Safety during transporting bulk LPG by road - SMPV rules

Objective ...

Increase awareness about importance of safety features and rules related to LPG road transport, consequences if not implemented properly and safe practices 

About the course ...

For inland transportation of LPG in bulk, road transport is the most convenient "Last mile coverage" method. Hence, thousands of Tank Trucks (TT) - (Road tankers) are criss-crossing the roads all over the world. Same is the picture in India. Highways, small town roads, hilly areas, ghats, forests, hot and cold regions .... You will see them everywhere. Public sector OMCs and Hundreds of private transport companies own these TT. Thousands of truck operators and their assistants earn their bread and butter doing this job. Many times, they travel in night and take rest in the day, depending on ambient temperatures.

Though statistics showing how many TT are being operated in India currently, could not be found, according to one website,  during 2013 to 2018,in India, Govt OMCs hired services of 19000 TT, and 24000 TT during 2019 to 2023.

LPG being highly inflammable, every TT is a travelling bomb, capable of creating hazardous situation in few kilometers area surrounding that spot. Though we often hear news about accidents involving TT or tanker carrying other hazardous fluid, the number is small percentage of the  number TTs on the road.

How is this possible?

This is possible because every country has developed stringent rules and regulations for controlling the activities related to LPG road transport, and also the strict implementation of the same. In India, PESO has assumed the role of controller, under the stewardship of Chief Controller of Explosives (CCOE). Rules with title "Static and Mobile Pressure Vessel rules (SMPV rules)" is the rulebook for this.

For anyone, working in this industry, in any capacity, at any stage from design of TT to final LPG delivery to end user, it is essential to know sufficiently, the rules; and thoroughly understand the principles involved in that particular rule. This will ensure proper implementation and enhanced safety.

This course is an effort towards acquainting the participants with the rules and more importantly, explaining the principles underlying the rule.

Who will benefit by this course ---

This course will be useful for everyone, in LPG transport business --- TT owners and their technical staff, truck operators, storage plant operation and maintenance personnel, TT designers, manufacturers.