The Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA), on Thursday, November 24, unravelled the connection between electricity and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) explosions in Kenyan homes.
In a campaign dubbed KaaSafeMtaani, EPRA explained that switching on lights in the event of a gas leakage may result in an explosion.
"In case of LPG leakage, do not light any matches or switch on lights, rather open all windows and doors," EPRA stated.
The authority recommended that the hose connecting the gas cylinder to the cookers should be regularly checked for cracks and advised Kenyans to change them every five years.
EPRA stated that dents on cylinders are early warning signs of leakage, a situation with the potential of turning fatal with improper electricity connection.
Consequently, it advised homeowners to avoid illegal power connections or hire non-certified electricians to conduct electrical utility repairs.
Outside their households, residents were warned to keep off from overturned fuel and LPG trailers. EPRA noted that syphoning fuel is not the only life-threatening habit in such scenes.
"Do not operate vehicles or motorbikes or use any ignition source close to a petroleum tanker accident scene.
"Inhaling fumes from fuel exposes you to a greater danger of internal burns if the tanker explodes and catches fire," the authority stated.
The campaign came amid a spate of LPG explosion-related accidents and deaths reported in the country over the last few months.
On September 30, EPRA released the findings of research conducted between July - September 2022, which established that several dealers were selling adulterated gas in faulty cylinders.
The authority announced a method through which Kenyans can check for certification of dealers and report unlicensed operators through a hotline provided.
"EPRA maintains a hotline number (0709336000), operational during normal working hours to enhance enforcement and compliance activities.
"Dial *363*2# to verify authenticity of the electrician's license," EPRA announced on Thursday, November 24.
