Keeping cylinders on clay roads is very dangerous for long term. It is important to install pressure regulating valves in LPG cylinders to prevent accidents. This technology is used in many countries.
A seminar titled "Safe Use of LPG Cylinders in Hotel Restaurants" at the capital's EPB Auditorium on Sunday (September 24) has come up with such a recommendation. The seminar organized by Bangladesh Energy Regulatory Commission (BERC) was presided over by Chairman of BERC Md. Nurul Amin.
The original article was presented by the former Professor of mechanical engineering department of BUET Maksud Helali. He said that the safety guidelines set by BERC are not being properly followed in the case of cylinders. Mention of working and testing pressure on the cylinder is mandatory but not there. Unauthorized use of valves and regulators in cylinders some technologies have not been approved by BSTI, but are still in the market. They should not have been brought to the market.
He said, modern does not mean safe. The developed world tends to promote the good aspects of new technologies rather than the bad ones. We have seen people get cancer after taking gastric medicine.
Buet Chemistry Professor Dr. Syeda Sultana Razia said, if you want to do something, you have to get a license from many places. But no one is found to take responsibility after the accident. No authority has been entrusted as such. If the business is not profitable, if it is not safe, it cannot survive in the long run. That's why security means business.
Fire Service and Civil Defense Deputy Director (Dhaka) Saleh Uddin said, at the end of the day, all responsibility falls on the fire service. Safety is much neglected. Garment GM Compliance gets Tk. 1 lakh, and Production GM gets Tk. 3 lakh.
He gave the example of the defect of the seminar room (Export Promotion Bureau) and said, "In this big hall, there is only one door." If that door is closed for some reason, there is no way for people to get out. These things should be kept in consideration while constructing the building.
Daudur Rahman Khan, Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Quality of Omera Petroleum, said that LPG cylinders used in hotel restaurants are kept in mud on the roadside. This damages the cylinders in the long run. Cylinders are being stored under the stairs or in storerooms of multi-storied buildings. Where there is no ventilation. Even if there is an accident there is no fire control system. LP gas is heavier than air so in case of leakage it settles down. And when it comes in contact with fire, it explodes. To get rid of this there should be cross ventilation system. Accidents will be reduced if ventilation system is kept at floor level.
State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid said that in 2009, the demand for LP gas was 47 thousand tons, now it has exceeded 1.4 million tons. Demand has increased 20 to 22 times, it will double in future. Its contemporary policy is essential. More modern policies are needed. Most accidents happen due to cylinder leaks. There needs to be a guideline on how and where the vehicle will be used. There should be a policy so that no one can sit anywhere. Our country is developing, now we need to look at these issues. A master plan is being prepared for where and how to supply gas in the future.
BERC Chairman Nurul Amin said that this seminar has been organized after seeing the news of the accident. Those who are doing business should pay attention to everything. Taking gas in cylinders from auto gas stations is by no means desirable.
Regarding the price of LPG, he said to the businessmen that the price is announced every month after meeting with you. The price should be respected. We have seen many of your issues; it is not possible to do everything together. Consumer side should also be seen. Since BERC has issued licenses, they also have the option of canceling their licenses. That's how we work.
Secretary of Energy and Mineral Resources Division Md. Nurul Alam said that it is not possible to give new gas connection to residents. The gas connection of the pipeline has been stopped. Awareness should be raised for accidents related to use of LPG. That's why everyone should come forward.
BERC member Dr. Muhammad Yamin Chowdhury said that safety is the first priority, but in many cases concessions are made which is not desirable at all. It is the responsibility of those doing the marketing to ensure safety. In case of accident, there is no chance to avoid it. Not even an accident can be overlooked.
BERC member Dr. Md Helal Uddin, Abul Khair Md Aminur Rahman, Md Kamruzzaman, Petrobangla Chairman Janendra Nath Sarkar, BERC Secretary Barrister Md Khalilur Rahman Khan, JMI LPG GM (Technical Operation) Engineer Liaquat Ali, Restaurant Owners Association President Osman Gani, Leaders of LPG Distributors Association spoke.