Fire, blasting and protective equipment are the topics where small details decide whether a question is easy or tricky. If you are preparing for GATE Mining, the DGMS exams or the Mining Sirdar test, these are marks you want to lock in.
This is Part 03 of our Mining Safety MCQ series, with 15 practice questions (Q31 to Q45). Try each one first, then tap Show Answer to check and read the short explanation. Missed the earlier set? Go through Mining Safety MCQ Part 02 first, which covers ventilation, gases and rescue.
Mining Safety MCQs: Fire, Blasting and PPE (Q31 to Q45)
31. What is the main cause of fires in coal mines?
A. Methane explosion
B. Spontaneous heating of coal
C. Blasting
D. Electrical faults
Show Answer
Answer: B. Spontaneous heating of coal
Coal slowly oxidises when it is exposed to air, the heat builds up, and eventually the seam catches fire. Most underground coal mine fires start this way.
32. Which agent is commonly used to control a fire in a sealed-off area of a coal mine?
A. Water
B. Sand
C. Inert gases (N2/CO2)
D. Foam
Show Answer
Answer: C. Inert gases (N2/CO2)
Inert gases push out the oxygen the fire needs, and they can be injected without sending anyone into the danger zone.
33. Which type of fire extinguisher is used on electrical fires?
A. Water type
B. Foam type
C. CO2 type
D. Dry sand
Show Answer
Answer: C. CO2 type
CO2 does not conduct electricity and leaves no residue, so it is safe for live equipment. Water and foam can carry current back to the person holding the extinguisher.
34. What is a major precaution while handling explosives in mines?
A. Store them with diesel
B. Keep them away from fire and heat
C. Carry them in open baskets
D. Store them together with detonators
Show Answer
Answer: B. Keep them away from fire and heat
Heat, flame and sparks are the most common triggers for an accidental explosion, so explosives are always kept well clear of them.
35. What is the statutory minimum distance between an explosive magazine and a building?
A. 50 m
B. 90 m
C. 120 m
D. 180 m
Show Answer
Answer: D. 180 m
The gap is there to limit damage and injury if a magazine ever goes off.
36. Why are permitted explosives used in gassy mines?
A. Their cost is low
B. They produce minimal flame and sparks
C. They are easily available
D. They are safe to handle manually
Show Answer
Answer: B. They produce minimal flame and sparks
In a gassy mine, a long flame could ignite methane. Permitted explosives are designed to give a very short, cool flame.
37. Blasting in fiery seams is generally done with:
A. Electric detonators
B. Permitted explosives and detonators
C. Open flame ignition
D. Gunpowder cartridges
Show Answer
Answer: B. Permitted explosives and detonators
Both the explosive and the detonator must be of an approved, permitted type. An open flame near methane is never acceptable.
38. The use of PPE in mines is governed by:
A. International Labour Rules
B. The Mines Act and DGMS guidelines
C. Company instructions only
D. None of these
Show Answer
Answer: B. The Mines Act and DGMS guidelines
In India, the Mines Act and the directions issued by DGMS set the rules for protective equipment, not just company policy.
39. Safety helmets in underground mines must have:
A. Only a strong shell
B. A lamp fixing arrangement
C. Proper suspension and a chin strap
D. All of the above
Show Answer
Answer: D. All of the above
An underground helmet has to protect the head, hold the cap lamp securely and stay on firmly. A strong shell alone is not enough.
40. The effectiveness of a dust respirator depends mainly on:
A. Mask fitting and leakage
B. Colour of the mask
C. Weight of the mask
D. Worker experience
Show Answer
Answer: A. Mask fitting and leakage
Even a good filter fails if dust leaks in around the edges. A tight, proper fit matters most.
41. An anemometer is used in mines to measure:
A. Temperature
B. Air velocity
C. Dust concentration
D. Humidity
Show Answer
Answer: B. Air velocity
Together with the cross-section area of the roadway, air velocity gives you the quantity of air flowing.
42. A shotfirer in mining is responsible for:
A. Checking mine records
B. Blasting operations as per the safety code
C. Supervising ventilation
D. Roof bolting
Show Answer
Answer: B. Blasting operations as per the safety code
The shotfirer is the person authorised to charge, connect and fire shots by the book.
43. Detonators must be stored:
A. With explosives in the same box
B. Separately in an approved magazine
C. With diesel containers
D. With timber packs
Show Answer
Answer: B. Separately in an approved magazine
Detonators are far more sensitive than the explosive itself, so they are kept apart to avoid an accidental sympathetic explosion.
44. What is the proper eye protection during drilling and blasting work?
A. Dark sunglasses
B. Proper safety goggles
C. Helmet only
D. No requirement
Show Answer
Answer: B. Proper safety goggles
Flying rock chips and dust can cause serious eye injuries. Goggles built for the job are the only real protection.
45. Accidents in mines are best prevented by:
A. Strict supervision alone
B. Safety training and continuous awareness
C. More production targets
D. Punishing workers
Show Answer
Answer: B. Safety training and continuous awareness
Supervision helps, but a workforce that understands the hazards and keeps thinking about them is what really cuts accidents.
Quick Revision Points
- Spontaneous heating of coal is the leading cause of coal mine fires.
- Use a CO2 extinguisher on electrical fires, never water.
- Permitted explosives give a short flame, which is why gassy mines require them.
- Store detonators separately from explosives, always in an approved magazine.
- With dust respirators, fit matters more than anything else.
That completes Part 03. Keep practising a few questions every day and these points will stay with you on exam day. Share the post with your study partners and tell us your score in the comments.
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