Assessment of Risk from Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) Filling Stations in the Accra Metropolis and Its Implications for Land Use Planning

Abstract

Densely populated areas in Ghana, including the Accra Metropolis have over a 14-year period (2007-2020) experienced at least 9 fire disaster events involving Liquefied Petroleum Gas stations. These accidents resulted in 35 fatalities and over 517 injuries and thus, the extent of vulnerability and risk from LPG hazards within the Accra metro and the approaches by which they can be addressed remain pertinent questions. Utilizing a pragmatist approach, a three phased study was conducted using primary data from observations, questionnaire surveys and in-depth interviews. The first phase utilized quantitative risk assessment approaches to determine the characteristics, levels of vulnerability and risk emanating from 10 LPG stations within the Accra Metro. The other two phase’s analysed stakeholders’ risk perceptions and risk management strategies. Hazard footprints varied per station and per hazard type. Maximum endpoint distance for the 2kW/m2 thermal threshold occurred at 770 meters. Land use patterns in the risk zone were dominated by mixed use, residential and community services. Vulnerability and risk levels were far in excess of local and international standards. A poverty-risk nexus was found to be at play in the hazard zone and this reflected in low perceptions of socio-economic risk. Health and environmental risks were however negatively correlated with income. Personal risk management strategies were cognitive and ineffective. Safe technology and safe management, Land use planning and emergency response, and Alternative risk management strategies like the planned Cylinder recirculation model were the three dimensions of non-personal risk management strategies. Management of LPG risk in Ghana can be strengthened through the application of safe technology and safe management as well as risk informed land use planning.