Hyderabad: The All India Industrial Gases Manufacturers Association (AIIGMA) celebrated 50 years by organizing a Regional Safety Seminar on Sunday. The focus was on Gas Cylinder Rules 2016 and SMPV (Unfired) Rules 2016. Over 200 delegates from all over India attended, highlighting AIIGMA’s dedication to safety and progress in the industrial and medical gases field.
V. K. Mishra, Joint Chief Controller of Explosives from the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, inaugurated the event and gave the keynote speech. He praised AIIGMA’s efforts over the years, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Mishra urged the need for reflection to enhance crisis management, addressing issues like liquid oxygen storage and cryogenic cylinder setups. He emphasized the importance of identifying, testing, and discarding unused cylinders to maintain safety.
AIIGMA President Saket Tiku spoke about the association’s growth as a representative of the Indian gas industry. He discussed the effects of recent trade tariffs and stressed the need to increase local manufacturing, particularly for specialty gases needed in semiconductor production. Despite current challenges in local production, Tiku affirmed AIIGMA’s commitment to the “Make in India” initiative with safety as a top priority.
General Secretary Rajiv Guptha emphasized the industry’s duty to uphold top safety standards. He urged strict compliance with regulations and promoted knowledge-sharing to enhance safety culture across the industry.
