QUESTION PAPER

1. Explain ergonomics concept and what is its significance mines?2. What is the production cost in your mines and its components and how to reduce and

control production cost?3. What is TPM? How it differs from PM?4. How to improve equipment reliability and maintainability?5. What is uptime, downtime, MTTF, MTBF and MTTR? How downtime can be reduced?6. What is drilling rate and it depends on what factors?7. As a manager how to select appropriate matching machineries for your mines producing

0.5Mt iron ore?8. How to design haul road in your mines? What are its basic parameters as per mines

regulation?9. As a mines manager how to optimize blasting? What is powder factor, How to improve it?10. What is UCS value for iron in your mines and accordingly what are the blasting design

parameters in terms of hole diameter?11. What are important factors affecting slope stability? Explain in briefly .12. What are the design methodologies followed for slope design ? explain in detail.13. What are valuation methodology are used for mine project evaluation ?14. How to calculate TPH of your mines machineries ?15. What are the first aid provisions are there in mines rules and mines act ?16. Define owner, agent and mines .Interpret against the present context.17. What are instruments used for measuring stress and pore pressure in slope stability ?18. What are the requirements for a mine plan ?19. How to conduct PME in your mines ? what is its role and what are the new guidelines of 10th

NCOSIM?20. What is SSR ?How it is very useful in slope stability monitoring ?21. In the period of globalization what are the positive and negative impacts of outsourcing for

the mining industry?22. What is sustainability development framework for the mining industry ?23. What is an electronic detonator and how it differs from electric detonator ?24. What are the economic impacts of opencast mining ?25. What is work study? How it optimizes the working efficiency ?26. What is HAV and WBV ?What are the effects on workers ?27. How to carry out risk assessment in your mines ?28. What are the measurement tools for health and safety performance ?29. What are the necessary ingredients for health and safety culture ?30. What is FR and SR ?What are benefits and limitations ?31. What are the effects of accident ?32. What is safety audit ?How it is conducted ?33. Who has propounded behaviour based approach to safety management ?How it is

conducted ?What are the basic processes involved in it ?34. What are the engineering strategies involved with safety management as per William

Heinrich ?35. What is fault tree analysis ?Give a fault tree analysis for Slope failure in waste dump ?

36. What are the main functions of management ?As a manager how to control cost in your mines ?

37. What are the role and functions of DGMS ?38. What is the role of safety conferences in safety management ?39. What are the basic processes involved in sewage treatment plants ?40. How motivation is a management tool ? How it is linked with productivity ?41. As a manager in a mines ,how to carry out the task of mine water management ?42. What is a risk matrix ? what is its significance ?43. What are duties of persons employed in the mines ?44. What is Intelligent mine technology (IMT)?45. What are cost of accident?46. What are the new innovative technologies to prevent environmental risk after mine closure?47. What are the safety features of a mine truck/dumper ? How to prevent accident in poor

visibility condition ?48. What are applications of computer in mines ?49. What is the importance of illumination in night shift work ? What are the standards of

illumination ?50. What are the welfare amenities provided in your mines ?51. What is the importance of HRD for mine personnel development?52. What are elements of a emergency organization?53. What are the notified diseases ?What are the statutory provisions for this ?54. How to control noise in a crushing plant in your mines ?55. What are the dust sampling instruments available now ?How to carry out dust survey in your

working face of the mines ?56. What are the Vocational training provisions for the mining industry ?Do you think it is

adequate ? give your suggestions .57. What is working capital ?58. What are the climate risks in a mining projects ?59. What is centralized lubrication system ?60. What is autonomous mining?61. What is OEE-overall equipment effectiveness ?62. What are the controlled system of blasting ?63. What are the types of slope failure ?what is their mechanisms ?64. How to control fire risk in your mines workshop? what are the circulars regarding fire

prevention ?65. What are the important parameters to be considered for designing a good haul road for your

mines ?66. What are the techniques you apply for dust suppression in your mines ? what are the

provisions in mines regulations ?67. What are the safety features in an electric detonator ?what is the significance of 20 m for

length blasting cable ?68. What are your job responsibilities?69. What are the main features in a water danger plan?70. What is general safety?

71. What is the ore reserve classification system used in India ? what is its merits over previous classification system ?

72. What are the duties of a engineer in your mines ?73. What is accident analysis ? how it helps in safety management ?74. What are the tools used for accident investigation in mines ?75. What is GPS system? What are its applicability in mines?76. What are the new /current issues in the mining sector ? How it can face the challenges?77. What are the parameters for a footpath in your mines?78. How to carry out blasting in your mines located in close vicinity with a village?79. What are the safety features of an electric shovel ?80. What are the major electrical accidents in a mines? What precautions you will take in order

to avoid such type of accidents?81. What is a mine abandonment plan? What are its important features?82. What are the necessary permissions to be taken while working near boundary ?83. What is a byelaw?84. What is life cycle costing? What are its merits?85. What is your action plan in emergency?86. Describe suspension system of a dumper?87. What are the braking systems in a dumper?88. How to act in an accident in your mines?89. What are the responsibilities of contractors employed in mines?90. What is a lighting plan? What are its features?91. How to construct a water dam to prevent inrush of water in to your mines?92. What are the duties of a mining mate?93. What is a safety management plan?94. How to carry out occupational health survey in your mines?95. What is job safety analysis?96. What are the types of accidents? Define them.97. What are the amendments in MMR-1961?98. What are the objectives of reclamation?99. What is the base line study in a reclamation planning?100. What are the top most environmental data required for reclamation planning?101. What are the considerations you will take in the design of a waste dump?102. What are the precautions you should take to prevent dump failure?103. What is a digital mine? What are its components and framework?104. What is slope angle and how it affects mine economics?105. Give specifications of a wagon drill operating in your mines. Prepare a preventive

maintenance schedule for drill.106. What is the cycle time of a dumper ?For a 5m3 bucket shovel plan the dumpers,

operators/drivers and personnel required for its proper supervision in a 8 hour shift.107. Describe the geology of your mines briefly. What is dip and strike for mineral bed?108. What is stability number in slope stability analysis?109. What are the slope failure mechanisms for different types of slope failure ?

110. "Safety is a management function"; comment as a manager of a mine how would you ensure compliance with the provisions of the Mines Act and Regulations by all concerned? Chalk out an organizational set-up fixing and integrating accident control responsibility into management operation.

Ans. Safety is a management function because the root causes of all accidents often relate to the management system. They may be due to management policies, procedure, supervision, control and their effectiveness and training etc. Accidents are caused due to weakness in the management system and also create their operational problems. Every function of an organization must be managed, i.e. the action must be planned, organized, integrated (sometimes called co-ordinate or compromised), measured, controlled and communicated. From safety point of view, integration is probably the most important activity for the management to achieve the desired goal of optimal productivity with safety. Instead of compromising safety principles for the sake of expediency, convenience or any other reasons management should concentrate on integrating safety into the total system so that it assumes a rightful place in the scheme of things. Therefore safety is very much a management function.

                     As per sec. 18(4) of the Mines Act 1952, Manager of every mine shall see that all operations carried on in connection with the mine are conducted in accordance with the provision of the Act & of the Regulations, Rules, By-laws and orders made there under. Reg. 44 of MMR 1961 has enjoined "duties and responsibilities" of Manager and as per one of the provision of this Regulation, "the Manager shall assign to every official and competent person his particular duties defining his sphere of responsibility and shall take all possible steps to ensure that every such person understands, carries out and enforces the provisions in proper manner" since all officials and competent persons have obligations to maintain the production of the mine also, their safety responsibilities need to be "integrated" with their "operational" functions and a suitable organizational set-up is necessary to implement this "integrated" concept. Such a set-up is shown below:-

Symbolically, the model represents the integration of accident control responsibility into management operation. The system functions as follows: -

i) Safety wing guides the Manager regarding the compliance level of the safety laws and the accident prevention program.ii) The Manager, though pressurized by many production problems, will incorporate the main elements of the program in his decision-making processiii) When decision is made to adopt a safety recommendation, directives are issued to the "line-personnel" like Dy. Manager, Asst Manager etc. for implementation. Safety committee and workmen's inspectors are main organs of worker's participation in safety management and the input information's reg. safety programs should include their views.iv) The first line supervisors (mate & foreman) execute the safety directives keeping in view the technical aspect of the problem and behavioural aspect of the workers within his area of responsibility.v) Taken collectively all operational plans actions, an industrial climate or "organizational

environment" is produced where men, machine and environment interact to accomplish the goal of the organization.vi) Safety wing evaluates the quality and effectiveness of all the safety directives & compliance level after receiving all feed-back information from both 'lines' & 'staff' personnel and also by visual inspection of the work place and environment accompanying the mine-officials.vii) When the interaction results in "accidents", action as per statute is taken, investigation is made, report prepared, counter measures are recommended and communicate to the Manager and then the feed-back loop is closed. The Manager should enforce safety directives with the same intensity of effort and enthusiasm as given to enforcement of "operational" directive involving production. Then only safety can be integrated in all operational functions and compliance with the provision of statute will be ensured. The responsibilities of different levels of statutory personnel are regulated by MMR 1961 besides being fixed by the Manager.

111. What is management training? Mention the steps involved in effective training. What are the usual methods employed by management in training the employees?

Ans."Management training" seeks to train the managerial personnel to improve their ability to contribute better to organizational goals. Even people with considerable experience in other companies need to be trained up properly before taking a new assignment. Training is a continuous process. Training is used not only to give personal skill or to brush up exiting skills to the level necessary to perform a new job, as the job changes or the employee demonstrate the need for additional skills, more training is provided. The most fundamental point is that training prepares the organization collective for various changes that may occur in the industry.

Steps involved in "effective training"-The following steps are involved in effective training:-(1) Determining training needs- training needs are based on future plans and the skill and competence needed to reach them, analysis of specified job needs and the assessment of the performance of the people and whether or not their performance can be improved.(2) Defining training objectives- It is necessary to identify what the target group should be able to perform following the training programme.(3) Defining abilities and interest of people selected for training- To some extent, training programme should be designed to fit for individuals needs.(4) Selecting appropriate faculty- members/trainers and training methods. Faculty members are most important component of training programme. They should be highly knowledgeable, eloquent speaker, creative and should be able to motivate the trainees effectively and positively.

Training methods-Management can employ various training methods or can select from wide varieties of methods. The methods have to match with the needs of the organization and the trainees. Training on the job or "on job training" has been proved to be most effective for all level of the personnel. Training should be imparted in "simulated" situation for realistic interaction. The problem should be discussed after spelling out properly, the various operating data collected; analyzed and final solution arrived at after thread-bare deliberation. This will help having an insight into the corpus of the problem which needs solution. The feed back received following the implementation of the decision/solution

are further analyzed to assess the success or failure. This is known as the "modeling" training and perhaps most effective one used in the world today.Last but not least, all training programme should be designed to develop the "integrated" personality of the executive, so that they can get motivated and enthused to give their best "voluntarily" without incurring any superimposed undue "stress".

112. What is management information system (MIS)? How it is helpful in managerial control?

Ans. Management information system or MIS can be defined as a planned system of gathering, processing, storing and disseminating information so that effective management decisions can be taken. It plays an important role in management's effective performance of planning and controlling functions. From the point of view of managerial control, MIS is most helpful in providing timely, relevant information so that managers can make greater use of various types of controls. The concept of MIS is closely related to computer technology. It is an attempt to deal with huge cost, revenue, inventory, pay-roll and other data in an orderly and timely manner, so that needful information is placed in the management's hands in the right form and at the right time. MIS can keep a lead of sales status by product, territory, salesperson, and customers with deviations, production status by product, department, plant, including orders behind schedule and reason for deviation, profit position, inventory position, personnel skill inventory, budget deviation and automatic compilation of all financial ratios.

According to W.H. Sinler four critical factors are to be considered in building, using and evaluating MIS, viz;(1) meeting organizational objectives(2) providing information flow(3) delivering the right quality and quantity of information and (4) providing timely informationThe goal of an MIS is to provide what is needed (no more or no less) to those who need it (managers and decision makers) at the right time and place, and in right form. Information is needed at various levels of management. All organizations need to deliberately and consciously develop MIS for effective managerial control.

113. There are frequent strikes in a group of mines being worked by a large public sector undertaking. What steps should be taken to promote harmonious labour relations? What should be the organizational set-up?

Ans. It has been globally accepted in the industrial sphere that it is only through an attitude of mutual trust and respect that harmonious and cordial relations can develop between management and labour. Industrial relation is primarily a matter of attitudes i.e. how does the management feel about the labour and vice-versa, the other important factor being the personnel policy of the undertaking, its value system, strength of labour unions, multiplicity of unions, joint consultation ( voluntary approach) and labour legislations (legislative approach). Above all, the quality of personnel management whose test is "the spirit of the undertaking and 'morale' of all concerned with it" plays an important role in ensuring harmonious labour relation.

Frequent strike in the group of mines indicate deteriorated I.R. due to various reasons which need to be identified before designing steps to promote harmonious labour

relations. Nevertheless, the steps to promote such relation should include (1) revival of trust and boosting of morale of labour force (2) re-viewing and re-casting, if need be, the personnel and industrial policy of the undertaking (3) enunciating appropriate "value system" and percolation of the same down to the rank and file (4) reconditioning the perception of the workmen by screening through the value-system- the perception which is perhaps distorted (5) enthusing the labour force to identify themselves with the goals and objectives of the undertaking (6) fresh look at the need satisfaction both physical and psychological vis-�-vis job satisfaction (7) evolving new incentive scheme after revision of wages and other benefits in consultation with trade unions (8) review of "performance reward" relationship and quality of work life (9) job enrichment by redesigning the jobs, if necessary to make them more interesting, safe and challenging (10) encouraging workers participation by involving them in work-level decisions as a means of integration and self control. ( also, by utilizing, purposefully, all the bipartite and tripartite forums formed in accordance with both "legislative" and "voluntary" approaches, like work committee, certified standing orders, joint management councils, grievance procedure, joint consultation, voluntary arbitration, collective bargaining etc.). But it may be noted that over dependence on legislative measures to foster harmonious relations with labour should be discouraged because such measures tend to take away initiatives of both management and labour and fail to forge mutual understanding and respect. Further, it tends to inhibit the growth of "collective bargaining" so necessary for healthy growth of industrial relation. Therefore, "voluntary" participation of workers, as mentioned above, should be encouraged to create better I.R. keeping in view the following word's of government of India's industrial policy resolution-1956, " In a socialist democracy, labour is a partner in the common task of development. There should be joint consultation and the workers and technicians should, where possible, be associated progressively in management. Enterprises in the public sector, have to set an example, in this respect".(11) It needs mention that for success of any scheme of worker's participation, there must be effective two way communication and exchange of information between the management and workmen. It is only then the workers would have a better appreciation of the problems and difficulties of the undertaking and of its overall functioning.

Recent thinking in the field of human relations has established that the worker has potential capacity to learn, contemplate and take greater responsibility for his own behavior. Experiments have shown that worker works not only to earn his bread but also have some social and psychological objectives before him. It is also proved that workers are also intelligent and can contribute substantially to the prosperity of their organization, if provided with proper opportunities. So, workers are assets, not liability and should be developed further by HRD efforts as a good social being with adequate zeal, motivation, skill, initiatives and values to be an effective partner for harmonious I.R. health, safety and welfare of the workers should "invariably" be ensured in Public sector undertakings to promote harmonious labour relation.

For organizational set-up, that of your subsidiary with an additional "monitoring cell" headed by a senior personnel man may be sufficient.

114. Make a brief review of the various steps involved in a selection procedure of personnel in industrial undertakings.

Ans. A good selection procedure is built on the goals of a job analysis and recruiting, especially matching job requirements with skills and motives of candidates. Eight different steps are required to be taken to make this match-

Step 1- Job Analysis: The first step is to perform a job-analysis and determine the exact nature of the position. Managers have to determine the following factors in advance:-(i) job-duties, responsibilities, scope of authority and reporting relationship,(ii) suitable reward (or adequate compensation) for the job,(iii) technical requirements for the job,(iv) decision making authority and autonomy inherent in the job,(v) leadership and performance expectation in the job and (vi) opportunities for advancement.Information on these six major factors is almost always contained in a job description.

Step 2- Preliminary screening interviews:This step is concerned with the kind of interview usually conducted on campus with a view to find out how the candidate fits the following requirements:-(i) specific abilities and potential contributions;(ii) career goals and aspirations,(iii) opinions about the industry,(iv) attitude towards critical job factors e.g. willingness to travel or move frequently and (v) personal and pecuniary (financial) goals.Both internal and external candidates should be given preliminary screening interview. This interview may be conducted by manager or personnel specialists, using the information supplied on the application form.

Step 3- The application form: The third step is to get information about he candidate's abilities. The best way of doing this is to have the person fill out a detailed application form along with a resume of relevant experience, the candidates previous growth and progress on the job. The application form duly filled in, also shows, simply by its specifications, a person's ability to follow instructions and his/her command on the language. This exercise is not necessary for internal candidates. Potential senior managers are often asked to complete intelligence or personality tests.

Step 4- Testing and assessment centres:The basic purpose of this step is to determine the ability of the candidate to perform the job. Tests vary in their nature and effectiveness. Aptitude tests, performance or achievement tests, personality tests are sought to pinpoint certain specific strengths and weaknesses of the candidates.

Step 5- In-depth interview: This step is to interview candidates in depth to determine his ability to communicate, character tracts, ability to fit into the company's culture, exact technical knowledge and

experience and motives. Such in depth interviews are extremely important. Managers often find out that candidates, who look too good "on paper" simply fail to come across well personally and have to be rejected. In depth interviews may be "structured" or "unstructured" depending on the flexibility allowed to the interviewer.

Step 6-Reference checks: Applicants are normally asked to supply personal or work references in the application form. Reference check is necessary to know such qualities as leadership, delegating authority, decisiveness, ability to manage crisis etc. because various tests referred to above have limitations.

Step 7- Physical examination: The purpose of medical exam is (i) to prevent insurance claim for illness or injury that occurred before joining the company (ii) to detect any contagious disease and (iii) to certify that the person can physically perform the work.

Step 8- Offer of employment: In this final step, the top ranking applicant is offered job by management. This may involve a series of negotiations relating to starting salary depending on the organization's policy on wages and compensation.

115. Write an explanatory note on the present pattern of management of Public Sector Enterprises in India.Ans. As in the case of private enterprise, the board of directors of a PSE is the top management organ responsible for implementing the objective of PSE. But a PSE board is not nominated by the shareholders, but by the state which seeks to achieve certain declared socio-economic goals. The board owes allegiance to a political entity for its short term existence and long term survival.

Board policies and functions: PSE board is a statutory organization responsible for efficient and successful operation of an enterprise and it is supposed to have sufficient power to discharge its functions. In theory a PSE board has sufficient power, but in practice its powers gets diluted because of government interference. The Govt. keeps a close watch on the way the board functions and exercises its power and often interferes with the policy formulation in an important way. The board manages the enterprise as dictated by the Govt. The functions of the board are quiet akin to the Govt.'s function of legislation and policy making as opposed to execution of policies. The board acts as a trustee for efficient operation of the enterprise and in PSE this trust is not just a group of persons- the shareholders, but the nation as a whole, including particularly the consumers and labour employed in the enterprise. However, this is only one of the functions of the board, viz, efficient and economical management of a PSE so as to serve the best interest of the nation. But the board also performs an entrepreneurial function in the sense that it takes an active part in the decision making process of the enterprise. The executives functions of a PSE are performed by the managers and consists of necessary supervision, co-ordination of the activities so that Board's policies are smoothly and properly implemented.

The functions of the PSE board are usually divided into four broad categories described below:-(1) Establishment of basic policy including questions involving general strategy-

In general the basic policies "include such questions as the determination of the kind and the amount of the product or service to be produced, price policy, re-organization and development schemes, training and research programmes, labour problems including questions of wages, incentives, morale and consultation with employees, maintenance and improvement of organizational structure". The general strategy includes such issues as parliamentary criticism of PSEs, criticism by the public at large, equation with ministers and other PSEs, the wider impact of the policy of as PSE from the broad social and national points of view.

(2) Decision on major financial matters-Board takes decision on vital financial questions relating to new investment, fixed and continuous expenditure beyond prescribed limits, declaration of dividends etc.

(3) Selection of key personnel- The third major function of a PSE board is to secure efficient and competent executives to get any enterprise going and to ensure smooth functioning of such an enterprise. Sufficient degree of autonomy in this matter is essential. PSE board in India is at liberty to create any post except at the board level and make appointments without any restriction on salary.

(4) Receiving reports on the working of the enterprise and passing judgment on them- The board is under the legal obligation to keep itself well informed about all the necessary details of the operation of the PSE. This type of information provides necessary feedback for control purposes, i.e. for measuring the effectiveness of its policies and for future planning. Reports on diverse matters such as R&D, production, sales, IR, labour, turnover, financial position etc. give the board a rough and ready picture of the operation of the enterprise. Corrective measures, if necessary, can be taken in time on the basis of this report.

116. Discuss the necessity of Integrated Mine Management System (IMMS) in large opencast mines with high degree of mechanization.Ans. In large open cast mines with high degree of mechanization any downtime of machines or systems may mean heavy losses. Therefore, "machinery utilization" is assuming great importance in today's opencast mining systems for which high order of operation, maintenance and control of machinery is necessary. Here, automation and extensive use of computers for communication and control of systems is being thought of to achieve this end. Computers of today's generation with their tremendous computing powers are finding wide range of applications not only in the field of routine computing but also in the field of communication and control (including remote control)

IMMS (Integrated Mine Management System)Functions: For different operations in large opencast mines, different modular control systems have been conceived, the IMMS integrates the functioning of various modules so as to achieve optimal efficiency level of the total system. The following modules are available to cover important and critical operations in large opencast mines-(i) Dumper and Truck dispatch system (DDS)

(ii) Drilling and blasting module(iii) Maintenance management module(iv) Materials management module(v) Personnel management module(vi) Accounts management Module (vii) Module for management of survey data

Short description of the modules:(i) Dumper and Truck dispatch system (DDS):-This involves dynamic allocation of various dumpers to different shovels and monitoring their progress up to different dump sites and back, based on a suitable algorithm. The algorithm may aim at maximum utilization of the system or minimum waiting time for dumper/shovels or minimum distance to be travelled by the dumpers (thus saving on fuel) or a combination of all the three factors. Additional parameters can be conceived and built in the algorithm. The system can be designed to throw up routine and exception reports. The system can be "operator dependant" , in which case the operator will have to press appropriate buttons on a small key-pad to indicate the status of the operation. The system can be made "operator independent" in which case all major status indications will be automatic. Provisions can be made to have both systems with arrangement for overriding of one system by the other.

(ii) Drilling and blasting module:- Based on the previous performance data and the current monthly and daily targets for mineral/ore and overburden, this module will throw up to a shift-wise plan of drilling (including drilling pattern) and blasting (including quantum of explosive charge). Availability of various drills will be taken into consideration when the drilling plan will be worked out by the system. The computer out-put will generate statistical data concerning meterage drilled by various drills, overall and per metre cost of drilling, explosive consumption, explosive efficiency (powder factor etc.)

(iii) Maintenance management moduleThis module can cover field maintenance, planned preventive maintenance and breakdown maintenance. While the system can keep suitable records of field maintenance and breakdown maintenance, it will work-out appropriate schedule for planned preventive maintenance based on the stipulated operational life of components of the machines and the manufacturer's recommendations. This module will have logical link with the materials management module, since timely and adequate supply of spares is a vital input for effective maintenance of the system.

(iv) Materials management moduleThis module can cover and regulate complete purchase procedure for consumable as well as spares based on their requirement for all types of maintenance and lead time for ordering. Obviously, the system will aim at minimum inventory levels without compromising on any of the maintenance aspect. The system can throw up a large no. of statistical reports on consumption and stocks. Tyres of HEMM are costly items. As such, regulation of their consumption can be covered in a separate module or within the same module under a separate slot.

(v) Personnel management moduleThis module can cover statistical data base for employees of various categories (viz.

piece-rated, time-rated, executives etc.). Pay rolls for all the employees can also be handled by this module. This module will have link with attendance rooms wherefrom data concerning attendance can be captured on shift-wise basis. Availability of various personnel, particularly of operators will be thrown up at the beginning of every shift, together with optimal allocation plan of operators to different machines. Other reports giving, OMS, wage cots etc. can also be automatically generated.

(vi) Accounts management Module This module can cover record keeping of routine transactions, raising bills for mineral sold and generate various accounting reports.

(vii) Module for management of survey dataThis module will utilize the field data generated by modern survey instruments and draw plans and sections as would be required under statute or otherwise.

When analyzed techno-economically the application of IMMS can be considered successful if the monetary benefits exceed the operational cost. The basic requirement for successful operation of the modules in a coordinated manner will be (1) computer hardware at the central control room (2) hardware for communication network to cover number of mobile units (3) software for operation of various modules and their integration (4) training of persons (5) regular maintenance of the hardware, both for computers and communication system.

IMMS being sophisticated and expensive system, it may be tried only in big, highly mechanized open cast mine handling mineral/ore/overburden more than 15 m3 per annum.

117. What is organizational development? What are its purposes?

Several organizations seek to cope with changes by developing innovative ways not only to deal with change but also to promote it. One such innovative method is organizational development (OD). It shows great promise for helping organizations go through a process of change, renewal and revitalization. OD is a broad term referring to all the activities engaged in by the managers, employees and helpers which are directed towards building and maintaining the health of the organization as a total system. It is a comprehensive long term plan , rather than one undertaken by an individual manager.

Purpose of OD efforts: - According to Gene E. Burlon, "the primary purpose of OD is to bring about a system of organizational renewal that can effectively cope with environmental changes. In doing so OD strives to maximize organizational effectiveness as well as individual work satisfaction". The other objectives of OD are the following:-(1) To increase the level of trust and support among the people in the organization.(2) To create an environment in which the authority of an assigned role is enhanced by personal authority based on expertise and knowledge.(3) To increase the level of permanent and group responsibility in planning and implementation.(4) To increase the openness of communication among the members of the

organization.(5) To search out or identify synergetic solutions to problems with greater frequency. The concept of "synergy" refers to the actions of two or three organisms working together to achieve an effort of which each alone is incapable or in other words "the additional value created through the interaction and integration of two or more sub-system working together".(2+2=5)

118. Write short notes on (a) motivation (b) conciliation in case of labour dispute in mines (c) accident proneness.(a) Motivation:Motivation is supply of incentive which encourages an individual towards achievement of a specific goal. Incentives are satisfaction of motives and motives are expression of a person's needs, wants,. Desires, drives or impulse within that make him act in a particular way. These are the mainsprings of action. In short, it is the activation and direction of energy. Ability and motivation affect work performance. There are various theories of motivation- the most celebrated one is A.H.Maslow's hierarchy of needs. Money can be a powerful force in motivation if and only if it is directly related to achievement and performance. Motivation is different for different people. Yet it is possible to make some generalization about motivation at various occupational levels.

(b)Conciliation in case of labour dispute in mines:When an industrial dispute is raised by an union in respect of mine workers, the Asst. labour commissioner (central) of the ministry of labour govt. of India takes up the issue of "conciliation". He calls both the representatives of the management and labour and conciliates to arrive at a mutually agreed settlement. If the conciliation fails, the case is referred to govt. as a failure report. If the case so warrants, the officer recommends for reference of the case to "Labour Court" for adjudication. In the Labour court, the dispute is heard again and decision arrived at. In both the stages ( at the conciliation and Labour court) there is a scope for "arbitration". If both the parties agree, the matter is referred to an "arbitrator" whose decision becomes binding on both the parties. Industrial dispute can be raised by an union, not by an individual and dispute arises only when there is a violation of the agreement, standing order, unfair labour practice, wrongful dismissal and/or any matter pertaining to disagreement in wages/ incentives/bonus/ leave pay/HTC/LTC etc. at the implementation stage.

(c) Accident proneness:It is true to say that liability of accident is to a considerable extent determined by the degree of risk to which a workman is exposed, but at the same time, some workers receive more than their share of accidents than others working under the same conditions. This is due to "accident proneness" which is regarded as a set of personal quality which renders some workers more liable to sustain accidents than others. It might be said that we all are accident liable but not all "accident prone". Psychologists have shown that workmen who had more than their share of minor accidents had also an excess of major accidents. It is difficult to screen this group. Lapse in attention is the vital component, if not the actual cause, of accident-proneness. This lapse may occur due to various reasons. This may be temporary due to tension, anxiety etc. or may be permanent trait which can be detected by series of tests like "attention diagnostic method" developed by an American psychologist-R.Block. In this test, a

brightly-lit numbered board is used and the subjects are asked to call out numbers and their colours in sequential order. By this test "accident-proneness" can be screened.

119. (a)What do you mean by policy? What policies can do?(b) Write short notes on (i) methods (ii) rules (iii) procedures (iv) projects & (v) budgets (a) Policy may be defined as a basic statement serving as a guide for administrative action. It does not usually provide detailed answers to particular problems. The manager has some degree of freedom. For example, a policy like "promotions based on merit only" does not dictate the promotional choices. It simply eliminates one factor (for example experience) as an element in the choice. Thus a policy is a principle for conduct. It serves as a guide and a standard. It only tells people what they may or may not do. In other words, policies are "guidelines for decision making". They direct the way in which activities are to be achieved. They are concerned with "how" of the administrative action. Objectives indicate the destination and policies "provide the route".What policies can do: - When policies are stated clearly, supported by suitable explanatory information, they offer great advantages to management. (i) they allow a more defined and flexible approach to recurring problems (ii) they convert objectives into a workable form (iii) they allow more decisions to be taken at lower levels of the hierarchy (iv) policies are one of the important means for building predictable patterns of behavior in an organization. They ensure a steady course of action and prevent unwarranted deviations from planned operation (v) policies can speed up decision making by providing blanket framework within which decisions can be made. They summaries past experience.

(b)(i) METHODS: - Methods "are sub-unit of procedure; they show clearly as to how a step of procedure should be performed. They indicate the techniques to be employed to make the procedure effective. The primary focus is on finding out the best way of doing a piece of work. For example, in a manufacturing concern product sampling may be a "method" used as one part of a quality control procedure. Methods cover limited territory, normally one department, and are tied to the efforts of one employee doing a piece of work. They are more limited in scope than procedure. The more completely a method is planned, the more efficient it will be. Achieving standard tasks would be difficult without standard methods.(ii) RULES: - A rule is very specific and detailed guide to action. It is established to direct or restrict action in a fairly narrow manner. There is no scope for discretion or judgment. Rules must be followed precisely and observed strictly. Some rules are expressed in positive terminology like:-"hard hats must be worn by all mine workers while at work". Others may be expressed in a negative way, e.g. "workers are not permitted to cross the fences against dangerous places". Rules permit managers to simplify the decision-making process. For example, rules about absenteeism, late reporting etc. permit managers to resort to disciplinary action quickly. Rules help in regulating behavior in a fairly consistent manner. However, if rules are followed blindly, the organization may lose direction. Rules tend to limit flexibility and initiative. They introduce rigidity and spontaneity disappears. People may conform to rules without thought as to their contribution to goals so that the firm loses direction.(iii) PROCEDURES: - A procedure is a well thought out course of action. It prescribes the specific way in which a piece of work is to be done. Procedures are called "action guidelines". They are generally derived from policies. The basic

purpose of procedure is to spell out clearly the way one is to go about doing something. Procedure are used in all major functional areas. Procedures play a vital role in an organization's daily operations. They relieve the manager of much of the detail in directing subordinates. They indicate the steps to be accomplished as well as the required time and order of performance. The requirements for effective procedure are that they should be based on adequate facts of a particular situation, they should focus on a desired objective, they should be standardized, they should be stable, but subjected to periodic review to ascertain any change needed to be incorporated. There is perennial scope of improvement on any procedure.(iv) PROJECTS: - A project is a small programme. Quite often, individual portions of a general programme are clear-cut and relatively distinct so they can be planned and executed as separate projects. When the operations of a programme can be easily divided into separate parts with a clear end-point, project structure is preferred. Each project has definite goals concerning task assignments and time. The project itself may consist of several sub-plans according to J.M.Stewart, a project has the following features:-(a) the activity has a clear objective(b) somewhat unique and unfamiliar to the existing organization(c) the activity is complex and critical to the organization (d) the activity is temporary with respect to duration of needOne advantage with the project from of organization is that it allows the project structure to be phased out. The best available talent can be pooled to accomplish a specific and complex activity within time, cost and/or quality parameters.(v) Budgets: -A budget is a numerated programme designed primarily to allocate the resources (personnel, materials, tools, facilities) of an organization. It is the blue print of a future course of action, an estimate that indicates the future usually in monetary terms, sometimes expressed in time, man-hours etc., and a projection that defines the anticipated cost of attaining an objective. Actually, a budget is more than a plan; it is a device for controlling activities. Actual results for the period, in terms of income or expenditure, are compared with the budgeted fixtures. Management must take rectificational measures if significant variations occur.

