The Lagos State Government has advised on safe conversion of petrol generators to Liquified Petroleum Gas, LPG, in Lagos. The Director General of the State Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, made this suggestion in a statement against the recent occurrence of petrol subsidy removal which has led to the hike in the pump price of petrol.
Mr Mojola who said some Nigerians were already embracing the option regarding it’s benefits which include: saving of costs over a long period, cleaner energy; minimising noise, air and environmental pollution. In the same vein he warned Lagosians against unsafe conversion of their power generating sets because of the hazards and risks inherent in the conversion process. He discussed the associated risks and hazards which include; spark or heat from the generator which could lead to fire outbreaks if gas leakage occurs from the hose or cylinder valve, explosion due to gas build up and improper ventilation of generator house, exposure to direct sunlight which may cause explosion, high pressure bottling of LPG and uneven flooring, which could cause gas cylinders to roll off, as well as corrosion of gas cylinders when left in the rain or in humid environment and poor installation of the hybrid carburettors on generators which could also increase the risks of accident.
Mr Mojola, also cautioned against the use of CNG for small household generating sets except for special cases like large estates with plants for power generation as well as the use of sub-standard, dilapidated or expired cylinders which he said would substantially increase risks of explosion. The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ms Shola Shasore also urged residents to always employ the services of professionals and the use of appropriate conversion kits while adopting this process.
