GAS CYLINDERS RULES, 19811 - Department Of Industrial Policy ...

The Gazette of India 

EXTRAORDINARY 

PART II-Section 3-Sub-section (i) 

NEW DELHI, TUESDAY, 21 ST SEPTEMBER, 2004 

Ministry of Commerce and Industry 

(Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion) 

NOTIFICATION 

New Delhi, the 21 st September 2004 

G.S.R. 627(E) - Whereas a draft of the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2003 was published as 

required by section 18 of the Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884) in the Gazette of India, 

Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, sub-section (i), dated the 20 th October 2003, vide notification of 

the Government of India in the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, (Department of Industrial 

Policy and Promotion) number G.S.R. 822(E), dated the 20 th October 2003, inviting objections 

and suggestions from all persons likely to be affected thereby, before the expiry of a period of 

forty five days from the date of publication of the said notification in the Official Gazette; 

2003; 

And whereas, the said Gazette was made available to the public on the 20 th October, 

And, whereas objections and suggestions received from the public on the said draft Rules 

have been duly considered by the Central Government; 

Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by sections 5 and 7 of the Explosives 

Act, 1884 (4 of 1884) and in supersession of the Gas Cylinders Rules, 1981, the Central 

Government hereby makes the following rules, namely: - 

GAS CYLINDERS RULES, 2004 

CHAPTER-I 

PRELIMINARY 

1. Short title and commencement. -(1) These rules may be called the Gas Cylinders Rules, 

2004. 

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

2. Definitions- In these rules unless the context otherwise requires, - 

(i) “Act” means the Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884); 

(ii) “Auto LPG” means liquefied petroleum gas meant for automotive fuel 

conforming to specification IS:14861; 

(iii) “Chief Controller” means the Chief Controller of Explosives, Government of 

India; 

(iv) “composite cylinder” means a cylinder made of resin impregnated continuous 

filament wound over a metallic or a non-metallic liner. Composite cylinders 

using non-metallic liners are referred to as all-composite cylinders; 

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(v) “compressed gas” means any permanent gas, liquefiable gas or gas dissolved in 

liquid under pressure or gas mixture which in a closed gas cylinder exercises a 

pressure either exceeding 2.5 kgf/cm 2 abs (1.5 kgf/ cm 2 gauge) at +15 0 C or a 

pressure exceeding 3kgf/ cm 2 abs (2 kgf/ cm 2 gauge) at + 50 0 C or both; 

Explanation – Hydrogen Fluoride falls within the scope of compressed gas 

although its vapour pressure at 50 0 C is 1.7 to 1.8 atmospheric gauge; 

(vi) “Conservator” in relation to a port includes any person acting under the authority 

of the officer or body of person appointed to be Conservator of that port under 

Section 7 of the Indian Ports Act, 1908 (15 of 1908); 

(vii) “Controller” includes the Joint Chief Controller of Explosives, the Deputy Chief 

Controller of Explosives, the Controller of Explosives and the Deputy Controller 

of Explosives; 

(viii) “Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)” means mixtures of hydrocarbon gases and 

vapours, consisting mainly of Methane in gaseous form, which has been 

compressed for use as automotive fuel; 

(ix) “CNG mother station” means CNG facilities connected with natural gas pipeline 

and having a compressor meant primarily to fill mobile cascades of daughter 

station. Such stations may also have stationery cascade for CNG dispensing to 

vehicles; 

(x) “CNG online station” means CNG facilities connected with natural gas pipeline 

and having a compressor primarily to fill stationary cascades for dispensing CNG 

to vehicles; 

(xi) “CNG daughter station” means CNG facilities not connected to natural gas 

pipeline. Such CNG dispensing station receives CNG through mobile cascade; 

(xii) “critical temperature” means the temperature above which gas cannot be 

liquefied by the application of pressure alone; 

(xiii) “dissolved acetylene cylinder” means a cylinder having a valve and with or 

without safety devices, containing a porous mass, a solvent for the storage of 

dissolved acetylene and at least sufficient acetylene to saturate the solvent at 

atmospheric pressure and at a temperature of +15 0 C; 

Explanation.-Acetone or any other solvent used shall not be capable of chemical 

reaction with the acetylene gas or with the porous mass or with the metal of the 

cylinder or valve; 

(xiv) “dissolved gas” means a gas which under pressure is dissolved in a fluid solvent 

appropriate to the particular gas as for example, acetylene in acetone or ammonia 

in water; 

(xv) “district authority” means- 

(a) a Commissioner of Police or Deputy Commissioner of Police in any town 

having a Commissioner of Police; and 

(b) in any other place, the District Magistrate; 

(xvi) “District Magistrate” includes an Additional District Magistrate, and in the States 

of Punjab and Haryana and in the Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam areas of the Union 

Territory of Pondicherry, also includes a Sub-Divisional Magistrate; 

(xvii) “filling pressure” means the maximum permissible gauge pressure, converted to 

+ 15 0 C, at which a gas cylinder for permanent gas or gas dissolved under 

pressure can be filled; 

(xviii) “filling ratio” means the ratio of the weight of a liquefiable gas introduced in the 

cylinder to the weight of the water the cylinders will hold at 15 0 C; 

(xix) “flammable gas” means any gas which, if either a mixture of 13 per cent or less 

(by volume) with air forms a flammable mixture or the flammability range with 

air is greater than 12 per cent regardless of the lower limit and these limits shall 

be determined at atmospheric temperature and pressure; 

Explanation.-“flammability range” means the difference between the minimum 

and maximum percentages by volume of the gas in mixture with air that forms a 

flammable mixture; 

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(xx) “Form” means a Form set forth in Schedule V; 

(xxi) “Gas Cylinder” or “Cylinder” means any closed metal container having a volume 

exceeding 500 ml but not exceeding 1000 litres intended for the storage and 

transport of compressed gas, including any liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) 

container/compressed natural gas (CNG) cylinder fitted to a motor vehicle as its 

fuel tank but not including any other such container fitted to a special transport or 

under-carriage and includes a composite cylinder, however, the water capacity of 

cylinders used for storage of CNG, nitrogen, compressed air, etc. may exceed 

1000 litres up to 2500 litres provided the dia meter of such cylinder does not 

exceed 60 cm; 

(xxii) “high pressure liquefiable gas” means a liquefiable gas having a critical 

temperature between - 10 0 C and + 70 0 C; 

(xxiii) “hydrostatic stretch test” means subjecting the cylinder to a hydrostatic pressure 

equal to the test pressure of the cylinder and recording the permanent stretch 

undergone by the cylinder; 

(xxiv) “hydrostatic test” means the test to which a cylinder is subjected to a hydrostatic 

pressure equal to the test pressure of the cylinder; 

(xxv) “import “ means bringing into India by land, sea or air; 

(xxvi) “inert gas” means a gas which is resistant to chemical action under normally 

encountered conditions; 

(xxvii) “inspecting authority” means a person having qualifications and wide experience 

in the filed of design, manufacture and testing of gas cylinders and recognised by 

the Chief Controller as authority for inspection and certification of gas cylinder; 

(xxviii) “installation” means any premises wherein any place has been specially prepared 

for the manufacture (filling) or storage of compressed gas cylinders; 

(xxix) “liquefiable gas” means a gas that may be liquefied by pressure at -10 0 C but will 

be completely vaporised when in equilibrium with normal atmospheric pressure 

(760 mm. Hg) at 17.5°C which value shall be increased to 30°C for toxic gases; 

(xxx) 

“liquified petroleum gas” means any material, which comprises predominantly 

of any of the following hydrocarbons or mixture of them with vapour pressure 

not exceeding 16.87 kg/cm2 (gauge) at 65º C:- 

Propane (C 3 H 8 ), propylene (C 3 H 6 ), butane ((C 4 H 10 ), (n-butane and iso-butane) 

and butylene (C 4 H 8 ); 

(xxxi) “low pressure liquefiable gas” means a liquefiable gas having critical 

temperature higher than +70ºC; 

(xxxii) “manufacture of gas” means filling of a cylinder with any compressed gas and 

also includes transfer of compressed gas from one cylinder to any other cylinder; 

(xxxiii) “oxidizing gas” means a gas which gives up Oxygen readily or removes 

hydrogen from a compound or attracts negative electrons; 

(xxxiv) “permanent gas” means a gas whose critical temperature is below _ 10 0 C that is 

to say a gas which cannot be liquefied under any pressure at a temperature above 

_ 10 0 C; 

(xxxv) “poisonous (toxic) gas” a gas which has a maximum allowable concentration in 

air for human respiration not exceeding 100 mg/m 3 at 15°C and 1 kgf/cm 2 

absolute pressure; 

(xxxvi) “Schedule” means the Schedule annexed to these rules; 

(xxxvii) “tare weight” in relation to - 

(1) acetylene cylinder means the weight of the cylinder together with any 

fittings, permanently attached and includes the weight of valve any safety 

device, porous mass, requisite quantity of solvent for dissolving acetylene, 

and the weight of acetylene gas saturating the solvent at atmospheric pressure 

and temperature of 15 0 C; 

(2) liquefiable gas cylinder means the weight of the cylinder together with any 

fittings permanently attached thereto and includes the weight of valve; 

(3) permanent gas cylinder means the weight of the cylinder together with any 

fittings permanently attached thereto and excludes the weight of valve; 

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(xxxviii)“test pressure” means the internal pressure required for the hydrostatic test or 

hydrostatic stretch test of the cylinder, as follows:- 

(1) For permanent and high pressure liquefiable gases, it should be calculated 

from the following: 

where 

200. t. Re 

Ph = ----------------- 

1.25 (Do-t) 

Ph = Test pressure in kgf/cm 2 

Do= Outside diameter of the cylinder in mm. 

t = Minimum calculated wall thickness of the cylinder shell in mm. 

Re= Minimum specified yield strength of the material of cylinder in kgf/mm 2 , it 

is limited to 75 per cent of the minimum value of the tensile strength in the case 

of normalised cylinder and 85 per cent of the minimum value of the tensile 

strength for quenched and tempered cylinder, provided that the value of test 

pressure shall not exceed 80 per cent of the yield strength. 

(2) For low pressure liquefiable gas - One and a half times the saturated vapour 

pressure of the gas at 65 0 C or as specified in IS:8867, whichever is higher; 

(xxxix) “transport” means the moving of a cylinder filled with any compressed gas from 

one place to another; 

(xxxx) “water capacity” means the volume of water in litres, a cylinder will hold at 

15 0 C.; 

(xxxxi)“working pressure for low pressure liquefiable gas” means the saturated vapour 

pressure at 65 0 C; 

Explanation.- The values of saturated vapour pressure of different gases are 

specified in IS:3710; 

(xxxxii) “working pressure for permanent gas” means the internal pressure of the gas in 

the cylinder at a temperature of 15 0 C; 

(xxxxiii)“yield strength” means the stress corresponding to a permanent strain of 0.2 per 

cent of the original gauge length in a tensile test. For practical purpose it may be 

taken as a stress at which elongation first occurs in the test piece without the 

increase of load in a tensile test. 

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CHAPTER II 

GENERAL PROVISIONS 

3. Filling, possession, import and transport of cylinders: - (1) No person shall fill any 

cylinder with any compressed gas or import, possess or transport any cylinder so filled or 

intended to be filled with such gas unless:- 

(a) such cylinder and its valve have been constructed to a type and standard specified 

in Schedule I as amended from time to time by an order issued by the Chief 

Controller; 

(b) the test and inspection certificates issued by the inspecting authority in respect of 

cylinder and its valve are made available to the Chief Controller and prior 

approval of the said authority is obtained. 

(2) For obtaining approval under Clause (b) of sub rule (1), the following particulars shall be 

submitted to the Chief Controller: - 

(i) total number and serial numbers of the cylinders; 

(ii) name and address of the manufacturers of the cylinders; 

(iii) specification of the cylinders and the valves; 

(iv) previous approval, if any; 

(v) the test and inspection certificates in respect of the cylinders 

(vi) the test and inspection certificates pertaining to the valves fitted/to be fitted 

to the cylinders; 

(vii) scrutiny fee as specified in Schedule V. 

(3) The test and inspection certificates required to be obtained from the inspecting authority 

in respect of cylinders and valves inspected and certified by it in accordance with the 

approved design and specification or code shall give the information included in 

Schedule II. 

(4) (a) Any person desiring to manufacture cylinders, valves, LPG regulators attached to 

self-closing valves, multi-function valves and other fittings shall obtain approval from the 

Chief Controller and in order to seek such approval, submit the particulars set forth in 

Schedule III and scrutiny fee as specified in Schedule V together with design drawings 

and calculations duly endorsed by Inspecting Authority. 

(b) For any subsequent changes in the design drawing, a fresh approval shall be obtained. 

(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub rule (1) cylinders of specifications not 

conforming to the specifications specified in Schedule I and imported into India for 

filling and shipment to the country of origin or supply to a foreign going vessel touching 

Indian port, could be filled with such gas, provided: 

(a) the cylinder has passed the hydrostatic test or hydrostatic stretch test, as the case may 

be, within the period specified in these rules and the pressure applied during the 

test shall be the test pressure marked on the cylinder; 

(b) the cylinder is not filled with- 

(i) any liquefiable gas in excess of the filling ratio specified in IS:3710 for low 

pressure liquefiable gases and IS:8866 for high pressure liquefiable gases; 

(ii) any permanent gas at a pressure in excess of the pressure for which the 

cylinder is designed; 

(c) a separate record of the cylinder tested and filled is maintained at the filling 

station; 

(d) the filled cylinders are removed from the filling station and shipped off as 

expeditiously as possible. 

4. Valves.- (1) Valves fitted to gas cylinders shall comply in all respects with the following 

specifications namely:- 

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(a) in respect of industrial gas cylinders, IS:3224; 

(b) in respect of medical gas cylinders, IS:3745; 

(c) in respect of cylinders used with breathing apparatus, IS:7302 as amended from 

time to time; 

(d) in respect of cylinders used for filling liquefied petroleum gas, IS:8776 for 

cylinders of water capacity not exceeding 5 litres and, IS: 8737 for cylinders of 

water capacity exceeding 5 litres; 

(e) in respect of auto LPG containers IS:15100; 

(f) in respect of small Refrigerant cylinders IS:12300 

Provided that the Chief Controller may, if he is of opinion that it is necessary so to do 

in the public interest, permit the use of valves not conforming to any of the above 

specifications. 

(2) Valves fitted to Carbon Dioxide cylinders shall be provided in the body with a safety 

release consisting of softened copper disc so arranged as to burst at a pressure between 

200 kg/cm 2 and 220 kg/cm 2 

(3) Valves for cylinders containing flammable gases not listed in IS:3224 shall have outlets 

provided with left handed screw threads for the pipes or other connections. 

(4) All other valves shall have outlets with right-handed screw threads. 

(5) The valves shall be attached to the cylinder neck by screwing and not by making any 

permanent attachment or inserting adapter in between. 

(6) The design of spindle-operated valves shall be such that when fitted to the cylinders it shall 

not be possible to withdraw the spindle under normal operating conditions. 

