The Zonal Controller of Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in Imo State, Mrs Roseline Wilkie, has advised petrol station managers to observe environmental safety rules in their premises.
Wilkie gave the advice in Owerri, the state capital, on Friday, November 27, 2020 when she visited some petrol stations to create awareness and monitor compliance to DPR rules and regulations on sale and distribution of petroleum products and safety.
She said there was the need for station managers to continue to encourage their customers to put off their cell phones and car engines while buying products and also observe other safety rules.
Wilkie also urged Imo residents to observe safety rules while handling petroleum products.
She listed the rules to include non-usage of hand sets at filling stations, non-keeping of petrol in jerrycans inside house and no smoking of cigarettes as well non-usage of candles near petrol.
Others are putting off motor engines and generators while buying or pouring fuel, buying petrol in good stations, stop scooping petrol from fallen tankers, stop burning things or bush near filling stations and never to use containers for petrol to buy kerosene.
The DPR controller also warned gas users to change leaking gas valve or hose, not to use water to quench a fire caused by gas, keep their cylinders in well ventilated areas and to call experts and fire service in case of any complaint on the gas and fire.
Some petrol station managers and gas plants visited thanked the DPR for the oversight function.
Mr John Jenka, the Manager of A.A. Roni Nig. Ltd., and Mr Chigbo Chukuma the Managing Director of Regime Cooking (Gas Plant) Filling Station, both along Onitsha Road, commended DPR officials for the visit which they said was meant to keep them on their toes.
The managers, on behalf of other station managers, promised to comply with the safety rules and regulations of the DPR.
Part of the visit was the handing over of the fliers on safety rules by the DPR to the managers.
By Chidi Opara
