The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has issued new safety directions for inspecting the Internal Excess Flow Check Valve (IEFCV) and IEFCV coupling in non-cryogenic mobile pressure vessels. These inspections are mandatory during the annual inspection for Rule 18 certification and periodic inspection for Rule 19 certification under the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016.
The step follows several road accidents where IEFCV dislodgment led to fire and explosions. Competent persons and Third Party Inspection Agencies (TPIA) must now verify the IEFCV and its coupling using calibrated ring and plug gauges. If threads of the valve or coupling are damaged, they must be replaced immediately.
Oil marketing companies must visually check the IEFCV before filling compressed gas into mobile tankers. Any loose or insecure joint must result in halting the filling process, as required under Condition 7 of the LS-2 licence. These actions ensure compliance with PESO safety norms and prevent potential fire hazards in gas transport operations.