The Bulletin Magazine - December 2019 by apeauk

The Bulletin MAGAZINE - December 2019

APEA (The Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration)

Inside

Inside 4

Welcome

Editorial

Business Manager

New Members

Publications Information

Articles

Hytek Supports County Pumps Ltd with Complete New Fuel Installation

So Much More Than Forecourts – GW Environmental & Consulting Ltd

Social Media Tips for B2B companies

Guilty or not Guilty? Petrol Filling Station Operators Beware!

Ghana

LCM Revolution in Tank Cleaning

Safe and Continuous Remote Monitoring of Leak Prevention Systems

News

Press Releases

Branches

Training

APEA Live 2019 Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner

Front cover: ZEN forecourt in Ghana Published by the APEA (The Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration) A company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England No. 2261660.

Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily the views of the Association. The technical content is not an official endorsement by or on behalf of the APEA and are entirely the views of the authors.

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Welcome

Welcome which was the charity of choice of our colleague and APEA stalwart Brian Baker, who passed away earlier in 2019. I would like to thank all those that contribute so generously at APEA Live to this very worthy charity. Retina UK said that the funds raised really make a difference to those people on the receiving end.

Tom Daly APEA Chairman Welcome to the Association’s December issue of The Bulletin. This month’s Bulletin is full of great interesting articles that are relevant to our industry. I am starting my second year as Chairman and I am pleased to report that our APEA branches have gone from strength to strength. Again this branch activity has been greatly as a result of the work and enthusiasm of all the branch representatives along with the various stalwarts who sit on each of the branch committees. The reports furnished to the APEA Council by the chair of the branch representatives committee, Doreen Pooley, show a very positive picture of the APEA branches. I would encourage you all to get involved with our association and join your local APEA branch committee. The contact details for each branch representative, can be found in the APEA yearbook and on our website. The APEA Live event to be held in the MK Stadium, Milton Keynes has a great line up of speakers once again this year. There are excellent presentations on topics of interest this year. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the conference speakers and APEA supporters, along with the many companies that have provided sponsorship for the event, without whom it would not be such a successful event. As I have said before, the APEA Live event and awards dinner really is the place to be and presents excellent business and networking opportunities for those seeking to interact with the various stakeholders in the industry. The chosen charity for this year’s APEA Live event is “Retina UK”

Publications Chairman Andy Kennedy Tel: 01302 346717 Mobile: 07469 212063 email: andykennedy@apea.org.uk

The training courses provided by the APEA have been very well attended so far this year and in some cases well over-subscribed. We continue to expand into countries where we have not provided courses before. We have recently provided LPG awareness courses in Ghana, where as a result of this training, they are hoping to have fewer LPG incidents. We have recently commenced using both Twitter and Linkedin to share company announcements, APEA events and industry news etc. It would be great for those of you who are on either of these channels to follow us. We can be found on Linkedin at : https://www.linkedin.com/company/apea-org and Twitter at : https://twitter.com/apea_org You may also have noticed that the APEA website has been modernised and is much more user friendly for our members. Among other features, you can now access old issues of the bulletin in pdf format via the website. Our technical committee continue to provide advice and technical assistance, and answer many and varying queries in relation to all aspects of the service station. The use of Alternative/Renewable Fuels and Hybrid/Electric vehicles continues to grow. International attention and spotlight on climate change is causing a steady promotion of a move away from fossil fuels. Industry continues to explore safer and faster methods for charging of electric vehicles. The APEA is working with the industry on this exploration. Please take time to read the articles and stories in this edition of The Bulletin. As we head into the Christmas season, I hope that you all have a great holiday and I look forward to what the year 2020 brings.

Editor Brian Humm Mobile: +44 (0) 7507 478533 email: b.humm@outlook.com

Find us on Linkedin and Twitter

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Editorial

Editorial branch member then why not contact your branch representative and discuss training provision; all branch representative details can be found later on in this Bulletin. I do hope that members enjoy this publication, I certainly enjoy putting it together, however, despite numerous pleas, emails, twitter, LinkedIn messages etc. we still fall short and struggle to receive enough copy for each edition.

Brian Humm Editor Welcome to you all to this sparkling new edition of The Bulletin, I hope that you enjoy the mix of news and articles that we have put together for you to enjoy this quarter. Looking out of my office window whilst writing this piece, watching the rain tumbling out of the sky, it has dawned on me that summer is now over and we all now have to brace ourselves for the coming autumn and winter months. What lies ahead is still uncertain from both the weather and more importantly a political standpoint; by the time you are reading this then Brexit would have happened, not happened, will happen, deal, no deal, alien invasion, you get where I’m coming from! The total debacle and uncertainty that has been cast over the UK during the past year has certainly shown our politicians in a real light; being uncertain doesn’t help businesses that trade and operate within the EU. Hopefully common sense will rise to the fore and the excess amount of red tape and paperwork required for operating across borders will be minimal, then again we are talking about politicians! Watch this space. Politics over it’s rather noticeable that the roll out of electric vehicle charging points seems to be accelerating at a pace. The addition to a petrol forecourt of a rapid EV charger can be a dangerous time so the APEA is producing guidance in respect of this to ensure that the procedures are carried out properly. Forecourts are not used to having extremely high voltage in their vicinity, posing possible problems and pitfalls and obvious danger, also the contractors that are carrying out the work need to be suitably qualified and competent to do this type of work. Members can, if they wish, send questions in this regard, or similar, to the APEA technical committee where they will receive a reply from an industry expert. This is the case for all aspects of a petrol installation so please bear this in mind. This is yet another great benefit of membership of the Association. Whilst on the subject of benefits, I do hope that members are aware that National Council has agreed that Branches can apply for training sessions within their area for free. If you are an active

Once again I am asking members to consider contributing to this wonderful publication, whether its an article, a case study for a project, a news item, an interesting photograph or even a suggestion for a story, topic or an interview victim, I really am open to suggestions so please get your thinking caps on and look for something that you think members will enjoy reading about. Please email Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk or myself at b.humm@outlook.com. APEA Live is happening this month so if you haven’t already booked please consider attending the event. The conference is looking extremely interesting this year with some great speakers lined up, also a new host - Quentin Wilson has done a sterling job over the last two years and I thank him for his efforts but we now have Peter Campbell, the Financial Times Global Motoring correspondent stepping into the breach and hosting the event. I am sure that this will be another great event and will be one to follow. Hopefully I will see you there, why not come and say hello? The APEA has a stand and I will be there from time to time during the day, you will recognise me from the mugshot at the start of this introduction. The APEA Live awards have once again attracted some very interesting entries This event always tries to highlight excellence within this industry, award winners are extremely proud to win, it’s certainly a great achievement. More of you should consider entries next year, showcase your business and personnel if you have a star amongst you, it costs absolutely nothing to enter and contrary to popular belief (which I have personally heard) the awards are judged independently by industry peers, it’s not the “APEA Old boys network” as I have heard before. Give it a go, you never know! Finally I would like to thank those that have contributed to this publication, firstly the advertisers. The support you give allows us to produce a fine quality magazine every time, we really do appreciate your support. Jane for her continued support and cajoling when deadlines are near, it wouldn’t be the same. Lastly a couple of mentions for Alex Boudry, for articles and sterling work on APEA Live, Jamie Thompson for his contributions and John Thompson who proof reads and makes sure this all makes sense. Until next time…

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Business Manager

Business Manager Jane Mardell Business Manager Time seems to fly by, it doesn’t seem like a year ago we were at Stadium MK for APEA Live, but here we are again for an exciting event on 21st November. I hope to see many of you there. APEA Live 2019 Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner Final preparations are underway for APEA Live 2019. The event will be covered in the annual publication I am producing, that will be posted to all members in early December. This will include a report on the event, awards winner information details of their submissions and photos covering the whole day and evening. For APEA Live 2019 information please go to www.apealive.co.uk. Please ensure you pre-register your attendance; you can do this at www.apealive.co.uk. Access to the exhibition and conference is FREE but you will need to pre-register. There is also information on page 76 of this issue of The Bulletin. APEA new website and membership renewals As advised before, members do not receive written notice by post to renew their membership, notices are sent by email so please ensure APEA emails are not going into your spam box. It is now an auto-renew system so you will be notified one month before your membership expires that payment will be taken. 2020/2021 Yearbook You should have all received your 2020 Yearbooks in October. Please let me know if you have not received your delivery and I will follow this up. I will be starting work on the 2021 Yearbook in February.

Instructions will be sent to members on how to be included with the March Bulletin and sent by email so please make sure your email address is up to date by logging onto your membership record at www.apea.org.uk. The new website now enables you to update your Yearbook profile at anytime of the year so you can keep your contact information up to date live on the website. There will be a deadline date in April of each year when I will use this information for the printed version. Bulletin - 2020 Advertising I am currently taking bookings for advertising in the 2020 issues of The Bulletin. All current advertisers have been contacted and invited to renew their bookings. If you wish to secure the best position for your advertisement, please email me as soon as possible, as all bookings are on a first come first served basis. All artwork should be emailed to me by 2nd December. More information about advertising can be found on page 12. Website Banner Advertising You can place your banner on the APEA website. This is £200 plus vat for one year. Please contact me at admin@apea.org.uk if you wish to make a booking. Member’s email addresses Most APEA communication to members is now carried out by email. If you have not added your email address to your membership record please can you either email me your address to add, or you can log on to your account and add it yourself. This will ensure you do not miss out on information about APEA activity. New Members There have been 40 new members joining during July, August and September, details on pages 10 and 11. General Assistance If you need any assistance with general or technical matters, please do not hesitate to contact me at admin@apea.org.uk or on 0345 603 5507. There is comprehensive contact information on the APEA website too at www.apea.org.uk. Wishing you all a happy Christmas and New Year. Jane

APEA Business Manager (contact for all APEA Business and Bulletin advertising, design and typesetting) Jane Mardell APEA, PO Box 106 Saffron Walden, Essex CB11 3XT Tel: +44 (0) 345 603 5507 Mobile: +44 (0) 7815 055514 email: admin@apea.org.uk

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

New Menbers

New Members (July - Sept) Corporate Membership Bruce Buglass Smooth Aviation Ltd

Costas Kontopoulous A B C Epetroil Self Serve 24/7 Craig Jones

Donna Harding NAL Ltd

Ropospark Ltd Craig Shanks

Elroy Van Niekerk LN Designs (Pty) Ltd Peter Warland Tesco Stores Limited Ronnie McArdle McArdle Doyle Limited

CBS Electrical Services Ltd David Mathias Moto Hospitality Dean O’hara EMDO Electrical

Tony Geraghty Core Electrical Ltd

Douglas Mcsporran

Individual Membership Conor Daly Peitriliam

Duncan Machell

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

John McSporran Ltd

Gordon Strang

New Members

Ivan Groom R G Carter Engineering

Louise Morgan Petrocom Maintenance Ltd

Jason Carter-Smith Adler and Allan Ltd

Mark Gannon

Nick Smyth Offaly Fire and Rescue

Medhat Nafea United Architect

Noel Fitzgerald Safety Matters

Melanie Guilhaumon Seachange Ltd

Ongart Kiatipiriyapongs

John Bradley London Fire Brigade Jose Gonzalez UCPC Katie Worthington PGSS Ltd Kingsley Chou Koh Eric Polyflo Sdn Bhd Liam Swift LP Swift Electrical Contractors Ltd

Michael Brown Norfolk Fire and Rescue

Ryan Electrical Services and Sons Ltd

Phil Crouch Crouch Technical Services Ltd

Michael Hiatt

Pierce Mcgann Pierce McGann & Co. Ltd

Mick Beard Norfolk Fire & Rescue Services

Rachael Clayton Fairbanks Environmental

Nathan Mott Daubney Ltd

Rebecca Watts

Nick Burton APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Richard Leedham Rich Leedham 11

Publications Information

Publications Information 4th Edition of the Guidance for Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations - “Blue Book” (Revised 2018) ISBN 978 0 85293 888 1 Price for hard copy APEA Member rate - £75 no vat Non APEA Member rate - £150 no vat Price for pdf version (please note the pdf version is licensed to the purchaser only and cannot be shared or printed) APEA Member rate - £75 plus vat Non APEA Member rate - pdf £150 plus vat If you wish to purchase the guide please go to the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk and click on the “Publications” page. You can select to pay by credit/debit card. The APEA also publishes the Code of Practice for Ground floor, multi storey and underground car parks. This can be downloaded directly from the APEA website and is available to members at £11.00 and £21.00 to non APEA members.

Bulletin Magazine • The Bulletin is published four times a year with a print run of 2200. • Free issue to APEA members (approx 1200 members worldwide) • Has international distribution and readership • Respected source of industry specific news and information • Contains relevant news items and reports from overseas • Individual, Fellow and Retired members receive one copy each and Corporate members receive 5 copies each per quarter. The editor of The Bulletin, Brian Humm, is always on the look out for new material, so if you have something you want to be included, please email it to the APEA office at admin@apea.org.uk and it will be forwarded to Brian for approval. Please email the text in Word format and any images as separate high resolution pdf or jpeg files to admin@apea.org.uk.

We are always pleased to receive contributions from our members and it ensures that The Bulletin remains an interesting and informative read.

Deadline dates for copy and advertising artwork 2020 Issue

Copy deadline

Posting date

March 2020

2nd December

14th February

June 2020

23rd March

8th May

Sept 2020

29th June

14th August

Dec 2020

23rd September

6th November

Please note the deadline date for the March 2020 issue is early due to Christmas and New Year holidays.

Bulletin Advertising Discounts are available for booking in more than one issue, please contact Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk for more information. Bulletin advertisers that book in 3 or more issues in one year also receive a 50% discount off rates for advertising in the annual Yearbook, see table. If you would like to book advertising in The Bulletin, please email your requirements to admin@apea.org.uk or call the office on 0345 603 5507. Please ensure you send your artwork to admin@apea.org.uk.

Size of advert

Advert in 4 Advert in 1 issues issue (includes 25% disc

Full page (210mmw x 280mmh with 10mm border or with 3mm bleed)

£498.00

£1494.00

½ page (185mmw x 125mmh)

£249.00

£747.00

¼ page (90mmw x 120mmh)

£125.00

£375.00

All rates quoted exclude VAT. 12

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Articles

Articles Hytek Supports County Pumps Ltd with Complete New Fuel Installation By Nick Burke, Group Marketing Manager, Hytek (GB) Ltd In late 2018, Alison Newport of County Pumps, approached Hytek with a project to fit out a large logistics depot in Chesterfield with a brand new refuelling area. The new purpose built depot just off the M1 (J29A) was looking to add a refuelling station as part of Phase 2 of the development. Expansion of the site quickly highlighted fuel to be an essential addition to the operation. County Pumps, having enjoyed longstanding relationships with the customer, were successfully chosen for the project due to their experience in installing and managing a wide range of fuelling scenarios.

30,000 litres for red diesel and 10,000 litres for ad-blue with three lanes of fuelling traffic, divided by two islands on which each product was required. The Alpha Twin was the natural choice for 2 x diesel outlets and 2 x gasoil outlets per island, with Alpha single units dedicated to AdBlue® per island. By situating the AdBlue® pumps on the same islands as the fuel, lorry drivers are able to fully prepare their vehicles efficiently for the next route all in one place. The addition of high hose masts to all product outlets were included to give flexibility for the fuelling positions and reduce trip hazards from trailing hoses.

The site specified 150,000 litre storage capacity for white diesel,

Working with County Pumps, Hytek was able to specify and assist

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Articles

on the best pipework requirements for the agreed layouts, in addition to the supporting hardware that would complete the build. UPP pipework was specified and Hytek provided the hardware required to install and configure it. A secondary contained leak detection system was installed to constantly monitor the interstitial space in the pipes and alert should a leak be detected. Ancillary equipment such as pressure regulator valves, isolation valves, steel pipe fittings and OLE electronic gauging were also supplied. The challenge was to build, configure and deliver each component of the project in line with the dates set out by the County Pumps team. With each Alpha being built to specification, Hytek staff worked hard to ensure that each unit was ready for delivery on the predetermined day, and pre-configured ready for the commissioning date. Rather than delivering all 6 of the pumps at once, the pumps were delivered as they were required on site. The small increase in logistical complexity was offset by the fact County Pumps didn’t need to store the completed units on site while building work was still under construction and they could be called off as needed. This call-off system worked well on previous projects, and proved its worth again here.

Hardware was only the first half of the project – Hytek technical staff were on hand to help troubleshoot and advise on any issues that naturally arise when working with a green-field project such as this. By combining high quality equipment, expert support, efficient delivery schedule and professional engineering, the project was completed on time for the depot to go live. Hytek and County Pumps are proud to have been part of this successful installation and continue to offer on-going support to maintain the quality of the equipment for the operation. Hytek carries their entire catalogue as stock, allowing customers to order up to 4:00pm for next day delivery, and all deliveries can be made directly to site, under plain wrapping if requested. If you have a project that you’d like Hytek to support then speak to our sales team on +44 (0) 1279 815 600. County Pumps are in their 42nd year of trading and continue to offer quality installations of new equipment, with high levels of service, maintenance and support to meet customer requirements. Our experienced sales and technical office team can be contacted on +44 (0) 1295 780 746 or emailed on sales@countypumps.co.uk

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Articles

So Much More Than Forecourts – GW Environmental & Consulting Ltd By Graeme Warnell, GW Environmental Consulting

In 2016 after 26 years working with BP Oil UK, Graeme Warnell set up GW Environmental Consulting Ltd. The company was born out of 26 years’ experience in Retail Petroleum Facilities Management and a passion for the environment, with our company motto stating, “our concern is the environment our passion is helping you to protect it for the future”. The aim of the company is to help reduce the costs associated with contaminated waste disposal and reduce the risk of slipping injuries through the use of nonchemical fully sustainable and environmentally friendly cleaning solutions. We often have to “react” to contamination incidents but our preferred way of working is to always encourage our clients to adopt a pro-active approach, embedding sound environmental practices into daily cleaning and spill management. To this day it still amazes me that whenever there is a spill – whatever the product - people still just throw sand or absorbent grit at it and then happily pay someone

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Articles

else to remove and treat the waste off site, normally accompanied by a fairly hefty C02 footprint. Initially we were convinced nearly all our business would come from the petroleum refining and retail sectors, and most of it in Europe - but how wrong we were! The UK and Europe fuel sectors still remain key sectors for our business development and we have undertaken some great trials with the Highways Retail Group, however the hydrocarbon chain is very long. Our products essentially harness the power of nature and we augment naturally occurring bacteria into our cleaning and dosing products. That hydrocarbon chain stretches from fats, oil and grease all the way through to petrol, Muller Dairy Floor Cleaning diesel, aviation fuel, glycol and ethanol and we have now developed our product produce 2000 tones of chocolate per week. Food related fats not only cause significant range to cover the environmental impacts problems with blockages in the underground waste infrastructure of food production facilities but they also have a massive detrimental impact on effluent discharge. of all of them. We are currently conducting trials with Mullër milk transfer centre in Market Drayton and are in discussions with Barry Callebaut confectioners Banbury who

Further afield we are also in discussions with Mount Meru who run one of Africa’s biggest vegetable, palm and seed oil refining operations in Tanzania and we are conducting trials with the Kenyan Airforce to help them to get aircraft refuelling and maintenance facilities down to zero waste. APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Articles Our biggest project which we are hoping to get closely involved in is working with HYPREP and the United Nations Environment Council regarding the clear up of the Niger Delta where since 1956 it is estimated that 546 million gallons of oil have been spilled – that’s the equivalent of 1 Exxon Valdez tanker every year. In Nigeria we want to bring solutions to the devastated Delta area that can be implemented by the local population. We believe the application of bioremedial products can have a hugely positive impact on treating contamination in situ.

Niger Delta

Water Fuel 5% loading

Wet well blocked with fat

Graeme Warnell was a guest speaker presenting “Impunity to Action in the Niger Delta”, at this year’s Contamination Expo at the NEC 11th – 13th September. Closer to home we are in discussions regarding the Heathrow expansion project, a project that we are aware carries huge environmental sensitivity with it. We are hoping through the implementation of our solutions that contamination on the site can be managed in a way that vastly reduces the C02 footprint of the project and helps promote the growth of flora and fauna as part of the overall remediation process.

Remediated Water Fuel Mix after 60 days

At GW Environmental & Consulting we are happy to engage with any organisation no matter the size and our aim is always to help them save money and protect the environment. So, if any readers want to know more or would like a demonstration of our products just let us know. APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Articles

Social Media Tips for B2B companies By Mel Fitzsimmons, Marketing & Events Co-ordinator APEA Mel Fitzsimmons is the founder of MF Digital, working in Social Media for over 6 years. Social Media, traditionally, was seen as a B2C playground and therefore we’ve seen a real lag in social media adoption within B2B industries. However, in today’s social media-saturated world, companies can’t afford to fall behind the curve. With the revival of the APEA social media accounts on Twitter (@apea_org) and Linkedin (APEA), I have pulled together 5 tips to help any B2B company reignite their social channels for a killer strategy, that will engage and attract your audience. 1. Be Recognisable (be consistent) Your social channels are an extension of your brand and should be representative of your brand’s persona. Keep a consistent tone of voice and style to your post. This allows you to be recognisable. However, don’t be over professional! It is ‘social’ media after all. 2. Talk About Your Industry (not just your company) Use social media to show your credibility in your industry. Sharing

valuable content such as industry trends and news as well as customer success stories will make people want to listen to you. It’s also a great way to tap into conversations already happening online. 3. Be Engaging (with content and media) Give people a reason to follow you through the type of content you share. This could be case studies, articles, or Live Q&As, that encourage the right audience to follow, interact and engage with your posts. Also, be creative with your media use. Images instantly attract people to look at a post, and can be used to make people laugh, cause an emotion. Videos are the most popular media and tend to get the best engagement rate, however, resource may make it harder to use this. 4. Plan ahead (create a calendar) Creativity tends to die when under-pressure. Planning your content in advance and giving yourself plenty of time to think of ideas and create your assets will mean a much higher quality of posts.

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Articles There are lots of template calendars available online, this should include both the subject of the post and the format of the content.

Do you want to increase brand awareness? Track impression, likes & shares.

5. Set Your Goals (go for SMART objectives) It’s important to work out what you want to achieve from your social media strategy so that you can track metrics against these. This way you can track what’s worked and what hasn’t and continue to tweak and improve your strategy. A few examples:

Looking to increase traffic to your website? Track social referrals and Click-Through Rates

Overall, social media has a short life span, so trial content, formats and times of days to learn what works best for your audience.

Guilty or not Guilty? Petrol Filling Station Operators Beware! By Colin Brewer, retired Petroleum Enforcement Officer A case for TSO’s, Enforcement Officers or an aspiring Judge John Deed. The alleged offence. (x4) ‘On or around 24th October 2017 at a London Service Station you did use for trade prescribed equipment namely a liquid measuring instrument a Pump which had not been passed as fit for purpose by an inspector of W&M or an approved verifier and did not bear a stamp indicating that it had been so passed.’ Contrary to section 11(2) and 11(3) of the Weights and Measures Act 1985.

The Scenario On 17th July, 2017, the manager of the above mentioned petrol filling station site had a visit from a London Weights and Measures Inspector, who was acting on behalf of another London Borough to carry out an inspection. The W&M Inspector carried out the inspection of 31 meters at the site, using two approved 10 litre measures aided by a Metrology Technician. Twenty-six meters were found to be satisfactory, but five of the pump meters were rejected; two were giving over measure and the other 3 were +1% at inspection tolerance. It is my opinion the three

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Articles

meters at inspection tolerance should not have been rejected, particularly as it appears that two 10 litre measures were used, possibly increasing the error on slow delivery. The tolerances set out in the following Statutory Instrument are: S.I. No. 323/2008 - Legal Metrology (General) Regulations 2008 Reference Regulation 25 The permissible error for fuel dispensers on a service Inspection are -0.5% to +1%. Whilst on Verification is -0.5% to + 0.5% (Verification refers to new or used equipment which requires testing and stamping with a seal before use). For further clarity, see the guidance on page 29 of the following document: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/syste m/uploads/attachment_data/file/283210/liquid-fuel-lubricantsconsolidated-guidance-version-1.pdf Therefore, 3 of the pump meters were at the top of the legal tolerance, but still legal. The Inspector did not remove the seals or star them, as he did not possess the ‘Allen’ key for access to the Gilbarco cabinet pump seals. He states that due to commitments, he did not have time to wait for the site to provide a key. The Metrology Technician assistant must have been too busy as well!

The pumps were put out of action by the manager and an ‘Approved Verifier’ was called in. His measures had been checked for calibration and passed by a County Council, less than two months previously. One meter was cut back and verified and restamped. The other four were considered to be in tolerance, so no adjustment was carried out. The approved verifier used a range of measuring cans including 20 litre cans to carry out his tests. The verifier told the site manager that the pumps were okay and wrote this on his company form, but he also wrote, ‘recommend remain out of use due to Trading Standards results’. The information made on the day of the approved verifier’s visit changed when a report from his office is written by another member of staff. The approved verifier’s office report starts with a question mark by the 20L(“?”). He is obviously not sure what measures were being used by the W&M Inspector. The following information on his report is primarily a meter audit with recommendations on how much can be saved by cutbacks to reduce the measure. This information now quotes Pump 8 as ‘Excessive variance min 0.05%, max 0.50%’ which is not relevant, as the meters are still subject to In Service Inspection Tolerance of +1%. Unfortunately, this report will be used by a TSO as proof of non-compliance on the proposed prosecution. Later, pump 8 unleaded will be found to be within tolerance and stamped by the W&M Inspector on his second visit. Even this did not stop the TSO including this pump meter in the ‘offences’!

APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Articles No letter or advice was received from the W&M Inspector or TSO. The case was handed to the London Borough TSD to enforce and 4 offences listed. Two months later, the owner and manager were called in for a PACE interview. As a result, I was asked by the site owner for advice on the situation. Assuming the PACE interview would clear up any misunderstanding, it was not thought necessary to have a solicitor present. The PACE interview was carried out by the Trading Standards Manager and the TSO. The interview was an interrogation for one hour and seven minutes for the site manager and slightly less for the site owner. On reading the limited transcript, it raised questions in my mind whether those carrying out the interview were qualified as W&M Inspectors, as they showed little knowledge of pumps, testing procedures or the relevant legislation. The W&M Inspector who carried out the inspections did not take part in the interviews.

The site manager put the pumps back into use accepting the verifier’s verbal and written comment that the pumps were okay. Unfortunately, he did not pass this information on to the site owner. As a result, the site owner would also face prosecution. SO BEWARE. As mentioned, the Approved Verifier’s Company did notify the site manager that a cost benefit could be achieved in cutting back the pump measures, but as new pumps were on order, it was not considered necessary, and this would only incur unnecessary expense. Although there was some communication between the Approved Verifier’s company and the Local Authority, there does not appear to have been any communications between the Approved Verifiers/Service Engineer and the W&M Inspector, to discuss his findings. Having served as a service engineer with Gilbarco for 18 years and previously with Pump Maintenance Ltd. it was common practice, indeed courtesy, to keep the W&M Inspectors informed. Three weeks later, the Approved Verifier’s Company, as is their policy, notified the London Council that pump 4 had been adjusted and verified as fit for trade. However, it is not their policy to notify the Local Authority where tests or inspections are carried out and adjustments are not required. Twelve weeks after his initial visit, a W&M Inspector made another visit. He states it’s only then that he noticed the previously rejected pumps were being used. However, the TSO from the petrol filling station’s London Borough states that the W&M Inspector ‘returned to retest the fuel dispensers’. The W&M Inspector re-tested the pumps and rejected only 3 of the 4 pumps for over measure, (pump 8 meter was not rejected this time) and obliterated the seals on these pumps. These were not used again as the site was about to be refurbished. The site was advised that offences had taken place and that a letter would follow. 22

Months later the site manager and owner of the site faced four charges each, one for each pump as listed at the beginning. There was an opportunity to plead guilty and accept a caution, but believing they were not guilty of the listed offences, the site owner’s solicitor and a barrister were called in to represent the owner and manager of the site. The Outcome A considerable amount of evidence was prepared for the defence, but due to the health of the site owner, the stress involved and the spiraling costs, the owner and manager accepted a caution. Sadly for me, the case did not go to court. Unfortunately, in my opinion, as in many cases today, justice often takes second place to the cost. Perhaps I watch too many Judge John Deed and TV drama’s, but I find it hard to accept that the offences were committed, when in his statement the W&M Inspector admitted he did not remove the seals and that three of the pump meters were at the prescribed ‘Inspection Tolerance’. How can it be an offence to use them when they still have the W&M lead seals intact and are at the Inspection Tolerance? It appears that the Approved Verifier’s statement that the pumps were in tolerance and OK stands for little or nothing? So beware! Questions This case raises questions about the authority of Approved Verifiers, particularly when there is a difference of opinion with the Inspector. Who is responsible to sort it out? What level of communication is there and is it adequate? It raises questions of the role, authority and responsibilities of ‘Competent Persons’ employed to oversee specialist areas of industry. Are they really held to be responsible? I believe it raises questions about the qualifications and knowledge of those who enforce the legislation. It is important to have an understanding of the industry and in this case, the correct Metrology Legislation relating to testing of liquid dispensers. Suggestions or Recommendations for Petrol Forecourt Operators 1) If called upon to attend a PACE interview, take legal

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representation. It might be cheaper in the long run! 2) If a repair or adjustment is carried out by a service engineer or approved verifier, ensure that you have written confirmation on a job report or in site diary, that it is ‘fit for use for trade’ i.e. okay. And don’t forget to get it signed! 3) Send copies of relevant paperwork to the enforcing authority, even if it’s supposed to have been sent via contractors or others working on your behalf. 4) Ensure that the contractors working on your behalf are competent persons. There might be a defence if it can be proved they were responsible for the offence you are accused of. 5) Don’t rely on contractors supporting you; they have their own interests to look after. Local Authority Enforcement Protocol – Proportionality Below are just a few of the many considerations that should be considered by Local Authorities before a prosecution, if they follow their Enforcement Protocol.

c) There was no history of previous offending. d) The only satisfactory alternative to legal proceedings would be ‘Advice’. None was given. This is only a taste, as there are more than fifteen criteria. If we are to continue living in a multi-cultural society, there is a need to recognise that many whose first language is not English require help and clarity in communications. There was a failure on behalf of Trading Standards to investigate and communicate with site or its Approved Verifiers, to resolve any unsatisfactory situation. Please supply your W&M Inspectors with an Allen Key! This case would have been unnecessary if the W&M Inspector had complied with and carried out the time-honoured procedure of either removing the seals or placing a star on them as recommended by the following: Legislation - for disqualification of equipment see Regulation 21 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2006/1266/contents/made

a) Was it in the public interest to institute legal proceedings? It posed no risk to the public.

2.11.1 The inspector shall obliterate the stamp on equipment which: (a) fails to fall within the prescribed limits of error in relation to obliteration of the stamp

b) Both defendants have not had a PACE interview before. The Site Manager had worked in the petrol filling station business for some twenty seven years.

I have voiced my opinion, but would welcome the opinion of more learned Council/Members. Contact: colinmbrewer@gmail.com

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Ghana By Jamie Thompson, Chairman of the APEA Technical Committee

In June 2015 over 150 people were killed at a petrol station accident in Accra, the capital of Ghana.

This incident was reported in The Bulletin at the time and was unprecedented in the number of fatalities involved. We understand that torrential rain caused flooding in the area, water had entered the fill pipes of the tanks which had been left open after a delivery and fuel flowed out of the fills onto the forecourt and eventually off the site and soon caught fire. People sheltering from the rain under the canopy and others around the site were caught out and so many of these perished.

I do not believe there has been such a high fatality rate in any accident at a filling station and it would have been difficult to forsee. As a result of this incident the Ghana Government arranged for inspectors to attend the APEA 3 day petrol station courses in the UK and after that a steady stream of Petroleum Company engineers from Ghana have also been attending these courses over the last 3 years. 26

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The oil industry in Ghana has reacted positively following this accident and is taking steps to improve safety at their filling stations. Early in September an independent petroleum company, Zen Petroleum, opened up the first filling station in Ghana designed, constructed and operating in accordance to The Blue Book. It is equipped with double wall tanks, leak detection, overfill prevention, flame arrestors, oil separators etc. We also understand that Zen Petroleum’s road tanker deliveries will be following the guidance issued by the HSE in L133 and it is the aim of the industry that in future all new filling stations will be constructed with these safety features built in. APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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LCM Revolution in Tank Cleaning By Mark Orr, Managing Director, LCM Environmental Ltd The age-old method of inspecting and cleaning fuel tanks manually by man entry into them has now been revolutionised. With the introduction of Tanknology’s Petroscope Camera by LCM, the whole process has been mechanised to a large extent, making it more conducive for the operators to work with increased efficiency, without the danger of man entry into a confined space and with complete visibility of the tank which is being cleaned. For us to understand the actual importance of the LCM’s Petroscope, we shall now analyse the entire process of working with this device, which grants it with the effectiveness that it is famous for. Firstly, the previous process of fuel tank inspection required staff to enter the fuel tank and clean and examine it. This made it an awful task to complete both in terms of time taken in removing pipework and the lid itself and the time taken to clean the tank with the important emphasis on safety, permitting and the expense of all the equipment necessary to make it safe to undertake. No operator could examine more than one tank within one day, even with minimum disruptions. One of the philosophies of safety is to eliminate risk whenever possible. Keeping this in mind, LCM came forward with the idea of eliminating man entry. In our quest, we trialled our own system, Rotarm, but in patent searching, we came across Petroscope, a camera that aids our technicians in assessing the internal parts of the fuel tanks without any manned entry into it. This technology had been developed by Tanknology, a US company with whom we soon built a close association. APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Articles The training provided to the operators equips them to produce a detailed and precise report on the present condition of all areas of the tank, including the manlid, internal pipework, baffles and any linings in the tank. To support the information a video file is stored if a client has a particular query on the report. To give you a rough idea of our operations, the site clean-up services provided by LCM are carried out in the following manner: Before we begin cleaning the tank the fuel in it is uplifted and held in one of our tanker compartments, leaving just the fuel bottoms in the tank. The lower explosive limit is checked after removing the fuel from it. We can inert the tank using Nitrogen, extracted from the air around us using our own nitrogen membranes. We can also use Nanovapor if required. Once inert or LEL id reduced to less than 5%, a Petroscope camera is inserted through a 3” entry point into the tank. An initial scan is done to see the condition before cleaning. Using a second entry point, usually the gauge riser, the tank is then cleaned using cleaning hoses and a high-pressure jet wash unit. The camera is the perfect aid to this enabling us to thoroughly clean the lower regions of the tank of sludge, debris, rust or occasionally objects that one wonders quite how they got in there! Before the final clean is completed we will disconnect the fuel line at each pump that the tank serves and aggressively flush the fuel line so that we remove all debris, sludge and bacterial material in the line. We will reconnect the line to the pump. Once clean the camera scans the tank for every defect including minor cracks, rust, pitting or even debris build-up inside it. Consideration of these factors enables the technician to gather sufficient information to assess the condition of the tank and to grade its condition. Once the physical steps of fuel tank inspection are done, the technician generates a detailed report, which consists of the digital images of the tank, serving as a visual testimony of the work done and also to establish a baseline condition of the tank. This is useful to compare condition between one clean and another. Once the tank is clean we will recharge the tank with the fuel we uplifted through a filter system to ensure that all fuel going back into the tank is clean to 10 microns. However, when the question, “why use a Petroscope camera?” arises, the most certain answer turns out to be this! Carrying out a manned fuel tank inspection is a costly as well as time-consuming activity, which poses a hazard to the health of the workers, too. A Petroscope Camera overcomes all such disadvantages and provides an expert report and recommendations of a corrosion engineer as to condition and future maintenance. 30

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Safe and Continuous Remote Monitoring of Leak Prevention Systems: Possibilities of transmitting alarms and remote maintenance with electronic data By Jost Berg, SGB GmbH Do you like a coffee?”, “Anything beside the espresso?”: Today, you will find nearly anything you wish at most service stations which are more like a supermarket. Dairy products, freshly baked sandwiches and cookies, sweets, hot and cold food and beverages, newspapers, etc. offered by friendly and well trained selling staff. A lot of service stations more and more are places to feel comfortable. So far so good. But is that all? As long as everything works fine, that means the technology behind the scenes is doing what it is supposed to do, there is no need to act. But what happens if the technic behind the scenes really fulfills its job e.g. the leak detector gives an alarm? Will the staff know how to react? If you talk to owners and tenants of petrol stations you will quite often get to know that they have difficulties in finding technically well qualified sales staff. The struggle to get those people is getting harder and more expensive.

Figure 1 Hot and tasty - coffee is one of the popular items sold at petrol stations

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Articles Knowing and facing this situation there are some cases which should not happen: -

An alarm is ignored

An alarm is switched off and then forgotten

The alarm information is not forwarded

The alarm cause is not resolved

Human and environmental protection is endangered

What kind of equipment would be necessary to avoid above mentioned situations? Are there requirements to the device to solve this problem? A trusty and reliable solution is characterized by:

Figure 2 Behind the scenes at a service station

Systems give an alarm automatically to responsible persons

Systems give foresighted maintenance information

A good and steady control reduce or even avoid annual tests

Unnecessary visits can be avoided, thus costs are reduced

Less qualified staff is necessary

For leak detection systems these requirements are fulfilled with LOD. This is the Leak detection – Online – Diagnostic. LOD realizes a safe and

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continuous remote monitoring of SGB leak prevention systems. All leak detector operating conditions and data are collected and transmitted autonomously to the LOD server every 24 hours and are analyzed. As a result, proper readiness of the leak detector is checked daily. Equipped with LOD, the following data will be transmitted: -

Daily notice of the operational availability of the leak detector

Actual pressure of the system

Alarm at pressure loss

Tightness of entire system consisting of leak detector and connected interstitial space

Figure 3 How does LOD work?

