Question

How many times winding rope has to be recapped through out its life as per regulation ?

• A. 5 times
• B. 6 times
• C. 7 times
• D. 8 times

Hint:

Regulatory questions require memorization of specific numbers.
For winding ropes in India, the key numbers are:
- Maximum life: 3.5 years.
- Recapping interval: Every 6 months.
- Maximum number of recaps: 6 times.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Question:
This is a regulatory question asking for the maximum number of times a winding rope can be recapped during its service life according to Indian mining regulations.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Recapping is a mandatory safety procedure for mine winding ropes.
The end of the rope attached to the cage (the capel end) is subjected to the highest stresses, fatigue, and potential corrosion.
Regulations require this end section to be cut off and the rope to be re-capped at regular intervals to remove this deteriorated portion.
According to the Coal Mines Regulations (and similar metalliferous regulations) in India, a winding rope must be recapped at intervals not exceeding six months.
The statutory life of a winding rope used for man winding is typically limited to three and a half (3.5) years.
With a recapping interval of 6 months (0.5 years), the number of recappings in a 3.5-year life would be:
\[ \text{Number of recappings} = \frac{3.5 \text{ years}}{0.5 \text{ years/recap}} = 7 \] However, this is the number of intervals. The question asks how many times it is recapped. It is recapped at the end of each interval. A rope is installed with its first cap. Then it is recapped after 6 months, 12 months, 18 months, 24 months, 30 months, and 36 months. At 42 months (3.5 years) it is discarded. This would be a total of 6 recappings after the initial installation. The regulation specifies the maximum number of recaps allowed. The DGMS (Directorate General of Mines Safety) circulars have clarified and standardized the practice. The common regulatory understanding is that a winding rope shall not be used for more than 3.5 years and shall not be recapped more than 6 times.

Step 3: Final Answer:
As per regulation, a winding rope has to be recapped a maximum of 6 times throughout its life.
This corresponds to option (B).