The National Petroleum Authority (NPA) has directed all Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs), fuel station operators, dealers and transporters to implement mandatory safety measures at fuel stations affected by flooding, warning that failure to comply could result in regulatory sanctions and prosecution.
The directive follows recent heavy rains and flooding across parts of the country, which have heightened the risk of fuel contamination, fires, explosions and environmental pollution.
In a public notice, the Authority instructed operators of flooded fuel stations to immediately suspend all fuel dispensing, loading and offloading activities where floodwaters have inundated forecourts, tank areas or entered underground fuel storage facilities.
The NPA also ordered operators to disconnect electrical power to fuel pumps, dispensers, canopy lighting and other forecourt equipment where it is safe to do so, while ensuring the evacuation of staff, customers and vehicles from affected stations.
In addition, operators have been directed to establish a safety exclusion zone of at least 100 metres around impacted facilities.
The Authority further prohibited smoking, naked flames, welding and any other spark-generating activities within the exclusion zone to minimise the risk of fire or explosion.
Operators have also been instructed to immediately notify the nearest NPA Regional Office, the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and their respective Oil Marketing Companies.
According to the NPA, affected fuel stations will only be allowed to resume operations after floodwaters have completely receded, a joint safety inspection has been conducted by the NPA and the Ghana National Fire Service, and qualified personnel have certified that underground storage tanks, pipelines, fuel dispensers and related equipment are safe for use.
Operators must also ensure that any water-contaminated fuel or hazardous waste is safely removed and disposed of in accordance with environmental regulations.
The Authority warned that the sale or distribution of contaminated petroleum products is a violation of petroleum regulations and will attract severe sanctions.
Public advised to stay away from flooded fuel stations
The NPA has also urged motorists and residents to avoid entering, driving through or gathering around flooded fuel stations.
It cautioned the public against coming into contact with floodwater around affected facilities, warning that the water may contain petroleum products or other hazardous contaminants.
The Authority further encouraged the public to promptly report fuel leaks, strong petroleum odours, visible fuel sheens on floodwater or any other unsafe conditions to the Ghana National Fire Service or the nearest NPA office, while following all instructions issued by emergency response agencies.
Source: citinews
