No stopping shall be undertaken within ________ radius from the main shaft.

• A. 10 meters
• B. 12 meters
• C. 16 meters
• D. 20 meters

Answer: (C)

Maintaining a safe distance around the main shaft is about protecting workers and equipment from hazards that occur during shaft operations, such as material movement, debris, and nearby activities like blasting. The minimum stopping radius is 16 meters, which creates a buffer to absorb any ground movement or debris and to keep personnel and vehicles clear of potential danger near the shaft. This distance also ensures there’s enough room for safe hoisting operations without interference. If the radius were smaller, the risk of injury or entanglement would be higher; a larger radius would be more conservative but isn’t the standard requirement. Therefore, 16 meters is the correct minimum stopping distance.