The Bulletin Magazine - March 2015

The Bulletin

Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

March 2015

Chairman’s Report

4

Brian Baker

Editor’s Report

4

Editor

Bulletin Information

7

General APEA Information

8

Business Manager’s Report

8

Brian Baker & Associates Fire and Petroleum Safety

New APEA Members

11

2016 Yearbook - How to Enter your details

12

2015 Membership Renewal -Final notice

15

News

15

Press Releases

35

Services 52 Milton Grove Bletchley Milton Keynes MK3 5BH Tel: +44 (0) 1908 377127 Mobile: +44 (0) 7798 765958 email: Bakerb4@sky.com

Louise Morgan

Articles The Euro 6 Exhaust Standard and the Impact on the Retail Forecourt industry

42

Misfuelling Motor Vehicles

44

The Regulatory Development Needs Analysis (RDNA) for Petroleum Officers

47

Introducing the APEA Charity for the Year - Action for Children

48

APEA Live 2015, Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner

50

Ethanol Coalescing Filter, Revolutionising Pollution Risk on Forecourts

52

Unmanned Entry Tank Lining Development

54

Ask The Experts

56

Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Draft guidance on the Regulations

59

Interview with Ken Wilcox of Ken Wilcox Associates

60

Branches Branch reports

66

Chairman of Publishing Committee

Wash Farm Office Rainford Road Bickerstaffe Ormskirk Lancashire L39 0HB Tel/fax: +44 (0) 845 678 0790 Mobile: +44 (0) 7789 744281 email: louisemorgan@petrocom.co.uk

Jane Mardell Business Manager PO Box 106 Saffron Walden

Training Cyprus training course for Hellenic Petroleum 2015 course dates and booking details NB. The technical content is not an official endorsement by or on behalf of the APEA and are entirely the views of the author’s

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Essex CB11 3XT Tel/fax: +44 (0) 845 603 5507 Mobile: +44 (0) 7815 055514 email: admin@apea.org.uk

Find us on LinkedIn

Front Cover - APEA Training Course for Hellenic Petroleum - delegates on a site visit in Nicosia

Published by the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration A company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No. 2261660.

Opinions expressed in this Journal are not necessarily the views of the Association.

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CONTENTS AND EDITORIAL

Petrocom

CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/EDITOR’S REPORT

Hello and welcome to the first edition of The Bulletin in 2015. It is, as always, packed full of current news and stories effecting our industry and many items that we hope you will enjoy. My thanks as always to Brian Baker, our Editor and his dedicated band of people who so diligently produce The Bulletin. They are always keen to receive articles or stories for publication. If you have anything that you wish to share, particularly something technical, please send it in. These can range from good news stories to articles about problems and how you overcame them.

At our annual conference I stated my view that we are a wonderfully diverse industry and we should never take this for granted. The variety of people, companies, skillsets and expertise all coming together to deliver the objective of selling explosive product to the public in a safe manner is very impressive. In my day job I work as a Health and Safety professional and investigating incidents and what caused them is part of my role.

Unfortunately far too often when you investigate an incident that resulted in injury or damage and you talk to other people you hear how something similar happened elsewhere. It is so much more beneficial to hear about a potential issue and hopefully resolve it before anything goes wrong. Hence why I am so keen to see people send in articles after something has happened in order for us to learn from the outcomes.

The best way for any association to work is with the active involvement of its members, the opportunities are there. However no group can stay still, we always need new life coming into our association to keep it fresh and meaningful. With more forecourts diversifying and either becoming a larger retail environment or going in the other extreme and becoming unmanned the trick is enticing the customer with a top quality product and a fast service. Drivers want to get their fuel, grocery or food-to-go and move on as quickly as possible, which also allows for more throughput for the

forecourt. Forecourt retailers, their suppliers and their regulators must keep up-to-date with the latest technology and developments that are introduced to improve customer experience to ensure we deliver these improvements or changes safely. If you are currently a nonmember or you know someone who should be a member, join up and get involved.

If you have any ideas or suggestions you believe could help the association please do not hesitate to contact me at Killiantallon@apea.org.uk.

Welcome to our first edition of the Bulletin for 2015 and I hope your year has started prosperously. It is hard to predict what our industry will be doing in the year ahead but there seems a general shift in downstream oil companies reducing their presence in the retail sector giving rise for the Independents and Franchisees more opportunity to make their business pay its way.

With oil prices dropping rapidly towards the end of last year it is hoped this may see a return to more opportunities and increased turnovers!

Recently putting on my Fire & Rescue hat on, I looked at the UK Fire Statistics published in May 2014 for the year ending 31st March 2013, the latest available.

Until I left operational service back in 1992, we were seeing over 1,000 lives per year lost due to fire with some 50% of all fires being attributed to arson.

I was pleasantly surprised to see that the 47 Fire & Rescue Services responded to 487,000 incidents in the latest year to date, down by 23% on the previous year. 192,000 of these were fires in buildings and a further 23,600 were vehicle fires.

Arson was down by 17% to 31% overall which is encouraging.

The issues I have with these statistics are that they record what is lost – not what is saved! Of our 8,000+ petrol filling stations we do not know exactly what, how many and when incidents occur with no mandatory system of reporting fires, explosions, leaks and spillages being in place. That said, how successful are we at evacuating these sites when there is an emergency? What investigation is carried out to establish why an incident was dealt with efficiently?

In my days as an inspecting officer I cannot deny carrying out enforcement action but equally made reference when a job has been well-managed! This can encourage all to strive towards zero incidents and make staff feel valued as we can do with a “pat-on-theback” from time to time to know we are appreciated.

This issue sees another varied submission of articles and I do thank all of those who have taken the time out to submit them. It is valued.

As the editor of this journal I receive numerous news items and over the last couple of years or so I

have seen a significant increase in activity regarding alternative fuels, particularly hydrogen and electric vehicles illustrating their growing use as their manufacture is steadily rising. Whilst it is not for me to speculate I have to admit fossil fuel popularity seems to be reducing.

When you reflect on the pace of technology over the last 30 years, it has been incredible. When I used to type out the watch manning sheets for each shift early in my career, who would have thought we would have mobile phones in our pockets, hundreds of TV programmes and computers on our laps.

I wonder where we will be in 30 years time with our fuel? Until the next edition…

Brian

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APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Bulletin information and how to submit copy for the Bulletin • 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 Baker, 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.

2015 Copy deadline dates Please ensure you send your copy to admin@apea.org.uk before the dates below: June - 27th Mar (posted 15th May) Sept - 12th June (posted 21st Aug) Dec - 28th Sept (posted 4th Dec)

Bulletin Advertising advertising in the annual Yearbook.

If

you

would

like

to

book

2015 Copy deadline dates Please ensure you send your artwork

advertising in the Bulletin, please

to admin@apea.org.uk

email

to

June- 27th Mar (posted 15th May)

admin@apea.org.uk or call the

Sept - 12th June (posted 21st Aug)

office on 0845 603 5507.

Dec - 28th Sept (posted 4th Dec)

your

requirements

Size of advert

Advert in 1 issue exc vat

Advert is 4 issues (includes 25% discount) exc vat

Full page (A4) (10mmw x 297mmh, with 10mm border or with bleed)

£498.00

£1494.00

½ page (185mmw x 125mmh)

£249.00

£747.00

¼ page (90mmw x 125mmh)

£125.00

£375.00

BULLETIN INFORMATION

Discounts are available for booking in more than one issue, please contact Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk for more information.

In addition Bulletin advertisers that book in 4 issues in one year also receive a 50% discount off rates for

3rd Edition of the Guidance for Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations - ‘Blue Book’ (Revised June 2011) ‘Publications’ page. You can select to pay by credit/debit card or by invoice.

Pricing as follows: APEA Member Hard back £70 pdf £70 plus vat

5 - 9 copies = 10% 10 - 49 copies = 20% 50+ copies = 30% To benefit from the APEA member discount you will need to log on to the website before purchasing. If you do not know your log on details

The guide is available in hard copy and also as a pdf download.

If you wish to purchase the guide please go to the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk and click on the

Non APEA Member Hard back £140 Pdf £140 plus vat

you can click on the ‘Member log

Postage is free for orders to the UK and Europe up to a value of £500.00.

For orders over this value and for deliveries to countries outside the UK and Europe, the postage will be calculated when the order is placed.

There are also discounts available for bulk purchases of the hard copy version which will be calculated with your order as follows:

password or you can contact me at

in’ icon on the top right of the page and request your username and admin@apea.org.uk.

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.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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APEA Website The site features: • A resource centre - useful information and links to other web sites and downloadable PDF’s

• An easy to use site search page

• An events calendar – see what is happening in our industry and Association throughout the year

• View your Branch committee contact details (link on the home page)

• A contacts library - contact details for companies and organisations and licensing authorities

GENERAL APEA INFORMATION/BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT

• You can purchase publications – including the 3rd Edition of the Blue Book • View and book training courses for the year

I hope you all had a good Christmas and New Year. I am now working on the June issue of the Bulletin, the 2016 Yearbook and the APEA Awards for 2015. If you have any press releases or technical articles for the Bulletin please do not hesitate to email them to me at admin@apea.org.uk.

2016 Yearbook - Free entry On page 12 of this issue of the Bulletin you will find instructions on how to enter your contact details in the 2016 Yearbook.

Anyone who entered online for the 2015 Yearbook will be able to update their details from this entry.

Please remember that only members that complete the online entry process will be included in the Yearbook. Full instructions on how to be included are detailed on page 12 of this issue.

You can also benefit if you wish to advertise in the Yearbook as follows: • All existing ‘Bulletin’ advertisers booked in 4 issues, receive a 50% discount off the 2016 Yearbook rates • Any advertiser taking out a full page advert in the 2016 Yearbook is entitled to a website banner free of charge on the APEA website for one year • All APEA members are eligible for one free entry in the ‘Petroleum Industry Company’ name listings 8

• Members access to past Bulletin articles on line

As a member of the APEA you have access to some of the restricted content on the site as a benefit of membership. To access this content you will need to log on with your personal details.

Go to the website at www.apea.org.uk and click on the member log on link at the top right of the page. If you wish to change your password or contact details at

any time please click on ‘My Account’ on the top right of the home page.

If you do not know your username and password, please click on ‘Member Login’ on the top right of the home page and you can click to request these details, they will be emailed to the email address you entered when joining the APEA or you can email a request to the APEA office at admin@apea.org.uk.

Website banner Advertising You can now 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.

and one in the ‘Trade Directory section’, please select the relevant Trade Directory heading when registering APEA 2015 Awards now open Deadline 3rd July There is a simple, easy to use online system to submit your entry or entries. Entries are invited from all members and non members of the APEA however big or small your company is.

If you would like to enter any of the awards you can do this online on the APEA website - go to the home page at www.apea.org.uk and click on the link for the awards.

You can enter online or you can download an entry form and email it to me. NB the entry process has been brought forward this year to avoid the holiday period.

2015 Membership Renewals You were sent instructions with the December issue of the Bulletin and by email on how to renew your membership for 2015.

The membership for any member that has not paid by 28th February will be discontinued. You will still be able to renew your membership which you can do by logging onto your online account at www.apea.org.uk.

Further information is on page 15.

Members 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 34 new members joining during October, November and December and details can be found on page 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 0845 603 5507.

Regards Jane

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

October Andrew McLaughlin G McLaughlin Construction 22 Cashel Road Coleriane Londonderry BT51 4PW

Christopher Wallace 81 Reaskmore Road Dungannon Tyrone BT70 1QF

Melissa Morales Pam Brown Associates Limited No 2 Needwood House Lancaster Park Newborough Road Needwoo Burton on Trent Staffs vDE13 9PD

Pavel Pekarek Granatova 558 Prague 154 00 Czech Republic Matt Clayton 53 Dolphin Crescent Paignton Devon TQ3 1AN

Tim O'Donoghue Marina Filling Station Limited Victoria Road Cork Ireland

November Eyad Zaina P.O.Box 2078 Zaid Bin Sahl Street Doha, 2078 Qatar

Gary Sims Gazzign Limited Corbiere House Upper Bourne End Lane Hemel Hempstead Herts HP1 2RN

Nat Turner GPC Clear Solutions Limited Unit 22, Sir Thomas Longley Road Medway City Estate Rochester Kent ME2 4DP

Aidan Doyle Arc Design Consultants 21-22 Great Sutton Street Clerkenwell London EC1V 0DY Nathan Smith Electrical Services & Projects Limited Project House The Drive Worthing West Sussex BN11 5LL Chris Lee SAMD Units 2 & 3, Spurwing Park Capricorn Boulevard North Capricorn Park Muizenberg Cape Town 7945 South Africa Martin Pagett HW Architectural Ltd Birds Royd Lane, Brighouse West Yorkshire HD6 1NG Kirk Main 10 Railway Terrace Kings Langley WD4 8JB

Tom Dant P.U.B Filling Stations Partney Filling Station Partney Spilsby Lincolnshire PE23 4PF

Guy Widdowson GPL Solutions Ltd The Stone Yard Scrubbs Lane Shilton Oxon OX18 4AW Jeff Fowler Alpha Signs UNIT G2, Houndswood Gate Harper Lane Radlett Hertfordshire WD7 7HU Simon Davis Harvest Energy Ltd York House 45 Seymour Street London W1H 7JT Richard Quarmby P & C Advisory Services Ltd 1 Orchard Close Desborough Kettering Northamptonshire NN14 2LR

John Marks 6 Minerva Cresent Beaumont Hills New South Wales 2155 Australia Emma Booth Halton Borough Council Environmental Health 2nd Floor Runcorn Town Hall Heath Road Runcorn Cheshire WA7 5TD Nathan Gibbins PFS Fueltec Ltd Unit 2-3 Wheaton Court Eastern Industrial Estate Witham Essex CM8 3UJ Hamed Abobaker Salah Eldin Building No.104D Flat No:05 Tripoli Libya 2218 Libyan Arab Jamahiriya Crispian Lorford Electrical Management Services Ltd Lowbrook House 117 Feltham Road Ashford Middlesex TW15 1AB Daniel Smith 27 Cae'r Fferm Caerphilly Glamorgan CF83 2QB Wafir Al-Ghabban CEEMA Ltd Willows Rise House 37 Hampton Lane Solihull West Midlands B91 2QD Malcolm Stapleton Babbage Consultants Ltd Level 4 68 Beach Road Auckland 1010 New Zealand Ryan Wong Caldecott Construction Sdn Bhd Lot 1906 Jalan Tun Ahmad Zaidi Adruce Kuching Sarawak 93150 Malaysia

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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NEW APEA MEMBERS

Detailed below are new members that have recently joined the APEA during October, November and December 2014.

NEW APEA MEMBERS/APEA 2016 YEARBOOK - HOW TO ENTER YOUR DETAILS

James Crisp LARC Construction Ltd 14 Salter Close Castle Donnington Derby NW Leicestershire DE74 2XD

December John Hanna Moss Construction NI Ltd 54 Ballymacauley Road Seagahan Armagh BT60 2EZ

David King Four Bay Structures Ltd Unit 3, Barford Industrial Estate Watton Road Barford NorwichNorfolk NR9 4BG

Michalis Heraclides Hellenic Petroleum Cyprus Ltd 3 Ellispontou Strovolos Nicosia 2015 Cyprus

Martin Lucas Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service 146 Bolton Road Swinton Manchester M27 8US

Shaun Mc Carroll Roche Technical Services Ltd 59 Green Street Lane Ayr South Ayrshire KA8 8BE

APEA 2016 Yearbook How to enter your details

Once you have completed your entry, if you wish to make any amendments please contact me at admin@apea.org.uk.

By Jane Mardell, APEA Business Manager

Advertising in the Yearbook The rates have remained the same as for the 2015 Yearbook, all adverts are on right hand pages.

You can also benefit from the following if you wish to advertise in the Yearbook:

In order to ensure that your details are included in the 2016 Yearbook it is essential that you complete your online entry by 27th March.

If you completed an entry for the 2015 Yearbook you will be able to use the same entry or amend if required, but you must complete the process for your entry from the start.

With this issue of the Bulletin I have enclosed an instruction letter to all members that are eligible for an entry in the Petroleum Company Contacts and Trade Directory sections in the Yearbook. Licensing and Enforcement Authorities will be contacted separately for their sections of the Yearbook.

Entry Instructions Even if you do not wish to advertise in the Yearbook, to be included you should complete your entry as follows: 1. To start your entry go the APEA website home page at www.apea.org.uk 2. Click on the link on the home page called ‘Member Registration’ and you will be asked to log in using your APEA membership userid and password. If you completed an entry for the 2015 Yearbook this will be displayed.

3. You will then be asked to complete your contact details and then select the Trade Directory or Trade Directories that you wish to be listed under. And that is it!

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Once you have completed the online entry form you will be sent a confirmation email if you have entered an email address on your entry.

Each member is entitled to one FREE entry in the Petroleum Company Contacts section and one FREE Trade Directory entry (industry sector) per company in the Yearbook.

Any additional company contact detail entries or trade directory entries are charged at £26.00 plus VAT. The system will total up any costs due, if you have selected additional trade directories and you will be directed to pay via Paypal or Worldpay. Or you can also select to be invoiced, if you prefer.

The entry system will notify me of your entry and I will then record that you have entered on the membership database.

• All existing ‘Bulletin’ advertisers booked in 4 issues, receive a 50% discount off the 2016 Yearbook rates • Any advertiser taking out a full page advert in the 2016 Yearbook is entitled to a website banner free of charge for one year APEA website If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact me at the APEA office on 0845 603 5507 or by email at admin@apea.org.uk. If you wish to book advertising please email me the size of advert space you wish to reserve.

Advert sizes (artwork due by 27th March)

Fee (plus vat)

Full page (page size 210mmw x 260hmm)

£1483.00

½ page (185mmw x 115mmh)

£786.00

¼ page (89.5mmw x 115mmh)

£420.00

1/8 page (89.5mmw x 55.5mmh)

£268.00

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

2015 Membership Renewal Final notice

You can select to pay by PayPal or by credit/debit card via Worldpay or select to pay by ‘cheque/bank transfer’.

By Jane Mardell, APEA Business Manager

Payment by bank transfer Account Name: APEA Bank Name: Barclays Bank PLC Account: 93816672 Sort code: 20-59-42 VAT no: 566 1295 26 IBAN: GB90 BARC 20594293816672 SWIFT: BARCGB22

Membership Rates Individual membership - £40.00 Corporate membership - £150.00 Retired membership - £15.00 The membership represents fantastic value for money and the APEA continues to offer members technical advice, training courses, publications, networking and an excellent forum for exchange of information in the industry. We thank you for your continued support.

Due to ever increasing costs the APEA would prefer all members to use the online payment facility as

UK, BP upgrades tech infrastructure Forecourt operator BP is set to roll out a new technology solution to BPbranded retailers in early 2015, with full deployment expected to begin in mid-2015. This includes POS systems, PIN pads, electronic payment server (EPS), forecourt controller and network functionality.

