Gas Explosion: SON To Prosecute Vendors Of Substandard Cylinders

 

The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) says it would prosecute importers, manufacturers and distributors of substandard Liquefied Petroleum Gas cylinders and other products as provided by law.

The Director-General of SON, Osita Aboloma, gave the warning on Tuesday during a visit to the scene of a gas explosion at Sabo Tasha, Kaduna, in which six people lost their lives.

The DG, who was represented by the group head LPG at SON, Engr. Nwaoma Olujie said that “We are determined to ensure diligent prosecution of importers, manufacturers and distributors of substandard LPG cylinders and other products as provided in SON Act No. 14 of 2015.”

He explained that such an avoidable explosion was one too many, noting that, “If only the necessary safety measures and precautions were put in place by the gas vendors, the disaster would not have occurred.

“It is necessary that we once again reiterate our recent warning to dealers and consumers on the safe use of LPG and other gas cylinders.

“This repeated warning is in view of recent explosions around the country occasioned by wrong handling of the products.”

The DG urged dealers and consumers to patronise only SON-certified LPG and other gas cylinders with the appropriate marking

“In order to safeguard our homes, offices, and surroundings from avoidable accidents from substandard cylinders.”

“Our officers in 42 offices across the nation have been directed to inspect all LGP plants and ensure the certification or re-certification of all installed vassels as the case may be.

“The full weight of law shall be brought to bear on any plant and owner who fail to comply with this mandatory requirement of SON Act,” Aboloma added.

Furthermore, he warned importers of LGP and other gas cylinders to adhere strictly to SON established procedure for the importation of the product.

He added that dealers and consumers must look out for mandatory embossed marking on all imported LGP cylinders as specified in the Nigeria Industrial Standard.

Aboloma disclosed that the life span of LGP cylinders in Nigeria is 15 years during which the cylinders must be re-qualified twice every five years.

“SON has put in place a rigorous procedure for the certification of imported and locally manufactured LGP cylinders for use in Nigeria to guarantee safety and durability of the product,” he said.

He warned all LGP dispensing plants to ensure due certification of their vessels as provided by SON.

(NAN)