Call for raising awareness to curb LPG cylinder accidents

Speakers at a roundtable on Sunday expressed concern over the growing number of LPG cylinder-related accidents and subsequent casualties.

Leaking of fuel from liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders during loading and unloading and subsequent ignition upon contact with nearby flames are the main causes of accidents, they pointed out.

The discussion was sponsored by the LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) with support from the Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) and a fortnightly magazine.

BERC Chairman Jalal Ahmed was the chief guest at the event, while Professor Easir Arafat Khan delivered the keynote paper, and BERC Member Sultana Razia spoke as the key speaker.

The BERC member was critical over the growing number of accidents causing from locally manufactured LPG cylinders.

"Even the new locally manufactured LPG cylinders are leaking," she bemoaned.

Ms Razia stressed for ensuring safety and security issues of LPG cylinders, as such fuel is being used or consumed in the densely populated areas across the country.

LPG safety campaigns should be expanded, and 80-90 per cent accidents could be reduced through building awareness, she added.

LOAB President Mohammed Amirul Haque underscored the necessity for raising awareness to stop accidents from LPG cylinders. The LOAB will act to ensure safety and security in LPG uses under the guidance of the BERC, he said.

LOAB Vice President Humayun Rashid underscored the necessity for arranging trainings to raise awareness and reduce accidents.

Azizjst@yahoo.com