(a) whether the Government has reviewed the coal mines safety standard;
(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the date since when these were reviewed last time;
(c) whether any suggestions were given to improve the coal mines safety in the said review;
(d) if so, whether the said suggestions have been implemented; and
(e) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF COAL (SHRI PRATIK PRAKASHBAPU PATIL)
(a) to (e): Yes, Madam. The coal mines safety standards are reviewed every year by the Standing Committee on Safety in Coal Mines under the
Chairmanship of the Hon’ble Minister of Coal. The coal mines safety standard was last reviewed in the meeting of the Standing Committee on safety
in coal mines held on 23.12.2010 wherein the following suggestions were given to improve the coal mines safety standards :-
# Design of system of support of roof in the development workings in underground mines by scientific support systems based on Rock Mass
Rating (RMR) studies.
# Increased use of Roof Bolting / Roof Stitching methods of support using steel roof bolts/ steel wire ropes with quick setting
cement grout to arrest bed separation at early stages to impede deterioration of roof.
# Introduction of modern drills like mechanised drilling machine to avoid exposure of support personnel to unsupported roof while
drilling for roof bolting and greater use of quick-setting cement/resin capsules grouted roof bolts for support in development workings in
underground mines.
# Reduced exposure of workers to mining hazards by mechanization of loading operations by increasing use of Side Discharge Loaders (SDLs)
and Load Haul Dumpers (LHDs) in belowground mines, Powered Support Long Wall (PSLW) system of mining, Continuous Miner Technology etc., are being
progressively adopted in suitable areas.
# Regular monitoring of mine environment by handheld gas detectors/alarms and flame safety lamps for detecting inflammable and noxious gases.
Besides, for early detection of situations that could lead to an outbreak of fire or an explosion, highly capital intensive computerized continuous
mine Environmental Tele Monitoring System (ETMS) have been installed and are in operation in thirteen identified underground mines.
# Introduction of surface miner, an eco-friendly technology to reduce hazardous operation like drilling, blasting and crushing wherever applicable.
# The coal companies have been instructed to implement the above suggestions.