Assessment of Safety Practices in Filling Stations in Ile-Ife, South Western Nigeria

Abstract

Back ground: In many countries, urban growth has outpaced the ability of governments to build essential infrastructures; enact and enforce the legislation needed to make life in cities safe, rewarding, and healthy. This growth has increased use of automobiles, need for fuelling services and consequently, proliferation of filling stations most of which lack the minimum requirements for operation. The aim of the study was to determine the level of awareness of hazards and safety measures among filling station attendants and assess the prevailing safety practices in filling stations in Ile-Ife. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted. Data was collected using an interviewer-administered questionnaire and an observational checklist. Data was analyzed using the SPSS version 16 software. Discrete variables were presented using tables and charts, Fisher's exact test was used to test association and level of significance was set at 5%. Results: The median (range) age of respondents was 24 (18 57) years and 94% were aware of safety measures with fire extinguisher being the most common safety measure known (54%). Fire hazard was the most common hazard known (94%). Set backs from the road and residential areas were less than 30 metres in 90% and 48% of the filling stations respectively. Stations owned by conglomerates had better safety measures compared to those owned by independent private marketers.