The Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules 1981

CHAPTER I
PRELIMINARY

1. Short title and commencement-

(1) These rules may be called the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 1981.

(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.

2. Definition—

In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires, --

(a). ―Act‖ means the Indian Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884);

(b). ―approved‖ means a drawing, design, specification or code approved by the Chief Controller ;

(c). ―bottling plant‖ means a premises where cylinders are filled with compressed gas‖

(d). ―Chief Controller‖ means the Chief Controller of Explosives;

(e). ―Competent person‖ means a person or an organization recognized by the Chief Controller, for such gases and for
such period as may be specified as competent for carrying out tests, examination, inspections and certification for
installations and transport vehicles as stipulated in these rules, if such a person or organization possesses the
qualifications, experience and other requirements as set out in Appendix II to these rules and is recognized as per
procedure laid down in rule 11-A: Provided that the Chief Controller may relax the retirements of qualifications in respect
of a competent person if such a person is exceptionally experienced and knowledgeable but not the requirements in
respect of the facilities at his command;

(f). ―Compressed Gas‖ means any permanent gas, liquefiable gas or gas dissolved in liquid, or cryogenic liquid under
pressure or gas mixture which in a closed pressure vessel exercises a pressure exceeding one atmosphere(gauge) at
maximum working temperature and includes Hydrogen Fluoride. In case of vessel without insulation or refrigeration, the
maximum working temperature shall be considered as 55 degree celsius.

(g). ―Controller of Explosives‖ includes Jt. Chief Controller of Explosives, the Deputy Chief Controller of Explosives,
Deputy Controller of Explosives and Assistant Controller of Explosives;

(h). ―corrosion‖ means all forms of wastage, and includes oxidation, scaling, mechanical abrasion and corrosion;

(i). ―critical temperature‖ means the temperature above which gas cannot be liquefied by the application of pressure
alone,‖

(j). ―cryogenic liquid‖ means liquid form of permanent gas having normal boiling point below minus 165 degree celsius.

(k). ―cryogenic pressure vessel‖ means a pressure vessel intended for storage or transportation of cryogenic liquid and
includes cold converters, vacuum insulated evaporators, vacuum insulated storage or transport tanks and
thermosyphon tanks;
(l). ―cylinder‖ or ―gas cylinder‖ means any closed metal container intended for storage and transport of compressed gas
having the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (xvi) of rule 2 of the Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981,‖

(m).―design‖ includes drawings, calculations, specifications, models codes and all other details necessary for the complete
description of the pressure vessel and its construction;

(n). ―design pressure‖ means the pressure used in the design calculations of a vessel for the purpose of determining the
minimum thickness of the various component parts of the vessels ;

(o). ―dispenser‖ means an equipment installed in liquefied petroleum gas dispensing station, meant for dispensing liquefied
petroleum gas as automotive fuel to motor vehicles,‖

(p). ― district authority‖ means—(i) in towns having a Commissioner of Police, the Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner
of Police; and (ii) in any other place, the District Magistrate;

(q). ―filling density‖ means the ratio of weight of liquefiable gas allowed in a pressure vessel to the weight of water that the
vessel will hold at 15 degree celsius;

(r). ―fill point‖ means the point of the inlet pipe connection of a vessel where hose is connected for filling the compressed
gas into the vessel,‖

(s). ―flammability range‖ means the difference between the minimum and maximum percentage by volume of the gas in
mixture with air that forms a flammable mixture at atmospheric pressure and ambient temperature‘

(t). ―flammable compressed gas‖ means gas 13 percent or less of which when mixed with air forms a flammable mixture
or whose flammable range with air is greater than 12 percent;

(u). ―Form‖ means the Form appended to these rules;

(v). ―gas free‖ in relation to a pressure vessel means the concentration of flammable or toxic gases or both if such pressure
vessel is within the safe limits specified for persons to enter and carry out hot work in such vessels;

(w). ―Inspector‖ means a professional organization recognized by the Chief Controller for certifying pressure vessels and
their fittings after carrying out stage wise inspection during fabrication as stipulated in the rules so as to ensure that the
pressure vessels are designed and constructed in accordance with IS:2825 or any other Code approved by the Chief
Controller, if the constituent members of the organization possesses the qualifications and experience and other
requirements as set out in Appendix II to these rules and the recognition is granted as per procedure laid in rule 11A;

(x). ―installation‖ means any place which has been specially prepared for the storage of compressed gas in pressure
vessels;

(y). ―liquefiable gas‖ means any gas that may be liquefied by pressure above -10 Degree celsius, but will be completely
vaporized when in equilibrium with normal atmospheric pressure (760 mm Hg) at 30 degree celsius;

(z). ―liquefied petroleum gas‖ included hydrocarbon gases in liquefied state at normal ambient temperature by the
application of pressure, and conforming to the Indian Standard Specification No.: IS:4576,‖

(aa). ―liquefied petroleum gas dispensing station‖ means a premises used for storing and dispensing liquefied
petroleum gas as automotive fuel to the motor vehicles,‖

(bb). ―motor vehicle‖, means a vehicle having the meaning assigned to it in sub-section (28) of section 2 of the
Motor Vehicle Act 1988 (59 of 1988),‖
 (cc). ―petroleum service station‖, means a premises used for storage of petroleum for the purpose of fuelling
motor vehicles, and licenced in Form – XII of the Petroleum Rules, 1976,‖

(dd). ―permanent gas‖ means a gas whose critical temperature is lower than -10 degree celsius;

(ee). ―Pressure vessel‖ means any closed metal container of whatever shape, intended for the storage and
transport of any compressed gas which is subjected to internal pressure and whose water capacity exceeds one
thousand liters and includes inter connecting parts and components thereof upto the first point of connection to the
connected piping and fittings, but does not include containers wherein steam or other vapour is or is intended to be
generated or water or other liquid is or is intended to be heated by the application of fire or the products of combustion
or by electrical means, heat exchangers, evaporators, air receivers, steam type digestors, steam type sterilizers,
autoclaves, reactors, calorifiers, pressure piping components such as separators or strainers and vessels containing a
liquid under a blanket of compressed inert gas;

(ff). ―safety relief device‖ means an automatic pressure relieving device actuated by the pressure upstream of the valve
and characterized by fully opened pop-up action, intended to prevent the rupture of a pressure vessel under certain
conditions of exposure ;

(gg). ―source of ignition‖ means naked lights, fires, exposed incandescent materials, electric welding arcs, lamps,
other than those specially approved for use in flammable atmosphere, or a spark or flame produced by any means;

(hh). ― tank truck loading or unloading gantry‖ or ―hard stand‖ means the position of parking of tank truck or
mobile pressure vessel for loading or unloading of compressed gas into or from it,‖

(ii). ―transport‖ means the transport of a pressure vessels filled with any compressed gas from one place to another but
does not include movement of the vessel from one place to another in the same premises;

(jj). ―vehicle‖ means a mechanically propelled carriage designed to transport by land compressed gas in a pressure vessel
mounted thereon, and shall not include a vessel forming the barrel of a rail tank wagon;

(kk). ―vessel‖ means a pressure vessel;

(ll). ―Water‖ capacity‖ means capacity in liters of the pressure vessel when completely filled with water at 15 degree
Celsius.

