Rules 137 to 139 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 137 requires every mine to be connected, preferably by wireless or telephone, with its rescue room and rescue station. Rule 138 requires tracings of mine workings to be kept for rescue use. Rule 139 sets how many rescue trained persons a below ground mine must have, and where they and the rescue staff are to be accommodated.
Every mine must be connected preferably through wireless communication or telephonically with its rescue room and rescue station; the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may approve other means by written order where none exists. A below ground mine must keep more than three legible tracings of its workings, up to a date not before three preceding months, with the ventilation system and listed safety features marked. Where more than 100 persons are ordinarily employed, the manager must ensure at least 5 rescue trained persons are readily available at surface at all times; where more than 500, one rescue trained person for every 100 persons or part thereof.
Where they fit
These rules follow the rescue-station and rescue-room rules (123 to 126) and the duty rules (132 to 136). See our rules 132 to 136 article. They sit under the section 72 power in the Code to prescribe rescue and recovery services; see our sections 71 to 73 article. A labour law compliance review is a good way to check each mine against these three rules.
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 137: telephone communication
"Every mine shall be connected preferably through wireless communication or telephonically with the rescue room and rescue station serving such mine."
The proviso: where there is no communication system, the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may, by an order in writing and subject to conditions specified in it, approve other means of communication.
- The word "preferably" shows wireless or telephone is the preferred link, not the only one.
- "Every mine" is wide; the rule is not limited to below ground mines, although rescue rooms and stations are linked to below ground mines under rules 123 and 125.
- The alternative means must be approved in writing. A runner or a vehicle is not enough without that order.
- Rule 147(1) separately asks for telephone connection between a fresh air base and the surface or shaft bottom, "if possible".
Rule 138: rescue tracings
| Sub-rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 138(1) | At a below ground mine, more than three legible tracings of the workings of the mine up to a date not before three preceding months shall be kept |
| 138(2) | The tracing shall show the system of ventilation and in particular the items listed below |
What 138(2) says must be shown:
- the general direction of air-current;
- every point where the quantity of air is measured;
- every air-crossing, ventilation-door, stopping, booster fan and any other principal device for regulation and distribution of air;
- fire-dams and preparatory stoppings;
- every fire-fighting equipment;
- every water-dam, with dimensions and other particulars of construction;
- every pumping, telephone and ambulance station;
- every room used for storing inflammable material;
- reserve stations; and
- every haulage and travelling roadway.
Reading "more than three". The text says "more than three legible tracings", which on its face means at least four. It does not say where they are to be kept, such as the mine office, the rescue room and the rescue station. The rule does not say who updates them. As these are for rescue, it is sensible to keep copies where a rescue team will go first. We note that as practice, not as a requirement of the text.
Three-month currency. The workings shown must be up to a date "not before three preceding months". Read it as: the plan's date must not be older than three months. Set a quarterly refresh and date-stamp every copy.
Rule 139: rescue trained persons, accommodation and summoning
| Sub-rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 139(1) | Manager of a below ground mine where more than 100 persons are ordinarily employed shall ensure at least 5 rescue trained persons are readily available at surface at any time |
| 139(2) | Manager of a below ground mine where more than 500 persons are ordinarily employed shall ensure persons on a scale of one man for every 100 persons or part thereof are rescue trained persons |
| 139(3) | The employer provides suitable accommodation: (i) close to the rescue station for the superintendent, instructors and rescue brigade members; (ii) close to the rescue room for the in-charge, rescue trained persons and attendants; (iii) close to the below ground mine entrance for other rescue trained persons |
| 139(4) | At a below ground mine, an effective bell or other arrangements approved by the Inspector-cum-Facilitator for immediate summoning of rescue trained persons |
Two tests. Rule 139(1) turns on "more than 100" persons ordinarily employed and requires five available "at surface at any time". Rule 139(2) at more than 500 uses a ratio: one for every 100 persons or part thereof. The text does not say whether the five in sub-rule (1) are part of the count under sub-rule (2); read literally they are two separate tests. Take the higher number and keep documents showing how you computed it.
For example, a mine with 740 persons: 740 divided by 100 is 7.4, "or part thereof" gives eight rescue trained persons under 139(2). The "at surface at any time" requirement of 139(1) still applies, which means roster planning across shifts.
"Persons ordinarily employed". The rule does not say whether this means below ground only or all employees at the mine. Rule 125(1) says "below ground" explicitly; rule 139 does not. We therefore flag the point for confirmation and suggest counting the stricter way until clarified.
Accommodation. Three groups, three places. This lets the rescue brigade and in-charge reach equipment quickly.
Summoning. The rule asks for an "effective bell or other arrangements" and requires Inspector-cum-Facilitator approval. Test the system and keep the approval on file.
Practical examples
Example 1. A mine in a remote area has no telephone line. The employer applies to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator, which approves in writing a radio set with conditions, as the proviso to rule 137 permits.
Example 2. A mine's tracings were last updated four months ago. The latest working shows a new panel. Rule 138(1) is not met; the mine updates and dates all copies.
Example 3. A mine employs 320 persons below ground. Under rule 139(1) it must have at least five rescue trained persons readily available at surface at any time, and an approved bell or similar arrangement under rule 139(4).
Need help with rescue readiness?
Communication links, plan tracings and rescue-trained headcounts are easy to check but easy to let lapse. Our team can design a calendar and register that fits the Central Rules. Start with our labour law compliance service.
Key takeaways
- Every mine must be linked to its rescue room and station, preferably by wireless or telephone; other means need written approval.
- Keep more than three legible tracings up to a date within the last three months, with ventilation and listed safety features.
- Above 100 persons, at least five rescue trained persons available at surface; above 500, one per 100 persons or part.
- Accommodation is close to the station, room and mine entrance by group.
- An approved bell or other arrangement must summon rescue trained persons at once.
Read next
- Rules 140 to 143: selection, training, medical examination and suspension of rescue trained persons
- Rules 132 to 136: duties of superintendent, instructor and rescue personnel
- Rules 123 and 124: rescue station establishment and functions
- 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.