Petrol stations required distance away from places of vital public utilities
Petrol stations required distance away from places of public assembly such as markets, hospitals, schools and residential buildings
By Lino Lual Lual, Juba, South Sudan
April 14, 2016 (SSB) —- Considering the high risk and dangers associated with petroleum product as a highly inflammable product, its exploration, transportation, offloading, storing , sale points and facilities should not be taken for granted in residential areas like other products. According to WHO (2004) report indicates more than 2.3 million lives and properties worth more than 4.5 billion which are lost to fire outbreaks associated to petroleum product mishandling in Africans countries.
Even though this facility may have different names depending on the part of the world, the purpose to which it is located still remains the same, the structure or building where petroleum products are sold to motorists or for other local consumption. For instance, Location of petrol station generally despite its important to the economy, it is expected to be guided by a defined environmental rule in a certain country.
As the standard for environmental protection varies from country to country and the levels of the protection equally are determined by such factors as legislation and economic priorities of the individual state. In Finland for example, the environmental protection act that within industrial operation where contamination of the environment is possible should be applied in granting environmental permit after evaluating the circumstances for which the permit is being sought.
Petrol stations activities therefore fall within this circumstance or the risk operational category because environmental effects of Petrol Stations at Close Proximities to Residential Buildings. The hazardous workplace is so required to be licensed properly. It was in line with this principle that in 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD) refocused its plan on promoting health through sustainable development and sustainable management of ecosystem and biodiversity so as to guarantee effective environmental sustainability for all.
The sale of fuel/oil has therefore become one of the most lucrative businesses in South Sudan which might have prompted the mass location of petrol stations in almost all the strategic areas of the settlements with some of them sited not in conformity with the Guideline.
This should be in accordance with the guidelines provided in South Sudan to allowed the Fire service safety rules that the certain distance between two nearest petrol stations should be (400m) and between a petrol station to the nearest residential building should not be less than (50m) to shun possible hazards. Unfortunately in South Sudanese towns, these guidelines have not been followed. As a result, there have been proliferations of petrol stations that are located close to residential areas.
This might have constituted serious hazards to residence in close proximity to such petrol stations. It is therefore against this background that the study examined the spatial pattern of location of these petrol stations and the possible hazards associated with their locations in Juba city.
State legislature should enact law forbidding either government or individuals from given out plots of land for location of petrol stations within a residential areas. Any attempt by either of the two sides to convert the use of any land within the township should be resisted by the people and the court. Petrol stations operating within the township should be made by law to establish central private waste management board (Petrol Stations Private Waste Management Board), with well trained staff on waste management.
The board should be responsible for constant cleaning, evacuations and management of all waste produced by petrol stations. They should equally be made to offer periodic community services (free medical service) to the residents living close to them.
Fire is a hazard that could affect all parts of our premises. The consequences of fire include the threat to the life or health and safety of people, damage to or loss of property and severe interruption to normal business activities and opportunities. Our fire safety measures include preventing outbreaks of fire and mitigating the direct and consequential damage by early detection, reducing the risk of fire spread by structural containment, providing escape routes, emergency evacuation procedures and means for firefighting and detection.
This policy expands on our general health and safety and environmental policies. Its primary objective is the creation of a fire safety management system, which together with the structure and maintenance of our buildings seek to protect human life as well as the assets and business opportunities of this organization.
The aim of this policy is to achieve a fire safe environment for all workers and building occupants, which will reduce to a minimum the risks to life, to property, to business loss and of personal injury. To achieve this we will provide the time and resources necessary to formulate a fire safety strategy for our premises. We will ensure that we inform, instruct and train all the relevant people. Smoking should not be allowed where oxygen is used or stored, this includes residents using oxygen masks. There should be suitable instruction and warning signs highlighting the dangers. Staff should be aware of the inherent dangers of using oxygen and be trained in safe handling and use.
Careless use of cigarettes and other smoking materials is a common cause of fire. Staffs need to be vigilant. A cigarette may smolder for some time, especially when surrounded by combustible material. A fire can start several hours after smoking materials have been emptied into waste bags and left for future disposal. Buildings may be provided with facilities such as access roads and hard standing areas that allow Fire and Rescue Service vehicles to approach and park within a reasonable distance. Vehicle access to the building exterior may enable high reach appliances, such as turntable ladders and hydraulic platforms to be used, and to enable pumping appliances to supply water and equipment for fire-fighting and rescue.
Inspections of smoking areas should be made at regular intervals with staff being vigilant for any sign of scorch marks or burning. Staff should ensure that discarded smokers’ materials are removed and that they are fully extinguished. Evidence of scorch marks or burning on furniture or carpets indicates that some residents may need additional supervision. Risk control and supervision needs to be considered for those residents that have a history or may be susceptible, be it through careless use of smoking materials, a medical condition that increases the risk when smoking, or those who may use lighters or matches in an attempt to start a fire.
The author is a master of strategic studies at Centre for Peace and Development Studies University of Juba, He can be reached via Linolual69@yahoo.com
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