3. General exemptions. –

Nothing in these rules shall apply to vessels which form part of a processing plant. For the purpose of this rule vessels forming
part of a processing plant shall mean vessels in which a unit process or unit operation is carried out and vessels which contain,
as a precess requirement, a compressed gas received from and consumed in the same processing plant, provided that the
water capacity of the vessel(s) shall be such that the gas stored therein at the maximum working pressure shall not exceed the
requirement for feeding the consuming point(s) for a period not exceeding 16 hours at the designed flow rate.

4. Restriction on filling, manufacture and import.—

(1) No person shall fill any compressed gas in any vessel or transport any vessel filled with any compressed gas unless
such vessel has been manufactured in accordance with a type or standard or code as specified under Rule 12.

(2) No person should manufacture any vessel approved under sub-rule (1) without the prior approval of the Chief
Controller–

(3) Any person seeking approval of the Chief Controller under sub-rule (2) shall submit to him
 (a). The particulars specified in Appendix – I to these rules; and

(b). A scrutiny fee of Rupees five hundred in the manner specified under rule 11.

(4) No person shall import any vessel without prior approval of the Chief Controller

(5) Any person seeking the approval of the Chief Controller under sub-rule(4) shall submit to him

(a). A test and inspection certificate of the vessel from the manufacturer or the inspecting agency of the country of
origin;

(b). The design details of the vessel, its fittings and particulars of specifications of the materials used in construction
thereof; and

(c). a scrutiny fee of rupees five hundred in the manner specified under rule 11‖

5. Restriction on delivery and dispatch.—

(1) No person shall deliver on dispatch any compressed any compressed gas filled in a vessel to any person other than the
holder of a storage license issued under these rules or to a port authority or a railway administration.

(2) No compressed gas delivered or dispatched under sub-rule (1) shall exceed the quantity which the person to whom it is
delivered or dispatched is authorized to store under the license held by him.

6. Repair to pressure vessels.—

(1) No person shall carry out any repairs, additions or alterations to any vessel unless the proposed repairs, additions or
alterations and their method of execution have been approved by the Chief Controller. Any such repairs, additions or
alterations approved by the chief Controller shall be carried out in the manner and by practices acceptable under the
design code referred to in Rule 12:Provided that nothing in this rule shall apply to the replacement of any of the fitments
of the vessel which does not involve any heating.

(2) Before any repairs, additions or alterations are carried out to any vessel, the same shall be completely emptied and
purged with an inert gas.

(3) Complete record of repairs, additions or alterations referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be maintained and made available to
the chief Controller and his permission shall be obtained before re-commissioning the vessel.

7. Purging of pressure vessels used for flammable gases.—

(1) Before using any new vessel or before the refilling of any existing vessel which has been made gas-free, air contained
therein shall be purged by an inert gas or by the gas for which the vessel is to be used.

(2) If the vessel is purged by means of a flammable gas, the flammable mixture so formed shall be vented from the vessel
only after taking adequate precautions to prevent its ignition.

8. Prohibition of employment of children and intoxicated persons.—

No person under the age of eighteen years or who is in a state of intoxication shall be employed for the loading, unloading or
transport of any vessel containing compressed gas, or in any premises licensed under these rules.

9. Prohibition of smoking, fires, lights, etc.—

No person shall smoke and no matches, fires, lights or articles or substance, capable of causing ignition of any flammable gas
shall be allowed, at any time in proximity to a place where any compressed gas is stored, handled or transported in a vessel.

9A. Supervision and Operation within the Licensed premises –

The operation of the licensed premises shall be under the supervision of persons having knowledge of the equipments being
used in the premise and who is/are trained in handling the compressed gas, and other operators shall be conversant with the
hazards associated with the compressed gas and fire fighting operation.‖

10. Special precautions against accidents.—

(1) No person shall commit or attempt to commit any act which may tend to cause a fire or explosion in or about any place
where any compressed gas is stored, handled of transported in a vessel.

(2) All empty vessels which had contained, any flammable or toxic gases, shall, except when they are opened for the
purposed of filling or cleaning, or for rendering the gasfree, but kept securely closed until they have been cleaned or
freed or the gas, as the case may be.

(3) Every person storing compressed gas in a vessel and every person in charge of, or engaged in the storage, handling
and transport of such gas in vessels, shall at all times—

(a). comply with the provisions of these rules and the conditions of any license issued there under;

(b). observe all precautions for the prevention of accident by fire or explosion; and

(c). prevent any person from committing any act referred in sub-rule (1).

11 Procedure for payment of fees—

All fees payable under these rules be paid through Crossed demand draft on any nationalized bank in favour of the Chief
Controller of Explosives , Nagpur and in cases where the amount payable does not exceed Rs.100, the payment may be made
by cash, money order, postal order or cheque drawn on a local bank.

11-A Procedure for grant and revocation of recognition to competent person and inspector:-

(1) Anybody intending to be recognized as Competent Person or Inspector shall submit to the Chief Controller an
application in the form prescribed in Appendix III. Every application shall be accompanied by a scrutiny fee of Rs.500 for
application for competent Person and Rs.1000 for application for Inspector. The Chief Controller shall register such
application and within a period of sixty days of the date of receipt of the application either after having satisfied himself
with regard to competence and professional ethics recognize the application as a competent person or an Inspector as
the case may be, or reject the application specifying the reasons therefore.

(2) The Chief Controller may after giving an opportunity to the Inspector or Competent Person of being heard revoke the
recognition –

(a). If he has reason to believe that an Inspector or Competent Person has violated any condition stipulated in the
letter of recognition or has carried out a test, examination and inspection or has acted, in a manner inconsistent
with the intent or the purpose of these rules; or

(b). for any other reason to be recorded in writing.

 CHAPTER II
CONSTRUCTION AND FITMENTS OF PRESSURE VESSELS
12. Design code. –

(1) Vessels shall be designed, constructed and tested in accordance with the Indian Standard 2825; as amended from time
to time, or such other standard or code approved by the Chief Controller.

(2) A test and inspection certificate issued by the manufacturer of the vessel duly countersigned by an Inspector that the
vessel meets with the requirements of the standard or code referred to in sub-rule (1) shall be furnished to the Chief
Controller.

13. Design pressure.—

The design pressure of a vessel shall not be less than –

(a). the vapour pressure of the gas in the vessel at 55 degree Celsius, if the vessel is meant for the storage of liquefiable
gases: Provided that if the vessel is insulated, the vapour pressure of the gas in the vessel shall correspond to the
maximum temperature that is likely to be attained by the gas in the vessel;

(b). the developed pressure of the gas in the vessel at 55 degree Celsius, if the vessel is meant for the storage of a
permanent gas.

(c). the maximum allowable service pressure with additional allowances for vacuum and static head or surge due to
acceleration or deceleration, as the case may be , in respect of the cryogenic liquid proposed to be stored or
transported.

14. Design of vessels for gases at low temperature –

(1) Refrigerated vessels.—

(1) Vessels used for storage of refrigerated gases shall be designed in accordance with low temperature requirements
under the Design Code referred to in sub-rule (1) of Rule 12.

