LIGHTING AND SAFETY
LAMPS STANDARDS IN MINE:-
LIGHTING AND SAFETY LAMPS
1. Supply of belts with cap safety lamps—Wherever workers are provided with cap lamps they
should also be issued suitable belts (which need not necessarily be of leather) for supporting the battery.
(Cir.
36/1962)
2. Improper wearing of cap lamps—As explosive carrier was carrying a cap lamp which was hung from his shoulder by a piece of wire. While the shotfirer was preparing primming
cartridges, the battery of the cap lamp of the explosive carrier fell over the primed cartridges that were lying on the ground resulting in a blast which caused a fatal accident. A miner who
happened to be present there was torn to pieces and the explosive carrier had
broken spine.
The above tragic accident brings to light the unsafe practice of hanging the cap lamp from the
shoulder. It has been noticed that cap lamps are sometimes hung from the shoulder by a belt and
often by the cable of the cap lamp. It is obviously advisable that the battery of a cap lamp is
attached to leather/canvas belt which is tied around the waist.
(Cir. 80/1963) CMR 154
1. Use of Flame Safety lamps—Flame Safety lamps are required to be issued to all shotfirers
and supervisory staff and should be kept burning at all places where electrical equipment is in use. In addition to above it is advisable to provide one flame safety lamp for every group of persons working in a face or elsewhere.
While for shotfirers and supervisory staff it is necessary to provide gas testing lamps with
relighting device, in other cases ordinary flame safety lamp would be adequate. It is observed that adequate number of flame safety lamps are not provided to meet with the above
requirements. The following types of
flame safety lamps are available from indigenous sources:
Velox Type GL5--without
relighting device. Velox Type GL60 & GL7—with relighting device.
Necessary action to comply
with the above requirements shall be
taken.
2. Flood-lights in Depillaring areas—Suitable Hood lighting should be provided in every
depillaring area. In mines other than those to which regulations 122(2) do not apply and are not in Second and Third degree, this may be done by providing every such area with four or more
250 watt bulbs (or equivalent lighting) so placed that glare and deep shadows
are avoided.
In mines to which regulations 122(2) apply and are in Second and Third degree, every depillaring area shall be provided with general lighting by a cluster of not less than 15-20 cap safety lamps placed on a suitable stand in the area. These lamps should be in addition to the lamps
carried by individual workman.
(Cir.
42/1961)
3. Flood lighting in depillaring areas in first degree seams—Vide notification no. 13766 G dated 13th May 1969, the D.G.M.S. has, in exercise of powers conferred under Reg. 154(2) of the Coal Mines Regulations, 1957, specified that suitable flood-lighting with four or more 250
watt bulbs (or equivalent lightings) so placed as to avoid glare and deep shadows, shall be provided in every depillaring area in First Degree gassy seams where the height of the workings
exceeds 3 metres. This order supercedes all previous notifications issued under Reg. 154(2) of the Coal Mines Regulations 1957.
(Cir.
36/1969)
4. Standard of lighting in coal mines—In exercise of the powers conferred by Reg. 154(2) of CMR 1957 and in supercession of all previous notifications issued on the subject, the D.G.M.S.
has required that all persons employed
belowground in coal mines shall
be provided with efficient electric lamps of a type approved by him under Reg. 2(2), wide notification nos. 3193 G and 17398 G dt. 25.1.1962 and 7.4.1964 respectively, with effect from the date of notification
i.e. 9th Oct., 1972.
The above notification
no. Genl/19924 G dated 9th Oct., 1972 has been published in the Gazette of
India, Part III, Section IV dated 13.10.1973.
Managements are requested to comply
with the requirements of the above
notification at an early date.
(Cir.
1/1974)
5. Standard of Lighting in Opencast Coal Mines—In pursuance of Reg. 154(2) of CMR 1957 the standards of lighting to be provided during working hours at different places or areas where natural light is insufficient in Opencast mines have been specified vide Government Notification
No. GSR-804, dated 18.6.75, published in the Gazette of India dated 28.6.75 Part III Section 3(i).
The
said Notification is reproduced below for guidance and strict compliance.
NOTIFICATION
Dhanbad,
the 18th June, 1975
G.S.R. 804--In exercise of the powers, conferred on me as the Chief Inspector of mines, under Clause (b) of Sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 154 of Coal Mines Regulations 1957, I
hereby specify, that the Standards of Lighting to be provided during working hours at different
places or areas where natural light is insufficient in opencast mines
in the manner and at the level
indicated in the Appendix.
