Assessment of LPG Safety Knowledge and Handling by Domestic Users

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is gaining high usage as a domestic fuel worldwide. The Government of Ghana is determined to increase access to 50% by 2030. However, due to its high flammability, unsafe gas usage has resulted in various casualties nationwide. This work, therefore, assessed the safety knowledge and handling of LPG across three cities in the Western Region of Ghana. A total of 1144 LPG users participated in the research. Information gathered included the origin and material used for cylinder manufacturing, cylinder integrity test, refilling, transportation, storage, leakage detection and rectification, cylinder maintenance, safety valves, and other accessories such as LPG hoses and burners. The assessment showed that most users lacked basic safety knowledge regarding safe gas handling. It was evident that 99.2% had never examined and pressure-tested their cylinders for integrity purposes, with 98.0% not knowing when their cylinders would be due for either disposal or a mandatory pressure test. Further, the majority transported and stored their gas cylinders incorrectly. Also, 30.4% have been using their hoses for ≥ 5 years, with the majority replacing them not based on the recommended usage period but rather on damage. These practices are alarming, warranting an urgent need to intensify safety education on the safe use of this greener fuel. Several practical implications of the research that can improve the safe handling and use of LPG at the household level have been discussed.