Procurement of spares for DGMS-approved mining equipment

Government of India Ministry of Labour & Employment Directorate General of Mines safety DGMS (Tech) No. 08 To, Owners/Agents/Managers of all mines Dhanbad, dated:

Subject: Procurement of spares for Mining Equipment approved by DGMS to Maintain Safety and Functional Integrity.

1.0 Introduction Equipment used in mines, particularly in hazardous and critical applications, are approved by this Directorate considering their design, construction, and safety features in accordance with relevant standards and statutory provisions. Such approvals are granted considering the equipment as a complete system, including its components, sub-assemblies, and safety-critical parts, under Regulation 208(3) of the Coal Mines Regulations, 2017, which stipulates:

"All apparatus and appliances shall be maintained in a safe working condition and in accordance with the conditions of approval." 2.0 Observations During inspections, audits, and incident analyses, it has been observed that in certain cases, spares and components other than those supplied by the Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM)/Original Part Manufacturer (OPM) or its authorised dealers are being used in equipment, thereby compromising their safety and functional integrity.

Further, numerous complaints have been received from manufacturers regarding the use of non-OEM/non-OPM and unauthorised spares in their approved equipment. It has also been observed that critical components are being replaced with non-OEM/non-OPM or incompatible substitutes. Such practices may lead to:

i) Reduction in Mechanical strength and load-bearing capacity

ii) Failure of braking and safety systems

iii) Improper functioning of hydraulic and transmission systems

iv) Excessive wear, misalignment, and vibration

v) Failure of interlocks and safety devices In the event of failure of such components, faults may remain undetected or result in catastrophic breakdown. This poses a serious threat to human safety, particularly in underground and opencast mines where heavy machinery operates under demanding conditions.

3.0 Safety Implication Equipment safety relies on the integrity of design, material strength, and compatibility of components. Use of non-genuine or unauthorised spares, especially in safety-critical parts, ot defeats the basis of approval and may render the equipment unsafe for operation. Failure of mechanical systems may result in:

i) Sudden equipment failure or collapse

ii) Runaway or uncontrolled movement

iii) Failure of braking or holding systems

iv) Falling of loads or structural components

v) Increased risk of injury, fatal accidents, and damage to property 4.0 Procurement of Spares: For all equipment approved by this Directorate, the following conditions are incorporated for strict compliance by the user:

4.1 The procurement of the DGMS-approved equipment/spares shall be done from DGMS approved manufacturers or their authorized dealers for all Underground equipment subject to strict adherence of the following conditions:

(i) The equipment/material shall possess valid DGMS approvals and shall conform to the specifications and conditions stipulated therein.

(ii) Authenticity of the approval and supply source shall be verified and relevant documents such as approval letters, test certificates, and authorization from the manufacturer shall be obtained and maintained.

4.2 The procurement of items covered under relevant DGMS general order shall, subject to compliance with the provisions stipulated in the respective in order and all such items shall conform to the technical specifications and safety requirements prescribed under the applicable DGMS general order/relevant BIS/internationally accepted standards and certification.

4.3 The procurement of other components/consumables for which no specific DGMS circular is issued shall be done as per the existing practice of company, however it meets with the relevant BIS standard or any other applicable standards in this regard. The materials and components shall be suitable for the intended Opencast/Underground application and operating conditions. Also, the overall system safety shall not be compromised, and integration of such components shall be compatible with the system in operation.

The responsibility for ensuring safety, suitability, and compliance with statutory provisions of the procured items, materials, devices, or equipment rests with the mine management, i.e.

Owner, Agent, and Manager of the mine. The above requirement shall apply in Underground (UG) mines and Opencast (OC) mines in the interest of safety.

All Owners, Agents, and Managers of mines shall ensure strict compliance with the above rd installations and ensure safety of persons.

dir ns to (I.J a ah)

Director General of Mines Saf ty & Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator