Editorial

of Engineering Technology is adhered to. Other guidance is also available, and again should be followed to ensure a safe install and operation.

Brian Humm Editor

Welcome to you all to this sparkling new edition of the APEA 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, in between sunshine, spring has arrived and the lighter evenings leading into summer are upon us; I believe that people are happier at this time of year, well certainly me anyway.

This edition has a look at the history of filling stations in an article produced by Jamie Thompson, a great read if you are a petrol head like me. The older filling stations, to my mind, are fascinating. During my tenure within the London Fire Brigade I was fortunate enough to look after the oldest filling station in London, unfortunately now closed, which was built in 1922 and was still being operated by the same family. Originally a stable for coach and horse stops it was converted to a petrol station when the horseless carriage started to become popular! Also in this edition is a letter that I received from a petroleum officer in Wales, Aneurin Lewis, with photographs attached of an interesting site in his area. Many thanks Aneurin, really appreciated. If members have anything interesting to share then please send it in, it will be published, and this sort of news/article is always appreciated and well received by our readers.

Work on the revision of the Blue Book is underway; members might be surprised at the amount of work involved in the review. Each chapter has its own allocated working group and discussions around the text and alterations required can, at times, be lengthy, bearing in mind that the Blue Book is used by our overseas members as well. We have to ensure that the guidance is appropriate and current; with the emergence of new fuels and electrically powered vehicles coming on leaps and bounds, it certainly has been a sharp learning curve, especially with the speed of new EV installs being undertaken by oil companies and filling station owners. This will only increase in time, and I sincerely hope that the guidance produced jointly by the APEA and the Institute

Being part of the Blue Book review team and obviously editor of this publication, I have a platform on which to address the members of the groups and say a sincere thank you for all the input that you have given to the review. The knowledge and expertise is truly remarkable. Once the new edition is available members will be notified of the release date so watch this space!

The APEA online training has been doing well. As mentioned the HSE through PELG has agreed that the online courses and the combination of the 3 day audit and 2 day electrical awareness course, once completed, can be a foundation into becoming a petroleum officer/inspector, something that has been lacking in recent years. If you look at the Health and Safety at Work etc Act it is an offence for an employer (Fire Service/Council etc.) to appoint a person as an inspector that cannot prove competence. This unfortunately has been happening for quite some time now, at no fault of the inspectors given the role, but it can now be addressed with the APEA courses. Why not have a look online and see if there is something that may interest you.

Having just completed the 3 day audit course, to 15 delegates, at Manchester Airport, it was well received and it was a nice eclectic mix of people including petroleum officers, contractors and site operators. Two days of intensive classwork culminates in a physical audit of a petrol filling station, which ensures that the classroom sessions can be explained and shown ‘live’ and everyone agrees that this enhances the learning process. At this point I would like to sincerely thank Jeff Simms, lead petrol specialist at Sainsbury’s supermarkets for his assistance in allowing the Association the use of one of the Sainsbury’s forecourts near the training venue. Cheers Jeff, appreciated.

APEA Live is also creeping up on us. Once again the event will be held at the Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes Dons Stadium on Thursday 16th November 2023. The must-go-to event in this industry, ever evolving and improving with great expert speakers, workshop area and extended break out areas for networking. Culminating in the APEA awards dinner, the dinner is always well attended, and the prestigious awards well received. Why not consider entering an award this year? Easy to enter online and you can save the entry and complete it at your leisure, you never know, this might be your year!

Must dash now, pressing work engagement. I must lastly say thank you to Jane for her production of this magazine and Jamie for his articles that are always welcome. Until next time…