On November 1, 2023, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) announced new regulations designed to amend and improve the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Technical Standards and Specifications, including Safety Standards for dispensing of Automotive Fuels) Regulations of 2018.
Drive Out Position Requirements
One of the significant amendments pertains to the drive-out position for tank lorries during decantation. The new regulations require petroleum retail outlets to identify locations where drive-out positions are not available. Within six months of notification of this regulation, modifications to the layout should be made to ensure a drive-out position during tank lorry decantation. In cases where creating a drive-out position is not feasible, these retail outlets must be identified and relocated to suitable locations within three years of the regulation’s notification.
For those outlets where creating a drive-out position is not feasible, the regulations specify certain mitigation measures, as detailed in Annexure-IX. These include strict protocols for tank lorry decantation, clear markings of the drive-out path, cordoning off areas for tank lorries, and the presence of dedicated personnel to ensure safety during the decantation process.
Sales During Tank Lorry Decantation
The regulations also address sales during tank lorry decantation, emphasizing the importance of a drive-out position. Retail outlets with drive-out positions should have a masonry or non-perforated boundary wall of a minimum height of 1.2 meters. During decantation, a specific area around the tank lorry, the fill point, and the corresponding vent must be cordoned off. This area should be clearly marked on the floor and kept clear of any activities.
In cases where sales are allowed during tank lorry decantation, it is imperative to maintain safety measures, including keeping the drive-out path clear and having dedicated personnel to manage traffic and ensure no obstructions. Only one tank lorry should be decanted at any given time, and no other loading or unloading activities should occur during this process.
