G.S.R. 573(E). Mines: testing breathing apparatus (rule 131(5))

MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT

(Directorate General Of Mines Safety)

NOTIFICATION

Dhanbad, the 1st July, 2026

G.S.R. 573(E).— In exercise of the powers conferred on me under sub-rule (5) of rule 131 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026, I, Ujjwal Tah, Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator of Mines, also designated as the Director General of Mines Safety, hereby, specify the procedure for testing of breathing apparatus, flow meter and purity of oxygen for use in breathing apparatus, as follows: Scope: These standards specify the procedure of testing of breathing and resuscitating apparatus, flow meters provided in rescue stations and rescue rooms, and purity of oxygen for use in breathing apparatus, as required under sub rule (5) of rule 131 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026. Applicability: These standards shall be applicable for testing of breathing and resuscitating apparatus provided in rescue stations and rescue rooms, and purity of oxygen for use in breathing apparatus. Compliance Requirement: Procedure for testing of breathing and resuscitating apparatus and purity of oxygen for use in breathing apparatus

1. Every Breathing and Resuscitating apparatus shall be thoroughly tested once at least in every month or at such shorter interval as may be recommended by the manufacturers of the breathing apparatus in a manner specified in para 2

2. (i) The apparatus shall be examined in respect of its general condition and particular attention shall be given to every delicate and perishable part.

(ii) The apparatus shall be tested for leakage and observations recorded. If any leakage is observed beyond the permissible limit recommended by the manufacturer, the apparatus shall be deemed unsafe for use.

(iii) The pressure of oxygen in the cylinder shall be measured and recorded.

(iv) The pressure at which any automatic relief valve discharges shall be measured which shall be within the limits specified in IS 10245 (Part-1) or its latest version of the Bureau of Indian Standards.

(v) The rate of delivery of oxygen shall be measured by the tester specified by the manufacturers which shall be within the limits specified in IS 10245 (Part-1) or its latest version of the Bureau of Indian Standards. Such measurements and adjustments shall be recorded in bound paged book kept for the purpose or in non-editable electronic form.

(vi) If an apparatus has been provided with an automatic demand valve, the pressure at which it operates shall be measured which shall be within the limits specified in IS 10245 (Part-1) or its latest version of the Bureau of Indian Standards. Such measurements and adjustments shall be recorded in bound paged book kept for the purpose or in non-editable electronic form.

(vii) Other tests and adjustment, if any, as recommended by the manufacturers shall be performed and a record thereof in a bound paged book kept for the purpose or in non-editable electronic form.

3. The purity of oxygen supplied for use in breathing apparatus shall be tested. No oxygen which is found to contain more than one per cent of impurities shall be used.

4. Apparatus Testers shall be tested for accuracy at durations recommended by the apparatus manufacturers.

5. Where by this standard any particulars are required to be recorded, they shall be recorded forthwith in a bound paged book kept for the purpose or in non-editable electronic form at rescue room or rescue stations, as the case may be, and shall be signed or e-signed and dated by the person making the tests and shall be countersigned or e-signed by the Superintendent.

[F. No. DGMS/01-3/2026/SOMA(HQ)]

UJJWAL TAH, Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator of Mines