(2) The capacity of the refrigeration system shall by adequate to maintain the gas in the vessel at a temperature so that its
vapour pressure does not exceed the design pressure of the vessel and shall also remain below the pressure-setting of
the relief valve on the vessel.

(2) Insulated vessels:-

(1) The shell of the vessel and its manhole nozzle shall be insulated with a material approved by the Chief Controller. The
entire insulation shall be covered with a metal jacket of a thickness not less than 3 mm. nominal and flashed around all
openings so as to be weather-tight.

(2) The insulation shall be of sufficient thickness so that the thermal conductance at 15 degree celsius (expressed in
calories or sq. cm. Per hour per degree centigrade temperature differential) does not exceed the limit prescribed by the
Chief Controller.

(3) Cryogenic pressure vessel:-

 (1) The design service temperature of the cryogenic pressure vessel shall not be warmer than the normal boiling point of
the cryogenic liquid;

(2) The materials of construction of the inner vessel, its piping and fittings shall be suitable for the service temperature and
compatible for the specific cryogenic liquid;

(3) the outer vessel shall be made of steel not less then 3mm nominal thickness or of aluminum not less then 4mm nominal
thickness and shall have required structural strength and capable for supporting the inner vessel together with cryogenic
liquid, insulation and other fittings. The outer vessel of vacuum insulated cryogenic tanks shall be designed for a
minimum collapsible pressure of the atmosphere (gauge). The suitable protecting coating shall also be provided with
vessel to avoid corrosion. The outer vessel shall also be provided with suitable lifting arrangement and supports for
installation or mounting;

(4) The inner supports between the inner vessel and the outer vessel and the outer vessel shall be of non-inflammable
material and capable of supporting the inner vessel together with the maximum allowable cryogenic liquid. The supports
shall be able to withstand expansion or contraction within the operating temperature range. Cryogenic pressure vessels
meant for transport purpose ,shall be able to withstand combined loading of vertical down of two , vertical upward of one
and a half, longitudinal of one and a half and lateral of one and a half times the weight of the vessel with attachment and
the full load of cryogenic liquid. The factor of safety of the supports shall be as per the design code.

(5) The air in the annular space shall be filled with suitable insulating material compatible with the particular cryogenic
liquid.

15. Filling capacity and filling pressure –

(1) The Maximum quantity of liquefiable gas filled into any vessel shall be limited to the filling density of the gas and shall
be such that the vessel shall not be liquid-full due to expansion of the contents with rise of the temperature to 55 degree
Celsius. If vessel is un-insulated, or to the highest temperature which the contents are likely to reach in service, if the
vessel is refrigerated or insulated, this requirement shall be applicable irrespective of the ambient temperature of the
product at the time of filling.

(2) No vessel shall be filled with any permanent gas in excess of its design pressure.

(3) The water capacity of the cryogenic pressure vessel shall be rated in terms of gross water capacity and the usable
water capacity in litres at 15 degree Celsius. The usable water capacity shall not exceed 95% of the gross water
capacity. An overflow pipe shall be provided at the maximum usable capacity level as a safeguard against filling the
vessel beyond the maximum usable capacity.

16. Markings on pressure vessels. —

Every vessel shall have a metal plate permanently fixed to it showing the following particulars which shall be visible from the
ground level, namely:-

(a). manufacturer‘s name and identification marks;

(b). the standard or code to which the vessel is constructed;

(c). official stamp of the Inspector;

2
(d). design pressure in Kg/Cm ;

(e). date of initial hydrostatic test and the subsequent test;

 2
(f). hydrostatic test pressure in Kg/Cm ;

(g). water capacity in liters;

(h). gas capacity, if filled with liquefiable gas; and

(i). name or chemical symbol of the gas for which the vessel is to be used.

17. Painting of vessels. – Vessels shall be adequately painted externally to prevent corrosion and shall have a reflecting
surface.

18. Fittings –

(1) General:—

(a). Fittings. – Each vessel shall be provided with each of the following fittings all of which should be suitable for use
with the gas at pressures not less than the design pressure of the vessel to which they are fitted and for
temperatures appropriate to the characteristics of the gas and operating conditions, namely,

 Pressure relief valve connected to the vapour space;

 Drains;

 Contents gauge or maximum level indicator;

 Pressure gauge connected to the vapour space;

 Means of measuring the temperature of the contents of the vessel. (ia) for cryogenic pressure vessel,
the outer vessel shall be provided with a vacuum valve and safety relief device (disc) to release internal
pressure. The discharge area of such device shall be at least 0.34 sq.mm/litre of water capacity of the
inner vessel. The relief device shall function at a pressure not exceeding the internal design pressure of
the outer vessel;

(b). (Vessel connections. – Connections of vessels shall be designed and attached to the vessels in accordance
with the Design code referred to in Rule 12. All static vessels for storage of corrosive, flammable or toxic gas in
liquefied state shall not have more than one pipe connection to the bottom for inlet or outlet, apart from the
drainage. The drainage pipe, if provided, shall be extended beyond the shadow of the vessel and provided with
two shut-off valves. No drainage pipe shall be provided direct from spherical vessel. The bottom inlet or outlet
pipe for spherical vessel shall be integrally welded to the vessel and extended upto three metres beyond the
shadow of the vessel, at the end of which, combination of manual and remote operated valve shall be
provided;‖

(2) Pressure relief. –

(a). every vessel shall be provided with two or more pressure relieving devices in accordance with the provisions of
the Design Code referred to in Rule 12;
(b). the relief valves shall be spring loaded and shall be set-to-discharge and reach full flow conditions as required
by the Design code referred to in Rule 12;
(c). weight loaded relief valves shall not be permitted;
(d). the relief valves be so designed that they cannot be inadvertently loaded beyond the set pressure;
(e). the design of the valves shall be such that the breakage of any part will not obstruct free discharge of the liquid
under pressure;
 (f). safety relief valves on any vessel shall be set to start-to-discharge at a pressure not in excess of 110 per cent of
the design pressure of the vessel and shall have a total relieving capacity sufficient to prevent the maximum
pressure in the vessel of more than 120 per cent of the design pressure;[(via) In case of cryogenic pressure
vessel, the safety relief devices shall be set to discharge in such a manner that at least one such device shall
be set at a pressure not higher then the maximum allowable working pressure and the other device may be set
at a pressure not higher than 110% of the maximum allowable working pressure;]
2
(g). each safety relief valve shall be plainly and permanently marked with the pressure in Kg/Cm at which it is set to
discharge, with the actual rate of discharge of the device in cubic meters per minute of the gas at 15 degree
Celsius and at atmospheric pressure, and with manufacturer‘s name. The rated discharge capacity of the
device shall be determined at a pressure of 120 per cent of the design pressure of the vessel;
(h). connections of safety relief devices shall be of sufficient size to provide the required rate of discharge through
the safety relief valves;
(i). safety relief valves shall be so arranged that the possibility of tampering is minimized and if the pressure setting
or adjustment is external, the safety relief valve shall be provided with suitable means of sealing adjustment;
(j). each safety relief valve shall be provided with shut-off valve between it and the vessel. The arrangement of the
shut-off valve installed between the safety relief valve and the vessel shall be so designed as to afford full
required capacity flow through at least one of the safety relief valves;
(k). safety relief valves shall have direct communication with the vapour space of the vessel;
(l). for vessels other than those mounted on the vehicles of over 4500 litres water capacity, relief valves shall be
fitted with extended vent pipes adequately supported and having outlets at least 2 metres above the top of the
vessel and at least 3.5 meters above the ground level and the vent pipes shall be fitted with loose-fitting rain
caps;
(m).relief valves shall be tested by a Competent Person for correct operation not less than once in a year and a
record of such test shall be maintained. The test certificate shall be issued in the prescribed proforma. Relief
valves shall be tested for correct operation not less than once in a year and a record of such test shall be
maintained.
(3) Shut-off and emergency shut-off valves. ---

