Avoiding accidents: OGRA directs LPG firms to take safety measures

Directive comes after rise in cylinder blast incidents

ISLAMABAD: Expressing concern over the increase in incidents of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinder blasts, the regulator has directed LPG marketing companies to ensure compliance with safety guidelines at distribution points and create awareness among distributors of careful handling of the cylinders aimed at avoiding damaging accidents.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) advised LPG marketing companies to ensure their respective distributors thoroughly check the cylinders to detect, if any, physical damage or leakage prior to handing them over to consumers.

Ogra also asked the companies to instruct the distributors to educate every customer about safety measures by displaying posters at their distribution points.

In addition to these, the LPG companies should continue the awareness campaign via media, especially during the winter season, in an effective manner for the general public on the safe use of LPG.

The regulator warned that ‘decanting’ of LPG from one cylinder to another was illegal and highly dangerous, insisting that stern action would be taken against those found involved in the practice.

Listing some of the safety measures, Ogra said it should be ensured that LPG cylinders and relief valves were not damaged, they must be painted properly and the cylinders should be stored in areas with air vents, away from sources that could ignite fire.

Published in The Express Tribune, February 15^th, 2017.

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