EPRA Sends Notice to LPG Cylinder Wholesalers and Retailers

The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) has notified all Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retailers and wholesalers operating across the country (LPG Traders) of the stringent safety obligations under the Petroleum Act (Cap. 308), Laws of Kenya, and read with the Petroleum (Liquefied Petroleum Gas) Regulations, 2005.

In a notice on February 24, EPRA said it is committed to ensuring a safe, reliable, and compliant LPG market for all Kenyans.

For this reason, the Authority emphasized the following eight requirements

• Operational License – LPG Traders must possess a valid license from EPRA for the retail/wholesale of LPG in cylinders, LPG Traders must only other for sale LPG cylinders for which they have obtained written consent from the legally registered brand owner and where such consent has be notified to EPRA, LPG Traders must also pomes a valid five certificate, a calibrated weighing scale and must issue a receipt bearing the particulars of the cylinder sold the each consumer.

• Adherence to set Safety Standards – LPG Traders must ensure strict adherence to sale practices in the Kenya Standards KS EAS 924-1: 2015-Handling, storage, and distribution of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) in domestic, commercial, and industrial installations Code of practice Part 1: Storage and filling sites for refillable LPG contains of capacity not exceeding 150 litres.

• Sale and Secure Cylinder Storage – LPG cylinders shall be stored in a well-ventilated, secure, and designated area, protected from ignition sources and flammable materials. Full and empty cylinders must be clearly segregated.

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• Safe Cylinder Transportation – LPG cylinders shall be transported while upright. Special care shall be taken to prevent damage to the cylinders, such as wear, defacement, or loss of critical cylinder markings. Only s LPG cylinders of 6 kg capacity or 4 of 13kg capacity shall be permitted on each two-wheeler during transportation.

• Safe Cylinder Stacking – Stacking shall not exceed 4 cylinders for 6kg capacity LPG cylinders and 2 for 13kg capacity. Cylinders must be stacked securely to prevent accidental drops and shall be properly fitted with valve seals to prevent ingress of water or dust.

• Provision of Safety Information – LPG Traders must provide clear safety information at the point of sale to act as a warning to members of the public. The signage shall include at least 2 sets of symbolic signs indicating that smoking or any ignition material is prohibited

• Record Keeping – LPG Traders must maintain records for each cylinder purchased and sold, and these records must capture the cylinder brand, serial numbers (both cylinder and seal), net weight, unit, and total price, indicating the cylinder deposit where applicable

“EPRA hereby directs all LPG traders to promptly comply with the requirements; failure of which shall attract Immediate enforcement actions, including prosecution, fines, suspension, or revocation of the operating license,” EPRA said.

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Reporting Non-Compliance

EPRA has urged members of the public to play an active role in promoting safety.

“Please report any retailer or wholesaler suspected of operating in contravention of the LPG laws and regulations, such as illegal refilling, selling unsafe cylinders, improper storage, improper stacking, or operating without a valid EPRA license,” EPRA said.

Members of the public are particularly encouraged to report any retail/ wholesale storage of LPG cylinders within residential areas, housing estates, or other non-designated premises.

ERPA explained that such activities pose significant safety risks to occupants and neighbouring properties.

Reports may be made to EPRA through the following channels: Email: info@epra.go. ke Phone: +254 709 336 000

The Authority said information provided will be handled with due regard to confidentiality.

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EPRA has notified all Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) retailers and wholesalers operating across the country (LPG Traders) of the stringent safety obligations under the Petroleum Act (Cap. 308). PHOTO/EPRA.