About PESO
- PESO stands for the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation.
- It is a statutory regulatory organisation under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
- It was established on 5 September 1898 as the Department of Explosives during British rule.
- It is the nodal agency responsible for regulating the safety of hazardous substances, including explosives, petroleum products and compressed gases.
- Its headquarters is located in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
- It functions under the leadership of the Chief Controller of Explosives.
- Its primary objective is to ensure public safety and protect life, property and the environment from fire and explosion hazards.
Key Functions of PESO
- Regulatory Functions: Regulates the manufacture, storage, possession, transport, import, export, sale and use of explosives, petroleum products and compressed gases.
- Licensing and Approvals: Grants licences and approvals for facilities dealing with hazardous substances.
- Safety Standards: Develops and implements safety standards for hazardous installations and operations.
- Inspection and Monitoring: Inspects licensed premises to ensure compliance with prescribed safety regulations.
- Accident Investigation: Investigates accidents involving explosives and other hazardous substances.
- Technical Advisory: Provides technical advice to Central and State Governments, industries, local bodies and law enforcement agencies.
- Public Awareness: Promotes safety awareness and capacity-building among stakeholders.
Major Acts and Rules Administered by PESO
PESO administers responsibilities under the following major legislations:
| Act | Important Rules |
| Explosives Act, 1884 | Explosives Rules, 2008 |
| Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016 | |
| Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016 | |
| Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2012 | |
| Petroleum Act, 1934 | Petroleum Rules, 2002 |
| Calcium Carbide Rules, 1987 |
Hazardous Substances and Areas Regulated by PESO
- Explosives: Regulates the manufacture, storage, transportation and use of explosives.
- Petroleum Products: Ensures safety in petroleum storage, refining, transportation and handling.
- Compressed Gases: Regulates the safety of industrial and commercial gas cylinders.
- Pressure Vessels: Oversees safety standards for static and mobile pressure vessels.
- Ammonium Nitrate: Regulates its manufacture, storage, transportation and handling.
- LNG, CNG and Auto LPG: Regulates safety aspects associated with these fuels and related installations.
- Cross-Country Pipelines: Deals with safety-related regulatory requirements within its statutory jurisdiction.
Conclusion
PESO plays a crucial role in regulating hazardous substances and ensuring industrial safety in India. Through licensing, inspection, technical regulation and safety standards, it helps prevent fire and explosion-related accidents and protects public life, property and the environment.
| This concept has been mentioned in the following article: Supreme Court Allows Conditional Use of Green Crackers During Deepavali |