By increasing awareness to follow safety rule, gas explosion and accidents could be reduced by 80 percent, experts said in a roundtable on LPG safety regulatory challenges today (Monday). They strongly suggested a comprehensive and effective policy for sustainable growth of LPG sector and to ensure safety of the users. Not only a policy but also the strict implementation process is important for a safe use of liquid petroleum gas, LPG, they said. Improper handling, negligence and non compliance with safety regulations were the primary causes of major accidents, they added.
Speakers said there is no alternative ensure compliance in LPG c sector. They also suggested to introduce incentive to ensure compliance in the sector. LPG Operators Association of Bangladesh (LOAB) and energy sector magazine Energy and Power jointly organised the roundtable on Bangladesh’s LPG sector Facing Growing safety and regulatory challenges at BERCauditorium.
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission BERC, chairman Jalam Ahmed was present at the roundtable as chief guest, LOAB president Mohammed Amirul Haque presided. Dr Md Easir Arafat, Professor of Chemical Engineering of BUET presented keynote paper. Editor of Energy and Power, Mollah Amzad Hossain conducted the roundtable.
BERC Member (Petroleum) Dr Syeda Sultana Razia, Rehab vice president Barqot Ullah, Muhammmad Mehedi Islam Khan, Assistant Inspector of the Department of Explosives, Md Iqbal Bahar Bulbul, Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence, AKM Fazlul Haque, Joint Secretary, Energy and Mineral Resources Division also spoke on the occasion.
Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission BERC, chairman Jalam Ahmed told the roundtable that a poor safety management culture is existing in Bangladesh. “If we cannot change this culture, it will be difficult to improve the situation,” he said.
Usage of LPG is increasing day by in houses, vehicles and industries but safety measures are not being taken properly, he said adding “safety should be the first concern, as there are risks in using LPG randomly. “With the rapid growthof LPG sector, stakeholders should cautious about the safety measures and keep the practice of remaining safe.”
Jalal Ahmed also emphasized on regular training of the concerned people. He said first training of the trainers should be started. And then, they will train others for safe use and transportation of LPG goods. Transportation should be done by the operators, he added.
About policy formulation BERC chairman said,” before giving it a permanent shape we should continue consultations on it so that we do not need to go for a massive change, so that amendment is not needed.He said the governmentis trying to formulate a users-friendly, safe and effective policy for this sector for its continuous growth.
LOAB president Mohammed Amirul Haque said there is no crisis of LPG but how a more safe system could be developed, that is a concern. “With cooperation of all we can ensure safety transport and use of LP gas.”
In his keynote paper, Dr Md EasirArafat said LPG is safe if we can manage the hazards properly. He said risk is everywhere in storage, handling and transportation. Poor safety culture is also responsible for growing risk factors. Inindustries, he said, profits are more focused then safety responsibilities. Weak regulatory system enforcement and oversight are also responsible.
He said safety concerns require immediate attention. Approximately 90 percent auto gas stations are operating without proper documents, licenses, indicating widespread non-compliance and lack of safety verifications. Increased awareness, strict adherence to safety protocols and disciplined operations can prevent most LPG related incidents, he added.
Dr Arafat suggested enforcement of strict licensing and operational compliances for LPG operators, autogas stations and transport system. He also suggested for developing,updating and enforcing LPG safety regulations, code and standards. He recommended to appoint third party organizations to inspect high risk LPG facilities. He said adequate resources, competent manpower and accountable safety manage system should be developed to ensure safety.
BERC Member (Petroleum) Dr Syeda Sultana Razia said, regulations are there and explosive department will be strengthened further. She said manpower of the explosive department is very few we know. Those who look after the safety of others if they are in trouble then it is very difficult to ensure service, she said adding that they are also thinking about the third party involvement for better service.
Muhammmad Mehedi Islam Khan, Assistant Inspector of the Department of Explosives, said they have only a few officers at divisional level. He said that they have sent proposal to the concerned department to give expert persons for the proper place.
Md Iqbal Bahar Bulbul, Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence, said rate of LPG accident is higher at houses, for the lack of knowledge of proper usages. He said they should have the preventive system and knowledge, which can reduce the rate of accidents.
AKM Fazlul Haque, Joint Secretary, Energy and Mineral Resources Division, growth in LPG sector is very high and with that safety concern is also growing. So we have to take safety measures accordingly. First of all, safety should be ensured. He said risk grows with the usage of poor quality equipment and absence of compliance. So compliance is must.
He said regulatory body should enforce the rules and go for regular monitoring. Comprehensive approach is needed, he added. Fazlul Haque said, awareness is a big thing and safety is everyone’sresponsibility. He said there are loopholes in the regulations so it should be amended. It will be completed soon, he assured.
Engr Md Serajul Mawla, President, LPG Autogas Stations and Conversion Workshop Association, said non-compliant operations are increasing the safety hazards. He also demanded for a strong safety regulations. LPG operators demanded that no cylinder should be filled at the gas stations. It is highly risky they think. They also gave opinion that compliance should be enforced for the safety of the LPG sector. They also demanded some incentive for this sector, like corporate tax rebateand incentive for the manufacture of cylinders.
LOAB president Amiul Haque, suggested to build up a common platform with all stakeholdersand authorities to ensure a safe and better service to people and address the problems of the LPG sector. With the cooperation of all we will go forward and prevent all problems, he added. Humayun Rashid Senior Vice president of LOAB said they willorganise a training session with the help of BERC.
Mohiuddin Khaled of Orion LPG, Abu Sayeed Raza of Mehgna Fresh LPG, Jakaria Jalal of Bashundhara Group, Engr Liaqat Ali of Omera Gas, Engr Maidul, Mizanur Rahman. Fazlul Haq, Osman Celik Chief Financial Officer of United Aygaz LPG, Saidul Islam, Mohiuddin Khaled of Orion Gas, and Mehedi Hasan of Beximco LPG, also spoke at the roundtable.