Usage of drying filter

No more late identifications of alarms,

Frequency of pump run and total count of pump service requests

No more unreported alarms,

Also, a notification will be sent in case of a failure of the magnetic valve (only with - No more local manipulation of the annunciator. certain vacuum leak detectors), response of the internal sensor, general faults with electronics, status of an additional digital sensor, and output value of an additional But not only in case of an alarm, the LOD system is an advantage. Service request messages are analog 4-20 mA sensor. generated automatically and allow an optimized Each alarm is transmitted to the systems immediately and an automatic notification planning and preparation of maintenance work. is given to registered addressees via e-mail or SMS. The LOD system will register These notices must be deleted: for used dry filters, multiple alarm notifications and issue repeated alerts until the cause of the alarm soon threatening failure of the pump due to erosion, is rectified locally. The result will be; as well as an insufficient tightness of the entire APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Article/UK News system. This preventive maintenance reduces the service of specialized personnel. Also, due to the transmission of a processor data protocol, any manipulation of the technical equipment, e.g. the bridging of relay contacts, is excluded.

All these requirements are fulfilled by SGB’s LOD including all advantages like a higher level of safety in leak monitoring, simplification of work processes, savings of personnel expenditure/specialized personnel, and cost savings when extending the interval of a recurring on-site inspection.

Regarding European regulations, there is another big advantage of the LOD referring to the annual function tests. If these functional tests have been compulsory once a year, the use of a permanent online monitoring may lead to an extension of this interval if the monitoring fulfills the following criteria : -

Permanent and active monitoring of the energy supply through daily data transmission, at least the operating data (e.g. overpressure or vacuum value of the system)

If applicable, the tightness of the system, including a warning if the values are below the allowed limits

Identification of the necessary maintenance work, e.g. pumps, dry filter material

Significant changes or tampering within the system must be detected and a warning must result

Sending this message multiple times until the problem is resolved.

Figure 4 Vacuum leak detector VLR 410 for double-walled pipes equipped

News Ireland plans 80 hydrogen filling stations by 2030 There is currently no single point for hydrogen refueling in the country. Hydrogen Mobility Ireland, a group of industrial and governmental representatives interested in using hydrogen as a fuel source, has projected 80 hydrogen refueling stations in Ireland over the next ten years. The group’s initial report on the development of hydrogen infrastructure will be published on October 3, with a focus on “captive” fleets. “It’s a central hub model, for now, rather than a distributed network. Our focus is on captive fleets, and Dublin Bus and CIÉ as a whole are both part of the group, and contributing to the discussions. Those early hydrogen fuelling stations would also be available for private users as well, to help encourage those who are interested in the technology,” commented a Hydrogen Mobility Ireland member.

A senior consultant at Element Energy, Dr. Richard Riley, said that the proposed hydrogen supply network will be powered by extracting renewable electricity, and that each of the sites will require an investment of €1.5 - €2 million. Although the Irish government has not committed to any incentives as of yet, according to Dr Riley, the Administration “agrees that hydrogen shows great potential for Ireland and that the policies set out by the group [Hydrogen Mobility Ireland] to deliver hydrogen mobility are within the cost and policy limits that they committed to, to bring electric vehicles to market.” Hydrogen Mobility Ireland includes BOC Gases, Bord Gáis Energy, Toyota Ireland, CIÉ Group, Hyundai Ireland, and government departments from both north and south of the Border, among others. The group’s core mission is to assess and implement ideas to foster hydrogen fuel for vehicles and public transport in Ireland.

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Gas Networks Ireland, Circle K launch first public CNG filling station This station marks the first public CNG re-fueling station in a network of 150 filling stations to be developed in Ireland in the coming years. Gas Networks Ireland and Circle K launched Ireland’s first publicly accessible, fast-fill CNG station at Circle K’s Dublin Port premises. The project is co-financed by Gas Networks Ireland and the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility as part of Gas Network Ireland’s Causeway Project. The state-of-the-art fast fill facility at Circle K Dublin Port has the capacity to fill 50 HGVs a day with each fill taking no more than 5 minutes. The re-fueling facility at Circle K Dublin Port is strategic public infrastructure which will be capable of providing a fully carbonneutral fuel to the commercial transport market for the first time. Ireland’s commercial transport fleet makes up just 3% of vehicles on the road, yet is responsible for approximately a fifth of transport’s carbon emissions. Switching to CNG can reduce a Heavy Goods Vehicle’s (HGV), emissions by up to 22%. In the future, these vehicles can achieve zero carbon transport when operating on renewable gas. GNI has a strategic plan to achieve

20% renewable gas on the network by 2030. “This first station has allowed us to establish the criteria, in design, safety and permitting, for future stations. Initially utilising natural gas, these stations are fully compatible with renewable gas. Working with partners like Circle K, private hauliers and public transport companies, work is well underway to deliver a comprehensive national network of stations,” said Denis O’Sullivan, Managing Director, Gas Networks Ireland. “We are very proud to offer Ireland’s commercial fleet operators a cleaner and more cost-effective fuel alternative. At Circle K, we are committed to making our customer’s lives a little easier every day and together with Gas Networks Ireland we have plans to open additional CNG stations at key motorway locations in the near future,” commented Gordon Lawlor, Managing Director, Circle K. “We welcome the opening of Ireland’s first fast-fill CNG station at Dublin Port. It’s a positive move that’s in keeping with supply chain initiatives that DPC will pursue during the period covered by the Dublin Port Masterplan 2018 -2040 which aim to facilitate the achievement of sustainable transport objectives set out in both EU and national policies,” added Eamonn O’Reilly, Chief Executive, Dublin Port Company (DPC).

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Over £400m investment in EV charging infrastructure First £70 million investment will create 3,000 new rapid charge points, more than doubling the number of rapid charge points across the UK by 2024. The UK Government announced more than half a billion pounds of investment in green technologies. The Treasury has launched a £400 million fund to bolster Britain’s electric vehicle charging infrastructure, with the first £70 million allocated for 3000 charge points – more than doubling the number across the UK to 5,000. The UK already has one of the largest electric vehicle charging networks in Europe, and this investment will improve the network by installing state-of-the-art technology. A review is currently

underway to explore the provision of charge points across major road networks, meaning drivers could charge their car whilst stopping for a coffee at a service station. This investment complements £1.5 billion support to boost the uptake of electric vehicles and make cleaner vehicles more accessible to everyone. This is part of the Government’s ambition to end the sale of petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040. £31.5 million for research into pioneering technologies to remove greenhouse gases from the atmosphere was also announced, and £22 million to research new kinds of air pollutants and minimise their effects on public health.

Teenagers injured by firework Two teenagers were badly injured by fireworks an incident which occurred on Faussagh Avenue, Cabra. The teenagers, who were 15 and 17 years old, were badly injured when they came into contact with what was described as a firework. According to the local Gardaí, “Both youths received serious injuries, one to his eye and the other to his hand and were taken to The Mater Misericordiae University Hospital Dublin and Children’s University Hospital at Temple Street for treatment.” Dublin Fire Brigade characterised the injury as a “severely deformed hand.”

In a tweet, Dublin Fire Brigade warned against using fireworks this Halloween season: “Fireworks are sold on the black market with NO recognised safety tests. Talk to your children (and adults) about the life changing dangers of fireworks.” Under Irish law, owning fireworks with intent to supply, igniting fireworks in a public place, or throwing fireworks at a person or property, can result in up to five years imprisonment, and fines up to €10,000.

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Survey shows what technologies do shoppers most want to see at forecourts? Nearly one third of British consumers want to see pay-at-pump services. Only 18% of forecourt visitors purchase fuel. With petrol station sites falling by 35% since 2000 (and by 80% since 1970), it is easy to see the impact that electric cars and the diesel crisis have had on the industry. This is because forecourts have adapted to the current climate and have put the convenience into convenience retail by extending their wares beyond tanks of fuel, stocking their shelves with ready meals and installing machines that dispense Starbucks to-go. This means that despite a mere 18% of consumers purchasing fuel at a petrol station, forecourts have found a solid revenue avenue as 91% of the 8,418 forecourts in the UK have shops. Recent statistics reveal that 23% of forecourt shoppers are there to purchase food-to-go. What new tech do consumers want to see at forecourts? Keen to help new forecourt investors understand shopper’s desires when it comes to future developments, Savoystewart.co.uk surveyed over 2,000 shoppers – asking them to prioritise what they’d like to see from their local forecourts. 31% Pay-at-pump services; 23% Mobile payments; 15% Automated/robotic fuelling; 11% Fewer petrol dispensers in favour of electric charging stations; 10% Better loyalty schemes; 7% More

personalised offers to customers; 3% Mobile fuel delivery. Unsurprisingly perhaps, consumers are seeking that extra bit of convenience from petrol stations, with almost one third demanding pay-at-pump services. Currently, according to acs.org.uk figures, only 19% of forecourts offer the service. Continuing a digital theme, 23% of respondents claimed they wanted to be able to pay at petrol stations via their mobile phones. With 65% of forecourt stores offering this service, it is clear to see that the industry has already begun to pick up on this demand. Perhaps a little more unexpected is the interest in automated fuelling. 15% of those questioned entertained the thought of robotic fuelling. This technology is perhaps a way off yet, requiring cap- less petrol tanks in vehicles – but a great idea for cold mornings where you’d rather stay in your car. A further 3% of consumers would like their fuel to be delivered directly to them without even having to visit the station, using mobile fuel delivery. Other future-minded consumers have prioritised an increase in electric charging stations (11%), a service currently only available in a mere 2% of forecourts. Wanting more bang for their buck – 1 in 10 petrol station goers demanded better loyalty schemes, as currently only 21% of forecourts have a mobile marketing platform or loyalty scheme. What’s more, 7% of those questioned pinpointed a desire for more personalised offers from their local petrol stations.

Former petrol station owners jailed for fuel fraud Five people, including the former owners of a Sussex petrol station, have been sentenced for distributing and selling an estimated 4.8 million litres of illicit fuel to motorists and haulage companies across the south east of England. Three were given jail sentences totalling more than 16 years. Brothers Dean Chapman, 43, from Romford, Essex, and Darren Chapman, 50, from Rochester, Kent, illegally mixed kerosene with diesel and sold it as legitimate road fuel to motorists at their petrol station in 2012 and 2013. HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) officers found quantities of kerosene at a petrol station in Pulborough, West Sussex, in 2013. It was discovered during routine checks of the petrol station’s underground diesel tank as well as the fuel tanks of two vehicles, which were both seized. HMRC investigators found that Christopher Reardon, 56, from Hastings, supplied kerosene to the Chapmans and falsified 679 sales invoices to hide the true identity of his customers in an attempt to disguise their fraudulent scheme. As a registered dealer in controlled oils (RDCO), Reardon had a responsibility to check the fuel sold was being used for a legitimate purpose; his failure to do so resulted in this fraud being able to be committed. 38

Despite HMRC’s intervention and the investigation by West Sussex Trading Standards, the gang continued to carry out the fraud, switching from kerosene to biodiesel in an attempt to further their deception. This led to the investigation by HMRC. They used biodiesel supplied by Carole O’Hara, 68, and Peter O’Hara, 72, both from Hastings, who falsified invoices and HMRC returns to show lower rates of Excise Duty and VAT, which reduced their tax liability. The illicit mix was never properly labelled so that customers did not realise they were buying fuel with high percentages of biodiesel. As a result, customers began experiencing problems with their cars which they reported to West Sussex Trading Standards. As well as the multi-million pound fuel fraud, the Chapmans also failed to pay any VAT. Darren Chapman and Christopher Reardon were found guilty of the fraudulent evasion of Excise duty and VAT, Dean Chapman was found guilty of the fraudulent evasion of VAT. Additionally Darren Chapman and Dean Chapman were found guilty of fraudulent trading on 26 July 2019 after a trial at Wood Green Crown Court. On 26 September 2019 they were sentenced at the same court. Darren Chapman was given eight years and two months, Dean Chapman four years and six months and Reardon four years.

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For their part in the fraud, Carole O’Hara and Peter O’Hara were sentenced to two years in prison, suspended for two years, and ordered to pay £40,000 of costs each.

Trading Standards officers, they continued to flout the law and sell illegal fuel, which damaged vehicles engines and resulted in a tax loss of nearly £3.5m – money needed to fund our public services.

On sentencing, His Honour Judge Lucas said: “It was a deliberate, gross and continued trick on the general public.” Darren Chapman was described by the judge as “dishonest and prepared to break the law when it suits you”, while brother Dean “took to dishonesty with enthusiasm”. Reardon worked “hand in glove with Chapman and others to perpetrate the fraud”.

“HMRC continues to target fuel fraud which creates an uneven playing field for honest businesses. We urge anybody who knows of people committing tax fraud to report them to HMRC online, or call our Fraud Hotline on 0800 788 887.”

The O’Haras were described as “deliberate and calculating”.Richard Wilkinson, assistant director, Fraud Investigation Service, HMRC, said: “The gang knew what they were doing was wrong, but even after being challenged by HMRC officers and investigated by

Richard Sargeant, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager, said: “This was an incredibly serious matter which caused huge inconvenience to customers as well as repair costs totalling more than £70,000. “While it cannot take away from the frustration suffered by customers, I hope the outcome of this case will act as a deterrent to anyone else considering illegally mixing fuel.”

