Draft Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Oil Mines) Regulations.

REGD. No. D. L.-33004/99 The Gazette of India EXTRAORDINARY PART II—Section 3—Sub-section (i) PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY No. 782] NEW DELHI, WEDNESDAY,NOVEMBER 26, 2025/AGRAHAYAN 5, 1947 CG-DL-E-27112025-268004 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT NOTIFICATION New Delhi, the 26th November 2025 G.S.R. 868(E).––– The following draft regulations, which the Central Government proposes to make in exercise of powers conferred by Sections 136 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (37 of 2020) are hereby notified as required by sub-section (1) of Section 134, for information of all persons likely to be affected thereby and notice is hereby given that the said draft notification will be taken into consideration after the expiry of a period of 45 days from the date on which the copies of the Official Gazette in which this notification is published are made available to the public; Objections and suggestions, if any, may be addressed to Shri Ravi Shankar Nirala, Under Secretary to the Government of India, Ministry of Labour and Employment, Room No: 17, Shram Shakti Bhawan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi or by email (ravis.nirala@nic.in and cmcdgms1@gmail.com). The objections and suggestions should be sent in a proforma containing columns (i) specifying the name and address of the persons and organizations and column (ii) specifying the rule or sub-rule which is proposed to be modified and column (iii) specifying the revised rule or sub rule proposed to be submitted and the reasons therefore; Objections and suggestions, which may be received from any person or organization with respect to the said draft notification before expiry of a period of 45 days, specified above, will be considered by the Central Government. Draft Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (oil mines) Regulations, 20.. prescribed under section 136 of the OSH&WC Code, 2020 for Mines Workers. GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH AND WORKING CONDITIONS (OIL MINES) REGULATIONS, 2022 [FRAMED UNDER SECTION 136 OF THE OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY, HEALTH AND WORKING CONDITIONS CODE, 2020] CHAPTER - I PRELIMINARY 1. Short title, commencement, application and extent. -(1) These regulations may be called the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Oil Mines) Regulations 2022. (2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette. (3) They shall apply to every oil mine. (4) They shall extend to the whole of India. 2. Definitions. – (1) In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires: (a) “Acidising” means the treatment of hydrocarbon bearing formation by chemical reaction with acid in order to increase productivity or injectivity; THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (b) “Annular Space” means the space surrounding a pipe, suspended in the well. The outer wall of the annular space may be an open hole or may be string of larger pipe. (c) “Bleed” means to drain off liquid or gas generally through a valve which releases pressure of a well or the pressurised equipment in a controlled manner; (d) “Blowout” means uncontrolled sudden violent escape of fluid from a well; (e) “Blowout Preventer” means a device attached above the well head, (i) to control pressure or to prevent uncontrolled escape of fluid from the annular space between tubing and casing or between drill pipe and casing or between wire line and tubing; or (ii) to shut-off the well if no drill pipe or tubing is in the hole in case a kick or blowout occurs; (f) “Casing” means a steel pipe lowered into a well during drilling to prevent caving of the well and to hold back fluids from entering the well; (g) “Casing-line” means steel wire rope used for lowering and raising of pipes in the well through crown block and travelling block; (h) “Cat-head” means a device mounted on the draw-works or at suitable place for making or breaking pipe connections or for operation of cat-line with the help of power from draw-works; (i) “Cat-line” means a rope used to lift a pipe, drilling tool and other equipment from ground or base, pipe rack, tool platform or cat-walk on to the derrick floor; (j) “Cat-walk” means a ramp giving access to rig floor for drill pipe, tubing, casing and drilling or other tools; (k) “Cellar” means an excavation under the derrick to provide space for items or equipment at the top of the well which serves as a pit to collect drainage of water and other fluids under the floor for subsequent disposal; (l) “Cementing” means an operation by which cement and water mixture is pumped down through the casing in such a way that it fills the space between casing and walls of the well to a pre-determined height above the bottom of the well; (m) “Christmas Tree” means the valves and fittings assembled at the top of a well head to control the flow of the fluid; (n) “Coal Bed Methane” means a natural gas trapped in a coal seam or adjacent strata; (o) “Code” means the Occupational, Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020; (p)“Cold Work” means an activity which does not produce sufficient heat energy or spark to cause ignition of flammable air-hydrocarbon mixture or a flammable substance existing in and around the place where the work is undertaken. (q) “Consultant” means a firm or a person or persons who provide(s) expert or strategic advice services involving specific, intellectual and procedural processes using established technologies and methodologies and the outcomes are primarily of a non-physical nature. (r) “Completed Well” means a well in which the petroleum bearing formations or effluent disposal formation is open to the well, complete with equipment installed in the well and at the well-head thereby it is physically able to perform as a petroleum producer, injector or disposal well; (s) “Crown Block” means a multi-sheaved assembly mounted at the top of the derrick or mast and used in conjunction with a travelling block for raising and lowering of equipment in drilling and servicing a well; (t) “Day Light Hours” means the period from sunrise to sunset; (u) “Deputy Manager” means a person possessing qualifications as provided under these regulations and who is appointed in writing by the owner, agent or manager of a mine to assist the manager in the control, management, direction and supervision of the mine or part thereof, and who takes rank immediately below the manager; (v) “Derrick” means a compound latticed structure used over the well for drilling or well servicing purposes, and includes a mast; (w) “Designer” means an individual, association of individuals, company or institution who designs an oil or gas mining system, method of oil or gas mining, machinery, plant, equipment, appliance or substances for use in oil or gas mines; (x) “Draw-Works” means an assembly of shafts, sprockets, chains, pulleys, belts, clutches, cat-heads or other mechanical devices, suitably mounted and provided with control for hoisting, operating and handling the equipment used for drilling a well or servicing a producing well; THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (y)“Driller” means a person, authorised in writing by manager of the mine as in-charge on a drilling or work over rig and is responsible for operation of the rig and monitoring safety aspects during drilling or work over process. (z) “Drilling” means perforation of the earth’s crust by mechanical or other means and includes all operations for preventing collapse of the sides of such hole or for preventing such hole from being filled with extraneous material including water; (za) “Drilling Rig” means the complete structure and machinery required for drilling purposes at the bore hole site; (zb) “Elevator” means a steel mechanical device used in connection with the hoisting equipment suspended from the travelling block, for holding in suspension, pipe or rod being lowered into or pulled from a well; (zc) “Emergency Escape Device” means an inclined wire line to carry a safety carriage or slide running from a point above the monkey board to a ground anchor and includes such carriage or slide; (zd) “Explosimeter” means an instrument to measure the concentration of flammable gas; (ze) “Explosive” shall have the same meaning as assigned to that term in the Explosives Act, 1884 (4 of 1884); (zf)“Exposure Action Value (EAV)” means a level of quantum of daily exposure to vibration which when crosses certain value, employers are required to take action to control the vibration level and is expressed in m/s2 A (8). Explanation: A (8) means average (A) exposure over an eight (8)-hour in a day. (zg)“Exposure Limit Value (ELV)” means the maximum quantum of vibrational exposure that a workman is exposed to, in a day for eight hours, on an average and is expressed in m/s2 A(8). (zh) “Flame Proof Enclosure” shall have the same meaning as assigned to it under the Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023 as amended from time to time; (zi) “Flammable” means capable of being easily ignited, burning intensely or having a rapid rate of flame spread; (zj) “Flash Point” means the lowest temperature at which any petroleum liquid yields vapour in sufficient concentration to form an ignitable mixture with air and gives a momentary flash on application of an ignition source under specified conditions of test as specified in the Indian Standard IS-1448 or its revised version; (zk) “Flare” means a flame used to dispose off gas as per process requirement; (zl) “Floor Block” means a single sheave pulley or snatch block fixed at or near floor level by means of which the direction of pull on a rope may be varied; (zm)“Form” means a form specified by the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator under these regulations; (zn) “Fracturing” means the process of forcing a fluid in the sub-surface strata with the purposes of enhancing flow passages; (zo) “Gas” means the vapour state of the hydrocarbons occurring in or derived from petroleum and includes natural gas; (zp)“Gas Free” means an environment in which- (i) the percentage of flammable gas does not exceed the limit specified under the Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023 for cutting off power supply in case of existence of such gas; (ii) the percentage of oxygen is not less than nineteen; and (iii)noxious gas is within the permissible limit as given in Schedule-I (zq)“Gas Well” means a well which is on continuous production from a gas bearing zone or a well in which casing is run for continuous production of gas; (zr) “Hand Arm vibration (HAV)” means a mechanical vibration that when transmitted to the human hand arm system, entails risk to the health of the worker, in particular to skeletal, neurological, vascular or muscular systems, causing ‘Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome’. The quantum of HAV exposure in an eight hour working shift is expressed as A(8). (zs)“Hazard” means a thing or a situation with potential to cause injury or illness to a person employed in a mine; (zt) “Hazardous Area” means an area where hazardous atmosphere exists or is likely to occur; THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (zu) “Hazardous Atmosphere” means an atmosphere containing any flammable gas in a concentration capable of ignition or containing noxious gas beyond permissible limits as given in Schedule-I (zv) “Hot Work” means an activity that can produce a spark or flame or other source of ignition having adequate energy to cause ignition, where the potential for flammable vapours, gas, or dust exists; (zw)“Installation” means any fixed set up or structure or vessel or part thereof which is maintained within the mine or is to be established therein in connection with exploration or with exploitation of petroleum or natural gas with a view to such exploitation, production, storage or transport thereof; (zx) “Installation Manager” means a person appointed in writing by the owner, agent or manager of a mine to be