1st class mines manager certification examination (expected questions)

1. "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? 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 process iii) 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 behavioral 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. 1) What is management training? Mention the steps involved in effective training. What are the usual methods employed by management in training the employees? "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 methodsManagement 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". 2) 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? 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 valuesystem- 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. 3) Discuss the necessity of Integrated Mine Management System (IMMS) in large opencast mines with high degree of mechanization? 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 upto 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 traveled 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 module This 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 module This 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 module This 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 data This 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. 4) 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 accidentproneness. 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. 5) 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 behavior to maintain safe and healthy work environment (f) Development of mutual trust, proper understanding and work ethics in interpersonal relationship. 6) 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. 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. 7) 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. 8) 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. 9) Write short notes on a) Merits and Demerits of workers participation in management. (b) Delegation of authority. (a) Merits: Merits of workers participation in management are: i) Workers feel important, involved and committed ii) Better motivation and attitude to work iii) Sense of belongingness to the organization developed iv) Workers feel as "part" of the organization not alienated identity v) Improved work output vi) Less absenteeism vii) Better industrial relation viii) Increased safety ix) Higher productivity x) Better understanding and co-operation between management and labour xi) Promotes democratic style of management by enlisting workers cooperation in decision making process at various levels xii) 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 prestige ii) Because of lack of management "orientation" and proper "perspective" on economic activity, more often than not, participation is not effective and fruitful iii) 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) welfare iv)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 quality

v) 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. 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 staff1) 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 10) a) What do you mean by productivity? How it is different from production? b) 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) 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. 11) 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 mines

Recognizing 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, "reenforcement" 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 health

Human 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 surveillance

Occupational 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 environmentparticularly 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. 12) 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. 13) 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 plan 2. water danger plan and section 3. geological plan and section 4. 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. 14) 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. 15) 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. 16) 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 MMR1961? 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. 17) 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". 18) 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 SAMPLERTYPE 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"] 19) 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) Silicosis 2) Pneumoconiosis 3) Manganese Poisoning 4) Asbestosis 5) Cancer of Lung or the stomach or the pleura and peritoneum (i.e.mesotheliomas) 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. 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 (0.05m 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. 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."] 20) 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 vibrationevery 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 noiseThe major factors contributing to these hazards areBlown out shots Inadequate burden on the front row of holes Excessive charge per hole Poor confinement of explosives Poor fragmentation

. . . . .

. Exposed detonating cord These 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 misfireLong 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 fumesPoisoning 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 breaksImproper 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 lifeThe 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. 21) 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. 22) 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. 23) 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 respirable 2. dust pollution during blasting operation- lingering in the working place 3. dust pollution in the haul roads- the dust cloud invading the working places 4. dust pollution during loading ore/OB by shovels and also in "in-pit crushers" where these are provided In 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 blasting

7. 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. 24) 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 audiovisual 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 inspectorsthe two important institution of worker's participation in safety management. 7. Periodical review of the above measures. 25) 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. 26) 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. 27) 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 cannot 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 rootscale 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 followsPPV=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. 28) 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, Pneumonlung 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. 29) 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 hosepipes 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 30) 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 deenergizing 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 dumperreversal 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. 31) Draw up a set of conditions (scheme) for use of site mixed slurry and pumpable slurry and bulk transport of these explosives. 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. (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.

32) 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 coordinates 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. 33) 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 85100db(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 path iii) 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 measures iii) Selection of protectors to give required attenuation iv) Workers perception of the consequence of not wearing protector correctly v) Selection of protector accept to the individual worker for the period of required use vi) Training of wearers vii) Demarcation of work location where protector should be used viii) 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. 34) 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 dimension 4) Natural calamity like earthquake, windstorm, and cloud burst etc. The "emergency plan" to deal with such emergencies should incorporate i) Establishment of control room ii) 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 official ii) 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 room v) 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 postmortem. 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.

35) How does the slope angle affect the economies of the pit?

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.

36) How accidents can be prevented by means of "Management Control"?

Orissa is the leading producer of Chromite, graphite, bauxite, manganese ore, iron ore, sillimanite, quartzite, pyroxenite and dolomite. It accounts country's 95% nickel ore, 69% cobalt ore, 55% bauxite, 51% titaniferous magnetite, 40% limestone, 36% pyrophyllite, 33% iron ore (hematite), 26% sillimanite, 25% each fireclay and garnet, 24% each coal and zircon and 20% vanadium ore resources. Important minerals that occur in the state are bauxite in Baudh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Keonjhar,

Koraput, Malkangiri and Sundergarh districts; china clay in Bargarh, Baudh, Bolangir, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur and Sundergarh districts; chromite in Balasore, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jajpur and Keonjhar districts. Chromite deposits of Sukinda and Nuasahi ultramafic belt constitute 97% of the country's chromite resources. Coal occurs in Ib river valley coalfield, Sambalpur district and Talcher coalfield, Dhenkanal district; dolomite in Keonjhar, Koraput, Sambalpur and Sundergarh districts; dunite/pyroxenite and pyrophyllite in Keonjhar district; fireclay in Angul, Cuttack, Dhenkanal, Jharsuguda, Khurda, Puri, Sambalpur and Sundergarh districts; garnet and sillimanite in Ganjam and Sambalpur districts; graphite in Bargarh, Baudh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Koraput, Naupada, Rayagada and Sambalpur districts; iron ore (hematite) in Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur and Sundergarh districts; limestone in Bargarh, Kalahandi, Koraput, Malkangiri, Naupada, Sambalpur and Sundergarh districts; manganese ore in Bolangir, Keonjhar, Koraput, Sambalpur and Sundergarh districts; talc/steatite/soapstone in Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj and Sambalpur districts; quartz/silica sand in Baudh, Bolangir, Kalahandi, Sambalpur and Sundergarh districts; quartzite in Bolangir, Dhenkanal, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Mayurbhanj, Sambalpur and Sundergarh districts; titanium minerals in Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jajpur and Mayurbhanj districts; and zircon in Ganjam district. Other minerals that occur in the state are cobalt in Cuttack and Jajpur districts; copper in Mayurbhanj and Sambalpur districts; granite in Angul, Baudh, Bolangir, Cuttack, Deogarh, Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Keonjhar, Khurda, Koraput, Mayurbhanj, Naupada, Rayagada and Sambalpur districts; lead in Sargipalli area, Sundergarh district and nickel in Cuttack, Jajpur, Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts. Occurrences of ruby and emerald are reported from Bolangir and Kalahandi districts, respectively. Platinum group of Metals occur in Keonjhar district; silver in Sundergarh district; tin in Koraput and Malkangiri districts; and vanadiferous magnetite occurs in Balasore and Mayurbhanj districts.