The global EuroPay, MasterCard and Visa (EMV), standard for integrated circuit cards, for authenticating credit card and debit card transactions, will be supported. The company is working closely with the BP Amoco Marketing Association's Technology Working Committee to explore possible incentives for BP-branded marketers who agree to take up the new systems. The move comes

this is the quickest and most efficient method of payment. You can pay securely by credit/debit card using Worldpay or PayPal on the APEA website.

To raise an invoice on your account please complete the renewal process detailed below.

Once payment is received an email will be automatically sent to you to with a link to download your receipt from your account.

By using the online service, this keeps what is already a very low membership fee to remain at these prices. Renewals by other methods incurs greater cost to the APEA and will result in possible increase in fees for future years, with already 85% of members paying online we wish everybody to use the online method so please use it this year.

If you have not renewed please follow the instructions below.

Go to www.apea.org.uk Click on ‘Renew your membership’ Enter your log on details.

Click on ‘renew your membership’ and follow the instructions to the checkout.

shortly after the company unveiled its new 'to go' image for its convenience and forecourt estate.

The package includes a variety of elements to suit various c-store and forecourt layouts, building exteriors and pricing signs. The elements are designed to blend seamlessly with existing BP brand designs and are flexible enough to accommodate the unique needs of small and largeformat sites.

Amy Abraham, Vice President of Retail Marketing & Communications at BP, said: “We have been collaborating with our independent retailers to evaluate the technology infrastructure at BP sites and to develop a long-term, secure payment processing strategy. With these new payment processing systems we'll provide consumers with a more sophisticated and

Please include your invoice number and surname as the bank reference on the bank transfer payment.

Remittance advices to be emailed to christine.cook@ensors.co.uk Payment by cheque Please post cheques to the address below: Christine Cook Ensors Cardinal House, 46 St Nicholas Street Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 1TT If you are paying by bank transfer or by cheque, once payment is received an email will be sent to you to with a link to download your receipt from your account.

Payment must be received by the APEA by the 28th February in order to maintain continuity of membership.

personalised experience at the pump and in our retail stores, including the potential for programmes such as mobile payments and real-time, relevant promotional offers delivered securely and conveniently.”

UK, Loses almost 1000 petrol stations in last six years Almost 10% of UK petrol stations have been closed since 2008 with a third of them being in rural areas leading to many job losses and difficulties for people who are dependant on cars for travelling.

Chairman of the Petrol Retailers Association (PRA), Charles Madderson, said that “the closure of each and every petrol forecourt is the loss of a local convenience, not

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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2015 MEMBERSHIP RNEWAL PAYMENTS/NEWS

If you have not renewed your membership for 2015 please read the information below.

Instructions were sent with the December issue of the Bulletin and by email to members on how to renew your membership for 2015, due by 1st Jan. Any membership record that has not been renewed by 28th February will be discontinued. If you wish to renew your membership after this date you can do this by logging onto your online account at www.apea.org.uk.

just for those seeking to purchase fuel but other every day essentials that so many sites now offer their customers.”

The 300 plus stations that have closed in the period have caused vast areas of the country to be short of coverage, leaving people who need fuel isolated.

Supermarkets are partly at fault, said Madderson; customers top up with their weekly shop rather than use filling stations closer to home.

Groups particularly at risk of isolation from the closure of filling stations include the elderly, the PRA added, who use petrol stations for both fuel and food.

Today, Britain has around 8000 filling stations; in 1970, it had around 37,500.

Businesses such as small petrol stations are more heavily hit by regulations on products such as tobacco and alcohol than supermarkets and could be further hit by the Government’s plans to introduce plain packaging for tobacco products.

NEWS

UK, Sale of Murco’s retail chain completed The acquisition of Murco’s retail business by Patron Capital Partners has been completed via Motor Fuel Group, the forecourt business owned by Patron in partnership with Alasdair Locke.

The price was not disclosed but is believed to be about £200m, and the deal was done using structured debt facilities from Investec Growth & Acquisition Finance. It consists of a portfolio of 228 forecourts, which are owned and operated, and contracts to supply fuel to a further 226 sites owned and operated by third parties.

The acquisition is Patron’s most significant investment in the UK forecourt sector, following the acquisition of Motor Fuel Group in 2011, a portfolio of Shell stations in 2012 and a portfolio of 53 freehold forecourts let on long leases to Murco in 2013.

Following the acquisition Motor Fuel Group is the second-largest independent forecourt operator in the UK, with a total of 250 freehold assets and 38 leaseholds.

In a statement Patron said: “The properties in the Murco portfolio are 16

well-located and well-invested, with strong retail performance for both fuel volumes and shop sales. With Patron’s support, Motor Fuel Group intends to invest in the assets and further improve performance.”