in-charge of and responsible for all operations and activities on or in connection with an installation; (zy) “Ionising Radiation” means emission due to self-disruptive fission of atomic nucleus of any radioactive substance which is hazardous to health; (zz) “Iron Roughneck” means a mechanical device mounted on derrick floor of a rig, controlled either manually or remotely and is used to make or break pipe connection in combination with rotary. (zza) “Kelly” means a drill pipe having polygonal (three, four, six, or eight-sided) or splined outer surface designed for transmitting rotary motion from the rotary table or kelly bushing to drill string, while allowing the drill string to be lowered or raised during rotation and for providing fluid path. (zzb) “Kelly Cock” means a valve installed between swivel and kelly or kelly and drill pipe to control pressure, should a high-pressure backflow of fluids occur, and to keep the pressure off the swivel and rotary hose; (zzc) “Kick” means a sudden pressure-surge of short duration caused by influx of formation fluids entering well being drilled; (zzd) “Lifting Appliance” means a combined unit with or without horizontal movement used for hoisting or lowering cargo; (zze) “Lifting Gear” means every type of equipment placed on loading hook of a lifting appliance and includes container, steel basket, lifting yoke, multi slings or chain or wire; (zzf)“Living Accommodation” means the part of the installation comprising of personnel living rooms, conference room, gallery and offices attached thereto; (zzg) “Lubricator” means a device fitted on top of a Christmas tree and consists of a pressure sealing device at its upper end thereby afford an effective seal on the wire-line or other connection attached to tools run into the well; (zzh) “Major Accident” means an occurrence including in particular, a major emission of fire or explosion from uncontrolled developments in the course of drilling and for production, storage, handling or transportation of petroleum or machinery or owing to natural events leading to serious effects (both immediate and delayed and inside or outside the installation) causing or likely to cause substantial loss of life; (zzi) “Major Fire” means any incident of fire not extinguished within fifteen minutes (zzj) “Manager” means a person appointed under Section 67 of Occupational Safety and Health Working Condition Code, 2020; (zzk) “Manufacturer” means an individual, association of individuals, company or institution who manufactures machinery, plant, equipment, appliance or substances for use in oil mines; (zzl) “Monkey Board” means a movable or fixed platform installed above derrick floor on which work persons stand to handle pipes or other equipment racked on the derrick; (zzm) “Mud” means a liquid that is circulated through the well during drilling or work-over operations or in case of temporary closure so that the hydrostatic pressure of the fluid column overbalances the formation pressure to prevent leakage of petroleum at the wellhead; (zzn) “Mud Pump” means a pump used to circulate mud or well fluid on a drilling rig or work-over rig; (zzo)“Mud Tank” means the reservoir or tank where drilling fluid is temporarily stored and processed and mixed with additives before being pumped back into the well. (zzp) “Official” means a person appointed in writing by the owner, agent or manager to perform duties of supervision in a mine or part thereof and includes deputy manager, installation manager, safety officer, fire officer and surveyor including electrical supervisor appointed under Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations 2023; (zzq) “Oil” means mineral oil which includes natural gas and petroleum; THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (zzr) “Oilfield” shall have the meaning assigned to it in the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948 (53 of 1948); (zzs) “Oilfield Pipeline” means a pipeline or pipeline network used for transporting petroleum or other commodities in an oilfield; (zzt) “Oil Well” means a well which is producing or is capable of producing petroleum; (zzu) “Out-line” means a rope used to carry pipes, drilling tools or other equipment from a derrick to the derrick walk or other location outside the derrick; (zzv) “Petroleum” means naturally occurring hydrocarbons in a free state whether in the form of natural gas or in a liquid, viscous or solid form but does not include helium occurring in association with petroleum; (zzw) “Pipe Rack” means a structure located adjacent to but usually below the level of the rig floor, on which pipe or casing may be stored or racked; (zzx) “Platform” means a working space for persons, elevated above the surrounding floor or ground or sea for the operation of machinery and equipment; (zzy) “Principal Hazard” means hazard having potential to cause multiple fatalities; (zzz) “Racked” refers to tubular goods or rods standing in the derrick or mast or stored on a pipe rack; (zzza) “Racking Platform” means a platform in the derrick or mast at an elevation where a derrick man is normally required to handle stands being racked; (zzzb) “Regional Inspector-cum-Facilitator” means any Inspector-cum-Facilitator having jurisdiction over a geographical area in which the mine is situated or the group or class of mines are situated, over which he exercises his powers under the Code; (zzzc) “Rigging-up” means an act of assembling a drilling or work-over rig and auxiliary equipment prior to commencement of drilling or work-over operation and includes jacking up and positioning; (zzzd) “River” means any stream or current of water whether seasonal or perennial and includes its banks extending up to the highest known flood level; (zzze) “Rotary Hose” means the hose that conducts the circulating fluid from the stand pipe to the swivel and kelly; (zzzf) “Rotary Table” means a power operated turn-table on the rig floor primarily used for rotating the drilling string; (zzzg) “Safety Management System” means approach to identify hazards, assess their risks assuring the effectiveness of risk control measures and includes systematic procedures, practices, and policies for the management of risks; (zzzh) “Safety Officer” means any person appointed under Section 22(2) of Occupational safety Health and Working Conditions, Code, 2020. (zzzi) “Schedule” means the Schedule appended to these regulations; (zzzj) “SIMOPS” means simultaneous operations where more than one major activities like drilling, production, work-over operations, material handling, hot work, revamping and construction are undertaken at same place or in the vicinity; (zzzk) “Stand” means sections of pipe consisting of two or more made-up lengths which are racked in a derrick; (zzzl) “Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)” means a documented way of working, or an arrangement of facilities to eliminate or minimise the risk to persons employed in mine; (zzzm) “Standard Railing” means a vertical barrier erected along exposed edges of a floor opening, wall opening, ramps, platform or walk-way to prevent fall of person; (zzzn) “Sub-structure” means the foundation on which normally the derrick and engines are placed; (zzzo) “Supplier” means an individual, association of individuals, company or institution who supplies a technology, machinery, plant, equipment, appliance or substance for use in an oil mine; (zzzp) “Sustained Casing Pressure” means casing pressure in any contained well annulus, measurable at the wellhead that rebuilds after being bled down, attributable to one or more causes other than artificially imposed pressures by the operator and well bore temperature fluctuations. (zzzq) “Surface Casing” means a steel pipe to cover unconsolidated formations, to provide protection against shallow gas flow, seal off water bearing formations, protect fresh water sands from contamination, case-off lost circulations zones and to provide structural support for the well head; (zzzr) “Swabbing” means the operation of activation on a wire-line to bring well fluid to the surface when the well does not flow naturally; THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (zzzs) “Toe Board” means a vertical barrier at floor level erected along exposed edges of a floor opening, wall opening, platform, walk-way or ramp to prevent fall of materials; (zzzt) “Toxic Gas” means any gas which may cause a reversible or irreversible disturbance of the normal physiological process of one or more bodily systems; (zzzu) “Travelling Block” means a multi-sheaved pulley block used in conjunction with the fixed crown block for raising and lowering the drilling string, casing, tubing rods and other tools; (zzzv) “Well” means a hole in the earth crust- (i) made or being made by drilling, boring or in any other manner from which petroleum is obtained or obtainable or for the purpose of obtaining petroleum or; (ii)used, drilled or being drilled for the purpose of water injection or for injecting natural gas, air, water or any other substance into underground formation; (zzzw) “Wellhead” means an assembly on the top of the well casing strings with outlets and valves for controlling flow of fluid; (zzzx) “Well Perforation” means perforating well casing, or tubing, or cementing to provide flow passage for production or for testing or well activation purposes; (zzzy) “Well Servicing” means one or more type of remedial operations in well with the intention of restoring or increasing production without involving any work-over rig or outfit; (zzzz) “Whole Body vibration (WBV)” means a mechanical vibration, that when transmitted to the whole body entails risk to the health of the workmen in particular to the spinal cord causing like whole body vibration syndrome and other lower back morbidities. The quantum of WBV exposure in an eight hour working shift is expressed as A(8). (zzzza) “Work-over” means one or more of a variety of remedial operations on a well with the intention of restoring or increasing production; (zzzzb) “Work-over Rig” means the complete structure and machinery required for work-over operations in the well; (zzzzc) “Zone ‘0’ Hazardous Area” means an area in which hazardous atmosphere is continuously present; (zzzzd) “Zone ‘1’ Hazardous Area” means an area in which a hazardous atmosphere is likely to occur under normal operating conditions; (zzzze) “Zone ‘2’ Hazardous Area” means an area in which a hazardous atmosphere is likely to occur only under abnormal operating conditions. (2) The words and expressions used but not defined in these regulations, but defined in the Code shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in the Code. CHAPTER - II NOTICES AND PLANS 3. Notice of abandonment, closure or discontinuance or reopening of mine.- (1) When it is intended to abandon or close or cease of a mine or working thereof for a period exceeding four months, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall give a notice in the Form and method specified by the Chief Inspector cum-Facilitator for the purpose, to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator, the Regional Inspector-cum Facilitator and District Magistrate stating the reasons for such abandonment or closure or cessation and the number of persons likely to be affected thereby, not less than thirty days before such abandonment, closure or discontinuance or cessation: Provided that where the mine is abandoned or closed or ceased before giving the notice for a period exceeding four months in an unforeseen circumstance, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall give notice forthwith. (2) When it is intended to reopen a mine after abandonment, closure or discontinuance for a period exceeding four months, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall, not less than thirty days before resumption of mining operations, give to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator, the Regional Inspector-cum Facilitator and the District Magistrate, notice in the Form and method specified by the Chief Inspector cum-Facilitator for the purpose. (3) When a mine is reopened, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall forthwith communicate the actual date of reopening to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator, the Regional Inspector-cum-Facilitator and the District Magistrate. THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] 4. Notice of change in ownership, appointments, etc.