Notification-Boiler Accident Inquiry Rules-2025

The Boiler Accident Inquiry Rules, 2025, notified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade), establish a formal framework for investigating boiler-related accidents under the Boilers Act, 2025. These rules supersede the 2021 version and come into effect from the date of publication in the Gazette of India. They define key roles such as the Chief Inspector, Technical Adviser, and the Central Boilers Board. Upon receiving a report of an accident, a preliminary inquiry is conducted by the concerned State. If the accident results in a fatality, the Chief Inspector must promptly submit a report to the Technical Adviser using a prescribed format. Additionally, the Central Government initiates its own inquiry through a committee comprising the Technical Adviser (Chairperson), a Chief Inspector or Director of Boilers, and a representative from the boiler manufacturing or user community. The committee may include other experts as needed and must be constituted within 15 days of the accident report, with the inquiry completed within 45 days. The inquiry involves examining damaged components, documenting evidence, and assessing causes and impacts. The final report is submitted to the Central Government, which forwards it to the concerned State for action. Importantly, boilers involved in fatal accidents cannot be used until the inquiry concludes and safety clearance is granted.