Stephen Green, senior partner at Patron Capital, said: “This transaction is a rare opportunity to acquire a substantial and strongly performing business as part of our strategy to build Motor Fuel Group into one of the UK forecourt sector’s most significant operators.”

UK, Firm in court after major petrol escape at Staffordshire fuel site A company which distributes fuel across a national network of pipelines has been fined after 35,000 litres of unleaded petrol erupted from pipework due to a joint failure.

The fuel, which escaped under high pressure and rained down on the site, owned by British Pipeline Agency Ltd near Tamworth, could have resulted in a major fire and possible explosion.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigated the incident and prosecuted the company on 26 September 2014, for safety breaches at Warwick Crown Court.

The leak at the Kingsbury fuel terminal operated by BPA led to a significant clean-up operation, including the specialist decontamination of land.

The court was told BPA coordinates the movement of fuel through underground high pressure pipelines to its customers. All types of petroleum based fuel are delivered through one of several pipelines which originate from oil refineries and fuel storage terminals around the country.

At midnight on 20 October 2010 the company started to pump petrol from the pipeline into a large storage tank on a neighbouring fuel storage site. About an hour and a half later alarms sounded and operatives who went to investigate found a fountain of fuel erupting from an over ground section of pipe.

A secondary line feeding into the main pipework had broken loose and enough fuel to fill a road tanker was escaping under pressure, spraying into the air and running

across the site.

HSE found that the pipework involved had been reconfigured and replaced as part of a major engineering project finished a week before. However, before being put to use the joints and fittings were not properly commissioned and tested.

British Pipeline Agency Ltd, of Alexandra Road, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, was fined £30,000 with costs of £58,606 after pleading guilty to breaching Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.

After the hearing HSE inspector Alex Nayar said: “This was a very serious incident with the potential to be extremely dangerous. It was also one that could have been avoided very simply.

“When plant is changed or modified it has to be tested and commissioned before being put into operation. That did not happen. If done properly it could have identified the fault.

“The leak posed two major hazards, a fire or a vapour cloud explosion. It is extremely fortunate that neither happened in this case as the outcome could have been much worse.”

UK, Sainsbury’s prepares for first UK supermarket hydrogen dispenser Sainsbury’s has announced the UK’s first supermarket forecourt hydrogen dispenser will be located at its Hendon store by the end of 2014. Working with Air Products, the new dispenser will join a network of existing stations helping bring a breath of fresh air to residents and visitors in London and the South East.

The station will be able to fuel a growing number of hydrogenpowered fleets driving around the Capital. From hydrogen-powered buses running between Covent Garden and Tower Gateway, to hybrid delivery vans and hydrogen powered taxis already driving on London’s roads; it is clear hydrogen isn’t a fuel of the future, it’s a fuel for today.

Hydrogen powered vehicles’ only by product is water, with little sacrifice to transport performance: they can refuel in less than three minutes and offer drivers the same

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

UK, Signs on UK motorways to display service station fuel prices The UK government has announced it will press ahead with plans to introduce signs on motorways that display the price of fuel at service stations to help promote competition and lower fuel prices.

The Department for Transport will begin work in early 2015 on trying new fuel signs at five service stations on the M5 motorway between Bristol and Exeter, according to an announcement made as part of the Chancellor's Autumn Statement.

“The announcement will ensure people can see the cheapest

places to fill up, encouraging greater competition between service stations.” Transport Minister Robert Goodwill said.

The trial follows a report by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in January 2013 which called for more public information on UK petrol and diesel prices.

The OFT found fuel sold at motorway stations was on average 7.5 pence per litre more expensive for petrol, and 8.3 pence per litre for diesel, compared with other service stations across the rest of the country.

Over the past six months the Department for Transport has been examining the cost and planning implications of introducing the signs.

The aim of the trial will be to determine whether traffic signs are effective in providing information to road users, and successful in bringing down prices.

Five service stations on the Bristol to Exeter stretch of the M5 have agreed in principle to be involved in the trial.

UK, Service stations have good opportunity to increase sales, RAC survey finds UK motorway service stations may have a very good chance to increase their sales by improving the value of their food products as well as the quality of their services to get drivers to spend more time and money with them, survey finds.

UK service station operators may have an opportunity to increase their sales just by improving product value and service quality, said RAC, a British organisation for drivers which claims over seven million members and which just completed a survey about their feelings toward motorway stations.

“Millions of motorists depend on motorway service areas for a wellearned rest. But motorists feel they are being seriously let down by what they see as overpriced products and a lack of good service to match those premium prices,” said Pete Williams, who is in charge of RAC‘s external affairs.

According to RAC, which surveyed more than 1,200 drivers, more than half (56%) said they did

not find visiting motorway services a pleasurable experience and 88% believed they represented poor value for their money.

