Worried about what they regard as growing misconception about gas, the Lagos chapter of Liquefied Petroleum Retailers has taken steps to correct such false impression.
The group is worried that if such insinuation is unchecked, the retailers will experience a bleak future. To avert such a situation, they organised a one-day safety training workshop in Lagos as part of their efforts to sensitise consumers to the safety and affordability of cooking gas. They argued that cooking gas is cheap, safe and healthy to use.
Delivering his speech, the state chairman of the Liquefied Petroleum, Mr. David Okenwa, said the training became imperative in view of the growing demand for cooking gas as an alternative to kerosene and firewood. To enhance the safety of the gas sector, the retailers will create awareness on the use of cooking gas for the health and safety of our customers.
“Many of our members don’t know much about the safety aspect of this business. That is why we engaged a consultant who will train them on the safety aspect of LPG because there are lots of gas-related hazard cases in the country.
“As an association, we deemed it necessary to bring our members to the classroom to widen the scope of their knowledge so that they will be more careful when carrying out their duty,” he said.
He warned that any member who erred in matters of handling cooking gas will be dealt with according to the rules governing the association.
According to the President of Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers’ Association (LPGAR), Mr. Michael Umudu, the move aims at ridding the sector of quacks and unlicensed professionals.
Umudu said high rate of cooking gas accidents across the country remained a cause for concern to the association, hence, the decision of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) to commence licensing of cooking gas retailers.
Umudu said the safety awareness campaign was put together by the association to equip its members ahead of the licensing round by DPR while also building members’ capacity to be in tune with latest safety standards.
Also speaking on the theme “LP Gas Retailing: The Safety Watch’’ the Principal Consultant of Crownbondis Global Resources Nigeria Limited, Mr. Adebiyi Adewale described safety as being certain that adverse effects will not caused by some agents under defined conditions. For a company, safety is that state of assurance that their resources, operations and productivity are protected against harm or factors that can bring harm.
He said: “Any method or technique or process which can minimise unwanted events (accidents) in an industrial concern may be referred to as a method, technique or process of safety management.
“Safety is the science and art of identifying, evaluating and controlling workplace hazards. It includes measures to prevent human exposure to chemical and physical agents as well as faulty or unsafe work practices.’’
Safety tips given to the retailers during the training included how to transfer LPG from bigger cylinders to smaller ones, proper kits to use; checking expiry date of cylinder; how to leak gas, cylinders should not be stored for excessive period of time, only purchase sufficient quantities of gas to cover short-term needs. Rotate gas cylinders in dry and safe place on a flat surface in the open air. If this is not reasonably practicable, store in an adequately ventilated building or part of a building specifically reserved for this purpose and the consequences of not adhering to safety standards.
Head of Lagos State Fire Services, Alausa, Mr. Olukutun Odunayo said that in their enlightenment programme, they ensure that gas cylinders are installed outside the kitchen, generator is not refueled while working or hot, electrical appliances are switched off while leaving home /close of work. Adequate training /drills are conducted for members of staff regularly.
Portable fire extinguisher are checked regularly and installed in conspicuous places. In case of fire outbreak, contact toll-free numbers 767 or 112.
The Controller of Operation, Department of Petroleum, Port Harcourt zone, Mrs Chioma Njoku thanked the organisers for the training.