The National Petroleum Authority has introduced mandatory safety protocols for all fuel stations impacted by flooding, directing oil marketing companies, fuel station operators, dealers, and transporters to comply immediately or face possible sanctions and legal action.
The directive comes in response to recent heavy rains and flooding incidents that have heightened concerns about fuel contamination, fire outbreaks, explosions, and environmental hazards.
According to the Authority, fuel stations where floodwaters have reached the forecourt, storage tank areas, or underground fuel facilities must immediately halt all fuel sales, loading, and offloading activities. Operators have also been instructed to disconnect electricity supply to pumps, dispensers, lighting systems, and other equipment where it is safe to do so.
Additionally, station managers are required to evacuate employees, customers, and vehicles from affected premises and establish a safety perimeter extending at least 100 metres around the facility.
The NPA has further prohibited activities that could ignite a fire within the restricted zone, including smoking, welding, the use of naked flames, and any activity capable of producing sparks.
Operators are also expected to promptly notify the nearest NPA regional office, the Ghana National Fire Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and their respective oil marketing companies about the situation.
The Authority stressed that flooded fuel stations will only be allowed to resume operations after floodwaters have completely receded, a joint inspection has been conducted by the NPA and the Fire Service, and qualified professionals have certified that all fuel storage tanks, pipelines, dispensers, and related infrastructure are safe for use.
Operators must also properly remove and dispose of any fuel contaminated by floodwater, as well as any hazardous waste, in line with environmental regulations.
The NPA warned that the sale or distribution of contaminated petroleum products is a serious violation of industry regulations and could result in severe penalties.
The Authority also advised the public to stay away from flooded fuel stations and avoid driving through or gathering around such facilities. It cautioned that floodwaters in these areas may contain fuel residues and other harmful substances that pose health and safety risks.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report fuel leaks, strong petroleum smells, visible fuel traces on floodwaters, or any other hazardous conditions to the Fire Service or the nearest NPA office and to follow instructions from emergency response officials.
Source: Citinewsroom.com