Gas Networks Ireland grants €120,000 to fund natural gas vehicles Grants to support the purchase of 33 vehicles have previously been awarded to 18 transport companies in Ireland as part of this scheme. As part of the second round of its Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Fund, Gas Networks Ireland has announced that it has awarded six transport companies €20,000 each towards the purchase of a

natural gas vehicle (NGV). CNG is natural gas which has been compressed to fit into a NGV’s tank and is particularly suitable for use in commercial vehicles. These vehicles can achieve zero carbon transport when operating on renewable gas. There are an estimated 25 million NGVs in operation worldwide, and almost two million in Europe.

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UK News The Compressed Natural Gas Vehicle Fund is supported by the Commission for Regulation of Utilities (CRU) in Ireland and is cofinanced by the European Union’s TEN-T Programme under the Connecting Europe Facility as part of the Causeway Project. “We know we can reduce emissions and fuel costs and at the same time reduce our carbon footprint. Our experience to date with

Scania CNG vehicles has been a very positive one,” Niall Lord, Managing Director of Food Surplus Management Ltd. Gas Networks Ireland operates one of the most modern gas networks in the world and ensures that over 700,000 homes and businesses receive a safe, efficient and secure supply of natural gas, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Tarporley man seriously burned in garden petrol incident A man was badly burned while using petrol in his garden in Tarporley, Cheshire, report Cheshire fire crews. The incident has led to warnings to residents about the dangers of using petrol in the garden environment. There have recently been three separate incidents in this area where people have suffered flash burns while using petrol as an accelerant for a bonfire. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service is warning people about the dangers of petrol; in each case petrol was being used in a garden, resulting in burns. Firefighters were called to the incident in Tarporley where a man suffered serious burns when vapours given off by petrol he had poured on garden waste ignited. He suffered second degree burns to his hand and lower arm. Fortunately none of the victims of the

three incidents suffered life threatening injuries. Tony Dwyer, group manager at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Although we haven’t had the best summer so far, during the hot weather that we have seen we have had three separate incidents where people have sustained serious burns while using petrol in the garden environment. “Many gardeners use petrol on a regular basis, whether it’s refilling petrol lawnmowers or chainsaws, but many people often forget how dangerous it can be. Petrol is a highly flammable liquid which can give off flammable vapour, even at very low temperatures. This means there is always a risk of fire or explosion if there is a source of ignition. It’s also important to note that flammable vapours may even be present in empty tanks and petrol cans. In addition, petrol vapour can be harmful if inhaled.”

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Essex woman blocks Shell forecourt over light row A woman from Tiptree has decided to take action against a local petrol station after she claims a light on the forecourt saw her lose a month’s worth of sleep. Alison Hughes, 50, has lived on Maypole Road for 12 years right opposite the Shell petrol garage. For just under a month, she says that she hasn’t been able to sleep due to the fact that a large floodlight from the station has been shining towards her bedroom. The spotlight was put at the station on August 14 this year after plans were made to knock down the garage and build a new one. She claims that after countless attempts to plead with the petrol garage’s staff and other authorities higher up, the spotlight hasn’t been moved and is making her feel horrendous, she decided that enough was enough. At 7.15am, she decided to go over to the station, fill her car with fuel at one of the pumps and leave it there. She says she told the manager of the garage what she was doing and said to him: “I will give you two hours to do something and then I will move my car.” At 10.20am, the floodlight still had not been removed so she

decided her car would stay there. She said: “I’ve been over to them five times and called people higher up. They’re aware of it, but I’ve not even had a courtesy phone call from them to apologise or anything. It’s apparently not their focus to ring me.” “I’ve left my car there and explained to the manager that they had two hours to move it but it’s over that time, so my car is staying put. No one is bothering about this, so I’m hoping the best outcome will be that people will boycott the Shell garage and they’ll lose money, I’m really tired and I’ve had enough. I feel like I’m on the edge. I don’t want to be arrested, but I don’t think I’m doing anything wrong. My husband has a tractor so I thought that could be the next step.” Cones have been placed around her car to ensure no drivers accidentally queue up behind her. A spokesperson for Shell said: “We are aware that a light on our forecourt at Shell Tiptree is causing an issue for one of our neighbours and we are working to resolve it.”

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International News

Pemex to launch state-owned network of 500 stations in Mexico With 35% of the fuel retail market now in hands of non-Pemex brands, the government has decided to launch its own Pemex Red network. Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex) is getting ready to launch its own network of petrol stations, which will be developed and operated by the state-owned petroleum company to compete against its Pemex franchise as well as new market players. The network will be called “Pemex Red” and will be formed by some 500 gas stations. The first will open in Colonia Condesa, City of Mexico – a site that the President Andrés Manuel López Obrador shut down while he was in charge of the city. Under the business model prepared for Pemex Red, the company will buy the land and build or renovate the site. The stations will be tendered to third parties under a contractual regime that allows for the company to revoke the contract, reports El Universal. Pemex will therefore reinforce its role in the fuels retail market, where it already participates directly and indirectly through the Pemex Franchise (9,161 petrol stations; 45 still owned). The move is in line with the efforts of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, a left-wing politician commonly referred to by his initials AMLO, to reinvigorate Pemex. Once a key part of the Mexican economy, the state-owned oil company has become a burden for Mexicans. In 15 years, it was gone from producing 3.4 million barrels a year to today’s 1.7 million, a 50% drop that explains the country’s reliance on fuel imports. In recent months, AMLO had asked fuel retailers in Mexico to keep

fuel prices down warning that otherwise the state would launch its own network of petrol stations. With global oil prices soaring after the attack on one of Saudi Arabia’s largest processing plants, the Mexican government tried to maintain fuel prices by bringing down the Special Tax on Production and Services (IEPS) – an indirect tax that affects products such as fuel, alcohol, beer and tobacco. This week, AMLO stated that the government would develop its own sites to sell fuel at a lower price and force the market to compete. The new project also intends to put a brake on the sale of Pemex stations that began with former president Enrique Peña Nieto. The transformation of Pemex, both for the franchises and for the future state-operated network, is an uphill battle. After years of corruption and inefficiency, distrust towards Pemex is ingrained in Mexican society. ‘Litre for litre’ has become the slogan of many new players entering the market as tampered pumps became a normality. As an Uber driver from Mexico explains, “when you filled the car with 10 litres at a Pemex station I would normally get between 8 and 9. Never 10. I try to only stop at other gas stations now.” The feeling is quite common. Gas stations switching from Pemex to a recognized foreign brand can see an increase in sales by 35% in some cases, according to Raul Silva, Country Manager for Petroassist Mexico. The relaunch of the Pemex brand and the implementation of better practices supported by associations like Onexpo intend to change the customer’s perception of the brand.

Fatalities in tanker crash in Pakistan Three people were fatally injured, and several others suffered burns when a van collided with an oil tanker in Quetta in Pakistan. According to details, the accident occurred at the Saryab Road in Quetta when a van hit a petrol tanker. A fire broke out immediately following the collision which resulted in three people suffering fatal

injuries; scores of other were injured. Police and rescue teams were quickly in attendance and started extinguishing the fire and carrying out rescue work amid the carnage. The deceased and injured were taken to a nearby hospital.

Worker killed in explosion A workman was unfortunately fatally injured following an explosion at a petrol filling station in the USA. The victim in the industrial accident at a Speedway on Front Street in the town of Dickinson has been identified as Arthur M. Hines, 57, of Syracuse.

that has been doing work at the gas station are from a company in Syracuse called Environmental Products of Vermont. Authorities say there was a flash and an explosion while the man was drilling inside the tank.

New York State Police at Binghamton and emergency personnel were dispatched to 704 Front Street around 1:41pm for a report of an explosion. An investigation revealed that Hines was working for the Syracuse affiliate of Environmental Product and Services of Vermont and was inside an underground tank, cleaning it when an explosion occurred.

“One of the workers was down inside the tank, which is about 8 ft deep and doing some clean-up and was using a drill when an explosion occurred,” says New York State Police Captain Scott Heggelke.

New York State Police officials say a Syracuse-area man was killed on the job after an underground fuel storage tank exploded at the Speedway/McDonald’s on Old Front Street. Officials say the crew 42

OSHA has been notified about the incident and will be investigating. No residents were evacuated during the incident and the road was opened back up to traffic shortly after 2:30pm. The investigation is ongoing. We do not yet know what type of fuel was inside the tank.

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International News

USA truck driver pleads guilty to dumping fuel, prompting school evacuation The driver of a diesel tanker who dumped thousands of gallons of diesel fuel onto land draining into a Thomasville, Georgia creek in 2018, shutting down a school and causing a federally-led cleanup, entered a guilty plea for his crime in federal court announced Charles “Charlie” Peeler, the United States Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia. Jaron Coleman, 40, of Oakville, Georgia, pleaded guilty to one count of Unauthorized Discharge of Oil in the Waters of the United States on Tuesday, September 10, 2019 before U.S. District Judge Louis Sands. Mr. Coleman’s sentencing date has not been scheduled. According to the Statement of Fact entered in Court, on April 19, 2018, Mr. Coleman admitted that he dumped approximately 3,000 gallons of fuel on the ground near a gas station in Thomasville, Georgia after he realized he had loaded the wrong product for a delivery in Pelham, Georgia. Mr. Coleman, who was working for Eco Energy, did not have any permit or authorization to discharge the diesel fuel. The diesel fuel dumped on the ground migrated into an adjacent storm water drainage system that flows directly into a creek. The unnamed creek is a tributary of Good Water Creek which flows into Oquina Creek and then into the Ochlockonee River, a traditionally navigable water of the United States, and

protected by the Clean Water Act. Under the Clean Water Act, diesel fuel is considered “oil” and the amount discharged was a harmful quantity. The discharge caused the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to engage in a costly clean-up and caused the evacuation of Garrison Pilcher Elementary School in Thomasville, Georgia on the same day as the incident, after school officials discovered a large amount of diesel fuel had swelled in ditches around the school. “Illegal dumping into our waterways damages one of our most precious resources. Its harmful repercussions flow well beyond the confines of the initial dump site,” said Charlie Peeler, the U.S. Attorney. “We want the public to know that dumping is illegal and can carry serious consequences, including federal prosecution. I want to thank the EPA for its efforts to quickly respond to, investigate and clean up this mess.” “The illegal discharge of fuel can threaten human health and damage the environment,” said Andy Castro, Special Agent in Charge of EPA’s criminal enforcement program in Georgia. “EPA and our law enforcement partners are committed to enforcing environmental laws to protect our communities.” The case was investigated by the EPA. Assistant U.S. Attorney Robert McCullers is prosecuting the case for the Government.

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Baltimore area evacuate after petrol discovered inside van A portion of Baltimore’s downtown in the USA was evacuated following reports of a suspicious vehicle containing 1,000 gallons of petrol. Streets were closed and public transportation was cut off over four blocks near the Inner Harbour as police and fire units investigated a van in a parking garage.

Mayor Bernard C. “Jack” Young said no bomb was detected. “We are currently in the process of conducting precautionary sweeps in an effort to ensure public safety. These sweeps are expected to take several hours.” The vehicle “is not a threat and was subsequently removed from the garage,” Young confirmed later.

Station owner find $15000 for leak detection faults The owner of a Santa Maria gas station has agreed to pay more than $15,000 in fines after environmental violations. Saleem Patel is the owner of Spirit Gasoline in Santa Maria, located off South Broadway. Inspectors found multiple gas-leak detection sensors in the underground fuel tank system that were elevated. This makes the sensors incapable of early detection of a fuel leak. The Santa Barbara County district attorney says these violations

can threaten health and the environment. Patel has cooperated with authorities and performed necessary upgrades. He will also have to pay $15,000 in civil penalties and $1,710 as reimbursement for the investigation and enforcement costs. Editors Note: this has been known quite frequently in the UK so be warned!

Explosion at Dobrich gas station kills woman, another hospitalised A woman has been killed in gas station explosion in Dobrich, Bulgaria, another woman was injured during the incident. The incident happened around 8pm at the exit of Varna service station. According to preliminary reports, an LPG gas cylinder installed within a car exploded during filling, the car was completely destroyed by the blast. There were unfortunately two women involved in this tragic incident and it is unfortunately a mother and

her daughter.The injured women were taken to an emergency ward in Dobrich. The Mother, 67, was in the back seat. According to the emergency chief at the hospital, she died immediately. The mother suffered multiple injuries and doctors did not manage to save her. The other victim, the daughter, has been placed in the neurosurgery unit without a life-threatening condition. She has a severe head injury. Pre-trial proceedings have been initiated for the site operators.

