Hohoe: Assistant Station Officer (ASO), Mr. Ofori Collins, who serves as the Hohoe Municipal Fire Safety Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS), has issued a warning to the public about the dangers of repainting rusty gas cylinders. He emphasized that while repainting might improve the appearance of the cylinders, it does not restore their structural integrity or make them safe for use.
According to Ghana News Agency, ASO Ofori communicated his concerns during a sensitisation forum held at the St. Augustine Catholic Church in Hohoe. He advised attendees against overfilling their gas cylinders, explaining that each cylinder has a specific capacity standard that should not be exceeded. He warned that purchasing gas beyond these limits could lead to dangerous situations.
ASO Ofori also cautioned against the common practice of placing stones on gas regulators, urging instead for immediate replacement if any faults were detected. He highlighted that many fire outbreaks result from personal negligence, often due to individuals engaging in multiple tasks simultaneously and losing focus.
He further advised the public to switch off all electrical appliances when leaving their homes, regardless of the distance they plan to travel, to prevent potential fire hazards. ASO Ofori stressed the importance of prioritizing safety and security, noting that many fire incidents in the country could be averted with proper precautions.
Additionally, he reminded the community that in the event of an accident, the Fire Service should be the first point of contact. He underscored that ensuring safety is a collective responsibility that requires everyone's involvement.