5. Safety relief devices - (1) Cylinders manufactured in India, if fitted with safety relief 

devices in their bodies, shall have such safety devices manufactured and maintained in 

accordance with IS:5903 

(2) Cylinders containing obnoxious or poisonous gases shall not be provided with any safety 

device. 

Explanation.-For the purpose of this sub-rule, “obnoxious or poisonous gases” include 

Carbon monoxide, Hydro-cynic acid, Hydrogen chloride, Hydrogen bromide, Hydrogen 

fluride, Sulphur dioxide, Chlorine, Methyl bromide, Nitrogen tetroxide, Nitrosyl chloride, 

Town gas, Hydrogen sulphide, Carbonyl chloride (Phosgene), Cyanogen, Cyanogen 

chloride, Fluorine and Carbon oxychloride. 

(3) Cylinders manufactured in foreign countries, approved for use in this country, if fitted with 

safety relief devices shall have these devices fully maintained in accordance with the 

requirements of the specification to which they were originally made. 

6. Marking on cylinders - (1) Marking generally: 

(a) Every gas cylinder shall be clearly and permanently marked in accordance with 

following conditions by stamping, engraving or similar processes: 

(i) 

on the shoulder of the cylinder which shall be reinforced by forging or other 

means, or 

(ii) on such a part which is inseparably bound with the cylinder and which is not or 

only negligibly affected by the stresses due to the gas pressure within it. 

(b) The name plate shall not be affixed to the cylinder by soldering if there is a risk of 

corrosion or embrittlement. 

(c) In conjunction with the original marking, space shall be provided for stamping the test 

date obtained at the periodic inspection. 

(d) Markings shall be so carried out and the letters and numerals used shall be of such 

shape and size that the marking is clear and easily readable and does not give place 

for misreading. 

(2) Marking on permanent and liquefiable gas cylinders: 

(a) Every cylinder shall be marked with the following markings, namely:-- 

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(i) Manufacturer’s, owner’s and inspector’s marking and rotation number (these 

markings shall be registered with the Chief Controller); 

(ii) specification to which the cylinder has been made: 

(iii) a symbol to indicate the nature of heat treatment given to the cylinder during 

manufacture or after repairs; 

(iv) the date of the last hydrostatic test or hydrostatic stretch test, as the case may 

be, with the code mark of recognised testing station where the test was 

carried out and the code mark shall be registered with the Chief Controller. 

In the case of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders, the quarter and the year of 

test shall be given as an additional marking in a neck or on a shoulder plate; 

(v) working pressure and test pressure; 

(vi) tare weight- 

Explanation - In the case of liquefiable gas cylinders, tare weight shall include the 

weight of valve fitted to the cylinder. 

(vii) water capacity. 

(b) All the markings, except the manufacture’s markings, which may be on the base, 

shall be stamped on the neck end of the cylinder. However, seamless cylinders 

having no foot ring or skirt shall be stamped with the manufacturer’s marking on the 

neck end of the cylinder. 

7. Markings on valve - Valves fitted to the cylinder shall be clearly and durably marked in 

accordance with the following provisions by stamping, engraving or similar processes: 

(i) the specification of the valves; 

(ii) year and month or quarter of manufacture 

(iii) manufacturer’s symbol; 

(iv) working pressure 

(v) the name or chemical symbol of the gas for which the valve is to be used; 

(vi) the type of screw threads on the outlet, in case of left handed as (L.H.); 

(vii) Inspector’s stamp; 

(viii) where dip tubes are provided, special indications shall be given by a clear and 

durable marking on the valve or on a badge fixed between the valve and the 

cylinder and the total length in millimeter of the tube shall also be indicated. 

8. Identification colours: - (1) Every person filling any cylinder with any compressed gas shall, 

before it is stored or despatched, see that the cylinder is painted with appropriate 

identification colours specified in IS:4379 for industrial cylinders and IS:3933 for medical 

cylinders. 

(2) Cylinders used for new gases and gas mixtures for which identification colours are not 

provided in sub-rule (1) shall be painted with the colours indicated in the following table, 

namely: - 

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Name of the gas contained in the Colour of the Colour of band at neck 

cylinder cylinder shell end of cylinder 

1 2 3 

Non-flammable and non-toxic 

White 

Non-flammable but toxic White Yellow (IS:5 shade 

No.356). 

Flammable but non-toxic other White Red (IS 5 Shade 

than the LPG 

No.537). 

Flammable and toxic White Red and Yellow (IS:5 

shade Nos.537 and 

356) 

Gas mixtures Major gas colour Minor gas colour with 

(not covered in IS:4379 or IS:3933) band width 

approximately 1/5 th of 

the cylinder length 

Explanation. - Cylinders intended for gas mixtures shall be marked with the words “Gas 

Mixture” or “Mixed Gas” and in addition, the cylinders shall be marked with the names 

(symbols, if necessary) of the components of the mixture by stamping, if the cylinders are 

intended for the permanent use of the particular gas mixture, or by painting, if the 

cylinders are intended for the casual use of the particular gas mixture. 

(3) No person shall in any way interfere with or change the colour painted on a gas 

cylinder: 

Provided that nothing in this sub-rule shall be deemed to prohibit the re-painting of a 

cylinder with the identification colour painted on it when it is required for the 

maintenance of the cylinder or when a cylinder is converted from one gas service to 

another gas service in accordance with these rules. 

9. Labelling of cylinders: – (1) Every cylinder shall be labeled with the name of the gas and the 

name and address of the person by whom the cylinder was filled with gas. 

(2) A warning in the following terms shall be attached to every cylinder containing 

permanent or liquefiable gas, namely: - 

“WARNING” 

Gas Cylinders, Rules, 2004 

(i) Do not change the colour of this cylinder. 

(ii) This cylinder should not be filled with any gas other than the one it now contains. 

(iii) No flammable material should be stored in the close vicinity of this cylinder or 

in the same room in which it is kept. 

(iv) No oil or similar lubricant should be used on the valves or other fittings of this 

cylinder. 

(v) Please look for the next date of test, which is marked on a metal ring inserted 

between the valve and the neck of the cylinder, and if this date is over, do not 

accept the cylinder for filling. 

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10. Restriction on delivery or despatch of cylinders:- (1) No person shall deliver or 

despatch any cylinder filled with any compressed gas to any other person in India who is 

not the holder of a licence to possess such compressed gas cylinders or his authorised 

agent unless he is exempted under these rules to possess such compressed gas cylinders 

without a licence. 

(2) The gas cylinders delivered or despatched by a person under sub-rule (1) shall be of the 

type for which he is licensed and shall not exceed the quantity which the person to whom 

it is delivered or despatched is authorised to possess under these rules. 

(3) Nothing in sub-rule (1) and (2) shall apply to the delivery or despatch of gas cylinders 

to the defence forces of the Union, port authorities or Railway administration. 

11. Repairing of seamless gas cylinders during use - No person shall repair or cause to 

repair any leakage in the body of a seamless gas cylinder. 

12. Repairing of welded or brazed cylinders: — (1) Welded or brazed cylinder showing 

leaks at any place other than the welded or brazed seams shall not be repaired and shall be 

rendered unserviceable. 

(2) In the case of cylinders having welded or brazed seam, repairing of minor defects, such as 

small weld cracks, pin holes, blow holes, undercuts in welding, leaks at the weld (shown in 

periodical hydrostatic test) may be allowed provideda) 

the defects have been removed by grinding, chipping, gouging or other approved 

methods; 

b) the repairing is carried out by a certified welder at the premises of a manufacturer of 

cylinders recognised by the Chief Controller under the supervision of a competent person 

by- 

(i) welding if the original seams were welded; 

(ii) brazing, if the original seams were brazed; 

c) the cylinder is properly heat-treated after the repairs; 

d) the welded or brazed seams of the cylinder are radiographed if the cylinder was 

originally required to be radiographed after its manufacture; 

e) after repairs and heat-treatment, the cylinder is subjected to the same pneumatic and 

hydrostatic test or hydrostatic stretch test as was done at the time of manufacture. 

(3) Welded or brazed cylinder, before repairing, shall be throughly cleaned and gas-freed or 

otherwise prepared for safely carrying out hot work and certified in writing, by a competent 

perosn, to have been so prepared. The certificate shall be preserved for a period of three 

months and produced to the Chief Controller on demand. 

(4) No person shall refill any cylinder which has been repaired under sub-rule (2) with any gas 

unless a full report on the repairs and test carried out on the cylinder, accompanied by the 

repairer’s certificate of testing are furnished to the Chief Controller and his permission is 

obtained for its refilling. 

(5) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2), no repairs shall be carried out to any 

dissolved acetylene gas cylinder showing leaks in its weld seam. 

13. Prohibition of employment of children and intoxicated persons.- No child under the 

age of eighteen years and no person who is in a state of intoxication shall be employed incharge 

of loading or unloading or transport of any compressed gas cylinder or in any 

premises licensed under these rules. 

14. Prohibition of smoking, fires, lights and dangerous substances: - (1) No person shall 

smoke and no fires, other than blow pipe flames for repairs, or no articles or such other 

substances of flammable nature or liable to spontaneous ignition or to cause or 

communicate fire or explosion shall be allowed at any time in proximity to a place where 

any cylinder for flammable gases is being filled, stored or handled. 

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(2) 

No person in or near any place where cylinders containing flammable gases are filled, 

stored or handled shall have in his possession any matches, fuses, mobile phones or any 

other appliances for producing ignition or explosion. 

15. General precautions. - (1) Cylinders together with their valves and other fittings and the 

identification colours under these rules shall always be maintained in good condition. 

(2) No oil or similar lubricant shall be used on any valves or other fittings of any cylinder. 

(3) Save as provided in Rules 12 and Clause B 2(1)(b) of Schedule IV, no cylinder shall be 

subjected to any heat treatment or exposed to a high temperature or to the Sun or stored 

with any other flammable or explosive material. 

(4) Every cylinder containing compressed gas shall have its valve securely closed so as to 

prevent leakage. Valves fitted to the cylinders containing Liquefied Petroleum Gas 

and highly toxic gases like Boron trifluoride, Carbon monoxide, Fluorine, Hydrogen 

chloride, Cyanogen chloride, Chlorine trifluoride, Hydrogen cynide, Hydrogen 

fluoride, Hydrogen sulphide, Methyl bromide, Nitrogen tetroxide, Chlorine, Ammonia 

or Sulphur dioxide shall be provided with security nut on the outlet to act as a 

secondary means of safeguard against leakage of gas. 

(5) If a leak in the valve cannot be rectified by tightening the gland nut or the spindle, the 

cylinder shall be removed to an open space where it is least dangerous to life and 

property and the filler shall be informed. In the case of LPG cylinder, the safety cap 

shall be fixed to arrest the leak and the cylinder shall be moved to an open space. 

16. 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 

gas under pressure in a cylinder is stored, handled or transported. 

(2) Every person storing compressed gas cylinders and every person in charge of or engaged 

in the storage, handling and transport of such gas cylinders, shall at all times- 

(a) comply with the provisions of these rules and the conditions of any licence relating 

thereto; 

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

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

17. Competent person to be incharge of operations - Every person holding or acting under 

a licence granted under these rules, shall, whenever cylinders are filled, loaded, unloaded, 

examined or tested, depute a competent and experienced person to be present and to 

conduct any of the said operations in accordance with provisions of these rules and the 

name, qualification and experience of such personnel deputed in each shift shall be 

furnished to the Chief Controller or Controller for considering filling permission round the 

clock. 

18. Handling and use: - (1) Cylinders shall be adequately supported during handling. 

(2) Conveyors, trolleys and cradles of adequate strength shall, as far as possible, be used 

when moving the cylinders. 

(3) The cylinders shall be handled carefully and not be allowed to fall upon one another or 

otherwise subjected to any undue shock. 

(4) Sliding, dropping or playing with cylinders is prohibited. 

(5) Liquefied petroleum gas cylinders and cylinders containing liquefiable gases shall always 

be kept in an upright position and shall be so placed that they cannot be knocked over. 

(6) Cylinders used in horizontal position shall be so secured that they cannot roll. 

(7) Open flames, lights, mobile phones, lighting of fires, welding and smoking shall be 

prohibited in close proximity to any cylinder containing flammable gases except those 

while in use for welding, cutting or heating. 

(8) Working places shall not be classified as storage places for the purpose of licensing. 

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19. Restrictions on filling: - (1) Welded cylinders shall not be used for filling any permanent 

or high pressure liquefiable gas or highly toxic gases like Boron trifluoride, Carbonyl 

chloride (Phosgene), Chlorine trifluoride, Cyanogen, Cyanogen chloride, Hydrogen cyanide, 

Hydrogen sulphide. 

(2) No cylinder, which has once been used for storage and transportation of coal gas, 

carbon monoxide or methane shall be used for filling with any other gas except mixture 

of these gases with inert gases. 

(3) No cylinder shall be filled with any gas that is capable of combining chemically so as to 

endanger its serviceability. 

20. Loading, unloading and transport of cylinders: - Cylinders filled with any compressed 

gas shall be transported duly complying with the provisions laid down in Schedule VI and 

also observing the relevant provisions of other statutes as applicable. 

21. Storage of cylinders: - (1) Cylinders shall be stored in a cool, dry, well ventilated place 

under cover, away from boilers, open flames, steam pipes or any potential sources of heat 

and such place of storage shall be easily accessible. 

(2) The storage room or shed shall be of fire resistant construction. 

(3) Thin wall cylinders such as liquefied petroleum gas cylinders and dissolved gas 

cylinders shall not be stacked in a horizontal position. 

(4) Cylinders containing flammable gases and toxic gases shall be kept separated from each 

other and from cylinders containing other types of gases by an adequate distance or by 

a suitable partition wall. 

(5) Cylinders shall not be stored under conditions, which will cause them to corrode. 

(6) Cylinders shall not be stored along with any combustible material. 

(7) Empty cylinders shall be segregated from the filled ones and care shall be taken that all 

the valves are tightly shut. 

22. Electrical installations -In premises for filling and storing flammable gases in cylinders all 

electric meters, distribution boards, switches, fuses, plugs and sockets, all electric fittings, 

fixed lamps, portable hand lamps and motors, shall be of flame proof construction 

conforming to IS:2148 or such other specification as approved by the Chief Controller and 

shall be effectively earthed. 

23. Purity of gas: - (1) Compressed gases shall be free from impurities, which are likely to 

corrode the metal of the cylinder or form an explosive substance with it or cause the gases 

to decompose or explode. 

(2) The gases shall be as dry as possible and in no instance shall the aqueous phase 

separate when a liquefied gas is cooled to 0 0 C. 

(3) Before filling any cylinder with gases like carbon monoxide, coal gas, hydrogen or 

methane, the gas shall be free from hydrogen sulphide and other sulphurous 

impurities as far as practicable. The moisture shall be less than 0.02 g/m 3 of gas at 

normal temperature and pressure. 

24. Cylinder subjected to the action of fire: - (1) (a) A cylinder exposed to fire shall not be 

used unless it has undergone proper examination and hydrostatic test or hydrostatic stretch 

test. 