- (1) (a) When a change occurs in the name or ownership of a mine or in the address of the owner, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall, within fourteen days from the date of the change, give to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator and the Regional Inspector-cum-Facilitator a notice in the Form and method specified by the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator for the purpose: Provided that where the owner of a mine is a firm or other association of individuals, a change of (i) any partner in the case of a firm; (ii) any member in the case of an association; (iii) any director in the case of a public company; or (iv) any shareholder in the case of a private company, shall also be intimated to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator and the Regional Inspector-cum-Facilitator, within fourteen days from the date of such change. (b) When the ownership of a mine is transferred, the previous owner or his agent shall make over to the new owner or his agent, within a period of fourteen days of the transfer of ownership, all plans, reports, registers and other records maintained in pursuance of the Code and the regulations, or orders made thereunder, and all correspondence relating to the working of the mine relevant thereto; and when the requirements of this clause have been duly complied with, both the previous and the new owners or their respective agents shall forthwith inform the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator and the Regional Inspector cum-Facilitator in writing. (2) When any appointment is made of an agent, manager, deputy manager, installation manager, safety officers or fire officer or when the employment of any such person is terminated or any such person leaves the said employment, or when any change occurs in the address of any agent or manager, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall, within fourteen days from the date of such appointment, termination or change, give to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator and the Regional Inspector-cum-Facilitator a notice in the Form and method specified by the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator for the purpose. (3) The manager of every mine shall maintain all documents pertaining to the appointment and termination of every deputy manager, installation manager, safety officer, fire officer and other officials and competent persons in respect of his mine and all such documents relating thereto shall be kept available in the office of the mine. 5. Plans. -(1) The owner, agent and manager of every mine shall keep the following plans accurate and up-to-date, namely: - (a) a key plan with reference to the national grid showing the area duly demarcated in which operations for winning of oil and ancillary operations are carried on; (b) a surface plan showing the location of all installations including wells, production facilities and pipe lines with their access routes, railways, power transmission lines, public roads, buildings or other permanent structures not belonging to the owner, rivers and water courses within the mine boundary: Provided that the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may, by an order in writing, require to keep a plan extending to such distance from the mine boundary, as he may specify therein. (2) Every plan maintained in accordance with the provisions of these regulations shall- (a) show the name of the mine and of the owner and the purpose for which the plan is prepared; (b) show the true north or magnetic meridian and the date of the later; (c) unless otherwise provided, be on a scale having a representative factor of – (i) 50,000:1, in case of key plans; (ii) 20,000:1, in case of plans such as showing location of oil well, gas well and other installations mentioned in clause (b) of sub-regulation (1). Provided that the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may by an order in writing and subject to such conditions as he may specify therein, permit or require the plan to be prepared on any other suitable scale; (d) be properly inked or colour printed on durable paper, tracing cloth or on a polyester tracing film of not less than 100 micro gauge and be kept in good condition or prepared in any digital form as approved by Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator: Provided that where in a mine the plan is maintained in electronic form, the owner, agent and manager of the mine shall ensure that the plan is digitally signed and not liable to any alteration or tampering and secured in such a manner as to facilitate easy retrieval by owner, agent, manager and the Chief Inspector cum-Facilitator or an Inspector-cum-Facilitator; (e) be accurate and maintained up-to-date not later than twelve months. THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (3) The plan required to be maintained under these regulations or any order made thereunder shall be kept available for inspection in the office of the mine and a list thereof shall be maintained. 6. Preparation of plans, etc., by surveyor.- Every plan or section required to be maintained under these regulations or any orders made thereunder shall be prepared by or under the personal supervision of a surveyor and shall carry thereon a certificate by him or her to the effect that the plan or section or part thereof is correct and shall be signed and dated by the surveyor and counter-signed and dated by the manager of the mine on every occasion that the plan or section is brought up-to-date. CHAPTER - III CHIEF INSPECTOR CUM FACILITATOR, INSPECTOR-CUM-FACILITATORS, MANAGEMENT, OFFICIALS AND COMPETENT PERSONS 7. Qualification for Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator and Inspector-cum-Facilitator. - (1) No person shall be appointed as Chief Inspector cum Facilitator unless he holds a degree in mining engineering of an educational institution approved by the Central Government. (2) No person shall be appointed as Inspector-cum-Facilitator unless he holds a degree in mining or petroleum engineering of an educational institution approved by the Central Government: Provided that - (i) in relation to electrical machinery installed in mines, a person holding degree in electrical engineering of an educational institution approved by the Central Government may be so appointed; (ii) in relation to other machinery or mechanical appliance installed in mines, a person holding a degree in mechanical engineering of an educational institution approved by the Central Government may be so appointed; (iii) in relation to the provisions of the Code and of the rules, regulations and of orders made thereunder, which relate to matters concerning the health and welfare of persons, a person holding degree in medicines and/or surgery of an educational institution approved by the Central Government may be so appointed. 8. Appointment of agent. - (1) The owner of a mine shall submit in writing to the Chief Inspector-cum Facilitator and the Regional Inspector-cum-Facilitator, a statement showing names and designation of every person authorised to act on behalf of the owner in respect of management, control, supervision and direction of the mine. (2) The statement shall also show the responsibility of every person in respect of matters for which such person is authorised to act on behalf of the owner. (3) Every such person referred to in sub- regulation (1) shall be an agent for the mine or group of mines, as the case may be, in respect of the responsibility as specified in such statement. (4) The statement specified under sub-regulation (1) shall be submitted within one month from the date of opening or reopening of a mine or a group of mines, as the case may be: Provided that in case of a mine or group of mines, as the case may be, which has already been opened, such statement shall be submitted within a month of coming into force of these regulations. (5) Any change, addition or alteration in the names or other particulars of the statement referred to in sub regulation (1), shall be reported in writing to the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator and the Regional Inspector-cum-Facilitator within fourteen days from the date of such change, addition or alteration. 9. Qualification of agent.- (1) After coming into force of these regulations and subject to the provisions contained in Regulation 8 with regard to appointment of Agent, no person less than 25 years of age or more than 70 years of age shall act or continue to act on behalf of owner or be appointed as agent of a mine unless he holds a bachelor degree, approved for the purpose by the Central Government and having experience of not less than 5 years in operations or activities connected with the mines. (2) It shall not be a defence in any proceedings brought against an agent, whether appointed as such or not under the Code that he does not possess qualification and experience prescribed under Sub-regulation (1) to carry out the responsibilities in accordance with the provisions of the Code and of the Rules, Regulations and orders made thereunder. (3) If any question arises as to whether the agent appointed at a mine holds qualifications and experience as required under Sub-regulation (1) or not, the decision of Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator shall be final. 10. Charge report of manager.- When there is a change of manager of any mine, the outgoing manager shall hand over to the incoming manager, a charge report in a format as may be specified by the Chief THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] Inspector-cum-Facilitator, by a general or special order and the charge report shall be signed by both the outgoing and incoming managers and a copy of the charge report shall be sent to the Regional Inspector cum-Facilitator. 11. Qualifications and appointment of deputy manager. - (1) At every mine having more than two installations, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall appoint deputy manager at a scale of one deputy manager for every eight additional installations or part thereof, who shall assist the manager. (2) No person shall act or continue to act, or be appointed as deputy manager of a mine under sub regulation (1), unless he holds a degree or diploma in engineering or post-graduation in physics or geophysics or geology or chemistry of an educational institution recognised by the Central Government and has experience in the management and supervision of operations in oil mines for a period of not less than eight years in case of diploma in engineering and five years in other cases. 12. Qualification and appointment of installation manager. - (1) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall ensure that every installation in the mine is placed under the charge of an installation manager appointed by him or her: Provided that, where in a mine, the owner, agent or manager of a mine is of the opinion that the size, nature, location and extent of certain installations other than drilling rig and workover rig are such that one installation manager can perform his duties in proper manner for more than one installation, he may appoint one installation manager to hold charge of more than one installation recording justifications thereof and clearly specifying the area of jurisdiction in every such case. (2) The Installation manager appointed under sub-regulation (1) shall hold a degree or diploma in engineering or a degree in science of an educational institution recognised by the Central Government and has experience in the management or supervision of operations in oil mines for a period of not less than five years in case of diploma in engineering and degree in science; and two years in case of degree in engineering. 