CNG VEHICLE ACCIDENT IN FOCUS: ISSUES, CAUSES AND SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS - an article by Mr. Asim Riaz, Research Engineer/Visiting Lecturer MS Energy Engineering, International Islamic University, Islamabad, Pakistan
Over recent weeks 44 people have died in accidents involving public sector transport vehicles converted to compressed natural gas (CNG) in Pakistan, the country with the world’s largest population of natural gas vehicles.
Before discussing the technical aspects of the problem in hand, it is important to mention two things right at the outset which relate to inadequate awareness and incorrect perceptions about the CNG cylinders. It was surprising that electronic and print media persisted in erroneous reporting that the accidents occurred due to bursting/explosion of the CNG cylinders. Add to that, some of the Government departments were also relating these accidents to non-compliance of Hydrostatic testing of CNG cylinders. Both are absolutely wrong impressions. This incorrect reporting has continued to date which has developed serious apprehensions about CNG cylinders in general public.
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NGV Global is recommending RFID systems as a means of verifying CNG vehicles and cylinders at the point of refuelling. The recommendations follow more than 12 months of study on the subject and are outlined in a 66 page Position Paper released by the association this week. The paper arose as a result of discussions with NGV Global’s Technical Committee on means to reduce the incidence of illegal or accidental tampering of CNG cylinders and installations. Executive director, Brett Jarman, says the intent of the paper is to reduce preventable incidents and to stimulate discussion and action within the industry and regulators. ”Our observations of industry incidents causing harm or damage indicated that most were the result of human negligence or interference and could be prevented if sufficient controls were put in place at the point where high pressure CNG fuel is delivered to a vehicle,” said Mr Jarman. “This is the point where a non-compliant vehicle potentially becomes dangerous.”
The Peruvian Chamber of Natural Gas Vehicles (CPGNV) will inaugurate a Center for Periodic Retesting of Cylinders (CRPC), where vehicles converted to natural gas and whose cylinders have reached or are about to complete five years of manufacture can undertake the five-year mandatory inspection and certification, according to an 
The Peruvian Chamber for Natural Gas Vehicles (CPGNV) has issued recommendations for the purchase and maintenance of compressed natural gas (CNG) compressors and dispensers for filling stations. Included is advice that according to current regulations and for safety reasons used equipment should not be purchased. Steps are listed to ensure all aspects of the purchase, installation and post-installation support and maintenance are properly considered. The recommendations are available on the 
NGVA Europe has commenced a new international training initiative this year by offering training on demand. Participants can undertake in-depth learning about international regulations and rules at ECE and ISO level, on subjects such as CNG/LNG vehicles and its components, CNG & L-CNG filling stations, safety issues, biomethane (production, upgrading, conditioning), national laws & policies, amongst others, and how to handle this in practical application. 
EVOL LNG has won the Department of Mines & Petroleum Resources Safety – Dangerous Goods Innovation Company of the Year Award at the Transport Forum WA (Western Australia) 2010 Industry Awards. The award recognises excellence in implementing a creative solution to a dangerous goods transport safety issue. EVOL LNG won the award for its innovative approach to the transport and handling of LNG on Heavy Duty Vehicles (HDV) to remote mine sites and HDV refuellers, and for the use of LNG as a fuel for HDVs. 
Closing the Safety Loop Secures NGV Fleet Investment
Bangladesh trainees visit an authorised gas cylinder test station in Sydney, Australia.
For many fleet operators, the introduction of natural gas vehicles brings with it new safety considerations. Dr Hien Ly, an independent consultant in the natural gas vehicle arena, outlines some of these considerations, and the value of using qualified experts to fill important knowledge gaps.
“The sooner the safety program starts the more assured fleet safety will be.”
For some time now, the international natural gas vehicle industry has had in place active programs aimed at maintaining and improving CNG vehicle safety. Safety implementation is a necessary adjunct to vehicle acquisition and asset management policies for every fleet manager. It includes projects to produce technical standards and codes of practice, formal training courses for technical personnel, safety workshops at conferences and CNG cylinder safety workshops.
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