Risk Assessment of LPG Usage by Some Commercial Businesses in Tarkwa Municipality

Abstract

Some commercial businesses in urban areas such as Tarkwa are such working environments which have immense potential of being risk-prone as a result of the usage of energy sources such as liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). With an ever increasing human population in these urban areas, coupled with a high rate of energy consumption for survival, it is evident that commercial businesses in these urban areas are on the rise with or without requirements of industry standards with regards to LPG usage. Injury free working environment is an essential element for any successful venture. It is necessary to develop risk assessment strategies to decide on priorities and to set objectives for eliminating hazards and reducing risks. The research focus is on assessing the risks or otherwise dangers that are likely to be associated with the usage of LPG by some separate commercial business entities designated within Tarkwa-Nsuaem municipality. The data obtained from the businesses studied through the use of questionnaires indicated that all the business entities utilise LPG as major source of fuel or energy. This poses some amount of threat where fire and explosion are concern in their situated locations. This research, in order to identify the extent of existing risk, drew a comparison to associated standards by using a check list. The list entailed numerical values on experts’ viewpoints. The risk rate is obtained and subsequently businesses are ranked in accordance with their risk level or rate as high, medium or low. More than 65 % of the businesses studied lacked adequate good housekeeping and forecourt conditions, hence reducing the chances of clear escape routes. The research revealed that about 27 % of the businesses assessed were low-level risky, 40 % were moderately risky and 33 % highly risky.