The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (“DPIIT”), in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 39(1) and Section 39(2)(g) of the Boilers Act, 2025, vide Notification No. G.S.R. 616(E),[1] dated September 10, 2025, issued the Boiler Accident Inquiry Rules, 2025 (“Updated Rules”), which have been enacted under the Boilers Act, 2025, superseding the previous Boiler Accident Inquiry Rules, 2021. These Updated Rules set forth the procedural framework for investigating boiler accidents, particularly those resulting in death or significant injury, and ensure timely and efficient safety assessments in line with modern regulatory standards.
Key Highlights:
- Preliminary Inquiry Process: Upon receiving a report of a boiler accident, a preliminary inquiry shall be mandated by the Chief Inspector of the concerned State. This inquiry aims to assess the incident’s nature and provide initial findings, particularly when the accident results in death or serious injury.
- Accidents Resulting in Death: In cases where the accident leads to fatality, the Chief Inspector of the respective State shall be required to submit a detailed report to the Technical Adviser in Form A, without any delay. This serves as the initial step for further investigation and analysis.
- Inquiry Committee Constitution: The inquiry committee, tasked with investigating fatal accidents, shall be constituted within 15 (fifteen) days from the receipt of the report. The committee is composed of the Technical Adviser (Chairperson), a Chief Inspector or Director of Boiler (Member), and a representative from a boiler manufacturer or user group (Member). The Central Government may co-opt additional experts, provided no conflict of interest exists, to ensure a comprehensive investigation. The inquiry must be completed within 45 (forty-five) days of the report’s receipt.
- Investigation Procedure: The inquiry committee shall be responsible for conducting a thorough examination of the damaged parts, including measurements, sketches, and photographs as necessary. The committee shall assess the circumstances of the accident, the extent of injuries or fatalities, and property damage. A final inquiry report will be submitted to the Central Government, providing detailed findings and recommendations.
- Follow-up Actions: Following the acceptance of the inquiry report by the Central Government, the Technical Adviser shall forward the report to the Chief Inspector of the concerned State for necessary follow-up action in accordance with the recommendations outlined in the report.
- Post-Inquiry Use of Boilers: Boilers involved in accidents resulting in fatalities shall not be used until the inquiry is concluded. Upon the conclusion of the inquiry, the Chief Inspector will assess whether the boiler can be safely operated, either at the same or a reduced pressure, or whether repairs or alterations are required before re-commissioning.
The Updated Rules streamline the investigative process, ensuring that accidents are swiftly and thoroughly investigated and that corrective actions are implemented without unnecessary delay. These changes reinforce the safety and regulatory framework within the industry and provide clear guidelines for handling such incidents.
[1] https://dpiit.gov.in/sites/default/files/Boiler_Accident_Rules_15September2025.pdf