(a). all liquid and vapour connections on vessels, except those for relief valves, plugged openings, and those where
the connection is not greater than 1.4 mm diameter opening shall have shut-off valves located as close to the
vessel as practicable;
(b). all liquid and vapour connections on vessels, except those for relief valves, and drainage connections of small
diameter, shall have an emergency shut-off value, such as, an excess flow valve, an automatically operated
valve or a remotely controlled valve. The emergency shut-off valve referred to in clause unless the emergency
shut-off valve referred to in clause (i), unless the emergency shut-off valve is a remotely controlled valve which
can be operated from a safe area and shall be of a type which shall not fail.
(c). Provided that the emergency shut-off valve is not required in cases where the connection to vessel is not
greater than 3mm in diameter for liquid and 8mm in diameter for vapour , or for vessels meant for storage of
non-corrosive , non-flammable or non- toxic gas.
(4) Liquid level gauging device.—

(a). a vessel used for liquefiable gas or dissolved gas shall be equipped with a liquid level gauging device to afford
ready determination of the amount of liquid in the vessel at any time;
(b). all liquid level indicators shall be suitable for operation at the design pressure of the vessel;
(c). every vessel shall, in addition, be equipped with a fixed maximum level indicating device depending upon the
liquefiable gas or dissolved gas filled in the vessel;
(d). gauging devices that require bleeding of the contents of the vessel such as a rotary tube, fixed tube and slip
tube shall be designed in such a manner that the same cannot be completely withdrawn in normal gauging
operations.
 (5) Pressure gauge. – Every vessel shall be provided with at least one pressure gauge.

19. Periodic testing of pressure vessels in service:—

(1) All vessels shall be hydraulically tested by a competent person at a pressure marked on the vessel at intervals of not
more than five years after the date of first test, provided that in the case of vessels, containing corrosive or toxic gases,
the periodic test shall be done at an interval of two years. In case of vessels which are so designed, constructed or
supported that they cannot be safely filled with water or liquids for hydraulic testing or which are used in services where
traces or water cannot be tolerated, the Chief Controller may permit pneumatic testing along with non-destructive tests
instead of hydraulic testing, as per procedure laid down in vessel fabrication code; after satisfying himself about the
adequacy of the safety precautions undertaken;

(a). Cryogenic pressure vessel and vessel for liquid Carbon Dioxide shall be periodically tested with pneumatic at
1.1 times of maximum allowable working pressure.

(2) The competent person carrying out the test as required under sub-rule (1) shall issue a certificate of test in prescribed
proforma.

20. Precautions to be observed in carrying out hydraulic test.—

In carrying out the hydraulic test referred to in Rule 19, the following precautions shall be observed, namely:-

(1) before the test is carried out, each pressure vessel shall be thoroughly cleaned and examined externally, and as far as
practicable, internally also for surface defects, corrosion and foreign matter. During the process of cleaning and removal
of sludge, if any, all due precautions shall be taken against fire or explosion, if such sludge is of pyropheric nature or
contains spontaneously combustible chemicals;
(2) as soon as the test is completed, the vessel shall be thoroughly dried internally and shall be clearly stamped with the
marks and figures indicating the person by whom the test has been carried out and the date of test and a record shall
be kept of all such tests;
(3) any vessel which fails to pass the hydraulic test or which for any other reason is found to be unsafe for use shall be
destroyed or rendered unsuitable under intimation to the Chief Controller.
 CHAPTER III
STORAGE
21. General -
(1) All vessels meant for storage of compressed gas shall be installed entirely aboveground; that is to say, no part of the
vessel shall be buried below the ground level.
(2) Vessels and first stage regulating equipment shall be located in the open.
(3) Vessels shall not be installed one above the other.
(4) Vessels within a group shall be so located that their longitudinal axes are parallel to each other.
(5) No vessel shall be located within the bonded area of petroleum or other flammable liquid storages.
(6) Sufficient space shall be provided between two vessels to permit fire-fighting operations.
(7) Two or more vessels installed in batteries shall be so installed that the top surface of the vessels are on the same plane.
(8) Vessels with their dished ends facing each other shall have screen walls in between them.
(9) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rules(1) to (8) above, vessels for storage of liquefied petroleum gas can be
placed underground or covered by earth in such manner and subject to such conditions as may be specified by a
notifications by the Central Government.

Notification no.so.705(e). In exercise of powers conferred by subrule 9 of rule 21 of SMPV (U)R 1981 the Central
Government here by specified the manner and conditions for the vessel for storage of liquefied petroleum gas , placed
underground or covered by earth(mound) namely;

(1) The underground vessels shall be placed within concrete or brick masonry pit with a gap of 1.0 metre between the walls
of the pit and the vessel as well as in between the vessels.
(2) The underground vessels shall be installed on a firm foundation and firmly secured to the foundation so as to prevent
movement of floatation.
(3) The underground vessels or above ground vessels covered by earth (Mound) shall be a designed to withstand external
pressure due to load of the earth cover.
(a). provided with external anti-corrosive coating or cathodic protection to prevent corrosion ;
(b). covered by earth, sand or any other non-corrosive material free from abrasive particles likley to damage the
anti-corrosive coating of the vessel-the thickness of the covering material above the top surface of the vessel
shall not be less than 0.5 metre;
(c). having the discharge level of the safety relief valves at least 2 meters above the top surface of the vessel, but in
any case not less than 3 meters from the ground level;
(d). fitted with the necessary pipings, fittings, valves and other mounting on top of vessel in such a manner that they
can be operated and maintained without disturbing the earth cover. In case of above ground vessel with earth
cover (mound), liquid outlet pipe at the bottom may be allowed provided the control valve and emergency valve
of this line is just outside the earth cover for the purpose of operation and maintenance from outside.
(4) The above ground vessels to be covered by earth (mound) shall be installed on concrete foundation or compacted
sand.
(5) Unless inherently resistant to erosion, the earth cover (mound) of above ground vessel shall be provided with
mechanisms to prevent erosion of covering soil (mound)
(10) Aboveground vessel for storage of corrosive, flammable or toxic gas in liquefied state shall be provided with enclosure
wall all around the ground. The minimum distance between vessel and enclosure wall shall be the diameter of the
vessel or five meters, whichever is less. The ground shall be graded to form a slope away from pumps, compressors or
other equipments. The height of the enclosure wall shall be thirty centimeters on the upper side and gradually
increasing to maximum sixty centimeters on the lower side, at the end of which a shallow sump for collection of the
spilled liquid, if any, shall be provided. The minimum separation distance between the vessel and the sump shall be , -
(a). diameter of the vessel, in case of vessels with water capacity not exceeding forty thousand litres,
 (b). Fifteen meters, if the water capacity of the vessels exceeds forty thousand litres .‖
22. Locations of Pressure Vessels.—
(a). Each vessel shall be located with respect to the nearest building or group of buildings or line of adjoining property which
may be built on and with respect to other vessels and facilities in accordance with the distances specified in the Tables
below:-