13. Qualification and appointment or authorisation of surveyors.- The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall appoint or authorize a person holding degree or diploma in mining or civil engineering of an educational institution recognised by the Central Government or certificate in surveying issued by Institution of Surveyors or surveyor’s certificate issued under the Code as surveyor to assist the manager of the mine as and when required and for carrying out the survey, levelling and for preparing plans and sections of the mine as required under the Code or these regulations and the orders made thereunder. 14. Qualification and appointment of fire officer. - (1) The owner, agent, or manager of every mine shall appoint a fire officer for fire-fighting and to assist the manager in fire prevention measures: Provided that, where in a mine, the owner, agent or manager of the mine is of the opinion that, due to large size of the mine, or due to large number of installations in the mine, or due to other conditions existing in the mine, it is not possible for one fire officer to attend to his duties effectively by himself or herself, the owner, agent or manager of the mine shall appoint such additional number of fire officers, clearly specifying their areas of jurisdiction, as may be adequate in carrying out duties effectively. (2) No person shall be appointed as fire officer unless he or she: - (a) holds degree or diploma in fire engineering or fire and safety engineering of an educational institution recognized by the Central Government and having experience in dealing and management of fire services for a period of one year in case of degree or two years in case of diploma; or (b) holds degree or diploma in engineering or degree in science and shall also have undergone divisional officers course of an educational institution recognised by the Central Government and having experience in dealing and management of fire services for a period of one year in case of degree or two years in case of diploma; or (c) has undergone station officer’s or sub-officer’s course from an institute specified by the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator for the purpose and having experience in dealing and management of fire services for a period of ten years. 15. Authorisation of competent persons for well perforation. - The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall authorise one or more persons to be competent persons for handling, transport and use of explosives meant for well perforation. 16. Appointment of officials. - (1) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall appoint such number of officials, as is sufficient to secure, during each of the working shift, - (a) adequate inspection of the installation and the equipment thereof; (b) a thorough supervision of all operations at the installation; THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (c) the installing, running and maintaining, in safe working order, of all machinery in the mine; and (d) the enforcement of the requirements of the Code and these regulations. Provided that no official shall be so appointed unless he is paid by the owner or agent and is answerable to the manager. 17. Appointment of competent persons. - (1) The owner, agent or manager of every mine shall appoint such number of competent persons, as is sufficient to secure, during each of the working shift, - (a) adequate inspection or operation of the installation and the equipment thereof; (b) a thorough supervision of all operations at the installation; and (c) the installing, running and maintaining, in safe working order, of all machinery in the mine; and (d) the enforcement of the requirements of the Code and these regulations. (2) The manager, deputy manager and installation manager of a mine shall ensure that the persons appointed under sub-regulation (1) are competent to perform duties assigned to them, (3) The record of all appointments made under sub-regulation (1) and duties assigned to the competent persons under sub-regulation (2) shall be maintained by the manager of the mine. 18. General management. - (1) The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall provide all necessary means for ensuring the safety, health, welfare of persons employed in mine, and ensure proper discipline of persons employed in the mine. (2) Except in a case of emergency, no person who is not an official or a competent person shall give, otherwise than through the manager, instructions to a person employed in a mine, who is answerable to the manager. CHAPTER - IV DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGEMENT, CONTRACTORS, MANUFACTURERS, COMPETENT PERSONS AND WORKMEN 19. Duties and responsibilities of owner. – (1) The owner of every mine shall ensure that- (a) an adequate and effective Safety Management Plan (SMP) is framed and implemented in the mine to eliminate or reduce the risks to safety and health of persons employed in mines. (b) all necessary measures are taken to eliminate or minimize the risks to safety and health of persons employed in mines. (c) safety management plan required under these regulations are formulated and implemented in every mine; (d) emergency response plan specific to each mine required under regulation 98 is prepared for implementation in the event of an emergency; (e) first aid, appropriate transportation from the workplace and access to appropriate medical facilities is provided to every person who receives injury or suffers from illness at the workplace; (f) adequate training and re-training programs and comprehensible instructions on safety and health matters and on the work assigned are provided for workers, at no cost to them; and (g) all accidents and dangerous occurrences connected with mining operations are investigated and appropriate actions taken to prevent recurrence. (h) the mine is designed, constructed, maintained and provided with fit-for-purpose electrical, mechanical and other equipment, including a communication system, to provide conditions for safe operation and a healthy working environment; (i) the machine or plant is commissioned, operated, maintained and timely de-commissioned on completion of its life span in such a way that workers can perform the work assigned to them without endangering their safety and health or that of other persons. (j) monitoring, assessment and regular inspection of the working environment to identify the various hazards to which the workers may be exposed and to assess their level of exposure; (k) in respect of zones susceptible to particular hazards, draw up and implement an operating plan and procedures to ensure a safe system of work and the protection of persons employed in the mine; (l) at least one entry and one exit of every workplace where practicable, (m) measures and precautions appropriate to the nature of the mine operations to prevent, detect and combat the start and spread of fire, explosion are taken, THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (n) when there is serious danger to the safety and health of workers, operations are stopped and workers are evacuated to a safe location; (o) corrective actions are taken immediately, when manager or other officials report non-compliance with these Regulations and Safety Management Plan. (2) (a) The owner shall maintain a documented management structure to ensure the safety and health of persons employed in the mine; and (b) The document shall state the responsibilities of every person holding responsible position in the management structure. (3) It shall be the duty of the owner to provide adequate resources to ensure effective implementation of the safety management plan. (4) The owner shall periodically audit and review the effectiveness and implementation of the safety management plan. (5) The owner shall ensure preparation of an emergency response plan specific to each mine for reasonably foreseeable operational, industrial and natural disasters. (6) Where workers are exposed to physical, chemical or biological hazards, the owner shall- (a) inform the workers, in a comprehensible manner, of the hazards associated with their work, the health risks involved and relevant preventive and protective measures; (b) take appropriate measures to eliminate or minimize the risks resulting from exposure to those hazards; (c) where adequate protection against exposure to hazardous conditions is not possible to ensure by other means, provide and maintain at no cost to the worker, suitable protective equipment, clothing as necessary and other facilities as defined by these regulations; (d) provide workers who have suffered from an injury or illness at the workplace with first aid, appropriate transportation from the workplace and access to appropriate medical facilities; (7) The owner shall ensure that- (a) adequate training and re-training programs and comprehensible instructions are provided for workers, at no cost to them, on safety and health matters as well as on the work assigned; (b) adequate supervision and control are provided in each shift to secure the safe operation of the mine; (c) a system is established so that the names of all persons who are employed in the mine can be accurately known at any time; (d) all accidents and dangerous occurrences are investigated and appropriate remedial actions are taken; (8) The owner shall ensure regular health surveillance of workers exposed to occupational health hazards specific to mining operations. 20. General responsibilities of supplier, manufacturer, designer and consultant. - A person who designs, manufactures, imports, provides or transfers machinery, equipment or substances for use in mines or provide expert services or consultation, shall- (a) ensure that the machinery, equipment or substances do not entail dangers for the safety and health of those using them correctly; and (b) make available- (i) information concerning their requirement for the correct installation, maintenance and use of machinery and equipment and the correct storage and use of substances; (ii) information concerning the hazards of machinery and equipment, the dangerous properties of hazardous substances and physical agents or products; and (iii) information on how to eliminate or control risks arising from the identified hazards associated with the products. (c) provide expert or consultation services with due regard to safety of the mine working and safety and health of the persons employed therein. 21. Duties and responsibilities of contractor. – A contractor deployed in a mine for any work shall- (a) establish effective ongoing communication and co-ordination between appropriate levels of supervisors, officials and senior officials of the mine prior to commencing work and till the completion of work, which shall include provisions for identifying hazards and the measures to eliminate and control risks; THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (b) ensure arrangements for reporting work related injuries and diseases, ill-health and incidents among the contractor’s workers while performing work in the mine; (c) provide relevant workplace safety and health hazard awareness and training to their workers prior to commencing work and as the work progresses as necessary; (d) ensure compliance of the provisions of the Code and the rules and regulations framed thereunder; and (e) neither terminate nor appoint any new person without the knowledge of the manager. 