Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (“PESO”) has directed all licensees / fabricators / Competent Persons / Stakeholders to install Rear and Lateral under Run Protective Device on all vehicles transporting compressed gases in bulk covered under Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016 (“SMPV Rules”) and issued Guidelines for installation of the same.

Key Highlights:

1. Vehicles already licensed or proposed to be licensed in Form LS-2 of the SMPV Rules (Licence to transport compressed gas in a pressure vessel by a vehicle) are required to be provided with Rear and Lateral Under Run Protected Device as per the latest IS-14812 (2005), latest IS-14682 (2004), OISD-159 and the latest version of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989;
2. Mobile pressure vessels licensed for transportation of flammable and toxic gases shall be de-gassed and purged at PESO approved de-gassing stations prior to installation of the under run protective device;
3. Fabrication and installation of Rear and Lateral Under run Protection devices are required to be carried out by PESO approved pressure vessel fabricators;
4. Existing licensed vehicles in FORM LS-2 of the of the SMPV Rules are required to undertake installation of Rear & Lateral Under run Protection Device while conducting periodical Safety Relief Valve / Hydro testing under Rule 18 / 19 of SMPV Rules (whichever is earlier). For this, no fresh prior approval of mounting drawing or amendment in the license is required to be obtained from PESO;
5. The mobile pressure vessels to be licensed with effect from 1st November, 2023 under the SMPV Rules are required to submit mounting drawings depicting the Rear and Lateral Under run Protection Device as per Rule 124 of the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. For this, the approved fabricators shall obtain necessary approval of the mounting drawing for considering approval by PESO under SMPV Rules;
6. Post installation of Rear and Lateral Under run Protection device, the maximum weight of compressed gas for which the vehicle is designed shall not exceed the difference between the maximum gross permissible weight of vehicle by RTA and unladen weight of the vehicle;
7. Competent Persons are required to verify and certify the provision of Rear and Lateral Under run Protection Devices and specify the same in the “Remarks” column of certificate under Rule 18/ 19 / 43 (as the case may be), issued under SMPV Rules;
8. Take all due safety precautions during installation of Rear and Lateral Under run Protection Devices to prevent fire and explosion.

Background:

The Circular has reference to the Hon’ble High Court of Calcutta’s direction in the WPA No. 176/18 of 2021 directing PESO to issue comprehensive SOP or guidelines in consultation with OISD. In this regard, various meetings were held with the representatives of Bulk LPG transport contractors, President, All India Bulk LPG Transporters Federation, OISD, ARAI, Ashok Leyland, IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, BIS and PESO officers. The details of the same are enclosed as Annexure to the Circular.

A copy of the Notification is linked below for ease of reference.

Source: Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization

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