For years I have been following the nonchalance which surrounds the transport, handling and use of propane on Grand Cayman. Two reports of recent accidents – an explosion and a house fire – have prompted me to call for the Utility Regulation and Competition Office and the suppliers to come together to draft some protocols and regulations governing the transport, handling and use of this explosive substance.
My first observation is that the transportation of this hazardous material is done in vehicles, which, in many cases, carry no second person. There is no obvious industrial fire extinguisher positioned on an easily accessible part of the transporting vehicle. The lone occupant is not attired in clothes which offer any fire retardant capability. The tanks are handled in a manner which indicates absolutely no training of the handlers and one is left to wonder how much training is afforded such persons, or is it a case where cheapness of the labour is the motivation for hiring.
Then, too, one should be concerned as to whether the suppliers have any initiation exercises where the users, especially new customers, are instructed in safety procedures and protocols. In the two incidents which prompted my expression of concern, it is clear to me that lack of knowledge in the proper use of propane was the root cause of the disasters.
It is high time for the government regulator, the Fire Service and the suppliers of this fuel to collaborate on drafting protocols and procedures for handling what is becoming a common commodity in our domestic use. In both incidents referred to, thankfully no lives were lost, although there was extensive property damage. Let us hope something positive comes out of these incidents.
J. A. Roy Bodden
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