Provided that where the undersigned is of the opinion that conditions obtaining at any mine
are such as to render compliance with the standards specified in this notification not reasonably
practicable or not necessary, he may be an order in writing exempt such mine for the compliance
of this notification subject to such conditions as may be imposed in such
order.
APPENDIX
Sl.
No.
|
Place/Area to be illuminated
|
Manner
to be in which it is illuminated
|
Minimum standard of illumination
|
Plane/Level in which the illumination is to be provided
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
|
4
|
5
|
LUX
|
1.
|
General working areas as determined by the Manager in writing
|
|
0.2
|
|
At the level of the surface to be illuminated
|
2. Work place of Heavy Machinery
So as to cover the depth
and height through which the machinery
operates
5.0
10.0
Horizontal Vertical
3. Area where drilling rig works
4, Area
where Bulldozer or other tractor mounted machine works.
So as to illuminate the full height through which the machinery
So as to illuminate the full height of the rig
10.0 Vertical
10.0 At
level of the Crawler tracks
5. Places where manual work is done
To be provided at 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
cabin of machines
of mechanisms
8 At hand picking points along a conveyor belt.
9 Truck haulage Roads
10 Rail haulage track in the pit
11
Roadways and
foot paths from bench to bench
12
Permanent paths,
for use of persons employed etc.
To be provided up
to 30.0 a height of
0.8 metres from floor level
To
be provided up to a distance of not less than 1.5 metres from the
picker
To be provided at level
of the road
To be provided at level
of the rail heads
30.0 Horizontal
50.0 On
the surface of the conveyor belt
0.5 to
3.0 Horizontal
0.5 Horizontal
3.0 Horizontal
1.1 Horizontal
(Cir.
Legis. 1/1976)
1. Standards of lighting in Mines—The Technical Committee on Mining Standards appointed by
the Government of India submitted its report in respect of Standards of Lighting in Mines 1963. The Government of India have accepted the recommendations made by the Committee. The recommendations of the Committee
are reproduced below.
STANDARD OF GENERAL LIGHTING.
"Adequate general lighting standard" can reasonably be provided only at the places mentioned in Reg. 151 of Coal Mines Regulations and the corresponding provision of Metalliferous Mines Regulations. The committee is of the view that, in view of the large number of factors involved, it
would not be advisable to suggest any statutory standards in respect of "general lighting arrangements". If, however the roof and sides are kept properly white washed and stone dusting as required under the statute is done on the floor, illumination to the following standards might provide the necessary
visibility for the safe and efficient work at different places:
Place
Recommended minimum
average
illumination level (in lumens per sft.) for satisfactory light
(a) Pit
bottom 1.5
to 3.0
(b) Main
Junctions 1.25
(c) Roadways 0.4
(d) Haulage engines, control gear and Haulage drum
1.5
These standards are for purposes of guidance only and not for legislative enactment, for depending on other factors, better visibility may be achieved with lower illumination or even the standards mentioned above may give inadequate lighting.
FLOOD LIGHTING IN DEPILLARING AREAS
The Committee notes that the DGMS has already stipulated the provision of suitable flood
lighting in every
depillaring area in gassy mine
of First Degree.
This flood lighting should be such as to provide at least 1.5 lumens per sft. of illumination at the
floor level. This should be achieved in practice by using a cluster of six 100 wait bulbs at a
distance of about 6-7 metres from the area to be illuminated. A suitable reflector (preferably of matt surface) should be used so that glare is minimised.
The Committee also strongly recommends that the possibility of using FLP type flood lights in
depillaring areas in mines also
be explored.
The Committee understands that 'mug butties' have already been withdrawn from coal mines and
the DGMS has also stipulated that all workers belowground in coal mines should be provided with efficient electric lamps of approved type by 31st December, 1964 at the latest. The Committee is
of the view that, as far as lighting in development faces is concerned, nothing more is
economically possible.
The Committee would however like to stress the importance of keeping the electric lamp
assemblies, particularly batteries, in good condition so that the lighting performance of the lamp is
kept at optimum level.
The Carbide lamp is a very efficient and suitable light for use in stone drifts (in coal mines when permissible and in metalliferous mines).
IMPORTANCE OF LOCAL LIGHTING
Over and above the general illumination, local lighting also is of importance for various individual tasks. The role of caplamps
in doing this needs no amplicalion.
AIN
It would appear that an illumination of 0.25 ft. candle can be considered to be quite reasonable
objective with the object of eliminating eye strain at work of a class normally undertaken by a coal miner. The Committee is of the view that if the recommendations made by it in this respect are followed, the illumination standards would improve sufficiently to eliminate eye strain of mine workers.
(Cir.
14/1964)
2. Standard of lighting in Opencast Metalliferous Mines—In pursuance of Reg. 148(2) of MMR 1961, the standards of lighting to be provided during working hours at different places or areas where natural light is insufficient in Opencast mines have been specified vide Government Notification No. GSR-829, dated 18.6.75, published in the Gazette of India dated 5.7.75 part II Section 3(i).
The
said Notification is reproduced below for guidance and strict compliance.
NOTIFICATION
Dhanbad,
the 18th June 1975
G.S.R. 829—In exercise of the powers, conferred on me as the Chief Inspector of Mines, under Clause (b) of Sub-regulation (2) of Regulation 148 of Metalliferous Mines Regulations 1961, I hereby specify, that the standards of lighting to be provided during working hours at different
places or areas, where natural light is insufficient in opencast mines, in the manner and at the level
indicated in the Appendix.
Provided that where the undersigned is of the opinion that conditions obtaining at any mine are
such as to render compliance with the standards specified in this notification not reasonably
practicable or not necessary, he may by an order in writing exempt such mine from
the compliance of this
notification subject to such conditions as may be imposed in such
order.
APPENDIX
|
Sl.
No.
|
Place/Area to be illuminated
|
Manner
in which it is
to
be illuminated
|
Minimum standard of illumination
|
Plane/Level in
which the illumination is to be provided
|
|
|
|
LUX
|
|
1.
|
General working areas as determined by the
|
|
0.2
|
At the level of the
surface to be
|
|
Manager in writing
|
|
|
illuminated
|
2.
|
Work place of Heavy
Machinery
|
So as to cover the depth and
height through which the machinery
operates
|
5.0
10.0
|
Horizontal Vertical
|
3.
|
Area where drilling rig works
|
So as to illuminate the
full height of the rig
|
10.0
|
Vertical
|
4
|
Area where
Bulldozer or other tractor mounted machine works
|
|
10.0
|
At level of the
Crawler tracks
|
5
|
Places where manual work is done
|
To be provided at
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 of
mechanisms
|
To be provided up to
a height of 0.8 metres from floor level
|
30.0
|
|
8
|
At hand picking points along a
conveyor belt
|
To be provided up to a distance of
not less
than 1.5 metres from the picker
|
50.0
|
On the surface of
the conveyor belt
|
9
|
Truck haulage Roads
|
To be provided at level of the road
|
0.5 to 3.0
|
Horizontal
|
10
|
Rail haulage track in the pit
|
To be provided at level of the rail heads
|
0.5
|
Horizontal
|
11
|
Roadways and foot paths from bench to bench
|
|
|
Horizontal
|
12
|
Permanent paths for use of persons employed etc.
|
|
3.0
|
Horizontal
|
|
|
|
3.0
|
Horizontal
|
(Cir.
Legis. 3/1976)
3. Provision of individual lights in opencast mines—The standards of lighting to be provided during working hours at different places or areas where natural light is in-sufficient in opencast mines have been specified vide circulars
Legis. 1&3 of 1976.
The general lighting scheme of an opencast mine is generally connected to a common
power source. It is observed that during electric power failure, which may occur at any time the whole area becomes absolutely dark. At time such a situation may lead to occurrence of an
accident.
It is hereby advised
that individual lights may be
provided at night to the workers in opencast workings. This will be in addition
to the general lighting scheme.
(Cir.Tech.
13/1979)
1. Re-wired fuses for electric cap lamps—The fuse in an electric cap lamp is an important component on which the safety of a cap lamp largely depends. The cap lamp being neither intrinsically safe nor flameproof (a lamp is usually safe because of the statistical improbability of ignition, due to the special care that is taken in its design and construction) it is the fuse
which provides the only safety valve in the lamp. The fuse is intended for restricting the amount of current flow between the conductors of the cable cord, if short circuited just outside
the battery container or the cord armour, to such a value as will not produce sparks that will
ignite an explosive mixture of methane and air. Utmost care is therefore taken by the manufacturers to ensure that the fuses are made to specifications from the purest material
available in the world.
