Critical Review of Present Rescue Practices in Indian Mines: Suggestions for Effecting a Qualitative Improvement in the Existing Scenario

Abstract

In response to recent mine disasters and role of mine rescue services in Indian mines, Inspectorate at Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS, Dhanbad) conducted national workshop with mine emergency experts to investigate current needs and issues. Some of the issues include emergency response preparedness, Competency of persons selected in rescue services, Courses of Instruction and Practices prescribed for rescue trained person, Fitness of persons selected for rescue training, Scope of recue and recovery in surface and opencast operations, Rescue and Recovery operation in case of persons engulfed in underground strata failure, caught between extremities, sudden influx of smoke and gases etc.—Rapid transportation of injured miners to the surface, Basic and Advance firefighting skills in open and confined spaces, Training for Exploration and navigation in poor visibility and water hazards, First Aid Training and certification—refresher training in first aid and their periodicity, Still water diving training, Working over heights and training in dealing with huge boulders and debris, Mine Emergency response development drill programme for managers, control room members and rescue team members, Establishment of safe haven in Underground and Mine rescue contests (Zonal and All India). This paper undertakes a systematic review of the present rescue practices in India, in order to strengthen mine emergency rescue capabilities.