Operators are missing an opportunity as the average expense at a UK motorway service station is only £5 to £10, probably due to the fact that 71% said they spend as little time and money as possible when they visit, RAC said.

There is a real opportunity to provide better value for money and to transform the experience for visitors who may then be more inclined to increase the amount that they spend, RAC added.

The main reason drivers stop at motorway service areas is to visit food outlets (75%) which is second only to answering a call of nature (99%), said RAC. The experience of motorists in the UK contrasts with their views on driving elsewhere in Europe. Sixty per cent of those surveyed said services and rest areas were better in other European countries, RAC added.

RAC, which has a staff of 4,000 spread in four bases in the UK and was founded in 1897, offers assistance to drivers as well as other services such as advice on travel, insurance and vehicle purchasing.

Its periodic surveys and reports help produce analysis on UK road safety, taxation and other key concerns for drivers.

UK, Hampshire. Taser used by police on a Southampton petrol filling station A dangerous knifeman had to be tasered by police five times after attempts to disarm him by firing bullets from a baton gun failed.

Terrified staff called 999 as they were threatened by the man who had armed himself with two knives. The drama unfolded on a petrol station forecourt in the early hours of the morning as staff manned the 24hour garage.

Eight officers raced to the scene initially and began trying to talk to the man and get him to put the weapons down. But the situation escalated as the violent man wielding the weapons got more aggressive and agitated. Hampshire police told how a further four specialist officers from the force's

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range and speed as conventional vehicles.

Avishai Moor, Fuel & Kiosk Category Manager from Sainsbury’s said: “Hydrogen vehicles are both environmentally friendly as well as efficient so we are really excited about being the first UK supermarket to trial this new technology and make it accessible to our customers.”

“Making hydrogen technology available at a supermarket for the first time is another big step in encouraging the use of cleaner, greener fuels to reduce air pollution and protect the nation’s health,” commented Diana Raine, Air Products’ Hydrogen Energy Business Manager. “We’re already leading the charge with a network of hydrogen stations across London and this additional station will set us in good stead for the UK arrival of commercially available hydrogen vehicles over the next few years.”

The station is being delivered as part of an exciting project aimed at creating the UK’s first hydrogen transport system. The London Hydrogen Network Expansion (LHNE) project, backed by UK government, is co-funded by the Technology Strategy Board (now Innovate UK).

TSB first supported LHNE in 2012 as part of a £7.5 million initiative to accelerate the commercialisation of projects involving fuel cells and hydrogen energy systems. Its aim was to link smaller-scale projects together to form complete lowcarbon solutions.

armed response unit were sent to the scene along with a police dog and its handler.

Even more police units were then placed on standby amid strong concerns the situation was about to get worse. When attempts to negotiate with the 29-year-old failed, police used a baton gun to fire rubber bullets at him - but they had no effect.

A decision was then taken to use Taser, which was fired by three officers a total of five times before the knifeman was incapacitated and fell to the ground. The frightening ordeal happened in December 2014 but details have only been released by Hampshire police recently.

A spokesman said officers had responded to a 999 call made around 2.30am on Thursday, December 4, reporting a man armed with a knife and making threats on the Shell garage forecourt at the top of Bassett Avenue, at the junction with the M3.

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UK, Government urged to recognise bio-LPG’s long term role as a sustainable transport fuel Autogas Ltd, the UK’s leading LPG autogas supplier, has called on the UK Government to revise its assumption that bio-LPG will not be sold in the UK between now and 2020. In its 2014 consultation on proposed amendments to the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligations Order 2007, the Department for Transport expressed that “biomethane will continue to be the only gaseous renewable fuel supplied between now and 2020” – despite 160,000 tonnes of bio-LPG having been agreed to be supplied

by Nesté oil between 2016 and 2020.

Linda Gomersall, Head of Autogas said: “With 1,400 refuelling sites supplying 155,000 cars and vans, LPG autogas is already widely used in the UK and bio-LPG should be taken equally seriously within government. Bio-LPG is chemically indistinct from LPG autogas, and can therefore be used by all existing LPG autogas powered vehicles without the need for modification.

Bio-LPG is the future of LPG and should be recognised as a serious 20

option for sustainable transport fuel.”

Autogas Ltd has therefore called for the following actions to be taken in parliament: • The inclusion of bio-LPG in the Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation, as an important step in future-proofing the role of LPG autogas as a transport fuel; • The removal of the current 1p per annum duty differential erosion for LPG to place all gaseous road fuels on a level playing field in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement; • The creation of an integrated road fuels strategy to acknowledge the long-term role that LPG autogas and bio-LPG can play as sustainable transport fuels.

Autogas believe that the availability of bio-LPG in the UK some four years earlier than originally envisaged offers a breakthrough opportunity for the UK to take a global leadership position – so long as the Government creates the right political and regulatory incentives.

