Jayantha Basnayake, Director –Health, Safety & Environment- Litro Gas Lanka Ltd. in this interview speaks about key HSE functions at Litro Gas, its impact on the company, community, customers and all stakeholders, global parameters on safety in the LPG industry, meeting the challenges posed by 
COVID-19 etc. 

What would be defined as the key function of Health, Safety & Environment (HSE) at Litro Gas Lanka?
Updating the knowledge based on Health, Safety & Environment of the Litro Gas Lanka team, empowering them with cutting-edge research and know-how in the global LPG and energy sectors in these key areas, form the key functions of HSE. This process is consistently maintained with ongoing training and development protocols for all staff and our valued customers, towards ensuring zero accidents. 

HSE also handles the function of risk management within the company and at the premises of all our customers, the standardization of operations while applying and following proactive safety measures and mitigating any consequences management.

Why would the functions of HSE be considered vital to the safety and wellbeing of the company, the community, customers and all stakeholders?
For a company handling highly inflammable LPG as the core product, safety forms the main function for us at Litro Gas Lanka.  We are constantly aware that if any of the safety protocols are compromised, the entire business can be impacted. As a critical concern for the company at multiple levels, safety is central to the company’s strategy and for the wellbeing of the Company, the community, customers, all stakeholders and the environment. 

Globally, the LPG industry has several safety standards – there are standards enforced in Sri Lanka as well.  Within the 150-year legacy of Litro Gas Lanka, which includes a multinational heritage, safety has been the cornerstone sustained actively through stringent guidelines placed by global stakeholders, local standards and the governing laws.

Tell us about global parameters on safety in the LPG industry - and the relevance of such to Sri Lanka?
As a member of the World LPG Association (WLPGA), Litro Gas is committed to adhering to the global standards and parameters on safety in the LPG industry. While using the industry specific equipment, accessories and installations, the company also has international standards such as ISO (International Organization for Standardization), NFPA (National Fire Protection Association), BS (British Standard), ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) protocols in place while standard code of practices are also followed. In addition, local standards such as SLS (Sri Lanka Standards Institute) and other local authority safety protocols are also followed by 
the Company
Could you share some thoughts on meeting the challenges posed by COVID-19 to HSE functions including the national global recognition received for COVID-19 protocols?
Sri Lanka along with the rest of the world is facing the greatest health and economic challenge in our lifetime with COVID-19. Litro Gas Lanka was well aware of the need for LPG supplies to be maintained throughout the lockdown and beyond.  

The team rose to the challenge of keeping normal operations going, while all health and safety protocols were maintained, under the close supervision of the HSE Dept. Litro Gas remains firmly committed to global standards and safety procedures that are considered mandatory for the energy sector. The measures undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic as safety criteria were on par with the World Health Organization (WHO) accredited systems of safety. 

Litro Gas has always considered safety to be a key priority for all aspects of the Company’s operations, especially in ensuring the wellbeing of our employees. As the COVID-19 global pandemic continues, Litro Gas Lanka consistently follows established emergency preparedness, response, and recovery capabilities put in place by experienced experts and employees. We continuously assess risks, identify key continuity response actions and maintain a commitment to resuming normal business activities while supporting return to work strategies. 
Our COVID-19 safety protocols were recognized globally and locally with the SLS COVID-19 Compliant Safety Award, The Argus/WPLGA award for COVID Resilience and The Gold Award at SLIM Restart Resilience 2020.Of course, all of this was made possible by the guidance given by Anil Koswatte, Chairman & Chief Executive Officer at Litro Gas 
Lanka Limited.

Tell us some of your noteworthy HSE experiences ? 
Creating and sustaining a safety focused organizational culture is vital as a catalyst that can drive optimum efficiency and productivity. Although investing in adequate safety protocols might be costly, the results are always worth the effort. 

How do you view safety as an everyday protocol?
There is tremendous opportunity for the community to truly comprehend the benefits of LPG as a household energy – it is easy to use, offers faster and efficient cooking processes and is eco-friendly and affordable. Following the correct safety procedures will enable them to obtain the maximum benefits of LPG.