120. Discuss the role of advance and day to day planning in the safe and efficient working of a large mechanized open cast mine. In what manner can this planning be made both flexible and precise? Assume your own condition.In a big mechanized open cast mine the role of advance and day to day planning can not be overemphasized. For safety and efficiency in such mines, the previous sub-systems like man, machine, materials and methods should interact in such a manner that a harmonious and congenial industrial climate is produced and the system components function properly. Big mechanized open cast mines are capital intensive and can be operated only by big "public" or "private" sectors where advance planning should start at corporate level. The corporate planning has the following main features:-(i) Specifying objectives and goals (ii) Selection of policies (including safety policy), programme and procedure by which the objectives can be achieved (iii) Determination of types and amount of resource required, how they are to be generated and allocated to the activities

(iv) Design and organization of the decision making procedure to carry out the plan (v) Design of procedure for monitoring the plan on a continuous basis

Once the objectives are specified, strategies are selected and resources planned in advance, the design and organization of day to day work becomes easy without any conflict or confusion. In big mines having high stripping ratio due to deep seated deposit of minerals, the advance planning required for safe and efficient development programme starts from determination of potential viable mineral deposit by a successful exploration programme and is followed by two other phases like "pre development programme" and "mine development planning". In the first phase of "exploration evaluation", it is necessary to make a preliminary feasibility steady based on the exploration data available to determine if the deposit has economic potential to justify heavy expenditure. The second phase is "pre-development programme" which will include bulk sampling programme, determination of rock-mass characteristics, fragmentation property, ground water condition etc. These information are critical in planning and designing safe operation methodology. The third phase is mine development planning for placing the deposit into production. During this period access to the deposit is available for examination and collection of 'reliable" information to be used to finalize the mining concept, plan and lay out the permanent mine geometry with various HEMM and other equipments, drainage system, power requirement, communication network etc. as an integral part of complete development plan and final feasibility report is produced. Once the advance planning is made scrupulously, the day to day planning follows to carry out the plans in day to day work. In this work again, safety needs to be integrated in all operational functions like dust suppression, safe blasting practice, slope failure monitoring, safe movement of trackless wheeled machinery like dumper, tipper etc., maintenance of machinery (both routine and preventive). Though the blue print of the work charted out by advance planning, in mining operation where many unpredictable parameters exist it may not be always possible to follow the blue print meticulously. Therefore, there should be scope of flexibility in the planning process so that the plan may be modified to suit the changing needs. But at the same time, the planning may be made "precise" in certain areas like maintenance schedule of machinery, instrumentation and monitoring process, communication network etc. In this way, planning has to be flexible in certain areas and precise in others.

In conclusion, it needs mention that the human factors always play a key role in safe and efficient operation. Therefore, maximum stress should be laid in selection, training and placement of personnel and manning parameters in advance and day to day planning to ensure safety and efficiency in mining operation. We should not forget that man should not only be skilled but also be positively motivated with proper attitude towards work.

121. What is management? How does it differ from administration? What is an organization?The widely accepted definition of management is a social process and telling responsibilities for the effect and economic planning and regulation of the operations of an enterprise, in fulfillment of a given purpose or task, such responsibility involving:-(a) judgment and decision on determining plans and in using data to control performance and performance against plans and ,

(b) the guidance, integration, motivation and supervision of the personnel compromising the enterprise and carrying out its operations

A simpler definition is "managing is the art of getting things done through and with people in formally organized group".

The first definition implies that management is a skill whereas the second definition specifies that it is an art. By combining these two views E.C. Eyre has suggested the following definition:-"Management is the art or skill of directing human activities and physical resources in the attainment of predetermined goals". Finally management can be defined "as working with people to determine, interpret and achieve organizational objectives by performing the functions of planning, organizing, staffing, leading and controlling".However it is difficult to define the term administration. The term is both a broad and narrow one and is used to describe the activity of implementing policy decision and also to describe the very top functions in public service the notable being that of administration of Indian Prime Minister. It is perhaps safe to suggest that "administration is a part of management and is rarely taken to be involved in policy making decision. It will certainly be very much concerned in the implementing of policy, but its freedom of function will be limited by the decisions of policy laid down by those charged with the laying down and planning of general objectives."

Organization:- basically an organization is a group of two or more persons that exists and operates to achieve the clearly stated commonly held objectives. Objectives or goals- targets to shoot for, states of being or places to be reached through plans and actions. In the words of Plunkett and Attner "the objectives of an organization have to do with providing goods and services to its members or providing them to other outside the organization. In an organization it is quite possible that each member might do parts of the job which each thought important to meet the objectives while in actuality the members might be working in opposite direction. To prevent this occurring and to ensure coordination of work to accomplish the objectives managers are needed". Management is needed in organizations.

122. What are the objectives of an organization? What are the different types of organizations in existence today?The basic objective of an organization is to ensure that the efforts of men and departments are coordinated and integrated for accomplishing the tasks in the best, efficient and economical way with the resources available. The following types of organizations are in existence today:-(1) Military or line type: -in organizations where large bodies of people have to be directed, the element of discipline assumes the highest importance. Historically the most natural form of organization known is called "military or line" organization. Under this system, the lines of direction and instructions are vertical and since duties and responsibilities of top executives go behind his physical and mental capacities, he is to be assisted by his deputies and in doing so the principle of delegation and chain of command have to find their play. The principle feature of line system is maintenance of discipline and

clear and precise defining of responsibilities so that misunderstanding do not arise in each manager/supervisor's sphere of activity. This system, however suffers from grave limitations especially because when organization grow in magnitude, the system invariably tends to load a few men to a breaking point and by implications these few men have to resort to crude methods which run counter to organization's philosophy and sociological needs. In addition, the system tends to glorify a few individual for the success achieved by the organization undermining the effects of many. In the present setup this system is practically non existent except in armed forces.

(2) Functional type: - this type of organization introduces by F.W. Taylor, is a logical extension of the division of the labour to cover departments as well as men. In this system, planning is separated from performance since the direction of work is divided by functions rather than by simple authority. In practice it ahs been found that functional performance increases ineffectiveness as the works of the departments and that of individuals increases in varieties and complexities and as the technical intelligence required exceeds the capacity of the employee. The principle disadvantage of this system is the weakening of discipline that results from substitution of several superiors for one. In fact the question whether a person can serve two masters need not necessarily result in creating confusion, if the scheme is properly applied and yet, the fact remains that the conflict of authority frequently does arise and leads to organizational inefficiency.

(3) Line and staff type: -in view of the growth in the physical size and the scientific knowledge in organizations it is not uncommon to find that functional system can not be applied without moderation and taking records to the line type and that is why the combination of this two is called "line and functional" or "line and staff type". Here the staff specialists work in advisory capacity for assembling operating data, and analyzing them and suggesting measures to be implemented through "line" personnel who enjoy the necessary authority to execute the function. Experts in planning, finance, personnel, medical, R&D, behavior scientists etc. are staff specialists. Whereas G.M., D.G.M., Manager, Asst. Manager, foreman, mate etc. in mine organization constitutes line. Most of the industrial units in organized sector have line and staff type of organization.

123. Why is the human element so important to an organization? What do you understand by the management of human elements in an organization? What are the three distinct objectives of "personnel management"?Importance: In every organization there are two distinct type of elements- material and human. Material elements consist of machines, raw materials, furniture, buildings, finance etc. The human elements work with the machine or materials to make the organization running. Human element therefore is more important. Taylor pointed out while introducing his principle of scientific management that management would mean dealing with men, money, machine, materials and method of which men should be the predominant factor. There are two significant characteristics of human element which make human element different from and more important than material elements. Firstly, as Denyer says, "materials, machines and even offices themselves can be

replaced, and any risk involved can be replaced nearly so easily". It is clear from the statement that (a) it is difficult to get a loyal team of workers, (b) it is difficult to replace it and (c) the risks arising out of human element can not be protected by insurance (since men can do harm deliberately ). Secondly, it has to be noted that there is an end of improvement of efficiency or quality of material element but there is as such no end of improvement of efficiency of quality of human element. Man lives to learn throughout his life. The importance of human element is now-a-days largely felt with the development of behavioral science.

Meaning:the members of the staff working at different levels of an organization are collectively known as "personnel ". Personnel management denotes the management of human elements or man-management and obviously, the most difficult part of area management id management of human beings. It is more difficult to manage than extraction of minerals, finance, sales or marketing. But it is highly necessary to make best use of human efforts. "it involves", to quote the language of Denyer again, "retaining the interest and loyalty of staff while obtaining the maximum from them. It is partly applied to psychology, partly custom, partly law and partly science". According to Newman, Summer and Warren, personnel management entails, and providing a variety of fringe benefits to personnel". Management means getting the things done by and through other people. This is possible subject to following three types of satisfaction enjoyed by an individual:-(a)Economic satisfaction of getting a reasonable remuneration and standard of living (b) Social satisfaction of working in group; and(c) Individual satisfaction of efficiently discharging his own duties.

Personnel management is that kind of area management - which seeks to see that these are achieved. It seeks to combine three aspects - the welfare aspect, the labour aspect and the industrial relations aspect. Personnel management is related to people at work and to their relationship with the organization. It applies practically to all fields of employment. It is concerned with all the people working in an organization and not to any particular group. Nor does it distinguish "labour" and "staff".

Objectives: there are three distinct objectives of personnel management:(i) to maintain good relationship. This was the idea which developed in the western countries during the great depression in between the two world wars.(ii) To make a person contribute his maximum to the organization(iii) To ensure the health, safety and welfare of all the persons to boost their morale.

It has been rightly said by British Institute of Management that "the test of the quality of personnel management is the spirit of a business, the morale of all concerned with it".

124. Low morale of workforce at a mechanized mine has been identified as a cause of decline of production over the last one year. Suggest (1) an incentive scheme for workers and their supervisor (2) steps to create healthy work environment.(1) Morale implies the attitudes and feelings of the workforce towards the management and their work. It is the degree to which the workforce identifies

themselves with the goals and the activities of the group they belong. Individual morale is the extent to which an individual's needs are satisfied and the extent to which the individual perceives that satisfaction as stemming from his total job satisfaction. Therefore an incentive scheme for workers and their supervisors should keep in view these parameters. I would suggest the following incentive scheme:-(i) for workers: (a) need satisfaction in terms of wages and other benefits requires a revision in consultation with trade unions, performance reward relationship, quality of work, make-up pay for idleness caused by factors beyond the controls of workers and management may be reviewed(b) job-enrichment by re-designing the jobs to make them more interesting, safe and challenging (c) worker's participation by involving them in work -levels decisions as a means of integration and self control. The workers should feel that they are integral part of the organization and become more receptive to change (d) conflict handling and grievance procedure should be simple, humane and prompt for resolving conflicts.

(ii) for supervisors:(a) performance of each supervisor should be recognized and rewarded for excellence. They should be encouraged to develop leadership/ and supervisor organizing capability by exposing them to special "supervisory development" programme(b) in important decisions on work process or bringing about any change the supervisors should be taken into confidence (c) in all negotiations with trade unions the participation of the supervisors should be ensured. (d) Supervisors should be taught to use persuasion, better communication skill and leadership influence to cultivate proper attitudes on the part of the workers (e) special awards should be introduced for excellent supervision (f) the promotion, transfer, placement of supervisors should be fair and impartial.

(2) Steps to create healthy work environment:(a) Work situation should be free from dust/ fumes, excessive noise, vibration etc.(b) If work is continued beyond day light adequate artificial lighting should be provided(c) Machinery to be operated should be designed from ergonomics point of view for proper "productivity", "operatibility" and "maintainability".(d) Haul roads should properly designed with adequate curves and gradient and maintained dust free by water spraying(e) "Codes of practices" should be evolved to condition the work behaviour to maintain safe and healthy work environment(f) Development of mutual trust, proper understanding and work ethics in inter-personal relationship.

125. What are the different forms of Public Sector organizations in India? What are the principal characteristics of each?Public sector enterprises (PSEs) can be organized in various ways. It is felt that if centralization and bureaucracy is to be avoided in day-to-day operations of PSEs, the latter must be allowed to enjoy considerable autonomy- both financial and administrative. Keeping this norm in view PSEs, in India have been organized in different ways as distinct autonomous units with varying degrees of legal-cum-

operational independence. The first industrial policy resolution of Govt. of India (1948) declared that as a rule, public enterprises in India will be under the statutory control of central government. The major forms of PSEs in India are indicated below:-

1. Public (or statutory) corporation:There is wide agreement among economists, business managers and public administration that the public corporation "is particularly adapted to the administration of such government programmes which are revenue-producing or at least potentially self sustaining and involve a large number of business type presentations with the public". Public corporations have seven major characteristics:-(a) Normally full state ownership but part of the capital may be held by private individual, e.g. IFCI, Central ware House Corporation (b) Autonomy in day-to-day working but accountable to parliament in matter of policy. It is directed by govt. in matters of policy involving public interest (c) Permanent employees of public corporation are not civil servants and therefore not governed by the state regulations in respect of their service conditions(d) It is set up by a special law which lies down or specifies the form of management, its relationship with the govt. and so on. The concept is that in carrying out the operations, the corporation shall act, to the maximum extent possible on "business principles"(e) Independence in financial matters (f) It is outside the purview of the budget, accounting and audit laws applicable to govt. departments. In India however, we see a modified application of this principle as much as most of the public corporations are audited by the Controller and Auditor General of India, any capital expenditure beyond prescribed limit requires the prior approval of the central govt.(g) it is a body corporate in the sense that it can sue, be sued, enter into contracts and acquire property in its own name.

2. The Govt. company:according to company act-1956 (amended in 1974) a govt. company has been defined as one in which 51% of the paid up capital is held by central govt. or state govt. or jointly by both. So far govt. corporations were fully state owned but due to liberalized policy private participation is being allowed. The main features of govt. companies are:-(a) Governed by main provisions of company's act with liberty of central govt. to exempt partly or fully the application of any provision of the act.(b) Permanent employees are not civil servants(c) govt. accounting and audit laws are not applied (d) Funds largely obtained from central govt., partly from revenues from sales of goods and services (e) Accountable to parliament(f) Body corporate like public corporation(g) Governed by memorandum of understanding (MOU)(h) Its creation, though by executive decision, is to be approved by the parliament. Mining companies in public sectors are mostly govt. companies

3. Department forms of organizations:The oldest form of managing govt. enterprise is the departmental undertakings e.g. Railways, P&T dept. Etc. The main features are:-

(a) Revenues goes to treasury and financed by annual appropriation from treasury (b) subject to govt. audit system(c) Permanent employees are civil servants(d) it hardly enjoys autonomy

4. Other organizational forms are:- (i) Semi autonomous enterprises e.g. Rly. Board(ii) The central board, except a few river valley projects all other projects are managed by central boards where in most cases, the chief minister is the chairman. It is not a statutory body and does not enjoy the autonomy of public corporations(iii) Commodity board: These are statutory bodies like tea board, coffee board etc. They are supposed to play departmental role in the areas assigned to them.

126. Explain the necessity of planning in modern complex organization.Planning is an indispensable management function that helps manager in commanding the future rather than being commanded by it. It helps the manager in an organization to affect rather than accept the future. Without planning the business becomes random in nature and decisions become meaningless 'ad hoc" choices. Planning, additionally, is most useful when environment change is greatest and the organization becomes complex because it forces planners to look into future contingencies and evaluate their potential influence on the organization. Now the organization will be better equipped to face future challenges. As rightly pointed out by Hodgetts, "Planning does not lead to some future utopia in the life of any firm. Nevertheless, companies that plan do increase their chances of success and it is that predictable benefit that leads intelligent managers to keep on planning". According to Ernest C. Miller, "Managerial planning attempts to achieve a consistent, coordinated structure of operation focused on desired ends. Without plans, actions must become merely random activity, producing nothing but chaos". Organizations that do plan and plan well are more effective, efficient and profitable.

127. Define "planning".Generally speaking, "planning" is deciding in advance what is to be done. It is a projected course of action. To plan is to propose a forward programme for guiding the future affairs of an enterprise. "Planning throws the searchlight of human wisdom, experience and ingenuity into the darkness of the future; it helps foresee the hazards and pitfalls well in time, so one is equipped to face them when they arrive. It also lifts the veil off possible opportunities so that they are not missed from oversight or lack of readiness to receive them". As per Haynes & Massie, "planning is that function of a manager in which he decides in advance what he will do. It is a decision making process of a special kind; its essence is futurity". As per L.A. Allen, "planning is a trap laid down to capture the future". As per Harold Koontz & O'Donnell, "planning is deciding in advance what is to be done in future. Plan bridges the gap between "where we are now" to "where we want to go". As per Theo Haimann, "planning is informed anticipation decision-making". As per Alford & Beatty, "planning is a thinking process, the organized foresight, the vision based on facts and experiences that is required for intelligent action".

"It is an intellectual process, the conscious determination of cause of action, the basing of decisions on purpose, facts and considered estimate". A plan is a forecast

for accomplishment. It is a predetermined course of action. It is today's projection for tomorrow's activity.

128. Define (a) absenteeism (b) break even point (c) cybernetics (d) discounted cash flow (e) ergonomics (f) flexi time (g) Gantt chart (h) job enrichment (i) linear programming (j) merit rating (k) preventive maintenance (l) quality circle (m) quality of work life (QWL) (n) synergy (o) technological obsolescence (p) value analysis (q) work simplification (r) zero base budgeting(a) Absenteeism: The failure of an employee to report for work or duty without prior notice or leave is called absenteeism. Absence should include all cases in which a person is "scheduled to work" or is expected to turn up for work but does not. All permanent employees are to be treated as "scheduled" to work. So far as temporary or casual employees are concerned, a person who attended work during the preceding week should be considered as scheduled to work, during the week under consideration unless (i) he has reported his intention to quit or (ii) his services have been terminated by the management or (iii) he does not turn up for work during the whole week. A person who has not worked during the preceding week, should be considered as "scheduled to work" only from the day on which he joins work during the week under consideration. Absence due to strike, lock out , lay off or maternity leave should not be included as absence.

(b) Break even point: In economics, specifically cost accounting, the break-even point (BEP) is the point at which cost or expenses and revenue are equal: there is no net loss or gain, and one has "broken even". Therefore has not made a profit or a loss.

(c) Cybernetics: Cybernetics is the interdisciplinary study of the structure of complex systems, especially communication processes, control mechanisms and feedback principles. Cybernetics is closely related to control theory and systems theory.

(d) Discounted cash flow: In finance, the discounted cash flow (or DCF) approach describes a method of valuing a project, company, or financial asset using the concepts of the time value of money. All future cash flows are estimated and discounted to give them a present value. The discount rate used is generally the appropriate cost of capital, and may incorporate judgments of the uncertainty (riskiness) of the future cash flows.

(e) Ergonomics: Ergonomics is the scientific discipline concerned with designing according to the human needs, and the profession that applies theory, principles, data and methods to design in order to optimize human well-being and overall system performance. The field is also called human engineering, and human factors engineering.Ergonomic research is primarily performed by ergonomists, who study human capabilities in relationship to their work demands. Information derived from ergonomists contributes to the design and evaluation of tasks, jobs, products, environments and systems in order to make them compatible with the needs, abilities and limitations of people.

(f) Flexi time: A system wherein workers can decide their own working hours subject

to certain limitations. Flexi-time is a system whereby staff can vary their contracted working hours within agreed set limits by varying their start and finish times and lunch breaks provided they are present at work during what are commonly called "core times". Staff can build up a debit or credit of hours worked within an agreed period (normally 4 weeks). These hours can then be consolidated into for example, a day or two half days off in the agreed period.

(g) Gantt Chart: A Gantt chart is a popular type of bar chart that illustrates a project schedule. Gantt charts illustrate the start and finish dates of the terminal elements and summary elements of a project. Terminal elements and summary elements comprise the work breakdown structure of the project. Some Gantt charts also show the dependency (i.e., precedence network) relationships between activities. A Gantt chart is constructed with a horizontal axis representing the total time span of the project, broken down into increments (for example, days, weeks, or months) and a vertical axis representing the tasks that make up the project (for example, if the project is outfitting your computer with new software, the major tasks involved might be: conduct research, choose software, install software). Horizontal bars of varying lengths represent the sequences, timing, and time span for each task.

(h) Job enrichment: Job enrichment is an attempt to motivate employees by giving them the opportunity to use the range of their abilities. It is an idea that was developed by the American psychologist Frederick Herzberg in the 1950s. It can be contrasted to job enlargement which simply increases the number of tasks without changing the challenge. As such job enrichment has been described as 'vertical loading' of a job, while job enlargement is 'horizontal loading'. An enriched job should ideally contain:-A range of tasks and challenges of varying difficulties-A complete unit of work - a meaningful task-Feedback, encouragement and communication

(i) Linear programming: In mathematics, linear programming (LP) problems involve the optimization of a linear objective function, subject to linear equality and inequality constraints. Put very informally, LP problems determine the way to achieve the best outcome (such as maximum profit or lowest cost) given some list of requirements represented as linear equations. Linear programming can be applied to various fields of study. Most extensively it is used in business and economic situations, but can also be utilized for some engineering problems. Some industries that use linear programming models include transportation, energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing. It has proved useful in modeling diverse types of problems in planning, routing, scheduling, assignment, and design.

(j) Merit rating: It is employee rating achieved through a periodic employee evaluation system, often used as the basis for pay increases and/or promotion. Job Evaluation is concerned with measuring the demands the job places on its holder. Most factors that contribute to this job pressure and are regarded as important for the effective performance of the job, e.g. physical strength required, knowledge of mathematics required, are assessed and the result is a numerical estimate of the total job pressure. The resulting numerical gradings can form the basis of an equitable structure of job gradings. The job grades may or may not be used for status or payment purposes. When evaluations are carried out on all hourly paid personnel the technique's uses include establishing relative wage rates for different tasks. It is

possible to use it for all grades of personnel, even senior management.

(k) Preventive maintenance: Preventive maintenance is a schedule of planned maintenance actions aimed at the prevention of breakdowns and failures. The primary goal of preventive maintenance is to prevent the failure of equipment before it actually occurs. It is designed to preserve and enhance equipment reliability by replacing worn components before they actually fail. Preventive maintenance activities include equipment checks, partial or complete overhauls at specified periods, oil changes, lubrication and so on. In addition, workers can record equipment deterioration so they know to replace or repair worn parts before they cause system failure. Recent technological advances in tools for inspection and diagnosis have enabled even more accurate and effective equipment maintenance. The ideal preventive maintenance program would prevent all equipment failure before it occurs.

(l) Quality Circle: A Quality Circle is a volunteer group composed of workers (or even students) who meet to discuss workplace improvement, and make presentations to management with their ideas, especially relating to quality of output in order to improve the performance of the organization, and motivate and enrich the work of employees. Typical topics are improving occupational safety and health, improving product design, and improvement in manufacturing process. The ideal size of a quality circle is from eight to ten members.

(m) Quality of Work life (QWL): Improving work environment to capture the innovation and creativity of the workers. Quality of work life (QWL) is viewed as an alternative to the control approach of managing people. The QWL approach considers people as an 'asset' to the organization rather than as 'costs'. It believes that people perform better when they are allowed to participate in managing their work and make decisions. This approach motivates people by satisfying not only their economic needs but also their social and psychological ones. To satisfy the new generation workforce, organizations need to concentrate on job designs and organization of work. Further, today's workforce is realizing the importance of relationships and is trying to strike a balance between career and personal lives.

(n) Synergy: The simultaneous joint action of separate parties which, together, have greater total effect than the sum of their individual effects.

(o) Technological obsolescence: Technological obsolescence is the result of the evolution of technology: as newer technologies appear, older ones cease to be used. For example, new media for storing digital information rapidly replace older media and reading devices for these older media become no longer available. Newer versions of software constantly render older versions obsolete and the hardware required by this software also changes over time. Consequently, information which relies on obsolete technologies becomes inaccessible.

(p) Value analysis: The study used to determine whether a product satisfies a functional need at the lowest cost or not; it is also called "value engineering".

(q) Work simplification: The process of reducing complex and unnecessary operations in a job.

(r) Zero base budgeting: Zero-base budgeting does not use the previous year's budget or expenses in setting a new budget, since the company's circumstances and finances may have changed. When building a budget from a zero base, every expense must be justified. This differs from only having to explain the amounts requested in excess of the funding received during the prior year or quarter. Zero-base budgeting helps you control spending and expenses because you build your budget from zero rather than building your budget on top of what was spent during the prior period funded.

129. Write short note on (a) Intelligent Mine Technology (IMT) (b) Condition Monitoring of power shovel.(a) Intelligent Mine Technology:

Intelligent Mine Technology programmes have been initiated to increase to productivity of mining industry. This programme covers the development of effective real time data acquisition system, high speed mine-wide information system network, computerized mine management system and automation of mining equipment and methods.An intelligent mine is defined as an automated high technology open pit or under ground mine which is controlled in "real time" to provide the best possible economic production according to the internal and external conditions. The basic element of the intelligent mine are:-(1) Mine wide information and data acquisition systems.(2) A high speed two directional mine wide communication and information system network (real time monitoring and control)(3) computerized information management, mine planning, control and maintenance system(4) Automated and tele-operated machinery and equipment connected to the mine wide information system network(5) Communication and monitoring system to the public networks.The fundamental qualification of the intelligent mine is its real time controllability. It enables maintenance of the production at the optimum.

(b) Condition monitoring of power shovel:Condition monitoring of power shovel helps to assess the condition of the shovel for preventive maintenance. The parameters which are taken into consideration for such monitoring are: temperature, Pressure, Discharge, Resistance, Potential difference, Velocity, Acceleration, Noise level and Vibration. Rarely equipment fails abruptly. Before failing it gives some signals, generally termed as "crying of the machine". Thus the principal activity of "condition monitoring" is to understand and interpret the signal or crying of the equipment. The aforementioned parameters are the function of time and future behaviour of the equipment and can be predicted by closely observing the variation of these

parameters with proper record and documentation. Out of all these parameters "vibration" is linked with all other parameters. Thus analysis of vibration level of each component of a machine is one of the major function of condition monitoring. In power shovels, the condition monitoring is based on the principle of measuring and analyzing the vibration signals from each major component like "motor generator set", "hoist and swing transmission", "hoist drive", "crowd mechanism" etc. Various measurement points are selected in power shovel and weekly and monthly checks are made by vibrometers- vibration data are generated and processed with the help of computers. Thus by studying the frequency content of the vibration signals, the earliest possible warning of a failure and diagnosing the cause of fault is possible.

130. Write short notes on (a) M.B.O. (b) R&D (c) Rationalization (d) Operation research (OR)(a) M.B.O. - M.B.O. is 'management by objective" and is the hottest phrase in the management lexicon these days. Peter Drucker was first to discuss M.B.O. in 1954 in his book, "the practice of management". The process also goes by other names including "appraisal by results", "planning by objectives", "goal management", "work planning and review", "joint target setting" etc. M.B.O. is difficult to define for organizations use it in different ways and for different reasons. In broad terms, it may be stated that M.B.O. is an overall philosophy of management that concentrates on measurable goals and end results. It provides a systematic and rational approach to management and helps prevent management by crisis. M.B.O. is based on the assumption that people perform better when they know what is expected of them and relate in the goal setting process and evaluating their performances against the target. In the words of Odirne, M.B.O. is a "process whereby the superiors and subordinate managers of an organization jointly identify its common goals, define each individual's major areas of responsibility in terms of results expected of him and use these measures as guides for operating the unit and assessing the contribution of each of its members.

(b) R&D- It is the short form of "research and development". It is the latest innovation in the field of production management. Every big concern now-a-days spends lot of money for research, either for discovery of new product or to introduce changes in the technique of production. The initial expenses are high, but ultimately it becomes economic. Regular espionage is carried on to know the secrets of the researches done by rival organizations. Innovations of other companies may be used on payment of royalties. Researches today are going on at such rapid rate that even it may not be possible to catch them up. Researches result into development, both of the products and the process. R&D go together and they are not identical. Lastly, a big organization often resorts to "crash programme". It is nothing but bringing about sudden innovation by employing a large number of researchers, engineers, chemists, economists etc. for an immediate and sudden effect taking others unaware.

(c) Rationalization-After the world war -I , attempts were made by European countries, suffering from destruction, to revitalize the industries by joint actions of all the firms belonging to a particular industry. Germany took the lead by introducing "rationalization" (the word comes from the German "rationalisirerung" by Walter Rathenan) which means putting

reason to industry. Industries should be organized on principles based on "reason". It points at elimination of wastage and inefficiency. It means change in the technique of production by innovating new types of machines and by replacing as far as possible manual labor by mechanical methods. It is a bigger application of scientific management, while scientific management is applicable to a firm, rationalization is applicable to an industry as a whole. Obviously, rationalization needs investment of huge capital and leads to unemployment at least for a short period. In the long run, more employments are created by expansion of industries and establishment of machine making industries.

(d) Operation Research (OR)- Operation research involves the application of scientific tools for finding optimal solutions to problems involving operations of systems. It provides a quantitative basis for managerial decision- making process. OR is based on interdisciplinary team approach involving the use of mathematics, physics, economics and engineering. OR techniques are sophisticated techniques and they are very useful in tackling complex problems business and industry. The application of O.R. or programming techniques generally involve the following steps-(1) The problem is formulated in quantitative terms. All variables (controllable factors) and co-efficients (non-controllable factors) which are pertinent in the problem are defined in mathematical terms.(2) A mathematical model is constructed expressing interrelationship between different variables.(3) An optimum solution is obtained on the basis of variable equations of the model.(4) The model and the solution obtained there from are tested for validity in the light of actual observations. The model is modified, if necessary.(5) The model is implemented by putting the solution to work.

131. What is "Environment Management Plan (EMP)? What details are required to prepare such a plan? Which agency is responsible for its monitoring from govt. of India?Before grant of new mining lease or renewal of old leases or before a new mining project receives clearance by Govt. for execution, an environment management plan is required to be prepared to assess the impact of mining on environment. In this plan, the environment protection measures are to be spell out clearly to achieve the objective of "sustainable eco-system". The significant details that the plan should give are:-(i) environmental inventory (ii) environmental assessment (iii) environmental impact assessment. Environmental inventory gives the total description of the environment as it exists in the area making special reference to physical environment (geology, topography, surface water and ground water resources, water quality etc.), biological environment (flora, fauna, species of tress, birds, fish, mammals etc.) and cultural environment (human population, trends and distribution, historical, religion and archeological sites, economic indicators of human welfare etc.). Environmental assessment should comprise of prediction of anticipated changes in the total environment of the area under reference, magnitude of change and factors to the anticipated change. Environmental impact statement (EIA) should include the identification of the elements or attributes that broadly comprises the bio-physical and socio-economic environment namely: air (diffusion factors, particulates), water (flow variation, oil, suspended solid, acidity/alkanity, dissolved solids, toxic compound

etc.), land (soil stability, natural hazard), ecology (animals, birds, vegetation, and aquatic plants), economy and resources. The statement should clear implicate the magnitude of the project, cost, area, waste disposal, emission of gas (fumes, population likely to be affected, cost and method of reclamation, mitigation measures, energy consumption, mitigation measures should include mine water treatment plant, sewage system and sewage treatment plant, control measures on discharge of dust/fumes, land scaping and general drainage. Lastly, an effective organizational set up exclusive for the environmental control and monitoring has to be provided and capital financial provisions are to be detailed. Indian bureau of mines (Govt. of India) is responsible for monitoring EMP implementation for non coal mines.

132. How would you optimize haulage by automation in open pit operation?Automation in open pit mine operation- (Haulage optimization)After introduction of mining industry with semi-conductor industry, the latter's technology is in use in mining operation. This happened about 3 decades ago. But initially there was 'cultural' resistance to embrace this technology in mining. Later it was found that if operation did continually monitor equipment performance, location and status, it would be possible to quantify decision making, react quickly to unpredictable changes, effectively manage the operation and optimize the steps in the production cycle. Therefore "system" have been evolved as "large scale computer based mine management system" controlling the dispatching of all haul trucks in any open pit mine. Here, each truck and shovel is outfitted with multi-character display, an on board computer, power supply and data radio. From work station or PC communication is effected to the field units via "packet platforms" connected to a mine wide data radio link. The system automatically assigns trucks to the proper shovel, thus minimizing shovel idle times and truck queue time. Based on timing information collected, truck reassignments result from changing conditions in the mine. A global positioning satellite (GPS) sub-system tracks truck location throughout the mine. If a truck takes longer than average to travel a given route or if it goes to non-scheduled routes, the system notifies the dispatcher. The system continuously updates key production timing parameters such as spotting time, loading times, travel times and dumping times. Haul truck assignments are made from these data in concert with other operating constraints imposed by management, such as shovel priorities, target dump feed rates, available haul routes and the like. If mine conditions change, the system recomputes a new optimal mine traffic flow. Remote monitoring unit controls remote equipment from a computer located at a central site.

GPS are revolutionizing equipment location tracking through satellite network. Management system must "ping" (i.e. request) commercially available GPS modules to get time, latitude, longitude and elevation data. A revolution has occurred. Now the face of open pit mining will be different indeed. An operator less drill will move around a blast pattern, diggability is reported to the shovel operator based on its position in a blast as reported by GPS and using drill data. A driverless truck reports a malfunction to control station dispatch via its vital sign system and is assigned to a shop where once detected by infra-red detector the mine management system generates a maintenance work order and a display screen reports the shop foreman's arrival. Once available to operate, the truck is assigned to the optimal shovel by mine management system and then to a dump which is within acceptable movement limits based on readings from a slope monitor system.

133. Write about notes on:A) "Accountability" vis-a-vis "Responsibility"B) Motion and time studiesC) Incentive schemeD) Present thinking on "participative management"A) "Accountability" vis-a-vis "Responsibility"These two words refer to "agreement" by which one takes the blame or credit for the results of an endeavor over which one has charge. "Responsibility" is the most general of the words suggesting not only such an agreement but applying beyond this to anyone who is mature or able enough to discharge difficult and exacting duties, to delegate authority wisely and to perform capably despite unforeseen obstacles. More strictly, it suggests the relationship between the performer of the duties and his taskmaster. "Accountable" like "liable" has a 'legal' or 'technical' sense , but in this case, while matching against responsibility the word refers to the situation of stewardship in which the steward must demonstrate the wise use of things put in his trust. A manager is directly accountable to 'owner' or board of directors for the funds allocated to him. A man is responsible for his work or duties and those of his subordinates as well, but accountable to his superiors for things other than duties.

