‘Ministry of Labour and Employment awed tors 4 Directorate General of Mines Safety aoe gre nee No.DGMS(Tech)/Circular No,/ 2 J Dhanbad, Dated 7/9 / 2009. To ‘Pwner / Agent/Manager of All Coal and Metalliferous Mines al audit for Head in Head gear is «important structure located over the shaft that houses one or two sheaves, carrying, winding ropes, flexible guides and other equipments. The head frames are constantly subject to static loads, dynamic loads and environmental effect. Foundations of reinforced concrete is buried in ground and is constantly subjected to reversible loads and environmental effects, which reiluces the strength of concrete and alters the properties. Failure of foundation is most dangerous for hhendgear frames, Hence a time to time the structural audit for safety, stability, serviceability and durability must be done to assess the damage. Regulation 73(1) of Coal Mines Regulations 1957 & Regulation 80 (1) of the Metalliferous Mines Regulations 1961 requires that “every part of a winding installation, including headgear, shall be 0. sound construction and adequate strength, and shall be maintained in safe working order. In case of any doubt as tothe foregoing, it shall be referred to the Chief Inspector of decision" Regulation 182 of the Coal Mines Regulations 1957 & Reg.I72 of the Mctalliferous Mines Regulations 1961 require that “ll parts and working. gear, whether fixed or moveable including the anchoring and apperatus used as or forming part of the equipment of a mine, and all foundations in or io which any such appliances are anchored or fixed shall be of good constriction, suitable material, adequate strenh and free from visible defeet and shall be properiy maintained,” Heead gear frame are generally not maintained for serviceability. Some of the members are removed for the convenience making structure unstable. Initial defects of fabrication of bolts, rivets are enlarged, Improper coating for protection of structure leads to corrosion of steel and reduction of Properties due to environmental effects. Mishandling of structure leads alo to deterioration of structure, Durability and serviceability of head gear depends on constant watch on structure and aut for its stability. Material properties changed during service life need to be checked and identified.af Following important factors are to be carried out from time to tinie and verified with the original Checks to be out: 1. Study the change in static and dynamic loads. 2, Evaluate change in configuration of head gear. Forces in members are to checked and a diagram to be drawn to ensure resultant falling inside back leg. Joints of members are to be checked (rivets , welds, bolts) Strengths of material must be ascertained by taking samples. Deflection and physical movement in all direction and vibration * should be measured by applying 50%,100%,120% loads. Deformation of frame, buckling of each individual members "in joint are need to be checked. Cracks/defects shall be carefully checked. 6. Plastic stage of sections used should be checked by observing change in colour and ductility of section. 7. Ultra sound pulse velocity (N.D.T.) should be done to assess the strength cracks or defects in concrete, Concrete core may also be taken to asses the ‘compression strength of concrete by N.D.T. Cover meter test or hammer tests may be carried out to assess the damage, Rehabilitation of Head Gear ‘After fall condition assessment and structural audit of the head gear frame for all points mentioned above scheme of rehabilitation and bringing back to original condition shall be prepared. Scheme of retrofitting and fehabilitation will vary from mine to mine, Broadly classified items rehabilitation are mentioned below: 1) Retrofitting of members to maintain original stable configuration of structure. 2) Bringing back to original properties of materials and section by adding additional structure member. 3) Replacement of bolts, welds , rivets and correcting the perfect alignment of member. 4) For unstable head gear frame, deflections, physical movement is corrected. 5) Apply low diffusivity coating like epoxy to whole structure surface. ©) Grout, shotcrete inject or jacket polymer concrete to strengthen the foundation of bead gear frame and fill up the cracks in the concrete. ‘The structural audit of head gear shall be carried out once in five years. I am sure that in the interest of safety, all mining Companies shall take immediate action to implement the above Ounsorae- Director-General of Mines Safdty,