The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has invited objections and suggestions from pressure vessel fabricators, Third Party Inspection Agencies (TPIAs) recognised under the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016 [SMPV(U) Rules, 2016], and transporters of compressed gases on the draft Standard Operating Practices (SOPs) and Terms of Reference (TOR). Stakeholders are required to submit specific, clause-wise comments, objections or suggestions through the prescribed form by August 28, 2026.
The draft SOP for pressure vessel fabricators requires fabrication to be carried out only at Chief Controller of Explosives-approved premises. Fabricators are required to maintain documentary records relating to material procurement, heat numbers, material specifications, vessel tare weight, test certificates and inspection details, and upload material-balancing records on the PESO portal. The relevant details are also required to be incorporated in the Certificate of Control issued by the Inspector/TPIA under Rule 13(2) and in the fabrication certificate.
The draft further proposes stage-wise videography of inspections, periodic declaration of manufacturing capacity every six months, reporting of changes in infrastructure/manpower, and maintenance of duly signed records covering procurement, material specifications, fabrication, radiography, quality-control checks, stress relieving, hydro-testing and installation of safety fittings. These records are to be countersigned by the Inspector/TPIA during stage-wise inspection.
