208. Use of certain machinery, equipment and devices in coal mines.
(1)No internal combustion engine or steam boiler shall be used belowground in a mine expect with the previous permission in writing of the Chief Inspector and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein.(2)In every gassy seam of the second or third degree, only flame proof electrical apparatus and equipment shall be used belowground unless otherwise provided for under the provisions of the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2010:Provided that the Central Government or the Chief Inspector or an Inspector authorised by the Central Government may, subject to such conditions as may be specified, permit the continuance of the use of non-flame proof apparatus or equipment for a specified period, not exceeding one year, in any mine of the first degree gassiness, which has subsequently been classified as second or third degree gassiness.(3)The Chief Inspector may, from time to time by notification in the Official Gazette, specify appliances, equipment, machinery, or other material, that are or may be used in a mine, which shall be of such type, standard and make as approved by the Chief Inspector by a general or special order, and where any such appliance, equipment, machinery or other material had been specified by the Chief Inspector, any such appliance, equipment, machinery, or material, other than that approved by the Chief Inspector as aforesaid, shall not be used in any mine.(4)Where in respect of any appliance, equipment, machinery or other material, the Chief Inspector has not made any notification under sub-regulation (3) and any such appliance, equipment, machinery or material is used in any mine, the Chief Inspector or Regional Inspector may, if he is of the opinion that the use of such appliance, equipment, machinery, or material is likely to endanger safety in the mine, by an order in writing, prohibit the use thereof until the same is approved by the Chief Inspector.(5)The owner, agent or manager of a mine while acquiring any approved type of machinery, equipment, apparatus, device, lamp, light or materials shall ensure that they conform to approved specifications in all respects and shall also be responsible for maintaining them as per the approved standard.(6)A copy of approval of every approved machinery, equipment and device being used shall be kept at the office of the mine.(7)Where machinery is used for lifting, pulling, drilling, other than by hand held drill, dinting, ripping, cutting, loading, hauling or dumping, safe code of practices separately for each type of machinery with respect to the method of work, shall be framed by the person authorised for the purpose, containing codes for the control and guidance of persons employed for the erection, installation, operation, repairs, maintenance, dismantling and transportation of such machinery and ancillary equipment as well as for the prevention of accident and to provide for the safety, health, convenience and discipline of the persons so employed and the engineer authorised for the purpose shall be responsible for the implementation of above safe code of practices.(8)Where surface transportation and handling machinery including coal handling plants, repair sheds or workshops are provided, safe code of practices for their erection, installation, operation, repairs, maintenance, dismantling and transportation of such machinery, plants and ancillary equipment as well as for the prevention of accident and to provide for the safety, health, convenience and discipline of the persons so employed shall be framed by the person authorised for the purpose, and the engineer authorised for the purpose shall be responsible for the implementation of above safe code of practices.
