Butane canisters are made of tin and tin canisters are not refillable, he explained. If consumers will continue using such containers, he warned, there is a possibility that it may leak and emit hazardous gas that will lead to unexpected gas explosion and fire.
By MART D. SAMBALUD
Davao Today
TAGUM CITY, Philippines – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Davao del Norte province has warned the public anew against the rampant use of butane canisters filled with Liquified Petroleum Gas (LPG).
This as their office received reports that some households are using the said hazardous canisters for LPG without proper labeling.
“This may pose great danger, to our lives and properties, since the container is non-compliant to safety product standards,” said Engineer Edwin Banquerigo, DTI Provincial Director.
DTI is set to craft guidelines and standards following reports that many refilling stations for butane canisters are operating Tagum City and other municipalities in the province. The local government of Tagum is on the process of crafting a resolution to regulate the said activity.
Engr. Banquerigo urged the people to be cautious with butane containers, even if these are sold at very cheap prices compared to the standard LPG tank.
Butane canisters are made of tin and tin canisters are not refillable, he explained. If consumers will continue using such containers, he warned, there is a possibility that it may leak and emit hazardous gas that will lead to unexpected gas explosion and fire.
The Consumer Act of the Philippines or RA 7394 has mandated that canisters filled with products such as butane should be properly labeled. Meanwhile, based on the Philippine National Standards, only welded steel cylinders with a water capacity of a liter to 150 liters are intended for storage and transport of LPG.
Banquerigo noted that butane containers are sub-standard for LPG.
The DTI-Bureau of Product Standards earlier issued such warning advisory prompting the provincial office to issue a memorandum addressed to its field officers. The DTI- Davao del Norte Office is presently monitoring all commercial and community stores that sell butane canisters.
Banquerigo told davaotoday.com that while some consumers defied their warning advisory, they still want the latter to be aware that they must weigh first the “safety” aspect of the product. He urged local consumers to be vigilant at all times specially when buying products that are substandard because it would be “for their own protection and safety.” (Mart D. Sambalud/davaotoday.com)
davao del norte, fuel, gas, lpg, petroleum, philippines, tagum