(b) If deleterious structural changes in the material due to the action of heat of the fire 

is apprehended to have taken place, the cylinder shall have to be subjected to 

proper heat treatment, followed by hydrostatic test or hydrostatic stretch test, as the 

case may be, before the cylinder is taken into use. 

(2) Dissolved acetylene cylinders, which have been damaged by fire shall be condemned 

and destroyed by an experienced and competent person. 

25. Ownership of cylinder: - A cylinder shall not be filled with a compressed gas and 

transported unless it was charged by or with the written consent of the owner of the 

cylinder. 

11

26. Re-testing of cylinder: - A cylinder for which prescribed periodical re-test has become 

due shall not be charged and transported until such re-rest has been properly made. 

27. Owner’s record:-The owner of a cylinder shall keep for the life of each cylinder, a 

record containing the following information regarding each cylinder, namely:- 

(i) Cylinder manufacturer’s name and the rotation number; 

(ii) The specification number to which the cylinder is manufactured; 

(iii) Date of original hydrostatic test or hydrostatic stretch test; 

(iv) Cylinder manufacturer’s test and inspection certificates; 

(v) Number and date of letter of approval granted by the Chief Controller. 

28. Conversion of cylinders.- (1) Gas cylinders designed and approved for filling with a 

particular gas shall not be used for filling with any other gas unless specific approval is 

obtained from the Chief Controller except that :- 

(a) inert gases, oxygen and compressed air cylinders made to the same specification and 

design may be converted from one gas to another after fitting with appropriate 

valve and painting with appropriate identification colour without prior permission 

from Chief Controller, with approval of the cylinder owner. 

(b) proper records of such conversions shall be maintained by the gas filler for 

examination of Chief Controller or Controller as and when needed. 

(2) Any person desiring for conversion approval shall submit to Chief Controller the 

following: - 

(i) documentary evidence indicating that the cylinders have been purchased by him; 

(ii) an authenticated copy of letter permitting filling of the cylinders in the past; 

(iii) a statement in duplicate, showing manufacturer’s serial numbers of the cylinders 

in ascending order; 

(iv) a certificate to the effect that the cylinder(s) had not been converted to any other 

gas service in the past; 

(v) scrutiny fee as specified in Schedule V. 

12

CHAPTER III 

IMPORTATION OF CYLINDERS 

Part I 

GENERAL 

29. Licence for import of gas cylinders: — No person shall import any cylinder filled or 

intended to be filled with any compressed gas except under and in accordance with the 

conditions of a licence granted under these rules and the relevant provisions of Foreign 

Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. 

Part II 

IMPORTATION BY SEA 

30. Declaration by the master of ship or ship’s agent: — (1) The master of every ship 

carrying cylinders filled with compressed gas for importation into India, or the agent for 

such ship, shall give, the Conservator of the Port not less than 48 hours’ notice of its 

intended arrival at the port. 

(2) The master of evey ship carrying such cylinders shall deliver to the pilot, before 

entering any port, a written declaration under his signature in Form A: 

Provided that if the agent for such ship delivers to the Conservator of the port a 

written declaration referred to in sub-rule (1) under his signature, no such 

declaration shall be made by the master of the ship. 

(3) Every declaration delivered to a pilot under sub-rule (2) shall be made over by him 

without delay to the Conservator of the Port and all declarations received by the 

Conservator of the Port shall be forwarded by him, with all convenient despatch, to 

the Commissioner of Customs of the Port. 

31. Production of licence for import: — Every person desiring to import cylinders filled 

with any compressed gas or intended to be so filled shall produce personally or through 

his agent, before the Commissioner of Customs his licence for the import of such gas 

cylinders. 

32. Permission of the Commissioner of Customs: — (1) No imported cylinder shall be 

landed except with the permission of the Commissioner of Customs. 

(2) If the Commissioner of Customs is satisfied that the gas cylinders can lawfully be 

imported, he shall permit it to be landed. 

(3) Nothing in this rule shall affect the power of the Commissioner of Customs to detain 

the gas cylinders under any other law for the time being in force. 

Part III 

IMPORTATION BY LAND 

33. Importation by land.- No gas cylinder filled with any compressed gas, shall be imported 

by land save with the previous sanction in each case, of the Central Government and 

under such conditions and restrictions as it may impose. 

Part IV 

IMPORTATION BY AIR 

34. Importation by air.—No cylinder filled with any compressed gas shall be imported by 

air save with the previous sanction in each case of the Director General of Civil Aviation. 

13

CHAPTER IV 

EXAMINATION AND TESTING OF CYLINDERS 

35. Periodicity of examination and testing of cylinders: — (1) No person shall fill any 

cylinder with any compressed gas unless the cylinder has been examined and subjected to 

hydrostatic test or hydrostatic stretch test, as the case may be, and other tests set forth in 

Schedule IV within such period as is specified in IS:8868 issued by Bureau of Indian 

Standards or as approved in writing by the Chief Controller. 

(2) Any testing station desiring to obtain recognition for periodical testing and 

examination of cylinders shall provide the facilities set forth in Schedule IV and 

shall submit to Chief Controller the particulars of the facilities provided and scrutiny 

fee specified in Schedule ‘V’ 

36. Condemning of cylinders: — (1) Any cylinder which fails to pass periodic examination 

or test or which loses in its tare weight by over 5 per cent or which for any other defect is 

found to be unsafe for use or after expiry of the service life of the cylinder, shall not be 

filled with any compressed gas and shall be destroyed by flattening it as a whole or after 

being cut into pieces in such a manner that the pieces cannot again be joined together by 

welding or otherwise to form a cylinder, under intimation to the owner of the cylinder, as 

specified in IS:8198. 

Explanation: Service life of On-board CNG cylinders to be twenty years and Auto LPG 

containers made of low carbon steel to be fifteen years unless otherwise specified in the 

respective codes. 

(2) All markings on the cylinder shall be defaced before it is destroyed. 

(3) History sheets or records of such cylinders shall be closed and kept on record for a 

period of one year. Reports of the details of such closed history cards or records 

shall be sent to the Chief Controller, in writing, on the 1 st of January, April, July and 

October every year. 

(4) A cylinder, which has been used for the generation of any gas or for any purpose 

other than storage, transportation and use of compressed gas shall be deemed to have 

been condemned and unsuitable for such use as a cylinder within the meaning of 

these rules. 

CHAPTER V 

DISSOLVED ACETYLENE GAS CYLINDERS 

37. Additional requirements for dissolved acetylene gas cylinders— Dissolved acetylene 

gas cylinder shall comply with following additional provisions, namely:- 

(i) The porous substance shall fill as completely as possible the cylinder into which 

the acetylene is compressed. 

(ii) The porosity of the substance shall not exceed 92 per cent and in no case shall be 

less than 75 per cent. 

(iii) Any solvent used shall not be capable of chemical reaction with the acetylene gas 

or with the porous substance or with the metal of the cylinder. 

(iv) If acetone is used as a solvent it shall comply with the requirements of IS:170, 

the quantity of acetone including the gas in solution shall be such that the 

cylinder meets the requirements of additional tests specified in IS:7312. 

(v) The valves of the cylinders shall not contain more than 70 per cent copper in 

their composition. 

(vi) The pressure in the cylinder shall not exceed 16 kgf/cm 2 at a temperature of 

15 0 C. 

(vii) Every cylinder shall before being filled with porous mass be tested by hydrostatic 

pressure to a pressure of not less than 60 kgf/cm 2 . This pressure may be reduced 

to 53 kgf/cm 2 if the cylinder is fitted with fusible plug. No cylinder which shows 

a permanent stretch in excess of 7½ per cent of the total stretch suffered during 

hydrostatic stretch test shall be allowed. 

14

(viii) 

(ix) 

The safety relief devices if fitted, shall operate at a pressure of 53 kgf/cm 2 or at a 

temperature of 100 0 C + 4 0 C/–2 0 C. 

Every cylinder shall have permanently and conspicuously marked upon it or 

upon a brass plate soldered to it the name of the manufacturer and the words 

“Acetylene properly compressed into porous substance” and shall bear the 

following markings, namely:- 

(a) Serial number and identification of manufacturer; 

(b) Number of the standard; 

(c) Test pressure; 

(d) The date of hydrostatic stretch test with code mark of the place where the test 

was carried out; 

(e) Date of filling of porous mass; 

(f) Water capacity’; 

(g) A symbol to indicate the nature of heat treatment; 

(h) Identification of porous mass and porosity percentage; 

(i) Tare weight (inclusive of valve); 

(j) Inspector’s official mark; 

(k) Maximum gas capacity. 

38. Restriction on filling of disssolved acetylene in cylinders: —No person shall charge 

with acetylene any cylinder unless he is in possession of full particulars and the previous 

history of such cylinder and has otherwise assured himself that the cylinder complies 

with the requirements of these rules. 

39. Examination of dissolved acetylene cylinders before filling: —Whenever a cylinder is 

charged with acetylene, it shall be subjected to a thorough visual examination in 

accordance with IS:8433, if the history of the cylinder shows that it has not been 

subjected to such an examination within the previous two years and at the same time the 

valves shall be removed and the conditions of the porous substance at the neck of the 

cylinder ascertained: 

Provided that this period of periodical examination shall be one year in case the cylinders 

are filled with loose porous mass. 

40. Licence for compression of acetylene: —The compression of the acetylene gas into a 

cylinder shall be carried out only in such premises as are licensed by the Chief Controller 

or Controller. 

41. Record of dissolved acetylene cylinders: — (1) Each firm charging acetylene in 

cylinders shall keep a record of every cylinder charged by it and this record shall give the 

following information, namely: - 

a) for each charge, 

(i) the date of charging of the cylinder, 

(ii) the empty cylinder weight without gas, 

(iii) the weight of solvent charged before gas charging, 

(iv) full weight of the cylinder; 

b) the dates upon which solvent has been added; 

c) the dates upon which the cylinder has been thoroughly examined as provided in Rule 39, 

the results of each such examination and the name of the person carrying out such 

examination, and in the case of cylinders first issued by the firm, the tare weight of the 

cylinder including porous substance and acetone or other solvent, the nature of the 

solvent and the maximum pressure allowed in the cylinder. 

(2) The record shall be open for inspection of the Chief Controller or the Controller of 

Explosives. 

15

42. Labelling of dissolved acetylene cylinders. — A warning label attached to every 

dissolved acetylene cylinder shall, in addition to the particulars given in sub-rule (2) of 

Rule 9 bear the following additional particulars, namely: - 

(a) date of last filling of gas in the cylinder; 

(b) weight of gas filled; 

(c) full cylinder weight; 

(d) the name of the company filling the gas on the last date of the filling. 

CHAPTER VI 

FILLING AND POSSESSION 

43. Licence for filling and possession: — (1) No person shall fill any cylinder with 

compressed gas and no cylinder filled with compressed gas shall be possessed by anyone 

except under and in accordance with the conditions of a licence granted under these rules. 

(2) The licensee shall be responsible, for all operations connected with the filling and 

possession of cylinders in the licensed premises. 

44. No licence needed for filling and possession in certain cases: — Notwithstanding 

anything contained in Rule 43, no licence shall be necessary for - 

(a) possession of any cylinder filled with a compressed gas by a carrier or other person 

for the purpose of transport in accordance with the provisions of these rules; 

(b) possession of cylinders filled with - 

(i) liquified petroleum gas when the total quantity of gas does not exceed 100 kg at a 

time; 

(ii) any other flammable but non-toxic gas when the total number of cylinders 

containing such gas does not exceed 25 or the total weight of gas does not exceed 

200 kg., whichever is less, at a time; 

(iii) any non-flammable non-toxic gas when the total number of such cylinders does 

not exceed 200 at a time; 

(iv) any toxic gas when the total quantity of such cylinders does not exceed 5 at a 

time; 

(v) acetylene gas contained in cylinders in dissolved state when the total quantity of 

such cylinder does not exceed 50 at a time. 

45. Restriction on filling : — No person shall fill any cylinder with any compressed gas 

unless such a cylinder and its valve or other fittings - 

(a) are of approved type and standard as per rule 3 and has been specifically approved 

for filling by the Chief Controller, 

(b) have passed the examination and test specified in rule 35, 

(c) conform to the provisions of rules 4,5,6,7 and 8. 

46. Working pressure and filling ratios:— (1) The working or internal pressure in any 

cylinder charged with a permanent gas shall not exceed two-third of the test pressure. 

(2) Cylinders charged with liquefiable gases shall not be filled in excess of the filling 

ratios specified in IS:3710 for low pressure liquefiable gases and IS:8866 for high 

pressure liquefiable gases. 

47. Prior approval of specifications and plans of premises proposed to be licensed: — 

(1) Every person desiring to obtain a licence to fill and store any compressed gas in any 

cylinder shall submit to the Chief Controller or Controller authorised by Chief 

Controller- 

(a) specifications and plans drawn to scale in triplicate clearly indicating — 

(i) the manner in which the provisions prescribed in these rules will be complied with, 

(ii) the premises proposed to be licensed, the area of which shall be distinctly coloured 

or otherwise marked, 

16

(iii) the surrounding area lying within 100 metres of the edge of all facilities which are 

proposed to be licensed, 

(b) scrutiny fee as specified in Schedule V. 

(2) If the Chief Controller or Controller after scrutiny of the specifications and plans and 

after making such inquiries as considered necessary, satisfied that compressed gas will 

be filled and stored in the premises proposed to be licensed, according to the provisions 

of these rules, he shall return to the applicant one copy of each of the specifications and 

plans signed by him conveying his sanction subject to such conditions as may be 

specified. 

(3) Prior approval specified in sub-rules (1) and (2) is not mandatory for installation of 

non-toxic non-flammable gases and an applicant for such installation is at liberty to 

install the facilities in accordance with provisions of these rules without obtaining prior 

approval from Chief Controller or Controller. 

48. No Objection Certificate: – (1) An applicant for a new licence in Form ‘G’, for a CNG 

dispensing station shall apply to the District Magistrate with two copies of site plan 

showing the location of the premises proposed to be licensed under these rules for a 

certificate to the effect that there is no objection to the applicant’s receiving a licence for a 

CNG dispensing station at the site proposed, and the District Magistrate, if satisfied, shall 

grant no objection certificate to the applicant who shall forward it to the Chief Controller 

or Controller with his application. 

(2) Every certificate issued by the District Magistrate under sub-rule (1) above shall be 

accompanied by a copy of the plan of the proposed site duly endorsed by him under 

official seal. 

(3) The Chief Controller or Controller may refer an application not accompanied by a 

certificate granted under sub-rule (1) to the District Magistrate for his observation. 

(4) If the District Magistrate, either on a reference being made to him or otherwise, 

intimates to the Chief Controller or Controller that any licence which has been applied 

for should not, in his opinion, granted, such licence shall not be issued without the 

sanction of the Central Government. 

49. Application for licence:— A person wishing to obtain or renew a licence under these 

rules shall submit an application, in writing, to the Chief Controller or Controller 

(a) in Form ‘B’ for a licence prescribed in sub-rule (1) of rule 51 and 

(b) in Form ‘C’, for a licence prescribed in sub-rule (2) of rule 51. 