B) Motion and time studiesThese studies are the components of "work-study" which is now-a-days a very important toll in management for fixing wage rate, improvement in work procedure, identifying weak areas, bottlenecks, constraints etc. In motion study, the movements involved in execution of a particular task are measured by comparison with the 'evaluation standard' to know the deviation or error or deficiency. In 'time-study', the time taken for performing the different elements of the task is measured for comparison with the 'standard' time allotted to such elements for optimal performance. The method of such studies will vary from situation to situation and a suitable measurement technique has to be evolved in each particular case. But the overall purpose is improvement of work performance, formulating a realistic production-oriented wage policy and engineering revision of the methodology, if needed be and designing manning parameters etc.

C) Incentive schemeIt is a tool in management's hand for improved human performance or getting better work from people. Incentive literally means reward for extra effort and this extra effort is available when the workers are positively motivated to do better. 'Incentive' may be of various forms though money is considered to be one of the major incentives for getting the 'extra ounee' of work from people. But it has it's limitation depending on various other human parameters which depends on the socio-economic background of the workers, the work environment, the poverty level and the system of governance etc. Anyway, after a thorough opinion survey, the desires and aspirations of the people are first determined and then the incentive scheme is evolved in any economic activity. Apart from money or wages linked with productivity, there may be other incentives like better promotion prospects, recognition scheme, special award scheme etc. But again it may be borne in mind, though sounding paradoxically, that the incentive scheme may not always succeed in leading to a high and correct motivation because motivation is within a person and very often an irrational,

inexplicable impulse or instinct. A worker is motivated to work better for the reasons that do not necessarily stem from incentive handed over to him from 'outside'. An incentive scheme is effective when it satisfies the 'motives' of the workers and motives are impulses/drives impelling them to act with a strong sense of purpose-which is more often satisfaction of their various needs.

D) Present thinking on "participative management"Currently, arising out of extensive work on how to get the bet fro people, it has been recognized that for 'peak performance' it is essential that a sense of 'responsible participation' on the part of the worker has to be created by management by virtue of their(management's) skill, patience and wisdom because most people want to be 'a part' of the 'whole' and it is no longer sufficient to expect that the best work will come when the worker is isolated, without status recognition or information. They feel important and better if they allowed participation in management affairs. But the management has got to concentrate their creativity on making certain that the worker's participation is 'responsible', for it is doubtful that unless management thinks this way, workers will ever give that 'plus' which is the difference between 'work' and 'better work'. Anyway worker's participation in management or 'participative management' is gaining importance in many 'organized' industries today. Here the workers are incorporated in various 'councils' and 'committees' at various levels right from shop floor/ mine face worker's level to the topmost level of board of directors. But one aspect must not be lost sight of : that the participating worker must be thoroughly trained on 'how to participate effectively in management' otherwise the scheme will remain on paper only.

134. There are frequent strikes in a group of mines being worked by a large public sector undertaking. What steps should be taken to promote harmonious labour relation? What should be the organization set-up? It has been globally accepted in the industrial sphere that it is only through an attitude of mutual trust and respect that harmonious and cordial relations can develop between management and labour. Industrial relation is primarily a matter of attitudes i.e. how does the management feel about the labour and vice-versa, the other important factors being the personnel policy of the undertaking, it's value system, the strength of labour union, multiplicity of union, joint consultation ( voluntary approach) and labour legislations (legislative approach). Above all the quality of personnel management whose test is 'the spirit of undertaking and morale of all concerned with it' plays an important role in ensuring harmonious labour relation.Frequent striking in the group of mines indicate deteriorated I. R. due to various reasons which need to be identified before designing steps to promote harmonious labour relations. Nevertheless the steps to promote such relation should include I. Revival of trust and boosting of moral of labour forceII. Reviving and recasting if need be, the personnel and industrial policy of the undertakingIII. Enunciating appropriate 'value system' and percolation of the same down to the rank and fileIV. Reconditioning the perception of the workman by screening through the value system the perception which is perhaps distortedV. Enthusing the labour force to identify themselves with the goals and objectives of the undertaking

VI. Fresh look at the need satisfaction both physical and psychological vis-�-vis job satisfactionVII. Evolving new incentive scheme after revision of wages and other benefits in consultation with trade unionsVIII. Review of performance-reward relationship and quality of work life (QWL)IX. Job enrichment by re-designing the jobs if necessary to make to make themselves more interesting, safe and challengingX. Encouraging worker's participation by involving them in work level decisions as a mean of integration and self-control(also by utilizing, purposefully, all the bipartite and tripartite forums formed in accordance with both legislative and voluntary approaches, like 'works-committee', 'certified standing order', 'joint management councils', 'grievance procedure', 'joint consultation', 'voluntary arbitration', 'collective bargaining' etc.).But it may be noted that over-dependence on legislative measures to foster harmonious relation with labour should be discouraged because such measures tend to take away initiatives of both management and labour and fail to forge mutual understanding and respect. Further, it tends to inhibit the growth of collective bargaining so necessary for health growth of industrial relation. Therefore voluntary participation of workers as mentioned above, should be encouraged to create better I. R. keeping in view the following words of Govt. of India's industrial policy resolution - 1956: "In a socialist democracy labour is a partner in the common task of development. There should be joint consultation and the workers and thee technicians should, where possible, be associated progressively in management. Enterprises in public sector, has to set an example in this respect.XI. It needs mention that for success of any scheme of workers participation, there must be effective two-way communication and exchange of information between the management and worker. It is only then the workers should have a better appreciation of the problems and the difficulties of the undertaking and its overall functioning.

Recent thinking in the field of human relation has , it is also established that the worker has potential capacity to learn, contemplate and take greater responsibility for his own behavior. Experiments have shown that a worker works not only to earn but also have some social and psychological objectives before him. It is also proved that workers are also intelligent and can contribute substantially to the prosperity of their organization if provided with proper opportunity. So, workers are assets, not liability and should be developed fully by HRD efforts as a good social being with adequate zeal, motivation, skill, initiatives and "values" to be an effective partner for harmonious I.R. Health, safety and welfare of the workers should "invariably" be ensured in public sector undertakings to promote harmonious labour relation.(For organization setup that of your subsidiary with an additional "MONITORING CELL" headed by a senior personnel man, may be sufficient)

135. Write short notes on: (a) Bench marking (b) Organizational culture (a) Benchmarking: benchmarking is the formal process of measuring and comparing a company's operations, products and services against those of top performers both within and outside of that company's primary industry and these top performers can be from the same country to form the national benchmark or they can be from fortune-500 (list to identify the international or world benchmarks. the basic intention is to identify and learn all that these top performers are doing different and better and then incorporate the same in our own company's products, processes or systems by

virtually copying or through the mechanism called S.I.S.( stealing ideas shamelessly). 'Benchmarking' has become the buzzword in the management circles today. Benchmarking can be done for all functions, processes or systems. It is very important that we identify right bench-mark. An interesting example is that of London Hospital Services. They looking out to find a benchmark for the time taken to attend to emergencies found that London Fire Services department as its benchmark. ( The standard time for ambulance Services within London city is 14 minutes). Some of the Indian companies which can be taken as "benchmarks" in their respective fields are given below-

aa aaArea BenchmarkSales management & distribution system

Hindustan Lever

MarketingTitan watches

EngineeringLarson & Toubro

Consumer durables BPLCustomer support Modi Xerox

136.

(b) Organizational Culture- Organizational Culture can be considered as one of the most important factors which is directly related to organizational effectiveness. O.C. can be best defined as a set of values, beliefs and expectations that members of an organization come to share. Though, there are many definitions of O.C., there are certain features common to them, such as culture is shaped by a certain historical context; values and beliefs form the core of culture; and cultural patterns are shaped by the constituent members. Schein (1984) has described the dimensions of O.C. in terms of " strength or amount" which can be defined in terms of homogeneity and stability of group membership and the length and intensity of shared experiences of the group. If the stable group has had a long, varied intense history, it will have a strong and highly differentiated culture. But if a group has had a constantly shifting membership or has been together for a short time and has not faced any difficult issues, it will have a weak culture. O.C. does get affected by situational factors like crisis, leadership, turnover, life cycle stage, age of the organization, strength of the current culture and absence of sub-cultures. No matter how good a job the organization has done in recruiting and selection, if new employees are not fully indoctrinated in the organizational culture, the whole process may end up in a catastrophe way. The Indian organizational culture has been perceived by some authors " to be affiliative with a marked preference for personalized relationship; dependency prone; with low work ethic and high leisure ethic".

137. Discuss the role of advance and day to day planning in the safe and efficient working of a large mechanized opencast mine? In what manner can this planning be made both flexible and precise? Assume your own condition.In a big mechanized opencast mine the role of advance and day to day planning can not be overemphasized. For safety and efficiency in such mines, the various sub-

systems like man, machine, materials and methods should interact in such a manner that a harmonious and congenial industrial climate is produced and the system components function properly. Big mechanized open cast mines are capital intensive and can be operated only by big "Public" or "Private" sectors, where advance planning should start at corporate level. The corporate planning has the following main features (i) specifying objectives and goals (ii) selection of policies (including safety policy), programmes and procedures by which the objectives can be achieved (iii) determination of types and amount of resource required, how they are to be generated and allocated to the activities (iv) design and organization of the decision making procedure to carry out the plan (v) design of procedure for monitoring the plan on a continuous basis. Once the objectives are specified, strategies are selected and resources planned in advance, the design and organization of day to day work becomes easy without any conflict or confusion. In big mines having high stripping ratio due to deep seated deposit of minerals, the advanced planning required for safe and efficient development programme starts from determination of potential viable mineral deposit by a successful exploration programme and is followed by two other phases like "pre-development programme" and "mine development planning". In the first phase of "exploration evaluation", it is necessary to make a preliminary feasibility study based on the exploration data available to determine if the deposit has economic potential to justify heavy expenditure. The second phase is "pre-development programme" which will include bulk sampling programme, determining of rock-mass characteristics, fragmentation property, and safe operation methodology. The third phase is mine development planning for placing the deposit into production. During this period access to the deposit is available for examination and collection of "reliable" information to be used to finalize the mining concept, plan and lay-out the permanent mine geometry with various HEMM and other equipments, drainage system, power requirement, communication network etc. as an integral part of complete development plan and final feasibility report is produced. Once the advance planning is made scrupulously, the day to day planning follows to carry out the plans in day to day work. In this work again, safety needs to be integrated in all operational functions like dust suppression, safe blasting practice, slope failure monitoring, safe movement of trackless wheeled machinery like dumper, tippers etc., maintenance of machinery (both routine and preventive). Though the blue print of work is charted out by advance planning, in mining operation where many unpredictable parameters exist it may not be always possible to follow the blue print meticulously. Therefore, there should be scope of flexibility in the planning process so that the plan may be modified to suit the changing needs. But at the same time, the planning may be made "precise" in certain areas like maintenance schedule of machinery, instrumentation and monitoring process, communication network etc. In this way, planning has to be flexible in certain areas and precise in others.

In conclusion, it needs mention that the human factors always play a key role in safe and efficient operation. Therefore, maximum stress should be laid in selection, training and placement of personnel and manning parameters in advance and day to day planning to ensure safety and efficiency in mining operation. We should not forget that man should not only be skilled but also be "positively" motivated with proper "attitude" towards work.

138. Write short notes on a) Merits and Demerits of workers participation in managementb) Delegation of authority (a) Merits:Merits of workers participation in management are:i) Workers feel important, involved and committedii) Better motivation and attitude to workiii) Sense of belongingness to the organization developediv) Workers feel as "part" of the organization not alienated identity v) Improved work outputvi) Less absenteeism vii) Better industrial relationviii) Increased safetyix) Higher productivityx) Better understanding and co-operation between management and labourxi) Promotes democratic style of management by enlisting workers co-operation in decision making process at various levelsxii) Acts as a booster in promoting better quality of work life(qwl)

Demerits:i)Participation of worker in the decision making process is not liked by the supervisors. They feel it as a threat to their power and prestigeii) Because of lack of management "orientation" and proper "perspective" on economic activity, more often than not, participation is not effective and fruitfuliii) Sometimes due to lack of understanding between management and labour the workers feels that their participation is in the interest of the management and not oriented to their (labour's) welfareiv)Participative management can succeed only when management, supervisors and union accept and realizes that it is in the interest of all and ensures greater job satisfaction to workers, higher productivity and improved product qualityv) Lack of proper training of workers on "how to participate successfully" and lack of proper "perception" add more demerits than merits to the participative management

b) Delegation of authority:The word "delegation" carries a very important concept of management. It describes the way in which formal authority is passed to another person. To be more specific, delegation of authority is the process by which managers allocate authority downward to the people who report to them, so as to facilitate work being accomplished. The following actions occur when delegation takes place:-Firstly, the delegator assigns objectives or duties to the lower level employee. Secondly, the delegator grants the authority necessary to accomplish the objectives. Thirdly, acceptance of delegation whether implicit or explicit, creates an obligation or responsibility. Fourthly, the delegator holds the employee accountable for results. Delegation is necessary when the manager is absent from their jobs. It enables the manager to derive the advantageous of division of labour and specialization. It permits the manager to focus his attention on more crucial and high priority tasks. It enables subordinates to grow and develop, even if this implies learning from their own mistakes. Finally, Delegation is needed because managers do not always have knowledge needed to make decision particularly in complex, specialist oriented activities like today's highly

mechanized modern mine. When the subordinates accept the assignment and the authority, he'll be held accountable or answerable for actions taken. But when the authority not properly not delegated or poorly delegated or when the employees are reluctant to accept delegation due to lack of self confidence or due to a distorted feeling that delegation adds to the responsibilities or work, the benefits of delegation will not be available to the management.

139. The O.M.S of mechanized open cast mine is low. What may be the causes in your opinion?

The causes of low O.M.S may be the following:-1) Low "availability" and "utilization" of HEMM due to poor maintenance and poor work organization respectively.2) Poor maintenance of haul road resulting in frequent breakdown of transport vehicles.3) Poor fragmentation of O/B or ore leading to poor "fill factor" of shovel's bucket and unbalanced or inadequate loading of dumpers.4) Poor work layout at dump points leading to late/ irregular turn-round of dumpers.5) Lack of productivity consciousness and also no attention is paid for loss of damage control by mining collective.6) Non-calculation of "wastivity index" and "consumption norms".7) Lack of proper "incentive scheme".8) Poor participation of workers in production process.9) Lack of mutual understanding and co-operation between management and workers.10) Non-creation of congenial work-culture.11) Absence of any scheme of measurement of performance indices, performance appraisal and calculation of O.M.S at regular interval.12) Lack of "work-study' and R&D effort to evolve optimal methods of breaking, handling and transport of ore/waste rock.13) Non-adoption of latest management tools like M.B.O, job enrichment, quality of work life (QWL) and quality circles (QC).14) Lack of use of automatic instrumentation control for various process including "condition monitoring" of various equipment.15) Non-adoption of the following techniques:-(a) Ergonomics (b) Analysis of strength and weakness of the employees and personnel counseling(c) Simulation techniques to analyze the no. of additional machines to be provided(d) Linear programming to ascertain maximum mine capacity(e) OR (Operation Research) to predict requirement of machines(f ) Value engineering etc.

Besides these, poor attention to slope stability and drainage, poor and unsafe blasting practice and inadequate programme of safety education & training, less attention to hazard and pollution control may contribute low O.M.S.

140. (a) What is "wage incentive plan"? What is its importance in increasing productivity?(b) Discuss the linkage of "productivity" with "incentives" (a)Wage incentive plan seeks to motivate employees by paying extra remuneration. The basic principle underlying incentive plans are that employees will be more productive if their income is tied to the amount of work they turn out rather than just to the amount of time they spend on the job. According to Webster incentive is "that which incites or has a tendency to incite action." It is something that arouses effort or action. "Motivation" and "incentives" are closely related.Incentive plans have a role to play in increasing productivity under certain conditions; employees are compensated above job rates for their individual contribution on the job by incentive payments instead of extra compensation granted under "merit rating plans". Incentive plans attempt to motivate employees to perform above the "standard" by establishing a direct relationship between physical units produced and employee compensation. To do this, a "standard" task is first established that specifies how many units of output are expected in returns for the job rate. Any production above the "standard" is assumed to be the result of greater effort or application. In order to reward this extra effort, an incentive pay formula is established which gives the employee additional pay in direct proportion to the amount of production above the standard. It is independent of "time" required to achieve the additional production.

(b) Productivity and Incentives:The data on productivity and wages in public sector had been analyzed and this analysis indicated interdependence between productivity and wages. It was believed by management scientists that increasing wages (through incentive payments) result in rising productivity. There is no doubt that increase wages do sometimes evoke enhanced effort by labour, but there are other factors also, such as work group behavior, management style and structure and the production system itself, which provide the context within which labour effort could result in increasing efficiency and productivity. A survey conducted by National Productivity Council suggested-(i)Predominant method of incentive payment is "piece-rate"(ii)The base level performance is usually placed at 50% of the possible production level(iii)On an average, the increase in productivity had been to the extent of 41%.The incentive earnings constitute about 23% of the normal wages.(iv)Incentive schemes had not resulted in the reduction of overtime, accidents and labour turn-over. However, the rate of absenteeism had come down appreciably.

141. It is said that for better control of staff you need "improved human relation". What steps you would take to improve human relation and solve problem?Before I set out to solve human relation problem I must-(i) have an open mind(ii) learn to control my temper and keep discussion on a friendly basis (iii) learn to separate facts from opinion, sentiment and imagination(iv)remember if I let off a man at any point, I assure him when I will take action and be prepared to keep the promise I make.

Then I shall take the following steps to improve human relation for better control of staff-1) ACCEPT: I must (a) greet the person pleasantly (b) recognize the situation sympathetically and (c ) accept responsibility willingly.2) GET AT THE FACTS: I must (a) get him to tell him whole story listen and question him patiently (b) check his story, if necessary (c) add facts I have and obtain from others that may have bearing in the problem.3) SOLVE: I must (a) put all the facts in order, summarize them and weigh them and find a solution.4) PRESENT: I must (a) present the solution clearly and mention the reason that is behind at (b) see to it that the employee knows the solution and the reason for it (c) see that the solution brings the result I want and (d) review and revise, if necessary.5) FOLLOW UP: I must (a) check later to see whether the results have really been obtained & (b) review and revise if necessary until I get the results I want.It is to be always remembered that the "promise" I make "MUST BE KEPT" Besides above there is a "trans-personal" view of "problem solving" the main characteristics of which are given below:--The essential nature of the problem and its effect on others should be clearly perceived and the self-interest or the self-orientation of the manager should not hinder it.-The backward and forward linkages of the decision should be grasped as much as possible both in "space" and "time".-The decision taken should leave the manager in a state of healthy mental quiet and repose.-The decision taken should create more of unity and harmony in a situation than previously.-The decision arrived at should involve the manager more in "giving" of himself to the task than merely in the calculation of "receiving"-Accept blame for failure-Be generous in giving credit to the others-Be humble in the group's problem solving discussion-Encourage group to evaluate solutions proposed by you with a more critical eye

142. a) What do you mean by productivity? How it is different from production?b) Why productivity is not high in underground mining operation in our country?c) Safety and productivity can go hand in hand-comment. a) Productivity refers to the physical relationship between the output and the quantum of the resources used in the course of production (input). It is expressed as the ratio between the output of goods and services and the input of the resources consumed in the process of production.

                                      Productivity = output/input

Output implies total production while input means capital, labour, machine, lands, material, method or the technology, management etc. productivity measures the efficiency of an enterprise of the production system. The efficiency, with which the resources are utilized, is called the productive efficiency. Higher productivity means producing more from a given amount of inputs or producing a given amount with

lesser inputs.Productivity is entirely different from production. Productivity is relative term indicating the ratio between total output and total input used there in. On the other hand production refers to the volume of the output and it is an absolute concept. The volume of production may increase but may productivity may decline due to inefficient use of resources. Efficient use of productive resources may improve productivity but the volume of production may not increase. Production denotes the absolute outcome of production system where as productivity reflects its "efficiency". In order to measure its efficiency of individual operations or specific factors of production, "productivity indices" for individual inputs are computed. These are" labour productivity index (in mining it is OMS-output per man shift).Machine productivity index (output per machine-hours worked)Material productivity index (output per unit quantity of material used) etc. and total productivity will denote the ratio between the value of total output and the value of the all inputs mentioned above.

b) In underground mining operation, particularly in coal mining operation our productivity is not high due to the following reasons:-. High labour cost for under ground workers.. Low performance index for underground workers due to various reasons both extra-individual and intra-individual.. Extra material needed to ensure safe and healthy working conditions and fighting various hazards peculiar to underground coal mining.. Out dated labour intensive technology of wining coal.. Low availability and utilization of machine particular those of handling and transport system. . Lack of consciousness about waste, loss/ damage control and no productivity consciousness on the part of mining collective. Non calculation of "wastivity index" and consumption norms.. Absence of any scheme of measurement of performance indices, performance appraisal an calculation of relative productivity at fixed intervals. . Lack of work study and R & D effort to evolve optional methods of breaking, handling and transportation of U/G coal.. Lack of proper "incentive scheme" . Lack of mutual understanding and cooperation between management and U/G workers resulting in poor participation of workers in management. Non adoption of latest management tools like MBO, job enrichment, quality of work life (qwl) and quality circles (QC).. Non creation of congenial work culture.. Lack of use of automatic instrumentation control for various processes including" condition monitoring" of various equipment.. Absence of arrangement for continuous U/G environment monitoring ot provide safe and healthy working condition with "need based" materials.. non adoption of following techniques:-(a) Ergonomics(b) Analysis of strength and weakness of employs and personal counseling(c) Simulation technique to analyze the number of additional machine to be provided (d) Linear programming to ascertain maximum mine capacity (e) Operation research to predict requirement of machines (f) Value engineering etc.

. Besides these difficult geo-mining conditions, special hazards due to gassiness, fire, depth, steepness of seam, presence of old workings in the vicinity, interaction problems of over lying and under lying seams also contribute to low productivity in our U/G coal mines.

143. Write short notes on (a) worker's participation in safety management in mines,(b) Effect of humidity on miner's health(c) Occupational health hazards in mines vis-�-vis medical surveillance (a) worker's participation in safety management in minesRecognizing that greater strides in safety can be achieved by participation of workers in safety management programmes, the twin instruments of "safety committee" and "workmen's inspector" have been given statutory backing by being incorporated in Mines Rules-1955 in a new chapter IVB. A safety committee is required to be constituted at every mine employing more than 100 persons. This committee shall consist of the manager(chairman), five officials or competent persons nominated by the chairman, five workers nominated by workmen, three workmen's inspectors and safety officer(secretary). The role and functions of the committee is specified in the rule 29V of mines rules-1955. Workmen's inspectors are required to be appointed in every mine (employing more than 500 persons) in three disciplines, mining, electrical and mechanical. Their duties are prescribed in the Rules. Both this instruments are "Bi-partite" in nature i.e. they consist of management and worker's representatives. The concept underlying worker's participation in safety management is that- when workers participate in safety activities, the safety decisions are not taken by the management alone and imposed on the workers, but the problems are explained in detail and the workers are made to participate in the analysis and arriving at the decision with management's guidance. In this system, the workers are involved in the "safety-decision" making process and are committed to that extent which they can, with some justification, claim to be there own. Conforming to such decisions gives the workers a needed challenge and satisfaction in its achievement. The system meets, to some extent, the ego needs of the individuals thereby increasing, worker's motivation and creating condition for greater safety and risk reduction. Besides these "Bi-partite" forums, "Tri-partite" forums also enlist worker's participation where the trade union representatives represent the workers and others are management and government representatives. It has been recognized by I.L.O. that, "re-enforcement" of "tri-partism" is fundamental to the effectiveness of the action for the improvement of working condition and environment, which eventually leads to greater safety. There are several formal and "ad-hoc" "tri-partite" committees in mining industry at various levels for formulation of safety programmes and review of implementation thereof. The committee under section 12 of the Mines Act-1952 (amended upto 1983) is too a tripartite committee.

(b) Effect of humidity on miner's healthHuman body produces a lot of waste heat by the process of metabolism and also physical work which has to be dissipated into the surrounding mine air. The major part of the heat produced by the body is dissipated from the surface of the skin by radiation, convection and evaporation of sweat, though a very small part is dissipated from the lung through exhaled air. During work in hot and humid atmosphere in U/G mines , as the body temperature of the miners rises above 302K, the sweat glands start

functioning and now the heat transfer from the skin is mainly by the evaporation of sweat. The rate of evaporation of sweat depends on the moisture content of the ambient air and air-velocity. High humidity influences the rate of evaporative cooling of the human body. At high wet bulb temperature, the rate of cooling gets reduced. As a result , the body temperature rises. The rise in body temperature varies from person to person and depends on degree of acclimatization. A moderate rise in body temperature of the order of 1.4 K is not harmful, but when the body temperature rises above 312K and/or heart rate exceeds 140 beats/min., heat intolerance that may ultimately lead to heat stroke appears. Therefore, it may be seen, high humidity affects adversely the heat dissipation process of the body and consequently the miners health.

(c) Occupational health hazard vis-�-vis medical surveillanceOccupational health hazard has engaged the attention of all for quite some time. Various factors inherent in mining activities have harmful effect on miner's health; the type of work, the physical and mental effort involved, the materials and product used/handled, the nature of the working environment-particularly presence of dust, fumes etc. the condition in which the work is performed and the way it is organized. In mining main occupational disease is pneumoconiosis caused by dust. Occupational health has been the global concern and in 1981, I.L.O. had adopted the occupational safety and health convention (convention 155) recommending action at national and enterprise level pinpointing responsibilities of employers and workers. Later in 1985, another convention namely "occupational health services convention 1985 ( convention 161) had been adopted urging each member country to formulate, implement and periodically review a coherent national policy on occupational health services. In our country, besides providing statutory medical examination (initial and periodical) in Mines Rules-1955, the 7'th, 8'th and 10'th conferences on safety in mines recommended detailed measures on occupational health, and in the 8'th conference, in particular, it had been recommended that I.L.O convention no. 155 and 161 should be complied along with association of medical officers trained in occupational health and in the use of I.L.O. classification of radiograph for pneumoconiosis and provision of X-ray and lung function test facility in each medical examination centre, monitoring progress of pneumoconiosis, maintenance of records and submission of annual reports on radiological results.

144. How the mining statutes, DGMS Circulars and Safety conferences at national level etc. have provided for "occupational health" of mine workers?

Ans. Section 9A of the Mines Act-1952 lays down provisions for occupational health survey. As per section 25 of the Mines Act-1952, notice of "notified occupational diseases" has to be sent to CIM and other prescribed authorities. Sec. 26 empowers central govt. to conduct direct investigation of certain occupational diseases. Regulation 124 of MMR-1961 lays down detailed procedure of suppression of respirable dust, air born dust survey and action to be taken in case respirable dust concentration exceeds the permissible limit. In respect of all persons employed in mines except those who are employed purely on temporary or casual basis for a continuous period of not exceeding six months, chapter IV-A of Mines Rules-1955 (as amended upto 1989) has prescribed initial and periodical medical examination, examining authorities, notices of medical examination, standard and report of such

examination (medical certificate), appeal for re-examination and compensation for occupational diseases. In respect of persons engaged in the process of mining or milling asbestos ore, periodical medical examination has been prescribed once in every 12 months and details of chest-radiography has been included in form-P ( medical standard of fitness of persons employed ). Rule 82-A prescribes disability allowance and compensation for occupational diseases. In DGMS circular no. 10 of 1974, instructions have been issued regarding active immunization for prevention of tetanus. Vide DGMS circular no. 1 (welfare) of 1975, mine management has been requested to get some of their doctors trained in specialized courses in occupational health. As per recommendations of the 7'Th national conference on safety in mines, for mechanized mines, need for creation of department of occupational health services has been emphasized. The staffing pattern, style of functioning, preparation of health surveillance scheme etc. have been prescribed in detail in these recommendations. In 8'Th national conference on safety in mines, further details on medical surveillance have been incorporated in the recommendations. Here time bound programme of air-borne dust surveys and inclusion of audiometry as a part of mandatory medical examination have been highlighted, besides reiterating the recommendations of the 7'th national conference on safety in mines and advising "monitoring" the progress on medical examinations, surveillance of working environment, education and awareness activities.

145. (a) Explain with examples the contravention of Indian Electricity Rules which may cause accident due to shock.(b) Give particulars of different notices that are required to be furnished to the electrical Inspector of mines. (a) Accident due to shock is caused by passage of current usually above 15 ( fifteen) milli-ampere through the body to earth, one part of the body touching a live conductor or metal work connected to live wire and another part being in contact with earth. Therefore contravention of any provision of IER ensuring safeguard or protection against such eventuality will cause accident due to shock. This is illustrated by the following examples:-(1) An electrician while replacing a street light bulb on a live 230 V overhead line received electric shock, fell down from the post and sustained fatal injuries. Had the electrician safeguarded himself against danger from live overhead conductor by taking the elementary precautions laid down in Rule 36(1) of the IER-1956, this accident could have been averted. Therefore contravention of this rule caused this accident due to shock.(2) While a mazdoor was working in a waste dump with a hand shovel, he got a flash from 33 KV transmission line passing nearby. Had the stipulated minimum clearance with the overhead line conductor laid down under Rule-77 of IER-1956 been maintained, this accident could have been averted. Here contravention of this rule resulted in a flash with severe shock.(3) A general mazdoor inadvertently came into contact with a charged metallic lamp post and sustained electric shock which proved fatal soon after. Had the lamp post been efficiently earthed as required under rule 90(1) of the IER-1956, this accident could have been averted. Contravention of rule 90(1) resulted in this accident due to shock.(4) While a worker was walking bare-foot over a delivery hose -float to stop a pump working on the pontoon, his foot came in contact with one of the leads of the damaged live cable (440V) feeding the said pumping unit as a result of which he

received electric shock and died almost instantly. Had the cable been maintained properly by thorough examination and protection from mechanical damage as required under rule 131(3) (a) and 122 of the IER-1956, this accident could have been averted. Contravention of the aforesaid rules caused this accident due to shock.

(b) The details of the different notices that are required to be furnished to the electrical inspector of mines are given below:-(1) As per rule 111 of the IER-1956, annual return in annexure X on or before 1st February every year giving size and type of apparatus together with such particulars in regard to circumstances of its use.(2) Seven days prior notice in writing of the intention to bring or use any new installation in mine giving details of apparatus installed and its location.(3) Immediate notice in writing in case of any addition or alteration to the existing low and medium voltage installation, before such additions or alteration are brought into use.(4) Notice of accident due to electricity in annexure XIII within 48 hours of the knowledge of the accident, besides furnishing notice of such accident in form IV-A of the 1st schedule of MMR-1961 within 24 hours of such occurrence.

146. What are the statutory obligations of a contractor under the Mines Act-1952? In a mine worked through a number of raising contractors, discuss the role and functions of the principal owner and manager of the mine vis-�-vis the raising contractor. Comment on the adequacy of the existing law for proper working of such a mine.As per the Mines Act-1952, any contractor or sub-lessee for the working of the mine or any part thereof shall be subject to this Act in like manner as if he were an owner, but not so as to exempt the owner from any liability. Therefore, a "working contractor" or "raising contractor " has the same liability as owner under the Mines Act-1952, and he has to fulfill all the statutory obligations enjoined on him under section 18 of the Mines Act-1952. The role and functions of the principal owner and the manager has to be in conformity with their duties and responsibilities prescribed under the provisions of the section-18 of the Mines Act-1952 and regulation 44 of MMR-1961 (for the manager). The principal owner shall be responsible for making financial and other provisions and for taking such other steps as may be necessary for compliance with the provisions of the Act, Regulations, Rules, Bye-laws and orders made thereunder. Certain responsibilities like provision of cr�che, canteen, appointment of agent and manager etc. shall be exclusively carried out by the principal owner. The principal owner can not take a defence in any proceedings brought against him under Mines Act-1952 that he had appointed a manager and other officials in accordance with the provisions of the Act. Manager's statutory role is prescribed under section 17 and 18 of the Mines Act-1952 and Reg. 44 of MMR-1961 as mentioned above. He holds a very important position in the mine administration. He is responsible for overall management, control, supervision and direction of the mine and except in case of emergency, the principal owner or anyone on his behalf shall not give, otherwise, than through the manager, instructions affecting the fulfillment of his statutory duties to a person employed in a mine who is responsible to the manager. A raising contractor's role is to raise the mineral and perform ancillary operations by employment of resources like man, machine, materials etc., but all processes shall be done strictly in conformity with the provisions of the Act,

Regulations, Rules etc. and under the "direct control and supervision" of the manager. In this, respect, the raising contractor is subordinate and responsible to the manager and even the principal owner can not give any instruction to the raising contractor directly in contravention of the provisions of the Section 17(3) of the Mines Act-1952, a contractor has the status of the owner, but this status has been construed as a "liability" under Mines Act so that he can not escape his responsibilities to conduct the operation of raising minerals in compliance with the provisions of mining statutes. This status is not equivalent to the principal owner who is functionally the mine operator. A raising contractor can not appoint statutory personnel and competent persons for safe conduct of mining operation. Such persons shall be appointed only by owner/agent/manager, paid by the principal owner or agent and shall be answerable to the manager. This provision has been made to ensure supervision by the manager directly. Statutory supervision can not be performed by contractor's man. Contractor's men can only perform operational supervision.