Hydrogen refuelling station foreseen in Venice The Metropolitan City of Venice; Eni and Toyota signed an agreement to evaluate the construction of a hydrogen refuelling station in the city of Venice. Venice is experimenting with hydrogen-fuelled mobility. Last week in Mestre, as part of the events organised by Italy’s Japan Foundation for ‘Japan Week’, the Municipality and the Metropolitan City of Venice, Eni and Toyota signed an agreement to evaluate the construction of a hydrogen refuelling station in the Municipality of Venice. If the feasibility study, which will begin immediately, is successful, the agreement states that Eni will set up a hydrogen refuelling station in one of the company’s service stations in the Venetian municipal area, which will be identified by 31 December 2019, 46

while Toyota will provide a fleet of 10 Mirai which will be supplied to Eni’s refuelling plant. This agreement is part of an existing collaboration between Toyota, Eni, the Municipality and Metropolitan City of Venice, to implement an experimental project aimed at promoting sustainable and lowemission mobility in the Venetian region. It marks a concrete step towards creating a distribution network that enables the circulation of hydrogen powered vehicles. “In Venice, one of the most resilient cities in the world,” said Luigi Brugnaro, the mayor of Venice, “we started from the assumption that environmental sustainability is always coupled with the theme of economic resources. We want to show that caring for the environment should not be perceived as a cost for the community,

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International News

The art of stealing fuel in Mexico The new government has made the fight against fuel theft in Mexico a maximum priority. In 2018, the losses caused by criminals tapping fuel pipelines reached over $3 billion. In January of 2019 the term “huachicoleo” came to international prominence as gas stations ran dry. Severe fuel shortages hit Mexico as gangs hit the country’s pipeline network and consumer panic ensued. Huachicoleo makes reference to the theft of fuel through the puncture of pipelines, which carry around 20% of the country’s fuel supply, to then sell it in the black market. This activity has provided loses of 66.3 billion pesos ($3.4 billion) in 2018 to state-owned oil firm Petróleos Mexicanos (Pemex). The worst point of this year’s huachicoleo crisis came in January when 80 people died in a pipeline explosion in the state of Hildalgo. One of the main goals laid out by the new government of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, known as AMLO, was to tackle corruption and impunity. The fight against the huachicoleo has become a primary target for the administration. Through a series of actions, Mexico has managed to reduce fuel theft from 80,000 barrels a day to 4,000, according to the government.

“Previously, the administration saw it as something normal. We had to say enough. It wasn’t easy. Criminal groups had broken distribution pipes to leave most of the country dry. Despite that, with the support of people, which endures the lack of fuel sales, together with the army, we have managed to put an end to this criminal activity,” said AMLO earlier this month. The 94% reduction in fuel theft is explained, partly, by a shift in the supply method – pipelines were closed down and fuel tankers did most of the logistic services from Pemex’ fuel terminals and refineries. The drop in fuel theft will allow Pemex to regain 50 billion pesos this year. From 2006 to 2018, Mexico opened some 108,000 investigations for the tapping of pipelines. The number of cases grew exponentially over the last years – in 2006, authorities opened 394 investigations while the number of cases reached 31,000 in 2018, according to government figures quoted by Univision. Retailers continue to complain that one of the biggest issues is the lack of infrastructure that ensures safe and sufficient supply. Both Pemex and private oil companies are investing in the development of fuel terminals to expand storage capacity. The transport of fuel, however, remains a challenge.

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They walk amongst us! This is the aftermath of a misfuelling incident that recently happened in Eschborn near Frankfurt, Germany. The 55-year-old driver refuelled his diesel vehicle with petrol and decided to remove it utilising the forecourt vacuum cleaner, needless to say it didn”t work and the resultant fire was extinguished by the local fire service. This has been seen within the UK, normally around Heathrow where tourists are returning hire cars and are unsure of the fuel to use, a good advocate for the AA/RAC and other reputable misfuelling companies!

Tanzania fuel tanker blast kills 62 Sixty-two people perished in Tanzania when a fuel tanker overturned and then exploded as crowds of people rushed to syphon off leaking fuel.

also called for people to stop the dangerous practice of stealing fuel in such a way, something that is common in many poor parts of Africa.

The deadly blast, which took place near the town of Morogoro, west of the economic capital Dar es Salaam, is the latest in a series of similar disasters in Africa.

“The Morogoro region had never experienced a disaster of such magnitude,” governor Stephen Kebwe told reporters at the scene in Msamvu, which lies about 200 kilometres (125 miles) west of Dar es Salaam. He said the explosion was triggered when a man tried to pull out the truck”s battery.

Tanzania”s chief of police operations Liberatus Sabas said that 58 men and four women were killed in the explosion, while 72 people were being treated for injuries at the local hospital. Footage from the scene showed the truck engulfed in fierce flames and huge clouds of black smoke, with charred bodies and the burnt-out remains of motorcycle taxis scattered on the ground among scorched trees.

“We arrived at the scene with two neighbours just after the truck was overturned. While some good Samaritans were trying to get the driver and the other two people out of the truck, others were jostling each other, equipped with jerricans, to collect petrol,” teacher January Michael told AFP.

Regional police chief Wilbrod Mtafungwa described a “huge explosion” and said the dead were mainly drivers of the taxis known as “boda-boda” and locals who flocked to the scene for the fuel. A video posted on social media showed dozens of people carrying yellow jerricans around the truck.

“At the same time, someone was trying to pull the battery out of the vehicle. We warned that the truck could explode at any moment but no one wanted to listen, so we went on our way, but we had barely turned on our heels when we heard the explosion.” Police later said they had managed to put out the flames and had cordoned off the area.

The tragedy has also triggered an outpouring of grief across the country, with prominent figures including President John Magufuli and ordinary citizens sending messages of condolences. Magufuli

Magufuli said in a statement he was “very shocked” by looting of fuel from damaged vehicles. “There are vehicles that carry dangerous fuel oil, as in this case in Morogoro, there are others

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International News that carry toxic chemicals or explosives, let”s stop this practice, please,” he said. Last month, at least 45 people were killed and more than 100 injured in central Nigeria when a petrol tanker crashed and then exploded as people were trying to gather fuel. In May, a similar incident occurred in Niger just a short distance

from the airport in the capital Niamey, leaving almost 80 people dead. Among the deadliest such disasters, 292 people lost their lives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in July 2010, and in September 2015 at least 203 people perished in the town of Maridi in South Sudan, killing some 122 people.

British woman”s face “burned off” after petrol station explosion A British teacher and her American colleague were seriously injured when a petrol station exploded on a street in Cambodia. Zoe Eleftheriou, 22, from Medway, Kent, and Abigail Alexander, 18, from Miamisburg, Ohio, were hit by the blast while riding a motorcycle together in Siem Reap. Both women suffered severe burns and their families are facing mounting medical bills while police track down the owners of the illegal petrol station which suddenly blew up. Dashcam footage from a nearby car shows how the gas station burst into flames when a tanker truck carrying 440 gallons of petrol ignited while delivering the fuel to a storage tank, injuring 13 people.

Ms Eleftheriou”s mother, Mary, said: “I arrived beside Zoe to find her bandaged back up and still with tubes down her throat. It was explained they were still there because of the swelling on her neck and the rest of her body. “The second doctor that spoke to me said her swelling was more than they would have expected so they are monitoring her for infection. Thanks to your prayers no infection has appeared yet which is a blessing. “She started the first of many surgical operations to remove dead skin which could become infected if left. “She is able to nod and shake her head to questions or write letters in the air with her bandaged hands but trying to guess what she is saying is pretty hard. “Zoe is a fighter and will pull though this so please keep her

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International News

or the U.S., so I set up the fund-raising account hoping that somebody would notice and help her.

and Abbey in your prayers.” Dash cam footage from a car shows how the gas station suddenly burst into flames - hitting passing motorcycle riders who were knocked to the ground from the force of the explosion. The British and American teachers were the only foreigners injured in the blast, which also seriously wounded 11 locals. Abigail Alexander is in hospital where her mother said she is currently in a critical condition in an intensive care unit and breathing with a ventilator; her family are now desperately raising funds for her with a GoFundMe page that has already raised $25,000 (£21,000). She has yet not been transported to a better hospital in Thailand because of the mounting medical bills and transport costs. Erin Alexander, mother of the American teenager, said: “”This was such an awful accident. My daughter was just in the wrong place at the wrong time. “Abbey received burns across more than 35 per cent of her body in the explosion. Her blood-work is becoming worse and she will be needing skin grafts. “She has been transported to a hospital with a better burn unit in Cambodia and the costs are already adding up quickly.” The British and American teachers were the only foreigners injured in the blast, which also seriously wounded 11 locals. She added: “The cost will be higher as we plan to move her to either Thailand

“So far, we have received countless messages offering money and kind words. There are also multiple fundraisers happening in Siem Reap on Abbey”s behalf. “ We”re hoping to have her moved to Thailand soon. Thank you everyone for all they have done for us and all that has been donated.” Brigadier General Phing Sambath, deputy police chief of Siem Reap province, said 12 fire trucks with 30 tanks of water were used to extinguish the blaze. He said: “A total of 13 people, including police officers, guards, and female westerners, were wounded in the blast.” The police are gathering evidence and searching for the owner of the gas station who was not at the shop when officers arrived to begin investigation. Major General Neth Vantha, National Police Fire Prevention Department director, said that according to investigations, the explosion was caused during the transfer of petrol from the tanker into the storage tank. He added: “The transfer was done improperly and some petrol leaked. The station owner asked the staff to turn off the electricity and there was a sudden [blast]”.

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International News

First hydrogen station opens in Mönchengladbach German state of Nordrhein-Westfalen tops the list with 17 stations. H2 MOBILITY Deutschland and its shareholders Shell and Air Liquide jointly opened the first hydrogen (H2) filling facility in Mönchengladbach – the 75th in Germany. The system has a capacity of around 200 kilogrammes of hydrogen – enough to refuel 50 vehicles a day. The new facility is located at the Shell petrol station Odenkirchener Straße 160 in the Rheydt district, along the B230 federal highway and close to the A61, A44 and A46 motorways. The filling-station technology comes from the gas and technology company Air Liquide; the station’s owner-developer is the H2 MOBILITY joint

venture, which is establishing Germany’s hydrogen infrastructure. The hydrogen station in Mönchengladbach is funded by the European Commission through the Fuel Cells and Hydrogen 2 Joint Undertaking (FCH 2 JU) in the Hydrogen Mobility Europe (H2ME) project. This opening further increases the density of the hydrogen supply network in Germany. North Rhine-Westphalia already has a number of operational H2 filling stations, e.g. in Düsseldorf, Cologne, Duisburg and Aachen, and soon also in Bonn and Wesseling. With a total of 17 H2 stations, North Rhine-Westphalia currently tops the list of federal states, followed by Bavaria (16) and Baden-Württemberg (12).

Euro Garages to install more outdoor screens at gas stations VMO partners with global fuel and convenience retailer, Euro Garages Group. Outdoor provider VMO has announced a strategic partnership with global fuel and convenience retailer, Euro Garages Group, for Australia. EG Group’s acquisition of the Woolworths Caltex fuel business in April 2019 has seen the petrol and convenience retailer’s footprint expand into 544 locations throughout Australia, with the VMO network currently occupying 250 sites. The partnership formalises the exclusive tenure of VMO’s premium outdoor TV assets across EG’s Australian portfolio.

“Following the success and increasing levels of positive customer engagement of the On-the-go TV screens installed at many of our key petrol sites, we have made the decision to increase the penetration of digital screens across our Australian network,” said EG National Marketing Manager Ashley Smith. “The units compel our customers to watch a video content loop that features ads as well as news, weather and a movie of the week, of which our customers lock eyes on during their 2-4 minute dwell time at the pump,” added Smith. VMO On-the-go is Australia’s largest outdoor TV network. With over 3,500 screens across 600 locations, the network reaches an audience of over 3.5 million Aussies weekly.

EVA+ brings online all 200 charging stations in Italy and Austria All of the 200 fast charging stations of 50kW each installed as part of the EVA+ project have gone on line, providing 400 charging points to customers on the main long-distance roads of Italy and Austria.

SMATRICS, customers of the two companies will be able to access EVA+ charging points and the respective national charging networks without restrictions or territorial limits in the two countries.

The EVA+ charging infrastructure in Italy was entirely developed and installed by Enel X, and with a capacity of up to 50kW, they allow for two vehicles to be charged at the same time in about 30 minutes. Each station is compatible with all models of electric cars currently on the market and complies with international standards in the field of e-mobility: CCS, CHAdeMO and Type 2.

EVA+, or Electric Vehicles Arteries, is the European project for the development of electric mobility launched in 2016. It provided for the installation within three years of 200 fast charging stations, of which 180 are in Italy and 20 in Austria, along the long-distance extra-urban roads of the two countries. The programme, cofinanced by the European Commission under the “Connecting Europe Facility”, saw the collaboration of Enel as coordinator with main Austrian utility Verbund, with the country’s leading operator of charging networks, SMATRICS and some of the major automotive brands in the world such as Renault, Nissan, BMW Group and Volkswagen Group Italia, with the Volkswagen and Audi brands.

