Fire and rescue officers say that LPG tankers defy traffic and transporting rules
A file picture of the Chala gas tanker that overturned on August 27
KOZHIKODE: Though accidents involving LPG tankers continue to recur, the state government has been sitting on the report submitted by the fire and rescue services department on the safety measures to be adopted for the transportation of LPG.
The report was submitted to the commandant-general of fire and rescue services one month after the Chala gas tanker accident on August 27, 2012.
The report suggested that two drivers be compulsorily deputed for one truck service to ensure that each driver is not on the wheels continuously for over three hours.
To ensure that the vehicle is driven only by the authorised drivers and at permitted speed, the punching system at regular intervals has been implemented. The report also suggested convoy system for the tankers.
The other recommendations included limiting the speed of the truck to a maximum of 40 km/hour, red hazard warning panel light on the cabin top of the truck, reflecting tape throughout the bullet body, the cabin be equipped with leak arresting plugs with suitable hammers, additional mechanical jacks on the rear side of the vehicle so that the valves remain safe between the front and rear jacks, seals with leak arresting kit, flame proof torches and intrinsically safe megaphone.
However, fire and rescue officers say that LPG tankers defy traffic and transporting rules. Fire and rescue northern division officer Arun Alphonse told DC that most of the vehicles have no valid documents for transit and that they do not follow the safety rules.
Moreover, if something went wrong, the emergenc-y response vehicle (ERV) has to reach the spot from Mangalore or Coimbatore. “We have been demanding a permanent ERV station in North Kerala to ensure quick service after such mishaps,” he added.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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