BFP certifies safety of Naga LPG terminal

The Petronas Energy Philippines Inc. in barangay Langtad, Naga City is not causing harm to the public and has not violated safety standards.

The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) 7 said that the company’s Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) tanks were “designed, tested and marked” in accordance with the American Petroleum Institute – American Society of Mechanical Engineers (API-ASME) Code.

BFP-7 Director Ma. Luisa Hadjula signed the report, made after the plant was re-inspected because of a complaint raised by “a very concerned citizen.” The complaint states that the company’s LPG containers should be constructed at least 122 meters from the perimeter line of the adjoining property.

A resident of Naga, Zosimo Abaquita complained to the BFP on the alleged violation of Petronas LPG storage and receiving terminal, with the capacity to store 2,272,727 liters, to RA 9514 which requires aboveground LPG storage tanks of more than 378,500 liters capacity to be located 122 meters from any adjoining property.

William Cabibil, engineering services manager of Petronas, told reporters that they have complied with safety standards and their LPG plant is equipped with fire safety protection.

Our plant has the latest fire safety equipment, all designed in accordance with the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) specifications,” Cabibil added.

The Petronas LPG in Naga City installed a gas detection system, automatic shutdown system, automatic deluge sprinkler system, automatic smoke or fire alarm system and a combination of wet and dry standpipe system in all the facilities in the five-hectare plant.

A built-in uninterruptible power supply (UPS) and a 500-horsepower generator also serves as standby backup power source, all of which are automatic and digital.

“We also underwent public hearings before the LPG terminal was approved to operate here and aside from that, we have permits that allow us to operate here,” he added.

Cabibil added that majority of their workers are residents of Naga.

The Petronas has permits or certificates on Safety Vessel Storage Tank from the labor department, a mayor’s permit from the City of Naga, BFP Safety Inspection, Calibration Certificate from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and from Cebu Port Authority (CPA).