The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has urged Kenyans to keep at least 300 metres away from accidents involving petroleum and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tankers. The regulator warns that leaks and spills can trigger deadly fires or explosions without warning. This warning comes following continued reports of road accidents involving petroleum and LPG tankers, which have resulted in deaths and injuries among members of the public.
According to EPRA, petroleum products are highly flammable and can ignite when they come into contact with sources of ignition, including vehicle engines, electrical equipment, naked flames, and sparks caused by static electricity. The regulator emphasizes that human life is precious and a life lost can never be recovered. EPRA extended its condolences to families who have lost loved ones in the incidents and wished those injured a speedy and full recovery.
The Authority warns that fires and explosions involving petroleum products or LPG can have devastating consequences, with survivors potentially suffering severe and lifelong injuries. EPRA cautions members of the public against approaching accident scenes to collect spilled fuel or interfere with damaged tankers. The regulator also advises people near tanker accidents to avoid smoking, lighting fires, or using naked flames, even when they are beyond the recommended 300-metre safety distance.
EPRA urges people not to scoop, siphon, collect, transport, or handle spilled or leaking petroleum products, as such actions could result in death or lifelong injuries. Members of the public are further advised not to tamper with tanker valves, compartments, or other equipment while emergency teams are responding to an incident. The regulator emphasizes the importance of giving emergency responders, police officers, and other authorized personnel enough room to secure and manage accident scenes.
To improve safety, EPRA is continuing to enforce safety requirements for petroleum and LPG transporters, including vehicle roadworthiness checks and driver competency requirements. The regulator will also work with other stakeholders to improve compliance with safety standards and prevent similar incidents. This effort aims to mitigate the risks associated with petroleum and LPG transportation.
The public can report petroleum and LPG accidents to EPRA through various channels, including a toll-free emergency number, hotline, USSD code, or email. The regulator provides these channels to ensure that the public can quickly and easily report incidents, allowing for prompt response and mitigation of potential risks.
In conclusion, EPRA's warning serves as a critical reminder of the dangers associated with petroleum and LPG tanker accidents. By maintaining a safe distance and following the regulator's guidelines, the public can minimize risks and help prevent further incidents. The regulator's efforts to enforce safety standards and improve compliance will also play a crucial role in preventing similar incidents in the future.
Key points
- EPRA warns public to keep 300 metres away from accidents involving petroleum and LPG tankers.
- Regulator emphasizes importance of not tampering with tanker valves, compartments, or equipment during emergency responses.
- EPRA provides multiple channels for reporting petroleum and LPG accidents, including a toll-free emergency number and email.
