Rules 123 and 124 explained: this guide covers what it means, who it applies to, the step-by-step process, documents required, fees, due dates and penalties in India — so you can stay compliant with confidence and avoid costly mistakes.
Rule 123 lets the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator permit or require the employer of a below ground mine, or a group of such mines, to set up and maintain rescue stations, and fixes the minimum staff: a superintendent, at least two instructors and a rescue brigade of at least eighteen rescue trained persons. Rule 124 lists what a rescue station does.
The Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may permit or require the employer of a below ground mine or group of below ground mines to establish and maintain rescue stations, to designs, specifications and places considered necessary in consultation with the employer. Every rescue station needs a superintendent, at least two instructors and a rescue brigade of not less than eighteen rescue trained persons. If the superintendent is absent for more than sixty days, the employer appoints another. Existing stations continue for three years from the date the Rules came into force. A station provides initial and refresher rescue training, support in major accidents, and acts as a rescue room where a mine has none.
The Code link
Section 72 of the Code says "The Central Government may prescribe vocational training and rescue and recovery services for persons employed in a mine." Rules 123 to 156 are the rescue part of that power, and rules 157 onwards deal with vocational training. See our sections 71 to 73 article. Mines that run below ground should review their rescue arrangements through a labour law compliance check.
The Central Rules apply where the Central Government is the appropriate Government. Where the State Government is the appropriate Government, the State's own OSH rules apply.
Rule 123: establishment and location
| Sub-rule | What it says |
|---|---|
| 123(1) | The Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may permit or require the employer of a below ground mine or a group of below ground mines to establish and maintain rescue stations, with designs and specifications, and at places, considered necessary in consultation with the employer |
| First proviso | Where below ground mines belong to more than one employer, the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may permit or require two or more employers to jointly establish common rescue stations |
| Second proviso | All existing rescue stations as on the date of coming into force of the Rules continue to function for three years from that date |
| 123(2) | At every rescue station: a superintendent, at least two instructors, and a rescue brigade of not less than eighteen rescue trained persons |
| 123(3) | If the superintendent's absence exceeds sixty days, the employer appoints another superintendent |
| 123(4) | On the same day of assumption or relinquishment of charge by the superintendent, the employer informs the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator and the Inspector-cum-Facilitator of the region where the mine is situated |
Permit or require. Rule 123(1) does not itself set a number of mines or workers above which a station is mandatory. It is the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator who decides. Rule 125 supplies a size-based test for rescue rooms (more than 100 persons below ground and no station within 35 km); see our rules 125 and 126 article.
Common stations. The first proviso suits clusters of mines with different owners; the cost and staffing can be shared. The rule does not say how costs are split.
Three-year transition. The second proviso says existing stations "shall continue to function for a period of three years from that date". The text refers to "the date of coming into force of these rule". Rule 1 of the Rules gives the commencement (on publication in the Official Gazette, as noted in rule 1(2)-(3)). The rule does not say what happens at the end of three years, such as re-approval; it is silent. Plan for a review before the three years end.
Staffing minimum. The brigade of "not less than eighteen" is a floor. Qualifications for the superintendent (rule 127) and instructors (rule 128) are in our rules 127 to 131 article. Rescue trained persons posted at a station are chosen under rule 129 and serve one to five years at a time.
Superintendent's absence. "Exceeds sixty days" triggers a replacement. During the first sixty days the rules do not name a stand-in at the level of superintendent; rule 133(4) says in the absence of the superintendent the instructor is in charge of the rescue station (see our rules 132 to 136 article).
Intimation. The same-day intimation to two authorities is easy to miss. The rule does not prescribe a form or mode; keep a written or electronic record of the intimation.
Drafting slip. Rule 123(3) reads "Where in absence of the superintendent at a rescue station exceeds sixty days"; the grammar is garbled but the intention, as we read it, is that absence beyond sixty days requires an appointment.
Rule 124: functions of a rescue station
| Clause | Function |
|---|---|
| (i) | Imparting initial training in rescue and recovery work |
| (ii) | Imparting refresher training to rescue trained persons |
| (iii) | Providing support by its own rescue teams and equipment in case of major accidents or long lasting rescue and recovery operations |
| (iv) | Carrying out the functions of a rescue room in respect of those below ground mines where there is no rescue room |
The word is "include", so the list is not closed. Rule 124(iv) matters: a mine with no rescue room can rely on the rescue station for storage, assembly and testing of breathing apparatus and for speedy transport of equipment (the rescue-room functions in rule 126).
Practical examples
Example 1. Three coal mines of different owners lie within one coalfield. The Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator permits the owners to set up one common rescue station under the first proviso to rule 123(1).
Example 2. The superintendent goes on long medical leave on 1 March and is still away on 5 May, which is more than sixty days. The employer appoints another superintendent and on the same day informs the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator and the regional Inspector-cum-Facilitator, as rule 123(4) requires.
Example 3. An older mine has no rescue room. Its employees receive refresher training at the rescue station and the station also stores and tests the mine's breathing apparatus under rule 124(iv).
Need help with rescue and mine safety compliance?
Mine rescue obligations involve staffing, training records and intimations to the authorities. Our team can review your arrangements against the Central Rules and map the dates that matter. Start with our labour law compliance service.
Key takeaways
- The Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may permit or require rescue stations for below ground mines; common stations are possible.
- Each station needs a superintendent, at least two instructors and a brigade of not less than eighteen rescue trained persons.
- Absence of the superintendent beyond sixty days requires a new appointment; changes of charge are intimated the same day.
- Existing stations continue for three years from the Rules' commencement.
- A station trains, supports major rescues and acts as a rescue room where there is none.
Read next
- Rules 125 and 126: rescue room establishment and functions
- Rules 127 to 131: rescue staff qualifications, selection and equipment
- Sections 71 to 73 of the OSH Code: exemption, rescue and decision whether a working is a mine
- Mines Act: safety provisions and DGMS framework
Disclaimer: Based on the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (as enacted) and, where noted, the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026 (G.S.R. 345(E), 8 May 2026), as on 30 September 2026. The Code is in force from 21 November 2025; some provisions may be notified later, and State Governments make their own rules for establishments where the State is the appropriate Government. Verify the current position before acting.