The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) on Thursday in Jos held a workshop to sensitise stakeholders in Plateau on compliance to relevant industrial standards and Codes of Practice in the handling of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and oxygen to avert associated disasters.
Mallam Farouk Salim, SON Director-General/Chief Executive, said at the workshop that the programme was imperative because of the inherent dangers posed by LPG and oxgyen gas if not handled properly.
Salim, who was represented by the Plateau Coordinator of SON, Mr Gambo Dimka, said that considering the benefits, the importance of LPG and
oxygen gas to human lives could not be overemphasised.
“Poor handling of these gases have been a source of sorrows to many, individuals, families, communities and societies through loss of lives and property.
“Saddled with the responsibility of developing standards for products measurement, materials and processes, among others, and the promotion of these standards at national, regional and international level, SON organised the workshop.
“SON has come together with sister agencies who have various critical roles in this industry to enlighten the general public, most especially owners of gas plants and stakeholders in the sector.
“Sensitise them on the code of practice for general handling and control of LPG cylinders.
“Codes of practice on general handling and control of LPG vessels for storage of liquefied petroleum gas.
“Transportable refillable welded steel cylinders for liquefied petroleum gas period-re-qualification,” he explained.
Mr Abe Aku, Plateau Commissioner for Commerce and Industries, said Plateau Government was a reliable partner of the Federal Government and as such, would always support the Federal Government in all her programmes and activities.
Aku, who was represented by Mrs Nanlop Gupiya, the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, said that the workshop was a call to embracing quality assurance and safe practices in the day-to-day work and environment.
He assured that Plateau Government would work with SON as it strived to infuse the practice of applying the minimum requirements found in Nigerian industrial standards as a tool for industrial development.
Mr Jonathan Mutfwang, State Controller, Federal Fire Service, Plateau Command, stated that the importance of safety in handling flammable substances could never be overemphasised, especially with the proliferation of LPG sellers.
Mutfwang, who was represented by Mr Epaphras Anzolo, said that Fire Service would continue to synergise with stakeholders and come up with a template to address the concerns and reduce exposure to risk.
Plateau Commissioner for Environment, Mr Yakubu Idi, said that LPG was categorised as a life endangering product, and required careful handling and that every equipment and product used for packaging and storing LPG had to be carefully fabricated.
Idi, who was represented by David Malaka, Senior Environment Specialist, stated there was also need to learn the right way to install LPG equipment and the proper steps to follow when dealing with LPG.
“Oxygen is life but can be very dangerous. The air we breathe contains about 21 per cent oxygen; it might interest you to know that even a small increase in the oxygen level in the air — to just 24 per cent can create dangerous situations.
“It becomes easier to start a fire. Such a fire will burn hotter and more fiercely than in normal air.
“It may be almost impossible to put the fire out. Pure oxygen is also very reactive.
“Pure oxygen, at high pressure, such as from a cylinder, can react violently with common materials, such as oil and grease,” he said.
The stakeholders that attended the workshop included security agencies, gas plant owners and dealers.