Though responsibilities are well defined in the statute yet mineral raising by contractual agencies poses problems of safety to the contractor's workers because they are, more often than not, not treated as direct workers of the management and adequate vocational training, personal protective equipment etc. are not provided to them with the result they are involved in accidents. This is a practical problem. Therefore, in my opinion, mineral winning process by contractor should be totally abolished and all mining operations, because of their hazardous nature should be conducted "directly" by management/principal owner. However, if any specialized agency is required to be appointed for "special" job which requires expertise not available with the management, then the concerned person(s) of the agency can be "authorized" under 8A of MMR-1961 to act on behalf of the owner in respect of management, control, supervision or direction of the activities of such agency. In such cases, they become "agent" under Mines Act-1952 having statutory responsibilities.

147. As a manager of a mine what will be your statutory duties if any loss of life or serious bodily injury to a person occurs in connection with mining operation in your mine?On receipt of any information about loss of life or serious bodily injury to any person in or about a mine , the manager shall forthwith visit the place of accident and ascertain, prima facie, whether it is a mining accident or not. The criteria for deciding whether accidents are to be treated as mining accidents are as follows:-(i) the accident must take place within the mine control area(ii) the accident must be caused by an operation connected with mining or incidental or ancillary to mining

If it is a mining accident, causing loss of life or serious bodily injury to any person, the manager shall forthwith inform about this to the Regional inspector of mines (now designated as director of mines safety) as required under Reg.9 of MMR-1961 by telephone or express telegram or by special messenger and shall also within 24 hours of such occurrence give notice thereof in form IVA of the first schedule to the District Magistrate, CIM and RIM and shall simultaneously exhibit a copy of the notice on a special notice board outside the office of the mine where it may be inspected by trade union officials and shall ensure that the notice is kept on the board for not less than 14 days from the date of such posting. In case of accident due to electricity, the manager shall forthwith inform the electrical inspector of mines by telephone, express telegram

or special messenger. If death occurs from any injury already reported as serious or if any injury, other than the serious injury, becomes serious, the manager shall within 24 hours of his being informed of the same give notice thereof to District Magistrate, CIM and RIM. In respect of every person killed or injured as above the manager shall send to the CIM particulars in form IVB, IVC of the first schedule within 7 days of the occurrence or 15 days of the injured person returning to duty as the case may be.

As required under regulation 190 of MMR-1961, the place of accident shall not be disturbed before the arrival of or without the consent of the CIM or the Inspector to whom notice of the accident is required to be given, unless such disturbance or alteration is necessary to prevent any further accident, to remove the bodies of the deceased or to rescue any person from danger, or unless discontinuance of work at the place of accident would seriously impede the working of the mine. Provided that where the CIM or the said Inspector fails to inspect the place of accident within 72 hours of the time of the accident, work may be resumed at the place of accident. But before the place of accident is disturbed or altered a sketch of the site illustrating the accident and all relevant details shall be prepared (in duplicate) and such sketch shall be duly signed by the manager or Asst. manager, safety officer, surveyor and the workmen's inspector or where there is no workmen's inspector by a work person nominated by the worker's in this behalf. Provided that, if the place is disturbed or altered to prevent further accident or rescue persons from danger before the sketch could be prepared , the same shall be prepared , immediately thereafter, giving all relevant details as existed before the place was disturbed or altered. One of the authenticated sketches shall be delivered or sent to the concerned Inspector of the mines. The manager shall himself or through an Asst. manager have an enquiry made of the causes and circumstances attending the accident and the result of every such enquiry and the plan/sketch of the site of the accidents showing details shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose.

148. What are the statutory plans and sections required to be maintained in a mechanized opencast mine? What are the features/things to be shown on each?The following plans/sections are required to be maintained in a mechanized open cast mine as per regulation 61 of MMR-1961:-1. surface plan2. water danger plan and section3. geological plan and section4. Such other plan and section as required by RIM by an order in writing under regulation 61(4)(a) of MMR-1961.

Features/things to be shown on:-(a) SURFACE PLAN:- The name of the mine and the owner, purpose for which the plan is prepared like "surface plan"; true north or magnetic meridian with date; at least 25 cm. long suitably sub-divided; R.F.(2000:1); bench mark; co-ordinate lines and boundary* as per convention of the second schedule; every surface feature within the boundary like telephone, telegraph or power transmission line, water main, tramline, railway, road (both public and private), river, water course, reservoir, tank, borehole, shaft, incline opening, all opencast excavations, subsidence and buildings on the surface; additional

details if required + [* boundary means the settled boundary; in case of dispute the boundaries claimed by each owner, + by RIM under regulation 61(4)(a) of MMR-1961]

(b) WATER DANGER PLAN & SECTION:-Every source of water such as river, stream, water course, reservoir, water logged open cast workings; outlines of all waterlogged workings below ground lying within 60m of any part of the workings measured in any direction; surface dams to withstand a pressure of water or to control an inrush of water (with design and construction details) ; surface contour lines drawn at vertical intervals of not exceeding ten meters or in case of a mine situated in hilly terrain, such other larger interval as RIM may permit, over the whole area lying within 200 meters of any part of the workings; surface drainage system of the mine; the highest flood level of the area; bench mark together with its height above the mean sea level and warning lines to draw visual attention to dangers of inundation arising out of surface water; additional details if required by RIM under 61(4)(a) of MMR-1961.

(c) GEOLOGICAL PLAN AND SECTION:-R.F. 5000:1 or any other scale of the statutory plans; details of the geological features and disturbances such as outcrop of dykes, fault planes, outcrop of reef, vein, load etc.; all information collected from GSI maps or from the locality; contour lines at suitable intervals and any other features required by RIM in writing, adequate number of sections at suitable intervals shall also be kept.

(d) SPECIAL PLANS REQUIRED BY RIM:-R.F. and other details as required by RIM under 61(4)(a) of MMR-1961.

Besides the features/things to be shown on the respective plans, all the above mentioned plans shall carry the signature of the manager and surveyor with date. The surveyor shall give a certificate on the plans that "the plan or section is correct" and shall be signed and dated by the surveyor and countersigned and dated by the manager on every occasion that the plan or section is brought upto date which shall be at least once in 12 months in case of open cast workings or at any time if required by an Inspector as required under Regulation 61(4)(a) of MMR-1961.

149. What is the role of vocational training in mechanized open cast mine? Prepare a scheme of training for HEMM operator.The operation of mechanized opencast mine is full of hazards because it involves drilling deep-holes, conducting heavy blasts, handling and loading huge quantity of broken rock mass or ore, transporting them over long distances in difficult terrain and finally dumping or crushing depending on whether the material is waste or ore. In all these operations heavy machines are deployed requiring highly skilled operators. Such operators and other persons employed or to be employed in mechanized open cast mine need vocational training so that they may be aware about the risks/hazards/dangers etc. of the operation and can save themselves and others in critical situations. Vocational training has played a very important role in making workers safety conscious and alert while at work. As per Mines V.T. Rules-1966, all persons employed or to be employed in open cast mines except certain categories of persons like supervisors, blasters etc. have to undergo initial training (6 day's course as per 1st schedule for persons going to be employed) and refresher's training (once in

every 5 years or on return to duty after one year's absence). Besides these, explosive carriers, candidates for blaster's examination have to undergo additional special course of training to update their knowledge and level of competence. Blasters who have not fired shots for 6 months or more have to undergo the special training. The whole concept of such training is to minimize accidents which are caused due to lack of knowledge or competence on the part of the workers.

In mechanized open cast mine, analysis has reveals that accidents due to wheeled trackless transportation machinery (dumpers, trucks, tippers etc.) constitute about 75% of all fatal accidents due to HEMM and about 58% of all fatal accidents in open cast and surface operations. Accidents due to tractors have registered rising trends currently. Therefore proper training of the HEMM operators and maintenance crew is of prime importance besides focusing attention on motivation, enforcement of discipline, development of good system and work culture. I would suggest the following scheme of training for HEMM operators:-(1) 6 day's theoretical talk (5 hrs talks on each days on the various features of HEMM, their controls, engineering aspects, craftsmanship etc.)(2) 12 days "on the job" training under instructor or other competent persons (6 hrs duration each day). This should include maintenance aspects of HEMM also. The instructors should be drawn from "maintenance" and "workshop" discipline.(3) 3 days special training (6 hrs. duration each) on the safety features, tests and controls of HEMM. Operation of fire fighting equipments is to be taught during this course.(4) 3 day's training on "motivation", "value-engineering", "attitude-building", "development of proper perception", "cost analysis", and evils of alcoholism and drug addiction etc. First aid should also be incorporated in this programme (6 hrs talk on each day) Total -24 days

On conclusion of the training, the competency of the HEMM operators should be evaluated by a board constituted by the mining company.

150. As per Regulation 106(3) of MMR-1961, "in an excavation of any hard and compact ground, the sides shall be adequately benched, sloped or secured so as to prevent danger from fall of sides". What in your opinion should be the adequate slope and dimensions of the benches?As per DGMS Circular No. 42 of 1965, "generally the height of a bench in hard and compact ground should not in any case exceed 7.5m and the sides of the bench should be sloped at an angle of not more than 600 from the horizontal. The width of the benches should also be not less than height" as shown in the figure:

In my opinion, from the experience gained, in opencast mines worked by manual means, sides with slope not exceeding 750 from the horizontal may be adequate in hard and compact ground. If the height of the bench does not exceed 5m even vertical sides may be permitted. But these slopes and dimensions of the benches may be adequate upto a depth of say 60m for manually operated quarries. When the depth of workings exceeds 60m, scientific geotechnical study may be required to establish safe

angle of slope in different types of strata encountered in the pit, because factor of safety of slope varies with depth besides other parameters. Such study may also be required for opencast mines using heavy earth moving machinery (HEMM). The aspect of "short-term" or "long-term" stability of the sides/slope has to be kept in mind. Long term stability of sides is called for to ensure the safety of surface structures from a possible collapse of the sides.

151. State the role and function of workmen's Inspector.Machine can be controlled. But man has to be motivated towards safe performance and realize the intrinsic value of such efforts. This calls for active participation of workmen in promotion of safety. Their meaningful participation would mean a conscious effort by them to see that safe and healthy working condition prevails in mines at the first instance and therefore every effort is made by all concerned to maintain the safe system and curb unsafe acts. With this background, the concept of workmen's inspection was evolved in mining industry.

ROLE: Mines Rules-1955 has incorporated the institution of workmen's Inspector in Rule 29(Q to S). Their duties are indicated in Rule 29-R. But this principal rule should be to protect the interest of the workers so far as the health and safety of the workmen are concerned. In addition, he has to engender confidence in workmen that their place of work is under close watch continuously to keep it safe and healthy. Admittedly, a person called upon to play his role must enjoy the confidence of workmen. It is not possible for DGMS officials to inspect all the mines twice a week but a workmen's Inspector can do so. Therefore, the role of the workmen's inspector is supplementary to the Govt. enforcement agency in correct application of safe and healthy means.

FUNCTION: There are four main functions of workmen's Inspector as follows-(i) Inspection of mine workings, safety equipments and electrical machinery to identify hazardous condition and defects and to check observance of statutory safeguards. Detailed inspections made twice in week help to rectify unsafe conditions well in time and perhaps with lesser effort.(ii) He will accompany the Inspecting officer from DGMS in the course of his complete inspection and also during other inspections if called upon to do so by the officer to develop the art of inspection.(iii) In case of urgent and immediate danger, he must draw the attention of mine officials responsible for taking suitable remedial measures. He may indicate the steps that should be taken immediately to contain the danger and inform DGMS about it.(iv) He shall write his inspection report in form 'U'. He is also member of safety committee and has specific functions there. His participation in the deliberations of the safety committee promotes better understanding on safety and health problems and helps decide the line of action. The findings of his inspection and enquiries are of immense value in this deliberation. Lastly, in case accidents causing loss of life or serious bodily injury to any person, the sketch of the accident site to be prepared before the place of accident is disturbed, is to be signed by the workmen's Inspector. This is his function in accident enquiry process.

152. How and when as a manger of a mine, you will make an enquiry into the causes and circumstances attending an accident resulting

in serious bodily injury to any person or loss of life, as required under regulation 44(8) of MMR-1961?Ans. Immediately after receipt of any information about serious bodily injury to any person or loss of life in my mine, I shall forthwith pay a visit to the place of the accident, rescue the injured person and after rendering first aid send him to hospital. If death occurs due to the accident, I shall recover the dead body with least possible disturbance to the place of accident and send the body to surface/dispensary. I shall not disturb the place of the accident as required under regulation 190 of MMR-1961, provide U-type fencing at the entrance to the site of accident as per D.G.M.S. circular no. 11 of 1959 and send information to D.G.M.S. as required under regulation 9 of MMR-1961. I shall wait for 72 hours from the time of accident for the arrival of the D.G.M.S. officers. If enquiry from D.G.M.S. is not started by then, I shall start my enquiry by pursuing the following steps:-(1) I shall prepare a sketch of the site illustrating the accident (in duplicate). (2) I shall collect all relevant details of the place of accident like situation prevailing just before the occurrence of the accident; the relevant dimensions of the work-geometry, hauling or transport system and rolling stock ( if the accident is due to transport machinery). I shall take the assistance of my Asst. Manager, safety officer and surveyor in this process. I shall also get a plan of the accident site prepared by the surveyor. I shall get the sketch signed by all of them and by the workmen's Inspector and shall myself sign it. One copy of this authenticated sketch is required to be sent/delivered to the concerned D.G.M.S. officer.(3) After this, I shall collect all the eye-witnesses of the accident and other relevant witnesses like co-workers, supervisory personnel etc. at the site and interrogate them to know the events prior to the accident, occurrence of the accident, rescue/recovery work (if done prior to my arrival on the site). Evidence of illiterate witnesses will be recorded first, on the spot, if possible.(4) Then I shall record the evidence of all other witnesses in ascending order of official status, in my office. In case of serious bodily injury, the evidence of the injured shall be recorded in the hospital/dispensary, the moment he is fit to dispose. His evidence is most important. If the injured is likely to die, his dying declaration will be recorded on top priority. Constant touch with attending medical officer is necessary for this purpose.(5) All the evidences will be analyzed to conclude on the causes and circumstances leading to the accident, pin point the responsibilities (if any) (6) Finally, measures will be recommended to prevent similar accident in future.(7) Proceedings will drawn against person found responsible for this accident causation, unless the accident is treated as a case of "misadventure" i.e. nobody's responsibility.

153. Discuss the provisions of mines rules 1955 which enable the workers to participate in the safe working of the mines. Suggest what may be done to make the provisions more effective. Recognizing that much greater strides can be achieved by participation of workers in safety management / programmes , the twin instruments of "workmen's inspector" and "safety committee" have been given statutory backing by being incorporated in the mines rules 1955 in a new chapter IVB (rules 29Q to 29W). As per these rules (Rule 29Q), workmen's inspector are required to be appointed in every mine (Employing more than 500 workers) in three disciplines mining, electrical and mechanical. Their

duties have been prescribed U/R 29R and include inspection of workplace, roadways, equipment; intimation to the manager and inspector about urgent and immediate danger; suggestion of immediate measures to avoid dangers; accompanying inspector of mines in course of complete inspection or if so required by him otherwise; and preparation of reports in form "U". As per rule 29T, safety committee is required to be constituted at every mine employing more than 100 persons, and this committee shall consist of manager (chairman), 5 officials or competent persons nominated by chairman, 5 workers nominated by workmen, the three workmen's inspector's (mining, electrical and mechanical) and safety officer (or senior most mine official next to manager where there is no so) as secretary. The functions of safety committee are prescribed in Rule 29V which includes discussion on 'remedial measures' against unsafe conditions and practices as pointed out in "U" forms by the workmen's inspector or otherwise brought to the notice of the committee and making recommendations ; consideration of the proposed safety and health measures before commissioning of any new district , of new electrical and mechanical installation or introduction of new mining technique and making appropriate recommendation ;discussion on the reports of enquiry into accidents; formulation of safety campaign based on accident analysis and serving as a "Forum" for communication on safety and occupational health matter. The safety committee shall meet once in 30 days .Both these instruments are "bi-partite" in nature i.e. they consist of managements and workers representatives. The concept underlying this concept is that when workers participate in safety activities, the safety decisions are not taken by management alone and imposed on the workers, but the problems are explained in details and the workers are made to participate in the analysis and arriving at decision with management guidance. In this system, the workers are "involved" in the "safety decision making process" and are committed to that extent which they can, with some justification, claim to be their own .Conforming such decision gives the worker a needed challenge and satisfaction on it's achievements, The system meets to some extent the ego needs of individuals thereby increasing worker's motivation and creating conditions for greater safety and risk reduction.

MEASURES SUGGESTED TO MAKE PROVISIONS MORE EFFECTIVE:1. The training imparted to workmen's inspector should be more intensive and purpose oriented .They should be made to realise that their main role is to protect the interest of workers as far as their health and safety are concerned and has to engender confidence in workmen that their place of work is under close watch continuously to keep it safe and healthy.2. The members of safety committee should be thoroughly trained so that they may feel important, involved and committed. The training should include inculcation of better attitude towards work, improved motivation, perception-conditioning etc. They should act as "catalyst" in promoting better work environment, work-practice and quality of work life (QWL)3. The safety committee meetings should be attained by senior officials above manager rank to boost the morale of the participants.4. Better IR between management and workers; otherwise the workers representative may feel that their participation is in the interest of the management and not oriented to the health, safety and welfare of the workers.5. Last but not the least, the workmen's inspector and the member of the safety committee should be made "value oriented" in their approach by selling the "motto" that "skill-rich" approach will not achieve the desired results unless it is "value rich"

also. "Desirable values" should be incorporated in the "means" to achieve the "end" of "Desired value".

154. What are the requirements of MMR-1961 as regards formation of benches/ sloping of sides in opencast workings for different types of strata, worked manually as well as by the help of heavy machinery?Manual quarry (i) In alluvial soil, morum, gravel, clay, debris or other similar ground- sides to be sloped at an angle of safety not exceeding 450 from horizontal or such other angle stipulated by RIM or kept benched of height not greater than 1.5m and breadth less than the height. In case of special difficulties, CIM may grant exemption.(ii) Float ore on a sloping face: benched and sloped sides; slope not greater than 600 from horizontal; bench height not greater than 6m and breadth not less than height like this:-

(iii) In ore body of comparatively hard and compact rock RIM may permit height of the bench upto 7.5m, while its width not less than 6m, subject to certain conditions. CIM however can relax the provisions where special difficulties exist.

Mechanized quarry (i) In alluvial soil, morum, clay or other similar ground, where compliance with the provision of Regulation-106(1) of MMR-1961, is not possible, while employing heavy machinery, not less than 60 day's prior notice is required to be submitted to CIM and RIM and no work shall be commenced or carried out except in accordance with the conditions specified by the order in writing. That means, in soft strata, if heavy machinery is proposed to be deployed and worked in such a manner which will not permit formation of benches of height not greater than 1.5m and width not less than height or maintain angle of safety of the slope not greater than 450 from the horizontal, permission under 106(2)(b) 0f MMR-1961 is required to be obtained from DGMS and formation of benches/slope of sides etc. will be strictly in accordance with the conditions stipulated in the permission. Normal stipulations are- (a) the height of the benches in overburden, ore-body or other rock formation shall not be more than the digging height of the excavator, provided that in case of uniformly soft rock, RIM may permit the extension of the height upto 3m above the digging height. (b) the width of the bench shall not be less than (i) the width of the widest machine plying on the bench plus 2 meters or if dumpers ply on the bench, three times the width of the dumper or the height of the bench whichever is more. CIM, however, may permit lesser width of the benches than the height subject to certain conditions.

MMR-1961 is however silent on "whether permission under 106(2)(b) is required from DGMS when the strata is not soft as indicated under 106(1) but is hard and compact where the provisions of regulation 106(3) of MMR-1961 are applicable which reads "in an excavation of any hard and compact ground or in prospecting trenches or pit, the sides shall be adequately benched, sloped or secured so as to prevent danger from fall of sides."

Conventionally, permission under regulation 106(2)(b) of MMR-1961 is obtained by mine operators, in all types of strata whenever it is proposed to work by a system of deep hole blasting and/or with the help of heavy machinery for digging, excavation/removal etc.

155. What should be the sampling procedure of air-born dust in Mechanized Opencast mine? Describe with line diagram the principle of operation of a Gravimetric dust sampler approved by DGMS.1) General sampling procedure:In mechanized Opencast mine sampling by "Personal" samplers is considered more reliable than sampling by fixed point sampler. However, sampling by fixed point simpler should be taken at the working places near the persons. It should be carried out with the air inlet to the instrument facing the return side of the point of dust generation. Direction of the air current should be kept in mind and instrument should be kept horizontal and positioned at about breathing level. NCB/MRE Gravimetric Dust Sampler Type 113A or its approved equivalent may be used for such fixed point sampling. Personal Samplers also should be of approved type. Personal samplers give the assessment of the dust dose of an individual during a shift whereas a fixed type sampler gives mainly the assessment of the work place environment.

2) Sampling Position: Personal sampler shall be attached to the worker. fixed type sampler should be placed as follows. A) The sampler should be placed adjacent to the operator within one meter, in bye of his normal working position and on the return side of the point of dust generation B) in no case shall the device be installed behind the operator.

3) Duration of sample:A working place should be sampled continuously during the whole of the working shift from the time men reach the working place to the time they live. In case of personal sampler the sampler shall be attached to the person from the time he enters the mine to the time he leaves the mine.

4) Frequency of Sampling:Every place where people are at work shall be sampled once in every month. If the respirable dust concentration exceeds the T.L.V prescribed for the type of dust. Then the face shall be sampled again for 5 times in the next 7 successive shifts and continue till the concentration comes within T.L.V. Once the respirable dust content falls to TLV. or below, the monthly sampling schedule shall be followed.

5) Quartz content: since the TLV of dust concentration is related to % silica content in the respirable dust, the quartz or free silica content of each sample of air borne dust shall be ascertained to determine the TLV of respirable dust of all ores except manganese and asbestos.

6) Defective sample: if the analyzing laboratory is of the opinion that the sample is not representative of the mine atmosphere, the sample should be disregarded and fresh sample should be taken.

7) Recording of results:

record of respirable dust content and the quartz content of the samples shall be kept in a bound paged book. The record should include the place of drawing sample and date of sampling. The place were samples were drawn should be shown on a plan in a suitable scale.

SCHEMATIC DIAGRAM OF MRE/NCB GRAVIMETRIC DUST SAMPLER-TYPE 113A

NCB/MRE Gravimetric Dust Sampler-type 113A is approved by CIM for sampling air-borne dust in mines. It is a self-powered, portable, intrinsically safe instrument for obtaining Gravimetric samples of respirable air-borne dust in mines. An electrically driven pump A (shown by diagram above) draws air to be sampled through a filter disc B at 2.5 liters per minute so that only respirable fraction of air-borne dust is collected. A size selector C is used before air is passed through filter paper. Size selector is multi channel horizontal plate elutriator allowing only the respirable fraction of air borne dust slotted intake plate E fitted over elutriator entry minimizes effects of external air flow and gives pressure stabilization and equalization in elutriator plates. Rear of each horizontal plate is lipped at F to prevent accidental shaking on to filter disc of oversize dust deposited in elutriator. Transfer hood G between end of elutriator and filter disc is held in position by two screws. Motor H runs at constant speed controlled electronically. Flow of air via leaf valve J and pulsation damper K passes through flow meter L. Counter M is geared to the motor and displays total air flow in liters. After clean air passes through flow meter it exhausts inside the main case and maintains it at a slight pressure thus preventing dust entry. The weight of the instrument is 4 Kg.

[In 1959, Johannesburg International Conference on Pneumoconiosis recommended that mass concentration of respirable dust (determined by weighing) was best descriptive parameter to measure Pneumoconiosis hazard. Earlier, the index for measurement of dustiness was number of particles per unit volume of air breathed (p.p.a.e) - particles per cubic centimeter. Gravimetric- means by "weight"]

156. What are the occupational diseases notified by Central Govt. as diseases "connected with mining operation" under Sec.25 of the Mine's Act 1952? What is the "Manganese Poisoning"? What are the symptoms and preventive measures?The following diseases have been notified by Central Govt. under" Sec.25 of the Mine's Act 1952 as diseases "connected with mining operation:-1) Silicosis2) Pneumoconiosis3) Manganese Poisoning4) Asbestosis5) Cancer of Lung or the stomach or the pleura and peritoneum (i.e.mesotheliomas)

Manganese Poisoning is an occupational disease notified by Central Govt. under Sec.25 of the Mine's Act 1952 and is compensable. It is caused by the inhalation of fine manganese dust in contamination of food stuff by manganese dust if taken

without washing the hands and mouth. If incapacitates a person if the dose exceeds a certain limit. The poison attacks the brain and affects the so-called extra pyramidal system. It develops drowsiness and insomnia as well. Other symptoms are muscular pain cramps, stiffness of limbs and involuntary tremors. It affects the nervous system resulting in occasional uncontrollable laughter and/or crying. There may be impulsive acts such as running, dancing, singing etc. The victim may be aggressive and his speech disturbance may also occur. There is no specific remedy for this disease and the effected patient should be rehabilitated in new occupation suitable to their physical condition. If no such alternative employment is available, such person shall be paid disability allowances as per Rule 82 A of Mine's Rule 1955.

As regards preventive measures DGMS Circular No.25 of 1961 had prescribed ventilatory standards to obviate the Manager dust hazard in underground mines besides prohibiting dry drilling Reg. 124 of MMR,1961 had been later amended in 1988to incorporate the time weighted average concentration of Mn-dust not more than 5 mg. per cubic of air sampled by a gravimetric dust sampler of a type approves by CIM and as determined in accordance with the procedure specified by him by general or special order, besides detailed dust sampling procedure.

[Ventilation standard recommended in CIM Circular no. 25 of 1961" A minimum air velocity of 15m/min. at the work faces and dead ends at points not more than 1.5m away from the face."]

157. What is the minimum standard of illumination prescribed for different places or areas where natural light is insufficient in open cast metalliferous mines, the manner and the plane level in which the illumination is to be provided during working hours?

In pursuance of sub-regulation (2) of Reg.148 of MMR-1961 the standard lighting prescribed is indicated below-

Sl.No.

place/Area to be illuminated

Manner in which it is to be illuminated

Minimum standard of illumination (LUX)

plane/level where illumination is to be provided

1General working areas as determined by the manager in writing

  0.2At the level of the surface to be illuminated

2Work place of heavy machinery

So as to cover the depth and height through which the machinery operate

5.0 10.0

Horizontal Vertical

3Area where drilling rig works

So as to illuminate the full height of the rig

10.0 Vertical

4 Area where Bull-Dozer or   10.0 At the level of the

other tractor-mounted machine works

Crawler tracks

5Places where manual work is done

To be provided at the level of the surface on which such work is done

5.0 10.0

Horizontal Vertical

6

Places where loading, unloading or transfer , loading of dumpers, trucks or train is carried on

  3.0 Horizontal

7

Operator's cabins of machines or Mechanisms

To be provided upto a height of 0.8 m from floor level

30.0 Horizontal

8At hand picking points along a conveyor belt

To be provided upto a distance of not less than 1.5m from the picker

50.0On the surface of the conveyor belt

9 Truck Haulage RoadTo be provided at the level of the road

0.5 to 3.0 Horizontal

10 Rail Haulage track in the pit To be provided at the level of the road

0.5 Horizontal

11Roadways and footpaths from bench to bench

  3.0 Horizontal

12Permanent paths for use of persons employed etc.

  1.0 Horizontal

158. What are the statutory restrictions/requirements for working a quarry in the vicinity of a river? What precautions should be taken to guard against danger if inundation of the difference between highest known flood level of a river and top of a quarry is 1.0 meter? Statutory restrictions/requirements for working a quarry in the vicinity of a river:-1. As per Reg.127(1) of MMR-1961, where a quarry is so situated that there is any danger of inrush of surface water into it, adequate protections against such inrush shall be provided and maintained, and if any dispute arises as to whether such protection is adequate or not it shall be referred to CIM for decision.

2. As per Reg.127(2)(b) of MMR-1961, no part of the quarry shall be extended to any spot lying within a horizontal distance of 15 meters from either bank of river except with the permission in writing of the CIM and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein.

3. If any part of the quarry is proposed to be extended to within 15m of either bank of the river, permission has to be sought from CIM by submitting application accompanied by two copies of plan and sections showing the existing position of the quarry, the proposed extension, depth of the quarry from surface, any fault or other geological disturbances and such other particulars as may affect the safety of the quarry or of the persons employed therein.

Precautions against danger of inundation in the quarry:-The difference of level between the top of the quarry and the H.F.L. of the river is 1.0 meter. It is not considered to be adequate because of possibility of change of HFL due to various reasons. As per CMR-1957 (Reg. 126(1)(b)) this difference of level shall not be less than 1.5m without permission from CIM. Therefore, I propose the precautions as per details below:-1. Provisions of embankment of pure earth/clay, the height of which will be not less than 3m from the HFL of the river.2. The width of the top of the embankment shall not be less than 3m.3. The water course side of the embankment shall be pitched by stone blocks of at least 0.3m thickness cemented with each other and the pitching shall be extended upto the hard rock of the river bed as shown in the sketch below:-

4. The embankment shall be strong enough to withstand (i) the static head and the dynamic stresses of flowing water & (ii) eroding effect of water. Civil engineering and soil mechanics experts may be consulted before construction of the embankment.5. A danger mark, 1.5m below the toe of the embankment shall be fixed provided with float alarm signaling system for withdrawal of man and machines from the quarry, when water rises upto the danger mark in the river. System of communication from float alarm switch to the different paths of the mine and other places shall be regularly checked for its effectiveness.6. Danger mark, however shall be fixed taking into consideration the rate of rise of water level in the river under the most adverse condition, time taken for conveying alarm to the prescribed places, time taken by the officials to collect men and machine and remove them to safe place, margin of safety etc.7. Besides these, adequate lighting arrangement at the float switch for night inspection and patrolling during rainy seasons should be arranged.8. The manner of withdrawal shall be incorporated in standing order for withdrawal of persons.9. Constant watch against obstruction of flow of water in the river.10. Mock-Rehearsal of withdrawal practice to maintain the level of alertness and safety consciousness amongst all.

159. What do you mean by classification of accidents? How is it significant? What is ILO Classification of accidents and what classification is followed by DGMS?Accidents are classified cause-wise, place-wise, type-wise, agency-wise, nature of injury-wise, bodily location of injury-wise etc. to identify the actual causes and circumstances leading to accidents so that remedial measures could be evolved and implemented to avoid similar accidents in future. Classification helps detailed analysis of the data collected and pin-point weak areas contributing to accident causation. In this respect classification of accident is significant in formulating accident prevention programs. There are many different methods of classifying accidents to causes, some are known as simple classification and others are multiple classification system.

ILO in 1923 had adopted a simple classification which had been replaced by a multiple classification of system in 1962. According to this system, industrial accidents are classifieds under each of the following headings:-(a) The type of accident, e.g. fall of person, struck by falling object, caught in-between objects etc.(b) The agency, e.g. machines, means of transport, pressure vessels (c) The nature of injury e.g. fractures, dislocation, burns etc.(d) The bodily location of injury e.g. head, upper limb, neck etc.

In DGMS basically, the statutory requirement of classifying accidents as per instructions annexed to the Form IV-A of the first schedule U/R 9 of MMR-1961 is enforced which is cause-wise classification like explosion and ignition of inflammable gas, falls of ground, haulage, explosive, machinery etc. This relates to fatal and serious bodily injuries only in which case form IV-A is required to be submitted to DGMS. In respect of other injuries, reportable and minor, classification of accidents by place of work and by cause had been prescribed in Annexure I&II to form J (Return of reportable accidents). Thus cause wise & place wise classification with detailed sub-classification had been so far the system adopted by DGMS. In DGMS circular No. 40 of 1972 and No.3 (General) of 1978, new classification codes on this basis had been circulated. But recently DGMS follows a code of classification, the details of which are given below-

                                                            CLASSIFICATION OF ACCIDENTS & ITS CODE NOS

PLACE CODE

CODE LONG NAME1 Below ground2 Opencast3 Above ground

WORKING CODE

CODE LONG NAME1 Development2 Longwall3 Depillaring/Stoping4 Coal/ore bench5 O/B Bench6 Waste dump7 Others

CAUSE CODE

CODE

LONG NAME

0111 Fall of roof0112 Fall of sides0199 Other falls of ground0121 Overwinding of cages/Skips etc.

0299Other accidents/Dangerous occurrences Due to winding

0332 Rope haulage0834 Conveyors0335 Dumpers0339 Other wheeled trackless0399 Other non winding Machinery0448 HEMM other than Dumpers0499 Other machinery0500 Explosives0600 Electricity0775 Spontaneous heating

0799Other accidents/Dangerous occurrences Due to dust/fires

0881 Fall of persons0883 Fall of objects0899 Others ( falls other than Ground movement)0999 Other than above

DESIGNATION CODE

CODE LONG NAME20 Management30 Subordinate supervisory officials41 Loaders42 Support personnel43 Dresser44 Shotfirer49 Other B/G face worker50 Other B/G worker59 Trammer60 Fitter71 Dumper operator72 Truck etc. operator79 Other operators99 Any other

SITE CODE

CODE LONG NAME1 Haul road2 Rope haulage road3 Other roadways4 Miscellaneous

INJURY CODE

CODE LONG NAME1 Amputation2 Fracture3 Internal injury4 Others

PARTS OF BODY CODE

CODE LONG NAME10 Head12 Eye31 Back32 Chest34 Pelvis38 Spinal column40 Upper limbs45 Fingers49 Other upper limbs50 Lower limbs99 other

c) Safety Vs productivity:- there is a misconception that increase safety in operation will not contribute to productivity. As a matter of fact, without safety sustained production and productivity is not possible to achieve. Productivity is a measure of efficient systems and system effectiveness can be enhanced only by safe operation. Otherwise any accident or malfunctioning of a system will grind a halt to the production process and productivity is meaningless without production. Safe and healthy work situation promote motivation and moral of the workers and there by boost production and productivity. Therefore safety and production must go hand in hand.

