Don’t place LPG near naked fire …NPA warns
The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has cautioned the public against placing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders near exposed fire or inflammable liquid.
According to the Consumer Services Manager of NPA, Mrs Eunice Budu Nyarko, such acts could cause fire outbreaks which would result in loss of lives and properties.
Speaking at an LPG awareness and sensitisation campaign durbar at the Central Business District of Tamale in the Northern region on Wednesday, she advised consumers of petroleum products, such as LPG, to be conscious of their safety.
The exercise, organised in partnership with Lyme Haus, was to sensitise the public on the mandate of the Authority, responsibilities of consumers in handling and usage of petroleum products, and what constitutes best practices for operators of filling stations in the downstream petroleum industry, among others.
The team had similar engagements with traders, market women, drivers and students in Savelugu, Gushegu and Kumbungu, all in the Northern Region.
It followed similar exercises in the Upper East and North East regions.
Mrs Nyarko underscored the need for users of petroleum products to adhere to all safety protocols, saying that flouting of laid down regulations had the potential of igniting fire outbreaks at home and at work places.
Some of the safety protocols, she said, include switching off the regulator when the cylinder was not in use, ensuring adequate ventilation for all cylinders and use of same regulators with that of the cylinder valve, among others.
On his part, the Communications Manager of NPA, Mr Mohammed Abdul-Kudus, said LPG was most convenient, safe and sustainable compared to charcoal and firewood.
On the aspect of health, he said the use of LPG would protect consumers from the smoke and heat as well as other hazards associated with the use of wood fuel.
The Northern Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), Assistant Divisional Offier II (ADOII) Hudu Baba, stressed the need for users of LPG to observe the safety rules to prevent accidents, resulting in injuries and loss of lives.
He asked LPG users to ensure that regulators were well-fitted, check for leakages in their homes and avoid turning on gas regulators before lighting fire.
BY TIMES REPORTER