TABLE 1
Minimum safety distances for corrosive, toxic or permanent flammable gases

Water Minimum distance from Minimum distance

S. NO Capacity of building or group of buildings between pressure
Vessel (Litres) or line of adjoining property vessels
1 < 2,000 5 meters 1 meter
2 2,000 - 10,000 10 meters 1 meter
3 10,000 - 20,000 15 meters 1.5 meter
4 20,000 - 40,000 20 meters 2 meters
5 > 40,000 30 meters 2 meters

TABLE 2
Minimum safety distances for non-corrosive, non-flammable or non-toxic gases

Water Capacity Minimum distance from Minimum distance

S. NO of Vessel building or group of buildings between pressure
(Litres) or line of adjoining property vessels
1 < 2,000 3 meters 1 meter
2 2,000 - 10,000 5 meters 1 meter
3 10,000 - 20,000 7.5 meters 1.5 meter
4 20,000 - 40,000 10 meters 2 meters
5 > 40,000 15 meters 2 meters
 TABLE - 3
Minimum safety distances for liquefied flammable gases
Minimum distance from building or
Water Capacity of Minimum distance between pressure
S. NO group of buildings or line of
Vessel (Litres) vessels
adjoining property
Underground or Underground or
Above aboveground vessels aboveground
Above ground
ground covered with earth vessels covered with
(mound) earth (mound)
1 < 2,000 5 meters 3 meters 1 meter 1 meter
2 2,000 - 7,500 10 meters 3 meters 1 meter 1 meter
3 7,500 - 10,000 10 meters 5 meters 1.5 meter 1 meter
4 10,000 - 20,000 15 meters 7.5 meters 2 meters 1 meter
5 20,000 - 40,000 20 meters 10 meters 2 meters 1 meter
2 meters or ¼th
of the sum of
6 40,000 - 350,000 30 meters 15 meters the sum of 1 meter
diameter of
adjacent vessel
or ½ the
7 350,000 - 450,000 40 meters 15 meters diameter of the 1 meter
8 450,000 - 750,000 60 meters 15 meters two adjacent 1 meter
9 750,000 - 3,800,000 90 meters 15 meters vessels, 1 meter
whichever is
10 > 3,800,000 120 meters 15 meters 1 meter
greater
 TABLE – 4
Minimum Safety distances (in meters) between facilities associated with storage of liquefied flammable gas in
petroleum refinery, gas processing plants, storage terminals and bottling plants.

A. FOR TOTAL STORAGE ABOVE 100 TONNES

Property line/
Sheds for filling Tank Truck
buildings not Tank Pump/ Fire Water
Storage storage, loading/
From/To associated with Wagon compressor Pump
Vessel evacuation of unloading
storage and gantry Shed room
cylinders gantry
operation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Storage Vessel Table - 3 Table - 3 30 30 50 15 60
Property line/
buildings not
Table - 3 -------- 30 30 50 30 --------
associated with
storage and operation
Sheds for filling
storage, evacuation of 30 30 15 30 50 15 60
cylinders
Tank Truck loading/
30 30 30 30 50 30 60
unloading gantry
Tank Wagon gantry 50 50 50 50 50 30 60
Pump/ compressor
15 30 15 30 30 -------- 60
Shed

Fire Water Pump room 60 -------- 60 60 60 60 --------

B. FOR TOTAL STORAGE NOT ABOVE 100 TONNES

Property line/ buildings Sheds for filling Tank Truck
Storage Fire Water
From/To not associated with storage, evacuation loading/
Vessel Pump room
storage and operation of cylinders unloading gantry

1 2 3 4 5 8
Storage Vessel Table - 3 Table - 3 Table - 3 15 30
Property line/ buildings
not associated with Table - 3 -------- 15 15 --------
storage and operation

Sheds for filling storage,

Table - 3 15 15 15 30
evacuation of cylinders

Tank Truck loading/

15 15 15 15 30
unloading gantry

Fire Water Pump room 30 -------- 30 30 --------

 TABLE - 5
Minimum Safety distances (in meters) between facilities associated with storage and dispensing of liquefied petroleum
gas in liquefied Petroleum gas dispensing station as automotive fuel to motor vehicles.

Fill point of LPG

Liquefied Storage vessel and Petroleum Class A or B service Station
Property
From/To Petroleum LPG Centre of LPG Tank- LPG Dispenser licensed in Form XII of Petroleum Rules
Line
Storage Vessels Truck unloading hard 1976
stand
Fill point of Vent pipe of Petroleum
petroleum petroleum Class A/B
class A/B class A/B dispensing
tanks tanks pump

9 (aboveground
9 vessels not
(aboveground/mounded exceeding 20,000
Petroleum vessels exceeding 7500 litres capacity or
Class A/B litres capacity) 6 underground/
Table - 3 Table - 3 9 9 9
dispensing (aboveground/ mounded mounded vessels)
pump vessels not exceeding 15 (aboveground
7500 litres capacity ) 3 vessels exceeding
(underground vessel) 20,000 litres
capacity)

9
(aboveground/moun
Fill point of
ded vessels
LPG Storage
exceeding 7500
vessel and
litres capacity) 6
Centre of
(aboveground/ -------- 6 9 6 6 6
LPG Tank-
mounded vessels
Truck
not exceeding 7500
unloading
litres capacity ) 3
hard stand
(underground
vessel)

9 (aboveground
vessels not
exceeding 20,000
litres capacity or
LPG underground/
6 -------- 6 6 6 6
Dispenser mounded vessels)
15 (aboveground
vessels exceeding
20,000 litres
capacity)

Property
Table - 3 9 6 -------- 3 4 6
Line
 TABLE 6
Minimum safety distances for non-flammable non toxic cryogenic liquids

Between vessel and flammable

Between vessel and any
structure, naked flame, pipeline,
Water capacity of Between Two building or adjoining
containing flammable fluids, electric
vessel in litres vessel property line or
installation or places of public
pedestrians passage
assembly or drain

< 10,000 1 meters 3 meters 5 meters

> 10,000 1 meters 3 meters 7 meters

TABLE 7
Minimum safety distances for liquid carbon-dioxide

Between vessel and any building or

Water capacity of Between
adjoining property line or pedestrians
vessel in litres Two vessel
passage or places of public assembly
< 50,000 1 meters 2 meters
> 50,000 2 meters 4 meters

