22. Loading, unloading, maintenance and operation of vehicle engaged in transport of Ammonium Nitrate.
(1)The vehicles engaged in transport of the Ammonium Nitrate, shall be attended by only such drivers or cleaners, whose antecedents are verified by the local police and a list of such drivers or cleaners along with all personal particulars should be made available to the local police in advance to carry out the verification and the re-verification of such drivers or cleaners should be carried out at regular intervals, once in five years.(2)The vehicles carrying Ammonium Nitrate shall be accompanied by at least two able bodied guards.(3)The vehicle carrying or containing Ammonium Nitrate shall not stop for a longer period than is reasonably required, and shall avoid stops at places where public safety is likely to be in danger:Provided that where a vehicle transporting or containing Ammonium Nitrate is parked overnight due to any reasons beyond the control of the driver, the premises in which the vehicle is parked-(a)shall not be used for any purpose that might give rise to the presence therein of an open flame, matches or any substance or article likely to cause explosion or fire;(b)shall be away from any habitation or any godown containing articles of a flammable nature or other hazardous goods and the nearest police station shall be informed about the location of such temporary parking.(4)A vehicle while transporting Ammonium Nitrate shall be adequately secured at the expense of the licence holder and if the consignment of Ammonium Nitrate is likely to pass through sensitive areas notified by the Ministry of Home Affairs, it should be escorted by armed police escort or guard, provided by the District Police Administration.(5)The Ammonium Nitrate melt shall be transported in the melt tanker with discharge faucets and manhole(s) duly sealed by the melt supplying firm and the melt supplying firm shall issue quality control certificate indicating clearly the concentration factor of the Ammonium Nitrate melt.(6)The consignee shall verify that the concentration factor of Ammonium Nitrate is as specified in the invoice and that the seals on melt tank are intact.(7)The transport of Ammonium Nitrate in sensitive areas notified by Ministry of Home Affairs shall not be allowed during the period from sunset to sunrise. The movement of Ammonium Nitrate and the particulars of the origin and destination of the consignment shall be informed to the concerned police authorities in writing.(8)Fire extinguishers to be provided. - (a)Every vehicle transporting Ammonium Nitrate shall be provided with two fire extinguishers of minimum five kilograms capacity and one of the extinguishers shall be capable of dealing with fire involving electric circuits and the other, with other inflammable components.(b)The fire extinguishers shall always be kept in good working condition.(c)The fire extinguishers shall be located where they shall be convenient and ready for immediate use.(d)The fire extinguishers shall be examined and recharged according to the manufacturers' recommendations.
