ENVIROMENTAL SAFETY OPERATIONS OF LIQUIFIED PETROLEUM GAS (LPG) FILLING PLANTS IN NIGERIA: GAPS BETWEEN GUIDELINES AND PRACTICE

Abstract

The study compared the stipulated guidelines of the Nigeria Directorate of Petroleum Resources for safety practices in the siting, construction and operations of LPG filling plants in Nigeria. The study employed observational survey. Forty two LPG filling plants were sampled from 3 states of southwestern geo-political zones of Nigeria. An Interview guide and Safety Compliance Checklist were used to elicit relevant information. Data were qualitatively discussed and analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that wide gap existed between guidelines and existing practice as plants did operate with no approval of relevant regulatory agencies, trainings for safety were uncoordinated. Plant siting were largely hazardous, guidelines regarding safety, disaster prevention and safety instruments as well as emergency management were grossly violated. The guidelines also requires review so as to be responsive to current realities. Supervision from the regulating agencies need improvement for adherence to safety and best practices.