Consumers have been warned not to store their Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders indoors due to the significant danger posed in the event of a leak.
Since LPG is invisible to the naked eye, it is crucial to keep cylinders outdoors to prevent potential fire hazards.
Eunice Budu Nyarko, Head of Consumer Services at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), issued this caution during safety awareness sessions with traders, market women, artisans and hawkers in several communities across the Eastern Region.
She noted that some people were reluctant to store cylinders outside due to concerns about theft.
“If you must keep cylinders in an enclosed space, ensure it is well-ventilated and take precautions to safeguard it against theft,” she advised.
Nyarko emphasized the importance of being safety-conscious when using petroleum products like LPG.
These engagements, held in communities including Nsawam, Suhum, Adawso, Akateng, Koforidua, and surrounding areas, featured interactive sessions, presentations, and the distribution of educational materials on LPG safety.
The initiative culminated in a grand durbar at the Suhum Lorry Station and a Town Hall meeting in Koforidua, where stakeholders highlighted the urgency of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
Johnson Gbagbo Jnr., a Supervisor with the Gas Directorate at the NPA, urged the public to shift from using charcoal and firewood to gas for both health and environmental reasons.
He explained that the smoke from charcoal fires posed a particular threat to the eyes and lungs of women and children who are often exposed to it while cooking.
He further emphasized that the introduction of the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) aims to ensure safer LPG distribution and use.
This programme allows consumers to exchange old cylinders for new ones and only pay for the filled gas.
Mr. Gbagbo Jnr. reassured attendees about the safety and efficiency of LPG when handled correctly, while addressing concerns from individuals hesitant to adopt LPG.
Public Advisory Against Indoor Storage of LPG Cylinders
Consumers have been cautioned against the practice of storing Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders indoors due to the considerable risks associated with potential leaks.
Given that LPG is not visible, it is imperative to keep these cylinders outside to mitigate the risk of fire hazards.
Eunice Budu Nyarko, the Head of Consumer Services at the National Petroleum Authority (NPA), delivered this warning during safety awareness initiatives aimed at traders, market vendors, artisans, and hawkers in various communities throughout the Eastern Region.
She acknowledged that some individuals hesitate to store cylinders outdoors due to fears of theft.
“If it is necessary to keep cylinders in an enclosed area, ensure that it is adequately ventilated and take measures to protect it from theft,” she recommended.
Nyarko underscored the critical need for safety awareness when utilizing petroleum products such as LPG.
These outreach efforts, conducted in communities including Nsawam, Suhum, Adawso, Akateng, Koforidua, and nearby regions, included interactive discussions, presentations, and the distribution of educational resources on LPG safety.
The initiative concluded with a significant gathering at the Suhum Lorry Station and a Town Hall meeting in Koforidua, where stakeholders emphasized the importance of transitioning to cleaner energy alternatives.
Johnson Gbagbo Jnr., a Supervisor with the Gas Directorate at the NPA, encouraged the public to move away from charcoal and firewood in favor of gas for both health and environmental benefits.
He pointed out that the smoke produced by charcoal fires poses a particular risk to the eyes and lungs of women and children who are frequently exposed while cooking.
Additionally, he highlighted that the Cylinder Recirculation Model (CRM) has been introduced to enhance the safety of LPG distribution and usage.
This program enables consumers to exchange old cylinders for new ones and only pay for the gas they receive. Mr. Gbagbo Jnr. reassured participants about the safety and effectiveness of LPG when managed properly, while addressing concerns raised.
