In a significant stride towards enhancing safety in the management and utilization of gas cylinders, particularly those used for hydrogen, the government has proposed a series of revisions to the Gas Cylinders Rules of 2016. The draft, announced on April 15 by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), introduces international standards and advanced testing procedures with the aim of making India’s hydrogen infrastructure safer and more dependable, as per a government communique issued on Tuesday.
The proposed modifications are open for public feedback for a 30-day period before they are finalized. They come at a pivotal moment as hydrogen is gaining traction as a sustainable fuel, primarily in the transportation and industrial sectors.
Among the notable changes, gas cylinders and their components such as valves and regulators will now need to adhere to international benchmarks like ISO and CGA standards. Standards such as ISO 21011 or CGA V-1 outline the technical requirements for gas cylinder valves, ensuring they can securely handle high-pressure gases.
Similarly, IS/ISO 11114-1 and 11114-2 offer guidance on the types of metals or materials suitable for cylinders based on the gas being stored, in order to prevent corrosion or chemical reactions that could lead to accidents.
The revised rules aim to ensure that whether it’s a cylinder used for domestic cooking gas or one employed in a hydrogen-powered vehicle, the materials and design meet international standards for durability, safety, and compatibility.
For hydrogen specifically, the draft introduces stringent testing requirements. Hydrogen-oriented cylinders will now have to pass multiple safety tests as per ISO standards—these include checks for hydrogen leaks, the metal’s behavior over time upon absorbing hydrogen, and its susceptibility to cracking or weakening.
It is crucial to ensure that hydrogen, despite being a clean fuel, can react unpredictably with metals, potentially leading to long-term damage or explosions if unchecked.
In addition, the draft mandates that any roof over a hydrogen storage facility must adhere to CGAPS-46 standards—a safety code that addresses fire and structural safety in such installations.
The amendment also proposes a new rule under Form H of the licensing framework for gas handling facilities: vehicles running on hydrogen must have fuel systems that comply with ISO 21266 standards. These standards cover the safe integration of hydrogen tanks in vehicles, ensuring they are tested for real-world conditions like vibrations, impacts, and long-term pressure.
As the government advances with the National Green Hydrogen Mission, aligning safety norms with global standards is essential for both domestic development and foreign investment.
A senior official involved in drafting the amendment commented, “Hydrogen is the fuel of the future, but it comes with its own set of challenges. These rule changes demonstrate the government’s commitment to building a safe, reliable hydrogen ecosystem.”
Once notified, the amended rules will supersede or update existing provisions under the 2016 rules. Key players, including gas manufacturers, automakers, and clean energy companies, are expected to carefully scrutinize the proposals and submit their suggestions by mid-May.
