The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) has embarked on massive sensitisation of the public on the proper use of petroleum products during Christmas.
Mrs Roseline Wilkie, the Zonal Controller of DPR in Owerri, said this on Friday while briefing journalists on the agency’s measures to ensure fire-free celebration during the season.
She said the sensitisation programme, which commenced on Friday, would see the agency’s staff visiting depots and petrol stations to create awareness on measures to prevent hazards from petroleum products.
“By December 1, we will be monitoring petroleum products remotely, right from the depots and outlets, in an automated manner. We will also monitor the trucks; we want to ensure the trucks are safe for movement to various destinations.
“We want to create the awareness that it is an unsafe act for people to go near a fallen truck, talk less scooping fuel from it. We have had a few trucks that fell and we see people going to scoop the products.
“We will also engage in compliance, especially making filling stations to remind their customers on non-use of phone while buying petroleum products,” Wilkie said.
She advised that gas cylinders should be kept away from sunlight and heat sources.
“If you are buying LPG cylinders, look for Nigeria Industrial Standard (NIS) number on the cylinder and always check cylinders for expiry dates.
“Repairing a faulty cylinder at home is unsafe. Always consult a certified technician. Replace hoses and valves at periodic intervals and immediately a leak is discovered.
“Ensure gas burner is turned off when not in use, have your cylinders checked regularly for leaks and integrity by certified professionals, sensitise household on safe handling practices, report any observed suspicious or unsafe practices at any gas station to the nearest DPR office,” she said.
The zonal controller advised the public not to keep petrol in jerry cans inside rooms and keep them well outside the living environment, while smoking or use of naked flame where petrol is sold should be avoided.
She advised the public to turn off their car engine at filling stations before buying fuel into their tank and to pour petrol into containers in a ventilated area.
“Do not scoop any spilled PMS or petroleum products from a fallen tanker or damaged pipeline.
“Avoid panic buying during this yuletide because there is enough supply of petroleum products.
“We just commissioned a new 5000 BOPD Capacity Refinery at Ohaji Egbema in Imo State owned by Waltersmith.
“This will contribute to product availability during and even after the yuletide,” she said.
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