Rules 148 to 152 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.
Rules 148 to 152 govern the rescue team itself. A team working with breathing apparatus has a leader appointed by the superintendent, who is briefed, tests the apparatus, directs the team underground and keeps time and pressure checks. The team has five or six members, including the leader.
Every rescue team working with breathing apparatus must be under a leader appointed by the superintendent, who gets clear instructions on where to go and what to attempt. The leader tests, or witnesses the testing of, the apparatus for leakage before going below ground; unsafe apparatus must not be used. Below ground the leader does no manual work, records oxygen pressure every twenty minutes, and may not let a member work with apparatus for more than one and half hours at a time (or another period the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator specifies). A team has not less than five and not more than six persons, including the leader.
Context
These rules take over from the emergency rules 144 to 147, which set up the control point and the fresh air base; see our rules 144 to 147 article. Rule 131 covers the apparatus itself; see our rules 127 to 131 article. All sit within the section 72 rescue power of the Code. A labour law compliance review can check that drills follow these 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 148 and 149: the leader and instructions
- Rule 148: "Every rescue team engaged in work with breathing apparatus in a mine shall be under a leader who shall be appointed by the superintendent."
- Rule 149: "Prior to sending a rescue team underground, the superintendent or a person authorised shall give clear instructions to the leader of the team as to where it shall go and what it shall attempt."
The rules do not set separate qualifications for a leader. Rule 148 says the superintendent appoints; the superintendent's judgment, and rule 140's selection tests for rescue trained persons, are the guide. The briefing in rule 149 should be recorded: where, to do what, and at what time.
Rule 150: test of apparatus
| Sub-rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 150(1) | Before proceeding below ground, the leader shall test or witness the testing of the team's self-contained breathing apparatus for leakage |
| 150(2) | No such apparatus shall be used unless it is found safe |
| 150(3) | The leader shall check the equipment of the team and, immediately before entering irrespirable atmosphere, make sure that all breathing apparatus are working properly |
There are therefore two checks: a leak test before going below ground, and a working check immediately before entering the irrespirable atmosphere. The rules do not describe the leak test method; rule 131(5) leaves adjustment and testing methods to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator's orders.
Rule 151: duties of the leader below ground
| Sub-rule | Duty |
|---|---|
| 151(1)(i) | Shall not engage in manual work |
| 151(1)(ii) | Give attention solely to directing the team and maintaining its safety |
| 151(1)(iii) | Examine the roof and supports during the journey; if a fall is likely along the roadway, not proceed further until the team has made the place secure |
| 151(2) | Keep the team together; no member allowed to stray |
| 151(3) | If the atmosphere is clear, indicate the route by chalk arrow marks at junctions of two or more roadways |
| 151(4) | If the atmosphere is obscure, see that a lifeline is laid from the fresh air base and allow no member out of reach of it; if impracticable, not proceed until every branching roadway is fenced across the whole opening |
| 151(5) | When using rescue apparatus, carry a watch, record compressed oxygen pressure every twenty minutes, and begin the return journey in ample time |
| 151(6) | Adopt the pace of the slowest member; if any member is in distress, return immediately to the fresh air base with the whole team |
| 151(7) | Not permit any member using breathing apparatus to remain at work at one time longer than one and half hours, or another period the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator specifies for the apparatus in use |
Two numbers matter: twenty minutes (pressure record) and one and half hours (maximum spell). The "or such other period" wording means the one and half hour limit can be changed by order for particular apparatus. We have not found an order in the source text, so check for one. Rule 131(3) and the second spell restriction in rule 153 tie in: a person who has done one spell must be examined and found fit before another; see our rules 153 to 156 article.
Note a drafting slip: rule 151(1)(i) reads "shall not be engage in manual work" (as in the Gazette text). We read it as "shall not engage in manual work".
Rule 152: team members and their duties
| Sub-rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 152(1) | The team using breathing apparatus has not less than five and not more than six persons, including the leader |
| 152(2) | If no breathing apparatus carried by the team has a provision to extend oxygen supply to another person in an emergency, the team shall carry a self-rescuer |
| 152(3) | Members use the signals specified by the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator (general or special order) to communicate |
| 152(4) | When travelling with apparatus on, each member keeps the place given at numbering off; if the pace is too quick or distress is felt, the member calls attention at once |
| 152(5) | Every member obeys the order of the leader |
Rule 146(2) already limits self-contained breathing apparatus to rescue trained persons. Together these rules produce a small, disciplined team where the leader controls pace, time and route. The team size cap of six keeps the group manageable in narrow roadways.
Practical examples
Example 1. A team of five, including the leader, is briefed by the superintendent on the section to be searched and the objective. The leader tests the apparatus for leakage at the station and checks again at the fresh air base before entering.
Example 2. Smoke makes the roadway obscure. The leader lays a lifeline from the fresh air base and keeps every member within reach of it, as rule 151(4) requires.
Example 3. A team member's apparatus shows low pressure early. The leader records pressure at twenty-minute intervals, notes the fall, and as a member is in distress, returns to the fresh air base with the whole team under rule 151(6).
Need help with rescue drills and records?
Rescue drills, leader briefings and pressure logs make a difference when an inspector asks for evidence. Our team can help you design checklists that follow the Central Rules; start with our labour law compliance service.
Key takeaways
- The superintendent appoints the leader and gives clear instructions before the team goes underground.
- The leader tests or witnesses testing for leakage before going below ground and checks again before entering an irrespirable atmosphere.
- No manual work for the leader; chalk arrows if clear, lifeline if obscure; pressure recorded every twenty minutes.
- No member works on apparatus longer than one and half hours at one time unless the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator specifies another period.
- Teams have five or six persons including the leader and carry a self-rescuer if the apparatus lacks oxygen-sharing.
Read next
- Rules 153 to 156: second spell of work, employer obligations and power to relax
- Rules 144 to 147: emergency duties, accommodation, entry and fresh air bases
- Rules 132 to 136: duties of superintendent, instructor and rescue personnel
- 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.