The Environmental Protection Agency has schooled 68 liquefied Petroleum Gas Attendants (LPG) on professionalism in gas handling and management.

The move it said was to help curb catastrophic incidents relating to LPG refilling accidents and explosions recorded in some notable parts of the country.

The three-day training would also afford the participants insight into how to keep up with modern and emerging technologies and to develop the capacity needs of the various actors within the industry.

In his address, Mr Shine Fiagome, the Central Regional Director of the EPA said the steady growth of Petroleum Products Retail Outlets (PPRO) had culminated into an influx of outlets even in the remotest part of the country.

This, he said had come with it, some serious challenges which have over the years created fear and panic among the general populace and had made the sector unpopular.

The Director noted that the training would enhance participants' knowledge on safe handling, make them more efficient in responding to regulatory requirements of the Agency and provide a platform for players to bring to the fore their challenges among others.

For his part, Mr Samuel Otu Larbi, a consultant entreated participants to have a sense of danger detection, be prepared, vigilant at all times and make the wearing of personal protective gear a habit.

On ways to manage the dangers, he said one must understand the application of all controls and safety procedures that were put in place because managing safety was knowledge-based .

Mr Larbi said charged all industry actors to beware of gas leakages as it was the number one reason for all fire explosions and outbreak occurrences.

"The effect of negligence could cause Boil Liquid Expansion Vapor Explosion (BLEVE) severe burns, air pollution, trauma, and in severe cases untimely death", he added.

Mr. William Hayfron -Acquah, the Acting Director of Field Operations, admonished the public to prioritize their safety through self-discipline and honour all regulatory directives.

He further urged all to be advocates of best practices of the use of liquefied petroleum and urged the dealers to teach their customers what was right and accepted to help prevent "ourselves from danger".