50. Grant of licence: — (1) A licence under these rules may be granted by the Chief 

Controller or Controller on payment of the fees specified in Schedule V. 

(2) A licence under sub-rule (1) shall be granted if the provisions of these rules are 

complied with by the applicant. 

(3) Every licence granted under these rules shall be subject to the conditions specified 

therein. 

51. Period for which licences may be granted or renewed: — (1) A licence in Form ‘D’ for 

the import of cylinders filled or intended to be filled with compressed gas may be granted 

for such period as the Chief Controller may deem necessary subject to a maximum of one 

year. 

(2) A licence in Form ‘E’, ‘F’ or ‘G’ for filling or storage of compressed gases granted or 

renewed under rules shall remain in force till the 30th day of September of the year up to 

which the licence is granted or renewed subject to a maximum of ten years. 

(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (2), the Chief Controller or Controller 

authorised by Chief Controller, where he is satisfied that a licence is required for a specific 

work which is not likely to last up to the 30 th day of September of the year up to which the 

licence is granted or renewed may grant or renew a licence for such a period as is 

necessary. 

17

52. Particulars of licence: — (1) Every licence granted under these rules shall be subject to the 

conditions specified therein and shall contain all the particulars, which are contained in the 

form specified under these rules. 

(2) One copy of the plan or plans for the licensed premises signed in token of approval by the 

Chief Controller or Controller shall be attached to the licence, which shall form part of such 

a licence, and an identical copy shall be filed for record in the office of the Chief Controller 

or Controller. 

53. Prior approval necessary for alteration in the licensed premises: — (1) No alteration 

shall be carried out in the licensed premises until the plan showing such alteration has been 

approved in writing by the Chief Controller or Controller authorised by Chief Controller. 

(2) A person wishing to carry out any alteration in the licensed premises shall submit to the 

Chief Controller or Controller — 

(a) three copies of a properly drawn plan to scale, of the licensed premises showing 

in distinct colours the proposed alterations and the reason therefor; 

(b) scrutiny fee as specified in Schedule V. 

(3) If the Chief Controller or Controller, after scrutiny of the plan showing the proposed 

alteration and after making such enquiries as he deems fit, is satisfied that the proposed 

alteration may be carried out, he shall return to the licensee one copy of the plan signed 

by him and conveying his sanction subject to such condition or conditions as may be 

specified. 

(4) The holder of the licence shall apply to the Chief Controller or Controller for the 

amendment of the licence as soon as the sanctioned alteration has been carried out. 

(5) No additions or alterations carried out in the licensed premises sanctioned by the Chief 

Controller or Controller shall be brought into use unless the licence is received by the 

licensee duly amended. 

54. Amendment of licence: - (1) Any licence granted under these rules may be amended by 

the Chief Controller or Controller authorised by the Chief Controller. 

(2) The fee for amendment of a licence shall be amendment fee plus the amount, if any, by 

which the fee that would have been payable if the licence had originally been issued in the 

amended form exceeds the fee originally paid for the licence. 

(3) A licensee who desires to have his licence amended shall submit to the Chief 

Controller or Controller — 

(i) 

an application duly filled in and signed in Form ‘B’ if the licence has been 

granted in Form ‘D’ and in Form ‘C’ if the licence has been granted in Form 

‘E’, ‘F’ or ‘G’; 

(ii) the licence sought to be amended together with the approved plans attached 

to it; 

(iii) where any alterations in the licensed premises have been carried out, three 

copies of the properly drawn plans showing the alterations sanctioned under 

rule 53 by the Chief Controller or Controller. 

(iv) fees for the amendment of the licence as specified in sub-rule(2). 

(4) The holder of a licence in form ‘E’, ‘F’ or ‘G’ may, at any time before the expiry of the 

licence, apply to the licensing authority to transfer the licence to another person and every 

application for such transfer of a licence shall be accompanied with - 

(i) 

a letter signed by the holder of the licence indicating the full name and postal 

address of the person to whom he wishes to transfer the licence and give complete 

possession of the licensed premises; 

(ii) the licence sought to be transferred together with the approved plan or plans 

attached to it; 

(iii) an application in Form ‘C’ duly filled and signed by the person to whom the 

licence is sought to be transferred; 

(iv) amendment fee as specified in Schedule V. 

18

55. Renewal of licence:— (1) A licence may be renewed by the Chief Controller or 

Controller. 

(2) Every licence granted in Form ‘E’ ’F’ and ‘G’ under these rules, may be renewed for 

a maximum period of ten years at a time where there has been no contravention of the 

provisions of the Act or any rules framed thereunder or of any condition of the 

licence so renewed. 

(3) Where a licence, which has been renewed for more than one year, is surrendered 

before its expiry, the renewal fee paid for the un-expired portion of the licence shall 

be refunded to the licensee provided that no refund of renewal fee shall be made for 

the year during which the Chief Controller or Controller receives the renewed licence 

for surrender. 

(4) Every application for the renewal of a licence shall be accompanied by the licence, 

which is to be renewed together with or without approved plans attached to the 

licence, and the renewal fee. 

(5) Every application for the renewal of a licence shall be made so as to reach the 

licensing authority on or before the date on which it expires and if the application is 

so made, the licence shall be deemed to be in force until such date as the Chief 

Controller or Controller renews the licence or until an intimation that the renewal of 

the licence is refused, has been communicated to the applicant. 

(6) Where the renewal of a licence is refused, the fee paid shall be refunded to the 

licensee after deducting therefrom the proportionate fee for the period beginning 

from the date from which the licence was to be renewed up to the date on which 

renewal thereof is refused. 

(7) The same fee shall be charged for the renewal of a licence for every twelve months 

for the grant of such renewal: 

Provided that- 

(a) if the application with accompaniments required under sub-rule (4) is not received 

within the time specified in sub-rule (5) but received not later than three months 

the licence shall be renewed only on payment of a fee amounting to twice the fee 

ordinarily payable; 

(b) if such an application with accompaniments is received by the Chief Controller or 

Controller after three months from the date of expiry but not later than one year 

from the date of expiry, the licence may, without prejudice to any other action 

that may be taken in this behalf, be renewed on payment of late fee at the rate of 

one year licence fee for every delay of three months or part thereof: 

Provided further that in the case of an application for the renewal of a licence for a 

period of more than one year at a time, the fee prescribed under the first proviso, if 

payable shall be paid only for the first year of renewal. 

(8) No licence shall be renewed if the application for renewal is received by the Chief 

Controller or Controller after one year of the date of its expiry. 

56. Refusal of licence. —The Chief Controller or Controller refusing to grant, amend, renew 

or transfer a licence, shall communicate the reasons thereof to the applicant. 

57. Suspension and cancellation of licence: - (1) Every licence granted under these rules 

shall be liable to be suspended or cancelled by an order of the licensing authority for any 

contravention of the provisions of the Act or rules framed thereunder or of any condition 

contained in such licence, or by an order of the Central Government, if at any time the 

continuance of the licence in the hands of the licensee is deemed objectionable: 

Provided that— 

(a) before suspending or canceling a licence under this rule, the holder of the licence 

shall be given an opportunity of being heard; 

(b) the maximum period of suspension shall not exceed three months; and 

19

(c) the suspension of a licence shall not debar the holder of the licence from applying for 

its renewal in accordance with the provisions of rule 55. 

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-rule (1) an opportunity of being heard 

may not be given to the holder of a licence before his licence is suspended or 

cancelled in cases- 

(a) where the licence is suspended by the licensing authority as an interim measure 

for violation of any of the provisions of the Act or these rules, or of any 

condition contained in such licence or in his opinion such violation is likely to 

cause imminent danger to the public: 

Provided that where a licence is so suspended, the licensing authority shall give 

the holder of the licence an opportunity of being heard before the order of 

suspension is confirmed; 

(b) where the licence is suspended or cancelled by the Central Government, if the 

Government considers that in the public interest or in the interest of the security 

of the State such opportunity should not be given. 

(3) The Chief Controller or Controller or the Central Government suspending or 

cancelling a licence under sub-rule (1), shall communicate the reasons thereof to the 

applicant except when the licence is suspended under sub-rule (2). 

58. Procedure on expiration, suspension or cancellation of licence:— A person licensed 

to fill or store compressed gas shall, on the expiration, suspension or cancellation of such 

licence, forthwith give notice to the Chief Controller or Controller of the nature and 

quantity of compressed gas in his possession and shall comply with the directions which 

the Chief Controller or Controller may give in regard to its disposal. 

59. Appeal: - (1) An appeal shall lie with the Central Government against any order passed 

by the Chief Controller refusing to grant, amend or renew a licence or cancelling or 

suspending a licence and to the Chief Controller against any order passed by the 

Controller 

(2) Every appeal shall be in writing and shall be accompanied by a copy of the order 

appealed against and shall be presented within sixty days of the order passed. 

60. Procedure on death or disability of licensee. — If a licensee dies or becomes insolvent 

or mentally incapable or is otherwise disabled, the person carrying on the business or legal 

heir of such licensee shall not be liable to any penalty or confiscation under the Act or 

these rules for exercising the powers granted to the licensee during such time as may 

reasonably be required to allow him to make an application for a new licence or transfer of 

the existing licence in his own name: 

Provided that nothing in this rule shall be deemed to authorise the exercise of any power 

under this rule by any person after the expiry of the period of the licence. 

61. Loss of licence. — Where a licence granted under these rules is lost or accidentally 

destroyed, a duplicate copy of the licence may be granted on submission of a copy of the 

plan or plans identical with those attached to the licence and on payment of a fee as 

specified in Schedule V. 

62. Production of licence on demand: — (1) Every person holding or acting under a 

licence granted under these rules shall produce it, or an authenticated copy of it, at the 

place to which the licence applies, when called upon to do so by any of the officers 

specified in rule 71. 

(2) Copies of any licence may, for the purposes of this rule, be authenticated by the 

authority, which granted the licence — 

(a) on payment of a fee as specified in Schedule V for each authenticated copy; and 

(b) on the submission of a copy of the plan identical with the approved plan attached 

to the licence. 

20

63. Procedure on reports of infringement: — The District Authority shall inform the Chief 

Controller or Controller of the action taken by him on any reports of infringement of the 

Act or of these rules, which the Chief Controller or Controller may make to him. 

64. Executive control over authorities: — Every authority, other than the Central 

Government, acting under this Chapter shall perform its duties subject to the control of 

the Central Government: 

Provided that nothing in these rules shall be deemed to affect the powers of executive 

control of the Chief Controller over the officers subordinate to him. 

65. Licence fee and other than licence fee: - (1) Licence fee and fees other than licence fee 

are specified in Schedule ‘V’. The fees are liable to be revised from time to time by an 

order issued by the Central Government. 

(2) All fees payable under these rules shall be paid through crossed demand draft drawn 

on any Bank in favour of the Chief Controller of Explosives or Controller of Explosives 

or Department of Explosives payable at respective places as the case may be. 

CHAPTER VII 

66. Power to exempt: — If the Chief Controller is satisfied that in respect of any cylinder or 

any mode of conveyance, any of the requirements of these rules may be safely suspended 

or modified, he may, by written order, authorise such suspension or modification for such 

period and under such condition as he may think fit and such order may be revoked at 

any time. 

CHAPTER VIII 

ACCIDENTS AND INQUIRIES 

67. Notice of accidents: — (1) The notice of an accident required to be given under subsection 

(1) of section 8 of the Act shall be given forthwith — 

(a) to the Chief Controller or Controller under whose jurisdiction the area falls by 

Fax, E-mail or telegram (Telegraphic Address – Explosives, Nagpur, E-mail 

explosives@explosives.gov.in) followed by a letter giving particulars of the 

occurrence within 24 hours; 

(b) to the District Magistrate concerned and 

(c) to the officer-in-charge of the nearest Police Station by the quickest route. 

(2) Pending the visit of the Chief Controller or Controller or until instruction is received 

from the Chief Controller or Controller that he does not wish to make any further 

investigation or inquiry, all wreckage and debris shall be left untouched except 

insofar as its removal may be necessary for the rescue of the persons injured and 

recovery of the bodies of any persons killed by the accident or in the case of railway 

or road for the restoration of through communication or traffic. 

68. Inquiry into accidents: — (1) Whenever a District Magistrate or a Commissioner of 

Police or a Magistrate subordinate to a District Magistrate (hereinafter in this rule 

referred to as the Magistrate) holds an inquiry under sub-section (1) of section 9 of the 

Act, he shall adjourn such an inquiry unless the Chief Controller or Controller or an 

officer nominated by him is present to watch the proceedings or the Magistrate has 

received written information from the Chief Controller or Controller that he does not 

wish to send a representative. 

(2) The Magistrate shall, at least fourteen days before holding an adjourned inquiry, send 

to the Chief Controller or Controller notice in writing of the time and place of 

holding the adjourned inquiry. 

21

(3) Where an accident has been attended with loss of human life, the Magistrate, may 

before the inquiry is adjourned under sub-rule (1) take evidence to identify the bodies 

and may order the internment thereof. 

(4) The Chief Controller or Controller or his representative shall be at liberty at any such 

inquiry to examine any witness. 

(5) Where evidence is given at an enquiry of any neglect as having caused or contributed 

to the explosion or accident or of any defect in or about or in connection with any 

installation or any vehicle appearing to the Magistrate to require a remedy and the 

Chief Controller or Controller or the officer nominated by him is not present at the 

enquiry, the Magistrate shall send to the Chief Controller notice in writing of the 

neglect or defect. 

69. Inquiry into more serious accidents: — (1) Whenever an inquiry is held under section 

9A of the Act, the person holding such inquiry shall hold the same in open court in such 

manner and under such conditions as they may think most effectual for ascertaining the 

causes and circumstances of the accident, and enabling them to make the report under this 

rule: 

Provided that where the Central Government so directs, the inquiry may be held in 

camera. 

(2) Persons attending as witnesses before the enquiry court shall be allowed such 

expenses as would be allowed to witnesses for attending before a Civil Court 

subordinate to the High Court having jurisdiction in the place where the inquiry is 

held and in case of any dispute as to the amount to be allowed, the question shall be 

referred to the local Magistrate, who, on a request made by the enquiry officer, shall 

ascertain and certify the proper amount of such expenses. 

(3) All expenses incurred in or about an inquiry or investigation under sub-rule (2) of rule 

69 shall be deemed to be part of the expenses of the Department of Explosives in 

executing the provisions of the Act. 

CHAPTER IX 

POWERS 

70. Dangerous practices: - (1) If in any matter which is not provided for by any express 

provision of, or condition of a licence granted under these rules, the Controller finds any 

compressed gas filling station or a storage place, where a cylinder is being filled or 

possessed, or any part thereof or anything or practice therein or connected therewith or 

with the handling or transport of compressed gas cylinders, dangerous or defective, so as, 

in his opinion, to tend to endanger the public safety or the bodily safety of any person, 

such Controller may by an order in writing require the occupier of such filling station or 

storage place or the owner of the cylinder to remedy the same within such time as may be 

specified in the order, and the said occupier shall carry out the orders within the specified 

time. 