160. Besides generation of fly rocks, what are the other hazards associated with heavy blasting in opencast mines? How these can be minimized?Besides generation of fly rocks, other hazards in heavy blasts in opencast mines are-(i) ground vibration (ii)air blast and noise (iii)pre mature blast and mis-fire (iv) noxious fumes (v) back-breaks (vi) impact on wild life in forest area(i) ground vibration- every blast, however small, generates ground vibration and large blasts invariably cause ground vibration of alarming proportion when these are inflicted on dwellings, monuments and other surface features of significance. The ground vibration generated by a given blast depends on the maximum charge per delay, distance from the site of blasts and geology of the site. Several formulae have been devised for calculating the peak particle velocity. The most accepted formula is the square root scaled distance (m/Kg1/2, where m=distance in meters, Kg=weight of charge in one delay). By instrumentation, propagation equations may be worked out for each site where precise control is desired with the help of 'controlled blasting' and close monitoring, by instrumentation it is possible to keep the ground vibration within prescribed limit of "no damage" value. As per CMRI study , " no damage" level of ground vibration for safety of structures has been prescribed as PPV of 12.5 mm/sec.

(ii) air blast and noise- The major factors contributing to these hazards are-. Blown out shots. Inadequate burden on the front row of holes. Excessive charge per hole. Poor confinement of explosives. Poor fragmentation. Exposed detonating cordThese can be minimized by optimizing all the blasting parameters and covering the detonating cord by at-least 20 cm. sand layer all along its run.

(iii) Premature blast and misfire-Long lead time, thunderstorm, lightening, dust storms, static electricity, stray current from electric machinery and overhead lines may contribute to these hazards. Use of non-electric detonators and other precautions prescribed by DGMS for heavy blasting, careful handling of blasted mass, reduction of delay interval between the rows and safe and correct blasting practices may reduce these hazards to a large extent.

(iv) Noxious fumes- Poisoning by nitrous fumes produced by heavy blast is not a common occurrence in open cast mine. However, certain cases of lung irritation and injuries have been reported when the workmen entered the workings before the fumes cleared. Such accidents occurred in deep bowl shaped opencast workings.

(v) Back breaks- Improper blast design leads to back-breaks, which endangers the property in the vicinity. Further, these back breaks permit the entry of rain water into the strata, creating problems of slope stability. Proper blast design, which includes the system of inclined holes (rather than vertical holes) can considerably reduce the creation of back-breaks.

(vi) Impact on wild life- The ground vibration, air blast, noise etc. of big blasts in opencast mines situated in the vicinity of reserve forest may drive away wild life,

particularly those of bigger species, disrupting the ecological balance. The lesser the hazards , lesser the adverse effects.

161. How serious do you consider the hazards of "vibration" from tools and equipments in highly mechanized mine?Though not much work has been done in our country on the vibration hazard from tools and equipment in mechanized mine, yet harmful effect of vibration on the performance and health of workers has been identified. Vibration is a reciprocating motion which reverses itself twice every cycle. These are characterized by several parameters like "amplitude", "frequency", and "acceleration". Generally the vertical component of the vibrations is more severe. Below 2 Hz. Frequency vibrations, the human body responds as a single mass. Above this frequency, "relative" motion occurs between regions and organs due to resonance effects within the skeleton and connected tissues. A whole body resonance occurs in 4 to 8 Hz. range and leads to considerable amplification of this vibration between buttocks and upper torso resulting in increased discomfort. In the standing position considerable attenuation of low frequency vibration is provided by the legs. Apart from causing discomfort, low frequency vibration has been shown to have an adverse effect on worker's performance, capabilities and health. Vehicle ride vibration can be detrimental to spinal health and cause digestive disorders common with tractor and heavy diesel vehicle operators ( dumpers, trucks ). A loss of performance ability due to vibration has been observed in relation to driver's steering ability, foot pressure constancy, reaction time, vision and motor performance. High frequency vibration ( more than 20 Hz.) may cause head resonance with head vibration amplitudes exceeding that of the shoulder by as much as three to one. Another disturbing frequency between 60 and 90 Hz. causes eye-ball resonance. Intense high frequency vibration of the hands may lead to nervous and circulatory damage. This phenomenon known as "Reynauld's disease" is frequently experienced with vibrating hand tools. There is evidence to suggest that 40-250 Hz. is the frequency range most likely to cause these symptoms. In advanced cases, the worker may suffer from lack of control, inability to hold and manipulate and reduced sensations in the hand. Detailed study of vibration hazard in mechanized mine by appropriate instrumentation will establish the magnitude of its harmful effect on the workers.

162. CMRI has standardized the safe blast vibration limits for various types of structures commonly found in the vicinity of mines and quarries by investigation on "test structures". Could you enumerate their findings and damaging levels of ground vibration?The CMRI investigation findings are as follows:-(1) the magnitude of vibration on test structure was 1-2.82 times greater than on the ground. Duration of structure vibration was also 1-2.2 times longer than that of the ground vibration(2) Amplification of ground vibration took place when its frequency was within the range of natural frequency of the structure. Because of amplification, structure damage might occur at relatively low peak particle velocity.(3) Natural frequency of test structures varied between 8 to 14 Hz.(4) High frequency waves varied between 22 and 80 Hz. And low frequency waves ranged between 6 and 22 Hz. PPV's associated with low frequency waves were 1.09 to 3.39 times higher than that of high frequency waves.

Damaging levels of vibration:- (1) The lowest level of ground vibration at which new cracks developed in brick structures at one site was 50 mm/sec and frequency was greater than 20 Hz.(2) At 85 mm/sec. PPV and above almost all the existing cracks were either extended and/or widened (3) Window glass panes cracked at PPV of 86.6 mm/sec.(4) Vibration level around 100 mm/sec. and above caused more no. of cracks and falling of loose mortar(5) At PPV of 192.4 mm/sec. brick and mud houses were damaged severely(6) All the damaging values of vibration were found to occur within scaled distance of 10 m/Kg1/2

The results of investigation indicated that the damage caused to structures may be categorized into three types namely:-(a) No noticeable damage (no damage observed)(b) Minor damage (hairline visible cracks in the plaster of the structure)(c) Major damage (severe visible cracks in and all around the structure)

The threshold limit of ground vibration (no damage level) for safety of structures is 50 mm/sec. (PPV) for frequency greater than 20 Hz. In case of frequency less than 20 Hz. the amplification of PPV's is upto 3.4 times than that of the PPV's of higher frequency vibration. Thus the SAFE VALUE of vibration for the safety of structures, in case of low frequency vibration may be reduced to 1/4th i.e. 12.5 mm/sec. Since the structures near a blasting site differ widely in construction and its state of repair, the same standard may not hold good for all. In its fairness, the safe level of ground vibration will depend on close inspection of the structures involved.

163. Give typical blasting parameters in "sand stone" and "limestone"Sand stone: blast hole dia.-250 mm; bench height- 14m; burden-6m; spacing-7m; depth of hole-14m , stemming column- 6.5m; charge factor in Kg/m3 -0.5; charge length-6m; decking-1.5m; charge per hole- 294 kgLime stone: blast hole dia.-100 mm; bench height- 7m; burden-3m; spacing-4m; depth of hole-7.5m , stemming column- 4.2m; charge factor in Kg/m3 -0.3; charge length-3.3m; charge per hole- 25 kg

For 150mm dia. holes, the above figures would be 10m; 3.5m; 4.5m; 11m; 4.5m; 0.35m and 55 kg respectively

164. What is Bulk Explosive Systems? What are their advantages over cartridge systems? Name the different categories of Bulk Explosive products.Bulk explosive systems (BES) are essentially those where explosives are delivered directly into the blast hole through mechanized and mobile delivery system. Traditionally, bulk explosives are supplied to large open pit mines and civil construction projects that consume sufficiently large quantity of explosives to bear the capital cost of setting up an onsite manufacturing plant. As a thumb rule, an annual explosive consumption of 2000 tonnes per annum is the lower limit for

considering an onsite plant. However, bulk products incorporating emulsion technology have been developed currently which reliably initiate in diameters less than 100mm and much lower bulk delivery system capacities than traditional bulk trucks.Bulk explosives offer the following advantages over traditional cartridge systems:-

Feature Advantages with bulkSafety Non explosive ingredients are stored at all stages

InventoryNo inventory needs to be maintained and hence no investments in large magazines

Explosive vans Large number of vans are not required

Man powerManpower saving with less deployment of van driver/helper/blasting crew and magazine staff

Speed of operation

Swift charging rate; 250/300 kg./min

Explosive product

Tailor made product with respect to density and energy, can be delivered down the blast hole

Blasting efficiency

Full bore hole coupling can be achieved enabling expanded burden and spacing parameters

Other features No explosive pilferage

Bulk explosive products can be classified in the following categories:-(1) dry blasting agents and ANFO mixtures (2) bulk slurry/watergel explosives (3) emulsion products- bulk emulsions ,doped emulsions and doped emulsions (4) heavy ANFO (HANFO)

Bulk explosives products

165. Write short notes on (a) non-electric blast initiation system(b) Electronic delay detonators (a) non electric initiation system:- when conventional electric detonators are used, sometimes, stray current, static electricity, thunder storms, lightening etc. and also radio frequency energy can cause premature blast, particularly in conductive ore bodies. Such hazards arise out of the usage of heavy electrical equipment, heavy transmission cables inducing electrical pulses into the fuse heads of the electrical detonators. Therefore the trend world over is to switch over to the non-electric firing system. Ordinary detonator and safety fuse combination, of course, is the best known non-electric blast initiation system. Non-electric firing is achieved by the use of a wide range of non-electric systems, the most conventional being a "detonating fuse", used in multi hole blasting and when detonated has the initiating energy of a blasting detonator "at all points". Other non-electric blast initiation systems are (i) shock tube system (ii) LEDC system (iii) gas initiated system. The shock tube system utilizes a hollow plastic tube, internally coated with reactive explosive material to transmit the shock to a delay detonator crimped onto one end of the tube. Initiation of these detonators are carried out with detonating fuse trunklines or through surface connector blocks provided by each manufacturers. These detonators are available in

various brand names like Raydet of M/s IDL chemical ltd. (India), NONEL of Nitro Nobel (Sweden), Blast Master of Atlas power co. (USA) etc. In LEDC system a low core energy detonating cord(LEDC) initiates a delay detonator crimped at one end. Various cord length and delay periods are available. Primadet of M/s Ensign Bickford co. and Anodet, cordline of M/s ICI ltd. are brand names of such systems. The gas initiated system is a totally new concept which uses an "explosive gas mixture' to fire the detonators. M/s Hercules Inc. (USA) has developed such a system by the brand name of "Hercudet" which resembles a detonator except that two hollow plastic tubes are present in place of the lead wires. An open space is present (instead of fuse head) which connects the two plastic tubes inside the shell. These detonators are connected to one another in series through a system of plastic tubes and connectors. The two leads of the blast hook-up are connected to a special unit which mixes and pumps the explosive gas mixture through the hook-up and a spark delivered by the fire button, detonates the gas mixture through the entire circuit, firing all the detonators. The major plus point with this is that the circuit can be checked for any loose connections, leaks by checking the pressure at the out bye end of the hook-up, which is not possible with other non electric system now available in the market.

(b) Electronic delay detonator: - conventional electric delay detonator based on pyrotechnics always shows a scatter in timings in relation to the specified nominal timing. These, a general practice in designing delay intervals, consist of choosing a delay interval such that the statistical probability of two consecutive delay periods overlapping in timing does not exceed 5%. More accurate delays may have an overlap less than 3% or sometimes 1%. For better delay accuracies, Electronic delay detonators have been developed. In these detonators, instead of pyrotechnic delay element, the timing is controlled by a small electronic "timer" built within the detonator shell. Electronic delays from Dynamite Nobel A.G. and nitro Nobel of Sweden are even more advanced. They are fixed from a programmable unit such that the desired delay time is built on site before the holes are fixed. The dynamite Nobel system, for instance, consists of electronic delay detonator with 60 time steps, each step being programmable with delay intervals between 2 ms and 100 ms. The accuracy of timing is less than 1 ms. Actual delay time is obtained by multiplying thee number of the step with the programmer delay interval. A delay interval of 100 ms can thus be obtained by combination of 50th time step and delay interval of 2 ms or by a combination of 25th step and a delay interval of 4 ms. [Pyrotechnics means use of fire in actuation of a process]

166. What are the impacts of large mechanized opencast mining operation on environment at working places? Suggest measures for combating the various problems."Working places" in a highly mechanized open pit are mostly "mobile" in the sense that the workers here are mostly machine operators and the machines are "mobile". Therefore pollution of the "man-machine inter-face area" needs evaluation and control by "monitoring" the environmental condition in a systematic way. Working places are environmentally polluted in various ways by the mechanized operations in large open pit. Some of these are enumerated below:-1. dust pollution during drilling operation- both air borne and respirable2. dust pollution during blasting operation- lingering in the working place3. dust pollution in the haul roads- the dust cloud invading the working places4. dust pollution during loading ore/OB by shovels and also in "in-pit crushers" where

these are providedIn short dust is generated during drilling, blasting and handling of ore/OB and crushing/screening.5. noise pollution by the HEMM particularly diesel operated machines.6. pollution by noxious fumes generated by explosives during blasting7. pollution due to vibration from tools and equipment. This hazard is evident when jack-hammer drill is used to drill holes in big boulders for secondary blasting

Measures for combating the above problems may be:-1. wet drilling: if it is not possible, provision of dust extractors besides using appropriate drill bits and optimization of the other parameters of drilling to reduce dust generation.2. wetting the blast area before firing the shots.3. keeping the haul roads wet by sprinklers and avoiding spillage of ore/OB from dumpers/trucks for proper loading.4. wetting the fragmented mass before handling by excavators or providing dust proof cabin for the operators of the shovels , dumpers or provision of suitable dust respirators to them; wetting arrangement at hoppers of crushers with dust proof enclosures.5. evaluation of air-borne respirable dust by regular sampling as required under regulation 124(3)(a) of MMR-1961 and ensuring that workers are not exposed to the atmosphere where the respirable dust content exceeds the prescribed limit as per regulation 124(2) of MMR-1961.6. provision of dust respirators of suitable type to all workers where the respirable dust concentration is in excess of the "permissible limit" as required under regulation 126(5) of MMR-1961.7. controlling noise emitted by HEMM as per recommendations of DGMS circular(tech) no. 5 of 1990 and afford necessary protection to the workers exposed to noise level above 90 db(A). The noise control measures include "reduction of noise level at the source" by engineering design of the machine or equipment and its proper installation and maintenance e.g. damping impact noise, noise insulation by sound absorbing materials, acoustic barriers or enclosures etc. Where noise level is not possible to be brought down below the permissible limit, personnel hearing protection programme shall be implemented as suggested in the above circular.8. noxious fumes generated by the explosives can be reduced by selection of proper explosive, appropriate blasting techniques by optimizing all the relevant blasting parameters.9. not much work has been done in our country on the vibration hazard from tools and equipment. But there is evidence to suggest that 40-250 Hz. is the frequency range causing "Reynauld's disease" to persons using vibrating hand tools. This disease causes nervous and circulatory damage.

167. As a newly appointed Asst. Manager of a large mechanized open cast mine, you find that accident rate due to dumper and truck is very high. How would you approach the problem and what steps would you take to improve the state of affairs?As a newly appointed Asst. Manager, I would first of all analyze the causes and circumstances leading to each and every accident due to dumper and trucks. After identifying the causes I would approach the problem systematically to remove the causes to prevent repetition of occurrence of similar accidents. Besides this, I shall

make an in-depth study of the entire transport system by dumpers and trucks to identify the weak areas in the system like "unsafe" conditions and "unsafe" practices prevalent in the mine which may create "accident potential" situation, because accidents are manifestation of the "weaknesses" in the system, but many weaknesses remain undetected till they result in mishaps/accidents. For such study, I will divide the system into the following components:(i) the vehicle operators-their physical fitness, training, competence level, motivation, attitude to work and other traits of their work behavior (ii) the vehicles (dumpers and trucks)- their operatibility and maintainability, the standard of maintenance- both routine and preventive, the quality of the maintenance schedule and its implementation, the quality and competence level of maintenance crew, the adequacy of the check lists and their compliance, provisions of all the safety features including automatic audio-visual reversing alarm system etc.(iii) the haul roads- their layout, width, gradient, quality of construction and maintenance schedule, provision of parapet walls where necessary etc.(iv) transport procedure- the level of compliance with the approved "code of traffic rules" and "code of practice" for prevention of injuries in stockpiles and dumps and all other conditions stipulated by DGMS while granting permission under regulation 106(2)(b) of MMR-1961.

In this study whatever deficiencies would be detected, should be discussed at various levels, e.g. at senior management level to sort out the problems of re-design of haul road lay out, condition monitoring of vehicles by electronic devices, rescheduling of maintenance procedure, re-training of operators and maintenance crew etc.; at the level of mine officials and competent persons like dumper operator, and other in the forum of the "safety committee" and also in other informal forums where their participation will inspire them to adopt safe work behavior to improve the safety status of the mine. The whole concept is to identify beforehand all the factors which may contribute to creation of "accident potential" situation in the mine and take steps to eliminate such factors by involving all the concerned persons and enlisting their cooperation. I will take the following steps arising out of the deliberations/discussions as mentioned above, to improve the state of affairs:-1. Evolving a monitoring system to check the level of compliance with the "code of traffic rules" and "code of practice" for prevention of injuries in the stockpiles and dumps and DGMS stipulation on transport system.2. Regular checking of the A.V. signals while reversing vehicles and placement of spotters.3. Periodical test of the vehicle operators to evaluate their competence and response to critical situation in operation.4. Organizing refresher course at the training centre for the operators of the dumpers and the maintenance crew for updating their knowledge and skill.5. Introduction of special course for operator's development with special stress on motivational and behavioral aspect and work culture/attitude etc.6. Activating the safety committee and inspection by workmen's inspectors- the two important institution of worker's participation in safety management.7. Periodical review of the above measures.

168. Discuss the protection you would provide to belt conveyors in a 5 Km long tunnel against fire.

I would provide the following protection against fire:-1. I would install conveyor belt of fire resistant type only.2. No alloy or metals likely to give sparking shall be used in the construction of belt installation.3. Along the entire length of the conveyor, I would provide effective means of signaling so that distinct signals can be given to the attendant from any point to stop the conveyor.4. Besides this, in order to stop the belt in emergency, "pull-cord" system shall be provided along the entire length of the tunnel.5. I would provide sequence control and belt-slip protection device to protect against fire hazard.6. Wood or other inflammable material shall not be used for the support of the conveyor structure.7. Within 5 m of the drive head only non-inflammable fire resistant materials shall be used for support.8. All ventilation appliances, doors etc. in the tunnel shall be of fire resistant material.9. No open lamp shall be used near the conveyor.10. Where hydraulic fluid coupling is used, the fluid shall be fire-resistant type.11. The fusible plug used on fluid coupling shall be only of the type recommended by the manufacturer.12. Suitable and adequate means of extinguishing fire shall be provided and maintained all alomg the tunnel and at the driving unit of the conveyor.

169. What is the bearing of accidents on operational efficiency, discuss?Accidents are treated as "black-out" of safety. An extensive study carried out in USA, in the early part of this century to try to determine the relationship between safety and productive efficiency had concluded that "the highest efficiency was generally found in conjunction with best injury records" and "that safety effectiveness was not inconsistent with production effectiveness". However, safety efficiency relationship may depend more on the quality of general management than on the effectiveness of safety effort, though apparently, there is a general relationship between safety and operational efficiency. There may be as much tendency for operating efficiency to lead to safety as for as safety to contribute to efficiency. But in exceptional cases it has been found that sometimes short term efficiency is achieved at the expense of safety. The belief, among safety experts particularly, that safety increases efficiency is not justifiable in a blanket sense without some qualifications. Even if increased safety for a mining complex as a whole does tend to reduce total cost (because accidents are costly), the principle is not applicable to all dependants and all potential hazards. When a safety problem forces attention to an operation, this often leads to general improvements in the activity. On the other hand a safety device may be interference in the normal course of the work. Certainly it entails some expenditure. Whether any production time loss and installation costs are smaller than the expense of a consequence, if no safeguards were provided,( accident) is not always demonstrable. A widely known and extensive engineering study made many years ago listed as one of its conclusions, "maximum productivity is ordinarily secured only when the accidents performance tends towards the irreducible minimum". Accidents cost when carefully assessed, taking into consideration both direct and indirect cost becomes definitely more persuasive. This again depends on the size of the complex. In joint companies these costs may not compete with other vastly larger costs, but in small

ones, accident costs clearly command attention. Leaving cost side-apart, accidents lead to moral degradation causes loss of image before public and low moral of the workers creates adverse effects on efficiency. Accident free mine is the best mine in all respects.

170. What are the safety features usually incorporated in (a) Dumpers (b) Shovels (c) Bucket wheel excavators?(a) Safety features usually incorporated in dumpers are:-(i) Braking system: safety valve on primary air tank; pressure protection valve; low air pressure switch; relay emergency valve; retarder brake(ii) Electronic monitoring system: warning system in relation to alternator; low fuel and parking brake "ON"; warning system in relation to coolant temperature; hydraulic oil temperature and transmission/converter oil temperature; brake oil pressure and engine oil pressure(iii) The reverse audio-visual warning system(iv) Fire suppression system ( portable, manual or automatic) (v) Emergency steering(vi) Seat belt(vii) Roll over protection(viii) Lighting system, horn, rear view mirror, guards and fences, hand rails, non-skid platforms and warning plates.

(b) Safety features in Shovels are:-(i) Catter pillar cover/casing (ii) In pneumatic system, the safety valve, pressure relay reduction valve, pneumatic siren(iii) Lighting system(iv) Gaurds and fencing against moving parts(v) Fire fighting appliances (vi) In electric shovels, earthing of all machines and panels by two or more separate earthing loops.

(c) Safety features in Bucket Wheel Excavators:-(i) Red color emergency push buttons installed at strategic points to stop all drives in case of danger(ii) Two securing hooks inside the superstructure ring frame on the B.W. boom side to prevent superstructure from being lifted(iii) Flap gates in the protective railings at the walkway cross over points(iv) Fire extinguishers all over the machine(v) Rope-operated emergency switches with PVC covered wire ropes along the walkway of the conveyors on both sides(vi) Siren and signal horns (vii) Emergency push button in operator's cabin to trip HT OCB in case of emergency (viii) Interlocks for sequential starting (ix) Foot operated "DEADMAN" switch for hoist and travel drives(x) Intercommunication facilities within the machine with other machines and with control room(xi) Limit switches for all the slewing, H/L movements, track movements and steering

(xii) Magnetic safety clutch to take care of overloading during slewing

(xiii) Centrifugal safety switches to regulate hoisting/lowering(xiv) Tripping arrangement along with monometer in case of the receiving boom H/L rope got cut or in case of unequal load sharing between two ropes(xv) Double shoe brakes with counter weight with all the drives(xvi) Gradient motor to show the level of the machine (xvii) Necessary instruments in the operators cabin to indicate the positions of crawlers, hoisting/lowering positions of bucket wheel boom, slewing angle, slewing speed etc.

171. What protection against inrush of surface water shall be provided and maintained in a quarry situated near a river?I shall frame "standing order" for withdrawal of persons and machinery from quarry providing for, inter-alia, (i) fixation of danger mark/withdrawal level, float-alarm/ signaling system, communication, lighting, patrolling during rainy season etc. (ii) provision of embankment not less than 3m higher than HFL; width at top not less than 3m and well-pitched on the water course side (iii) constant watch against any obstruction of flow of water in the river or water course (iv) mock rehearsal of withdrawal practice to maintain the level of alertness and safety consciousness amongst all.

172. What factors are to be taken into consideration for transfer of HFL of a river, from a railway bridge situated 5 Km upstream to a mine site? Explain, the specification of an embankment to be constructed to guard against danger from a river.HFL of a river is actually highest flood line not highest flood level, because every river or water course has a hydraulic gradient and the RL upto which water rise during highest flood varies from point to point depending on the hydraulic gradient.

Factors to be considered for transfer of HFL from Rly. Bridge to the mine site are:-(1) Hydraulic gradient of the river, which can be measured by determining the RL of the water surface (when the river is full) at different points along the river.(2) Accurate measurement of the horizontal and vertical distances along the river side keeping in view the surface topography.(3) Checking, physically the highest flood level at different points along the river by identifying various water marks on poles, trees etc. and also from local enquiry.(4) If the river is small and tributary of a big river the HFL due to "back flow' of the water from the big river.(5) Whether there is any "DAM" on the upstream side, because the possibility of the HFL changing drastically due to excessive impoundment of water against the dam or due to abnormal release therefrom can not be ruled out.

Specification of Embankment: The embankment should be strong enough to withstand (i) the static load and dynamic stresses of flowing water and (ii) eroding effect of flowing waterThe specifications are illustrated below:-

Pitching to be extended upto the hard rock of the river bed.

173. Write short note on "slope stability" in open pit mine.In large open pit mine, the pit wall should remain stable till the extraction of mineral is complete. The current recommended philosophy of pit slope stability is based on "limit design concept" which implies that the pit wall should stay upto the day of completion of mining. The stability of the slope will depend on the ground condition i.e. rock structure and their physical mechanical properties, joints and fissures, geological, hydrological, topographical and climatic conditions etc. The pit geometry and the manner of extraction of ground have also impact on slope stability. "slope failure" is movement of the sides, rapid or slow being, separated from the underlying stationary part of the slope along a plane or curve of separation. In other words, slope failure involves deformation process and depending on the speed, the failure may result in fall of sides, rocks posing danger to man and machine. Conventionally, the concept of slope failure/ land slide refers to when the average shear stress along the sliding surface is equal to the shear strength of the ground. The factor of safety of a slope may be defined as the "ratio of resisting force due shear strength of the rock mass to the driving force due to shear stress". When factor of safety is more than 1, it is stable, when F.S. is 1, the slope is in equilibrium, i.e, failure is just impending. Actually the F.S. varies from point to point within the slope. Generally, the danger of shear failure is much greater near the "toe" than higher up in the slope. The factor of safety indicted above is general factor of safety, which takes into consideration the sum of the total forces from toe to the top. The angle of slope has a great bearing on the stability. The flatter the slope more stable it is generally. The angle has great impact on economy also. In large pit, even one degree steeper slope may save great amount of money. Blasting has also influence on slope stability among other things. A team of multidisciplinary person like structural geologists, hydrologists, stability engineers, mining engineers, rock mechanic experts etc. should design the adequate slope of the pit to optimize economy and safety.

174. A village exists at a distance of about 100m from a big mechanical limestone quarry. The villagers complain about danger from the fly-rock and damage to their buildings due to vibration. How will you tackle this problem?The village exists within the danger zone of 500m from the place of blasting. Fly rock is produced when explosive energy is too rapidly vented through a zone of weakness of the rock, the explosive energy is "excessive" for the amount of burden or the stemming is inadequate. When this happens, much of the explosive energy is used to throw rock, rather than to create fragmented rock and controlled displacement of the burden material. Geology, improper blast design or carelessness can cause unwanted fly rock. Other factor such as powder factor, pattern lay-out, delay sequence also be evaluated if excessive fly rock is generated. Normally, in order to comply with the provisions of regulation 164(1-A) & (1-B) of MMR-1961 it should be ensure that all person in the village within the danger zone have taken proper shelter or if proper "shelter" is not available, remove all person from their dwellings lying within the danger zone and use maximum charge of 2 Kg. in each hole using � sec. delay detonators between successive shots fired to minimize ground vibration. But if these measures are not possible to be adopted due to resistance from the villagers or if ground vibration is still not within the "no damage" value and complaints persist,

there is no other alternative but to adopt "controlled blasting techniques" with milli second delay action detonators in conjunction with suitable muffles so that the flying fragments can not project beyond a distance of 10m from the place of firing and vibration caused is not harmful to the village dwellings. An experimental blasting is required to achieve controlled blasting. In order to conduct experimental deep hole blasting or trail blast, permission from DGMS under regulation 164(1-A) & (1-B) of MMR-1961 has to be sought. The permission is granted under certain conditions the main features of which are normally as follows-(i) collaboration with C.M.R.I. scientists or any other approved scientific institution/ organization (ii) design of pattern of bore holes to minimize fly rock and ground vibration hazard(iii) direct supervision of blasting operation by Asst. Manager(iv) stipulation of aggregate charge of explosives in a series of blast holes and milli second delay action detonators (v) stipulation of distance of the blast from village dwellings(vi) provision of muffles (screens with sand bags) etc.

Items (iv) & (v) are very relevant because the ground vibration created by a given blast depends on the maximum charge per delay, distance from the site of blast and also on the geology of the site. Peak particle velocity (PPV) has been found to be an index for assessing "damage level" to different structures in various frequency ranges. As per CMRI, safe value of vibration for the safety of the structures in case of low frequency vibration is 12.5 mm/second. Several formulae have been devised for evaluating the peak particle velocity (PPV). The most dependable formula is the "square root-scale distance" (m/kg1/2; where m is distance in meters, kg. is weight of charge in one delay). By instrumentation, during experimental blast, "propagation equation" may be worked out for each site where precise control is desired. Site specific vibration formula (PPV) on scaled distance approach is as follows-PPV=K(scaled distance)A where K and A are regression co-efficients).

After conducting trail blasts, following parameters should be determined to minimize the twin hazards of fly rock and ground vibrations-(i) no. of drill holes per blast(ii) no. of rows(iii) pattern, depth, spacing, burden(iv) type of explosive and charge per hole(v) max. charge per delay and total explosives used per round(vi) delay no. and sequence of blast(vii) type of detonators(viii) stemming material used and,(ix) types of muffles to be used

Then by optimizing all the above blast parameters in the light of the data generated by trail blast problem should be tackled.

175. What is "respirable dust"? What is its role in causing "pneumoconiosis/ silicosis? What are the symptoms of these diseases?Any dust which does not pass through 60 (sixty) mesh sieve is not to be regarded as "dust". Therefore, dust contains particles of various sizes out of which a fraction of certain sizes becomes easily air-borne depending on the velocity of air and other

factors. Again, out of those particles of sizes varying from 0.5 to 7 micrometer (respirable fraction) reaches the alveoli space of the lungs and a portion of which may be retained there. "Respirable dust" may therefore be as the dust in the air which on inhalation by persons may be retained in his respiratory system. According to Davis, particulate matter of sizes varying from 0.25 to 10 micrometer enters the lungs. Out of this, only the fraction of 0.5 to 7 micrometer reaches the alveolar space and 10% of it settles in the lungs and 90% eliminated either by being passed up the respiratory tract and coughed out or swallowed or by being engulfed by dust scavenging cells carried away and rendered harmless. Particles above 100 micrometer size get trapped in the nasal passages and nasopharynx and do not get access to the lung parenchyma. The smallest particles less than 0.5 micrometer size simply float in and out without settling at all. If the clearing system is poor or the exposure to dust too great or both, then the dust remain in the lungs tissue and a degree of "pneumoconiosis" occurs depending on quantity, quality and the size distribution of the air-borne dust. The period of total exposure and the person's individual susceptibility and other ethnic factors. "Pneumoconiosis" may be defined as "response to prolonged retention in the lungs of abnormal amount of dust derived from coal mining operation;, though the term "Pneumoconiosis" (Greek, Pneumon- lung and conis- dust) is applied to all conditions in the lungs resulting from the inhalation of dust over long periods. Lung disease caused by inhalation of silica dust (Sio2) is called "silicosis". This is the most disabling and worst of all dust diseases. It results in fibrous tissues of the lungs and may ultimately lead to tuberculosis. Dust particles of Silica are partly transformed in the alveoli into poisonous silicate acid (H2SiO3) which passes into the blood. In the human lungs, there is a branching system of air tubes terminating in cavities of about 150 micrometer diameter (deflated) in which gas-exchange with the blood takes place. These cavities are called "alveoli" or "air-sacs" and there are about 530 million in pair of lungs. At each branching point turbulence is created and causes the dust carried by the inhaled air to be deposited on the walls. These are covered with ciliated epithelial cells whose function is to keep a film of mucus moving upwards to the pharynx where the dust is removed. In this region of the lung, the factor controlling the deposition rate is sedimentation due to gravity and it is unlikely that particles over about 10 micrometers in diameter penetrate beyond this region.

Dust diseases (either silicosis or pneumoconiosis ) once initiated remain progressive. The early system consists of breathlessness, cough, which progressively become worse and as the disease progresses there is extreme breathlessness and heart failure. Sometimes these conditions pre-dispose to Tuberculosis of the lungs, chronic bronchitis and recurrent respiratory tract infection.

176. When a small welding job was being done inside a diesel shovel, fire occurred suddenly. Flames engulfed one of the welders inflecting severe burn injuries on him to which he succumbed. Assuming your own condition prepare an enquiry report into the accident. Suggest steps to be taken to avoid such incidents in future.I would like to assume that the diesel shovel was a crawler mounted hydraulic excavator of about 3m3 bucket working in the quarry bed for extraction of ore. The engine cover had developed a crack causing vibration and therefore required welding. Since the shovel was deep inside the quarry bed it was decided to repair the crack by small welding on the spot.