It has been noticed that a number of collieries have started using fuses made locally by themselves. This is a dangerous practice and should be stopped forthwith. Only the fuses supplied by the manufacturers of the approved electric cap lamps should be used for replacement purposes, otherwise the lamp should not be considered to be approved for use in underground coal mines.
(Cir.
71/1964)
2. Replacement of cap lamp components/parts—According to Reg. 157(4) of Coal Mines Regulations 1957 and Reg. 151(4) of Metalliferous Mines Regulations 1961 only genuine components manufactured by the manufacturers of the lamp to approved specifications are to be used in cap lamps. Compliance with this requirement is of utmost importance in the interest
of safety. Managements are advised to
act accordingly.
(Cir.
Tech. 17/1982)
3. Safety lamp cabins—The Safety in Mines Conference which met
in January 1957 has noted that barring a few exceptions the standard of facilities provided for the cleaning and maintenance of safety lamps in mines leaves much to be desired. The Conference has therefore made a recommendation that more attention should be paid to the maintenance etc. of flame
safety lamps.
Steps should be taken to ensure that proper cabins are provided and necessary equipment and staff employed for the purpose of proper cleaning and maintenance of safety lamps at every mine.
(Cir.
16/1959)
4. Maintenance of Oldham cap lamps—M/s Oldham & Sons supply a set of pamphlets to mines using their lamps. These leaflets give instructions and advice about proper maintenance
and upkeep of such lamps. One of these leaflets has been specially prepared with a view to drawing attention to the proper maintenance of cap lamps from safety point of view. An extract
from the same is reproduced below.
Maintenance of cap lamps
(Extract from Pamphlet
No. 4 of M/s. Oldham &
Sons) Introduction—Like any other piece of electrical equipment, electrical safety lamps require careful and regular maintenance if maximum efficiency and safety are to be obtained. The following notes emphasise a few of the maintenance procedures concerned with
safety:
1. Sealing of locks—It is important that the head of lock pin (which secures the head piece) and the head of the screw for Locking Plate (which locks the battery cover) are covered with 'Lock Seal' wax. New cap lamps despatched from the Factory are sealed in this manner, and after a headpiece or battery cover has been opened by the lamp cabin staff for maintenance
purposes, the locks should be similarly re-sealed. Effective sealing is an essential feature contributing to the safety of the lamp.
The 'Lok Seal' wax, prepared and supplied by Oldham & Sons (India) Ltd., is of a special
quality and has been found to be the most suitable for the purpose of sealing. It is supplied in conveniently sized blocks which can be broken up and melted as required in a shallow sump over a small electric or oil stove. Specially designed spoons are also obtainable from the manufacturers for pouring the wax into the
lock recesses.
The Coal Mines Regulations state that no unauthorised person shall un-lock or open, attempt to unlock or open a safety lamp. If sealing with 'Lock Seal' is carried out, any attempt to open the
lamp can easily be detected, particularly if a special seal mark is impressed in the wax before it
hardens. The lamps must be opened only by the lamp cabin staff and in no circumstances should any lamp be opened underground.
It is also essential that whenever the cap hook has been removed the securing nut should be tightened and sealed with solder. This will prevent any unauthorised person from removing the cap hook and gain access to the
negative charging contact.
2. Lock spring testing—In order to prevent any accidental or deliberate short circuit between the negative charging contact and positive charging contact stud, the negative charging contact is locked in an inaccessible position beneath the cap hook in a recess in the headpiece moulding. This negative contact covered by the hook barrel which, because of the lock spring, cannot be rotated to remove the charging contact, except by means of the charging key on the charging frame. It is obvious, therefore that the lock spring must be tested periodically to ensure that it is functioning correctly, and a specially designed instrument is supplied for this
purpose. This is the Lock Spring Torque Tester, which is fitted with a key head differing only
slightly from the normal charging key. When the tester is inserted into the lock barrel and tubed, it is easy to detect whether the lock spring is functioning correctly, or whether it is
broken or corroded. This instrument is so designed that a spring which is in working order cannot be broken during testing: after the requisite torque has been applied, the handle will slip
and prevent any excessive force from breaking
the lock-spring.
3. Replacement of fuses—The fuse is situated in the circuit as a safety measure to guard
against excess current flow in the event of a short circuit. Before replacing a blown fuse, the lamp should be thoroughly examined for the defect which caused the fuse burn out, otherwise the replacement fuse may bum out also.