(2) Where the occupier or owner objects to an order made under sub-rule (1), he may 

appeal to the Chief Controller within the time specified in the order for compliance 

with it. 

(3) Every appeal preferred under sub-rule (2) shall be in writing and shall be 

accompanied by a copy of the order appealed against and shall be made within a 

period of thirty days from the date of the order appealed against. 

(4) If the occupier or owner fails to comply with an order made under sub-rule (1) within 

the time specified in it or, where an appeal is preferred under sub-rule (2), fails to 

comply with the order of the Chief Controller thereon within the time fixed in such 

order, he shall be deemed to have committed a breach of this rule. 

71. Powers of inspection, search, seizure, detention and removal: — (1) Any of the 

officers, specified in the first column of the Table below may exercise the powers 

22

specified in sub-section (1) of section 7 of the Act in the area specified in the 

corresponding entry in the second column of that Table. 

TABLE 

Officers 

1.The Chief Controller or Controller 

2.All District Magistrate 

3.All Magistrates subordinate to the District Magistrate 

4.The Commissioner of Police and all Police Officer of 

rank not below that of an Inspector 

5.All Police Officer of rank not below that of 

Sub-Inspector 

Area 

The whole of India 

Their respective Districts. 

Their respective jurisdiction. 

In Presidency town or their suburbs 

The respective area over which 

their authority extends: 

Provided that the powers of removal and destruction under clause (d) of sub-section (1) 

of section 7 of the Act shall not be exercised by any Magistrate or Police Officer except under 

and in accordance with the instructions of the Chief Controller or Controller. 

(2) Every facility shall be afforded to the officer specified in sub-rule (1) to ascertain that these 

rules are being duly observed. 

72. Protection of action taken in good faith: - (1) No suit, prosecution or other legal 

proceeding shall lie against the Central Government or Chief Controller or Controller for 

anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of these rules. 

(2) No suit or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Central Government or Chief 

Controller or Controller for any damage caused or likely to be caused by anything 

which is in good faith done or intended to be done in pursuance of these rules. 

73. Repeal and Savings: - (1) The Gas Cylinder Rules, 1981 is hereby repealed. 

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal – 

(a) all licences granted or renewed under the said rules and all fees imposed or levied 

shall be deemed to have been granted, renewed or imposed or levied, as the case 

may be under the corresponding provisions of these rules, and 

(b) all approvals given and all powers conferred by or under any notification or rule 

shall, so far as they are consistent with the Act and these rules, be deemed to have 

been given or conferred by or under these rules. 

23

SCHEDULE I 

(See rule 3(1)) 

TYPES AND STANDARDS OF CYLINDERS AND VALVES 

A. CYLINDERS AND CONTAINERS 

3. INDIAN ORIGIN- 

(a) Cylinders 

Welded low carbon steel cylinders for low pressure liquefiable gases manufactured to 

IS:3196 Part 1, Part 2 & Part 4, IS:7142, auto LPG containers to IS:14899, DA cylinders 

to IS:7312 certified by Bureau of Indian Standards. 

Seamless steel cylinders manufactured to IS:7285 by M/s. Bharat Pumps & Compressors 

Limited, Naini, Allahabad, M/s. Everest Kanto Cylinders Limited, 

Mumbai/(manufacturing unit at Tarapur and Aurangabad, Maharashtra) and M/s .Maruti 

Koatsu Cylinders Limited, Halol, Gujarat certified by BIS or any other inspection 

authority approved by Chief Controller 

(b) Containers 

Tonne containers manufactured to BS:1500, ASME Section VIII Division 1, IS:2825 by 

M/s. Asco Industrial Corporation, New Delhi, M/s. Indian Sugar and General Engg. 

Corporation, Yamunagar, M/s. Anup Engineering Ltd., Ahmedabad, M/s. Kosan Metal 

Products Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, M/s. Meenakshi Associated Pvt. Ltd., Surajpur Dist. 

Ghaziabadd, M/s. Titanium Equipment and Anode Manufacturing Co. Ltd., Chennai, 

M/s. Expo Gas Containers Ltd., Mumbai and certified by an inspection authority 

approved by Chief Controller 

2. AUSTRIAN ORIGIN 

(a) Cylinders conforming to BS:5045:Part I:1982 for Halon-130I and FM 200 gas 

service as per approved drawings manufactured by M/s. Worthington Heiser 

Cylinders Gmbh, Austria – Inspected and certified by Bureau Veritas. 

(b) 

(c) 

Cylinders conforming to BS:5045:PartI:1982 for permanent and liquefiable gases as 

per approved drawings, manufactured by M/s. Worthington Heiser Cylinders Gmbh, 

Austria-inspected and certified by Bureau Veritas. 

Seamless steel cylinders for CNG gas on-board service to NZS:5454-1989 

specification, having working pressure 200 Bar and test pressure 335 Bar 

manufactured by M/s. Worthington Cylinders GmbH, Austria certified by M/s. 

Bureau Veritas as per approved drawings. 

3. ARGENTINA ORIGIN 

Seamless steel cylinders for CNG gas on-board service to NZS:5454-1989 having 

working pressure 200 Bar and test pressure 335 Bar manufactured by M/s. Argentoil 

S.A., Argentina certified by M/s. Bureau Veritas as per approved drawing 

4. CHINESE ORIGIN 

Seamless steel cylinders for high pressure gas cylinders conforming to IS:7285 

specification manufactured by M/s. Beijing Tianhai Industry Co. Ltd., Beijing, China - 

inspected and certified by Boiler & Pressure Container Safety Supervisory Bureau of 

Labour Department R.C.C. as per approved drawings. 

24

5. ITALIAN ORIGIN 

(a) Seamless steel cylinders for permanent gases (Air/Oxygen) conforming to 

BS:5045:Part I:1982 manufactured by M/s. Faber Industries S.P.A., Italy – inspected 

and certified by Lloyd’s as per approved drawings. 

(b) Seamless steel cylinders for compressed and liquefiable gases conforming to 

DOT:3AA specification having water capacity 80.0 ltrs. & 120 ltrs. working pressure 

79 Bar and test pressure 132 Bar, manufactured by M/s. Faber Industrie S.P.A., Italyinspected 

and certified by M/s. Lloyd’s as per approved drawings. 

(c) Seamless steel cylinders for CNG gas on-board service to NZS:5454-1989 having 

working pressure 200 Bar and test pressure 335 Bar manufactured by M/s. Faber 

Industries, S.p.a., Italy, certified by M/s. Lloyd’s as per approved drawings. 

6. SPAIN ORIGIN 

Seamless steel cylinders for FM-200 gas service conforming to BS:5045 Part 1 

manufactured by M/s. Productos Tubulares, s.a., inspected and certified by M/s. Lloyd’s, 

as per approved drawings. 

7. JAPAN ORIGIN 

Steel cylinders manufactured by M/s Showa Koatsu Kogyo Co. Ltd.— inspected and 

certified by Company’s own Inspector or KHK or Lloyd’ or Bureau Veritas conforming 

to specifications DOT:3AA:1800 and above, JIS;B:8241 relating to Manganess Steel for 

permanent gases and DOT:3A/DOT:3AA for liquefiable gases as per approved drawings. 

8. POLISH ORIGIN 

Auto LPG containers manufactured by M/s Stako, Poland made to ECE-R-67-01 

specification, inspected and certified by Institute of Transport Technical Supervision as 

per approved drawings. 

9. U.K. ORIGIN 

(a) 

(b) 

(c) 

(d) 

Aluminium alloy cylinders conforming to BS:5045:Pt. 3 or EN equivalent 

specification manufactured by M/s. Luxfur gas Cylinders, UK – inspected and 

certified by Lloyd’s or British Inspecting Engineers Ltd. as per approved drawings. 

Seamless steel cylinders for permanent and Liquefiable gases conforming to 

BS:5045:Part I manufactured by M/s. UEF Chesterfield Cylinders, UK – inspected 

and certified by Lloyd’s or Bureau Veritas or British Inspecting Engineering Ltd., or 

any other appropriate authority as per approved drawings. 

Seamless steel cylinders for permanent and liquefiable gases conforming to DOT:3T 

specification manufactured by UEF Chesterfield Cylinders UD – inspected and 

certified by British Inspecting Engineers Ltd., as per approved drawings. 

Seamless steel cylinders for FM-200 gas service conforming to DOT:4BA:500 

specification manufactured by M/s. Fike Protection & Systems, U.K., having water 

capacity 650 pounds, filling ratio 1.04 super pressurised with Nitrogen at 19.72 Bar 

as per approved drawing. 

(e) Seamless steel cylinders for CNG gas on-board service to BS:5045-1982 Part 1 

having working pressure 200 Bar and test pressure 344 Bar manufactured by M/s. 

UEF Chesterfield Cylinder, Derbyshire, UK certified by M/s. British Inspection 

Engineers Limited as per approved drawings. 

25

10. USA Origin 

(a) Steel cylinders – inspected and certified by appropriate authority, conforming to 

specifications DOT:3A/3AA for permanent and liquefiable gases manufactured by 

(1) M/s. Norris Cylinder Co., (2) M/s. Taylor Wharton Co., (3) M/s. Worthington 

Cylinder Co., (4) M/s. Norristi Industries, (5) M/s. Harris Burg Steel Co. and (6) 

M/s. Pressed Steel Tank Co., as per approved drawings. 

(b) Aluminium alloy cylinders conforming to DOT:3AL Specification manufactured by 

M/s. Luxfer Gas Cylinders, USA - inspected and certified by authorised Testing Inc. 

or Arrowhead Inc. as per approved drawings. 

11. GERMAN ORIGIN 

Seamless steel cylinders for permanent and liquefiable gas service conforming to 

BIS:5045/1/CM/S & DOT:3AA manufactured by M/s. Mannesmann Cylinders Systems 

Gmbh, Germany – inspected and certified by Lloyd’s or TUV or any other authority as 


B. VALVES 

1. Indian origin 

LPG valves and regulators manufactured to IS:8776, IS:8737, IS:9798, multi function 

valve to IS:15100, valves in respect of medical gas cylinder to IS:3745 and valves in 

respect of cylinders used with breathing apparatus to IS:7302, certified by Bureau of 

Indian Standards and approved by the Chief Controller. 

Valves in respect of industrial gas cylinder including CNG manufactured to IS:3224 and 

certified by BIS or an inspection agency approved by Chief Controller. 

2. Italian origin 

CNG valve Model 119, 198/1, 120, VAL-B-305, VAL-B-323, VAL-B-315 manufactured 

by M/s. EMER S.r.l., Italy inspected and certified by Bureau Veritas. 

Multi function valve Model MULTIVALVOLA BRC EUROPA manufactured by M/s. 

M.T.M. s.r.l., Italy, Model No. EMER s.r.l. tipo E-67-01, EMER LANDI RENZO 

manufactured by Emer, s.r.l., Italy, Model MV-305 manufactured by M/s. Lovato S.p.a., 

Italy. Model OMVL, Tomesetto Achile, Borel GPL Grenoble, G.M.S. manufactured by 

M/s. Tomasetto Achile, Italy to specification ECE-R-67-01 with set pressure 2.2 MPa as 


Note : “approved” means approved by Chief Controller 

26

SCHEDULE II 

[See rule 3(2)] 

(A) 

The test and inspection certificates to be obtained from the Inspecting Authority in 

respect of cylinders manufactured in accordance with the approved design and 

specification or Code shall include the following particulars, namely:-- 

1. Place and date of inspection. 

2. Gas cylinders for ……………………………………. gas 

3. Manufactured by ……………………………………. 

4. Location at …………………………………………. 

5. Manufactured for …………………………………… 

6. Location for ………………………………………… 

7. Quantity …………………………………………….. 

8. Serial Nos. from… …………………to……………………………inclusive 

9. Specification to which the cylinders are manufactured………………………. 

10. Size……mm. Outside diameter mm ……………………………………long 

11. Minimum wall thickness …………………………………… 

12. Neck end threading as per ……………………………………specification. 

13. Process of manufacture (whether spun type, or billet pierced or welded). 

14. Method of heat treatment …………………………………………………….. 

15. Design working pressure in kg/cm 2 at 15 0 C or 65 0 C as the case may be 

16. Hydrostatic test/hydrostatic stretch test pressure in kg/cm 2 . 

17. Record of Hydrostatic test/Hydrostatic stretch test with date of test, in respect of each 

cylinder …………………………………………………………………………. 

18. Pneumatic test pressure in kg/cm 2 ……………………………………………… 

19. Result of pneumatic test ………………………………………………………… 

20. Tare weight and water capacity of each cylinder ………………………………… 

21. Record of chemical analysis and physical properties of the steel used in the 

manufacture of cylinders …………………………………………………………. 

22. Manufacturer’s identification marks ……………………………………………… 

23. Inspector’s mark ………………………………………………………………….. 

24. Markings stamped on the shoulder of the cylinders ……………………………….. 

25. Dated signature with stamp of the inspecting authority …………………………… 

(B) 

The test and inspection certificates to be obtained from the Inspecting Authority in 

respect of valves manufactured in accordance with the approved design and specification 

or Code shall include the following particulars, namely: - 

1. Manufactured by ………………………………… 

2. Location at ………………………………………. 

3. Manufactured for ………………………………… 

4. Location at………………………………………… 

5. Quantity …………………………………………… 

6. Specification ………………………………………. 

7. Results of inspection 

(a) Valve inlet connection ………………………… 

(b) Valve outlet connection ……………………….. 

(c) Valve outlet number …………………………… 

(d) Hydraulic Pressure Test ………………………. 

(e) Pneumatic Proof Test …………………………. 

(f) Tensile strength ……………………………….. 

(g) Elongation per cent ……………………………. 

(h) Impact strength ………………………………… 

27

(i) Quantity offered for inspection ………………… 

(j) Quantity passed ………………………………… 

(k) Quantity rejected and reasons for rejection ……….. 

8. Date and signature with stamp of the inspecting authority ……………….. 

28

SCHEDULE III 


Particulars to be submitted by person desiring to fabricate cylinder, valves and other 

fittings. 

1. Applicant’s name and full address with telephone No(s). and E-mail address 

2. Whether the applicant has manufactured any pressure vessel/cylinder/container/valve, if 

yes— 

(i) Date from which such container/valves were manufactured. 

(ii) For whom the container/valves were fabricated and their approximate numbers. 

(iii) Details of the containers/valves manufactured. 

3. Specification/Codes proposed to be adopted for the manufacture of 

cylinders/containers/valves. 

4. Organisational set up of the applicant with specific reference to qualifications and 

experience of the personnel engaged in the manufacture of cylinders/containers/valves. 

5. Organisational set up of the inspecting personnel engaged by the applicant. 

6. Process of manufacture of cylinders/containers/valves, beginning with raw material and 

ending with the finished cylinders/containers/valves. 

7. Quality control checks/tests carried out at each stage of manufacture of 

cylinders/containers/valves. 

8. (i) Details of the equipment installed for chemical analysis and mechanical tests. 

(ii) Details of templates/gauges provided to check/test. 

