Although gas is used safely across the world for domestic and industrial purpose in Nigeria, this essential commodity and the havoc it has wrecked on an increasing has made this important resource termed as a “black curse”. A closer look at most explosions shows a troubling combination of poor safety procedures below par response measures, and public ignorance which invariably boils down to system failure could have averted many of this sad incidences if tighter regulations had been in place. Also the use of substandard cylinders mostly produced haphazardly overseas that have flooded the Nigerian market in recent times is also another contributing factor. Closely related to this is the proliferation of gas outlets unchecked in the country without corresponding enlightenment and sensitization from relevant government have contributed to the many avoidable deaths. It is believed that if all hands and efforts are genuinely galvanized, many lives and businesses would have been saved.
At Safety Consultants and Solutions Providers (SCSP), we are passionate about safety of lives and businesses. As such to curtail this peril, we strongly recommend that every home should have a gas leakage detector (no matter how cheap) in addition to have functional fire extinguishers. This will help detect gas leakage and prevent explosion. Also we call for the immediate setting up certification and re-certification centers in Nigeria as the country is yet to have any. This center will constantly validate and check expired gas cylinders and enforce compliance to outlets. That way we will hold somebody responsible anytime there is a challenge. In that way operators found guilty of non compliance should have their license revoked or their business shut down until strict safety measures are put in place with periodic monitoring. It is time Land development authorities check the rising proliferation of gas outlets and close up stations that are situated in risky and unsafe places. It is also imperative that proper environmental impact assessment must be carried to establish the suitability of the location before opening such outlets. In that light we recommend that gas outlets are situated close to fire stations for prompt emergency response. We call on the operators to provide functional safety equipment and constantly maintain safety operations. Staff and customers should be taught on safety process every time. The watchword should be safety first last and always. Information orientation agencies must be up and doing in sensitizing the public on safe usage of gas cylinders at home and in public places.
Safety Consultants and Solutions Provider (SCSP) is disturbed by this increasing peril and we determined to see that the dangers it poses and the increasing incidences are reduced to the minimal level. Safety is everyone’s business. As a safety outfit our quest to the safeguarding of lives and businesses is evident.
