170. Precautions against inflammable and noxious gases.
(1)For the purposes of this regulation, inflammable gas shall be deemed to have been found or detected -(i)when it is indicated by a methane detector to be 0.1% or more in case of mine having only degree one gassy seams;(ii)when it is indicated by a methane detector to be 0.5% or more in case of mine having degree two seams; and(iii)when with the lowered flame of a flame safety lamp or, where methane indicators are used, they indicate one and a quarter percent, or more of inflammable gas in case of mine having only degree three gassy seams.(2)When any person detects the presence of inflammable gas, he shall not brush or waft if out, but shall immediately withdraw from the place and shall inform his superior official about the same.(3)Where in any place in a mine, inflammable or noxious gas is detected all persons shall be withdrawn from the place, and the place shall be immediately fenced off so as to prevent persons inadvertently entering the same and the competent person in charge shall, without delay, take steps to remove the gas by improving the ventilation.(4)During the removal of such gas under sub-regulation (3) all persons except those necessary for such removal shall be withdrawn from the return side of the ventilating district in which the gas has been detected unless the quantity of gas is, in the opinion of the competent persons, so small that such withdrawal is not necessary:Provided that where the danger arises from the presence of inflammable gas, no naked light shall be used in the ventilating district in which the gas is detected.(5)No person shall be re-admitted into the place where the gas was detected until a competent person has examined the place and has reported that the place is free from gas and every such examination shall be made with an approved flame safety lamp and, in the case of noxious gas, also with other means of detecting carbon monoxide gas approved by the Chief Inspector.(6)Particulars of every occurrence referred to in sub-regulation (2) and of every examination made under sub-regulation (5) together with a statement as to where and when the gas was found and when it was removed, and in case of inflammable gas, the percentage thereof, shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and every such entry shall be signed and dated by the competent person making the report, and countersigned and dated by the manager.