(iii) Steps taken to check the accuracy of testing and checking equipment and frequency 

of such checking. 

9. Equipment available for carrying out non-destructive examination such as Gama Ray/Xray 

equipment, viewer, etc. for radiographic examination, ultrasonic flaw detector, 

equipments for dye penetration and magnetic particle tests, etc. 

10. List of machinery provided for manufacturing cylinders/containers/valves. 

11. Name and address of the independent inspecting authority. 

12. Records and certificates of tests: 

(i) Proforma of records for various tests carried out by the inspecting and certifying 

organisation, and 

(ii) Proforma of test and inspection certificate issued by the independent inspecting 

authority. 

13. Whether the manufacturing unit has been certified under ISO or equivalent certification, 

(if so, documentary evidence thereof to be attached) 

14. List of relevant codes, specifications and technical literature available. 

Date : 

Place : 

Signature----- 

Name and designation 

29

SCHEDULE IV 

[See rule 35] 

A. FACILITIES REQUIRED FOR CYLINDER TESTING STATIONS 

1. Management: 

1.1 General Requirements. —Personnel, equipments, inspection procedures, recording and 

organisation shall be adequate and the test station will be operated with safe operating 

conditions. The procedures and testing shall ensure that cylinders, which fail to meet the 

requirements and intent of these rules, are not returned into normal service. All personnel 

shall fully recognise their individual responsibilities and that the minimum inspectional 

requirement shall not be lowered for any reason whatsoever. 

Note:-- The area of responsibility shall be divided into three separate function as 

indicated below. The numbers of personnel employed shall, however, be related to the 

quantum of work. 

1.2 Manager.—The manager responsible for the working of the test station shall be properly 

qualified; his qualifications shall include training on the dangers associated with gas 

cylinders, purpose of inspection, test methods, equipment, test requirements, and 

recording of test results, and he shall have appropriate technical qualification in 

Mechanical or Chemical Engineering. He shall also be conversant with the Codes, 

Specifications and /or Regulations applying to the cylinders for which the test station is 

approved. 

1.3 Supervisor.—The Supervisor shall possess the following qualifications, namely— 

(i) have at least two years’ experience in the examination of gas cylinder; 

(ii) 

(iii) 

be at least 21 years of age; 

be conversant with these rules, Codes, Specifications and/or Regulations 

applying to the cylinders for which the test station is approved. 

1.4 Operator.—Personnel conducting inspections and tests shall have qualifications and 

experience suitable for the work on which they are engaged. They shall be trained to 

understand the dangers associated with gas cylinders and the purpose and method of 

inspection. 

2. Equipment: 

2.1 Type of equipment. -- The test station shall have adequate equipment to carry out 

inspection and testing of cylinders as required under these rules. It shall contain— 

(i) One set of these rules, Codes, Specifications and/or Regulations applying to the 

cylinders, which the test station is authorised to test. All these rules, Codes, 

Specifications and/or Regulations shall be maintained with all current 

amendments. 

(ii) Hydrostatic test apparatus comprising pressurizing equipment, pressure gauge 

and volumetric measuring equipment in accordance with IS:5844-Hydrostatic 

stretch testing of compressed gas cylinders. The apparatus shall be equipped 

with at least two 15cm diameter (minimum) working pressure gauges. 

(iii) Non-destructive testing facilities like ultrasonic flaw detection, acoustic emission 

techniques, etc. for detection of stress corrosion cracks developed during the 

service. 

(iv) Dead-weight pressure gauge tester of appropriate pressure range or a master 

pressure gauge of 15cm minimum diameter covering the appropriate pressure 

range. 

(v) Boroscope, extra-low voltage lamps to permit adequate internal viewing of 

cylinders and other lamps necessary for close examination of external surfaces. 

(vi) Straightedges, templates, miscellaneous tool and gauges for measurement. 

(vii) Weighing equipment, where applicable. 

30

(viii) One set of standard test weights for the weighing machine, stamped by the 

relevant statutory authority. 

(ix) Adequate cylinder handling equipment. 

(x) Adequate cylinder draining equipment. 

(xi) Facilities for internal drying of cylinders. 

(xii) Marking and stamping equipment. 

2.2 Accuracy. —The accuracy of equipment shall be as follows: - 

(i) Hydrostatic test apparatus in accordance with IS:5844. Volumetric equipment 

shall be capable of measuring a permanent change in volume of the cylinder 

under test of the order of 1/20,000 of its total capacity. 

(ii) Weighting equipment error not greater than +0.1 per cent. 

(iii) Working pressure gauge error not greater than 1 per cent of the pressure. 

(iv) Master pressure gauge error not greater than 0.25 per cent of the full-scale 

deflection. 

2.3 Calibration. —Calibration of equipment shall be carried out at periods not exceeding the 

following— 

(i) Working pressure gauge -1 month. 

(ii) Master pressure gauge- 6 months. 

(iii) Weighing equipment-checked by test weight daily when in service. 

(iv) Test weights – 2 years. 

3. Working conditions. -Working conditions for the test stations shall be conducive to 

accurate and safe inspection and testing of gas cylinders. The test station shall comply 

with the following conditions:- 

(i) It shall have good lighting to permit ready external examination of gas cylinders, 

preferably including natural lighting. 

(ii) It shall have adequate ventilation to remove residual gases from cylinders. 

(iii) It shall provide sufficient space to permit safe working. 

(iv) It shall be maintained in a clean dry condition. 

4. Quality management system. - The quality management system of a cylinder testing 

station for seamless steel/composite cylinder shall be got duly certified under ISO 

Standards from Bureau of Indian Standards or any other internationally reputed agency. 

B. Testing of cylinders 

1. Condition of cylinders for test.- Cylinders forwarded to the test station for testing shall 

have first been emptied of their contents and then labelled as ‘empty’. Irrespective of this label 

all cylinders other than cylinders at the manufacturers works shall be presumed to contain gas 

under pressure and the following precautions shall accordingly be observed: 

(i) 

(ii) 

The cylinder contents shall be released in a safe manner keeping in mind dangers 

associated with the nature of the gas in the cylinder. Cylinders, which contain or 

may have been contaminated by poisonous or obnoxious substances shall be 

emptied only by test stations properly equipped and experienced to handle the 

particular gas/substance. Such cylinders shall be clearly labelled that they have 

been contaminated. 

The valve shall be opened and if no gas escapes and the port is not visibly 

blocked, a charge of low-pressure nitrogen or other inert gas shall be blown into 

the valve outlet. Discharge of gas after removal of the nitrogen supply indicated 

the cylinder is empty. When no gas discharges the valves shall be treated as 

“obstructed”. Where a cylinder has contained poisonous or obnoxious 

substances, and the valve is suspected of being obstructed, the gas shall be 

released within an approved appliance and the valves shall be removed in such a 

manner that the gas escapes without danger to the operator. 

31

(iii) 

Should the valve be obstructed the contents of the cylinder shall be released in 

safe manner as stated in (i) above. Work on cylinders containing combustible 

gases shall be carried out in the open air. 

Note:- A suitable method of dealing with a valve in which the spindle cannot be removed 

is to drill a 1/16 th in (1.6 mm) diameter hole with a hand drill through the valve body to 

the gas passage below the spindle seating. Alternatively, a fine-tooth hacksaw may be 

used. Drilling or sawing must be stopped immediately upon the first sign of escaping 

gas. A continuous jet of water must be directed on to the cutting tools and the operator 

must wear protective clothing. 

2. Inspection of cylinders before carrying out hydrostatic/hydrostatic stretch test — 

(1) Prior to carrying out hydrostatic/hydrostatic stretch test, every cylinder shall be 

thoroughly cleaned by steam cleaning or washing out with approved solvents. 

Where the interior of the cylinder is affected by rust or other foreign matter it shall 

be cleaned by one of the following methods namely:- 

(a) Approved blasting, rotary wire brushing; 

(b) Burn out treatment carried out in a furnace at a temperature not exceeding 

300 0 C for a period of not exceeding one hour after which all free rusts and any 

other foreign matter shall be removed by steam cleaning or washing with 

approved solvents. 

(2) The cylinders after cleaning shall be visually examined externally and as far as 

practicable internally for surface defect in accordance with the IS:5845, IS:8451 or 

IS:13258 as the case may be, or any other Code approved in writing by the Chief 

Controller. 

3. Hydrostatic/hydrostatic stretch test/proof pressure test. — 

(1) For cylinders used for permanent gases, high pressure liquefiable gases and all toxic 

and corrosive gases: -- 

(i) The cylinders shall be subjected to hydrostatic stretch test in accordance with IS:5844. 

The test pressure applied to the cylinder shall be retained for a period of not less than 30 

seconds. 

(ii) The permanent stretch suffered by the cylinder due to application of test pressure 

shall not exceed the following limits, namely:-- 

(a) In the case of cylinder 

below 20 litres water capacity 

for non-corrosive gases. 

(b) In other cases. 

10% of the total stretch suffered during the test. 

10% of the total stretch suffered during the test 

or 1/5000 th of the original volume of the 

cylinder, whichever is less. 

(iii) Any reduction in pressure noticed during the retention of 30 seconds or any 

leakage, visible bulge or deformation should be treated as case of failure in the test. 

32

(2) For cylinders for low pressure non-corrosive liquefiable gases: 

(i) The cylinder shall be subjected to hydrostatic test in accordance with IS:5844 by 

non-jacket method except that the volumetric changes during the test need not be 

measured. 

(ii) The test pressure shall be retained for a period of not less than 30 seconds. Any 

reduction in pressure noticed during this retention period or any leakage, visible 

bulge or deformation shall be treated as case of failure in the test. 

(3) As soon as the test is completed, the cylinder shall be thoroughly dried internally and 

shall be clearly stamped on the neck and with marks and figures indicating the person by 

whom the test has been carried out and the date of test. Code mark of the person by 

whom the test has been carried out shall be registered with the Chief Controller. 

4. Any cylinder which fails to pass periodic examination or test or which loses in its tare 

weight by over 5 per cent or which for any other defect is found to be unsafe for use and which 

cannot be repaired in accordance with rule 11 and 12 shall be reported to the owner of the 

cylinder and shall be destroyed by rendering the cylinder unusable as provided under rule 36. 

5. Records of test.—Full record of cylinders examined and tested at any testing station 

shall be maintained giving the following particulars, namely:- 

(a) Name of the manufacturer and the owner of the cylinder. 

(b) Rotation Number. 

(c) The specification to which the cylinder conforms. 

(d) Date of original hydrostatic/hydrostatic stretch test. 

(e) Test reports and certificates furnished by the manufacturer, if available. 

(f) Test pressure. 

(g) Maximum working pressure. 

(h) Water capacity. 

(i) Tare weight. 

(j) Variation, if any, in the tare weight marked on the cylinder and actual tare weight. 

(k) Condition of cylinder shell. 

(l) Name of gas. 

(m) Type of valve fitted, and 

(n) Remarks, if any. 

Note : (1) The above particulars shall form the history card or record for each cylinder and all 

changes from time to time shall be indicated therein. 

(2) The test station shall adopt procedures, which fully comply with the requirements of 

these rules and guidelines issued by Chief Controller from time to time. 

33

SCHEDULE V 

[See rules 2(xx), 3, 28, 35, 47, 50, 53, 54, 61,62 and 65] 

A. LICENCE FEES 

Sl. 

No. 

Form 

of 

Licen 

ce 

Purpose for 

which granted 

1 D To import 

cylinder filled 

or intended to 

be filled with 

compressed 

gas. 

Authority 

empowered 

to grant 

licence 

Chief 

Controller 

Fees 

For the first 100 nos. cylinders or 

part thereof. 

Exceeding 100 nos. but not 

exceeding 500 nos. cylinders. 

Exceeding 500 nos. of cylinders Rs. 

2000/- for every additional 500 nos. 

of cylinders or part thereof. 

Rupees 

500.00 

1000.00 

2 E To fill 

compressed gas 

in cylinders 

3 F a. To store 


in cylinders in 

storage shed 

attached to the 

filling premises 

b. To store 


in cylinders in 

storage shed 

other than 

attached to the 

filling premises 

Chief 

Controller or 

Controller 

Chief 

Controller or 

Controller 

Controller 

For each type of gas filled in the 

plant, namely (a) toxic, (b) non-toxic 

and non-flammable, (c) non-toxic 

and flammable, (d) dissolved 

acetylene gas, (e) non-toxic and 

flammable liquefiable gas other than 

LPG or (f) liquefied petroleum gas, 

as the case may be. 

(i)For toxic and flammable gases 

(permanent as well as liquefied). 

Not exceeding 100 nos. cylinders. 

Exceeding 100 nos. but not 

exceeding 500 nos. cylinders. 

Exceeding 500 nos. of cylinders, Rs. 



(ii)For non-toxic and non-flammable 

gases (permanent as well as 

liquefied): 

Not exceeding 500 nos. of cylinders 

Exceeding 500 nos. of cylinders, Rs. 



(iii)For liquefied petroleum gases: 

Exceeding 100 Kg. But not 

exceeding 500 Kg. 






exceeding 10,000 Kg. 

2500.00 

500.00 

1000.00 

500.00 

500.00 

1000.00 

2000.00 

3000.00 

Exceeding 10,000 Kg. for Rs. 1000/- 

every additional 5000 Kg. or part 

thereof. 

(vi)For acetylene gas contained in 

cylinders in dissolved state: 

Not exceeding 200 cylinders 

500.00 

34

4 G To dispense 

CNG as 

automotive fuel 

from a mother 

station, 

daughter 

station or a 

CNG online 

station 

Chief 

Controller 

Exceeding 200 nos. of cylinders Rs. 



5000.00 

B. FEES OTHER THAN LICENCE FEES 

Sl. 

Purpose Fees Rupees 

No. 

1 Issue of filling permission Scrutiny fee for the first 100 500.00 

under clause B of sub-rule (1) nos. of cylinders or part 

of rule 3 

thereof. 

2 Approval of design for 

manufacture of cylinders or 

valves or regulators under subrule 

(3) of rule 3 

3 Conversion of cylinders uncle 

sub-rule (2) of rule 28 

4 Approval of cylinder testing 

station under rule 35 

5 Prior approval of specifications 

and plans under rule 47 or 53 

6 Amendment of licence under 

rule 54 

7 Issue of duplicate copy of 

licence under rule 61 

8 Issue of authenticated copy of 

licence under rule 62 

Exceeding 100 nos. of 

cylinders Rs.1000/- for every 

additional 500 cylinders or part 

thereof 

(a) Scrutiny fee 

(b) For subsequent approval of 

any change in the design 

2000.00 

500.00 

Scrutiny fee for the first 10 200.00 

nos. of cylinders or part 

thereof. 

500.00 

Exceeding 10 nos. of cylinders 

Scrutiny fee 2000.00 


Amendment fee 

In the case of amendment 

involving licensed capacity, 

the difference in licence fee 

shall be added to the 

amendment fee mentioned 

above. 

400.00 



35

FORM A 


Declaration to be made by the Master of a ship carrying cylinder filled with compressed 

gas before entering a port or by the ship’s agent. 