1. Brief description of the accident: the accident occurred due to blazing fire on the hot manifold of the diesel engine due to spilling of hydraulic fluid on it when a hydraulic hose ruptured due to fall of hot metal dripping on it from the welding spot on the engine cover. One of the welders got engulfed in the fire sustaining severe burn injuries to which he succumbed.2. Background information: In a mechanized open pit, ore winning was being done by hydraulic shovel- dumper combination. Hydraulic excavators were used for their obvious advantages over rope shovels. The shovel in question had diesel operated power unit at the rear adjoining the fuel tank and oil reservoir. Next to the oil reservoir was located the control valves with assembly of hydraulic hose pipes. The engine cover had developed a crack causing lot of vibration and noise.3. Events prior to the accident: Due to vibration and noise created by the engine cover the shovel operator reported the matter to the Asst. Manager who had a talk with the engineer on it. It was decided to repair the crack by welding on the spot because the shovel was working deep inside the quarry and marching it to workshop would incur loss of time and production. The engineer asked the welding crew of the welder and his helper to perform the welding at the engine taking electrical connection from the quarry bed switch gear unit. But he did not issue any instruction regarding precautions to be taken on fire hazard while welding. The shovel continued to work till rest interval. The rest interval commenced at 13 hours when the shovel stopped work. The welding crew meanwhile made all necessary electrical connections of the welding machine with the switch gear and became ready to perform welding in the engine cover quickly and avail rest and food. The time was little above 13 hours.4. Occurrence of the accident: At about 13.10 hours, the welding crew came to site of the shovel and rode on it to open the engine cover for facility of welding. The exhaust manifold of the diesel engine was still very hot. They stood on the oil reservoir by the side of which the control valve assembly of the hydraulic system was located. The welding was started, but the welders did not notice that hot metal dripping from the electric welding were touching, at times, the hydraulic hose pipes. During the welding process one such hydraulic hose ruptured due to fall of hot metal on it and oil under pressure spilled over the hot engine manifold causing blazing fire in which one of the welders was engulfed. 5. Rescue and Recovery: The other welder raised a hue and cry but since it was a rest interval, nobody was nearby. So he removed the injured and found severe burn injury all over his body. He ran to the nearby telephone booth and informed about this accident to the Asst. Manager who along with the engineer and ambulance van reached the spot. The injured was shifted to the hospital where he succumbed to his burn injuries shortly.6. Inspection and Enquiry: An inspection of the shovel was thoroughly made and it was found that smoke was still coming out from the hot manifold. After de-energizing the welding machine, the ruptured hydraulic hose was examined. It was clear that the rupture had occurred due to fall of hot metal drippings from welding. The only eye-witness was the other welder (helper) who was examined and all relevant facts were collected. Portable fire extinguishers were provided inside the cabin, but due to panic and confusion, the helper did not think about it. Automatic fire protection device as required in one of the conditions of permission granted by D.G.M.S. under regulation 106(2)(b) of MMR-1961 was not provided in the shovel. The evidence of the shovel operator and the engineer were recorded.7. Analysis of the evidences : On spot inspection and analysis of the evidence, it transpired that (i) welding was done immediately after the engine was stopped when

the exhaust manifold was still very hot (ii) no precautions against fire hazard due to hot metal drippings on hose pipe or other inflammable materials were taken (iii) there was no automatic fire protection system incorporating detection and actuation of fire suppressant "automatically" as mentioned in the last sentence of paragraph 6 above.8. Conclusion on cause: It can therefore be concluded that the blazing fire occurred in the shovel due to spillage of hydraulic oil on the hot manifold. The spillage was caused by fall of hot metal drippings from welding. Had the welding been done after the engine was cool or after covering all the hose-pipes assembly or other exposed inflammable materials with "fire-proof" cloth or had automatic fire protection device been provided in the shovel, this accident could have been averted.

Steps suggested to avoid such accidents in future:(1) Formulation and implementation of "code of practice" to prevent fire hazard and to deal with fire in HEMM as recommended in the 7th conference on safety in mines.(2) Organizing special programme of training on 'fire hazards" in HEMM for all the personnel involved in operation and maintenance of HEMM to make them aware about the danger of fire.(3) Provision of "automatic fire protection system" incorporating automatic fire detection and automatic actuation of fire suppressant should be provided to all HEMM as required as one of the conditions of permissions by D.G.M.S. under regulation 106(2)(b) of MMR-1961.(4) Regular fire prevention maintenance.

177. While two workers were engaged in extraction of stone beneath an overhanging face, the mass measuring 1.5m X 1.7m X 0.9m thick and consisting of alluvium with embedded boulders fell through a height of 3m killing them instantly. Put up an investigation report along with a sketch analyzing the cause and responsibility and making reference to the regulations and safe practices that may have been contravened. Recommend also the actions to be taken. Assume other conditions wherever necessary.I would like to assume that the stone quarry was on the hill side. The hill consisted of stone capped by 0.9m thick layer of alluvium with embedded boulders. Obviously, it was being operated by manual means with piece-rated workers having temptation to extract easy stone below overhanging face. The sketches below illustrate the accident situation:-

1. Brief narration of the accident: The accident occurred due to fall of sides (face) consisting of alluvium with embedded boulders measuring about 1.7m X 1.5m X 0.9m thick through height of 3m killing two workers who were extracting stone beneath the overhanging face, instantly.2. Background information: An open pit about 100m long along strike was being operated by manual means on the hill side employing about 100 piece-rated workers under the supervision of one foreman and a mate. The hill consisted of stone capped by 0.9m alluvium with embedded boulders. Explosives were used to break the stone. The quarry was progressing towards the core of the hill as shown in the sketch above. The output per day was about 100 cubic meter of stone. The mine was worked only during the day shift.

3. Events prior to the accident: Before the commencement of the shift; the faces of the quarry including the place of the accident were inspected by the foreman and the mate. Since the face which collapsed was overhanging, no person was employed at this face by them, but at the same time, no fencing was provided at the entrances to this dangerous place as required under regulation 177 and enjoined on the foreman and mate under regulation 46(2)(b) and 47(1)(b) of MMR-1961 respectively. Workers were employed at the other faces which were found to be safe and normal work started in this quarry.4. Occurrence of the accident: After about half an hour, when the supervisory personnel were away, two workers (the deceased) who were working hardly at a distance of 10m from the place of the accident were tempted to extract some stone easily from beneath the overhang and started extraction therein without being noticed by foreman or mate. A few minutes after, suddenly a mass of alluvium with embedded boulders which was overhanging and measured about 1.7m X 1.5m X 0.9m thick fell through a height of 3m burying the two workers.5. Rescue and recovery: A hue and cry was raised and the workers from the neighboring faces assembled on the spot. The foreman and the mate also rushed there forthwith. The workers were extricated from beneath the fall, but they were found dead. There was no scope of rendering any first-aid.6. Inspection and enquiry: After complying with the provisions of regulation 9 and 190 of MMR-1961, I conducted an enquiry into causes and circumstances leading to this fatal accident. A sketch was prepared on the spot to illustrate this report and it is shown above. The eye-witnesses were examined and all the relevant facts were collected. The supervisory personnel were also examined and evidences of all the witnesses were recorded in my office.7. Analysis of the evidences: On analysis of the evidences and the spot inspection it transpired that-(i) at the place of the accident dangerous overhang existed due to undercut of the face (ii) that the foreman and mate had inspected the place at the beginning of the shift and had identified the danger prevailing in this face. They also did not employ any person in this place, but no fencing was provided either to prevent inadvertent entry to this dangerous place by the workers as required under regulation 177 of MMR-1961. This was obligatory on their part as per regulation 46(2)(b) and 47(1)(b) of MMR-1961.(iii) that the two workers on their part, being tempted to get easy stone under an overhang started extraction in this dangerous place thus negligently or willfully endangering their lives against the spirit of the provisions of regulation 181 of MMR-1961. This was a highly unsafe act on the part of the deceased.(iv) that the mate was not on the spot at the time when the deceased started work under the overhang.(v) that plane of contact of the alluvium cap with the stone bed was weak and the boulders had added weight to the cap at the slope of the hill inducing the fall particularly due to undercut below. This is illustrated in the sketch.(vi) that all the above factors contributed to the fall of the mass of alluvium sides measuring about 1.7m X 1.5m X 0.9m thick through a height of 3m causing this fatal accident.8. Conclusion on cause: It can therefore be concluded that the mass of alluvium with embedded boulders fell due to overhang formed by undercutting the face (an unsafe condition) and due to employment of persons in such dangerous place (an unsafe act). Had the face been kept adequately sloped or benched and not undercut as required under regulation 106(1) & (5) of MMR-1961 and had the deceased not engaged

themselves under such overhang thus not negligently omitting to ensure their safety as required under regulation 181 of MMR-1961, the accident could have been averted. Non-provision of fencing as required under regulation 177 of MMR-1961 had also a contribution to the cause.9. Responsibility: In my opinion, the responsibility of the accident lied primarily on the foreman and mate who had permitted formation of the overhang in contravention of the provision of regulation 106(5) of MMR-1961; had not provided fencing at the entrance to this dangerous place as required under regulation 177 of MMR-1961 a statutory obligation under regulation 46(2)(b) & 47(1)(b) of MMR-1961. The deceased also had resorted to unsafe act but paid supreme penalty for that.10. Recommendations: I recommend disciplinary action against the foreman and mate for negligence in their statutory duties and also suggest the following measures to prevent similar accident in future:-(i) The alluvium cap should be totally removed upto the boundary.(ii) Strict supervision on the work behavior of the workers.(iii) Elimination of piece-rate work.(iv) Intensive training of the workers to make them safety-conscious, discipline-oriented and development of proper work culture.(v) Condition monitoring of the slope/sides by manager/owner besides strict compliance with the provisions of statute.(vi) Enlisting worker's participation in safety by activating safety committees and launching special safety campaigns/drives.(vii) Observance of safety weeks.

178. What are the common types of accidents during operations of shovel and dumpers? Illustrate your answer with examples explaining each case how the accident could have been averted.(1) Hit by the swinging bucket of a rope shovel: while a person was inadvertently standing on the swing path of a rope shovel bucket he was hit at his head sustaining serious bodily injuries. Had he not stood in the swing path this accident could have been averted or had the shovel operator seen the person before operating the swing mechanism, this accident could have been averted.(2) Fall from the bucket of a shovel: while a person was dislodging a stuck boulder by crow bar standing on the bucket of a shovel, he fell down and sustained serious bodily injuries. Had he not been permitted to ride on the bucket , this accident could have been averted.(3) Electrocution by contact with high voltage power line: When a shovel was engaged in removing a waste heap in close proximity of a high voltage power line, the bucket came in contact with the live wire and the operator was electrocuted to death. Had the shovel not been brought closer than 3m of the exposed high voltage line or had it worked after de-energizing the line, this accident could have been averted.(4) Overturning due to unstable ground: While a shovel was being operated on soft ground, it overturned and the operator received injuries. Had the shovel been supported by heavy planks or poles so as to distribute the load of the machine over larger area, this accident could have been averted.(5) Buried while working near high dump: While a shovel was working at the foot of a 30m high dump of waste rock, suddenly a huge mass of waste rock slided down and buried the entire shovel killing the operator instantly. Had the shovel not been engaged at a dump higher than the digging height of the shovel, this accident could have been averted.

(6) Rolling down of boulders: When two shovels were engaged in two benches one above the other, a boulder slipping from the bucket of the shovel at the top bench rolled down and hit the cabin of the shovel down below. The operator of this shovel received serious bodily injuries by the breakage of the cabin. Had the shovels been so spaced to prevent danger of accident from falling stones, this accident could have been averted.

Common types of accidents due to Dumpers:- (1) Run over while reversing: While a Dumper was being reversed to be placed near the shovel for loading, a miner was run over by the rear wheels and was killed instantly. Had a spotter been posted to guide the dumper-reversal or audio-visual alarm signals been provided operable while reversing, this accident could have been averted.(2) Rolling down: While tipping was being done in a dump yard, the dumper rolled down the dump slope causing fatal injuries to the operator. Had the dumper not backed upto the edge of tip or had the edge been protected by a suitable "berm", this accident could have been averted.(3) Unauthorized traveling on foot board: While one mechanic was traveling unauthorized on the foot board of a dumper, he fell down and was run over by the rear wheels. Had the operator not allowed this unauthorized traveling, this accident could have been averted.(4) Negligent driving and unauthorized riding: While a dumper loaded with ore was being driven on a mine road in a hilly area, it went off the road and fell down the hill slope. Two persons riding on the dumper get buried under the ore and died. Had the driver not been negligent in his driving and had he not allowed unauthorized riding , this accident could have been averted. Provisions of suitable parapet wall also could have averted this accident.(5) Unauthorized driving: While a helper was driving a dumper to tale fuel from the pump in the quarry, he lost control over the vehicle and one pump khalasi, crossing the haul road was run over and killed on the spot. Had the helper who was not authorized to drive the dumper not driven it or not allowed to drive it, this accident could have been averted.

179. When 50 cartridges primed with electric detonators were being head carried in a basket from a dry place where these were prepared, to the face where holes had been charged with explosives, it started drizzling. The carrier/mazdoor covered the basket with a plastic sheet. A few second later the primers went off. The carrier was killed instanteously. Prepare an enquiry report of this accident. Discuss all possible causes of detonation.1. Brief description of the accident: The accident occurred due to accidental detonation of 50 primed cartridges carried in a basket by a carrier/mazdoor when it was covered by a plastic sheet. He was killed instanteously.2. Background information: It is assumed that the accident occurred in a manually operated opencast mine engaged in extraction of slope which was required to be broken by explosives used in short jack hammer drilled holes. It was rainy season and the working place was wet for which primer cartridges had to be prepared at a dry place away from the face, 80% special gelatine explosive was used, each cartridge weighing about 220 grams.

3. Events prior to the accident: The blaster had prepared 50 primer cartridges at a dry place away from the wet workings and placed them in a basket instead of using securely closed case or containers at the scale of not more than 5 kg. in each container. He then asked the carrier/mazdoor to carry the basket to the working place. When the basket was being carried on head, it started drizzling.4. Occurrence of the accident: In order to save the cartridges from rain, the mazdoor covered the basket with a plastic sheet. A few seconds later, the primers went off and the carrier was killed instantaneously on the spot.5. Rescue and recovery: There was no scope of rescue and only the dead body which was badly mutilated was recovered.6. Inspection and enquiry: The accident site was inspected. The torn pieces of the plastic sheet were collected for examination in laboratory to check whether it could generate "static" charge during handling. The dress and footwear worn by deceased were examined. It was found that deceased wore cotton shirt and pant and footwear with rubber sole and canvas upper. The eye-witnesses of the accident were examined. The blaster was thoroughly interrogated as to why he did not use locked container for carrying the priming cartridges as required under regulation 162(4) of MMR-1961. The evidences of all other relevant witnesses including those of the supervisory personnel were recorded to ascertain the condition of weather. The place where the primers were prepared and whether adequate number of containers for carrying explosives was availed with the blaster before the occurrence of the accident.7. Analysis of the evidence: On spot inspection and analysis of all the evidences recorded, it transpired that it was regular practice in this quarry on such occasions when priming cartridges were made away from the wet place. 50 cartridges of 80% special gelatine weighed about 11 (eleven) kg. and at least 3 (three) containers of substantial construction and arrangement for securely locking were required for carrying the priming cartridges by not less than 3 (three) carriers (if to be carried the whole lot at a time ) or alternatively, one carrier could not carry not more than 22 (twenty two) primer cartridges in a locked canister at a time and would require 3 (three) trips to carry 50 cartridges in order to comply with the provisions of regulation 157(4) of MMR-1961. Though sufficient number of explosive containers was reported to be available, the blaster did not like to adopt the statutory practice which appeared to him "cumbersome" and "time taking". So he had chosen a short cut method of carrying all the 50 priming cartridges at a time in a basket because he could not accommodate all the 50 cartridges in one container. On interrogation, he had admitted to have committed this unsafe act. In reply to a question as to why he did not fire 15 to 20 shots at a time in which case he could have managed with less than 5 kg. of priming cartridges at a time and could safely use one explosive container, he told that because he had a 100 shot exploder with him and on an average 50/60 shots were to be fired in a day, he wanted to fire all the shots in one round because blasting regulations did not prohibit this. When asked whether he had any knowledge that plastic sheet or other synthetic fibre cloth could generate static charges, he replied in the negative. The carrier wore footwear with rubber sole and canvas upper which were "non-conducting". The place where the priming cartridges were prepared was dry and at the point of time when the plastic sheet was covering the basket containing the priming cartridges, though it started drizzling, the sheet did not become completely wet nor the carrier became thoroughly drenched so that his body became more conductive for discharge of any accumulation of static charge to earth. The non-conductive shoes probably made him insulated from earth. The cotton garments worn by the carrier did not produce any static charge.

8. Conclusion on the probable causes of the accident: On analysis of all evidences and examination of all relevant facts, it can be concluded that probably the plastic sheet generated "static" charge the potential of which may go very high (as high as 60,000 volts during dry months) and the detonator wires touched the charged sheet and the priming cartridges went off. This however, needs to be corroborated by testing the torn pieces of the plastic sheet collected during enquiry, in appropriate laboratory. The rubber shoes of the carrier did not allow the charge getting earthed and thereby discharged. This hazard has been highlighted in D.G.M.S. circular no. 1 of 1985 in which it has been advised to ensure that the blasters/ shot firers and their helpers do not wear synthetic fibre cloths and socks whilst on duty. It has also been suggested that they should wear only conductive type footwear e.g. leather sole footwear. Though not mentioned in the question because it was rainy season, the probability of electric strom/ lightning causing detonation can not be ruled out. But, this accident could have been averted had the priming cartridges been carried to the face in securely closed case or container as required under regulation 162(4) of MMR-1961, because in that case the necessity of covering the priming cartridges would not have arisen and the detonator lead wires were also not exposed to atmosphere.9. Responsibility: In order to avoid similar accident, the following measures are recommended:-(i) Strict compliance with all the safety regulations on explosive, their transport etc.(ii) Compliance with the recommendations of D.G.M.S. circular no. 1 of 1985.(iii) Taking suggested precautions against approach of electric storm during blasting.(iv) Better supervision by senior mine officials on the blasting practice.

180. How would you obviate the fire hazard in HEMM?Fire on surface heavy earth moving machinery like Dozer, front end loaders, draglines, bucket wheel excavators, shovels, dumpers, blast hole drills etc. is a serious hazard to life and property. The large size of these machineries magnifies the problem by increasing the potential for fires, obstructing the operators view of fire hazards and restricting their egress the from the machines in case of emergency, with the increasing size of machinery the portable fire extinguisher do not provide adequate protection. Therefore, to avoid these problems D.G.M.S., vide circular (tech) no. 3 of 1981 has recommended that "automatic fire protection system" shall be provided and maintained in good working order for all surface heavy machinery. It is also necessary that the recommended procedure for testing of such fire protection system at a given schedule by the manufacturer is also adopted. The automatic fire system consist of one or more containers of fire suppressant (usually a dry chemical) connected by a fixed pumping network to nozzles directed at specific pre-determined fire hazard areas of the machinery. Optical, thermal or any other suitable type of sensing devices is suitably located to sense the fire and actuate the suppressant to come out through the nozzles already fixed to deal with the fire. An overriding manual system along with fire alarm could also be additionally provided for better effectiveness of the system.

181. Write short notes on (i) ANFO explosives (ii) Heavy ANFO (iii) Emulsion explosives (iv) Slurry explosives (v) Site-mixed system(i) ANFO explosives: ANFO is Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil explosive. It is a simple mixture of prilled ammonium nitrate and fuel oil (diesel oil or so) at a nearly oxygen balanced ratio of 6% fuel oil and 94% ammonium nitrate prills which provides an

excellent compromise between heave and shock energy. The sensitivity and performance of ANFO depend largely on the quality of the prill (low clay content, low moisture content, free flow sizing, oil absorbency, low particle density and optimum friable and non-caking tendency). Fuel grade aluminum is added to ANFO to increase its energy.(ii) Heavy ANFO: The loose emulsion matrix with a density of around 1.35 g/cc is booster insensitive until voids are added to provide a sensitizing mechanism. Thus it can be physically blended with ANFO where the latter creates the voids. Thus blend of base emulsion and ANFO is known as HEAVY ANFO. Depending on the required sensitivity, energy, water resistance and economics the two constituents can be mixed in varying ratios. Typical ratios are Emulsion:ANFO=30:70 or 70:30. The relative bulk strength and water resistance increases with increasing emulsion content but the sensitivity correspondingly falls.(iii) Emulsion explosives: It is an emulsion of water in oil and consists of small droplets of ammonium nitrate solution tightly packed in a mixture of oil. The thickness of the oil membrane separating the ammonium nitrate droplets is less than one thousands of a millimeter giving an extremely large contact area between the fuel and the oxidizer (ammonium nitrate). As a result, very rapid and complete combustion is obtained. The emulsion explosives do not contain any chemical sensitizer and velocity. The voids are induced by incorporating glass micro-spheres or polymers micro-balloons or other chemical gassing agents which provide hot spots for the detonation process. The extremely small particle size of the constituents of emulsion gives it a very high energy co-efficient. Emulsions are less sensitive to accidental initiation through friction, static discharge, impact, fire or other external influences and as such safer to manufacture and handle than any other commercial explosives.(iv) Slurry explosives: The problems of poor water resistance of ANFO promoted the search for solutions which could enable the use of AN-based explosives in watery holes culminating in the development of Cook-Farnam concept of "slurry explosives" in slurry blasting agents. The essential concept of this type of explosives is the addition of a colloid such as "guar gum" in ANFO which builds up the viscosity followed by cross-linking agent (usually a polyvalent metal ion) which forms a gelled mixture. For maximizing the stock-sensitivity of these explosives, proper control of density is of great importance. Slurry explosives are amongst the safest of all explosives in current use. Slurry is also known as "water explosives".(v) Site-mixed system (SMS): SMS is a mobile unit which delivers the explosive products directly into a borehole. The truck may carry the ingredients or the matrix and AN and blend these continuously at site before delivery into a borehole. Even slurry explosives could be delivered through the SMS. Some SMS may utilize continuous mixing method wherein density and composition could be changed as and when desired. Thus, in a borehole, two such products could be charged to suit blasting requirement. The major advantages are (i) high charging rate (ii) no need to have large storage magazine (iii) saving due to lower cost of the product. It may be forecast that emulsion explosives through SMS will very quickly attain substantial consumption levels in Indian Mining Industry to cope with large mining operations.

182. Draw up a set of conditions (scheme) for use of site mixed slurry and pumpable slurry and bulk transport of these explosives.(1) The operations of making site mixed slurry explosives, charging and firing shot holes shall be carried out under the supervision of the technical experts of the suppliers/ manufacturers.

(2) The blasting crew shall observe the general precautions and relevant rules regarding handling of explosives.(3) Only the minimum no. of persons necessary for the operation shall be allowed to be present in or near the mixing site and during charging and firing of shot holes.(4) No smoking, open flame etc. shall be allowed within 3m of the site mixed slurry site and the shot holes.(5) Due care shall be taken to ensure that site mixed slurry and pumpable slurry explosives are pumped only into properly drilled shot holes and that there is no spillage of explosives.(6) A proper record shall be kept of the quantity of explosives charged in every shot holes and that fired in a round of shots. (7) The drilling of holes shall be completed before taking up the charging of the holes.(8) The area of charged holes shall be marked by conspicuous bright red flags during the day light hours and by red light during night and the area shall be kept effectively cordoned off to prevent inadvertent and unauthorized entry. (9) The blast holes shall be stemmed immediately after being charged so that only a short length of detonating cord is exposed.(10) The blast hole and the collar area shall be covered by soft stemming material so that the detonating cord is covered and does not come on contact with any discharge of static electricity or local strike of lightening energy.

In addition, the following other conditions shall be strictly compelled with ( for bulk transport of explosives) :-(1) The trial shall be carried out under the direct supervision of the technical personnel of the manufacturers of the explosives conversant with the operation of the vehicle and the facilities mounted thereon.(2) No person shall be permitted to ride upon, drive, load or unload the vehicle while smoking or under the influence of intoxicants.(3) No person shall smoke, carry matches or any other spark producing device or carry any fire arms in or about the vehicle while mixing, transfer or loading are being done.(4) Caution shall be exercised in moving the vehicle in the blasting area to avoid driving the vehicle over or dragging holes over firing lines, cap wires or explosive materials.(5) Materials shall not be mixed while in transport.(6) During loading a positive grounding device shall be used to prevent accumulation of static charge. The hose shall be of semi conductive discharge type and a qualified person shall evaluate all systems to determine that they well adequately dissipate the static electricity under potential field conditions.

183. A quarry is situated at the foot of a 150m high hill sloping at 450 from the horizontal and the excavation is proceeding towards the hill. How would you ensure the stability of the slope and protect the quarry workings from the hazard of boulders rolling down the hill?

I am assuming a big mechanized quarry operated by deep hole blasting and employing heavy earthmoving machinery extending upto a depth of more than 6om. because normally beyond such depth slope stability problem arises depending on the geo-mining and environmental conditions. The term "failure of a slope" in an open pit mine refers to any slope instability that affects its performance before the pre-scheduled abandoning of a pit, safety of mining operations and structure thereupon in a natural geological environment, the stability of a slope is affected by a number of factors like nature of the soil and rock mass, its geological structure, texture, fissures and joint planes, heterogeneity, anomalies like dykes, faults, folds etc., topography, hydrological environment, weathering, proximity of man-made excavations nearby and blasting operations etc. As such no slope can be regarded as "fully stable" for an indefinite period. Conventionally, the concept of slope failure/ land slide is based on the phenomenon when average "shear stress" along the sliding surface is equal to the "shear strength" of the soil. Extraneous factors such as increase of shear stresses due to steepening of the slope by excavation or erosion and other internal factors decrease the strength of the soil or rock mass. A slope is called stable when the factor of safety is more than one. Factor of safety is defined as the ratio of the resisting force(T) due to shear strength of rock mass to driving force(O) due to shear stress.

Factor of safety

    =

resisting force (T)Driving force (O)

    = shear strengthshear stress

Majority of the slope collapses spread from the toe. It should be noted that the local factor of safety varies from point to point within a slope. Generally, the danger of shear failure is much greater near the toe than higher up in the slope. General factor of safety indicates the ratio of the sum of the total forces which the material of the slope is capable of to mobilize due to its strength along a slip surface to the sum of the actual forces tending to slip the slope. Therefore, to improve the slope stability, the factor of safety needs to be improved. This can be achieved by (i) effective drainage of the slope to reduce hydrostatic pressure (driving force) (ii) to reduce the weight of the material at the top of the slope (again to reduce driving force). This (ii) can be achieved by proper benching and by reduction of the height of the slope with "low" slope angle which has to be determined by scientific geo-technical investigation of the different type of strata encountered in the pit. Generally, an angle of slope of not more than 450 from horizontal has been prescribed but flatter angle even upto 200 may be required in exceptional cases. Since the quarry is approaching the hill the weight of the material at the top of the slope will greatly increase besides "lateral stress" induced by the hill on the pit sides as shown in the figure above. Therefore, great care should be taken to obviate the danger of reduction of the factor of safety of the slope. The quantum of hazard can be identified only by scientific study. Otherwise, it would be prudent to stop further progress towards the hill after it reaches a point 45m from the foot of the hill.Measures against local failure of sides should include regular examination and "condition monitoring" when any visible tension crack appears on the bench. The height of the benches should in no case be higher than the "digging height" of the excavator. Water should be drained away from the quarry edge.To obviate the danger from the rolling of the boulders from the hill side, all boulders

should be removed from the slope of the hill failing which a substantial earth-embankment as shown in the figure, shall be provided at the edge of the quarry to arrest any boulder rolling down the hill slope.

184. What are causes of accidents from the explosives? What precautions are to be taken in opencast mines during shot firing?Accidents due to explosives may occur either:1 During storage2 During transportations, or3 During use

Accident during the storage (its causes)1 Bad handling i.e. dropping, pushing, rolling etc.2 Use of naked light or smoking.3 Storing explosives and detonators together.4 Shock waves create due to blasting in close proximity.5 Lighting discharge6 Electric sparks or frictional sparks

Accidents during transportation1. Carrying more than permitted quantity of explosive.2. Carrying explosive and detonators together in the same container.3. Detonators being carried in metal boxes.4. Leaving explosives and detonators near fire.

Accident during use1 Keeping the explosives and the detonators in close proximity.2 Forcing explosive cartridge into hole of inadequate diameter.3 Use of metallic rod for charging4 Charging more shot beyond the capacity of the exploder5 Using the defective exploder or shot firing cable6 Firing shot by the batteries or current from the power lines.7 Not taking proper shelter.8 All approaches to the face not properly guarded.9 Using insufficient length of shot firing cable.10 Firing shot without receiving "all clear' signal.11 Undercharging or overcharging.12 Returning to the face too early.13 Projected hot particles14 Flying fragments by the blast.15 Tempering with misfire shots.16 Lack of supervision and training.

PRECAUTION TO BE TAKEN IN OPENCAST MINES DURING FIRING OFF SHOTS

1 Shot fire during the daylight or until adequate artificial lights are provided.2 Hole charged shall be fired on the same day.3 If shots are fired after daylight hours then they shall be muffled so as to prevent fragments from flying beyond 10 mtrs.

4 Adequate shelter /protection shall be provided.5 Interval between two shots shall not be less than the 30 minutes.6 Sufficient time shall be given by effective signals over area.7 Where road, railway crosses dander zone two sentries will be posted on both sides.8 Where structure not belonging to owner in within the danger zone then the maximum charge in all the holes fired at onetime will be 2 kg .or if delay detonators are used then the maximum charge of 2 kg .In each hole can be used.9 If the structure lies within the 50 mtrs, then permission is to be taken from the DGMS.10 During approach / progress of electric storm adequate precautions shall be taken.11 If the single shot exploder is used or if blasting is done with ordinary detonator than{Shot fire shall not fire more than 60 shots in one shift}12 If multishot exploder is used {than the number of shot fired may be 120}13 During approach/ progress of electric storm adequate precautions shall be taken.

185. What is the physiological aspect of breathing in dust laden atmosphere? How dust hazards lead to 'pneumoconiosis'& 'silicosis'? Give details of these diseases.when a man lives or works in a dusty air, he inhales some of the dust, the larger particles tend to land on the walls of the nose, throat and main air-passages, the smallest simply float in and out without settling at all; some middle sized particles between 0.2micron and 5 to 7microns in size -the respirable size range-may land in the terminal air passages. Of the respirable dust inhaled only about 10% settles in the lungs. Of that which settles about 90% is eliminated either by being passed up the respiratory tract and coughed out or swallowed or by being engulfed by dust scavenging cells and carried away and rendered harmless. If the clearance system is poor or the dust exposure is too great or both, then the dust remains in the lungs tissue and a degree of "pneumoconiosis" occurs depending on quantity, quality and the size distribution of air borne dust, the period of total exposure and the man's individual susceptibility. In the human lung there is a branching system of air tubes terminating in cavities of about 150micron diameter (deflated) in which gas exchange with blood takes place. The cavities are called "alveoli" and there are about 530 million in a pair of human lungs .At each breathing point turbulence is created and causes the dust carried by the inhaled air to be deposited on the walls. This are covered with ciliated epithelial cells whose function is to keep a film of mucus moving upwards to the pharynx where the dust is removed. In this region of lungs the factor controlling the deposition rate is sedimentation due to "gravity" and it is unlikely that particles over about 10microns in diameter penetrate beyond this region."Pneumoconiosis" is a general term used for occupational lung disease due to dust and has been redefined by I.L.O working group in 1971 as accumulation of dust in the lungs and tissue reaction to it. Specific names such as silicosis, asbestosis etc. have been used to indicate pulmonary disease caused by specific dust such as silica, asbestos etc. respectively.

DETAILS OF PNEUMOCONOISIS: This word has been derived fro Greek word "pneumon" which means lung and "conis" which means dust and is applied to all conditions in the lungs resulting from inhalation of dust as mentioned above. From pathological point of view it can be divided into two groups (a) collagenous and (b) non-collagenous. The former is caused by non fibrogenic dust and is characterized

by(i) alveolar architecture remaining in tact (ii) minimal stromal reaction and (iii)reversibility of dust reaction. Where as the non collagenous is characterized by(i) permanent alteration or destruction of alveolar architecture(ii)stromal reaction moderate to maximal and(iii)permanent scarring of lungs. Dyspnoea (inelasticity of the lung) of different grades of severity develops under one of the following conditions (a)appearance of massive conglomerate lesions(injury) (b) presence of active tuberculosis (c) recurrent respiratory tract infection (d) associated chronic bronchitis (e) development of ear- pulmonate. The condition is not curable. Proper evaluation of "disability" is needed for compensation.

DETAILS OF SILICOSIS: Of all the types of pneumoconiosis met with in mines silicosis is the most dangerous since it can affect people fatally and is progressive in nature .it is characterized by development of nodular fibrosis in the lung tissue. Calcarious development at the centre of nodules is noticed in certain cases. It is caused primarily by inhalation of respirable dust rich in free silica (SiO2). It results in inelasticity of lungs, shortening of breath and cough with impaired chest expansion .In advanced stages it is normally associated with tuberculosis infection which may modify the symptoms .The cause of nodular fibrosis is believed to be the toxic action of high polymers of silicic acid formed by dissolution of free silica in the lung fluid. There has not been approved cure, so far, of silicosis, though its associated tuberculosis is amenable to treatment. Aluminum prophylaxis and therapy for treatment of silicosis have been tried in Canada and other countries since 1937 with encouraging results, but they have not yet been widely applied in mines. Experiment has been carried out in Germany from preventing dangerous silica dust from reaching the alveoli of the lung by artificially increasing their size. This is done by releasing a large quantity of fine aerosol (0.05�m size) of sodium chloride into the dusty air. Owing to Brownian motion, several particles of sodium chloride coagulate with each dust particle .The hygroscopic salt absorbs moisture when passing through moist respiratory tract and makes the dust particle grow in size by condensation of water on them. But this is yet to be tried fully on man .Silicosis is a notified occupational disease and compensable by law.

