DPR Bars Operators From Siting Gas Plants Around Bars, Restaurants
The Department of Petroleum Resources has said that no Liquified Petroleum Gas retail outlet will be allowed to operate close to bars, restaurants and other similar places that handle flammable materials.
The DPR said this in its guidelines for the establishment of liquified petroleum gas refilling facilities and retail outlets, sighted by THE WHISTLER.
Advertisement
The move is aimed at tackling the incessant fire outbreaks that have been recorded at some gas stations in the last few months.
Recall, there had been reports of deadly gas explosion across the country, such as the Best Roof Gas plant explosion, Iju-ishaga gas truck explosion among others.
The agency said that retailers are expected to obtain the site suitability approval, while ensuring that there is no encroachment of public and residential structures.
The guidelines are aimed to regulate in an orderly and effective manner, all aspects relating to filled LPG cylinder exchange, retailers outlets/location.
Advertisement
Details of the guidelines showed that any company or individual intending to be licensed as an LPG Retailer would apply through the automated gas system portal, as well as obtain endorsement letter from a licenced refilling plant operators among others.
On the design and construction of facilities, the guideline showed that all necessary measures and mitigations would be applied to reduce risk associated with storage, transport, transfer, and usage.
It added that the installation and commissioning would be undertaken by competent companies.
Similarly, it stated that any site chosen for LPG refilling facility would be sufficiently spacious to allow minimized risk to structures close to the facility.
The guideline stated, “The Application Condition for LPG Retailers Outlets shall include; fixed location and not mobile operated, retail outlets should not be located near motor parks, Bars, restaurants, mechanic workshops, including residential buildings.
Advertisement
“LPG cylinder-to-cylinder rebottling, refilling and decanting is prohibited.”
“The site should be accessible from roadside, at a minimum radius of 100 meters to any existing 3rd party-LPG refilling plants.
“Drainage to be constructed or existing ones should not be channelled to a stream or waterway, contaminated water should be contained and treated onsite.”
The guideline stated further that DPR officers would conduct an inspection of the gas plant to confirm at the minimum, the status and integrity of all equipment and amenities in line with standards.