On no account should any
fuse be re-wired or obtained from any
other source than the manufacturers, Oldham & Son (India) Ltd or their agents. Kilburn & Co. Ltd.: to do so will
notify the safety approval which stipulates the use of genuine Oldham spare parts.
4. Care of cables—The correct method of using an Oldham 'GW' Cap Lamp is to wear the headpiece fixed to a helmet and the battery attached to a belt.
If the lamp is worn by the user in this manner the cable cannot be strained by being tied around the waist, or damaged by being held between the teeth near the headpiece end. Apart from avoiding damage to the cable, cap lamp which is worn correctly will not be lost or damaged by falls of rock, runaway tubs or careless handling of machines and materials. If a lamp is not worn by the user but placed on the ground, the cable is particularly vulnerable to damage.
Cables should be replaced before their conditions deteriorates seriously. When a lamp fails and
the fault cannot be located in either the battery or the headpiece, the cable should be examined for cuts and abrasions which may have severed the conductors causing a short circuit. Internal damage
can often be detected by flexing the cable at the various points.
5. Checking of lamps—After each shift, when all the lamps from that shift have been replaced
on the charging frames, the lamp cabin staff should carefully examine them for faults and damage. Particular attention should be paid to lens rings, headpiece glasses, cables and cable
glands. Bulbs should also be checked. A glance at the charge indicator meter above each lamp will enable lamp cabin staff to check that the lamp is taking charge correctly, and that the fuse
is intact. Any faults detected should be rectified immediately, so that lamp may be ready for use on the following day. After each shift, lamps should be cleaned if necessary; and a check made to see that the lock seals are intact.
(Cir.
13/1964)
5. Approval of outer glass cylinder of Velox safety lamp—The DGMS has approved the outer glass cylinder manufactured by M/s Borosil Glass Works Ltd. and supplied by M/s J.K. Dey & Sons, 13, Old China Bazar Street, Calcutta-700001 for use with Velox Type GI-50, GI- 60 and GI-7 Flame Safety Lamps under Reg. 157(4) of the Coal Mines Regulations 1957 and Reg.
151(4) of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations 1961.
(Cir.
Appr. 13/1992)
6. Use of gas for demonstration of gas caps—A flame safety lamp is not safe in an
atmosphere containing acetylene gas. In a recent incident in a mines safely exhibition, when a flame safety lamp of approved type was lowered in a chamber containing mixture of air and acetylene gas, there was an explosion which resulted in breakage of glass pans of the gas
testing chamber.
As such acetylene shall
not be used in gas demonstration
apparatus.
(Cir.
11/1967)
7. Compulsory use of methane for demonstration of gas caps—As coal mines are now
being treated as gassy, not only examinations for gas testing have to be conducted by the
Directorate but the; mine management has also to arrange gas testing demonstration to teach
and train workers and staff in gas testing. Vocational Training Centre have also been opened in different mines which have to provide gas
testing facilities.
For demonstration of gas caps not only a suitable apparatus is needed but also suitable gas. Different mixtures of gases like domestic cooking gas, vapour of volatile inflammable liquid are being used as substitute to methane. The texture of the cap and luminosity vary according
to the hydrocarbon predominating in the mixture and usually fuel cap is more pronounced. The use of substitutes increases the probability of errors considerably that the trouble taken to
obtain or produce methane is
well justified by the results obtained. Therefore no gas other than methane should be used for demonstration purpose. Till methane is commercially available in cylinders. The mine managements could also easily produce methane from cow dung. Two old
oil drums and a small length of pipe and a few valves is all that is required. Total cost of a small
gas generating plant would not amount
to more than Rs. 100/-
Different kinds of apparatus are in use in mines. Gas testing demonstration apparatus should be such that the products of combustion of the lamp are kept separate from firedamp/air mixture. The flame of the lamp is easily adjusted while the lamp is in the apparatus. A definite percentage of methane is admitted in the gas chamber by use of varying lengths of capillary tubes so that error of reading of the instrument is avoided and candidates can see different types of caps at the same time. In addition to the gas cap demonstration chamber discussed above, every mine can improvise a flame safety lamp by adjusting its air inlets so that methane
could be directly fed into the lamp by a flexible pipe. The gas could be varied by adjusting a valve. The candidates could handle this lamp which will not only show them gas cap but also give confidence for preparing
the lamp for a test and properly testing for gas thereafter.
The above note is not meant to restrict on ingenuity in designing suitable apparatus. It gives only guidance to make necessary arrangements for demonstration for gas testing purposes. In case any
clarification is needed concerned Joint Director may be consulted.
