Councillors have recommended the replacement of metal gas cylinders with safer fibreglass alternatives.
The call comes in the wake of a gas cylinder explosion which flattened a two-storey building in Arad killing two people and injuring six others last Wednesday night.
At its weekly meeting yesterday, the Muharraq Municipal Council pushed for a major safety overhaul in household and commercial gas distribution.
Councillors unanimously approved an urgent proposal to phase out traditional metal gas cylinders and replace them with fibreglass alternatives.
The proposal, spearheaded by the council’s financial, administrative and legislative committee chairman Ahmed Al Meghawi, was presented during the meeting at the Muharraq Municipality in Busaiteen.
Mr Al Meghawi, who also represents Arad, highlighted the urgent need for the transition, citing safety concerns and the benefits of modern fibreglass cylinders.
“The tragic incident in Arad is a wake-up call for us all,” he said.
“We must take decisive steps to prevent similar disasters in the future,” he added.
“Fibreglass gas cylinders are not only lighter but also safer and more durable than traditional steel ones. It’s time we prioritise public safety over outdated infrastructure.”
Mr Al Meghawi
He presented a detailed comparison of metal and fibreglass cylinders, underscoring the advantages of making the switch.
1. Safety features:
Metal cylinders: Prone to rust, corrosion and explosions under extreme pressure or fire.
Fibreglass cylinders: Non-corrosive, explosion-resistant and designed to withstand high pressure without rupturing.
2. Weight and handling:
Metal cylinders: Heavy, making them difficult to transport and handle.
Fibreglass cylinders: Up to 50 per cent lighter, reducing strain on consumers and workers.
3. Transparency and monitoring:
Metal cylinders: Opaque, without a gauge to monitor the gas level inside.
Fibreglass cylinders: Semi-transparent, allowing users to monitor gas levels and refill in a timely manner.
4. Longevity and maintenance:
Metal cylinders: Require regular maintenance due to rust and wear.
Fibreglass cylinders: More durable with a longer lifespan, reducing the frequency of replacements.
Mr Al Meghawi acknowledged that implementing the switch will require co-ordination with relevant authorities.
“We need a structured plan to gradually phase out metal cylinders while ensuring that fibreglass alternatives are affordable and accessible to all households,” he noted.
A fibreglass cylinder ... many benefits
“Public awareness campaigns will also be crucial to educate people on the benefits and proper handling of fibreglass cylinders.”
The proposal will now be forwarded by Municipalities Affairs and Agriculture Minister Wael Al Mubarak to the relevant ministries for further discussion and approval.
If implemented, Bahrain could join other countries that have already transitioned to fibreglass gas cylinders for enhanced safety and efficiency.
mohammed@gdnmedia.bh
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