SON warns importers of LPG, Gas cylinders to adhere strictly to established procedure

—To prosecute importers, manufacturers, distributors of substandard LPG cylinders

The Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) has warned importers of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) and other gas cylinders to adhere strictly to its established procedure for the importation of the product.

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

The DG who was represented by Engr. Nwaoma Olujie, Group Head LPG at SON said the organisation will prosecute importers, manufacturers and distributors of substandard LPG cylinders and other products as provided by law.

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

“Furthermore, for certified locally manufactured LGP cylinders we wish to advise dealers and users to look out for SON Mandatory Conformity Assessment Programme (MANCAP) logo and numbers in addition to the markings specified for the imported products.”

“If only the necessary safety measures and precautions were put in place by the gas vendors, the disaster will 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 repeat warning is in view of recent explosions around the country occasioned by wrong handling of the products.”

Aboloma disclosed that the life span of LGP cylinders in Nigeria is 15 years during which the cylinders must be requalified 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 warned all LGP dispensing plants to ensure due certification of their vessels as provided by SON.

“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 said.

Aboloma said the management of SON received the sad news of the gas explosion with deep sorrow, adding that the organisation commiserates with families of the victims as well as the people and government of Kaduna state.

NAN also reports that Aboloma also paid condolence to Kaduna State Government over the sad incident.

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 vessels 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.