There are two broad categories of coal mines in India: open cast and underground mines. Accidents commonly occur from roof or side falls, winding machinery, haulage, dumpers, conveyors, other transport machinery, explosives, electricity, dust or gas inhalation, and falling objects. Recommendations to reduce mining accidents include improving communications systems, self-rescue equipment, emergency response, and introducing new mining technologies and safety monitoring systems.

1. ACCIDENTS IN COAL MINES Coal is an important fossil fuel for generation of electricity and for other industrial purposes Mohammed Imran A. 9865938211 [email_address]

2. POLLUTION EFFECTS Air pollution - emission of particulate matter and gases including methane (CH4), sulfur dioxide (SO2) and oxides of nitrogen (NOx) Water pollution - mine sump water and storm water drainage Land degradation – Surface land mines (forests) Noise pollution - machines, drilling and coal handling Solid waste – overburden Deforestation - Mohammed Imran A.

3. There are 2 broad categories of mines in India: Open Cast and Underground. The accident records classify the location of accident as 1.underground, 2.open cast and 3.surface . While the first 2 categories represent accidents occurring inside the 2 types of mines, respectively, the third category represents mining-related accidents occurring above the surface in the vicinity of either type of mine. Mohammed Imran A.

4. Important causes of accidents Roof/side fall - accidental fall of roof or side at the time of excavation - PRIMARY Winding - accident in the course of raising or lowering coal or man in shaft Haulage - accident in the course of raising or lowering coal by tubs - NEXT Dumper - accidents associated with dumper – wheeled vehicles for carrying coal with tipper mechanism Conveyer - accident in the use of belt or chainconveyers Other transport machinery - accident associated with trucks and wagons Other machinery accident - associated with non-transport machinery like loading machinery, crusher etc. Mohammed Imran A.

5. Cont… Explosives - accident in the course of using explosives Electricity - accidents resulting out of the use of electricity Dust/gas - accidents due to explosions of noxious gases, due to absence of oxygen, due to explosion of coal dust etc. Fall of object/person - accidents occurring due to sudden fall of an object or a person Inundation - accidents due to sudden rushing in of water Miscellaneous - other causes of accidents Mohammed Imran A.

6. Recommendations for Mine Disaster Prevention and Control Research Mine disaster prevention research within the Mining Program has been of the highest relevance and has had the highest positive impacts on the worker. The Mine Disaster Prevention and Control Research needs to place more focus on areas such as communications, miner self-rescue, and emergency response. A systems approach to mine management and rescue is needed that will continuously provide marker data and response via intelligent system analysis. The Mining Program needs to continue its efforts in disaster prevention and further strengthen its efforts in the area of disaster response. The Mining Program should be more involved in monitoring the work of, and partnering with, international bodies to determine the domestic applications of work done abroad. Mohammed Imran A.

7. Safety monitoring in Coal India Limited Workmen’s inspectors: Safety status of each and every mine is monitored by representatives of the workmen, one each from Mining, Electrical and Mechanical disciplines through inspections, the reports of which and status of compliance of recommendations are forwarded to the local DGMS office. Safety committee at mine level: The Safety Committee at mine level also monitors the safety status at each mine every month through inspection followed by a meeting for review of safety status of the mine. This committee consists of representatives of workmen and Management Mohammed Imran A.

8. Cont… Area level bipartite/tripartite safety committees : The Area Level Committee comprising representatives of workmen and management monitors the safety performance of the Area biannually. Often representative of DGMS also Participates Subsidiary level tripartite safety committee: Tripartite safety committee functions at subsidiary company level and consists of representatives of workmen, DGMS and management for review and monitoring of safety measures. This body meets bi-annually. Mohammed Imran A.

9. Cont… Coal India Safety Board: This is headed by the Chairman, CIL with workers representatives, Director (T), CIL, Director (P), CIL, CMDs of subsidiary companies, the DGMS, a representative of the Ministry of Coal as members and Executive Director (Safety & Rescue) CIL as Member Secretary. The Board reviews the safety status of CIL bi- annually, formulates policies and gives guidelines for improving safety standards. Standing Committee on Safety in Coal Mines: The safety situation of the coal mines is also reviewed by the Standing Committee on safety in Coal Mines Chaired by the Minister for Coal. Mohammed Imran A.

10. Technologies - reduce the number of accidents 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. Mohammed Imran A.

11. Cont… Reduced exposure of workers to mining hazards by mechanization of loading operations by increasing use of SDLs and LHDs in belowground mines, Powered Support longwall (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. Mohammed Imran A.