By Precious Ankunda and Isaac Tayebwa,
NATIONAL:
Following an incidence of gas cylinder explosion in Mbarara city that claimed two lives and injured five people, police is determined to get out of the market all gas cylinders circulating beyond their expiry.
This has been revealed by the police spokesperson CP Fred Enanga in a statement to caution scrap dealers and gas clients on the proper maintenance of gas cylinders.
According to Enanga, gas cylinders last for five years but neither the operators nor their clients are aware of this thus keeping expired cylinders in circulation likely to cause harms.
“Gas cylinders have gases that can be toxic, flammable, corrosive and inert, which are dangerous. The leakage from the cylinder, cracks and blockage of pipes and use of expiry cylinders imposes a biggest threat to users. Most people who are welders, are not even aware that gas cylinders, have a 5-year expiry date.” CP Fred Enanga said.
Despite the increase in scrap business and use of gas due to its cost effectiveness, use of clean energy and fast cooking, the police spokesman expressed worries about many dealers and users who do not have much knowledge on how to check for leakage or even take precautions.
He disclosed a liaison between IGP Martin Okoth Ochola and Energy ministry to create awareness on safet and precautions to gas dealers and users as well as pulling out of market all expired cylinders.
“The IGP has instructed the Director Fire and Rescue Services to liaise with the Ministry of Energy to widely disseminate information on safety precautions. They should also jointly enforce the safety regulations, by ensuring all gas dealers and operators, have licences, good ventilation and the capability to operate in safe manners. Every cylinder that does not meet the specific requirements, must be pulled out of circulation,” he explained.
In addition, police has issued seven (7) precautionary measures to gas users in homes and businesses on proper maintenance of their gas. These are;
- Ensure gas cylinders are kept away from ignition sources and other flammable materials. Always keep the cylinder away from ignition forces.
- The cylinder must be kept in an upright position, and in well-ventilated areas to help prevent concentration incase leakage occurs or if left on.
- Do not turn on the electrical appliances, use a mobile phone or lighter, if you smell gas.
- Gas cylinder of 10 kg and above should be placed outside the kitchen, with periodic checks for leakage.
- Kitchen windows and doors should be let open for some time, before gas is ignited.
- When checking the level of gas in the cylinders, it is dangerous to shake it. One is instead advised to bring the cylinder out and pour water on it. When the water dries up, it’s the level of the gas in the cylinder.
- Those who can afford a fore blanket or wet towel and cloth, should use them to cover the store or cooker to remove oxygen and prevent more fire.
GAS CYLINDER EXPLOSION CASES
Cases of gas cylinder explosions are not just new in Uganda and are among the many accidents.
At the end of last month, (November 30), two people died to explosives from a gas cylinder and 5 victims injured, one critically. The tragic incident occured in Kijungu Mbarara City at a scrap store while the deaced were trying to cut and open the gas cylinder for scrap. It exploded killing them instantly.
Police identified the deceased as Kasozi Hussein, a 19-year-old, scrap dealer, and and Kisinde Baker, a 30-year-old, welder, at the scrap yard of John Tumwebaze.
The 5 persons who were injured included; Nsabimana Emmanuel who critically injured, Kamusiime Gashom, Kamujuni Eunice, Ssentongo Mugisha, a 7-year-old male juvenile, and Tumwebaze John, a 44-year-old, owner of the scrap yard.
A similar tragic incident had been reported at Sunjor Supermarket, Seeta where two people died from a cylinder explosion due to leakage.