Name of ship…….. 

Descriptio 

n of filled 

cylinders 

True chemical 

name and nature of 

the gas i.e. whether 

flammable 

corrosive or toxic 

Total quantity carried 

in the ship 

No. of Kg. or 

Cylinders M 3 of gas 

Quantity to be landed at 

port 

No. of Kg. or 

Cylinders M 3 of gas 

Remarks 

Dated the ……………day of …………., 20….… 

Signature of Master/Agent of ship 

(with official stamp) 

36

FORM B 

(See rules 49 and 54) 

Application for the grant/amendment of a licence to import cylinders: 

1. Name in which licence required 

Applicant’s calling 

Applicant’s full postal address 

Telephone No(s) and E-mail 

2. Particulars of storage licence held by: 

(i) Number and date of storage licence issued by the Chief Controller/Controller 

(ii) Renewed/valid upto 

(iii) Capacity of storage as per above licence 

3. Description of the cylinders to be imported: 

(i) Number of cylinders 

(ii) Specification of cylinders 

(iii) Manufactured by 

(iv) Inspected and tested by 

(v) Specification of the valves fitted to the cylinders 

(vi) *Filled with ________________________ 

(True chemical name of the gas) 

(vii) *Filling pressure at 15 0 C if filled with permanent gas or dissolved acetylene 

(viii) *Filling ratio, if filled with a liquefiable gas 

(ix) Date of last hydraulic stretch test 

(x) Rotation numbers of cylinders 

4. Cylinders proposed to be stored at …………….. 

5. Name of the port 

6. Remarks 

Date of application 

Signature of applicant 

Postal address of the applicant 

Note.—1. Particulars marked with * are not required to be furnished if empty cylinders are 

desired to be imported 

2 Manufacturers test and inspection certificates complete in all respects pertaining to each lot of 

cylinders and valve shall accompany this application. 

3. In case cylinders are desired to be imported duly filled with gas, filler certificates in respect of 

items 3(vi), (vii) and (ix) shall be furnished. 

37

FORM C 

(See rules 49, 54 and 55) 

Application for the grant/amendment/renewal of a licence to fill and/or store compressed 

gas in cylinders: 

Documents listed overleaf must be enclosed with this application, if it is for the grant of a 

licence in Forms ‘E’, ‘F’ & ‘G’. 

The replies to be given in this column. 

1. Name in which licence required ** --------------------------------------- 

Applicant’s calling --------------------------------------- 

Applicant’s Full postal address --------------------------------------- 

2. Situation of the premises 

where compressed gas is to be 

stored/filled: 

State ---------------------------------------- 

District ---------------------------------------- 

Town or village ---------------------------------------- 

Survey No. & name of road ---------------------------------------- 

Nearest Police Station ---------------------------------------- 

Nearest Rly. Station ---------------------------------------- 

3. Nature of each compressed gas 

proposed to be filled/stored namely: 

(a) toxic (b) non-toxic and 

non-flammable (c) non-toxic 

and flammable (d) dissolved 

acetylene gas (e) non-toxic and 

flammable liquefiable gas other 

than LPG or (f) liquefied petroleum 

gas. 

4. Chemical name of each compressed ---------------------------------------- 

gas proposed to be filled/stored. 

5. Quantity of each compressed gas ---------------------------------------- 

Proposed to be filled/stored in terms 

of numbers for gases mentioned under 

Items 3(a), 3(b), 3(c) or 3(d); and 

In terms of Kgs. for gases mentioned under ----------------------------------------- 

items 3(e) or 3(f) ----------------------------------------- 

6. Nature, chemical name and ----------------------------------------- 

quantity of each compressed gas already ----------------------------------------- 

filled/stored in the premises. 

7.Number of the licence held for the 

premises and the full name of the --------------------------------------- 

holder of the licence. 

Note: In the case of application for grant/amendment of licence in Form ‘G’, particulars of the 

compressor, CNG cylinder cascades, CNG dispensers, etc. shall also be furnished. 

I hereby declare that the statements made above have been checked up by me and are true and I 

undertake to abide by the norms and conditions of the licence, which will be granted to me. 

Date of application 

Signature and designation of the applicant 

** Where the application is made on behalf of a Company, the name and address of the Company 

and the name of the Manager or Agent should be given and the application should be signed by 

him. Every change in the name of the Manager or Agent shall be forthwith intimated to and his 

specimen signature filled with licensing authority. 

38

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO BE SUBMITTED WITH THIS APPLICATIN FOR A 

LICENCE IN FORM ‘E’, ‘F’ & ‘G’ 

(i) Four copies of specifications and plans approved under Rule 47. 

(NOT REQUIRED FOR RENEWAL OF A LICENCE WITHOUT AMENDEMNTS). 

(ii) Licence together with approved plans and specifications attached thereto. 

(NOT REQUIRED FOR THE FIRST GRANT OR A LICENCE) 

(iii) Requisite amount of fee for the grant, amendment or renewal of a licence paid in the 

manner specified in Rule 65. 

(iv) Documentary evidence in support of legal physical possession of the premises proposed 

to be licensed, copies of lease agreement, partnership deed/memorandum and article of 

association, approval/clearance/permit as applicable from the Local Administration, etc. 

(v) An undertaking stating that all necessary clearances from revenue, fire, local 

administration, etc. have been obtained and the construction of the premises has been 

completed as per approved plan complying all relevant requirements under these rules. 

(vi) No Objection Certificate from the District Authority under rule 48 in the case of 

application for licence in Form ‘G’ 

39

No. 

FORM D 


Licence to import Gas Cylinders by Sea 

Fee Rs………. 

Licence is hereby granted to M/s …………………… to import by sea at any one time 

cylinders of the description given below at the port…………………… for consignment 

to…………..subject to the provisions of the Explosives Act, 1884 and the rules framed 

thereunder and to the conditions of this licence. 

The licence shall remain in force till the………….20………. 

Date………………. 

Chief Controller of Explosives 

Description of the Cylinders 

1. Number of cylinders 

2. Specification of cylinders (Code, W.C., W.P., & T.P.) 

3. Manufactured by. 

4. Inspected and tested by. 

5. Specifications of the valves fitted to the cylinders. 

6. Filled with …………………………………….. 

(True chemical name of the gas) 

7. Filling pressure at 15 0 C, if filled with permanent gas or dissolved acetylene. 

8. Filling ratio, if filled with a liquefiable gas. 

9. Date of last hydraulic stretch test. 

10. Rotation numbers of cylinders. 

The licence liable to be cancelled if the cylinders do not conform to the description given 

in the body of the licence and for contravention of any of the rules and conditions under 

which this licence is granted and the holder of the licence is also punishable as provided 

for under Section 5(3)(a), (b) and (c) of the Explosives Act, 1884. 

Conditions of Licence 

1. This licence shall become void after the expiry of the period mentioned therein. 

2. Filled cylinders on becoming empty shall not be refilled with any gas except after 

obtaining prior concurrence of the licensing authority. 

3. The licensee shall make prior arrangements for expeditious removal of the filled 

cylinders from the port of importation to an authorised premises. 

40

FORM E 


‘Licence to fill compressed gas in cylinders’ 

Licence No…………………………………………… 

Fee Rs……………….. 

Licence is hereby granted to ………………………….. valid only for the filling of 

cylinders with compressed gas in the licensed premises described below and shown in the plan 

No……………………………….. dated ………………………subject to the provisions of the 

Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884) and the rules made thereunder and to the further conditions of 

this licence. 

The licence shall remain in force up to 30 th day of September, 20….. 

The ………………. 20………………. 

Chief Controller/Controller of Explosives 

Description and Location of the Licensed Premises 

The licensed premises, the layout boundaries and other particulars of which are shown in 

the attached approved plan No……………… dated ………………………are situated 

at……………… and consist of …………………. for filling of the gas(es) in cylinders as 

described hereunder: 

Type of gas 

(a) Toxic 

(b) non-toxic and non-flammable 

(c) non-toxic and flammable 

(d) dissolved acetylene gas 

(e) non-toxic and flammable liquefiable gas other than LPG. 

(f) Liquefied petroleum gas 

and is situated at ……………………………………………………………………. 

(Plot number) (Name of Street) (village or town) 

(Police Station) (District) 

Space for Endorsement of Renewals 

This licence should be renewable 

without any concession in fee for ten 

years in the absence of contraventions 

of Explosives Act, 1884 or Gas 

Cylinders Rules, 2004, framed 

thereunder or of the conditions of the 

this licence. 

Date 

renewal 

of 

Date 

expiry 

of 

Signature and office 

stamp of the licensing 

authority 

This licence is liable to be cancelled if the licensed premises are not found 

conforming the description and conditions attached thereto and contravention of any of the rules 

and conditions under which this licence is granted and the holder of this licence is also punishable 

with imprisonment for the term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to 

three thousand rupees, or with both. 

41

CONDITIONS 

1. The licensed premises shall not be used for any purpose other than filling compressed gas 

into cylinders and keeping thereof for the time being and for the purpose connected 

therewith. 

2. No cylinder shall be filled with any compressed gas unless- 

(i) such cylinder has been approved in writing by the Chief Controller for filling; 

(ii) the cylinder has been examined and tested as required under the relevant rules. 

3. Before filling, every cylinder with its valve and other fittings shall be carefully examined to 

ensure that it complies in all respects with the relevant provisions of the rules before it is 

passed for filling. 

4. No cylinder shall be filled with any compressed gas in excess of the design working pressure 

and the filling ratio prescribed under the rule. 

5. Where it becomes necessary to change the valve and other fittings of the cylinder, a check 

shall be maintained on the tare weight originally stamped on the cylinder and necessary 

corrections made for any variation. 

6. No cylinder, which is not painted with appropriate colour, as prescribed in the rules shall be 

filled with any compressed gas. 

7. Compressing and filling apparatus for any gas shall be wholly distinct from and unconnected 

with the compressing and filling apparatus for any other gas. 

8. No cylinder shall be filled with any compressed gas between the hours of sunset and sunrise 

except in the manner and under such other condition(s) specially endorsed on the licence. 

However, this condition will not be applicable to non toxic non flammable gas filling plants 

with lighting/illumination conforming to IS:6665 - Code of practice for industrial lighting. 

9. All electrical equipment such as motors, switches, starters, etc., installed in the premises used 

for compressing and filling of flammable gases shall be of flameproof construction 

conforming to IS:2148. 

10. No artificial light capable of igniting flammable vapour or gas, mobile phones, etc. shall at 

any time be present at the premises during the filling of any compressed gas in cylinder and 

no person engaged in such filling shall smoke. 

11. Every person managing or employed on or in connection with the licensed premises shall 

abstain from any act whatsoever which tends to cause fire or explosion and which is not 

reasonably necessary and to the best of his ability, shall prevent any other person from doing 

such act. 

12. The licensee shall provide at the licensed premises a minimum of two portable foam type or 

dry chemical type fire extinguishers of 10 kg. each BIS marked or approved which shall be 

kept ready at a convenient location for immediate use in the event of any fire in addition to 

other fire fighting or other mitigating facilities required for flammable or toxic gases. 

13. All filling operations shall be supervised under the direct supervision of a competent person. 

14. The licensed premises used for compressing and filling of liquefied petroleum gas shall at all 

time maintain a clear safety zone prescribed in OISD* Standards 169 and 144 as the case may 

be, all round from any building, public place, public road or any adjoining property which 

may be built upon. 

15. The licensed premises shall be constructed of non-flammable materials and adequately 

ventilated. 

16. Any accident, fire, explosion or untoward incident occurred within the licensed premises 

shall be immediately reported to the Chief Controller, Controller, District Magistrate and the 

Officer-in-Charge of the nearest Police Station and by quickest mode of communication. 

17. Free access to the licensed premises shall be given at all reasonable time to any of the officers 

listed in Rule 71 and every facility shall be afforded to such officer for ascertaining that the 

rules and the conditions of this licence are duly observed. 

* “OISD” means “Oil Industry Safety Directorate” a technical body assisting the Safety Council 

constituted under the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas. 

42

FORM F 


Licence to store compressed gas in cylinders 

Licence No……………………………………. 

Fee Rs………………………. 

Licence is hereby granted to ……………………….valid only for the possession of cylinders 

filled with compressed gas in the licensed premises described below and shown in the plan 

No.………………….. dated ……………………… subject to the provisions of the Explosives 

Act, 1884 (4 of 1884) and the rules made thereunder and to the further conditions of this licence. 

The licence shall remain in force up to 30th day of September, 20….. 

The ……………..20…….. 

Chief Controller/Controller of Explosives 

Description and location of the licensed premises 


the attached approved plan No…………….…… dated ………………………are situated at 

……………………………….. and consist of ………….. for possession of the gas contained in 

cylinders as described hereunder: 

Type of gas 

Quantity 

(a) toxic………………………….. 

(b) non-toxic and non-flammable……………………… 

(c) Non-toxic and flammable…………….. 

(d) Dissolved acetylene gas………………………. 

(e) Non-toxic and flammable liquefiable gas other than LPG …………. 

(f) Liquefied petroleum gas……………………. ……………………… 

and is situated at ………………………………………………………… 

(Survey No/Plot number) (Name of street) (Village or town) (Police Station) 

(District) 


This licence shall be renewable without any Date of Date of Signature and 

concession in fee for ten years in the absence renewal expiry stamp of the 

of contravention’s of Explosives Act, 

licensing 

1884 or Gas Cylinders Rules, 2004, framed authority 

there-under or of the conditions of this licence. 

------------------------------------------ 

------------------------------------------ 

------------------------------------------ 

This licence is liable to be cancelled if the licensed premises are not found conforming to the 

description and conditions attached hereto and contravention of any of the rules and conditions 

under which this licence is granted and the holder of this licence is also punishable with 

imprisonment for the term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to three 

thousand rupees, or with both. 

CONDITIONS 

43

1. (a)The licensed premises shall not be used for any purpose other than for keeping of 

compressed gas filled in cylinders. 

(b) All facilities used for storage of LPG, CNG and Auto LPG shall comply with provisions 

of OISD-STD-144, 150, OISD-GDN-169, STD-179 and 210 as the case may be. 

2. Compressed gas cylinders shall be stored only in the storage shed, which shall be constructed 

of suitable non-flammable materials provided that, when only non-flammable gas filled in 

cylinder is stored, the beams, rafters, columns, windows and doors may be of wood. 

3. The storage shed shall be adequately ventilated near the ground level and near or in the roof. 

In case the storage shed is used for keeping L.P. gas cylinder, the ventilators shall be 

provided with two thickness of fine copper or other non-corroding metal wire gauge of mesh 

not less than 11 to the linear centimeter. 

4. As far as possible, different types of gases should not be stored in the same shed. Where 

different types of gas cylinders are stored in the same shed, cylinders may be grouped 

together depending on the nature of the gas contained therein e.g. flammable gas cylinders 

shall be separated from cylinders containing oxidising gases by an intervening space of one 

metre or by a fire resisting partition wall in between them and cylinders containing toxic 

gases shall be segregated from the cylinders containing non-toxic gases by a suitable partition 

wall. 