22. Duty and responsibility of manager. -(1) The manager of every mine shall be responsible for overall management, control, supervision and direction of the mine to ensure that the work is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Code and of the regulations and orders made thereunder. (2) The manager of every mine shall ensure that sufficient supply of materials and appliances for the purpose of carrying out the provisions of the Code, the regulations and orders made thereunder and for ensuring the safety of the mine and persons employed therein, is always provided at the mine; and if he is not the owner or agent of the mine, he shall report in writing to the owner or agent of the mine when anything which he is not competent to order, is required for the aforesaid purpose and a copy of every such report shall be maintained. (3) The manager of a mine shall assign to every competent person and official his specific duty and on his appointment provide to him or her a copy of the regulations, rules and bye-laws and any orders made thereunder which affect him or her and he shall take all possible steps to ensure that every such person understands, carries out and enforces the provisions contained therein in a proper manner. (4) The manager shall examine all reports, registers and other records required to be made or kept in pursuance of the Code, the regulations and orders made thereunder and shall countersign the same with date. Provided that the manager may, by an order in writing, delegate this duty to a deputy manager except in cases where a specific provision is made requiring the manager to countersign a report or register. (5) The manager of a mine shall pay attention to, and cause to be carefully investigated, any specific representation or complaint that may be made to him or her in writing by a work person of the mine as to any matter affecting the environment or safety or health of persons in or about the mine. (6) When an accident resulting in any serious bodily injury to any person or loss of life occurs in a mine, the manager shall inspect the site of accident immediately and shall also either himself or herself or through safety officer or through an enquiry committee duly constituted by him or her have an enquiry made into the causes and circumstances leading to the accident and the result of every such enquiry and a plan and section of the site of the accident showing the details shall be submitted to the Regional Inspector-cum Facilitator within thirty days of the date of occurrence. (7) The manager of a mine shall perform such other duty as specified under the Code, the regulations and orders made thereunder. (8) The manager of a mine may suspend, or take such disciplinary action, or recommend as he thinks fit against, the work person for contravention of any provisions of the Code, or the regulations and orders made thereunder. (9) The manager of every mine shall inspect the mine, at least twice in every week and maintain a record therein the findings of each of his inspections and also the action taken by him or her to rectify the defects mentioned, if any. Provided that at least one such inspection shall be made during night shift in every fortnight. (10) The manager of a mine shall identify operations of hazardous nature and ensure framing and usage of code of practice to be followed by persons engaged in the operation which shall be consistent with the Code and the regulations or orders made thereunder. 23. Duty and responsibility of deputy manager.- (1) The deputy manager of a mine shall carry out the duties assigned to him or her by the manager of the mine, and shall ensure that in the part of the mine or installations assigned to him or her by the manager, all work is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Code and of the regulations or orders made thereunder. (2) The deputy manager shall – (a) ensure that all operations in the part of the mine assigned to him or her under sub-regulation (1) are carried out in accordance with the code of practices framed under these regulations; (b) visit and examine the part of the mine and the installations under his charge or part thereof, at least four times in every week; Provided that at least one such visit shall be made during night shift in every week. THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (c) maintain a detailed report of the result of each of his inspection and also action taken by him or her to rectify the defects noticed, if any; (d) ensure that when any drilling rig, workover rig and associated equipment, production equipment or pipeline is shifted or newly installed, it is given a trial run before being put into use; and (e) in the absence of manager, the deputy manager shall have the same responsibility and discharge the same duty and shall be subjected to same liabilities as manager, but not so as to exempt the manager therefrom. 24. Duty and responsibility of installation manager. - The installation manager of a mine shall- (a) have charge and control of the installation and shall carry out such duties, as may be assigned to him or her by the manager or deputy manager; (b) ensure that in the installation assigned to him or her, all work is carried out in accordance with the provisions of the Code and the regulations or the orders made thereunder; (c) ensure that all operations in the installation or part of the mine assigned to him or her under clause (a) are carried out in accordance with the code of practice framed under these regulations; (d) ensure that a notice of his or her appointment is available at site and his or her name is displayed at a place in the installation in such a position that it may be easily and conveniently read; (e) visit and examine the installation or part thereof under his charge on every working day to see that safety in every respect is ensured; (f) maintain a detailed record of the results of each of his inspection and also of the action taken by him or her to rectify the defects noticed, if any; (g) ensure that when any drilling rig, work-over rig and associated equipment or production equipment or pipeline is shifted or newly installed, a trial-run is given under his supervision or person so authorised by him or her before it is put into use; (h)ensure that all persons employed at the installation are thoroughly instructed and familiar with the provisions of the standing orders, standard operating procedures, code of practices and emergency response plan made under regulation 98; (i) ensure that the provisions of the Code and the regulations or orders made thereunder relating to the installation, maintenance, operation or examination of machinery and equipment are properly carried out by himself or herself or by officials or by competent persons or work persons, as the case may be, appointed for the purpose; and (j) during the construction of an installation or any operation thereat, when there is an emergency or apprehended emergency endangering the life or safety of any person or the stability and safety of the installation, himself or herself take or cause to be taken such measures as are necessary or expedient to avoid the emergency. 25. Duty of fire officer. - (1) The fire officer shall - (a) ensure the compliance of the provisions of the Code and the regulations or orders made thereunder concerning fire detection, fire-fighting system and emergency response plan and advise the manager and deputy manager on measures necessary to ensure adequate protection against fire; (b) ensure that code of practice for fire-fighting is prepared and implemented; (c) ensure proper layout, installation and maintenance of fire-fighting equipment; (d) ensure that emergency response plan for likely fire situations are prepared; (e) organise regular training of persons in-charge of fire-fighting duty with particular reference to contingency or emergency response plan for fire, correct assessment and handling of fire problem; (f) ensure that persons on firefighting duty undertake simulated fire drills at least once in every month to study promptness of response and effective tactics; (g) examine at least once in every quarter all devices and equipment of fire detection and firefighting systems in the mine and report any defects in the same to the manager or deputy manager; (h) exercise a general supervision and co-ordination during control and extinguishment of any fire in the mine; (i) assist the manager or other officials so authorised, to conduct enquiry into the causes and circumstances of all fires with a view to prevent recurrence in the mine; and (j) maintain detailed record of work performed by him or her every day. (2) No duty other than the duty specified in sub-regulation (1) shall be assigned to the fire officer. THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] 26. Duty and responsibility of competent person for well perforation. - (1) The competent person appointed or authorised under Regulation 15 shall be responsible, under these regulations or orders made thereunder, for handling, transport and use of explosives in the mine in accordance with Regulation 56. (2) The competent persons for well perforation shall - (a) be responsible for the compliance of such provisions and of any direction with a view to safety, which may be given to them by a superior official; (b) not handover any explosive to any unauthorised person; (c) be present when shot is being charged and shall himself or herself fire the shot; and (d) responsible when a shot has misfired to see that the gun is safely disarmed. (3) The competent person shall maintain detailed record of the work performed by him. 27. Duty and responsibility of competent person. - (1) Every competent person shall, subject to the orders of superior officials, perform his duty assigned to him or her in accordance with the provisions of the Code and of the regulations or the orders made thereunder. (2) The competent person shall not - (a) depute another person to perform his work without the sanction of his superior official; (b)absent himself or herself without having the prior permission from such official for the period of his absence or without been relieved by a duly competent person; and (c) without permission from superior official perform during his shift, any duties other than those for which he has been appointed. (3) the competent person shall, on the occurrence at his place of work any hazardous condition, inform to his superior official and take prompt corrective measures to contain the hazard. (4) The Competent person shall not perform the work himself and supervise the work at the same time. CHAPTER - V DRILLING AND WORK-OVER 28. Derrick, mast and substructure. - (1) The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall ensure that every part of Drilling and work Over Rigs including derrick, mast and sub-structure shall be of sound construction and adequate strength, meeting the maximum load criteria for which it is designed and shall be maintained in safe working order. (2) The derrick shall be adequately secured to prevent it from overturning. (3) The owner, agent and manager shall ensure that periodical non-destructive testing of all critical components of the rigs are carried out and recommendations of the testing are implemented to ensure safe working order, periodicity shall be as prescribed by Chief Inspector cum Facilitator through general of special order and notified from time to time. 29. Derrick platform and floor. - (1) The owner, agent and manager shall provide on every derrick or portable mast, a platform, surrounding the Crown Block, having walkway of at least sixty centimetres width on all sides and guarded by at least double railed railing of height not less than one meter on its outer edge with toe-board of not less than fifteen centimetres height. (2) The owner, agent and manager shall provide on every derrick, a platform for persons to safely perform handling of pipe or other equipment provided on the derrick floor. The platform shall be of adequate construction and shall be guarded by double railed railing of height not less than one meter on its outer edge with toe-board of not less than fifteen centimetres height. (3) The working edge of monkey board platform shall be so placed that there is adequate clearance for safe passage of travelling block. (4) The platform, floor and walkway shall be kept free of dangerous projection or obstruction and shall be so maintained as to provide adequate protection against slipping. 