The EVA+ fast charging stations are part of an extensive network in Italy and Austria that allows drivers to travel from Sicily to Austria in their electric cars with only short stops and no fear of running out of power. Through the recent interoperability agreement between Enel X and 54

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WOQOD opens new station in Qatar WOQOD, The Qatar-based oil company now has 87 sites in the country. Qatar Fuel WOQOD opened Umm Garn Petrol Station, raising its network of various petrol stations to 87. Umm Garn Petrol Station is spread over an area of 9,600 square meters and has 3 lanes with 9 dispensers. The new fuel station offers round-the-clock services to residents, and include Sidra convenience store, manual car wash, oil change and tyre repair, and sale of LPG cylinders, in addition to

sale of gasoline and diesel products for light vehicles. WOQOD is currently overseeing the implementation of 24 new petrol stations, of which most will be operational within the year 2019. “As part of its strategic expansion plan, WOQOD is targeting the achievement of a total of 114 fuel stations by the end of 2020,” announced WOQOD’s Managing Director & CEO, Saad Rashid Al Muhannadi.

Argentina opens the first LPG and gas fueling site The fifth SIFER GAS liquefied gas refueling station aims to promote the integration of new clean fuels between different Argentinian provinces. SIFER GAS has inaugurated in the Province of San Juan its fifth liquefied gas refueling station in Argentina. This extends the project for a future green corridor passing through more than four provinces bordering other countries, according to Surtidores.com.ar. After more than a year and a half of construction, the service

station will be operated by the OPEM Group in collaboration with the Argentine businessman Raúl Persoaglia, who seeks to adapt its traditional network of service stations with the introduction of new LPG dispensers. The region of Cuyo is now preparing to develop a new industry related to LPG through the installation of equipment. Recently, the fourth LPG station was launched in the town of Saenz Peña, in Chaco. After the opening of the service station in the Province of San Juan, there are 5 gas stations that offer this fuel in different areas of Chaco, San Juan, Corrientes and Formosa.

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First hydrogen site to open The first hydrogen filling stations in Bulgaria to be operational by next year. Draft regulations also envisage that the number of sites could reach 50 by 2030. The first refueling stations for charging cars powered by hydrogen should be built in Bulgaria by the end of next year, the press Centre of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works (MRDPW) of Bulgaria recently announced. The special ordinance draft also plans to expand the national network up to 50 sites by the end of 2030.

European evaluations show that Bulgaria currently lacks the appropriate economic means for the development of an alternative fuel infrastructure, such as for the construction of hydrogen refueling stations. The latest EU regulation agreeing on binding targets for the share of renewable energy in the transport fuels and for reducing the carbon dioxide emissions, however, is putting pressure on Bulgaria to catch up with their EU neighbours on the use of alternative fuels.

The draft regulation was developed by experts of the Ministry of Regional Development and Public Works with several other Ministries involved.

The draft document that lays down the development of the first hydrogen filling stations in Bulgaria is available for public consultation on the Public Consultation Portal and on the MRDPW website.

Petrol station worker injured in hit and run Peoria County, Illinois A 40-year-old man was in a serious condition after a hit-and-run at the Freedom Gas station on Farmington Road at Peoria County. Peoria County Sheriff, Brian Asbell, said a gas station attendant noticed someone trying to steal gasoline. When the attendant

stepped in front of the car to stop them, the car just kept going, hitting the man. Asbell said it happened around 9:30pm. The only vehicle description police had was the suspect appeared to be driving a grey or silver sedan type car. Asbell also said the victim is in the hospital with a skull fracture and bleeding on the brain.

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U-Haul filling propane tanks for autogas vehicles in Wyoming The site also carries a wide selection of propane, grilling and tailgating accessories. U-Haul is now supplying propane for autogas vehicles and cylinders of all sizes at U-Haul Moving & Storage of Casper, the first company-owned store in Wyoming to offer propane. “U-Haul is leading the way in sustainable solutions, and we’re excited to bring clean-burning fuel to Wyoming,” stated John

Barnett, U-Haul propane program manager. “Propane is a big part of our business. We’re now able to meet the needs of the Casper community. “U-Haul is happy to champion alternative fuel and the growing autogas industry, one city at a time,” Barnett added. Since 1945, U-Haul has been a leader for do-it-yourself movers, with a network of 22,000 locations across all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces.

Circle K site goes full electric in Norway The service station in Oslo changes all gas pumps for electric chargers. Circle K at Aleksander Kielland’s place in Oslo have changed all gas pumps with electric chargers, becoming the first gas station in the world going full electric, reports Vårt Oslo. The location is the only one of Circle K’s 16,000 petrol stations international network to replace all gas pumps with EV chargers. “We have never done this before. There are fierce battles over the square meters at gas stations, and the gas pumps still deliver the core products and drive most of the traffic to our stations,” says

Circle K’s Sverre Rosén in a company press release. “But now there is a development in Norway. Fast charging is in high demand and there is a growing customer segment. It is nice to be a pioneer for the whole world in this way,” says Rosén. “We’re in a new era. It is an historic milestone that the gas station chains replace fossil fuel pumps with electric chargers. We congratulate Circle K for investing in electric cars,” says Electric Car Association (Elbilforeningen) Transformation and Secretary General, Christina Bu.

Press Releases Dover Fueling Solutions announces collaboration with ChargePoint for electric vehicle charging AUSTIN, TEXAS – October 2, 2019 – Dover Fueling Solutions (“DFS”), a part of Dover Corporation that delivers advanced fuel dispensing equipment, electronic systems and payment, fleet systems, automatic tank gauging and wetstock management, is pleased to announce an agreement with ChargePoint to bring electric vehicle (EV) chargers to retail and commercial locations in North America. The collaboration will add DC fast chargers, Level 2 (L2) AC chargers and fleet chargers to DFS’ product portfolio in North America. ChargePoint is the world’s largest EV charging network, having recently announced that it has surpassed 100,000 places to charge across its global network. With charging solutions across every category where EV charging is required, ChargePoint has a fully integrated portfolio of hardware, cloud services, and service and support plans, with solutions for residential, workplaces, retailers, fleets and beyond. With more than a decade of experience, ChargePoint is committed to making it easy for businesses and drivers to go electric. 58

DFS’ position in the retail fueling industry, together with ChargePoint’s expertise in EV charging, makes this new collaboration an ideal match, and one that will offer substantial benefit to the North American market. “As the transition to electric mobility continues to accelerate, partnerships with companies like DFS are key to expanding access to charging and enabling businesses across industries to be part of the build out of the future fueling network,” said Scott Miller, Vice President of Global Sales Operations and Channel, ChargePoint. “As a leader in the industry, DFS is well positioned to play a significant role in the shift to electric mobility and we are confident that this collaboration will bring tremendous value to the fueling and convenience retail market in North America.” “We are thrilled to work alongside ChargePoint to present our North American customers the option to add electric charging stations to their forecourts,” noted DFS Vice President and General Manager of North America, Kendra Keller. “As part of our

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Press Releases commitment to enabling the evolution of consumer experience in fueling and convenience retail, DFS is always exploring new avenues for alternative energy provision, so this strategic partnership with ChargePoint is a logical and exciting step forward in that aim.” For more information about DFS products and solutions, visit www.doverfuelingsolutions.com. To learn more about ChargePoint, visit www.chargepoint.com.

Do you talk to your customers about fuel hygiene? Fuel and Lubrication equipment supplier Hytek has been urging distributors to talk to their customers about their on-site fuel hygiene regimen. Cases of equipment being damaged by fuel suffering from “Diesel Bug” have been increasing as users fail to monitor their stocks for microbial growth. Stored diesel and gasoil can become contaminated in a variety of ways depending on the conditions and their frequency of use. In older tanks it is not unusual to see particles collecting in the lower third of a tank, either from degraded tank walls or from debris being introduced when refuelling or emptying. When fuel is left to stand for longer periods, for example in backup tanks or bulk storage tanks, microbial growth presents the largest dangers. Installers can help by advising their customers on the ways to keep fuel in good condition, including the use of recirculation kits and fuel conditioners.

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Press Releases From its lab in Hertfordshire Hytek’s fuel testing service has seen some of the best and worst cases of fuel contamination – with some samples appearing more like sludge than pure diesel. The testing carried out by Hytek is an Adenosine Triphosphate variant which provides the highest levels of accuracy when the sample is tested within 48 hours of extraction. To achieve this Hytek supplies a sample pack, and organises a courier to collect the sample from the testing site and bring it back to the lab for accurate results. When fuels are required to stand still by circumstance, they can be effectively cared for by simply recirculating the tank contents frequently. This frequent “churn” prevents the colonies of bacteria from gaining a foothold, thus preventing their growth. Hytek’s recirculation kits also include water particle filters and prefilter conditioners that will prevent microbial growth. For smaller day tanks a basic recirculation kit will suffice – Hytek’s RKDT comes with a 100 micron particle filter that will capture debris and a prefilter fuel conditioner which will prevent microbial growth. On generator day tanks of up to 1,000 litres this equipment should be enough to dramatically extend the life of stored fuels.

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Press Releases

In larger tanks more robust solutions are required. Hytek recommends cycling the entire contents of a tank 1.5 times in 28 days to maintain fuel hygiene – something like the Hytek Standard (RK) or Advanced Kit (RKA) would be better suited to the job. These kits can be fitted with finer 2 micron filters, ensuring the maximum purity of the fuel being delivered to the end users’ equipment, whether that is a boiler or generator. When speaking with customers it is important to emphasise that good fuel hygiene is more than just about looking after their existing fuel stock. It’s about protecting their equipment from the damage caused by contaminated fuel, and it’s about making sure that good quality fuel is ready when the need arises. Yearly fuel testing is incredibly important in scenarios where fuel is providing a back-up, as in the case of hospital generators – when proper operation is not just desired, it is required. If you need help recommending fuel hygiene equipment to your customers, Hytek’s Chris Barton, Senior Technical Sales Advisor, can help you to choose equipment and set out a proper longterm testing regimen for your customer. You can speak Hytek on +44 (0)1279 815 600 or email sales@hytekgb.com. APEA tel/fax 0345 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Press Releases

A Cumbrian forecourt has become the first in the UK to display a new site compliance window sticker Leanne Fleming, assistant manager, Spar Milnthorpe said: “Our new window badge is like the forecourt equivalent of a food hygiene rating sticker on a restaurant or takeaway and it gives our customers the confidence that we are a compliant site. “We are proud of the hard work and achievements of our staff team, who will continue to make a visit to our site a safe and enjoyable one.” Neil Simms, Health & Safety Manager, Suresite Group, said: “Our new window sticker scheme will reward forecourts that achieve good scores on their compliance audits. This demonstrates the operators’ commitment to ensuring the safety of staff, contractors and customers that visit that site.

Spar Milnthorpe was awarded the badge of honour by H&S experts Suresite Group after a positive forecourt compliance audit in August. Sites achieving an audit score of at least 80 percent receive a blue site compliance window sticker whilst those scoring 95 percent and above are entitled to display a ‘gold standard’ accreditation. Each sticker is dated and lasts for 12 months from the time of the inspection. The blue sticker reads ‘achieved high standard of forecourt compliance’ whilst the gold states ‘achieved gold standard of forecourt compliance’.

“With their blue or gold badge on display, all visitors to the site will know that health & safety is a top consideration, which should give them greater confidence in the operator’s diligence and attitude when it comes to health and safety.” Window badges are awarded at the assessors’ discretion and sites will be required to demonstrate they are committed to continual improvement. Suresite Group has been the leading provider of DSEAR risk assessments in the retail petroleum industry since its foundation in 1994. Its UK and Irish Republic network of assessors ensures adherence to all legislation, as well as best practices under the APEA ‘Blue Book’.

HTEC further strengthens sales team HTEC, a leading developer and supplier of point of sale, payment and loyalty systems is excited to announce that they have further strengthened their sales team with an additional hire. Vinod Raval joins the team as Business Development Manager tasked with selling ab-initio, the class-leading true real time ‘end to end’ RMS solution. With current challenges facing retail, the abinitio solution has many unique features which allow users to better manage multi-channel operations, reduce costs and increase profits. Approximately 14,000 users log into ab-initio every day to manage their retail and wholesale businesses and the platform has successfully processed over 38 billion transactions since its deployment. Vinod is tasked with developing this business further and exploring new opportunities for ab-initio. Having worked with a variety of well-known retailers, brands and partners like IBM, Vinod has used his well-honed, forward thinking, tried and tested skill-set to help customers drive down operational costs and make their businesses work more efficiently. Vinod has considerable aftersales and account management experience and uses these skills to become the client’s first port of call as a ‘trusted adviser’. Vinod said, “I am a specialist in selling ‘end to end’ ERP/MMS/EPOS and total solutions having done so over the past 35 years. I am thrilled to join HTEC at an exciting time to add my 62

considerable vertical market experience, knowledge and skill-set to develop new business within the grocery, convenience and wholesale marketplace” David Mackay, HTEC CSO commented “It’s great to see the continued growth of the HTEC sales team with Vinod’s skills and expertise offering the perfect fit for our ab-initio solution. We are pleased to welcome Vinod to the team.” For more information about HTEC visit www.htec.co.uk.

