The Government of Maharashtra has invited public comments on the draft Maharashtra Factories (Amendment) Rules, 2025, which propose significant changes to the Maharashtra Factories Rules, 1963. Stakeholders and the public have until April 18, 2025, to submit their objections or suggestions. These proposed amendments are aimed at enhancing safety standards for reactors used in exothermic chemical reactions and introducing stricter guidelines for their operation.
Key Highlights of the Draft Amendment:
Safety Precautions for Reactors in Exothermic Chemical Reactions:
- Predictive Measures: Before carrying out any exothermic chemical reaction in a reactor for the first time, employers (occupiers) must take several predictive measures, including:
- Compatibility checks of reactants and reactor materials.
- Heat of reaction and decomposition evaluations.
- Predicting the maximum Adiabatic Temperature Rise and ensuring the reactor’s cooling system is adequate.
- Assessing potential runaway reactions.
- Preventive Measures:
- Ensuring the use of safety protocols such as eliminating risks, substituting materials, and engineering controls.
- Conducting HAZOP Studies (Hazard Operability Studies) to identify and mitigate potential hazards.
- Implementing automatic systems to control reactor temperature and cooling.
- Protective Controls:
- Installing safety valves, rupture discs, interlocked instruments, and alarm systems to manage overheating and pressure issues.
- Implementing measures to prevent a runaway reaction, including automatic cooling and reaction halting systems.
Examination and Maintenance of Reactors:
- Reactors and associated auxiliary equipment must be examined by a competent person:
- Externally every six months.
- Internally every year.
- Undergoing a hydraulic test every two years.
- A detailed report (Form 13-C) following these inspections must be submitted to the occupier, and it should be preserved for five years.
Emergency Measures:
- Emergency preparedness includes clear instructions for workers, regular safety drills, and proper training on how to handle exothermic reactions and potential accidents.
Operator and Supervisor Qualifications:
- Supervisor: Must have a degree in Chemical Engineering or Chemical Technology and at least three years of experience with reactors.
- Operator: Must hold a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry, a Diploma in Chemical Engineering, or a Certificate in chemical plant operation and undergo training in reactor operation and hazardous substance handling.
New Form 13-C:
- A new Form 13-C has been introduced for the report on the examination of reactors used for exothermic reactions. This report must be maintained for five years.
Public Consultation :
- Comments and suggestions must be submitted by April 18, 2025 to the Director, Directorate of Industrial Safety and Health at the address:
- Kamgar Bhavan, 5th Floor, Block-E, C-20, Bandra-Kurla Complex, Bandra (E), Mumbai 400 051.
The proposed rules aim to bolster safety standards in industries that handle exothermic chemical reactions, ensuring better protection for workers and improved operational safety for reactors. All interested parties are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback.