30. Ladders. - (1) Every derrick shall be equipped with a ladder arrangement ensuring safe access to the elevated walking and working platform. (2) Access from ladder to working platform shall be properly secured with railings and toe boards. (3) Every ladder shall have rungs equally spaced and the top end of each ladder section shall extend not less than one metre above the landing platform. The rungs shall have adequate protection against slipping. (4) Width of non-vertical ladder shall be adequate to evacuate injured person safely. (5) When the length of ladder exceeds six meters, the owner, agent and manager shall provide landing platform at an interval of not more than nine meters or shall provide cage on ladders: THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] Provided that nothing in this sub-regulation shall apply where personal fall arrest system is used on the ladder. (6) The landing platform shall be equipped with railings and toe-boards so arranged as to give safe access to the ladder. (7) The ladder leading from derrick platform to monkey board shall be provided with fall prevention device meeting with applicable Indian or International Standard to prevent persons from falling. 31. Full body harness and Lifeline. - (1) The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall provide to every person who works above the first girt of a derrick, full body harness and lifeline certified as per IS 3521 or its revised version and he or she shall use the same unless otherwise protected against the danger of falling from height. (2) No person shall work or travel from where he is likely to fall for more than one metre and eighty centimetres unless he is protected with full body harness and lifeline and shall use the same whilst at work. 32. Emergency escape device.- (1) The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall ensure that an escape device with escape line and slide of adequate strength, as per the standard specified for the purpose by the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator by a general or special order, is installed and maintained on every monkey board in such a manner that persons may come down safely from the monkey board to ground level in an emergency. Provided that nothing in this sub-regulation shall apply in rigs where there is no monkey board. (2) The escape line shall be securely fastened to the girt immediately above the monkey board and it shall be securely anchored to ground at a distance, from centre of cellar pit, not less than the height of the monkey board from the ground. (3) The landing place shall be provided with adequate quantity of sand or other suitable material for cushioning to prevent hard landing. (4) A competent person shall inspect every part of emergency escape device, braking system as per the inspection and maintenance guidelines of original equipment manufacturer. The record of every such inspection shall be maintained by the person in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and sign it with date. (5) The track rope of the emergency escape device shall have sufficient sag to avoid straining due to pre tensioning. (6) The track rope or any part thereof shall have no damage or kink. (7) The braking unit pulleys of the emergency escape device shall be checked for free rotation by a competent person prior to each installation and once in every week after installation. It shall be checked for any wear once in every week and shall be cleaned to make it free from slippage. (8) the result of every such examination specified under sub-regulation (7) shall be recorded in a bound paged book kept for the purpose by the competent person making inspection and shall sign it with date; 33. Weight indicator. - (1) The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall provide on every rig, a weight indicator to register a close indication of the load suspended from the casing line. (2) The weight indicator shall be maintained in working order and calibrated at intervals not exceeding six months. 34. Escape exit. - The rig floor area and each draw-works engine floor area shall have not less than two escape exits placed on opposite sides to allow unobstructed escape. 35. Guardrails, handrails and covers. - (1) The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall ensure that the floor openings and floor holes are guarded by a standard railing and toe-board or cover. (2) Where any person is allowed to work or pass through open-sided floor or platform of height one metre and eighty centimetre or more above the adjacent floor or ground level, the open-sided floor or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing. (3) The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall ensure that standard railing is provided on the inside of all mud tank runways, unless other means are available to prevent a person from falling into the mud tanks. (4) The open sided floor, walkway, platform or runway above or adjacent to dangerous equipment and similar hazards shall be guarded with a standard railing and toe-board. 36. Draw-works. - The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall ensure that- (a) the draw-works is fitted with a suitable device with its control near the driller’s stand to stop the draw works in case of an emergency; (b) no draw-works is operated unless all guards are in position and maintained; THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (c) the machinery is stopped for oiling and greasing if lubrication fittings are not accessible with guards in place; (d) the brakes, linkage and brake flanges of draw-works are examined by a competent person once at least in every twenty four hours and if any defect is found during such examination, the draw-works are not used until such defect is remedied; (e) the result of every such examination specified under clause (d) is recorded by the competent person making the inspection and sign it with date; (f) the draw-works are provided with an automatic device which shall effectively prevent the travelling block from coming closer than two metres of the crown block on the one end and crashing on the rotary table at the other end. (g) The draw work shall be provided with more than one brake. (h) One of the brakes as required under sub regulation (g) shall be of fail-safe type so as to apply the brake automatically in case of failure of brake actuating medium in the draw works which are replaced or commissioned after coming into force of these regulations 37. Cat-head and cat-line. - (1) The cat-heads operated manually shall be equipped with a guide divider to ensure separation of the first wrap of line or rope. (2) The key seat and projecting key on a cat-head shall be covered with a smooth thimble or plate. (3) When a cat-head is in use, a competent person shall be at the controls and in the event of any emergency, he shall immediately stop the rotation of the cat-head. (4) The operator of the cat-head shall keep his operating area clear and shall keep the portion of the cat line not being used coiled or spooled. 38. Tongs. - (1) The uncontrolled rotation of pipes shall be effectively prevented while making or breaking pipe connections and a back-up tong shall be used for this purpose whenever required. (2) The tong counter balance weights and lines shall be provided with guards to prevent accidental contact. (3) The ends of tong safety lines shall be secured with not less than three wire-line clamps, or crimped. 39. Iron Roughnecks. - (1) Area of movement of Iron roughneck, if provided, shall be clearly demarcated by suitable means on the derrick floor. (2) Pre start audio-visual warning shall be provided and shall be in operation during movement of Iron roughnecks. (3) Easily identifiable and readily accessible emergency stop controls shall be provided on Iron roughnecks at suitable places and in case of remote control at operator’s console. (4) The Iron roughneck shall be de-energised when not in use. 40. Safety chains or wirelines. - The tongs, ends of rotary hose and suspension sheaves shall be fitted with safety chains or wire lines. 41. Casing lines. - (1) The casing line shall be visually examined by a competent person once at least in every seven days and the condition of the wire as to wear, corrosion, brittleness and fracture shall be noted, and a report of every such examination shall be recorded by the person who made the examination. (2) If during any inspection, any defect or weakness is found by which the safety of persons may be endangered, such weakness or defect shall be promptly reported in writing to the installation manager or manager and until such weakness or defect is remedied, the casing line shall not be used. (3) The slip and cut operation shall be carried out under the supervision of the installation manager or other competent person who shall record the date and other particulars thereof and shall sign with date. (4) Factor of Safety, inspection and slip and cut procedure of casing line shall be done in the manner as prescribed and issued by the central Government from time to time so as to prevent excessive wear or failure of the casing line. (5) No wire rope which has been spliced shall be used. (6) (a) For every wire rope in use or intended for use, a certificate showing its breaking load, quality, construction and diameter, obtained from the manufacturer or supplier and a history of its use, including a record of diameters of the drums, sheaves and pulleys used in conjunction with the rope, shall be kept in a bound paged book kept for the purpose. (b) All entries made in the book referred to in clause (a) shall be signed with date by the competent person, and be countersigned and dated by the installation manager. (7) The dead end storage reel shall be kept clear off ground and shall be adequately protected from water, dust, mud and corrosive fluids. THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] 42. Rigging equipment for material handling. - (1) The rigging equipment including cranes for material handling shall be checked prior to and during its use to ensure that it is safe. (2) The rigging equipment shall not be loaded in excess of its recommended safe working load. (3) No Crane shall be operated in the vicinity of any electric overhead or electric transmission lines, unless the later have been de-energised; Provided that where such de-energisation is not possible due to the reasons beyond control, adequate precaution shall be taken so that no part of the crane or the material being lifted comes within the electric field of the overhead lines or transmission lines and the reasons thereof shall be recorded in writing in a bound paged book or in suitable and un-editable electronic form kept or maintained for the purpose. (4) The rigging equipment and crane shall be inspected by a competent person at such interval and in accordance with the procedure as laid down by the manager or installation manager and he or she shall record the results of the inspection in a bound paged book kept for the purpose and shall sign it with date. 43. Storage of materials. - (1) The materials stored in tiers shall be stacked, racked or otherwise secured to prevent sliding, falling or collapse. (2) The passage way shall be kept clear to provide for the free and safe movement of material handling equipment or persons. 44. Construction and loading of pipe-racks. - (1) The construction of pipe racks shall be designed and maintained to support any load placed thereon. (2) The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall make adequate provision to prevent pipe, tubular material or other round material from rolling off pipe-racks. (3) No person shall go or be allowed to go between pipe-rack and a load of pipe during loading, unloading and transferring operations of pipes unless effective protective device or system is provided to protect such person from being hit by any load of pipe in motion. 45. Rigging-up and rig dismantling. - (1) The manager of a mine shall ensure that the rigging-up and rig dismantling is done in the manner as prescribed by the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator by a general or special order issued from time to time. (2) No Rigging up and rig dismantling activities shall be carried out in absence of official authorised for the purpose by the manager. 