|
The government has notified the Gas Cylinder Rules 2004 under the Explosives Act, 1884. The Gas Cylinder Rules, were originally formulated in 1981 and since then there have been no significant changes in the rules. Considering the changes in technology, business practices and safety requirements, the Rules have been given a new look on the basis of the recommendations made by an Expert Committee. The Expert Committee, comprising industry representatives and government officials, was constituted by the Department of Industrial Policy & Promotion, Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The revised Gas Cylinder rules are aimed at providing efficient and hassle-free government-industry interface. Some of the salient features of the rules are interchangeability of gas cylinders from one gas to other, self-regulation in less hazardous applications, enhanced life of licences/renewals up to 10 years and delegation of licensing authority to subordinate offices. The revision of the rules is expected to relieve gases industry from many regulations and reduce the frequency of licence approvals/requirements.
|
