.-(1) As soon as possible, base or bases shall be established in fresh air, as near to the irrespirable zone or zones a safety permits. Every such base shall, if possible be connected by telephone-(i)if the base is belowground, to the surface; or(ii)if the base is on the surface, to the shaft bottom.(2)Except in cases where the delay involved may result in danger to life, rescue trained persons shall not proceed beyond any place where a base is to be established until there have been provided at such base-(a)two persons, of whom one shall be a qualified medical practitioner if practicable, and other shall be a rescue trained person;(b)a spare team with rescue apparatus, ready for immediate service;(c)one or more reviving apparatus, oxygen revivers, etc.;(d)first-aid box and stretcher;(e)means of testing for carbon monoxide;(f)a hygrometer; and(g)two flame safety lamps.(3)Whenever men are already at work beyond the fresh air base, there shall be provided at the base as soon as possible the persons, apparatus and equipments specified in sub-rule (2).
