The government and all stakeholders, including All Pakistan CNG Association (APCNGA) and transporters' associations, have agreed, in principle, to take appropriate safety measures for public service vehicles using CNG, to avert any untoward accident in future.
The APCNGA, the representatives of transporters and the Ministry of Petroleum reached the agreement here on Friday in a meeting presided over by Hamid Asghir, Chairman of Task Force and Joint Secretary Ministry of Petroleum. The APCNGA and transport associations, while assuring full co-operation to the relevant departments, stated that safety of the passengers should be given top priority.
They further assured the Petroleum Ministry that CNG body and transporters had agreed with the proposal of Petroleum Ministry for inspection of CNG vehicles and putting in place an enforcement mechanism. The APCNGA assented to the proposal that radio-frequency identification (RFID) chips would be installed at CNG stations for monitoring faulty cylinders and kits and they will identify 100 sites across Pakistan where the testing process would be started initially.
Both the APCNGA and transport associations agreed that standard CNG equipment testing procedures and testing fees would be charged so that CNG consumers /commuters are facilitated and their precious lives are saved. The Chairman of Taskforce advised the participants of the meeting that cylinder and kits should be checked by diploma holders. The APCNGA delegation informed the meeting that some 12,000 trained persons would be required for the checking of faulty CNG cylinders and kits, whereas a total of 2,000 diploma persons are available at present.
The participants of the meeting agreed that in case of shortage of diploma holders, people with minimum 5 years' relevant experience would be sent to Techinal Education and Vocational Training Authority (TEVTA) for training. After completing the necessary training they would be allowed to work at CNG stations to ensure safety regime.
The APCNGA and transporters assured the Ministry that they will fully cooperate with the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra), Chief Inspector Explosives (CIE) and Hydrocarbon Development Institute of Pakistan (HDIP) for on-spot checking. It was also agreed that relevant departments including Regional Transport Authority (RTA) would not issue any route permits/fitness certificates for non-tested vehicles.
The Task Force recommended that only uniform and approved testing equipment would be used for testing at public and private testing centres, which would operate under government guidelines. Policy decisions, approvals and certification would be the joint responsibility of a committee consisting of Ogra, HDIP and CIE representatives.
Cylinders placement and number of cylinders in public service vehicles would be decided by mutual consultation with a three-member team of Ogra, HDIP and CIE. All illegal /uncertified /non-approved cylinders and kits would be removed and seized by the authorities.
The Task Force, constituted by Secretary Ministry of Petroleum, finalised the following proposals pertaining to the countrywide testing and enforcement regime to address the menace of cylinder blasts in vehicles.
i. Only uniform and approved testing equipment would be used for testing at public and private testing centres which would operate under government guidelines.
ii. Policy decisions, approvals and certification would be the joint responsibility of a committee consisting of Ogra, HDIP and CIE representatives.
iii. Engineers would head all testing centres, and staff would be trained diploma holders.
iv. A uniform testing fee shall be decided by Ogra and would be applicable throughout the country for all testing centres. No one would be allowed to overcharge.
v. Cylinders are to be disallowed under seats and in cabins of public transport vehicles.
vi. Testing centres shall be established with the help of the Provincial Governments and CNG association at the district level with proper equipment and staff approved by the government.
vii. Testing equipment shall be selected by CIE & HDIP from approved list of National Accreditation Council and Pakistan Standards and Quality Authority.
viii. RTA and MVE shall not issue route permits/fitness certificates for non-tested vehicles after the cut-off date.
ix. Pilot project shall commence within three days at HDIP testing centre in Islamabad where MVE & RTA reps would be stationed as well.
x. Training and capacity building of all personnel including third party shall be ensured through Ministry of Technical and Professional Training & TEVTA.
xi. CNG stations shall hire diploma holders to supervise refuelling by staff who must be over 18 (years). In case of conversion centres, engineers would be hired.
xii. Pump operators shall implement the mechanism devised by the government to disallow refuelling to non-tested vehicles as per their responsibility and licence.
xiii. RFID chips would be affixed on tested vehicles, and scanners would be installed at pumps. A central computerised data base of all vehicles shall also be maintained.
xiv. Public transport, which has high mileage and wear and tear, would be tested twice a year, and private vehicles once a year.
xv. Public transport shall have genuine third-party/passenger insurance.
xvi. Necessary amendments would be made in the law to plug loopholes and to empower the traffic police and law enforcement agencies to crack down on unsafe practices.
xvii. Chief Inspector of Explosives shall ensure seizure of old/expired/non-registered/repaired cylinders, which are all unsafe.
xviii. Rooftop placement of cylinders is being considered to be allowed, subject to shielding, safety and technical advice by Ogra.
The final report shall be ready by January 15, 2012 and shall be submitted to the Supreme Court by Secretary Ministry of Petroleum and to the Minister for Interior through Ogra Chairman. Arrangements are being made to implement the decisions on urgent basis.