Zera to regulate Liquefied Gas operators

Published: 07 May 2014

The Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (Zera) has moved in to regulate trade and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

Government today announced that liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) retailers and operators are now required to be registered and trained by Zera.

The move is aimed at enhance the safety of the public in using LPG as lives have been lost due to improper use of the gas.

Zera licensing officer Hugh Saganda said licenses for both LPG wholesalers and retailers which had been discontinued were now being revived.

He said LPG wholesalers are now required to pay $2 000, while retailers will pay $100 for two year licenses.

"There are two licenses, one for wholesalers and the other for retailers. The wholesaler's license costs $2000 and the retail's license costs $100, both licenses are for a period of two years," he said.

Zera along with the Standards Association of Zimbabwe (SAZ) have made it mandatory for all LPG operators to abide by the standards that they have set.

Zera engineer of petroleum and infrastructure Andrew Guri said all gas cylinders must be registered and all operators must be trained by Zera in order to assure safety of individuals and the public.

"Zera has worked with saz to set standards that LPG operators must adhere to so that they avoid persecution and the shutting down of their facility.

"The training of operators has began and forms are available nationwide. We are starting with Harare and Bulawayo and we will inform the public of the details through adverts. The cost of training will be a minimal fee because it will be mainly sponsored by Zera," said Guri.

According to Guri the safety requirements that have been set by SAZ of LPG facilities include the regular examination by inspection officers following the initial certification by registered chief inspection officers.

SAZ requires all LPG operators to place their facilities a safe distance away from public areas, traffic zones, hazardous materials and must show clear warning signs.

"All LPG operators must follow the safety regulations that require their facility to be certified by registered chief inspection officers. These requirements include having the facility at a safe distance away from public, traffic, and hazardous zones. The facilities must be regularly inspected by inspection officers and must clearly show warning signs to the public," he said.
- BH24

Tags: Zera,