(b). If the aggregate water capacity of a multi-vessel installation is 40,000 litres, the minimum safety distances from any
vessel to the property line/group of buildings shall not be less than –
I. Thirty meters for corrosive, toxic or flammable gases ;
II. Fifteen meters for non-corrosive, non-toxic or nonflammable gases ;
(c). The number of above ground storage vessels in one group shall not exceed six. Spherical and cylindrical vessels shall
be installed in separate groups. Minimum separation distance between two such groups of vessels shall be the distance
from the vessel to property line in accordance as mentioned in Tables 1,2,3, as the case may be , or thirty meters
whichever is less. Each such group of vessels shall be covered under separate license under these rules.
(d). The distances specified above may be relaxed by the Chief Controller in cases where he is of the opinion that the
additional safety measures have been provided. Explanation: - The distances specified above are required to be
measured from the nearest point on the periphery of the vessel.‖
23. Foundations for pressure vessels.—
(1) General – The materials, principles, methods and details of design and construction of foundations and supports of
vessels shall comply with approved specifications, standards or codes.
(2) Ground conditions – A thorough knowledge of the ground condition shall be obtained by the person installing the vessel
with particular reference to establishing an allowable bearing pressure, total and differential settlements expected, risk
of floatation and possible deterioration of original conditions.
(3) Materials.—
(a). The choice of materials for construction shall be determined by the ground conditions, loading and detailed
design constructions.
(b). The materials may be of –
I. brick-work masonry;
II. re-inforced concrete; or
III. steel plate, steel pipe or structural steel.
(4) Loading.—The greatest combined effect of static and imposed loading shall be used for design as under:-
(a). Static loading : weight of vessel and its contents;
(b). test loading if tested by water;
 (c). wind loading;
(d). operational loading such as vibration or thermal (natural and operational).
(5) Settlement.—Any particular differential settlement shall be limited to prevent excessive stress in the connected pipe
work and vessel shell.
(6) Vessel supports.—
(a). the design of supports for vessels shall follow the standard or code to which the vessel is constructed;
(b). the spacing of vessel support shall be decided after close consideration of vessel-shell stressing and
transmission of the loading to the ground;
(c). the design of supports for vessels shall provide flexibility to allow for movement of the vessel as a result of
pressure and thermal expansion.
(d). the vessel shall be securely anchored or weighed or provided with adequate pier height to avoid floatation due
to flood water;
(e). in case of structural steel supports such supports, excluding vessel saddles or supporting feet 45 cm or less in
height, shall be encased in fire-resisting materials of adequate thickness.
24. Fencing.—
(1) The area where vessels pumping equipment, loading and unloading facilities and direct fired vaporizers are provided,
shall be enclosed by an industrial type fence at least 2 meters high along the perimeter of the safety zone.
(2) Every fence shall have at least two means of exit and the gates of such exits hall open outwards and shall not be self-
locking.
25. Cleanliness.— An area of three meters around the vessel shall be kept free from readily ignitable materials, such as weeds
and long dry grass.
26. Earthing.—
(1) All vessels used for storage of flammable liquefiable gases shall be electrically connected with the earth in an efficient
manner.
(2) Pipelines conveying flammable liquids shall be adequately prepared for electrical continuity and connected with the
earth in an efficient manner.
27. No Smoking. — A permanent notice with letters at least 5 cms in height prohibiting smoking and naked lights shall be fixed
to the fence surrounding the area where flammable or oxidizing gases are stored and the notice shall be visible from outside.
28. Fire protection. — All vessels used for the storage of flammable compressed gases shall be protected against fire hazards
as under,--
(1) provision shall be made for an adequate supply of water and fire protection in the storage area in accordance with the
provision of the Rules and the regulation applicable in that area. The application of water may be by hydrants, hoses
and mobile equipments, fixed monitors or by fixed spray systems which may be automatic. Control of water flow should
be possible from outside any danger area. The fire water system shall be designed with medium velocity sprinklers for
above ground storage vessels, filling sheds, loading or unloading area, and pump the single largest risk area and with
additional requirements for hydrant points. In plants referred to in Table 4-A of rule 22, the quantity of water available
shall be sufficient for four hours of fire fighting, and in plants referred to in Table 4-B of rule- 22, the same shall be for
two hours of fire fighting. For other installations not covered under Tables 4-A and 4-B, the fire water storage shall be as
approved by the Chief Controller.‖,
(2) hydrants, where provided, shall be readily accessible at all times and so spaced as to provided for the protection of all
vessels;
(3) sufficient length of fire hose shall be provided and be readily available. The outlet of each hose line shall be equipped
with a combination jet and fog nozzle. The hoses should be maintained well and periodically inspected;
(4) mobile equipment , fixed monitors or fixed spray systems shall be designed to discharge water at a rate sufficient to
maintain an adequate film of water over the surface of the vessel and supports under fire conditions;
(5) consideration shall be given to the provision of mobile or fixed water spray systems giving suitable and effective
protections for vehicle loading and unloading areas;
(6) at least two dry chemical powder type fire extinguishers of 9 kg. Capacity each shall be installed at each point of access
to the installations.
 (7) In liquefied Petroleum Gas dispensing station for fuelling motor vehicles, having only underground or earth covered
(mounded) liquefied petroleum gas storage vessels, two numbers seventy kilograms dry chemical type fire
extinguishers shall be provided. In dispensing stations having above ground liquefied petroleum gas storage vessels,
hydrants with minimum water pressure of seven kilograms per square centimeter shall be provided at convenient
positions for all round coverage of storage vessels and handling area, and water sprinklers with spray density of ten
litres per minute per square meter shall be provided. The fire water pump shall be preferably diesel engine driven with
capacity to deliver water at the rate and pressure specified above. The minimum fire water storage at the premises shall
be that needed for fighting fire atleast for one hour.‖
29. Loading and unloading facilities. –
(1) Pumps.—
(a). pumps may be centrifugal or positive displacement pumps;
(b). design materials and constructions of pumps shall be suitable for the type of gas to be handled and they shall
be designed for the maximum outlet pressure to which they will be subjected to in operation;
(c). positive displacement pumps shall have a by-pass valve or other suitable protection against over pressure.
(2) Compressors.—
(a). the design, material and construction of compressors shall be suitable for the type of gas which they are to
handle and they shall be designed for the maximum outlet pressure to which they will be subjected to in
operation;
(b). compressors other than multi-stage compressors shall take suction from the vapour space of the vessels being
filled.
(3) Transfer systems.—
(a). transfer systems shall be so designed that the risk of a gas of a higher vapour pressure being transferred to
