Facts checked on 9 November 2026. Published by MDG Services on 9 November 2026.
Safety at a petrol pump rests on three papers: the conditions of the PESO licence, the standards the oil company applies, and CPCB's guidelines for new outlets. Facts are as on 9 November 2026.
What do the licence conditions require?
| Subject | Condition in the Form XIV licence |
|---|---|
| Fire kit | For each pump, at least two tins or drums of dry sand and two portable foam or dry chemical extinguishers, kept ready Form XIV, condition 20 |
| Refuelling | No fuel into a vehicle with its engine running; no smoking while refuelling Form XIV, condition 15 |
| Tanker unloading | Close-coupled, electrically continuous hose Form XIV, condition 9; no light that can ignite vapour near the tanker, no smoking Form XIV, condition 11; no filling of underground tanks between sunset and sunrise unless the licence allows Form XIV, condition 10 |
| Loose containers | None, except listed cases such as an approved container of up to 25 litres for a vehicle that ran dry Form XIV, condition 16 |
| Spills | Prevent petroleum reaching drains, sewers or the road Form XIV, condition 19 |
| Accidents | Report fire or explosion with loss of life or serious injury to people or property at once to the nearest Magistrate or police station, and by phone or fax to the Chief Controller Form XIV, condition 22 |
| Signs | Licence number on the premises Petroleum Rules 2002, rule 133; rules extract displayed Petroleum Rules 2002, rule 134 |
What are the earthing limits?
PESO's FAQs give 4 ohm for electrical systems and equipment (or the value at which the protective device operates, if lower), and 10 ohm for the non-current-carrying metal parts of major electrical apparatus or any major metal object PESO FAQs on Petroleum Rules. For earthing at unloading, see receiving a tanker.
What must a new outlet have?
CPCB's guidelines for new petrol pumps, of 7 January 2020, ask for CPCB guidelines 7 Jan 2020:
- auto cut-off nozzles, breakaway couplings and, where dispensing is pressurised, shear valves;
- an emergency stop button on each multi-product dispenser;
- an overfill alarm, and automation that alerts on a tank leak;
- a leak test of tanks and pipelines every 7 years, and an annual PESO audit.
PESO says they are not mandatory where construction began on or before 7 January 2020 PESO FAQs on Petroleum Rules.
Who issues the fire NOC?
The rule 144 NOC form records the Fire Department's comments on fire tender access and readiness Petroleum Amendment Rules 2024, rule 144. Your state fire service may also issue its own certificate: ask the district fire officer.
OISD, the oil industry's safety body, lists OISD-STD-225 on storage, handling and dispensing at retail outlets, dated October 2010 OISD standards list. Ask your oil company which standards apply.
What should a dealer check every day?
In practice, these are habits, not rules from a source:
- Extinguishers are in place and in date; sand tins are full and dry.
- Each emergency stop works, and drains are clear of spills.
- The tanker is earthed before unloading.
- A first aid box is stocked.
Where this comes from
- Petroleum Rules 2002: Form XIV, rules 133, 134.
- PESO FAQs: earthing.
- CPCB new petrol pump guidelines: Puducherry government copy of CPCB's 2020 guidelines.
- Amendment Rules 2024: NOC form.
- OISD standards: list.
Questions people ask
01How many fire extinguishers are required at a petrol pump?
Two portable foam or dry chemical extinguishers for each pump, plus two tins or drums of dry sand Form XIV, condition 20. For more, ask your oil company and state fire service.
02Is a fire NOC required for a petrol pump?
The rule 144 NOC records the Fire Department's comments on fire tender access Petroleum Amendment Rules 2024, rule 144. A separate fire certificate depends on your state; ask the district fire officer.
03What safety signs must a petrol pump show?
The licence number must be marked on the premises Petroleum Rules 2002, rule 133, and an extract of the rules and licence conditions displayed Petroleum Rules 2002, rule 134. Ask your oil company which other signs apply.
04What is the earthing resistance for a petrol pump?
PESO's FAQs give 4 ohm for electrical systems and equipment (or the value at which the protective device operates, if lower), and 10 ohm for non-current-carrying metal parts of major electrical apparatus or any major metal object PESO FAQs on Petroleum Rules.
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