Call for PSO pumps’ audit after blaze

Inquiry detects gross violations of SOPs during transfer of petrol from oil tanker

ISLAMABAD:

The Islamabad district administration has officially contacted the management of Pakistan State Oil (PSO) for a thorough audit of the horrible fire incident at a filling station in the bustling commercial hub of the federal capital and violations of standard operating procedures.

Deputy Commissioner Irfan Nawaz Memon, in a written communique with the Managing Director of PSO, has highlighted the blatant disregard for the SOPs at the PSO pump during the devastating fire incident in the oil tanker.

The letter available to The Express Tribune reveals that an electric spark occurred near the electric cooler while transferring petrol from the oil tanker. The CCTV footage captured the ignition of the surrounding area and the nozzle of the oil tanker caused by the electric spark. Upon investigating the petrol pump, it was uncovered that there were electrical connections near the underground tanks, which could pose a serious risk.

As per the SOPs for filling petrol at a petrol pump, it is prohibited to have an electricity connection in the vicinity. The letter also mentioned that the inquiry committee has been notified about the recent comprehensive audit carried out by the PSO inspection team at the filling station.

The CCTV footage revealed petrol leakage from the oil tanker, necessitating further investigation. There was no backup power connection for the CCTV cameras of the petrol pumps.

The Beverly Centre, which houses numerous restaurants and offices, is located next to the petrol pump. The proximity of the petrol pump to the Beverly Centre poses a risk to the safety of the citizens. To address this concern, it’s crucial to conduct a thorough audit of all PSO pumps in Islamabad. Once the audit is completed and all SOPs are implemented, the concerned petrol pump should be de-sealed by notifying the Assistant Commissioner, the letter states.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 24^th, 2024.