The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organization (PESO) on August 10, 2023, issued a notification regarding the SOP/Guidelines for installation of Rear and Lateral under Run Protective Device with reference to Hon'ble High Court of Calcutta's direction in the WPA No. 176/18 of 2021 directing PESO to issue comprehensive SOP or guidelines in consultation with OISD.
The SOP/Guidelines for installation of Rear and Lateral under Run Protective Device are as stated:
• All the vehicles already licensed or proposed to be licensed in FORM LS-2 of the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessel Rules (U) 2016 shall be provided with Rear and Lateral Under Run Protective Device as per IS-14812(2005)-latest, IS-14682 (2004)-latest, OISD-159 and as per the Central Motor Vehicles (CMV) Rules, 1989.
• The mobile pressure vessels licensed for transportation of flammable and toxic gases shall be de-gassed and purged at PESO approved de-gassing stations prior to installation of above said under run protective device.
• The fabrication & installation of the Rear & Lateral Under run Protection Devices shall be carried out by the PESO approved pressure vessel fabricators.
• The existing licensed vehicles in FORM LS-2 of the SMPV (U) Rules, 2016 shall undertake the installation of Rear & Lateral Under run Protection Device while conducting periodical Safety Relief Valve/Hydro testing under Rule 18/19 of SMPV (U) Rules 2016 respectively, whichever is earlier. For this, no fresh prior approval of mounting drawing or amendment in the license is required to be obtained from PESO.
• The mobile pressure vessel vehicles to be licensed w.e.f. November 01, 2023 under SMPV (U) Rules 2016 shall submit mounting drawings depicting the Rear & Lateral Underrun Protection Device as per Rule 124 of CMVR Rules, 1989. For this, the approved fabricators shall obtain necessary approval of the mounting drawing for considering approval by PESO under SMPV Rules 2016.
• After installation of the Rear & Lateral Under run Protection Device the maximum weight of the compressed gas for which the vehicle is designed shall not exceed the difference between the maximum gross permissible weight of vehicle by RTA and unladen weight of the vehicle.
• The competent person shall verify and certify the provision of Rear & Lateral Under run Protection Devices and specify the same in the "Remarks" column of certificate under Rule 18 19/ 43, as the case may be issued under the SMPV (U) Rules, 2016.
• All due safety precautions shall be taken during installation of Rear & Lateral Under run Protection Devices to prevent fire and explosion.
[Circular No. No R.4(2)79/CC 137/2021]
