With an overall objective of ensuring safety and security of public and property from fire and explosion, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) as a statutory authority is entrusted with the administration of Explosives Act, 1884, Petroleum Act, 1934; Inflammable Substances Act, 1952 and the following Rules framed under these Acts;
EXPLOSIVES ACT, 1884:
1. Explosives Rules, 2008
2. Gas Cylinder Rules, 2004
3. Static & Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 1981
4. Notification No. GSR 625(E) dated 07.08.1983 regarding Acetylene Generation
PETROLEUM ACT, 1934:
1. Petroleum Rules, 2002
2. Calcium Carbide Rules, 1987
3. Cinematography Film Rules, 1948
The activities of the Organization involving administration of the Acts and Rules noted above are described below in brief: –
EXPLOSIVES RULES, 2008:
The major work under Explosives Rules, 2008 relates to grant of approval, licenses for manufacture of explosives, authorization of explosives, storage of explosives, import/export of explosives, transport of explosives by road and packaging for explosives etc. prescribing safe procedures and methods for manufacture of various types of explosives including the tools, equipments and machineries. The Organization also carries out investigation of accidents involving explosives and destruction of unserviceable/ seized explosives in the interest of public safety and security. Explosives Rules – 2008 superseded the Explosive Rules – 1983.
The Organisation carries out inspection and audit of the new premises for verification/endorsement at the time of grant of licences/approvals and also periodic inspections of the licensed/approved premises.
GAS CYLINDER RULES, 2004:
The Gas Cylinders Rules were first published in 1940 after Govt. of India Notification No. M-1272 (1), dated 28th September, 1938 declaring any gas when contained in any metal container in a compressed or liquefied state to be an explosive within the meaning of Explosives Act, 1884. The above rules were replaced by the Gas Cylinders Rules, 1981, after a comprehensive review in the light of the development of the gas industry after independence. Eighties & Nineties witnessed massive expansion in the gas and related industries triggered by economical liberalization and globalization, use of LPG as industrial and domestic fuel, introduction of CNG and LPG as environmental friendly automotive fuels, entry of new technologies, etc, which necessitating another round of review and bringing out the new Gas Cylinders Rules, 2004.
The major activities covered under these Rules include grant of approval of manufacturing units of cylinders, valves & LPG regulators and designs of these equipments; licensing of gas filling plants, CNG fueling stations, cylinders storage premises and import of cylinders/valves; grant of permission for filling of cylinders; recognition of cylinder testing stations etc. This Organisation also plays a crucial role in the formulation of standards for cylinders, valves, regulators, etc. The Organisation regularly undertakes safety audits of gas installations, filling plants, CNG fueling stations, cylinder, valve and regulator manufacturing units, etc. approved/licensed under the aforesaid Rules to ensure the compliance of the Rules and also to inculcate safety awareness.
Salient features of Gas Cylinders Rules, 2004 with respect to deregulation and simplification of Rules-
(a) Enhancement of the scope of the Gas Cylinders Rules to cover special containers up to 2500 liters water capacity and composite cylinders made of non-metallic materials.
(b) Enhancement of the exemption limit of possession of gas filled cylinders without licence and periods for which a licence can be granted and renewed.
(c) Dispensing with the requirement of prior approval of specification and plans for setting up of filling plants, conversion of cylinders from one gas service to another & filling of cylinders between sunset and sunrise in respect of non-toxic non-flammable gases.
(d) Simplification of the procedure for transfer of a licence in case of change of ownership or death of the licensee.
STATIC & MOBILE PRESSURE VESSELS (UNFIRED) RULES, 1981:
The functions of the Organisation relating to administration of these Rules covers grant of approval of fabrication shops of pressure vessels/fittings and their designs, licenses for storage of compressed gas installations and for transport of compressed gas in vessels by road, permission for import of vessels, grant of recognition of inspecting agencies/competent persons to carry out inspection and certification during manufacture/repair of vessels and final testing as well as periodic testing thereof.
The Organisation carries out inspection and audit of the new premises for verification/endorsement at the time of grant of licenses/approvals and also periodic inspections thereafter of the licensed/approved premises. The above functions also include review of safety audits, periodic tests inspection reports and performance of vessels, fabricators and certifying agencies.
NOTIFICATION NO. GSR.625 (E) DATED 07/08/1983 REGARDING ACETYLELE GENERATION:
Acetylene when liquid or subjected to pressure or in admixture with air or oxygen is highly explosives. The generation of acetylene and approval of generator is governed under this notification. The Organisation grants the approval of type of acetylene generator and of acetylene plant. Trial runs of the generator both at the manufactures place and at the factory where the generator is installed for evaluating its performance as well as determining efficiency of each generator at the time of endorsement of licenses is done by the Organisation besides routine inspections of D.A. cylinder filling plants in operation.