DOE, DTI forge MOU on LPG standards

The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to closely coordinate the compliance and enforcement of standards referring to the quality and maintenance of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) cylinders.

The two agencies arrived at an understanding after having observed an increase in the distribution of dilapidated and unserviceable LPG cylinders in the market.

According to the DOE and DTI, this poses a "continuous hazard and threat to the health and safety of consumers."

Under the MOU, the DOE through its Energy Industry Administration Bureau (EIAB) will regularly monitor LPG cylinders and direct LPG refillers, dealers and retail outlets to submit their cylinders for requalification.

The EIAB will recommend to the local government unit (LGU) concerned the revocation of the licenses of LPG refillers, marketers, dealers and retail outlets which fail to meet the standards.

The EIAB will also recommend to the DTI’s Bureau of Product Standards the imposition of administrative sanctions against LPG refillers, marketers, dealers and retail outlets which violate Philippine National Standard (PNS) 41 and its amendments.

PNS 41 (now PNS 3-2:2000) specifies the methods for the requalification of low pressure unfied cylinders allowed to be used in the storage, handling and transportation of LPG. It is applicable to locally made and imported surplus LPG cylinders.

For its part, DTI will enforce the implementation of PNS 03, PNS 41 and PNS 711 and their future amendments on all locally made and imported LPG cylinders prior to their circulation. LPG requalifiers will also be required to be accredited under the BPS laboratory accreditation scheme.

PNS 03 (now PNS 03-1:2000) specifies the requirements for the materials, design, construction, testing and markings of steel cylinders. PNS 711 (now PNS 03-3:2000) stipulates the methods for the repair of steel cylinders.

The DTI will conduct periodic inspection of plant premises of cylinder manufacturers and requalifiers and make sure that cylinders are properly marked.

The DIT will also impose administrative sanctions on violators of PNS 41.