The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has warned the general public to be wary of the use of refurbishing liquified petroleum gas (LPG) cylinders since it is an illegal, criminal and dangerous practice.
According to the GNFS, it also poses a serious risk of gas leakage from the low resistance points on the cylinder body when filled with LPG.
This comes after the service observed with concern the nefarious activities of some unscrupulous people who go round (sometimes to dumping sites) to collect or cheaply buy damaged or old and worn-out LPG cylinders.
These cylinders are repaired (abrasively and adhesively treated, and the ripped metal parts welded together), sprayed, and taken to the open market for sale and use by the unsuspecting public.
In a statement dated Friday, August 12, 2022, the Ghana National Fire Service said “such cylinders also stand the risk of rupture which could lead to injuries, loss of life and fire explosion.”
“The GNFS advises the general public to always look out for the manufacturer details; serial number of the cylinder, weight class, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) number, Test pressure, and particularly the date of manufacture on the cylinder body when buying LPG cylinders from the market.
“The general public is hereby cautioned that damaged, old, rusted and expired LPG cylinders constitute hazardous waste and are not to be disposed off as a general waste or discarded in public places or refuse collection points.
“All such worn-out cylinders are to be taken to outlets of registered gas supply companies, distributors, or LPG recycling centers or plants,” The GNF explained.
The statement furthered that purchase of LPG cylinders is to be made from only registered or authorized dealers to ensure the safety of lives at homes and workplaces.