46. Mud tanks and pumps. - (1) The owner, agent and manager shall provide and maintain mud tanks and mud pumps of sufficient capacity for effective control of the well. (2) The owner, agent and manager shall ensure that- (a) the mud tanks are so designed and installed as to provide positive suction to mud pumps; (b) the mud pumps connected to a drilling rig are equipped with a pressure relief valve and an operating gauge in the system; (c) the pressure relief valve is set to discharge at a pressure not more than ten per cent in excess of maximum working pressure of the pump; (d) the discharge from a pressure relief valve is piped to such a place which does not endanger persons and the discharge line is anchored securely; and (e) there is no valve between a pump and its pressure relief valve. 47. Well control equipment and operation. - (1) For safe well control practices during drilling and work over operations, blowout prevention system shall be done in the manner as issued by the Central Government. (2) In well control equipment and operations, the manager of the mine shall ensure that- (a) well control fluid and equipment are available and installed and used as required; (b) well is full of well fluid of adequate specific gravity to overbalance the bottom hole pressure; (c) notice of any sign of kick in the well during tripping operation is closely monitored and the annulus is kept full with well fluid. (d) full opening safety valve with connection for circulation and operating key are readily available and kept in open position on the derrick floor (e) blow out preventer and related equipment like choke and kill manifold, control panel and accumulator are available, maintained and tested regularly; (f) blow out preventer equipment is function-tested and pressure-tested when installed and also at the appropriate time during operations to determine that the blow out preventer functions properly; (g) instructions of the blow out preventer operating manual of the manufacturer are complied with; THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (h) all connections, valves, fittings, piping, and other equipment have a minimum working pressure equal to the rated working pressure of the blow out preventer; (i) bolts, nuts and fittings of correct size are used and tightened to the recommended torque; and all connections are pressure-tested before resuming operation; (j) all manually operated valves are equipped with hand wheels, and always kept ready for use; and (k) Trip Drill and Pit Drills shall be carried out regularly. 48. Selection of well control equipment. - The selection of well control equipment shall be in the manner as issued by the Central Government from time to time. 49. Periodic inspection and maintenance of well control equipment. - The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall- (a) establish inspection and maintenance procedures of well control equipment taking into consideration the recommendations of original equipment manufacturer; (b) ensure that the well control equipment is cleaned, visually inspected and preventive maintenance performed, before installation at the next well; (c) ensure that major inspection is carried out at intervals of not more than five years of service or as per Original Equipment Manufacturer’s recommendation. (d) ensure that the records of every inspection made under clauses(b) and (c) is maintained by the competent person who made the inspection and sign the record with date. (e) comply with the spare parts requirement as recommended by the original equipment manufacturer; (f) ensure that separate maintenance history or log book of the entire blow-out preventers, choke manifold and control units are maintained; and (g) ensure that all pressure gauges on the blowout preventers control system are calibrated at least once in every six months. 50. Control system for blowout preventers. - The owner, agent and manager shall ensure that- (a) all ram preventers have locking mechanism and instructions for operating the controls are posted prominently near the control unit; (b) all controls of power operated blowout preventers are located within easy reach of the driller on the derrick floor; (c) a remote control panel for the blowout preventer is installed at ground floor level at a safe distance from the derrick floor; (d) blowout preventers are connected to an accumulator system which shall be capable of providing fluid of sufficient volume to close all the blowout preventers in the stack and open hydraulically operated valve; and (e) all controls for blowout preventers are clearly identified with suitable markers; Provided that the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator may prescribe, by a general or special order and notified from time to time, required additional precautions for control system for blowout preventers. 51. Testing of blowout preventer assembly. - The owner, agent and manager shall ensure that testing of blowout preventer assembly is conducted in the manner as issued by the Central Government from time to time. 52. Precautions against blowout. - (1) The owner, agent and manager shall ensure that the following control equipment for the drilling mud system are installed and kept in use during drilling operations, namely: - (a) a pit level indicator, near the driller’s stand, registering increase or reduction in the drilling mud volume which shall give visual and audio warning device when the mud volume is increased or reduced from a predetermined level; (b) a device to accurately measure the volume of mud required to be kept in the well at all times; (c) a gas detector or explosimeter at the mud channel and primary shale shaker which is connected to audio-visual alarm device near the driller’s stand in case the explosive gas increased above a predetermined level; (d) a device to ensure filling of well with mud when the string is being pulled out; and (e) a control device near the driller’s stand to stop the mud pump when there is well kick. (2) If the control equipment referred to in sub-regulation (1) indicates that formation fluid is entering the well, immediate steps shall be taken to control the well. THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (3) The manager of every mine in which blow out preventer assembly is installed, shall, immediately after such installation, frame standing orders specifying the action to be taken when a well kicks and the duty of each person employed on the rig and of such other persons as may be necessary. (4) A copy of standing orders referred to in sub-regulation (3) shall be posted at conspicuous places near the rig. (5) Every person employed on a rig shall have an adequate understanding of the warning sign of a kick, the standing orders mentioned under sub-regulation (3) and the blowout preventer assembly, and competent person on the rig shall have knowledge to operate the controls for blowout preventer; and blowout prevention drill shall be conducted once in seven days. (6) Suitable control valves shall be kept available near the well which may be used in case of emergency to control the well. (7) When running in or pulling out string, a suitable mechanism shall be kept readily available at the derrick floor to prevent uncontrolled flow from the string. 53. Precautions after occurrence of a blowout. - (1) On the appearance of signs indicating occurrence of blow out, the manager of the mine shall ensure that all persons other than those whose presence is deemed necessary for controlling blowout are immediately withdrawn from the installation and action is taken in accordance with the procedures formulated in the emergency response plan prepared under Regulation 98. (2) During the whole time that any work of controlling a blowout is in progress, the manager of the mine shall ensure that- (a) a competent person is present on the spot throughout; (b) an area within five hundred metre of the well on the down wind direction is demarcated as danger zone, and- (i) all electrical installations within the danger zone is de-energised to prevent the ignition; (ii) flameproof or intrinsically safe lamp or torch is only be used within the danger zone; and (iii) no naked light or vehicular traffic is permitted within the danger zone except those vehicles required for dealing with blowout with proper safeguards. (c) a competent person ascertains the condition of ventilation and presence of gas with a flameproof or intrinsically safe instrument; (d) adequate number of self-contained breathing apparatus or any other apparatus, which conforms with the Indian Standards IS-10245 Part-2 or IS 10245 Part-1 or its revised versions, are available at or near the place for use in emergency; and (e) adequate fire-fighting facility is kept readily available for immediate use. 54. Drilling and work-over operation:- (1) At the beginning of every shift, the instruments and controls at the driller’s stand, draw-works, mud pumps, sensing and monitoring instruments, mud logging, casing line, cat-line and blowout preventer assembly shall be examined by the person in-charge of the shift or a competent person and he shall satisfy himself or herself that they are in working order. (2) The manager of a mine shall ensure that a detailed plan of operations relating to safety and geotechnical matters is formulated before the commencement of drilling operation or plan for workover operation of individual well and the same is made available to installation managers, other concerned officials and competent persons before the commencement of the said operation. (3) Before commencement of drilling or work-over operation, a pre-spudding or pre-work-over meeting shall be carried out to examine and ensure safe operation of drilling or work-over and other related activities, and the conclusion of the meeting shall be recorded and signed by the members. (4) Before commencement of drilling or work-over operation and during drilling and work-over operation, list of SIMOP shall be identified and their control measures shall be established in accordance with the manner as prescribed by the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator by a general or special order and notified from time to time. (5) The driller shall ensure that no person remains in dangerous position near the rotary table before the rotary table is set in motion. (6) The casing line shall not be in direct contact with any derrick member or foul with any material in the derrick excepting the crown block and any travelling block sheaves, a line spooler, a line stabilizer or weight indicator. (7) When cementing, no person shall be allowed to remain on the rig floor near the wellhead or near the cementing line and equipment except those actually engaged on the operation. THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (8) All high-pressure pipes fitted with flexible points shall be suitably anchored and pressure tested before the commencement of cementing operation. (9) After the cementing operation and prior to perforation, casing shall be hermetically tested at a pressure at least seventy per cent of the casing burst pressure. (10) Tools or other materials shall not be carried up or down by person on ladder unless properly secured to his or her body leaving both hands free for climbing. (11) The Manager of the mine shall conduct risk assessment to fix the minimum distance between the well to be drilled and railway, public road, public works or other permanent structure not belonging to the owner: Provided that, no well shall be drilled within a distance of forty five metre of any railways, public road, public works or any other permanent surface structure not belonging to the owner. Explanation. - For the purposes of this sub-regulation, the distance shall mean the shortest distance between the centre of well and any railways, public road, public works or any other permanent surface structure not belonging to the owner measured in any direction on surface. 