Emirates Gas targets illegal gas cylinder operations
Posted: 2 September 2003
Emirates Gas, a subsidiary of Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC),
Emarat Gas Distribution (a division of Emarat), Dubai Municipality
and the Department of Civil Defence, Dubai have hit out at the illegal
actions of some registered gas cylinder distributors in the UAE
who have embarked on unauthorised cylinder filling and distribution
operations.
The Municipality and Department of Civil Defence, Dubai recently
confiscated and destroyed around 300 unauthorised and dangerous
gas cylinders in Dubai.
Action has been initiated under Local Order No 27/1985 by the Dubai
Municipality which stipulates certain requirements for storage,
distribution and selling of LPG cylinders in the emirate.
Emirates Gas and Emarat Gas Distribution — the two major
UAE LPG suppliers — say some distributors are going outside
the UAE to fill cylinders or replace them with others, which do
not meet UAE safety regulations, and then smuggling them back into
the Emirates.
“This is an extremely dangerous practice,” said Hussain
Sultan, Group Chief Executive and Board Member, ENOC. “It
is not only illegal but is hazardous to customers, and puts the
credibility of official gas suppliers at risk. The Civil Defence
and Municipal authorities are now taking action and have our full
support.”
Emirates Gas, a subsidiary of ENOC and one of the UAE’s leading
bottlers and supplier of LP Gas and Propane, along with Emarat Gas
Distribution are vigorous exponents of customer safety in the storage,
handling and use of LP Gas.
“Strict regulations govern LPG cylinder distribution due
to potential risk of fire and explosion from a mishandled or substandard
LPG cylinder,” said Colonel Rashid Thani Al Matroushi, Head
of Civil Defense, Dubai. He warned that anyone violating the rules
will face strong penal action since it endangers public safety and
security.
Added Rashid Al Shamsi, General Manager, Emarat: “Official
suppliers must abide by the rules and regulations that have been
put in place to safeguard customers and the community. The products
of bona fide suppliers and their distributors are clearly marked
and customers should look for this seal of approval.”
The inspections carried out at distributor storage depots and labour
camps focused on checking whether the gas cylinders conformed to
the Municipality safety regulations.
Under the regulations, LPG cylinders have a service life of 15
years. They should be periodically hydrotested and free of defects
like dents and corrosion, and conform to the red colour code for
distribution in Dubai.
Similarly, all the emirates have issued local orders and regulations
governing LP Gas distribution. These specify that the LPG cylinders
must be filled within a bottling plant located in the emirate –
so even cylinder movement and distribution from one emirate to another
is prohibited.
“Unauthorised filling of cylinders results in improper checks
and maintenance. As a result, cylinders with leaky and damaged valves
are re-circulated, putting customers at risk,” added Hussain
Sultan.
He advised customers it is very important to look for the official
company seal on the cylinder valve, the guarantee of quality, quantity
and safety, before purchase.
For more information see www.enoc.com.
Posted by Richard Price,
Editor Pipeline Magazine
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