NEWS
The new Texaco image is part of the company’s Shining Star programme which aims to build on the strengths of Texaco’s 90 year heritage in Europe and cement Texaco’s reputation as a premium brand. This improvement in the service station image is part of a comprehensive programme which includes investment in the company’s facilities and fuels supported by an integrated marketing campaign. In addition, enhancements have been made to the support package offered to independent Texaco retailers to help them to meet the needs of their local customers. Brian Worrall, UK Country Chairman for Chevron said: “With our refinery in Pembroke, fuel terminal in Cardiff, and more than 130 Texaco service stations and fuel distributors in Wales, we are one of the largest private sector employers in the Principality and so it made sense that Cardiff would be one of the key locations for the launch of our new Texaco site image.” Already the refreshed look of the sites is going down well with customers who appreciate the clearer signage and brighter lighting. Kurt Williams, owner of the Texaco St Mellons Service Station on Newport Road said: “We’ve had a lot of people comment positively on the new look for our site and there’s definitely been an increase in customers since we introduced the new brand image.”
UK, Vintage Petrol Pump – Thos. Furber & Co. Ltd, Harborne, Birmingham. Thos. Furber & Co. Ltd is a long established funeral directors in Birmingham. The company moved to its present location in Station Road, Harborne, Birmingham in 1930 when it vacated its previous premises from which hearses were horse drawn. Thos. Furber’s fleet of Rolls Royce funeral cars were fuelled up using a hand pump which had been bought second hand from Bristol Street Motors of Birmingham. The Chairman and Managing Director, Mrs. Audrey Furber, stated that the petrol pump has been in place 20
since the relocation in 1930 but its original construction probably dates back to the late 1920’s. The pump is still in regular use to fuel the current fleet. Pictured with the pump is Mr. David Yardley of Thos. Furber & Co. Ltd.
UK, Changes to British Standard for Commissioning and Maintenance of Portable Fire Extinguishers Revision to the British Standard BS 5306 Part 3:2009 have recently been published. The standard stipulates that the “Responsible Person” under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 must ensure that only Competent Persons conduct work on fire extinguishers. The quality assured certification for this is under the British Approvals for Fire Equipment (BAFE) under ST104 scheme. The Responsible Person is now responsible for identifying any material alterations that may lead to a review of the type, size and number of units necessary to provide adequate coverage. The interval for a basic service has been changed to reflect the fact that it is not always possible to service extinguishers exactly at 12 month intervals from the previous service so an allowance of one month either side is now permissible. The arrangements for discharge
tests have also been amended to 6 years from the date of manufacture for water, water based and powder extinguishers. The standard also verifies that plastic head caps are to be replaced on the extended service (every 6 years from manufacture) and before reassembly, if it has been painted or Ultra Violet degradation has taken place. Labelling has been changed to ensure that the service provider does not block out any previous markings and have the full postal address of the Service Provider. Any Maintenance Report must include details for the provision of permanent replacements for condemned or missing extinguishers, or those that have not been maintained. The report should also carry advice if coverage in the building needs improving by the Service Technician. The certificate of inspection should include; • Name, full address and telephone number of the Service Company • Date of Inspection • Service Technician’s ID • List of all Extinguishers serviced and those that do not conform • Signature Person
of
the
Responsible
• Statement advising that the service has been carried out in accordance with BS 5306 Part 3 – 2009 The standard also provides guidance on extinguishers manufactured before 2002. If they do not have the CE marking they should be condemned as they do not comply to UK law. However, if they have been refurbished this does not apply. Extinguishers manufactured older than to BS EN 3; 1997 are acceptable provided they are serviceable and are marked with a fire rating.
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
