According to the Revised Mines Safety Rules and Regulations, what is the required amount of oxygen in underground mines?

The required amount of oxygen in underground mines, as per the Revised Mines Safety Rules and Regulations, is set at 20 percent. This standard is critical for ensuring the safety and health of miners because oxygen levels below this threshold can lead to hypoxia, a condition where the body is deprived of adequate oxygen, which can impair cognitive functions and physical performance.

Maintaining a stable oxygen concentration is essential in the confined environments of underground mines, where the potential for various hazardous gases exists. The 20 percent threshold is based on the normal composition of atmospheric air and reflects a safe level necessary for sustaining human life and facilitating workers' ability to perform their tasks effectively without risk of oxygen deprivation.

In contrast, lower oxygen levels can lead to serious health risks, and levels significantly higher than 20 percent may also pose risks due to increased fire hazards in the presence of flammable materials. Therefore, the establishment of 20 percent oxygen content is a well-considered balance between safety and operational effectiveness in mining operations.