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Press Releases

LCM appoints Head of Innovation and Engineering LCM is delighted to welcome Tom Berry to LCM as our Head of Innovation and Engineering. Tom is no stranger to the company. Until June this year he worked as an Associate employed by the University of Southampton working within LCM on a Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) we jointly initiated over 30 months ago. Since then he has been on a long break in the Far East. During the KTP a prototype was produced. Tom’s primary role is to take this into production as a finished product. He will also look at some of LCM’s existing products and see how they can be improved. He will also liaise with Innovate UK on a second KTP application to go forward early in 2020. Having graduated in Chemical and Energy Engineering from University of Leeds he then worked as a design engineer in oil burner systems and particularly worked on projects to improve fuel flow into marine engines in order to reduce emissions. LCM represents a great opportunity to develop further his knowledge of fuels, how they are used and how we can manage them better to reduce emissions whilst meeting the design specification of modern low emission engines. Mark Orr, Managing Director, LCM Environmental commented; “It’s great to have Tom back after his well-earned break and in the

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Press Releases heart of the management team. If ever fuel management needed innovation it is now. As an innovative company LCM has a number of ideas that we wish to bring to market following our successful KTP with the University of Southampton. Tom will bring leadership to these projects and reduce the time taken to deliver them to market.”

Tom Berry, Head of Innovation and Engineering, LCM Environmental commented; “I loved my break but am delighted to be back and in my new role. There is a lot to get my teeth into and I am looking forward to bringing some of our ideas to market. It’s also going to be exciting to work with my colleagues and improve the products LCM already has.’’

HTEC celebrates 40th anniversary HTEC, a leading developer and supplier of point of sale, payment and loyalty systems is proud to announce that they are celebrating their 40th anniversary in 2019. From small beginnings in 1979, HTEC has risen to become an industry leader with more than 250 employees. HTEC is wholly owned by Universe Group plc. Starting as High Technology Electronics Ltd they designed their own S-100 computer model, created for British Telecom and other large companies such as Mecca. The company was renamed HTEC in 1988 and started working with NCR in 1989 to develop an EFT terminal which offered the precursor technology to create the HTEC loyalty terminal. 1991 saw the growth of their work within the forecourt industry

with their loyalty solutions expanding into Total Oil and Mobil Oil, as well as retail expansion into Argos. This growth continued in 1993 when HTEC purchased a petrol station till system and their loyalty solutions spread throughout Europe, US and Canada. Through hard work and dedication, HTEC were able to develop and refine point of sale systems and become a leading provider of EPOS throughout the UK and Europe. With the continued support of their staff and customers, HTEC have provided innovative solutions since the company’s inception. Another milestone occurred in April 2019 when Celtech Software Group, a developer of retail and wholesale management solutions based in Dublin, joined the Universe Group. Celtech’s ab-initio

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software product is a class-leading, cloud-based offering that gives large, multi-site operators a uniquely powerful modular suite operating in true real-time and allowing them to control all aspects of their business with full reporting, insights and analytics. Jeremy Lewis, CEO of Universe Group plc commented “We are delighted to have reached this milestone, especially in such a

competitive market, and we would like to say thank you to our valued customers and staff for making the last 40 years so successful. These are exciting times for the group, especially since Celtech joined the family. We look forward to continuing to provide our customers with innovative solutions, best-of-breed customer care and are looking forward to a bright future.” For more information about HTEC visit www.htec.co.uk.

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Press Releases

A&G achieves ISO 9001 Quality Management accreditation APEA member, A&G Group, has achieved ISO 9001:2015 Quality Management accreditation, an internationally recognised standard that ensures that their products and services meet the needs of their clients through an effective quality management system. Managing Director, Laurence O’Neill says, “We were pleased to learn at our initial assessment that we were already doing many of the things required, but to have everything documented with a clear path for analysis and evaluation of our products and services will help us continue to improve our offering to our customers. I am delighted to have achieved the accreditation and to be able to demonstrate our team’s commitment to providing a high-quality service, strong customer and supplier relationships, and a

consistently good experience with us.” A&G undertake all fuel and EV charging related services - from installations, decommissions, repairs and PPM, to electrical testing and inspection. They provide a lot of subcontracting cover in the South West for other companies in the industry and are happy to manage whole projects or to work with your other preferred suppliers. With a range of skills in the engineering team, including pipefitters and CompEx electricians, they can assist with a variety of jobs, bringing professionalism and experience to the project. Contact the office on 01579 344503 or info@aggroupltd.co.uk for more information.

PLX One-Weld transitions now available Durapipe UK is enhancing its specialist fuel conveyance pipe system, PLX, with a collection of ‘one-weld’ transition fittings for its Close-Fit pipework range, aiding the installation process for installers, contractors and end users. Introduced to simplify the multiple steps currently required to weld transitions, the one-weld transitions allow the installer to half the number of welds required at the end of a pipe run, making significant savings on installation time and costs. The transitions are now available in sizes 32#40mm and 63#75mm, in a choice of passivated mild steel or stainless steel. The transition fittings utilise innovative ‘oneweld’ technology to ensure that a continuous secondary contained system is installed, by welding the inner and outer pipes in a secondary contained system simultaneously. Ideal for time critical projects, the transitions enhance the CloseFit PLX range and are suitable for a wide variety of fuel transfer applications in sectors including data centres, hospitals, forecourts and water treatment plants. Commenting on the introduction of the fittings, Rich Pedley, PLX Product Manager, said: “We are always looking to make the installation of our PLX system as simple as possible for customers and these transitions have been developed with the installer in mind. “The one-weld technology significantly reduces installation time, which is not only an advantage for the installer, but the end user will also benefit from the subsequent cost savings. We have received a lot of enquiries for these transitions and now that they 66

are available we are expecting them to be a popular addition to the range.” Durapipe PLX is a below ground pipework product range that consists of both single wall and dual contained pipe and fittings and is purpose-designed for the safe transfer of liquid fuels and their vapours. Providing exceptional resistance to rapid crack propagation and long term stress cracking, PLX comprises a protective liner, which increases permeation resistance against many types of fuel blends ensuring there is no permeation of fuel through the pipe wall into the environment. For further information on Durapipe PLX or any other products within the Durapipe UK portfolio please call 01543 279909 or log onto www.durapipe.co.uk.

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Branches

Branches Yorkshire & Humberside Yorkshire & Humberside APEA branch meeting, held at the Doncaster Air Museum on the morning of Wednesday the 17th of July. The AGM and branch meeting for Yorkshire and Humberside took place at the Doncaster Air Museum with 19 delegates attending. Speakers were arranged to give presentations to the branch members. The presentations were from Abfad, Cameron Forecourt, PetroAssist and Global-MSI. At the AGM the flowing committee members were elected by the branch: Branch Rep – Andy Kennedy Treasurer – Dave parker Chairman – David Wall Secretary – Terry Guthrie Committee – Chris Temple

After the AGM meeting the presentations took place with the following presentations: Chris Haritou from Adfab gave a very interesting presentation on protecting petroleum storage tanks using Fuelvac, a solvent free double skin lining system. It has a class 1 vacuum leak detection monitoring system and prevents corrosion to steel tanks due to the solvent free coating. The system has a 20-year extendable life (re-coating). Being solvent-free there is less risk to operatives and a faster process to install over most systems. The layers of lining have a substrate layer in between allowing vacuum monitoring of the whole tank. They have tanks that are re-lined successfully and in use since 2006 and all coatings are resistant to current and future biofuels. Doreen Pooley, Senior Engineer at Cameron Forecourt, then delivered a presentation on “The Engine Testbed Challenge”. It endeavoured to explain the challenges presented to companies working with this kind of industrial fuelling client. She explained

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Branches

the purpose of engine testbeds and the difficulty of finding appropriate legislation and guidance in amongst all that is available for filling stations. This is added to by the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations being subject to interpretation by PELG and the HSE. Doreen was able to give us some specific examples of the kind of fuelling layout that you find at testbed facilities and discussed the approach to carrying out a DSEAR Risk Assessment - including zoning within the cluttered test bed rooms. She also highlighted some of the pitfalls of having an assessment carried out by specialists in other areas (e.g. a COMAH Consultant) when they don’t necessarily have a background in fuelling. Ridwan Patel’s PetroAssist presentation was based on the company and its setup where products and services were discussed. Ridwan explained the family structure and how Petro-Assist fits in with the worldwide Dover portfolio including service and the UK sales of PetroTec and Wayne dispensers. It was very interesting to see how the dispenser market is changing and developing with the recent mergers and takeovers. The merits of the various products supplied by PetroAssist

Chris Haritou

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Branches

Doreen Pooley

Ridwan Patel

were discussed including forecourt dispensers, pay at pump and forecourt control. Time was available before lunch, so Andy Kennedy stepped up to give a presentation on forecourt canopies. This included the history of Global-MSI and how they became the market leaders in forecourt structures, the various designs of forecourt canopies and installation techniques. Some canopy problems were also highlighted either due to their construction, maintenance or damage. The biggest issue being lack of maintenance leading to corrosion and, in some cases, catastrophic failures. The meeting closed for lunch, networking and free entry to the Air Museum. 70

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Branches

Southern APEA Southern Branch Meeting – at The Forecourt Roadshow, Westpoint Centre, Exeter on 19th September 2019 The Southern Branch recently held another mini meeting during The Forecourt Roadshow near Exeter. The event was very well received last year and we felt a repeat meeting would be appreciated by members, especially those based in the south west. Virtually all the Local Authorities in the south west were represented at the meeting along with members from industry and retailers. We enjoyed two main presentations before attending the PRA presentations and visiting the exhibition.

The main presentation of the morning was actually requested by a Branch member in the south west. Chris Ramshaw of Hatt UK spoke on Tank Testing; The Methods and Standards relevant to Retail and Non Retail Applications. Chris outlined the history and methodology relating to tank testing. He explained current thinking and the tank test options currently available. He subsequently dealt with a number of questions at the end of his presentation from Regulators and Contractors alike. His presentation was very well received, being excellent in terms of content and of relevance to those attending.

Phil Monger, the Branch Chairman, welcomed members to the meeting and thanked all those who had completed the recent questionnaire sent out by the branch. We were delighted to receive so many responses, and the results gained will be used to provide meeting topics tailored to the requirements of Branch members.

This meeting alongside The Forecourt Roadshow is set to become a regular fixture on the Southern Branch calendar, as it provides a valuable link to those members in the south west who are unable to attend meetings further away in our large geographical area, with the added bonus of attending the full Forecourt Roadshow.

Ray Blake then took to the podium to present an update on legislation and matters currently being dealt with by the Petrol Enforcement Liaison Group, many of which are relevant to those attending and useful to try to ensure uniformity of approach by Regulators.

For any queries relation to future Branch meetings, please drop me an email at davidsommers@apea.org.uk. David Sommers Southern Branch Secretary

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Training

Training Training course dates 2020 Petrol Filling Stations - Enforcement Procedures An Awareness 15 April Manchester Airport 14 September Stansted Airport

3 Day Combined Petrol Filling Stations – Construction, Audit and Inspection Course 7 - 9 April Manchester Airport 22 - 24 June Solihull 7 - 9 September Stansted Airport

Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 20 April Manchester Airport 28 September Stansted Airport

Electrical Installations - An Awareness 5 March Manchester Airport 24 Sept Swindon

Petrol Filling Station courses on request Vapour Recovery Installations Leak Investigation Petroleum Officers, Audit and Inspection Workshop

Safe Installation and Use of LPG 15 September Stansted Airport

Please contact the APEA office for a quotation for a bespoke course at admin@apea.org.uk

Wetstock Management 9 April Manchester Airport 18 September Stansted Airport DSEAR 23 April 21 Sept

Manchester Airport Stansted Airport

Course Fees 3 day course with accommodation 3 day, day delegate rate 1 day course

APEA Member £1020.00 £810.00 £260.00

Non member £1120.00 £910.00 £310.00

More information and booking details on the “Training” page at www.apea.org.uk Anyone booking a training course that is not an APEA member will automatically receive complimentary “Individual” membership to the APEA for one year.

Courses will be designed around the (4th edition) Blue Book Guidance for the Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations (May 2018). A hard copy and a pdf version of the 4th Edition is available from the Publications page of the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk The hard copy is £75.00 (no vat) to APEA Members and £150.00 (no vat) to non APEA members. The pdf version is the same price but with VAT added. The pdf version can be purchased with a licence for individual use and cannot be shared or printed. It is strongly recommended that attendees have access to this document during courses. For details of this and any other training enquiry, please contact: Jane Mardell - APEA Business Manager email: admin@apea.org.uk Tel: + 44 (0) 345 603 5507 or Thomas Daly (Chairman of Training Committee) T el: +353 876899281/+353 876899281 or email: thomasdaly@apea.org.uk 72

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Training

Delegates from the North East Branch DSEAR training course

Delegates from the 3 day Combined Audit and Inspection course in Ireland on 2nd September

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