Stop using old, rusty LPG cylinders – National Fire Service warns public
The proliferation of refurbished Liquefied Petroleum Gas Cylinders on the market has been a source of worry for the Ghana National Fire Service and it has cautioned the citizenry to be wary in purchasing such products.
“GNFS has observed with concern the nefarious activities of some unscrupulous people who go round (sometimes to dumping sites) to collect or cheaply buy damaged or old and worn-out LPG cylinders. These cylinders are repaired (abrasively and adhesively treated, and the ripped metal pans welded together), sprayed and taken to the open market for sale and use by the unsuspecting public,” the service revealed in a statement.
It said the act is illegal, criminal and dangerous and can cause gas leakage from the low resistance points on the cylinder body when filled with LPG. That according to the service has a risk of rupture which could lead to explosion and its following consequences.
As a precautionary measure, the GNFS has advised the public to look out for the manufacturer details, serial number, weight class, International Organization for Standardization number (ISO), test pressure and also the date of manufacture on the cylinder body when buying cylinders.
It also encouraged the public to buy LPG cylinders from only authorized dealers and avoid using old worn-out and expired cylinders.
To help curb the menace, it invited the public to assist with valuable information that would lead to the arrest of persons involved in the illegal act.
“The Ghana National Fire Service implores the general public to assist with information that will lead to the arrest and prosecution of perpetrators of this criminal and dangerous activity by law enforcers.”
