Fire explosions can happen due to substandard liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks and can happen anytime there is a gas leak.
Such happened in the LPG blast accident in a commercial center in Pagadian City last November, and in a residential area in Rizal in March, which seriously injured five family members. All are allegedly using illegally refilled LPG tanks and substandard and unqualified LPG cylinders.
To avoid dangerous accidents, the LPG Industry Association Inc. (LPGIA) warns the public of the hazards of using illegally refilled LPG cylinders. This is in compliance with the new LPG law (Republic Act 11592).
The new law aims to establish safe operations of LPG and LPG tanks to ensure the safety and welfare of consumers.
The new law strictly prohibits certain practices with corresponding serious penalties. The punishable practices include refilling LPG tanks without authority from the brand owner, usage and possession of fake LPG seals, and refilling and selling generic, defective, and substandard LPG tanks.
Violators may face 6 to 12 years imprisonment and will be fined with up to P100,000 penalty per cylinder.
Consumers are encouraged to source only from government-compliant and licensed LPG dealers and retail outlets. Inspection of the LPG tank quality and its seals (should be genuine and untampered) is also highly advised.
When in doubt, consumers are encouraged to check the physical store, which should be in a non-smoking commercial area. Moreover, the store should be using the appropriate measuring devices.
In case of deliveries, transporting LPG tanks should be through vehicles with pertinent permits and clearances from the Land Transportation Office and Bureau of Fire Protection. The vehicles should also be designed to be open and be durable enough to allow tank stacking in an upright position.
Consumers can also verify the legitimacy of the dealer by asking them to present necessary permits, such as a License to Operate from the Dpartment of Energy (DOE), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Certificates and Licenses and documents from suppliers indicating that the dealer is authorized to carry their brand.
Established in 2000, the LPGIA is mandated to assist the Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in monitoring the inspection of the LPG industry, to instigate legal cases when necessary, and help in the LPG-related activities and information dissemination for consumer safety and protection.
The LPGIA regularly holds symposiums, workshops and training (especially prior to the pandemic) to educate its members on industry’s best practices, standards development, market enhancement and monitoring of the industry.
This year, LPGIA will be teaming up with LPG industry participants, DOE and DTI to organize the LPG Summit: Roadmap for the safe operations of the LPG Industry.
There will also be provincial conferences to cascade primarily the LPG Law, its Implementing Rules and Regulations and new DOE Department Circulars on LTO and Rules of Procedure for Admin Cases.
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