186. A 800 KW electric shovel (motor working voltage 3.3 KV with 0.8 P.F. lagging), a 100 KW compressor (motor working voltage at 440 volts with 0.8 P.F. lagging) and three 25 KW pumps (motor at 440 volts with 0.8 P.F. lagging) are to be installed in an open cast mine. Submit an application under the law to an electrical inspector of mines with a layout plan showing protective devices with each equipment. To the electrical inspector of mines,Sub: permission U/R 63 of Indian electricity rules 1956 and 07 days prior notice U/R 111 (2) of Indian electricity rules 1956

Sir,I seek your permission (U/R 63) to commence supply of power at 3.3 KV (three phase) to a 800 KW electric shovel motor (assuming power factor 0.8) to be installed in our open cast mines. I also furnish notice U/R 111 (2) of IE rules 1956 for installation of a 100 KW compressor and three 25 KW pumps with working voltage of 440 volts (assuming p.f. 0.8 lagging). Details of load current for each equipment, the protective device and a lay out plan are given below:

Load current for shovel-175 amp at 3.3KV; for compressor-164 amp at 440V; for pumps 41 amp each-123 amp for 3 pumps at 440 volts (I have used the formula I=Watt/ (v3*V*P.F.) for calculation of load current.)

Transformers: As starting current of squirrel cage induction motor is approximately 6(six) times the normal load, the selected capacity of main transformer will be 2000KVA,11KV/3.3KV oil cool .Another transformer will also be required from 3.3KV to 440 Volts for compressor motor and pump motors. The capacity of that transformer will be 3.3 KV/ 440 V, 250 KVA, air cool.

Protective devices: for main transformer, Buchholz relay, oil temperature and winding temperature indicators with tripping arrangement.

Circuit breakers/ switches: (a) SF6 circuit breaker or oil circuit breaker on 11 KV side of main transformer:- the capacity and protection will be 11 KV, 150 amps, C.T. Ratio 150/5 with over-current, over voltage and under voltage protection; (setting of over current relay will be at 115 amps with time delay since full load is 105 amps) (b) oil circuit breaker to the secondary side of main transformer :- 3.3 KV, 400 amps, CT ratio 250/5 with protections of over current, over voltage, under voltage and earth leakage (setting of over current will be at 230 amps with time delay since full load is 210 amps (c) (i) air circuit breaker with starter for shovel motor - 3.3 KV, 400 amps, C.T. ratio 200/5 , with over current, under voltage, over voltage , earth leakage and single phasing protection ( the setting of over current relay will be at 190 amps with time delay) (ii) field switches:- circuit breaker 3.3 KV, 3 phase, 400 amps, 4 point terminals with earth leakage and over current protections (d) primary controlling switch of 250 KVA, 3.3 KV/440 volts transformer - vacuum circuit breaker/ oil circuit breaker/ air circuit breaker 63 amps, 3.3 KV, CT ratio 100/5 with over current protection at the setting of 50 amps (e) secondary controlling switch - oil circuit breaker/ air circuit breaker 200 amps, 440 volts, CT ratio 200/5 with over current and earth leakage protections (setting of over current will be at 130 amps instantaneous) (f) starter with isolator provided with over current, earth leakage and single phase protections for the three pump motors- 63 amps, 440 volts ( each over load setting at 45 amps instantaneous) (g) starter with isolator with over current leakage and single phase protection for compressor motor- 400 amps, 440 volts, air circuit breaker or oil circuit breaker with over current setting at 180 amps with time delay.

Cables: (a) for 11 KV side- 3x50 mm2 PVC insulated, armoured 11 KV grade mining type XLPE cable (b) for 3.3 KV side - 3x95 mm2 PVC insulated armoured 3.3 grade mining type (c) from field switch to shovel motor- 3x75 mm2 + 1x50 mm2 with individual screened flexible 3.3 KV grade (d) for 440 volt side - (i) 3x50 mm2 PVC insulated armoured for compressor motor (ii) 3x16 mm2 PVC insulated armoured for pump motor.

LAYOUT PLAN (Schematic)

187. (a) How accident causes due to fall of face/sides in opencast mine can be eliminated?(b) How the training of the operators can help in reducing accidents involving dumpers? (a) Steps to eliminate accident causes due to fall of face/sides in opencast mine include:-(i) At the design stage of the pit, its geometry, the slope of the sides and the face, formation of benches of adequate dimension depending on the nature of the strata, geological anomalies and ground water condition etc. should be given top priority by a multi-disciplinary team of stability engineers, rock-mechanic expert, engineering geologist, mining engineers etc.(ii) Regular examination of the face/sides before employment of man/machine to ensure their stability. (iii) Dressing of the face and sides and all overhangs after each blast and before deployment of man/machine.(iv) No deployment of men for any manual work under high benches of mechanical quarry.(v) Complete ban on under-cut for formation of over-hang.(vi) Keeping ground water under control to prevent the side rocks being surcharged by water.(vii) Regular "monitoring" of the slope movement particularly during rainy season by instrumentation.(viii) Optimization of the blast parameters to avoid back-break, overhanging face etc.(ix) Strict compliance with the provisions of regulation 106(1) and the stipulations of permission under 106(2)(b) of MMR-1961.

(b) Importance of training of Dumper operators:- Role of the dumper operators is crucial in haul-road accident causation in open cast mines. Negligent driving, over-speed, careless reversal, allowing helpers and other unauthorized travel by persons etc. are some of the important causes of accident involving dumpers. All these are due to faults or wrong traits of character or wrong attitude on the part of the operators. Alcoholic drugs are also responsible for such dangerous behavior. Therefore, proper training for not only development of competence but also for development of proper positive attitude, error-less behavior , correct perception/ motivation about their role and function , pro-active behavior and above all development of inner urge to value the life of man will go a long way in reduction of accidents. For this reason, the safety conference has recommended establishment of suitable training institute/ training center in each company to provide comprehensive training to dumper operators. Statistically, it has been found that roughly , two out of every three or four accidents are caused due to negligent/ unauthorized driving and while reversing vehicles. Therefore, comprehensive training package to cover all the various aspects of human behavior/ character, besides development of skill and competence is vital for safe dumper operation.

188. There are few houses made of brick-in-cement and a few made of mud, not belonging to the owner, within 50 to 100m of the open cast workings. Discuss the statutory requirements and precautions to be taken while blasting. State the maximum permissible limit of vibration in respect of such houses.

Statutory requirements: As per Regulation 164(1-B)(a) of MMR-1961, "in the case of an open cast working, where any permanent building or structure of permanent nature, not belonging to the owner, lies within the danger zone, the aggregate maximum charge in all the holes fired at one time shall not exceed two kilograms unless permitted in writing by CIM or RIM and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein. Provided that if the blasting is done with delay detonators or other means and that there is a delay of at least half a second between successive shots fired, a maximum charge of two kilograms can be used in each hole: provided further that if the shortest distance from the place of firing to any part of such building or structure is less than 50m, irrespective of the amount of charge, no blasting shall be done except with the permission in writing of the CIM or RIM and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein."If, however, observance of the provisions is not necessary or reasonably practicable on account of special conditions existing thereat, CIM may exempt any mine or part thereof from operation of all or any of the above provisions.The situation given in the question is that (a) a few houses are made of brick-in-cement i.e., permanent and a few are made of mud, about which whether the question of permanency will apply or not is debatable, because MMR-1961 has not defined what is permanent structure. Anyway from humanitarian point of view I shall take these as permanent structure and enforce application of the above provisions. (b) The houses are located within 50 to 100m of the opencast workings. That means some houses are located at distances which are less than 50m from the quarry and others are at a distance of less than 100m but more than 50m from the quarry. In respect of those which are at a distance of less than 50m from any part of the building no blasting can be done except with permission from CIM or RIM. In respect of those located at a distance of less than 100m but more than 50m, since these are within the danger zone of 500m, provisions of regulation 164(1-B)(a) of MMR-1961, mentioned above will be applicable and I shall take the precautions prescribed under the regulation.

Precautions to be taken while blasting: As mentioned above to protect the houses within 50m of the place of firing, I shall take the precautions laid down in the permission given by DGMS. Normally controlled blasting is prescribed with certain stipulations after approval of the trail blast and in the light of the data generated by such trail blasts. Controlled blasting may also be required to protect the houses located at a distance of more than 50m but less than 100m if the blasting in conformity with the provisions of Regulation 164(1-B)(a) of MMR-1961 is likely to cause damage to the buildings or invites complaints from the dwellers regarding vibration etc. In either cases controlled blasting to ensure ground vibration to remain within "no-damage" value is the solution.

Maximum permissible limit of vibration: Different regulatory bodies in different countries have set up rules and regulations for their conditions on the basis of studies conducted in their countries for control of ground vibration due to blasting. Most extensive work has been done by the office of the surface mining reclamation and enforcement (OSMRE) U.S.A. In our country , CMRI has conducted study on effect of ground vibration due to blasting in opencast mines on various test structures made of brick-in-cement, mud etc. The threshold limit of ground vibration (no damage level) for safety of structures has been found to be 50mm/sec. peak particle velocity (PPV) for frequencies greater than 20 Hz. In case of frequency less than 20 Hz. the amplification of PPV is upto 3-4 times than that of the PPVs of high frequency

vibration. Thus the maximum permissible limit of vibration or safe value for the safety of the structures, in case of low frequency vibration may be reduced to 1/4th i.e. 12.5mm/sec. It was interesting to observe that the value of the PPV was much less in comparison to other nearby test structures of brick-in-cement. Significant damping characteristic was observed in the mud houses. That means mud houses can stand severe shock. According to OSMRE (U.S.A.) maximum permissible limit of PPV for a distance of 0-90m was 3 to 15 mm/sec. and for a distance of 90-1500, 25mm/sec. But they measure the PPV in three mutually perpendicular directions. These are linked with distances and are indirectly taken into consideration the frequency aspect of the vibrations. In our country, maximum permissible limits of the vibration for different houses have not been incorporated in the mining statutes. Therefore, we should follow the CMRI precautions of 12.5mm/sec PPV.

189. What are the main factors which would influence the slope stability in a mine, working a steep ore body with phyllitic clays along its footwall contact? Suggest steps to improve without excessive increase in stripping ratio. Also devise a monitoring system which would give a forewarning of a slope failure.Slope stability in an open pit is a function of the "factor of safety" of the slope which may be defined as the ratio of the resisting force due to shear strength of rock-mass to the driving force due to shear stress. It is also defined as "the ratio of the available strength to mobilized strength or less often as the probability of failure". When the factor of safety is more than one, it is stable, when F.S. is one, the slope is in equilibrium i.e. failure is just impending. Actually, F.S. varies from point to point within the slope. Generally, the danger of shear failure is much greater near the toe than higher up in the slope. The factor of safety indicated above is general factor of safety which takes into consideration the sum of the total forces from toe to the top. To attain a F.S. more than one, either the resisting force or the available strength of the rock-mass shall be increased or the driving force be decreased. Therefore, all the factors contributing to these two "strength" and "stress" parameters will influence the slope stability. The angle of slope has a great bearing on slope stability because it increase the driving force due to shear stress. Now, let us consider the specific situation prevailing in the mine in question where a steep ore body is being worked with phyllitic clay along its footwall contact to determine what may be the main factors influencing the slope stability. The factors may be enumerated as below:-

(1) Geologic formation: The ore-body is steep and underlain by phyllitic clay which is soft and impervious. The steep ore-body is not likely to permit flat angle of slope from economic considerations. Therefore, angle of slope is one of the main factors here influencing the slope stability. The plane of contact with phyllitic clay is a weak zone.(2) Physico-mechanical properties: The different Physico-mechanical properties of the ore body and the phyllitic clay will influence the slope stability because the weak layers of the clay and its orientation is likely to control the most probable mode of failure. The in-situ strength parameters of the ore body, over burden and the underlying clay like shear strength, cohesion, friction angle etc. are also the factors influencing the slope stability.(3) Structural anomalies: If the ore body and the associated waste rock are structurally disturbed by faults, dykes, joints, fissures, discontinuities, the dip of ore body may vary considerably from area to area and will also affect the surrounding formations. Such structurally disturbed ore body will become less stable when excavated. The

angle of shear resistance of the discontinuities is an important factor influencing the slope stability.(4) Ground water: Since the footwall phyllitic clay is impervious to water, the ore body and the over burden rock is likely to be surcharged with water particularly during rainy season and the component of the weight which develops friction to resist sliding will be reduced by water pressure. When the tension cracks are filled with water, a further force is exerted on the sliding mass to reduce stability.(5) Pit geometry: The geometry of the pit will influence the stability of the slope. A circular pit design is most stable because the tangential stresses act as hoop stress to develop a beneficial arching effect.(6) Influence of blasting: During blasting, shear forces in the strata are increased by seismic acceleration forces, discontinuities are opened and new fractures develop, ground water permeates the open cracks in the slope creating potential of its failure.

Steps to improve stability of the slope: If excessive stripping ratio is to be avoided the steps should incorporate:-(i) Field investigation, laboratory studies of the rock specimens, in conjunction with a comprehensive follow-up ground control programme with particular attention to structural anomalies, ground water condition and influence of blasting should be conducted (ii) Stabilization of sliding areas, de-stressing the slope and de-pressurizing the benches by removing the affected area and cutting benches across the cracks respectively.(iii) Determination of mode of failure by analyzing the geological data (iv) Determination of water pressure profile and surface drainage and systematic drainage of the strata by bore-holes (v) Optimization of the blasting parameters, pre-splitting, cushion blasting and angle drilling(vi) Proper design of the pit geometry avoiding noses projecting into the pit(vii) Appropriate slope angle steeper at top and flatter below (viii) Faster rate of extraction and concentrated mining

Slope movement monitoring system: major movement will always give forewarning. Movement of the slope/benches may be monitored by grid pattern with stations at appropriate interval along dip and strike. Depending on the demand of the situation, daily/weekly measurement of the co-ordinates of the monitoring stations either by conventional survey instruments or by recently developed electronic distance measuring instruments (E.D.M.) may indicate the rate of slope movement both vertically and horizontally. Some E.D.M.s can measure distance, angle and compute co-ordinates also. By placing plastic mirrors at the monitoring stations "remote" reading of movement is feasible. Time-movement plots can be developed to assess the acceleration of the movement. In some of the iron ore open cast mines in our country, it has been found that if the rate of movement of slope exceeds 30 cm. per day, the collapse is impending. A rate of movement of more than 5 cm/day in any direction, horizontal or vertical had been considered as "fore-warning" for stoppage of mining operations and withdrawal of man and machinery from such pits.

190. What are the different bulk delivery systems of explosives in the large opencast mines of India? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each system?

Bulk explosives are delivered to the blast site of the big opencast mines by a variety of delivery systems whose characteristics vary depending on the product delivered, charging rate, capacity and size, support plant facilities provided on the truck etc. Some of the common delivery systems deployed in India are as follows- (a) plant mixed explosive delivery system (PMEDS) (b) mix slurry pump truck delivery system (MSPTDS) (c) Gelmaster delivery system (GDS) (d) blend masters (BM) (e) ANFO and HANFO delivery system. In addition delivery system for repumpable emulsions in small, intermediate diameters is also available.

1. Plant mixed explosive delivery system- In this system, pre mixed slurry manufactured at satellite plant located in close proximity of the mine site is transported in delivery trucks equipped with a pumping mechanism and directly pumped into the blast hole. The advantages of this system are: (i) relatively cheap (ii) robust and reliable (iii) explosive prepared under controlled conditions at the plant and tested for its explosive properties. The disadvantages are: (i) explosive is carried to the blast site (ii) large safety distance for the plant (iii) delivery of a single product

2. Mixed slurry pump truck delivery system- A mix pump truck carries the ingredients in separate containers housed on the truck and the actual mixing takes place at the site of blasting over the borehole. Calibrated quantities of ingredients are metered and blended together before being pumped into the boreholes. The explosive attains the desired density and sensitivity after a short period of time within the borehole. The advantages are: (i) products with varying energy/density levels can be offered (ii) non explosive ingredients are carried at all time ensuring more safety in transport. The disadvantages are : (i) less control on quality as the product is prepared at site (ii) high maintenance of trucks with complicated metering devices.

3. Gelmaster system: In this system, non explosive pre-mix prepared under controlled supervision at the plant or on the Gelmaster truck is carried to the mine site along with other ingredients. The explosive is mixed in batches and pumped down the bore hole where the mix attains its explosive properties after a short period of time. The advantages are: (i) no fixed explosive plant is required (ii) non explosive pre-mix is transported at all stages ensuring maximum safety (iii) pre-mix is prepared under better control/ supervision in a support plant (iv) system is safe with hydraulic devices (v) both slurries and emulsions can be delivered (vi)good mechanical reliability of the system. Disadvantages are: (i) not adequately suited for doped product

4. Blend masters: These trucks deliver one of the widest range of products of ANFO, heavy ANFO, emulsion and doped emulsion products. The arrangement essentially consist of and ANFO storage bin and containers for fuel oil and emulsion matrix storage. ANFO and emulsions are blended in the mix hopper for producing blended products or delivery individually as ANFO or a gassed emulsion explosive. Advantages of the system are: (i) delivers the widest range of products (ii) good for doped products. Disadvantages are: (i) expensive (ii) sophisticated design with high maintenance

5. ANFO and HANFO delivery system: These are simple trucks and can deliver only ANFO and heavy ANFO products. These units contain a bin for AN, a fuel oil tank and an emulsion bin. The fuel oil and AN are mixed in an auger to make ANFO. The emulsion is added in varying percentages in the boom auger of the truck to make

the desired product. Advantages of the system are: (i) relatively less expensive (ii) adequate capacities. Disadvantages are: (i) augerable product only.

6. Repumpable bulk emulsion (RPEM): RPEM systems have essentially been designed to extend the advantages of bulk explosives to traditional packaged explosive areas. These are low cost units for fast accurate loading of small quantities per borehole. Like all bulk explosives all the components are also non explosive and are mixed on the mine bench and loaded directly into the borehole. Typical capacities are 5 to 8 tonnes. Advantages are: (i) suitable for small and intermediate dia. Boreholes (ii) low cost units. Disadvantage is: not suitable for large blasts.

191. (a)What is the trend of accidents in metalliferous open cast mines in India? Indicate by death rate per 1000 persons. Give also cause-wise classification analysis. Which came contributes the maximum no. of accidents in Mechanized Opencast mines now-a-days? Suggest measures to minimize accidents due to such causes.(b) What is the share of the other causes in fatal accidents causation in Open cast non-coal mines? Suggest remedial measures to minimize such accidents also. (a) Currently, due to increased mechanization of the metalliferous Opencast mines of our country more accidents are taking place due to machinery (about 35%) as per statistics published by DGMS the death rate per thousand persons employed in metalliferous Opencast mines was 0.28 in 1987, 0.35 in 1988, 0.20 in 1989, 0.41 in 1990, 0.46 in 1991, 0.33 in 1992, 0.36 in 1993 and 0.26 in 1994. It showed an increased trend upto 1991 and was on decline slightly in 1992 and 1994. Cause-wise classification of fatal accidents during the period 1987-91 showed that 11 fatal accidents occurred due to dumpers and trucks in 1987, 18 in 1988, 15 in 1989, 16 in 1990 and in 26 in 1991 and this trend remained practically the same during the last three years with marginal decline. Accidents due to fall of sides varied from 7 to 16% per annum during 1987-91.In mechanized Opencast operations, wheeled trackless transportation machinery (dumpers, tippers, trucks, tractors and trailers) contributes maximum numbers of fatal accidents. Such accidents constitute about 75% of all fatal accidents due to HEMM and 58% of all fatal accidents in Opencast and surface operations. Accidents due to tractors had registered a raising trend the rate of fatal accidents per 1000 dumpers, trippers, trucks etc deployed was found varying from 30 to 40 during the last few years. The analysis revealed that there is hardly any decline worth the name in the trend of accidents due to wheeled trackless transportation machinery. Cause wise analysis (in percentage) of fatal accidents due to W.T.T machinery revealed that contribution of "negligent and unauthorized driving" and "while reversing vehicles" is maximum (roughly 2 out of every 3 or 4 accidents)."Run over while crossing the road" too took significant toll (about 20%).Location wise percentage of fatal accidents due to W.T.T machinery revealed that only one out of every three fatal accidents occurred in actual quarry operation area(opencast excavation),remaining about 65% of accidents occur in ancillary surface operations sites; one out of every three fatal accidents took place on haul roads and associated roads(specially near workshops, office complex).Accidents in the stock-yards/sliding had increased (mostly due to over-crowding of contractor's vehicles and the company's dumpers at the same stock yard).

The following measures are suggested to minimize accidents due to W.T.T machinery:-

(i) Strict compliance with the conditions stipulated by DGMS in the permission U/R 106(2) (b) of MMR1961, provision of A.V.Reversing alarm & spotter to each transport vehicle.(ii) Formulation and implementation of "code of traffic rules" and "code of practice" for prevention of injuries to persons engaged in tipping on stockpile dump etc. As per recommendations of the Seventh conference on safety in mines (iii)Adequate care in selection and training of operators and drivers of dumpers & trucks. On conclusions of training, competency should be evaluated by a Board constituted by mining company and a competency certificate awarded(iv)Technical training should be supplemented by "operator's development programme" in which special stress should be laid on "motivation" "perception conditioning" "enforcement of discipline" and "development of good system & work culture". Provision of "substitute" operators to avoid overtime work(v)To prevent un-authorized driving, a system should be evolved where under the drivers/operators always keep the ignition key and/or cabin key with them through out the duty hours and there after hand over the same to the reliever driver or to a specifically designated competent person(vi)In every tractor and trailer combination operators the trailer should have four wheels and separate brake of its own the surface haul roads in mine premises which are frequently used by workers and other persons should have a separate lane for the pedestrians and two wheelers.(viii)Every mine should be established a system where by loading and unloading operations are not carried on simultaneously at the same place on the stock yard.(ix)Strict control and supervision of contract vehicles and person who should be adequately trained and made safety conscious by appropriate training schedules and modalities.(x)Test run of dumpers/trucks should be done only by such fitters of the repair shop who have undergone drivers/operators training and posses competency certificates(xi)Proper design, construction and maintenance of haul road, its gradient, width, bend modulation, drainage, dust suppression and consolidation(xii)Adequate lighting arrangement(xiii)Conditioning monitoring vehicle and provision of safety belts to the operators (xiv)Transport arrangement and maintenance crew to the site

(b)Share of other causes are-(i) Fall of sides (about 12%)(ii) Fall of persons (about 12%)(iii) Other machinery (about 11%)(iv) Explosives (about 9%). Rest due to other causes

Remedial measures suggestion-(i) Maintaining and monitoring slope and dump stability (ii) Examination of structural stability of heavy machinery by experts before commissioning of major repair and at interval(iii) Safe and modern blasting practices (iv) Application of organic principles in designing operators cabin (ergonomics) and but not the least review of management structure vis-�-vis inter disciplinary interface

192. Besides legislative measures, what are the other recent developments in mine safety movement in our country?

Some of the recent developments in mine safety movement in our country, besides the legislative measures include,

(a) Self-regulation by management: Most of the mining companies in the organized sector have set up Internal Safety Organization (I.S.O) for the purpose. It is headed by a very senior officer and is multi-disciplinary in character.

(b) Participation of workers in safety management: Recognizing that much greater strides in safety can be achieved by participation of workmen in safety programme, the twin instruments of "safety committee" and "workmen's inspector" have been conceived and even given statutory backing.

(c) Role of workers organization: Worker's organizations have been given increasing role to play in the formulation of safety programmes as well as in the review of the implementation thereof. There are several such formal and ad-hoc tripartite committees at various levels and in fact the 'committee" under Sec.12 of the mines act 1952 is a tripartite body.

(d) Vocational and other training: Recognizing the need for safety education to prepare the mine workers to face the challenges of mining, the Mines Vocational Training Rules were framed in 1966. These rules provide for initial refresher and specialized training of mine workers. Besides this, in-house training programmes are organized by mine operators to make workers safety and productivity conscious.

(e) Observance of "safety week" , "safety campaign" etc: During the safety weeks held every year, efforts are made to inculcate safety consciousness amongst workers, Supervisory staff and others by various audio-visual means. Further, by holding competitions among various participating mines, an attempt is made to improve the working conditions. Based on the accident experience, special drives are sometimes launched to focus attention on specific cause group.

Besides these, "Safety Conferences" at national level are held periodically to review the status of safety in mines and adequacy of existing measures in a spirit of mutual co-operation. This body also suggests measures for further improvement in safety. So far, ten such conferences have been held. As an additional incentives National safety Awards (mines) have been instituted by Govt. of India from 1983 on various indices of safety performance like longest accident free period, lowest injury frequency rate and largest percentage reduction in injury frequency rate in the contest year over the preceding two years.

193. What is the purpose of accident investigation? How accident reports and records are significant in accident prevention?The purpose of accident investigation is to identify and discover the hazardous conditions, unsafe practices and other weakness in the system responsible for accident causation, so that accidents from similar causes may be prevented. This is accomplished by -a) Detailed investigation of each individual accident and dangerous occurrences to discover the causative factors involved.b) An analysis of the factors found and c) Recommendation for corrective actions based on the findings of the investigation.

Responsibility of accident causation also needs to be pin-pointed for improved awareness and strict vigilance in future.

Accident investigation reports and records generate a wealth of information on preventive measure provided "root" causes and circumstances leading to each accident/dangerous occurrences are correctly identified and analyzed. Remedial measures are based on such analysis. For example if an analysis of accident record it is found that unsafe or defective design of a machine or system is contributing to accidents or mishaps "engineering revision" of the system is a must to prevent such accidents. If unsafe work-situation or unsafe practices are revealed in the enquiry reports, accident prevention methods may be formulated on the basis of the recommendations of the enquiry report. Further, recommendations contained in the enquiry reports of major accidents or disasters are circulated to industry for compliance and eventually incorporated in the statutes as "mandatory" provisions of law. Thus accident investigation reports and records are very significant in accident prevention.

194. How accidents are caused?CAUSES OF ACCIDENT: Accidents constitute a behavioral problem signifying disintegration in the equilibrium of the individual in relation to the work-situation. The forces responsible for disequilibrium are mainly drawn from the stress of the work-situation and the psychological character of the individuals involved. As soon as this field is disturbed due to displacement of a relatively specific situation of the appearance of a new one, the equilibrium is upset causing an interruption or disorganization in performance. If we analyze the mechanism of accident we will find that accidents are interplay of various factors which can be broken down to some thing like this:-1) The general psychological factor of the individual concerned as seen in the combination of inherited and acquired characteristics. Recklessness , stubbornness and other undesirable traits of character may be passed along through inheritance. Environment may develop undesirable traits of character. Both inheritance and environment cause "fault" of persons.2) A second factor, which may be permanent or temporarily, but which exists in the individual at a moment when he commits a dangerous act which is actualized by nervousness, violence, apathy, aggressiveness and anxiety etc.3) A factor of convergence which is made up of dangerous act and mechanical and physical circumstance which already existed or which appeared at the time of the act (lighting a match in an inflammable atmosphere)4) The material factor in the accident corresponding to the reaction of the material (explosion in the mine)5) The resultant factor; injuries or death to persons in the vicinity.

The mechanism is illustrated below:-

195. What are the two main indices of injury performance? What is their significance?

The two main indices of injury performance are injury "Frequency Rate (F.R)" and injury "Severity Rate (S.R)".These two indices measure the exposure risk in hazardous activities.

FREQUENY RATE: The method of calculation of this rate varies from country to country. In USA, the F.R is no. of accidents per million man-hours worked.

F.R     =

No. of accidents x 10 6          

Total no. of man hours worked

This rate is calculated for a period; 6 month or one year. In U.K, Germany, Canada, France, Belgium, Czechoslovakia, Poland and Netherlands, F.R is no of accidents per 1,00,000 (one lakh) man-shifts worked.

F.R     =

No. of accidents x 1, 00,000

Total no of man-shifts worked

In India until recently, F.R was calculated as no. of accidents per 1000 men employed.

F.R     =

No of accidents x 1000          

Avg. no. of men employed per day

It is also calculated per million tones of output in Coal mines.But for the purpose of Natural Safety Awards (Mines) introduced from 1984, the average injury rate in the mines of our country is determined as follows:-The total of the number of persons killed per one lakh mandays multiplied by ten and number of persons seriously injured per one lakh mandays multiplied by three. Example: In a mine employing on average 200 persons per day, in a particular year three persons were killed and 20 persons were seriously injured. In this mine the average injury F.R will be

Average F.R

    = 3 x 1, 00,000 x 10 200x x300

    + 20 x 1, 00,000 x 3 200 x 300

    = 150

[Working days have been assumed as 300 in that year]Injury Severity Rate (S.R) is the no of man-days lost as a result of accident per million man-hours worked. In case of permanent disability a "Standard" time lost is used and the actual time lost by victim is ignored. e.g. If a man loses a thumb in an accident a time lost of 600 days is made regardless of his actual lost time. This is due to reduced performance. Scheduled charges for disabilities have been prescribed

based on Workmen's Compensation Act. For death or other permanent full disabilities equivalent man days lost is 6000 and the days are reduced proportionately according to percentage disability. In other cases of lost time injuries the actual days lost are taken into account. Example: In the same mine quoted before, in that particular year 600 man days were lost besides 3 deaths.

S.R     =

No of man-days lost      

Total no of man-hours worked

x 106

The significance of the two indices is the identification of the status of safety performance. These indices make the accident data more meaningful and suited for comparison purposes. The severity rate reflects the "seriousness" of the time-lost accidents. These are therefore very important tools in accident analysis for evolving remedial measures.

196. How serious do you consider is the threat of "NOISE" in mechanized open cast mine? Indicate the generally prevalent noise levels at heavy machinery like shovels, dumpers, ripper dozer, drills, scrapers, graders, front end loader and crushing and screening plant. Suggest measures to improve condition at the work places in this regard.Noise pollution has become a matter of concern in mechanized open cast mines because heavy machines like pneumatic drills, dozers, shovels, dumpers and crushing and screening plant etc, in the mine premises emit noise the level of which varies from 80 to 115db(A) having varying degree of adverse effect on the surrounding environment . The adverse effects are: (i) auditory and non-auditory on the health of the workers. (ii) On the operating system of the mine and (iii) on the physical objects. The auditory effects include temporary/ permanent hearing loss. The noise induced hearing loss is influenced by the frequency and intensity of noise, its bandwidth, duration of exposure in a single day and number of years of working day exposure. It is irrecoverable and cannot be cured by hearing aids. Above an average hearing loss of 25db (A), a person's hearing is said to be handicapped or damaged. Non-auditory effects on health are vasco-constriction, gastro intestinal modification/electro mayo graphic evidence of increased muscle tension, respiratory modification and skin resistance alteration. Besides effect on health, noise has effect on task performance, efficiency, resulting introduced production, increased error rate, annoyance, distraction, anxiety, low morale, nervous irritability and strain fatigue and interface with speech communication and signal which is possibly the best understood of the non-auditory effect of noise. It interferes with sleep also and may become a factor of absenteeism. The effect of noise one physical object may be structural impairment, property devaluation etc. Therefore noise in the mechanized opencast mine is a serious hazard not only to the health of workers and mine operating system but also causes great environmental pollution in the current standard concept and awareness.

Generally prevalent noise levels in some HEMM :Diesel (in cabin) -92dB(A);

Dumper (in cabin)-80 to 108 dB (A); ripper dozer (in cabin)- 90-106dB (A); Drills (pneumatic)- 105-115db(A); Drill master 85-111db(A); Scraper 85-100db(A);Grader 88-96db(A);Front end loader 85-105 db(A); Crushing and screening plant 80-105db(A)

Measures to improve the condition of the work place: From noise hazard point of view, the condition at the work place can be improved by the following measures individually or in combination:-i) Noise control at the source which is by far the most cost -effective and positive approach ii) Control of transmission pathiii) Protective measure at the receiver including reduction of exposure duration, to be adopted in extreme situation when noise control by first two means is impracticable or not feasible.

Noise control implies reduction of the noise level down below the prescribed permissible limits vis-�-vis the exposure time in case of continuous noise or permitted no. of impacts per day for "impact" or "intermittent" noise, Based on I.L.O code of practice DGMS, vide circular no 18(Tech) of 1975 had recommended "provisionally" certain standards and guidelines. The danger limit value, in this circular was 90 db (A) above which danger of hearing impairment and deafness might result from an unprotected ear. But recent noise surveys conducted in some mines indicated that persons employed in the vicinity of HEMM were getting exposed to sound levels higher than those recommended in the above circular. Therefore vide DGMS circulation (Tech) no5 of 1990, immediate steps recommended to be taken to control noise level and afford necessary protection to workers against noise. The suggested noise control measures included "reduction of noise level at source" by engineering design of the machine or equipment and its proper installation and maintenance e.g. damping impact noise, noise insulation by sound absorbing materials, acoustic barriers or enclosures etc. These measures include control of noise via transmission path also. In situation, where noise control at source or control of transmission path is just not possible, 'effective' personal hearing protection programme has been suggested in this circular. This program essentially comprises the following constituents:- i) Assessment of noise level by audiometric surveys in the manner recommend in DGMS circular No 18 (tech) of 1975 ii) Determination of levels of residual protection after implementation of reasonably practicable noise control measuresiii) Selection of protectors to give required attenuation iv) Workers perception of the consequence of not wearing protector correctlyv) Selection of protector accept to the individual worker for the period of required usevi) Training of wearers vii) Demarcation of work location where protector should be usedviii) Adequate supervision to ensure protected in an efficient hygienic condition and ix) To reduce, by all appropriate means, the exposure of workers to any excessive noise.