equipment designed for gas of a lower vapour pressure is minimized;
(b). there shall be positive means of rapidly shutting off flow, located at a safe distance from the vessel which is
being filled or emptied;
(c). automatic alarm device to indicate the approach to maximum permissible height or automatic shut-off valves
shall be used to prevent over filling.
(4) Hoses.—
(a). the hoses for liquid transfer shall be designed to withstand not less than four times the maximum operating
pressure they will carry in service;
(b). the hoses shall be mechanically and electrically continuous.
(5) In the tank-truck loading or unloading gantry, number of bays for parking tank trucks shall not exceed eight, and number
of such gantries in a premise shall not exceed two.
(6) Rail tank wagon loading or unloading shall be restricted to a maximum of half a rake (six hundred tonnes). If full rake
handling is required, it shall be placed in two separate gantries with fifty meters distance in between them.
(7) All valves on the vessel and pipelines in the premises shall be permanently marked in a manner clearly indicating the
direction of opening and closing.‖
30. Transfer operations.—
(1) Before transfer of gas,--
(a). every vehicle shall be carefully examined at the installation to ensure that it complies in all respects with the
requirements of these rules and shall be completely emptied before it is passed for filling;
(b). a visual check shall be made of the surroundings for unusual or dangerous situations before any filling or
discharging procedure is commenced;
(c). warning notices, as necessary, shall be displayed;
(d). the receiving vessel shall be checked to ensure that it has sufficient ullage to receive quantity of gas being
transferred to it;
(e). the inter-connecting system, that is pipework-fittings, valves or hoses, shall be checked to ensure that it is in
safe working condition and that only valves and other fittings required in the transfer operations or any other
operations proceeding simultaneously, are open.
 (2) During transfer the receiving vessel shall be checked to ensure that it is not being filled above its safe filling capacity or
beyond its design pressure.
(3) On completion of transfer before the vehicle is allowed to leave the licensed premises it shall be weighed over a weigh-
bridge to ascertain the quantity of the compressed gas filled therein if the vehicle is filled with a liquefiable gas.
(4) When filling the vessels on vehicles with compressed gas, the following procedure shall be complied with in addition to
the other requirements, namely:--
(a). the place where the vehicle is parked shall be properly leveled;
(b). the vehicle shall be prevented from accidental movement during the transfer operation. The parking brake of the
vehicle shall be on and the engine shall remain stopped, except when it is necessary to drive the pump. Where
necessary, wheel chock blocks shall be used;
(c). any driving units or electrical equipment not required and not specifically designed for the transfer operation
shall be stopped or isolated;
(d). the vessel mounted on a vehicle shall be electrically bonded to the fixed installation before any flammable
liquefied gas transfer operations is carried out;
(e). before a vehicle is moved, the electrical and the liquid and vapour connections shall be disconnected care being
exercised to avoid spillage. Where wheel chock blocks have been used they shall be removed. The vehicle
shall be checked to ensure that it is in safe working order and the surrounding areas checked to ensure that any
liquefied flammable gas that may have leaked or has to be vented has safely dispersed.
(5) For keeping attention during operations—
(a). a competent person shall remain in attendance during all the operations connected with the transfer and ensure
that all the requirements of these rules are complied with;
(b). if it is necessary to discontinue a vehicle loading operation temporarily, the loading hose, shall be disconnected
from the vehicle for the period of such discontinuance.
(6) The person in charge of transfer operations shall ensure that transfer operations are stopped in the event of –
(a). any leakage;
(b). a fire occurring in the vicinity;
(c). a severe electrical storm occurring in the vicinity in the case of an operation which involves venting of
flammable gas.
30A Dispenser for liquefied petroleum gas dispensing station - The dispenser and connected fittings used for dispensing
liquefied petroleum gas in motor vehicles provided in the liquefied petroleum gas dispensing station shall be designed,
constructed, tested and maintained in accordance with the requirement laid down in Schedule II of these rules and be of a type
approved in writing by the Chief Controller.
30B. Special Provisions for filling fuel tanks of motor vehicles and unloading of tank-truck in liquefied petroleum gas
dispensing station –
(1) Liquefied Petroleum Gas shall not be filled in fuel tank of motor vehicle while the engine of the vehicle is running.
(2) During the period of unloading of liquefied petroleum gas from tank-truck to the storage vessels, operation of dispensing
liquefied petroleum gas to motor vehicles shall not be carried out.‖
31. Electrical apparatus and installations.—
(1) No electrical wire shall pass over any storage vessel.
(2) All electrical wires installed within the safety zone of any storage vessel for the storage of flammable compressed gases
shall consist of insulated cables of approved type. The cables shall be mechanically continuous throughout and
effectively earthed away from the vessels.
(3) For pump rooms used for pumping flammable compressed gases –
(a). all electrical meters, distribution boards, switches, fuses, plugs and sockets shall be of flameproof construction
complying with the requirements of IS:2148 : 1968 and the frames shall be effectively earthed;
(b). all electrical fixed lamps shall be enclosed in a well glass flameproof fitting conforming to IS:2206 (Part I) : 1962.
(4) All electrical portable hand lamps shall be of a type approved by the Chief Controller.
31A. Classification of hazardous area for flammable gases
(1) A hazardous area for flammable gases shall be deemed to be –
 (a). A division ‗0‘ area if inflammable gases of vapours are expected to be continuously present in the area ;
(b). a division ‗1‘ area, if inflammable gases of vapours are expected to be continuously present in the area under
normal operating conditions; or
(c). a division ‗2‘ area, if inflammable gases of vapours are expected to be continuously present in the area only
under abnormal operating conditions or failure or rupture of an equipment.
(2) If any question arises as to whether hazardous area is a division ‗0‘ area or a division ‗1‘ area or a division ‗2‘ area, the
decision thereon of the Chief Controller shall be final.
31B. Extent of hazardous area – The extent of hazardous area for liquefied petroleum gas dispenser shall be as under –
(1) Entire space within the dispenser enclosure cabinet and forty six centimeters horizontally from the exterior of enclosure
cabinet and upto an elevation of one hundred and twenty two centimeters above dispenser base and the entire pit or
open space beneath the dispenser shall be division ‗1‘.
(2) Upto forty six centimeters vertically above the surrounding ground level and horizontally beyond forty six centimeters
upto six meters on all sides of the dispenser enclosure cabinet shall be division ‗2‘.
32. Lighting of storage and operating areas.—operations shall not be carried out during the night unless adequate artificial
lighting of approved type are available and used.
33. Certificate of safety.—A certificate of safety in the proforma prescribed by the Chief Controller and signed by a competent
person shall be furnished to the licensing authority before any vessel is used for the storage of any compressed gas or
whenever any addition or alteration to the installations or foundations for the vessel is carried out.