I (Cir.
19/1969)
8.Gap cap demonstration by 'Calgas'—According to the earlier instructions in force, gas
cap demonstrations and gas-testing examinations are to be arranged by using methane under pressure. As there is difficulty in procuring methane under pressure, it has been decided that there should be no objection to the use of CALGAS etc. for demonstration of gas- caps and for gas-testing examinations.
(Cir.
38/1971)
9. Fuel for use with Velox GL-5, velox GL-60 and GL-7 type approved flame safety
lamps—From time
to time enquiries have been received in this Directorate regarding fuel to be
used in these lamps and the storing facilities necessary for
storing the same at the mines. In this connection the relevant
extract from a letter received
from the manufacturers is given below:—
1. "The Kerosene is appropriate fuel for 'Velox' type GL-5 Flame Safety Lamp."
2. That (a) Esso solvent spirit No. 1425.
(b) Burmah Shell 'BP-55 or equivalent are appropriate for 'Velox'
Relighting type GL-60 and relighting GL-7 Gas Testing
lamps.
According to the Governmental Petroleum Act, the fuels for types GL-60 and GL-7 lamps are required to be stored in a specific store as prescribed by the Chief Inspector of
Explosives, Old High Court Building, Nagpur, vide the Petroleum Act, 1934.
It is known that most of the bigger and medium Size collieries have arrangements of
storing petroleum, resulting that the aforesaid two fuels can be stored without any added difficulty. The collieries other than as stated above can also make similar arrangement if they either contact the Chief Inspector of Explosives, Nagpur/or his Regional Offices. Formalities
are very simple and once the storing licensing is granted, renewal will be required once in a year. For procurement purpose the collieries may contact (I) Esso/Standard Eastern Inc. 6,
Church Lane, Calcutta-1, (2) Burmah Shell Oil Storage and Distributing Co. India Ltd., 31
Binoy Badal Dinesh Bag, Calcutta-1 or other Regional Offices/Depots/Agents who have their branches all over the country, and (3) M/s Goenka Chemical Enterprises, 110, Narkeldanga
Main Road, Calcutta-11.
(Cir. 33/1973)
1. Precautions
against fire -in lamp rooms—Over
the last few years, there have been a few cases of outbreak of fire in cap lamp cabins at mines.
In order to prevent recurrence of such incidents, the following measures are recommended:-
(1) Charger shall be protected by fuses of rating not exceeding fusing current of 2 amps and made of silver wires. The protection for ammeter shall be done in the same way as
aforesaid.
(2) Charger shall be so designed and constructed that in the event of heavy sparking therein, the possibility of the igniting particle finding its way out of the charger enclosure is
completely eliminated.
(3) Parts used in charging
frames for supporting the batteries or for mounting thereon any electrical component or parts carrying current shall be of steel or such Other material in order
to prevent the ill-effects of instantaneous short-circuits or sustained ones, the effect of which may not be perceptible in its incipient stage.
(4) Every lamp cabin shall be manned by trained persons in each working shift who, in addition to their normal duties, will look after the normal functioning of the lamp charger.
(5) The Engineer/Electrical
Supervisor shall inspect all
electrical installations in the lamp
cabin at least once a week and carry out requisite tests to ascertain that the installation is in a safe condition. Results of their examination shall be entered into a bound-paged book kept exclusively for that purpose.
(6) No flammable material shall be stored inside any lamp cabin particularly where charging racks are located.
(7) Fire extinguishers (suitable for dealing with electrical fire) shall be provided in every lamp cabin
which shall be maintained in
working order.
(8) The construction of lamp cabin shall be such as to provide adequate facilities for dealing with cases of fire which might occur therein as also for the safe escape of the persons on duty therein.
(Cir. Tech. 14/1979)
2. Precautions against fire in cap lamp cabins—Attention is invited to this
Directorate's Technical Circular No. 14 of 1979. You were advised inter alia that the parts used in charging frames for supporting the batteries or for mounting thereon any electrical
component or parts carrying current
shall be of steel or other similar materials.
I regret to note that due attention has not been paid to comply with the said precautionary measure inspite of the fact that such metal frames
are readily available indigenously.
You are advised to take immediate steps to comply with the above recommendation in
order to secure safety of persons employed in and around lamp cabins and also to prevent loss of valuable equipment.
(Cir. Tech. 3/1983)