority
Answer: A. 

Q11. Who is responsible for ensuring that machinery is free from defects before use?
A. Engineer
B. Competent person
C. Manager
D. Owner
E. DGMS Inspector
Answer: C.
Solution: The manager is legally responsible for safe condition of machinery as per Reg. 85.

Q12. Under MMR 1961, how often should winding engines be examined by a competent person?
A. Daily
B. Weekly
C. Monthly
D. Quarterly
E. Annually
Answer: C.
Solution: Regulation 90 mandates monthly inspection of winding equipment.

Q13. A certificate of annual test for lifting appliances must be signed by:
A. Electrical foreman
B. Competent examiner
C. Safety officer
D. Mine manager
E. DGMS Inspector
Answer: B.
Solution: Only a competent examiner authorized by DGMS can certify lifting appliances.

Q14. A defective signaling system must be:
A. Reported in machinery register
B. Used with caution
C. Immediately repaired or stopped
D. Ignored if minor
E. Checked next shift
Answer: C.
Solution: Unsafe signaling systems must be immediately rectified before operation.

Q15. Which regulation covers β€œrecord keeping and reporting” of machinery inspections?
A. 85
B. 88
C. 92
D. 90
E. 87
Answer: C.
Solution: Regulation 92 requires maintenance of all machinery records and reports.

Q16. DGMS should be informed of any serious mechanical accident within:
A. 12 hours
B. 24 hours
C. 48 hours
D. 72 hours
E. One week
Answer: B.
Solution: DGMS must be informed within 24 hours under Reg. 93.

Q17. A machinery breakdown affecting safety should be reported to:
A. Local police
B. Safety committee
C. Regional Inspector of Mines
D. Company head office
E. District Magistrate
Answer: C.
Solution: Such incidents are directly reported to the Regional Inspector as per DGMS guidelines.

Q18. What must be provided for moving parts of machinery to prevent accidents?
A. Warning signboards
B. Safety fences and guards
C. Fire extinguishers
D. Mirrors
E. Protective net
Answer: B.
Solution: Regulation 87 mandates fencing of all moving machinery parts.

Q19. Which of the following is NOT a requirement under MMR 1961 Part 2?
A. Flameproof equipment in gassy mines
B. Annual testing of lifting appliances
C. Daily inspection of all machines
D. Use of uncertified equipment in emergencies
E. Reporting mechanical accidents
Answer: D.
Solution: Uncertified equipment cannot be used even in emergencies.

Q20. The purpose of inspection and reporting under MMR 1961 is:
A. Production improvement
B. Legal compliance and safety assurance
C. Reducing manpower
D. Cutting costs
E. Increasing mechanization
Answer: B.
Solution: The intent is to ensure safety and compliance under DGMS law.

Q21. Who maintains the register of daily machinery inspection?
A. Manager
B. Mechanical engineer
C. Competent person
D. Safety officer
E. Foreman
Answer: C.
Solution: Competent person records the inspection and manager verifies.

Q22. In gassy mines, all electrical equipment must be:
A. Portable
B. Weatherproof
C. Flameproof or intrinsically safe
D. Fitted with sensors only
E. Water-cooled
Answer: C.
Solution: DGMS requires flameproof equipment in gassy environments.

Q23. Chain and rope testing certificates must be retained for:
A. 1 year
B. 2 years
C. 3 years
D. 5 years
E. Indefinitely
Answer: C.
Solution: Regulation requires certificates to be retained for at least 3 years.

Q24. Mechanical safety under MMR is primarily governed by:
A. Regulation 50–60
B. Regulation 85–95
C. Regulation 20–25
D. Regulation 110–115
E. Regulation 125–130
Answer: B.
Solution: Reg. 85–95 cover machinery and reporting requirements.

Q25. A manager should immediately withdraw machinery from service if:
A. It is inefficient
B. DGMS suggests so
C. It poses safety risk or serious defect
D. It is outdated
E. Workers complain
Answer: C.
Solution: Unsafe machinery must be stopped immediately until repaired.


                      βœ… Conclusion 

 Machinery inspection and reporting under MMR 1961 Part 2 form the foundation of mechanical safety in metalliferous mines.
Compliance with DGMS guidelines ensures operational reliability and minimizes risk.
Managers and engineers must maintain daily records, ensure certification of lifting equipment, and promptly report any defects or acciden
ts.

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