Lagos State Government has set safety standards for the retail gas operators domiciled in the state.
The Director General Lagos State Safety Commission Mr. Lanre Mojola said that there must be a template that will guide those in the business to ensure the protection of the lives and property of the citizens.
At a training program organised in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Mojola explained that the programme was organised to proffer solution to incessant gas explosions and fire incidences that often leads to fatalities.
According to him “Our property such as cars, appliances and utilities can be replaced but our lives is irreplaceable and when we know this fact, we must do the needful to protect our lives against any form of hazards.”
He maintained that once an explosion occurred morals, finances and reputation of such organisation were eroded, stressing the need for all to be proactive towards protecting ourselves.
He maintained that we will continue to learn as long as we live, as he urged participants to learn, unlearn, relearn and cascade knowledge impacted to colleagues in their respective organizations.
He said “Explosions may occur when gases are adulterated, cylinders mishandled, or when industrial and cooking gases are used close to sources of ignition. Other causes are a proliferation of gas retail outlets as well as improper training of operators and users on the safe handling of gas.
Mojola however appealed to all operators in the sector to cooperate with government operatives when they arrive at their facility as he hoped the training would enable the state to become a safer and more secure environment for all to live in.
Papers were presented by different safety experts including Director Oil and Gas, Engr. Sesan Odukoya from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, on Cooking Gas penetration policy and regulations of retail business, Mr. Adeyinka Adebiyi spoke on Gas cylinder Emergency Management, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and Fire prevention and Evaluation procedures amongst others.
Dominica Nwabufo