ENHANCING SAFETY STANDARDS AND REGULATION IN GAS CYLINDER HANDLING: OVERVIEW OF AMENDMENTS AND REQUIREMENTS

CONFORMITY ASSESSMENT & REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Date 5th March, 2024

Place: New Delhi

Dear Reader,

Key update regarding the Indian Standard applicable to current license holders, new applicants, manufacturers, importers, and product sellers for the Enhancing Safety Standards and Regulation in Gas Cylinder Handling: Overview of Amendments and Requirements.

Enhancing Safety Standards and Regulation in Gas Cylinder Handling: Overview of Amendments and Requirements

OVERVIEW

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry has issued a Quality Control Order named the "Water Meters and Accessories (Quality Control) Order, 2024."

Amendments to Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016:

Definitions Expansion: New definitions for terms such as "Bar code," "Bulk hydrogen compressed gas system," "Bulk Hydrogen Supply System," and "Compressed Hydrogen Gas (CHG)" have been included. Additionally, definitions for various hydrogen-related systems and facilities have been introduced.
Cylinder Specifications: Detailed specifications for gas cylinders, including CHG cylinders, are provided.
Electrical Installations: Guidelines for electrical installations in facilities dealing with flammable gases are specified.
Cylinder Cascade Maintenance: Incorporated are guidelines for the identification and upkeep of gas cylinder cascades.
Testing and Inspection:The specifications for testing and inspecting cylinders used for CBG, CHG, CNG, and hydrogen have been detailed.

Effect of the Amendments:

The amendments are focused on enhancing safety and regulatory measures concerning the handling of gas cylinders, particularly in systems related to hydrogen. Revised definitions, standards, and testing protocols are aimed at ensuring adherence to safety and compliance standards.

Service Life Extension: The service life of on-board CHG or Green Hydrogen cylinders and cascades has been extended to fifteen years.
Additional Documentation: CHG dispensing stations require comprehensive documentation including layout, HAZOP study, risk assessment, and emergency response plan.
Waiver Provision: The Chief Controller or Central Government may grant exemptions from specific rules under exceptional circumstances to facilitate research or business, typically for a trial period not exceeding two years.
Form Updates: Form "H" for CHG dispensing stations is introduced alongside Form "G."

Composite Cylinder Testing Station Requirements:

Approval Criteria:Comprehensive guidelines are outlined for the approval of composite cylinder testing stations, covering aspects such as infrastructure, testing protocols, and quality management systems.
Testing Procedures:The procedures for cleaning, inspecting, testing, and maintaining records are clearly outlined.
Validity and Extension: The validity of approval for cylinder testing stations can be extended up to ten years upon meeting specific criteria.

License Types:

Storage and Filling License:License for storing or dispensing compressed hydrogen gas for automotive fuel purposes.
Manufacturer License:Indian manufacturers need periodic reassessment, while foreign manufacturers require reassessment every five years.

Form Updates:

Forms C, D, E, G, and the introduction of Form H have been revised to align with updated regulations and requirements.

Condensed Safety Distance Requirements:

Safety distances between facilities at CHG dispensing stations, determined by pressure ratings, are specified to ensure safe equipment placement and venting systems.

Summary:

The Gas Cylinders (Amendment) Rules, 2024, bring extensive updates aimed at improving safety and regulatory standards in the handling of gas cylinders, especially concerning hydrogen-related systems. These revisions include new definitions, detailed specifications, testing protocols, licensing prerequisites, and safety guidelines applicable to composite cylinder testing stations and CHG dispensing stations.

Implementation Authority :Bureau of Indian Standards (Govt. of India)

CONCERNED AUTHORITIES

Bureau of Indian Standards Manak Bhawan 9, B.S. Zafar Marg, New Delhi - 110002

Tel: +91-11-23231903

Implementation Dates:

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Attachment: Standard Amendment Order issued by Bureau of Indian Standards

Disclaimer: The details shared in this update are for informational purposes exclusively. Readers are advised to seek formal legal counsel before taking any action based on the information provided here.