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

OVERVIEW

The Gas Cylinders (Amendment) Rules, 2024, will be enacted upon their final publication in the Official Gazette.

Amendments to Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016:

1. Definitions Expansion: Definitions for "Bar code," "Bulk hydrogen compressed gas system," "Bulk Hydrogen Supply System," and "Compressed Hydrogen Gas (CHG)" are added. Various hydrogen-related systems and facilities are defined.
2. Cylinder Specifications: Detailed specifications for gas cylinders, including CHG cylinders, are provided.
3. Electrical Installations: Requirements for electrical installations in premises handling flammable gases are outlined.
4. Cylinder Cascade Maintenance: Provisions for identification and maintenance of gas cylinder cascades are included.
5. Testing and Inspection: Testing and inspection requirements for cylinders used for CBG, CHG, CNG, and Hydrogen are specified.

Effect of the Amendments:

The amendments aim to bolster safety and regulation in gas cylinder handling, particularly in hydrogen-related systems. Updated definitions, standards, and testing procedures ensure compliance and safety standards.

Changes in Rules Regarding Composite Cylinder Testing Stations:

1. Service Life Extension: On-board CHG or Green Hydrogen cylinders and cascades' service life is extended to fifteen years.
2. Additional Documentation: CHG dispensing stations require comprehensive documentation including layout, HAZOP study, risk assessment, and emergency response plan.
3. Waiver Provision: Chief Controller or Central Government may waive certain rules under exceptional circumstances for research or business ease, with a maximum two-year trial period.
4. Form Updates: Form "H" for CHG dispensing stations is introduced alongside Form "G."

Composite Cylinder Testing Station Requirements:

1. Approval Criteria: Detailed criteria for approval as a composite cylinder testing station are provided, including infrastructure, testing procedures, and quality management systems.
2. Testing Procedures: Procedures for cleaning, inspection, testing, and record-keeping are specified.
3. Validity and Extension: Approval validity for cylinder testing stations is extendable up to ten years upon meeting specified criteria.

License Types:

1. Storage and Filling License: License for storing or filling compressed hydrogen gas for automotive fuel dispensing.
2. Manufacturer License: Indian manufacturers require subsequent re-evaluation, while foreign manufacturers require re-evaluation every five years.

Form Updates:

Forms C, D, E, G, and the introduction of Form H are amended to accommodate the new regulations and requirements.

Condensed Safety Distance Requirements:

Safety distances between facilities in CHG dispensing stations based on pressure ratings are specified, ensuring safety in equipment placement and venting systems.

Summary:

The Gas Cylinders (Amendment) Rules, 2024, introduce comprehensive amendments to enhance safety and regulation in gas cylinder handling, with particular focus on hydrogen-related systems. These changes encompass definitions, specifications, testing procedures, licensing requirements, and safety protocols for 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: