Edmond Campbell, Senior News Coordinator
SENIOR DIRECTOR of the Energy Division in the Ministry of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, Conroy Watson, says the practice of parking tanker wagons in communities across the island could at some point plunge a residential area into explosive disaster.
Under the Local Government regulations, tanker wagons are not permitted to park in residential areas.
Speaking to The Gleaner yesterday, Mr. Watson warned operators that tankers, whether loaded or not with petrol, are prone to serious risks.
"Tanker wagons transporting petroleum products can be a very dangerous exercise, and sometimes even the empty tanks can be very, very dangerous and therefore we should be very mindful where these vehicles are parked," he said. "It means that, if there is an explosion, you could lose the entire community."
Senator Kern Spencer, State Minister in the Energy Ministry, who raised the issue at the Cool Petroleum Limited Third Annual Safety Awards brunch at the Knutsford Court Hotel in New Kingston on Tuesday, said steps were being taken to deal with those persons who continue to flout the law.
He also warned against the use of cellular phones in petrol stations and the risk they pose to customers and workers.
ALL CELLULAR PHONES OFF
Operations Manager of Cool Petroleum Limited, Winston Ormsby, said his company had adopted a policy from its predecessor, Shell Company Limited, to keep all cellular phones off when engines are on. He said that, for his company, the use of cellular phones while driving was a serious offence that attracted penalties.
On the issue of storing petrol, he said contractors with the company are required to have secured premises and garages outside of residential areas.
Meanwhile, in terms of the use of cellular phones in petrol stations, Mr. Watson said the ministry would be embarking on a public education campaign to highlight the dangers associated with this practice.
He said, however, that the Government is not ruling out legislation to address the very serious concern.
