Professional Review of Emergency Response Preparedness at LPG Storage and Distribution Facilities in Lagos

The storage and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in densely populated urban environments creates significant major hazard risks requiring robust emergency response preparedness. This study conducts a professional review of emergency response preparedness at LPG storage and distribution facilities in Lagos State, examining the Apapa LPG terminal, Satellite Town depot, and three major cylinder filling plants. The review employs a structured emergency preparedness assessment methodology aligned with the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) framework, adapted to the Nigerian regulatory context. Assessment dimensions include emergency response plan documentation completeness, training programme adequacy, emergency equipment inventory and maintenance status, mutual aid agreements with the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), and community emergency notification systems. Tabletop exercises and drill observation are incorporated to assess the practical effectiveness of documented emergency procedures. Findings reveal that all facilities possess documented emergency response plans, but practical drill execution quality varies significantly, with personnel at two facilities demonstrating confusion regarding incident command system roles during simulated major releases. Emergency communication systems between facilities and LASEMA are found to be inadequately tested. Recommendations include quarterly full-scale emergency drills, integration of LPG facility emergency plans into the Lagos State Major Hazard Emergency Network, and mandatory emergency response management training for facility supervisors and operators. Keywords: emergency response, LPG storage, Lagos, major hazard, emergency preparedness.