🏗️ Detailed Notes
1️⃣ Introduction
The Self-Contained Self-Rescuer (SCSR) is a vital personal protective device designed to provide breathable air to a miner during mine fire, explosion, or irrespirable atmosphere. Under Regulation 191D(2) & (3) of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957, every coal mine is required to follow a DGMS-approved protocol for the use, care, maintenance, sampling, and testing of SCSRs to ensure reliability during emergencies.
2️⃣ Legal Provisions
| Regulation/Circular | Provision Summary |
|---|---|
| Reg. 191D(2) | Every SCSR shall be maintained in good condition, periodically tested, and replaced as per manufacturer’s life cycle and DGMS approval. |
| Reg. 191D(3) | SCSRs shall be periodically sampled and tested for functional performance by DGMS or authorized agency. |
| DGMS (Tech.) Circular No. 01/2013 & 08/2019 | Prescribes SCSR sampling frequency, testing method, and storage guidelines. |
3️⃣ Objective of the Protocol
- To ensure every SCSR functions effectively when needed.
- To maintain uniform testing and care standards across mines.
- To identify defective or expired units through sampling.
- To verify manufacturer’s quality consistency.
- To enhance miners’ confidence in life-saving equipment.
4️⃣ Types of SCSRs Used in Indian Coal Mines
| Manufacturer / Model | Type | Duration | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dräger Oxy-K Plus | Chemical Oxygen (KO₂-based) | 60 min | Widely used in Indian mines. |
| MSA SSR 30/100 | Chemical Oxygen (KO₂-based) | 30–100 min | DGMS-approved. |
| DEZEGA CARBO 60 | Chemical Oxygen | 60 min | Used in CIL and SCCL mines. |
| Ocenco EBA-6.5 | Compressed Oxygen | 90 min | Imported, used in training & R&D. |
5️⃣ Use of Self-Contained Self-Rescuer
- Must be carried by all persons working belowground.
- Worn on the belt or harness in a sealed container.
- Used immediately when detecting smoke, gas, or oxygen deficiency.
- Activation: Pull the starter cord to initiate oxygen generation.
- Breathing hose connected to mouthpiece with nose clip applied.
6️⃣ Care and Maintenance
(a) Storage: SCSRs must be stored in clean, dry, well-ventilated areas. Temperature maintained below 50°C; avoid direct sunlight. Use wall-mounted racks.
(b) Inspection: Visual inspection every month by competent person. Check for corrosion, seal integrity, label legibility, and pressure indicator. Maintain SCSR inspection register.
(c) Servicing: Follow manufacturer’s periodic servicing schedule. Replace expired or damaged units immediately. Use only DGMS-approved service agencies.
7️⃣ Sampling and Testing
| Aspect | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Sampling Frequency | Once in every 6 months (DGMS Circular 08/2019). |
| Sampling Quantity | 1% of total stock or minimum 2 units, whichever is higher. |
| Testing Agency | DGMS-approved Testing Lab (Dhanbad / CIL R&D). |
| Test Parameters | Oxygen generation, breathing resistance, leakage, and chemical integrity. |
| Result Reporting | Sent to DGMS within 30 days of testing. |
| Failure Action | Withdraw all defective batch units and replace immediately. |
8️⃣ Replacement Policy
- SCSRs exceeding manufacturer’s service life (typically 5–7 years) must be replaced.
- Units exposed to heat, mechanical damage, or moisture shall be withdrawn immediately.
- Mines must maintain a replacement schedule register.
9️⃣ DGMS Recommendations
- Conduct mock drills quarterly to ensure miner familiarity.
- Maintain SCSR training record for all workmen.
- Provide refresher safety talks before each shift.
- Replace entire lot if sample fails testing.
- Keep standby SCSRs at fresh air bases and refuge chambers.
⚡ Quick One-Liners (Revision Points)
- Reg. 191D governs SCSR care and testing.
- DGMS Circular 08/2019 provides protocol.
- Every worker must carry an SCSR underground.
- Sampling once every 6 months.
- Testing at DGMS-approved labs only.
- 1% or minimum 2 units sampled.
- Replace batch if test fails.
- Service life 5–7 years.
- Monthly visual inspection mandatory.
- Mock drills every quarter.
🧠 Descriptive Model Question & Answer
Q. Explain the DGMS protocol for use, care, maintenance, and testing of Self-Contained Self-Rescuers (SCSR) under Regulation 191D(2) & (3) of the CMR 1957.
Answer:
As per Regulation 191D(2) & (3) of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957, and DGMS Circulars 01/2013 and 08/2019, every SCSR provided in coal mines must be maintained, inspected, and tested to ensure reliability during mine emergencies. Each SCSR shall be:
- Visually inspected monthly for physical integrity and seal condition.
- Sampled biannually (every 6 months) for testing at DGMS-approved laboratories.
- Stored in cool, dry areas and serviced per manufacturer’s instructions.
- Replaced after expiry or batch failure.
Records of inspection and testing must be maintained by the Manager or Safety Officer, and training shall be provided to every worker on proper use. This ensures that all SCSRs function effectively to save lives during irrespirable atmospheres.
🎯 25 MCQs – SCSR Protocol under Reg. 191D(2) & (3)
Q1. Regulation governing SCSR testing:
Q2. DGMS Circular for SCSR testing:
Q3. Sampling frequency:
Q4. Minimum sample size:
Q5. Testing agency:
Q6. Service life of SCSR:
Q7. Main chemical used in SCSR:
Q8. Oxygen supply type:
Q9. Visual inspection frequency:
Q10. Failed sample action:
Q11. SCSR stands for:
Q12. Function of SCSR:
Q13. Minimum oxygen duration (DGMS-approved):
Q14. Storage condition:
Q15. Testing parameters include:
Q16. SCSR carried by:
Q17. DGMS Circular 08/2019 ensures:
Q18. Mock drills frequency:
Q19. Label integrity checked during:
Q20. Oxygen generation by KO₂ reacts with:
Q21. DGMS-approved chemical oxygen SCSR example:
Q22. Record of inspection kept by:
Q23. Expired SCSRs must be:
Q24. Breathing resistance test ensures:
Q25. DGMS sampling protocol improves:
🔗 Internal Linking Suggestions
| Related Topic | Read More On... |
|---|---|
| Rescue Equipment Testing | Periodic Testing of Breathing & Reviving Apparatus |
| Mine Rescue Rules | Mines Rescue Rules, 1985 - Notes & MCQs |
| DGMS Circulars | DGMS Tech Circular No. 02 of 2020 |
| Emergency Management | Emergency Management Plan for Mines |
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