5. The following distances shall be kept clear at all times, between any building, public place, 

public road or any adjoining property which may be built upon and the storage shed used for 

the storage of liquefied petroleum gas cylinder: 

Quantity of compressed gas in 

Minimum distance to be 

Cylinder 

kept clear 

Kg. 

Metres 

0 -- 101 -- 

101 -- 2000 3 

2001 -- 3000 4 

3001 -- 4000 5 

4001 -- 6000 6 

6001 -- 8000 7 

8001 -- 10000 8 

10001 -- 12000 9 

12001 -- 20000 12 

over 20000 15 

Provided that the distance specified above may be reduced by the Chief Controller (i) where 

screen walls are provided or other special precautions taken, or (ii) where there are special 

circumstances which in the opinion of the Chief Controller would justify such reduction. 

6. Notwithstanding anything contained in condition 5 above, cylinders containing liquefied 

petroleum gas exceeding 100 Kg. but not exceeding 500 Kg. may be kept in a storage shed 

forming part of, or attached to a building, provided that it is separated therefrom by a 

substantial partition and the only means of access to it is from outside air, such a storage shed 

shall not be situated under any staircase or near other entrances to, or exits from the rest of 

the building or other buildings. 

7. A shed used for storage of liquefied petroleum gas cylinders shall be surrounded by a suitable 

brick masonry compound wall of 1.8 meters high with a 1.2 meter wide gate to prevent 

unauthorized person from having access to the shed and its safety zone. 

Note : Suitable space for parking of truck and unloading/loading of cylinders shall be 

provided by the licensee 

8. Thin wall cylinders shall not be stacked in a horizontal position, provided that in case of 

liquefied petroleum gas cylinders, the following method of stacking may be permitted:- 

(i) 

(ii) 

filled cylinders shall be stored vertically and not be stacked more than 2 high; 

empty cylinders if stored vertically, shall not be stacked more than 3 high and; if 

stored horizontally, shall not be stacked more than 5 high; 

44

(iii) 

(iv) 

the pile of the cylinders shall be kept stable by using chocks at the ends; 

at least 60 centimeter wide gangway, to permit access and maneuvering of cylinders, 

shall be left between stacks of single or double rows and between stacks and walls, 

9. True chemical name(s) of the gases shall be prominently displayed in the storage shed. 

10. The storage shed shall be in the charge of a competent person. 


shall be immediately reported to the Chief Controller (Gram “EXPLOSIVES”, Nagpur, E- 

mail- explosives@explosives.gov.in), Controller, District Magistrate and the Officer-in- 

Charge of the nearest Police Station and by quickest mode of communication. 

12. Any person storing gas cylinders, when called upon by a notice in writing, to execute any 

additions, alterations or repairs to the gas cylinders storage shed, which in the opinion of the 

inspecting authority, are necessary for the safety of the premises, shall execute the said 

additions, alterations or repairs within such period not being less than one month from the 

date of receipt of the notice, as may be specified in the notice. 

13. No shed used for storage of flammable gases shall be opened and no handling of the gas 

cylinders shall be permitted between the hours of sunset and sunrise, except where approved 

electric lighting is exclusively used. 

14. The storage shed and the area surrounding it shall at all times be kept clean and free from all 

flammable materials, waste vegetation and, rubbish. 

15. (a) No fire, furnace or other source of heat or light other than flameproof electric light and 

fittings shall be allowed in the storage shed and within the safety zone required to be 

maintained under condition 5. 

(b) No person shall smoke in the storage shed or carry matches, fuses, mobile phones or other 

appliances producing ignition in the premises. Conspicuous ‘No smoking signs in Hindi, 

English and the regional language shall be pasted or hung up at prominent places outside the 

storage shed. 

16. The licensee shall provide at the licensed premises a minimum of two potable foam 

type/ordinary chemical type fire extinguishers of 10 kg. each BIS marked or approved which 

shall be kept ready at a convenient location for immediate use in the event of any fire in 

addition to other fire fighting for other mitigating facilities required for flammable or toxic 

gases. 

17. Free access to the licensed premises shall be given at all reasonable times to any of the 

officers listed in Rule 71 and every facility shall be afforded to such officer for ascertaining 

that the rules and the conditions of this licence are duly observed. 

45

FORM G 


‘Licence to dispense compressed natural gas in a CNG dispensing station 

as automotive fuel’ 

Licence No…………………………………………… 

Fee Rs……………….. 

Licence is hereby granted to …………………………….………………………….. 

…………………………valid only for filling compressed natural gas in On board CNG cylinders 

of vehicle as automotive fuel in the licensed premises described below, subject to the provisions 

of the Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884) and the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2004 made there-under and 

to the conditions of this licence. 

The licence shall remain in force up to 30 th day of September, 20….. 

The ………………. 20………………. 

Chief Controller of Explosives 

Description and Location of the Licensed Premises 


the attached approved plan No…………… dated …… are situated 

at………….…………….………………………………………………………………………… 

(Survey No/Plot number) (Name of street) (Village or town) (Police Station) (District) 

and consist of (i) ……… number of cascades each containing ….. No. of cylinders with total 

water capacity of …… KL (ii)……. number of compressors (iii) …….number of dispensers and 

(iv) other facilities …… …………………………………………. 


This licence should be renewable Date of Date 

without any concession in fee for ten renewal expiry 

years in the absence of contraventions 

of Explosives Act, 1884 or Gas 

Cylinders Rules, 2004, framed there 

under or of the conditions of the this 

licence. 

of 

Signature and office 

stamp of the licensing 

authority 

This licence is liable to be cancelled if the licensed premises are not found conforming the 

description and conditions attached thereto and contravention of any of the rules and conditions 

under which this licence is granted and the holder of this licence is also punishable with 

imprisonment for the term which may extend to two years, or with fine which may extend to three 

thousand rupees, or with both. 

CONDITIONS 

1. The licensed premises shall be used only for the purpose and facilities it is licensed for. 

2. CNG shall be dispensed only into those cylinders of motor vehicles, which are approved 

by the Chief Controller and have passed the periodic statutory tests under these rules 

conducted by a testing station recognised by the Chief Controller. 

3. The CNG cascades, dispensers, compressor, piping, and other fittings shall be of a design 

suitable for CNG in conformity to OISD Standard 179. 

4. The storage of the cascade of cylinders should be made in a well-ventilated shed having a 

light roof or canopy with at least one side open. An area of at least 1 meter around the 

cascade shall be provided within the shed and the same shall be demarcated either by 

raised platform or by curb wall. In case, the cylinder cascade is mounted on LCV (Light 

Commercial Vehicle), the same shall be made totally immovable by suitable application 

of brakes and chokes. 

46

5. No cylinder shall be filled with CNG in excess of the design working pressure. 

6. Inter-distances between various equipments, storage cascades, dispensers, etc. installed in 

CNG dispensing station shall observe safety distances as per Table I & II. 

TABLE I 

INTER DISTANCES 

From buildings and outer boundaries to gas storage units 

Total capacity of gas storage 

cascade units (in liters) 

Minimum distance from buildings and 

boundaries (in meters) 

Up to 4500 2.5 

4500 to 10000 4.0 

10000 to 100000 10.0 

Note:- If on the side(s) towards the boundary of the installation, the clearance as above is not 

available, the same may be reduced to 2 meters provided a 4 H-FRR RCC wall of 

adequate height and length covering the cylinder cascades is constructed at the 

boundary and adequate clear space is available on the other side of the wall. 

Sl. 

No. 

Distance 

from 

(in meters) 

TABLE II 

Inter distances between various facilities in the CNG fueling station 

1 CNG 

compressor 

2 CNG 

dispensing 

Unit 

3 Storage 

cascade 

4 Outer 

boundary 

wall/CLF* 

5 MS/HSD 

Dispenser 

6 Vent of 

MS/HSD 

u/g storage 

tanks 

7 Filling 

point of 

MS/HSD 

*CLF - Chain Ling Fencing. 

Note:- 

i) T-I denotes Table-I. 

ii) 

iii) 

iv) 

CNG CNG Storage Outer MS/HSD Vent of Filling 

Compre 

-ssor 

dispensing 

Unit 

cascade boundary 

wall/ 

CLF* 

Dispenser MS/HSD 

u/g 

storage 

tanks 

point of 

MS/HSD 

- 3 2 3 6 6 T-1 

(Min-3) 

3 - 2 4 6 4 -do- 

2 2 - T-1 T-1 T-1 -do- 

(Min-6) (Min-4) 

3 4 T-1 - 6 4 -do- 

6 6 T-1 

(Min-6) 

6 4 T-1 

(Min-4) 

T-1 

(Min-3) 

6 - 6 -do- 

4 6 - 6 

Distances shown as “-“ shall be any distance necessary for operational 

convenience. 

A suitable curbing platform shall be provided at the base of the dispensing unit to 

prevent vehicles from coming too near the unit. 

A CNG cascade having cylinders of total water capacity not exceeding 4500 liters 

can be mounted on top of the compressor super structure. The assembly shall 

47

observe 3-meter clearance around and also from the dispensing unit. This can be 

reduced to 2 meter as per Note-(i) of Table – I. 

7. The dispenser for dispensing CNG shall be of a type approved by the Chief Controller. 

8. The vehicle shall have approved type of CNG kit fitted in accordance with guidelines of 

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Govt. of India. 

9. No motor vehicle shall be fueled while the engine is running and, where the vehicle is 

licensed for the conveyance of more than six passengers on hire, while any passenger 

remains in the vehicle. 

10. Warning signs with the words “STOP VEHICLE”, “NO SMOKING”, “NO OPEN 

FLAME PERMITTED”, “FLAMMABLE GAS”, shall be displayed at dispensing station 

and compressor areas prominently. 

11. All electrical fittings and equipment such as compressors, motors, switches, starters, etc., 

installed in the premises used for compressing and filling of CNG shall be of flameproof 

construction conforming to IS:2148 or such other specification as approved by the CCE. 

12. No alterations or additions shall be carried out to the premises without prior approval of 

the licensing authority. 

13. Smoking, naked lights, lamps, source of fire, mobile phones or any other implements 

capable of igniting flammable vapour or gas shall not be allowed inside the premises. 

14. Every person managing or employed on or in connection with the licensed premises shall 

abstain from any act whatsoever which tends to cause fire or explosion and which is not 

reasonably necessary and to the best of his ability, shall prevent any other person from 

doing such act. 

15. The licensee shall provide at the licensed premises the fire fighting facilities at least as 

per the following scale at different locations:- 

Location 

Dispensing Unit 

Compressor (On-line) 

(mother station ) 

CNG storage 

Cascade refuelling area 

MCC/Electrical installation 

Type of extinguishers 

1x10 Kg DCP 

1x10 Kg DCP 

1x70 Kg DCP 

1x10 Kg DCP 

1x10 Kg DCP 

1x4.5 Kg CO 2 per 25 Sq. M. floor area 

16. The operators and attendants shall be fully conversant and trained with all the facets of 

the dispensing activities including operations, procedures, maintenance and hazards of 

CNG and the risk associated with the handling of the product. 

17. The emergency telephone numbers of local fire service, police and the principal 

marketing company and emergency instructions shall be conspicuously displayed in the 

licensed premises. 

18. If the licensing authority calls upon the holder of a licence by a notice in writing to 

execute any repairs in the licensed premises which are, in the opinion of such authority, 

necessary for the safety of the premises, the holder of the licence shall execute the repairs 

within such period as may be specified in the notice. 

19. Free access to the licensed premises shall be given at all reasonable time to any of the 

officers listed in Rule 71 and every facility shall be afforded to such officer for 

ascertaining that the rules and the conditions of this licence are duly observed. 


shall be immediately reported to the Chief Controller (Gram : “EXPLOSIVES’, Nagpur, 

E-mail- explosives@explosives.gov.in), Controller, District Magistrate and the Officerin-Charge 

of the nearest Police Station by quickest mode of communication. 

48

SCHEDULE VI 

(See rule 20) 

TRANSPORT OF CYLINDERS 

(1) Transport of cylinders by vehicles: — 

(a) Cylinders filled with any compressed gas shall not be transported by a bicycle or any 

other two wheeled mechanically propelled vehicle. 

(b) Cylinders shall be so transported as not to project in the horizontal plane beyond the sides 

or ends of the vehicle by which they are transported. 

(c) There shall be no sharp projections on the inside of the vehicle. 

(d) Cylinders shall be adequately secured to prevent their falling off the vehicle and being 

subjected to rough handling, excessive shocks or local stresses. 

(e) Cylinders transported in vehicles shall be blocked or braced and be so secured to prevent 

movement, striking each other or falling down. 

(f) Cylinders filled with any compressed gas shall not be transported along with any other 

article of a highly flammable or corrosive nature. 

2. Restriction on transport: — 

(a) Cylinders containing flammable gases shall not be transported along with the cylinders 

containing any other type of compressed gas: 

(b) Cylinders containing toxic or corrosive gas shall not be transported along with foodstuffs. 

Notwithstanding anything contained in clause (a) above, DA cylinders not exceeding 25 

in numbers may be transported along with non-toxic non-flammable gases taking due 

precautions. 

3. Loading and unloading for transport: — 

(a) No lifting magnet shall be used in loading or unloading of cylinders filled with any 

compressed gas. 

(b) Where any such operation is carried on by means of a crane or a fork-lift truck, a 

proper cradle with chains or wire rope slings shall be used. 

4. Protection of valves during transport: — 

(a) Every cylinder containing compressed gas shall, when transported, have its valve 

protected against damage in the manner provided in sub-rules (b) and (c) unless it is 

securely packed in a box or crate. 

(b) Where the design of the cylinder does not provide for the valve lying wholly below the 

level of the body of the cylinder, a stout metal cap, metal cover or a protective metal ring 

or grill of a design approved by the Chief Controller shall be provided, the design being 

such that the cap or cover or ring or grill is nowhere in close proximity to any part of the 

valve or valve body. 

(c) Where metal caps or metal covers are provided, to protect valves fitted to cylinder other 

than those containing highly toxic gases like Hydrogen cyanide, Phosgene, Cyanogen, 

Cyanogen chloride, it shall be provided with a vent of such size so as to prevent any gas 

pressure inside the cap or covers. 

(d) Cylinders containing highly toxic gases like Hydrogen cyanide, Phosgene, Cyanogen, 

Cyanogen chloride gases, shall have their valves protected with gas-tight metal caps or 

covers. 

(e) Nothing in sub-rules (a), (b) and (c) shall apply to cylinders containing oxygen or nitrous 

oxide for medical purpose having water capacity not exceeding 5 litres. 

49

5. Leaky cylinders: — 

(a) No person shall tender or transport any leaky cylinder. 

(b) Any cylinder containing a flammable or toxic gas, which develops a leak during transport 

shall promptly be removed to an isolated open place away from any source of ignition 

and the person responsible for transportation shall immediately contact the filler or the 

consignor as the case may be, for necessary advice. 

[F. No. 3(1)2002-Expl.] 

ANTHONY de SA, Jt. Secy. 

50

GAS CYLINDERS RULES, 19811 - Department Of Industrial Policy ...

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