The Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) on July 06, 2026, notified the Procedure for Testing of Breathing Apparatus, Flow Meters and Oxygen Purity under the OSHWC (Central) Rules, 2026.
The following has been stated:
• The procedure aims to test breathing and resuscitating apparatus, flow meters, and oxygen purity used in mine rescue stations and rescue rooms under Rule 131(5) of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026. The standards require breathing apparatus to be tested at least once every month or more frequently as recommended by the manufacturer, including checks for leakage, oxygen cylinder pressure, relief valves, oxygen delivery rate, and automatic demand valves in accordance with IS 10245 (Part-1). Oxygen used in breathing apparatus shall not contain more than 1% impurities.
• The notification also mandates periodic accuracy testing of apparatus testers and requires all test results and adjustments to be recorded in a bound register or non-editable electronic form, duly signed and countersigned by the designated officials.
[Notification no. - G.S.R. 573(E)]
