Inter-agency team to further investigate gas cylinder mishaps

An inter-agency team will conduct further investigations to determine the causes of several mishaps involving gas cylinders.

The team comprises representatives from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the Guyana Energy Agency (GEA), the Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS), the Guyana Fire Service (GFS), the Competition and Consumer Affairs Commission (CCAC), and the Ministry of Labour’s Occupational Safety and Health Department (OSH).

A notification from the EPA on Friday stated that the group will conduct a thorough examination of each gas cylinder incident where individuals were injured or killed, or where property was damaged.

The inter-agency team has met three times to investigate these incidents. At their most recent meeting, they reviewed interim reports from the respective agencies and agreed to conduct further detailed investigations at both the retailer and consumer levels. These investigations will include matters related to the transportation, storage, and usage of gas cylinders.

“Each incident will be further reviewed separately to determine the most probable causes, which will help identify the necessary measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future,” the notification stated.

The GNBS and CCAC, in accordance with their respective mandates, are leading the next phase of the investigations, with support from the GFS, EPA, GEA, and the OSH Department.

The EPA emphasised that as part of the investigation, the agencies have recognised the importance of educating the public on the safe transportation, handling, storage, installation, and usage of cooking gas cylinders. They will continue their respective information and awareness campaigns, targeting all stakeholders.

At least five incidents have been reported in which gas cylinders exploded. In one case, a couple from Foulis, East Coast Demerara, lost their lives. It is alleged that most of the gas cylinders involved were purchased from Massy Gas. Preliminary reports suggest that some incidents may have resulted from user negligence.

In response, Massy Gas has launched a social media campaign to raise awareness about the safe use of cooking gas cylinders. Consumers are encouraged to contact Massy Gas Products at 233-2728 or the hotline 600-0839 for more information on the safe use of their gas products.