Manila Congressman Rolan ‘CRV’ Valeriano (2nd district) is urging the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) to conduct an administrative review of the importation, manufacture and sale of LPG tanks with capacities smaller than 11 kg.
Valeriano noted that small LPG tanks that are meant for outdoor use only are being used indoors, leading to explosive fires.
Chairman of the Committee on Metro-Manila Development and members of the House Committee on Good Government and Public Accountability and the Committee on Trade and Industry, Valeriano said that the small LPG tanks pose serious fire hazards, especially with the stoves mounted directly on top of them, noting that when used for extended periods, the nozzle and tank heat up, increasing the risk of explosion.
Valeriano also noted that numerous fire incidents in recent months have been linked to these small LPG tanks.
The latest happened in Taytay, Rizal where three family members were severely injured after an LPG tank being installed inside their store exploded.
“Napakadelikado po ng maling paggamit ng maliit na LPG sa loob ng bahay, lalo na sa mga saradong espasyo. Hindi po ito ginawa para gamitin sa loob ng bahay at lalong hindi para sa matagalang pagluluto. Dapat tiyakin ng DTI at iba pang ahensya na may malinaw na babala at mahigpit na regulasyon tungkol dito,” Valeriano said.
“Nanawagan tayo sa mga kinauukulan na repasuhin ang safety guidelines at imbestigahan ang mga insidente ng pagsabog na kinasasangkutan ng maliliit na LPG. Kailangan tiyaking tama at malinaw ang impormasyong natatanggap ng publiko upang maiwasan ang mga trahedya,” he added.
Valeriano is also urging consumers using small LPG tanks to turn to portable stoves with butane canisters as he called on the DTI to likewise assess the safety of these butane stoves to prevent further hazards.