I believe that by adopting the above measures, the condition of the work place may be improved.

197. "Fire on surface heavy machinery is a serious hazard to life and property" discuss the various causes and effective remedial measure to reduce these hazards. Currently, increasing mechanization in surface mining, higher mining capacity envisaged, use of high pressure hydraulics, high torque engines, high amperage motors in HEMM accompanied by continuous operation, constant vibration and stress, rugged environment, dusty muddy conditions, malfunctioning and fault, maintenance at times pose serious fire hazards to such equipment. A simple rupture / leakage of hydraulic hose, spilling hydraulic fluid on hot manifolds, or any other hot component of the equipment can cause sudden ignition, engulfing the various components or entire equipment in flames. Though total elimination of fire hazard is very difficult yet "fire potential" can be reduced to some extent by improved design of various components of the machine, identifying the "potentials" for fire, evolving remedial/preventive measures and finally by provision of "automatic fire protection system" in each HEMM as recommended by DGMS vide Tech circular No.3 of 1981 and also by 7th conference on safety in mines.

Identification of Potentials of Fire in HEMM includes:- i) Sources of ignition such as high temperature, electrical, welding and cutting operation, open flame in the vicinity of the inflammable materials on the equipment like diesel, hydraulic fluid, transmission oil, grease, lubrication oil etc.,ii) Poor quality of maintenance and housekeeping &iii) Poor quality or spare parts such as hoses, bearing, electrical parts etc.

Item i) can be tackled by good & safe "operational" practice. A "code of practice" should be evolved for this purpose. Item ii) envisages daily maintenance schedule incorporating "checking all oil, hydraulic fluid and gas lines for cuts, abrasion and undue wear & replacement where necessary"; " Inspection of oil, hydraulic and gas links fittings for tightness, cleaning of all residues, inspection and of cleaning engine area by water or steam"; "checking braking system against overheating"; "checking all possible ignition points like engine block, exhaust manifold, turbochargers etc. and to see that they are not in contact with oil, hydraulic fluid or gas line"; "keeping the vehicle clean from dry vegetation, dirt, dust, grain particles and oil and fuel dripping" and "checking electrical lines and connections for light fit, wear and abrasion, replacing defective electrical parts/wiring" etc. Efficient and quality materials management can take care of the item iii) above. After the potentials of fire are identified and free-hazards evaluated, the appropriate and logical option available against fire is to provide "automatic fire detection, actuation and suppression system" pre-engineered and custom designed of each type of HEMM, supplemented by basic fire fighting/prevention training and safe practices.

"The automatic fire detection, actuation and suppression system" consists of one or more containers of fire suppressant (usually of dry chemical, mono-ammonium phosphate base or Halon 1301 at 7% concentration). The detection may be electrical (thermal) or pneumatic (non-electric) system. The former consists of a steel sheathed cable containing two electrical conductors separated by heat-sensitive insulator. This cable is looped around the fire prone areas. At the rated temperature of the detection (around 1800C), the insulation melts allowing the internal conductors to touch each other completing the detection circuit, results in an alarm in the control module and

within seconds triggers the fire suppression discharge system. The whole system depends on vehicle's battery. Due to some weaknesses in this system, a totally non-electric (pneumatic) automatic fire sensing device has been in use. This features a fusible plastic tube sensing system that triggers cartridge actuated dry chemical extinguishers by a pneumatic signal. The detection tubing is paned through all fire hazard areas to be protected and connects pressure make up device (PMD) and detection actuation device (DAD). A high pressure (1800psi) nitrogen gas cartridge pressurizes the detection tubing through a regulator of about 80 psi. This pressure acts on a piston and puncture pin assembly in the DAD to compress an actuation spring. When the heat from a fire softens the detection tubing at about 355 0C, the internal gas pressure causes the tube to rupture. The rapid release of gas allows the actuation spring force to overcome the nitrogen pressure on the piston in the DAD causing the puncture pin assembly to pierce the brass seal of second high pressure nitrogen cartridge. This gas operates a cartridge actuated pre-engineered and fixed dry chemical fire suppression system to discharge within seconds. This system can be operated manually also. The system is shown below diagrammatically:-

198. (a) What factors should be considered while determining "Danger mark" or "withdrawal level" in a river/water courses in the vicinity of an opencast mine?(b) What measures would you recommended to reduce fire hazards from use of electrical equipment in mines? (a) The factors to be considered are:-i) the rate at which water level in the river/water course can rise under the most adverse conditions, such as saturated soil, prolonged heavy downpour etc. This may be found out by -. By observing, round the clock, fluctuations in the water level during critical parts of the year along with the measurement of the intensity of rainfall in the area during the same period . By finding out the catchment area of the particular water course. On the basis of the most intense rainfall on record in the area, calculating the volume of water likely to flow in the water course when the losses due to evaporation and absorption is negligible [with the help of the formula for calculating flow through open channels, the likely rise of water level in a given time can then be determined]ii) The time taken conveying the alarm once the water level touches the "Danger mark" to the furthest working points in the mine and the time taken by the officials to collect all persons and machinery and to remove them to a safe place.iii) The margin of safety that may be allowed keeping in view the general level of alertness and safety consciousness amongst the mining collective. When an embankment is provided against any water course, the withdrawal level should be fixed sufficiently below the toe of the embankment (unless the embankment has been designed and constructed on sound civil engineering principles to serve as dam)iv) The effectiveness of all such warning system should be checked by MOCK REHEARSALS.

b) Measures to reduce fire hazards from electrical equipment:-i) Intense program for training of people in proper installation, maintenance and

operation should be undertaken and "code of practice" for safe use of electricity should be evolved besides following the "Indian standard code of practice" for installation and maintenance of different types of electrical equipment.ii) Possibility of gradual switching over to air current breakers in place of O.C.B for 440v and 3.3kv should be explorediii) In case of 3.3kv equipment, invariably minimum oil type circuits should be used.iv) Suitability of adopting "insulated" neutral system should be examined.v) PVC, PVC sheathed cables should be used.vi) In the main substation and other HEMM (electrically driven) "automatic fire detection and suppression system" should be installed.vii) Arrangement for automatic tripping should be provided in all high capacity, high volume electrical installations in the case of rise of temperature beyond a certain limit.viii) In all conveyor installations, in case of 'in-pit' crushing, suitable thermostatic devices for detection of fire and automatic tripping of switches and suppression system should be provided.ix) An expert committee should be constituted to go into the all aspects of the problem and suggest detailed measures relating to the design, installation, operation and maintenance of all electrical equipments with "prevention of fire" and "safety" as an objective. The committee should consist of ISI experts, Director (Electrical) DGMS, technical experts from big open cast mines, research organizations, academicians and labor representatives.x) Automatic fire detection, actuation and suppression system should be incorporate in all electrically driven HEMM.

199. What types of emergencies can arise in mechanized opencast mine? Draw up a plan or scheme for dealing with such emergencies.The following type of emergencies may arise in mechanized opencast mine: - 1) Outbreak of fire in HEMM 2) Inundation of danger exists near by 3) Impending slope/sides failure of major dimension4) Natural calamity like earthquake, windstorm, and cloud burst etc.

The "emergency plan" to deal with such emergencies should incorporatei) Establishment of control roomii) Provision of infrastructural facilities and should spell out duties and responsibilities of all persons so that they should know what is expected of them when emergency occurs. All these actions should be in the form of a "standing order in case of emergency" a model of which is given below:-

MODEL STANDING ORDERS FOR IMMEDIATE ACTION TO BE TAKEN IN CASE OF EMERGENCY:

A) Giving of warning:- i) Duty of work person: Any work person/machinery operator who notices abnormal situation in the mine like outbreak of fire in machinery or elsewhere; sudden inrush of water; slope or bench movement etc, shall take immediate steps to give warning by fastest possible means to the nearest available mine officialii) Duty of mine official: The mine official receiving the warning shall send warning by faster possible means to a) Senior official b) Manager c) Other parts of the mine d) Engineer e) Attendance clerk and person in charge of sounding siren.

iii) Duty of attendance of clerk: On receiving information about the emergency, the attendance clerk and the person in charge of sounding siren shall give siren by a special code. The attendance clerk shall take steps to warn the emergency dealing squad like fire-fighting crew and also the rescue team.iv) Duty of emergency crew and rescue personal: On hearing the warning signal they should immediately collect at the control roomv) Duty of Manager: On receipt of information about emergency the Manager shall send information to (a) Rescue Station, if located nearby (b) DGMS (c) Senior Officers of Management (d) District Magistrate (e) Police Authorities and also establish a "control room" with one Asst. Manager in charge of the control room with proper briefing. All instructions to deal with emergency should issue from the Apex body at the control room consisting of i) Representative of DGMS ii) Senior of Management iii) Representative of Rescue station iv) Representative of Trade Unions v) Experts on the particular emergency dealing.

B) Withdrawal of persons & machinery: Duty of Mine officials: On receipts of warning of emergency the Mine officials shall forthwith withdraw all persons from their working places and the Engineer with his crew /operators shall make arrangement to withdraw all machinery in a safe place. Withdrawal shall be in an orderly manner.

C) Restriction of employment: No person other than those duly authorized by Management shall enter the Mine for the purpose of dealing with emergency.Duty of attendance clerk: He shall record in his register the entry to and exit from the Mine of any authorized person.

D) Dealing with Emergency: All work of dealing with emergency shall be conducted strictly as per instruction of the Apex body in the control room.i) Duty of surveyor: He shall keep ready all plans required at the control room, he shall prepare a team for undertaking any survey work and in case of impending slope failure monitor the ground movement. He shall keep a list of mines to be approached for voluntary rescue team or other resources.

ii) Duty of Welfare officer/personnel officer: He shall report to the control room. He shall arrange for accommodation for Rescue teams, organize canteen facility, blood donation and identification of bodies.

iii) Duty of Medical officers: He shall report to the control room, requisition services of doctors from the adjoining mines/areas, be ready with medical staff to attend to the injured, inform central or district hospitals to receive serious cases, requisition Ambulances from adjoining mines/hospitals, and arrange for blood collection (visit of blood donors shall be maintained in each mine)

iv) Duty of security personnel: He shall report to the control room; cordon off the entrances to the mine; maintain law and order and assist police and arrange for guarding the dead bodies till those are sent for post-mortem.

v) Duty of store in-charge: He shall check the materials on the emergency list; shall send the list to the control room; wait for instruction for procurement of more

materials promptly issue materials on receipt of requisition slip.

vi) Duty of Engineer: He shall report to the control room; carry out duties assigned to him, arrange mechanical crew for all the three shifts.

vii) Duty of transport officer: He shall report to the control room; keep all light and heavy vehicles ready; if necessary, requisition more vehicles from adjoining mines; organize transport of men and materials from other mines/places.

viii) Duty of Union leader: He shall maintain peace, assist management in rescue and recovery work by organizing volunteers; help controlling the affected families.

ix) Duty of canteen manager: He shall report to control room; arrange supply of tea, snacks and meals for all involved in emergency work.

E) Enforcement of the order: A copy of the order shall be posted at the mine office attendance cabin, telephone operator's room and in the room of all senior officers. Mock rehearsal shall be held at least once in a quarter.

F) Resumption of work: Normal work in the mine shall not be resumed except with the prior permission of the manager.

200. How does the slope angle affect the economies of the pit?The slope angle of an open pit refers to be general slope including slopes of all the steps/benches therein as shown in the figure below:-

As may be seen from in figures above, the flatter the slope more is the quantum of excavation involved incurring expenditure. A steeper slope will require less excavation resulting in low-stripping ratio. In other words, per tonne of mineral, less cubic meters of waste-rock need to be removed affecting thereby the economies of the pit. Stripping ratio is one of the major indices of pit-economy. As regards the slope of the individual bench, this is controlled by mostly by the type of machines deployed for excavation/loading etc. Their heights are limited by the "digging" height of the excavators and the slope controlled by the machines also, gentle slope of the bench will not permit efficient handling of the ore or waste. The deeper the pit; more is the influence of slope angle on the cost of excavation. In a pit; 300 to 500m deep, even one degree steeper slope will save a lot of money.

But the slope angle has to be so designed depending on the type of strata, hydro-geological condition, geological anomalies etc, that this slope remains within the angle of safety to prevent slope failure or slide of materials/rocks etc. This angle should be such that the "factor of safety" of the slope is always maintained more than one, Otherwise there will be danger of shear failure of the slope incurring heavy loss of property/machinery, interruption in production and even loss of life. Failure of slope in waterlogged pit has caused inundation also adversely affecting the mine economy. Therefore slope angle is a very important parameter in pit-geometry affecting greatly the economics of the pit. For this reason in deep pits of surface

mining today "limit angle" concept has been developed and maintained that it should fail on the next day of the completion of the extraction of the ore. More stable slope with flatter angle means more than required money has been spent.

201. Distinguish between "technical" cause and "basic" cause of accidents. Illustrate your answer by three typical examples of mine accidents.The "technical" cause of accident normally indicates "how" the accident has occurred i.e. which "agency" is most closely associated with the accident causation or the "event" that has resulted in injury or death. For example: Ground movement which includes fall of roof, sides, overhangs, subsidence, landslides etc; transportation machinery including dumpers, heavy earth movers, other wheeled trackless means of transportation; explosives; electricity; falls (other than fall of ground); irruption of water; flying pieces; drowning; buried in sand etc. In form IVA of the First Schedule (notice of accident) such "cause wise" classification of the accident has to be included.

"Basic" cause indicates "why" the accident has occurred i.e. the "root" causes leading to the malfunctioning or failure of the system which has resulted in accident. These include unsafe mechanical or physical condition, unsafe work-situation like dangerous overhang at the face, insecure sides, defective machines etc; unsafe act like violation of the provisions of the Mines Act, Regulations, Rules and Orders made there under, and/or unsafe personal factor which is the mental or bodily characteristic responsible for the performance of the selected unsafe act (unsafe attitude, lack of knowledge or skill, bodily defects like faulty vision, poor hearing and so on, mental state like nervousness, fatigue and so forth). Once the "basic" cause is identified, remedial measures can be evolved to prevent recurrence of similar accident. Elimination of "basic" cause averts accidents.

Therefore the distinction between "technical" and "basic" cause of accident is that while the former refers to "how" of the accident, the latter "why" of it.

The following three typical examples of mine accidents would illustrate this distinction:- 1) While two workers were engaged in extraction of stone beneath an overhanging face, the mass measuring 1.5m x 1.7m x 0.9m. thick and consisting of alluvium with embedded boulders fell through a height of 3m, killing them instantly.Had the face been kept adequately sloped or benched and not undercut as required U/R 106(1)&(5) of MMR 1961 and had the deceased not engaged themselves under such overhang thus not negligently omitting to ensure their safety as required U/R 181 of MMR 1961, this accident could have been averted. So the "basic" cause consists of formation of overhang (unsafe condition) and employment under such overhang (unsafe act) and that is "why" accident has occurred.2) While a dumper operator was sleeping by the side of his dumper, he was run over by another dumper and was killed on the spot.Had he not slept whilst on duty in contravention of the provisions of Reg. 41(7) of MMR 1961, this accident could have been averted. Here the basic cause is "unsafe act" of sleeping whilst on duty.3) While deep hole blasting was done in overburden bench a piece of stone measuring about 1m x 0.7m x 0.6m flew and landed on a mine tipping tub 58m away which was being used as a "shelter" by the blaster. The tub was damaged causing fatal injury to

the blaster.

Had the blaster taken "adequate" shelter as required U/R 164(1) of MMR 1961 this accident could have been averted. The "basic" cause here again is "unsafe act" (contravention of the provisions of Reg. 164(1) of MMR 1961)

202. How accidents can be prevented by means of "Management Control"?Accidents are not the product of some unforeseen power-they have a tangible cause over which it is possible to exercise a measure of control. The prevention of accidents lies simply in isolation of the causative factors followed by their ultimate change or eradication. While various duties and responsibilities for safety could be delegated, the management's function itself or planning, organizing, directing and controlling for the ultimate objective of obtaining freedom from accidents cannot be delegated. Safety is, no doubt, "every body's business", but it requires management's sustained efforts to ensure that accident-prevention programs work successfully. The prevention methods can be summarized by four Es i.e. Engineering, Enforcement, Education and Enthusiasm. A well-engineered system with built-in safety, enforcement of safety education for arousing safety-consciousness, discipline, self-restraint etc. and enthusiasm in achieving ZAP by providing safe and healthy work-situation are the key elements of accident prevention. The chart below shows the means of accident prevention by management control should be by Internal Safety Organization (ISO)

203. Besides legislative measures, what are the other recent developments in mine Safety movement in our country? Some of the recent development in mine safety movement in our country, besides the legislative measures includes:

a) Self-regulation by management:Most of the mining companies in the organized sector have setup Internal Safety Organization (ISO) for the purpose. It is headed by a very senior officer and is multi-disciplinary in character.

b) Participation of workers in safety management:Recognizing that, much greater strides in safety can be achieved by participation of workmen in safety program the twin instruments of "Safety Committee" and "Workmen's Inspector" has been conceived and even given statutory backing.

c) Role of workers organizations:Worker's organizations have been given increasing role to play in the formulation of safety programs as well as in the review of the implementation thereof. There are several such formal and ad-hoc tripartite committees at various levels and in fact the "committee" under sec.12 of the Mines Act 1952 is tripartite body.

d) Vocational and other training:Recognizing the need for safety education to prepare the mine workers to face the challenges of mining, the Mines Vocational Training Rules were framed in 1966. These rules provide for initial refresher and specialized training of mine workers. Besides this, in-house training programs are organized by mine operators to make workers safety and productivity conscious.

e) Observance of "Safety week, Safety campaign" etc:During the safety weeks held every year efforts are made to inculcate safety consciousness amongst workers, Supervisory staff and others by various audio-visual means. Further, by holding competitions among various participating mines, an attempt is made to improve the working conditions. Based on the accident experience, special safety drivers are sometime launched to focus attention on specific cause-groups.

Besides these, "Safety conference" at national level is held periodically to review the status of Safety in mines and adequacy of existing measures in a spirit of mutual co-operation. This body also suggests measures for further improvement on safety so far, ten such conferences have been held. As an additional incentive -National Safety Awards (Mines) have been instituted by Govt. of India from 1983 on various indices of Safety performance like longest accident free period, lowest injury frequency rate and largest percentage reduction in injury frequency rate in the contest year over the preceding two years.

204. In alluvial soil, morrum , gravel, clay, debris, or other similar ground the sites are require to be sloped at an "angel of safety" of not exceeding 45 degree form the horizontal or such other angel as the Regional Inspector may persist. What is the "angel of safety' and or what factors this angel depends?The angel of safety is that angel from horizontal which will not allow slope failure it is related to "factors of safety " which indicates the ratio of sumps of total forces which the material of the slope is capable to mobilize due to its strength along a slip surface, to the sum of actual forces tending to slip the slope. To prevent slope failure the factor of safety should be more the one and the angel of slope which will ensure this is called the "angel of safety."

It (F.S) depends on the type of the ground, its cohesive resistance, fissures and joints, water seepage etc. it varies with the depth of the excavation. Higher the depth lower the factor of safety.

205. While tipping was being done at a dump yard, the dumper rolled down the slope causing fatal injuries to operator. Write a report of enquiry and recommendations to avoid similar accidents.Brief narration of the accident:- the accident occurred due to rolling down of a dumper along the slope of a dump while tipping was being done therein. This fall of dumper resulted in fatal injuries to the operator.

Background information:- it is assumed that overburden material are removed from a mechanized opencast mine by shovel-dumper combination and dumps in a dump-yard as waste dump or a pile. Such waste-dump or pile is a structure consisting of unconsolidated overburden material and the dump-yard is the active area of the dump where materials are are placed during construction of the dump. The dump was about 20m high at the highest point and access ramp was more than 15m wide which was sufficient to avoid possibility of impact with other mobile equipment which included front-end loader, dozer, scraper etc. the gradient of ramp was 1 in 16. the edge of ramp as well as top of the dump were provided with the berm of 1m in height. The dumping was being done only during day light hours. The method of dumping was

by" backing over the edge". The dumper first dump the material at a distance of .3m from the edge and the bull dozer pushed the material to the edge to form berm. A spotter was posted at the dump site to direct the reversal of the dumpers which were also provided with audio visual alarm for operation during reversal. The operation was under the supervision of 2 "mate", 2 "foreman" under the overall control of an assistant manager. " code of practice" for prevention of injuries to person engaged in tipping in the dump yard was framed and got approved by "tripartite" committee as per recommendation of the seventh conference on safety in mines. The dumper operators were trained and written" operating instructions were available with them. The dump was sited on stable ground and its condition was also stable.

Events prior to accident : At the beginning of shift the dump was inspected by the foreman and the mates in regards to its stability and provision of " berm etc." and things were found in order except at one place there was no berm. Then the tipping operation started by a fleet of dumpers for about 2 hours the dumping operation continued satisfactorily i.e. on entering the tipping area, the operators visually checked the area of the tip and positioned the dumpers rear wheels" slowly, against the berm and did not take the dumper up to the edge where no berm was existing.

Occurrence of the accident: After about the 2 hours of safe operation, the operator of a dumper without visually inspecting the tipping edge backed his dumper towards the edge where no berm was provided and suddenly his dumper rolled down the slope over vertical height of about 20m inflicting serious bodily injuries to him which proved fatal later in the hospital.

Rescues and recovery : the hue and cry was raised and the person near by rushed to the spot down below the dump. The operator was taken out from the capsized dumper by the mate and other operators. He was profusely bleeding with multiple injuries including head injury. First aid was rendered and the injured was taken to the hospital where he succumbed to the injuries.

Inspection and inquiry : An inspection of spot from where the dumper rolled down. It was found that at that particular spot there was no berm. Sketches was prepared on the spot to illustrate the report. The eye witnesses were examined and all relevant facts were collected. The supervisory personal were also examined and there evidences were recorded in office.

Analysis of evidences: On analysis of the evidences and the spot inspection it transpired that1. the edge of the top of the dump from where the dumper rolled down was not provided with a suitable berm.2. that the bermless edge was not identified as a dangerous place and it was neither kept fenced of as required under Regulation 177 of the MMR 1961, nor a board stopping the dumping there was provided through the very first inspection, the foreman and the mate could see it at one place, no berm was existing.3. that deceased( the operator) did not follow the operating practice prescribed the code of practice i.e. he did not visually checked the edge of the dump that no berm was provided there and backed his dumper to result in such mishap.

Conclusion on cause: - it can therefore be concluded that non existence of suitable

berm at the edge of the dump tip ( an unsafe condition) and backing the dumper towards this bermless edge by the operator ( an unsafe act) in violation of prescribed " code of practice" had resulted in this fatal accident.

Responsibility: - in my opinion, the responsibility of accident lies primarily on the operator who had violated the written operating instruction of the approved code of practice. The subordinate supervisory staff, i.e. foreman and mate is also responsible to the extent that they did not take the steps to ensure that the bermless edge is stopped for any operation or fences off as required u/r 177 of MMR 1961. they should have asked not to go up to the bermless edge and dump the material at least 3m form the edge and dozers be used to form berm before dumping by dumpers starts.

Recommendations to avoid similar accidents: 1. Strict enforcement of the written operating instructions prescribed in the approved code of practice.2. retraining of all the dumper operators and take test frequently regarding there knowledge of the operating instruction and special "motivation" drive to motivate the operators to operate their dumper strictly in conformity with the prescribed operating instructions.3. Regular inspection of the dump before work starts and also during dumping work to see any unsafe practice being adopted or not.4. to make the spotter more aware about the dangers of backing towards edge and empower them with authority to stop the operation of the dumpers in case he detacts any unsafe practice.5. Ask "safety committee" to enlist the cooperation of the operators.

206. What are the principles of artificial lighting? What is LUX?The general principles of artificial lighting are that the workplace should be so illuminated by adequate quantity and appropriate quality of light that the worker can perform the task without any undue stress on his visual system which may result in visual fatigue. Visual fatigue can lead to not only production loss but inferior quality of work and increased error and accident frequency. Both the quantity and quality of light should be considered simultaneously to provide good vision. In respect of required quantity of light the required level of illumination for working efficiently depends on several factors like:- a) the size of the work being viewedb) contrast between the work and the immediate environmentc) reflectivity of lightd) the age and the health of the workers visual system

The quality of light is affected by many factorsa) contrast in the visual fieldb) even luminance and glarec) direction of lightd) Color of light.

By proper balance of all these factors, artificial lighting can be designed to suit various requirement of work. LUX is the unit of illumination (quantative) in SI units. It is an illumination of 1 lumen/m2. Lumen is the unit of flow of light (luminous flux)

it is the rate at which light falls on 1 square foot area surface where every point on the surface is 1 foot away from the one candela light source.

207. Is use of synthetic fiber cloths and non-conducting footwear by Blaster dangerous? Why?Static Charges can be generated and stored on the bodies of persons wearing synthetic fiber cloths and/or sock and non-conducting shoes or boots. It is learnt that the potential of such charge during dry months can go upto 60,000 volts especially on a cold day in dry climate. This can discharge through the detonator wire-insulation to the ground if the wire reach the charged body and may lead to firing of the detonator with dangerous results. It is therefore advisable to ensure that the Blaster and their helpers do not wear synthetic fiber cloths and socks whilst on duty. It should also be ensured that they are provided with and wear only conducting type shoes or boots e.g. leather sole footwear. This directive was given through DGMS (Tech.) Circular No.-1 of 1985.

208. Write short notes on (a) Sequential blasting (b) Blasting with delay action detonator (c) Muffle blasting

(a) Sequential blasting: - Sequence of delays in blasting operation plays an important part in control of ground vibration and noise, effective use of explosive energy for improved powder factor and fragmentation of rock/ore. Minimum delay interval of electric delay detonators manufactured in our country is 25 milli-seconds. But for large blasts, delay intervals need precise control to attain uniformity of interval of firing between rows and limit the charge per delay. This is achieved now-a-days, by using sophisticated sequential blasting machine, which is a solid state condenser discharge blasting machine that can initiate upto 10 individual blasting circuits in a sequence with programmable time intervals between each circuit. Time interval can be adjusted from 1 milli-second to 999 milli-seconds, with 1 milli-second increment. The accessories include extention cable, terminal board, load plug, corrosion resistant cable, energy tester etc. A typical layout of sequential blasting is shown by a diagram below:-

The benefits of sequential blasting are:-i. Permits initiation of large blasts of hundreds of tonnes while meeting stringent blasting regulation.ii. Large blasts reduces shifting of machineries frequently.iii. Better control of ground vibration and noise.iv. Improve fragmentation v. Choice of various delays from 1 to 999 milli-seconds with 1 milli-second incrementvi. Delay interval between rows can be optimized

(b) Blasting with delay detonators:-From the point of view of ground vibration control, effective use of explosive energy for improved powder factor and fragmentation due to availability of free face after every delay, control of noise, air blast and fly rock due to less charge per delay etc. the use of delay action detonators during blasting need not be overemphasized. In delay action detonators, this delay timing is inbuilt into the detonator by the incorporation of a "pyrotechnic" core between fuse head and the "primary charge" having the property of

burning at an exceptionally steady and constant rate and permits incorporation of delay timings ranging from a few milli-seconds to several seconds. Two types of delay detonators are generally employed, viz. milli-second delays and half second delays. Conventionally 10 delays are available in milliseconds and 10 in half seconds. Hole to Hole delay is provided by delay detonators while row to row delay interval is provided by Sequential blasting machines in large controlled blasts. Therefore blasting with delay detonators will continue to play its significant role in blasting operations of even big blasts using sequential blasting machines.

(c) Muffle blasting:-Even after optimizing all the blast parameters to minimize the fly-rock hazard, there may be residue risk, which can be eliminated by use of muffles. Muffles are means to cover the holes to prevent flying of rocks to some extent. Various types of muffles to meet the various demands have been tried in our country, wire nets, perforated steel sheets topped by sand bags of various dimensions are commonly used as muffles. Muffles should satisfy the following demands-i. Considerable strength to resist the shock of blastingii. Ability to join together iii. Flexibilityiv. Heavy enough not to be thrown away easily v. Pervious to gasvi. Ability to cover large areavii. Ability to secure in positionviii. Constructed of cheap materials ix. Shock absorbent x. Easy to handle and shift

Muffles may be (a) Heavy type to prevent throw of large stones or (b) Splinter covering muffles to prevent throw of small splinters. Heavy muffles may be "Rubber blasting mat", "Logs shackled together", "wire mats" and "iron ring mats". Splinter covering type may be "industrial felt mat", "Rag mats", "wire nets", tarpaulin and plastic and nylon cloths. In wire steel mats care should be taken to ensure that no joints between lengths of electric detonators cables come in contact with conductive materials in the muffle. A suitable combination of heavy and splinter mats may be used to minimize throw of fly-rocks. Old Conveyor belts stitched together and topped by sand bags have been successfully used as muffles. Rubber blasting mats are made of old motor tyres or conveyor belts stitched together. Muffle blasting is nothing but a controlled blasting by covering the blast holes by suitable muffles.

210. What are the parameters that affect waste dump stability? Describe the design methodology for a waste dump. How will you monitor the stability of waste dump slopes?

211. What is Safety Audit? How will you conduct a Safety Audit in your mine? What are the possible benefits of such an audit?

212. How air-borne dust survey is to be conducted in an opencast mine? Describe with a neat sketch the construction and working of a personal dust sampler.

213. Accidents caused by belt-conveyors in opencast mines are on the rise. What could be the possible causes? Write a code of practice for safe use of belt-conveyors.

214. State the provisions contained in Indian Electricity Rules, regarding cables other than flexible cables for portable and transportable apparatus.

215. Write the provisions of the statute in respect of the following-(a) Working near mine boundaries (b) Appointment of officials and competent persons (c) Electric shot-firing(d) Apparatus under pressure

216. How internal Safety Organization can be made more effective? What are the recommendations of Safety Conferences in this regard?

217. What are the different styles of management of industrial undertakings? Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of public sector mine management, suggest improvements?

218. What are the common causes of accidents in a highly mechanized open cast mines? What steps should be taken to minimize such accidents?

219. While an operator of a shovel of 3.6 m3 bucket capacity was standing near his machine, he was fatally injured by a 50 Kg. piece of stone rolling down the adjacent quarry side from a height of 15 m.Write a report of enquiry giving inter-alias, the circumstances attending this accident, the precautions that might have been omitted and remedial measures. Assume your own conditions.

220. (a) Describe the manner of dealing with-(i) An electrical fire in an enclosed room,(ii) Fire in a diesel storage tank,(b) What first aid would you render to an injured with broken ribs?

221. What are the precautions to be taken during-(a) Storage of inflammable material,(b) Brake testing of Dumpers,(c) Precautions while shunting,

222. A quarry is situated at the foot of 150m high hill, sloping at 450 from the horizontal and excavation is proceeding towards the hill. How would you ensure the stability of sides, and protect the quarry workers from the hazard of boulders, rolling down the hill?

223. As an assistant manager prepare a report of a detailed study of high rate of accidents by fall of side in a large open cast mine. Suggest means to reduce the accidents. Assume your own conditions.

224. Describe the layout of a vocational training centre for a group of ten small manual open cast mines situated within 10 Kms. to fulfill the statutory requirements under VT rules-1966.

225. List the notified occupational diseases in mines. Indicate precautions to reduce their incidence.

226. What is meant by accountability in delegation? How can a mine’s manager fulfill by delegation his accountability for (i) production (ii) safety (iii) cost control (iv) industrial discipline.

227. Write short notes on statutory requirements in respect of -(i) Extraction of common barrier between mines(ii) Maximum no. of shots fired by a blaster(iii) Increasing the benches beyond prescribed dimensions.

228. What are the statutory restrictions on employment of women and children in mines? What are the problems a manager faces in complying with these? Suggest changes in law, which you consider necessary.

229. What is the safety provisions regarding competent persons?

230. What is controlled blasting? How you will plan for controlled blasting in your mines located in close vicinity of a village?

231. What is the role of Appellate Medical Board (AMB) in medical examination?

232.What are the clearances above ground of the lowest conductor of overhead line where dumpers ply?

233.What is the importance of interlocks as safety devices?

234. Give a COP for surface miner .

235. What are the precautions you will take for blasting in the vicinity of sub-stations,electric supply lines?

236. How flexible cables are different from other cables?

237. What is the protection of safety for electrical equipments as per Indian Electricity Rules?

238. How do you conduct airborne survey, noise survey and illumination survey in your mines?

239. What are the regulations provided for use of bulk explosives in blasting?

240. What is the effect of slope on economics?

241. What are the factors to be taken into consideration while designing an optimum slope?

242. What are the earthing provisions for electrical apparatus?

243. What aspects to be considered for the construction of water dams?

244. How an efficient survey organisation is tobe formed and how it will help in maintaining correct plans and sections?

245. How to scrutinize your mine plans and sections in order to rectify errors?

246. What are the notable errors noticed in the mine plans and sections?

247. Give a COP for design, construction and maintenance of waste dumps?

248. How height and width of benches depend on other factors?

249. Give a COP for inspection, maintenance and repair of HEMM?

250. What are the provisions for disability allowance and disability compensation?