55. Drill stem test. - (1) The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall ensure that prior to the commencement of drill stem test- (a) pressure test and function test of the blowout preventer assembly is conducted; (b) fire-fighting equipment is kept readily available for immediate use; (c) no person other than those required for the test is admitted on the drilling floor; (d) the test line is securely anchored at each end and at each nine metre interval; (e) the kelly hose is not used as part of the test line; and (f) the test line and valves are examined by a competent person and no test is conducted if any defect is discovered until such defect is rectified. (2) No person shall conduct the initial opening of drill stem test tool except in daylight hours. (3) No drill pipe shall be pulled out when petroleum or natural gas has been recovered during a drill stem test, unless the well is properly killed and there is no possibility of petroleum or natural gas being present in the drill pipe. (4) The gas produced during a drill stem test shall be burnt through a flare-line or burners. CHAPTER - VI PRODUCTION 56. Well perforation. - Well perforation shall be carried out in the manner as issued by the Central Government from time to time. 57. Well testing and activation. - (1) The Christmas tree and flow line including the associated fittings shall be tested by applying maximum pressure likely to be encountered and the result of such test be recorded by person conducting such test and sign it with date before commencement of testing or activation of well. (2) The well testing and activation shall be performed under the direct supervision of installation manager or an official who shall ensure that- (a) flow-lines are firmly anchored to the ground; (b) the separator safety valve is in good working order and properly adjusted; (c) hydro tested separator is used; (d) separated inflammable gases from well fluid are safely flared out. (e) adequate fire-fighting equipment in working condition is readily available for immediate use; and (f) adequate facility is provided to safely collect the well products in tanks. (3) The installation manager or official referred to in sub-regulation (2) shall ensure that well control procedure is made available to every person at the site and he or she has understood the same, considering all eventualities before commencement of well testing. (4) The well testing and activation shall not be carried out beyond day light hours or under conditions of lightning, thunder, high wind and heavy rain, except with the written permission with justification of the manager based on job safety analysis and subject to observance of the control measures and other conditions he or she may specify therein. (5) A record of every permission referred to in sub-regulation (4) shall be maintained. THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] 58. Production facility.- (1) Whenever the owner, agent or manager of a mine proposes to construct any new production facility or carry out material alteration(s) at existing production facility, which covers quick production system, early production system, oil collection station, group gathering stations, gas collecting station, gas compressor plant, central tank farm, intermediate tank farm, water injection plant, polymer injection plant, in-situ combustion plant or any other important facility in oilfield within any mine, he or she shall ensure that - (a) the following particulars are shown on the surface plan and a copy thereof is kept at the facility - (i) the name and location of any other production facility connected with the facility; (ii) the pipelines connected with the facility; (iii) the name of each well connected to the facility; (iv) the extent of the land over which right of use or right of way has been established; and (v) any railway, public road, public works, building or any other surface features lying within sixty metres of such facility; (b) the documents, in compliance with all relevant statutory requirement, safety standards and safety guidelines are made available at site; (c) in any production facility wherever the quantity of petroleum gas or liquid stored or handled exceeds three hundred tonnes or one lakh tonnes respectively, safety report in the form and method specified by the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator is made available at site; and (d) the detailed piping and instrumentation diagram of facility is maintained and kept updated and a copy of the same is kept available at the facility. (2) The owner, agent and manager of a mine shall ensure that the production facilities are of sound construction and required strength and designed, constructed, operated and maintained based on risk assessment. 59. Storage tank. - Every tank for the storage of petroleum in bulk shall be designed, constructed, operated and maintained in the manner as issued by the Central Government from time to time. 60. Dyked enclosures. - (1) The petroleum storage tanks shall be located in dyked enclosures with roads all around the enclosure and all dyked enclosures shall be provided with proper discharge system to prevent accumulation of oil or water in the enclosures. (2) The layout and design of dyked enclosures for petroleum storage tanks shall conform with the standard as issued by the Central Government from time to time. (3) The dyked enclosure shall be provided with roads from all sides and the roads shall be linked in such a way that in the event of fire or other emergency, if any, the area could be easily accessible for firefighting and for emergency response. 61. General requirement for storage tank and dyked enclosure. - (1) The owner, agent and manager shall ensure that the design of oil storage tanks shall conform to the requirements as issued by the Central Government from time to time. (2) The height of the storage tank shall not exceed one and half times its diameter or twenty metre, whichever is less. (3) The piping from and to any tank, located in a dyked enclosure, shall not pass through any other dyked enclosure and the piping connected to tanks shall run directly to outside the dyke to the extent possible to minimise piping within the enclosures. (4) The minimum distance between a tank and the inside toe of the dyke wall shall not be less than half the height of the tank. (5) An air space of not less than five per cent of the total capacity of the tank shall be kept in each tank. (6) Every tank after being installed or reinstalled and before being put in use, shall be hydro tested in the manner as issued by the Central Government from time to time, by a competent person so as to ensure that it is free from any leakage and is suitable for storage of oil. (7) A report of the test mentioned in sub-regulation (6) shall be maintained by the competent person conducting such test and sign it with date. (8) Every storage tank including its roof and all metal connections shall be connected with very low earth resistance system in manner prescribed by the Chief Inspector-cum-Facilitator by a general or special order and notified from time to time. (9) A competent person authorised in writing by the manager shall maintain record of type and detailed specifications of the earth resistance system, test criteria, results of testing, standard followed during such tests and any other relevant details with sign and date. THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—SEC. 3(i)] (10) The earthing system as mentioned in sub regulation 9 shall be tested for its resistance to earth on a dry day during dry season not less than once a year and records of such tests shall be maintained. 11) (a) no person shall be allowed to enter a tank for cleaning or maintenance without work permit for confined space entry has been obtained from the installation manager and (b) cleaning and maintenance of a tank shall be carried out only after the tank is made gas free and under supervision of a competent person authorised for the purpose. (12) The agent and manager shall provide walkway with handrail on the roof of the tank to facilitate inspection and checking of vents, flame arrestor and other facilities so that movement of personnel on roof is safe. (13) Every tank shall be painted and its numbering, safe filling height, reference height, date of last cleaning and due date for next cleaning shall be painted on the tank to avoid operating errors. (14) No gauging or sampling of tank shall be undertaken during thunder or hail storms. 62. Safety precaution in oil despatch pump area. - The manager shall ensure that- (a) all moving parts of a pump are adequately guarded; (b) the discharge outlet of safety relief valve is fixed with the suction end of the pump; (c) the engine exhaust is fixed with spark arrestor; 63. Manifold area. - The manager shall ensure that pressure gauge of suitable range and non-return valve are fitted on each inlet lines to the manifold. 64. Process area. - (1) The manager of every mine shall ensure that in process area- (a) discharge line of safety relief valve or pressure safety valve of the pressure vessel containing oil is connected to the flare through a common header; (b) all bath heaters, indirect heaters and flare line are provided with remote ignition system; (c) Low level switch shall be provided in bath heaters which shall send signal to close the fuel gas supply to pilot and main burner and raise an audio-visual alarm, if water level drops below the fire tube; (d) flame arrestor is in place in air intake line of the burners; (e) all vessels, equipment, bath heaters or indirect heaters handling petroleum are effectively earthed; (f) insulating floors or mat of appropriate voltage level as per the provisions of the Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023, as amended from time to time; shall be provided near the electrical control panels; (g) date of testing and due date of testing of safety relief valve or pressure safety valve fitted in vessels are inscribed on the vessels; (2) The manager shall provide burner management system in gas fired heaters, namely heater treaters, bath heaters and indirect heaters which are commissioned after the date of coming into force of this Regulation, which shall shut off gas supply to main and pilot burners in the event of pilot flame out and give audio visual alarm to this effect. In gas fired heaters which were commissioned before the date of coming into force of this Regulation, there shall be regular monitoring of the pilot burner to ensure that pilot burners are always burning and record thereof shall be maintained by a competent person authorised in this behalf. Such heaters shall be brought into the scope of burner management system within one year from the date of coming into force of these Regulations. (3) For the gas fired heaters which were commissioned before the date of coming into force of these Regulations, there shall be regular monitoring of hydrocarbon gas and record thereof shall be maintained by a competent person authorised in this behalf. (4) The Manager shall provide a system of continuous monitoring and detection of hydro carbon at suitable places with provision of audio-visual alarm in process area and such system shall be intrinsically safe or explosion proof. Detectors of the system shall be calibrated not less than once in a year. 65. Generator area.- Wherever generator set is used in a mine, the owner, agent and manager of a mine shall ensure that the same is maintained and operated in accordance with the Central Electricity Authority (Measures Relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023 and the noise and emission levels in the nearby area are maintained within the limits as specified under the Environment (Protection) Rules, 1986 amended from time to time respectively. 66. Gas compressor shed or house. - (1) The gas compressors shed or house shall be located at a safe distance from heaters as issued by the central government from time to time and shall have protective roofing and open from sides to avoid accumulation of heavier vapour or gas on the floor of compressor house. THE GAZETTE OF INDIA : EXTRAORDINARY [PART II—