China is requiring all collieries across the country to distribute free safety handbooks to coalmine workers by the end of this year.

The National General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine has called on each coal mine to compile the booklets based on their own circumstances and update them with applicable information.

The agency says the handbook should detail the coalmine worker's rights and obligations, typical colliery disasters and corresponding measures when they occur.

Hot lines for informing illegal behavior and hidden security vulnerabilities must be published with the books.

Additionally, the compilation is required to include matching illustrations and should be concise and comprehensive.

(CRI October 5, 2005)