(1)(a)The expression "gas-holder" for the purpose of the rule, means "water sealed gas-holder".(b)This rule shall apply to only such gas-holders as have a storage capacity of not less than 141-6 cubic meters (5,000 c.ft).(2)Every gas-holder shall be of good and sound construction and material, and of adequate strength, shall be free from defects patent or otherwise and shall be properly maintained.(3)Where there are more than one gas-holder in a factory every gasholder shall be given a distinguishing number and the numbers shall be marked on the respective gas-holders in bold letter and in a conspicuous position.(4)Every gas-holder shall be thoroughly examined externally by a competent person at least once in every period of twelve months.(5)No gas-holder, any lift of which has been in use for ten years,shall be used unless the internal condition to the sheeting is thoroughly examined by a competent person, by means of an electronic device or by a similar accurate device approved by the Chief Inspector and in case of any, gas-holder any lift of which has already been in use for ten years or more on the date on which this rule comes into force, such examination shall be carried out within the period of one year from the said date but, in exceptional cases such a period may be extended up to two years by the Chief Inspector. This examination shall be extended up to two years by the Chief Inspector. This examination shall be repeated once in every four years after the above mentioned first examination:Provided that if the Chief Inspector is satisfied that the devices mentioned in this sub-rule are not available, he may permit the examination to be carried out by cutting out samples from the crown and the sides of the gas-holder or other method approved by him:Provided further that if the above inspection raises any doubt, an internal visual examination shall be made.(6)(a)After every examination conducted in accordance with sub-rules (1) and (5), the manager or the occupier shall obtain report from the person carrying out the examination in Form No. 31 and shall take immediate steps to rectify the defects if any, pointed out in the report and carry out such repairs or take such steps as may be recommended or suggested in the report.Entries in respect of such steps shall be made in the form of the report as well as in the register in Form No.30.(b)All reports in Form No. 31 shall be kept and mentioned in a bound register or in such other manner as may be convenient and shall be produced before an Inspector whenever acquired to do so.(7)All possible steps shall be taken and device applied to prevent ingress of any impurity in gas-holders.(8)No gas-holder shall be repaired or demolished except under the direct supervision of a person who by his training and experience and by his knowledge of the necessary precautions against risk of explosions and gassing, is competent to supervise such work.(9)All samples cut under sub-rule (5) shall be kept readily available for inspection by the Inspector.(10)A permanent bound register in Form No. 30 duly signed by the occupier or manager shall be maintained and shall be produced before the Inspector whenever required to do so.Explanation.-A competent person for the purposes of this rule means a person having a Degree or Diploma in Mechanical or Chemical Engineering with at least three year's practical experience of operation, maintenance or repairs of such gas-plants, or any other person with at least ten years experience thereof if he does not possess any such degree.
