The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a significant notification on 26 November 2025, releasing the draft Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Oil Mines) Regulations, 2022. The draft has been published through G.S.R. 868(E) under the powers granted by Section 136 of the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (OSH&WC) Code, 2020.
These draft regulations aim to modernize and strengthen the safety, health, and working conditions of workers engaged in India’s oil mining sector. They will come into force after final notification in the Official Gazette.
45-Day Window for Objections and Suggestions
As mandated under Section 134(1) of the OSH&WC Code, the government has provided a 45-day period for stakeholders—including companies, workers, industry bodies, and experts—to submit objections or suggestions.
Feedback must be addressed to Shri Ravi Shankar Nirala, Under Secretary, Ministry of Labour and Employment, through:
- Postal submission: Room No. 17, Shram Shakti Bhawan, Rafi Marg, New Delhi
- Email: ravis.nirala@nic.in, cmcdgms1@gmail.com
Submissions must follow the prescribed proforma, specifying:
- Name and address of the person or organization
- The rule or sub-rule proposed for modification
- The revised proposal with justification
All responses received within the stipulated 45-day period will be duly considered by the Central Government.
Key Provisions of the Draft Regulations
The draft framework includes detailed operational, safety, and emergency requirements for oil mining operations across India.
1. Scope and Applicability
- Officially titled the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Oil Mines) Regulations, 2022.
- Applicable to every oil mine in India.
- Effective from the date of publication in the Official Gazette once finalized.
2. Mandatory Notices and Operational Plans
Abandonment, Closure, and Reopening (Reg. 3)
- Owners or managers must give 30 days’ advance notice before abandoning, closing, or ceasing operations for over four months.
- Immediate notice required in unforeseen closures.
- Reopening after long discontinuance also requires 30 days’ notice.
Change in Ownership and Appointments (Reg. 4)
- Any change in ownership, management, address, or key personnel (manager, agent, safety officer, fire officer, etc.) must be reported within 14 days.
- Previous owners must hand over all plans and records to new owners and notify authorities.
Maintenance of Plans (Reg. 5 & 6)
- Up-to-date plans required for:
- Key operational layout
- Surface installations, pipelines, routes, and structures
- Plans must be created under professional surveyor supervision and be securely stored, including permitted digital formats.
3. Gas, Fire, and Explosion Safety
Storage of Flammable Material (Reg. 90)
- No flammable materials stored within 30 metres of any oil well unless formally permitted under risk assessment.
- Safe handling, drainage controls, and safety cans mandatory.
Precautions Against Noxious and Flammable Gases (Reg. 91)
- Entry prohibited into confined or hazardous spaces unless certified gas-free.
- Immediate power shutdown and ignition control required when gas exceeds safe limits.
- Mandatory fixed and portable gas detectors for hydrocarbons & H₂S.
- Escape breathing apparatus required during hazardous gas detection incidents.
Safe Distances (Reg. 92)
- Strict no-smoking zones within 30 metres of wells, separators, and fuel storage.
- Control of flame-type equipment and adherence to government-specified separation distances.
Fire Prevention Measures (Reg. 93–97)
- Regular clearing of dry vegetation and combustible material.
- Special requirements for engine exhaust systems, flame arrestors, earthing, and remote ignition systems.
- Hot Work Permit system for welding, cutting, and grinding in hazardous areas.
- Mandatory firefighting infrastructure, including water storage, hydrants, fire extinguishers, and routine inspection every three months.
- All workers must be trained in use of firefighting equipment.
4. Emergency Response Planning (Reg. 98)
Oil mines must develop a comprehensive Emergency Response Plan addressing:
- Fire, explosion, blowouts, gas leaks
- Equipment failure or structural collapse
- Chemical spills
- Natural disasters
- Medical evacuation and first aid
- Communication protocols and chain of command
Plans must be:
- Filed with the Regional Inspector and District Magistrate
- Supported by regular mock drills
- Updated after any structural change or risk reassessment
The manager must maintain all emergency equipment, prepare inspection schedules, and ensure systematic testing before use or after repairs.
Conclusion
The draft Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Oil Mines) Regulations, 2022 mark an important step toward boosting safety standards and operational discipline in India’s oil mining industry. Stakeholders now have a critical window to review, respond, and help shape the final regulations that will govern the sector nationwide.