1st November, 2023
The Lagos State Government has set safety standards for retail gas operators in the state to stem incessant gas explosions in the State.
The Director-General, of Lagos State Safety Commission, Lanre Mojola in his keynote address at a one-day training programme in conjunction with the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources tagged: “Safety Commission Training for Retail Gas Operators” in Lagos State, said the programme was organized to proffer solution to incessant gas explosions and fire incidences that often led to the loss of lives and properties in the state.
According to him, “Cars, appliances and utilities can be replaced but our lives are irreplaceable.”
He said once life is irreplaceable, it now behooves all to do what is needful to protect lives devoid of hazards.
Mojola maintained that once an explosion occurred, the moral, financial and reputation of such an organization were eroded.
He averred that people would continue to learn as long as they live, urging participants to learn, unlearn, relearn and cascade knowledge impacted to colleagues and the organization.
“Explosions may occur when gases are adulterated, cylinders mishandled or when industrial and cooking gases are used close to sources of ignition. Other causes are proliferation of gas retail outlets as well as improper training of operators and users on safe handling of gas,” he said.
Mojola appealed to all operators in this critical sector to cooperate fully with government operatives when they arrive at their facility, saying: “We are convinced that at the end of this annual exercise, Lagos will become a safer place for all.”
Different papers were presented by different safety experts, including the Director, Oil and Gas, Engr. Sesan Odukoya from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, on “Cooking Gas Penetration Policy and Regulatory of Retail Business,” while Adeyinka Adebiyi spoke on “Gas Cylinder and Emergency Management, Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation and Fire Prevention, Evacuation Procedures and Proper usage of fire extinguishers and alarms,” among others.