CHAPTER IV
TRANSPORT

34. Application.— The rules in this Chapter shall apply to the transport of compressed gas by vehicles.
35. Vehicles for transport of compressed gas.—
(1) every vehicle for the transport of compressed gas shall be of a type approved, in writing, by the Chief Controller.
(2) where approval is sought to a vehicle under sub-rule (1) or to any of its special safety fittings, 12 numbers of detailed
drawing drawn to scale and a scrutiny fee of rupees fifty shall be forwarded to the Chief Controller.
(3) if the Chief Controller, after receipt of the drawing under sub-rule (2) and after making such further inquiries as he
deems necessary, is satisfied that the vehicle or the special safety fittings, as the case may be, meets with the
requirements laid down in these rules, he shall approve the drawing and return to the applicant one copy thereof duly
endorsed.
36. Design.—
(1) Every vessel used for the transportation of compressed gas shall be constructed and tested in accordance with the
requirements of Rule 12 and shall meet with the requirements of sub-rules (2), (3) (4) and (5) of this rule.
(2) The design stress shall include an allowance to enable the vessel to withstand shocks normally encountered by
movements on road, such as, acceleration and deceleration for a minimum of 3g. when the vessel is self-supporting, the
vessel design shall provide for carrying the additional stresses normally carried by the chassis frame. Provision shall be
made for distributing the localized stresses arising from attachments to the vessels.
(3) Mounting of vessels on the chassis or under-frame shall be done in such a manner as to keep the vibrations to the
minimum.
(4) All attachments to the vessel shall be protected against accidental damage which may result from collision, over-turning
or other operational cause.
(5) All vessels shall be designed to withstand the most severe combined stresses to which they may be subjected to by the
pressure of the gas, the pumping pressures and shock loading caused by transport conditions.
37. Protection of valves and accessories.—
(1) All valves and accessories shall be safeguarded against accidental damage or interference.
(2) Valves and accessories shall be mounted and protected in such a way that risk of accidental rupture of the branch to
which the valve or accessory is connected is minimized.
 (3) Valves or accessories situated at the rear of a vehicle shall be protected by the rear cross member of the frame of the
vehicle against damage and shall comply with subrule (2).
38. Equipment.—
(1) Piping, fittings, pumps and meters.—
(a). All pipings, fittings, pumps and meters permanently mounted on the vehicle shall be designed to withstand the
most severe combined stresses imposed by the following, namely:-
i). the maximum designed pressure of the vessel;
ii). the super imposed pumping pressure of the shock loading caused by road movements;
(b). the materials used for vessel equipment shall be sufficiently ductile to withstand rough usage and accidental
damage. Brittle materials such as cast iron shall not be used.
(2) Protection of piping and equipment.—
(a). all piping and equipment shall be adequately protected to minimize accidental damage which may be caused by
rough usage, collision or over-turning;
(b). any equipment or section of piping in which liquid may be trapped shall be protected against excessive pressure
caused by thermal expansion of the contents.
(3) marking of connection. – All connections on the vehicle which require manipulation by the operator of the vehicle should
be clearly marked to prevent incorrect operation. The form of this marking should correspond with the operating
procedure laid down for the vehicle.
39. Vehicle design considerations.—
(1) General.—The vessels shall be securely attached to the chassis of the vehicle in such a manner as to take care of the
forward movement of the vessel due to sudden deceleration of the vehicle.
(2) Design safety requirements – Mechanical:
(a). the engine of the vehicle shall be of an internal combustion type;
(b). where the fuel system is gravity-fed, a quick action cut-off-valve shall be fitted to the fuel feed pipe in an easily
accessible and clearly marked position;
(c). the engine and exhaust system together with all electrical generators, motors, batteries, switch-gears and fuses
shall be efficiently screened from the vessel or the body of the vehicle by a fire-resisting shield or by enclosure
within an approved fire-resisting compartment;
(d). when the equipment referred to in clauses (I), (ii) and (iii) are mounted forward of the back of the driving cab,
the cab can be considered to act as an acceptable shield, provided the back, the roof and the floor of the cab,
are of fire-resisting construction for the full width of the cab, without any openings in the back or roof, and that
the back extends downwards to the top of the chassis ;
(e). when the cab construction does not conform to the equipments mentioned above, a separate fire resisting
shield should be installed extending upwards without any openings from the top of the chassis to the top of the
vessel;
(f). in any case, where windows are provided in the shield, they should be fitted in fire-resisting framing with wired
glass or other heat-resisting material and shall not be capable of being pened;
(g). when the equipment referred to in clauses (i), (ii) and (iii) are mounted to the rear of the back of the cab, it shall
be contained wholly within an approved fire-resisting compartment;
(h). in any case where the fuel used to proper a vehicle gives off a flammable vapour at a temperature less than 65
degree Celsius, the fuel tank shall not be behind the shield unless the following requirements are complied with,
namely:-
i). the fuel tank is protected from blows by stout steel guards or by the frames of the vehicle;
ii). the fill pipe of the fuel tank of the vehicle is provided with a cover having locking arrangement ;
iii). the fuel feed apparatus placed in front of the fire-resisting shield is used to lift the contents of the fuel
tank.
(i). where a transfer pump is driven by the engine of the vehicle, provision shall be made to stop the engine from
outside the cab.
 (3) Design safety requirements – Electrical :The following requirements shall be complied with in connection with the
electrical and antistatic properties of the vehicle, namely;
(a). The Electrical system shall have –
i). the battery in an easily accessible position ;
ii). readily accessible cut-off switch of not less than 300 Amps rating ;
iii). wiring so fixed and protected as to minimize accidental damage or undue wear.
(b). (ii) The vessel shall be electrically continuous with the chassis.
(c). The vehicle shall be provided with a bonding point or bonding cable.
(d). Tyres shall be of the ―anti-static‖ type.
(4) Design safety requirements – General :
(a). There shall be a clear space of at least 15 cm between the back of the cab and the front of the vessel.
(b). The rear of the vessel shall be protected by a robust steel bumper and this bumper shall be—
i. attached so that collision stresses will be transmitted to the frame work of the vehicle or, in the case of
an articulated vehicle to the frame work carrying the wheels of the vessel ;
ii. situated at least 7.5 cm to the rear of the rear-most part of the vessel ;
iii. extended on each side of the vehicle to at least the maximum width of the vessel.
(c). the maximum weight of the liquefied gas for which the vehicle is designed should not exceed the difference in
weight between the unladen weight of the vehicle and the maximum gross weight permitted for that class of
vehicle under the appropriate transport regulations.
40. Marking of vehicle.— All vehicles shall be conspicuously marked on the vessel to show the product which is being carried.
41. Fire protection.—
(1) Two serviceable fire extinguishers of suitable size and type shall be provided on each vehicle, one on each side and
should be accessible from outside the cab.
(2) A person, while in, or attending, any vehicle conveying flammable gas, shall not smoke or use matches or lighters.
(3) No fire, artificial light or article capable of causing fire or explosion shall be taken or carried on any vehicle carrying
flammable gas.
42. Operations.—
(1) Drivers shall be carefully selected and given appropriate training in driving and safe handling of the equipment and the
compressed gas carried in the vehicle.
(2) When loading or discharging of a vehicle takes place within the operator‘s own premises, a competent person shall be
present throughout the operations.
(3) When discharge is in progress, at customers premises, the driver shall remain with his vehicle in such a position so as
to be able to stop the discharge immediately in an emergency.
(4) Every vehicle shall be constantly attended to by at least one person who is familiar with the rules in this Chapter :
Provided that nothing in sub-rule shall apply to vehicles which are left in places previously approved for the purpose by
the Chief Controller.
(5) In the event of an over-night stop away from home base, prior arrangements shall be made for the safe parking of the
vehicle overnight. In an emergency, a driver may seek the co-operation of the local police in finding suitable parking
facilities for his vehicle.
43. Certificate of Safety.—A certificate of safety in prescribed proforma signed by a competent person shall be furnished to the
licensing authority before any vehicle is used for the transportation of any compressed gas to the effect that the vehicle meets
with the provisions of the rules in this Chapter.
44. Inspection and maintenance of vehicles.—
(1) The licensee for any vehicle shall ensure that it is at all times road-worthy, and that it is in a fit condition to fill, transport
and discharge its load safely.
(2) An examination of the vehicle to check that the vehicle is maintained as per sub rule (1) shall be carried out every six
months by a competent person and a certificate in the prescribed proforma shall be issued by him.