UK, Glasgow, Woman dies in Linwood petrol forecourt collision A young woman died after a collision between two cars at an Asda petrol station in Linwood, Glasgow. Eilish Herron, 17, was filling her Renault Clio with fuel at about 14:30 when it was struck by a Ford Focus.

Ms Herron, who was from Paisley, died at the scene. Her relatives were informed. The male driver of the Ford was uninjured. Police inquiries are continuing and a report on the circumstances will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.

Insp Andy McIlraith of the road policing unit has appealed for anyone with information to contact his colleagues on the nonemergency 101 number.

UK, Convenience stores demand lower tax burden The British Association of Convenience Stores, a trade group

of over 33,500 shops representing an industry worth over 37 billion British pounds, wants the UK authorities to reduce their tax burden.

“It is time for the government to accept that it cannot increase the revenue it takes from businesses through property tax year after year without choking off the investment we need in our high streets, parades and other local centres,” said the ACS Chief Executive James Lowman.

“High taxes are holding back the recovery and stifling entrepreneurialism,” said Simon Danczuk, chairman of All Party Parliamentary Small Shops Group, who backs the group’s request.

The group wants the government authorities to increase the threshold for qualification for the small business rate and also to limit to 2% the annual increases in business rates, according to a statement they released in early December.

UK, Swindon, first commercial scale green hydrogen refuelling facility opens A consortium of leading businesses including BOC and Honda joined the Swindon civic dignitaries at a ceremony to mark the official launch of the UK’s first commercial scale solar-powered hydrogen production and refuelling facility and saw a demonstration of ‘green’ hydrogen production and low carbon hydrogen transport in action.

Designed and commissioned by a consortium, the new state-of-the-art facility is located at the Honda UK Manufacturing site on the outskirts of Swindon. The Consortium, which comprises BOC, Honda, Swindon Borough Council, Fuel Cell Systems, Briggs Equipment and Revolve, worked together to secure funding from the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK and to design and commission the facility, highlighting the UK’s leadership in environmental technologies using hydrogen, a low carbon energy source that offers energy security, employment opportunities and economic growth.

In a UK first, this enhanced facility will produce commercial volumes of

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UK, The first double skinned hydrochloric acid storage tank in the world Abfad Limited have developed and patented a double skin tank lining system, called Fuelvac, which can be applied in both above and below ground storage tanks. The Fuelvac system not only protects the tank from internal corrosion, as steelwork is coated and therefore cannot physically corrode, but also allows for 24/7 vacuum pressure leak detection monitoring.

With environmental pollution laws and the protection of valuable assets a major concern, Abfad’s Fuelvac double skin lining system takes all these things into consideration. If an internal breach does occur in a Fuelvac protected tank then the client is immediately alerted and can plan inspection knowing that the stored product is fully contained and safe. In most instances an internal breach of the double skin liner can be fully repaired and operational again in minimal downtime. This results in no environmental clean-up costs and no expensive tank repair or replacement. Because the tank is monitored 100% of the time this reduces the need for inspections and Non Destructive Testing, enabling operations to be better managed and run efficiently and effectively. Abfad also use solvent free coatings with the Fuelvac system, which they apply with specialist equipment. These offer greater long term protection and are better for the environment, personnel and the public.

Abfad have recently applied the Fuelvac double skin system for

terminal operator Simon Storage on a 14.8 metre diameter by 13 metre high tank used to store hydrochloric acid at its site in Seal Sands, Teesside.

The planning process begin in 2011 when Abfad was first approached by Simon Storage, who needed a lining system for storing hydrochloric acid. Abfad discussed two potential coatings that would offer suitable protection and samples were made and immersed in the acid to test the resistance.

These tests were carried out over a two year period, after which time all parties agreed that the chosen coating was successfully resistant to the acid.

Abfad reviewed and formulated all project and engineering aspects to be able to double skin the tank floor areas and importantly up to the top of the wall sections. The weight of the double skin materials needed to be considered and a method was developed to ensure that the 13 metre high wall sections would be fully secure during installation as well as after the system was fully installed.

Once all planning and research was completed, installation began, with the tank being emptied, cleaned, de-gassed and the structural integrity of the tank was established through Non Destructive Testing. Scaffolding was erected in the tank in order to gain access to blast the underside of the tank lid.

Abfad then blasted clean all areas of the tank and applied an initial single skin coating; once this was signed off, application of the double skin materials could begin.

To allow for more precise monitoring, the tank was sectioned off into six separate double skinned zones, each with its own vacuum monitoring instrument gauge. To enable each zone to act as a separate entity, Abfad overlapped their double skin system; this meant each zone could be independently monitored. The floor section was split into two zones and the wall sectioned off into four, all overlapping onto the previous zone’s double skin.

Due to the highly corrosive nature of the hydrochloric acid all pipe connections to the tank were protected and the tank hatch was internally coated to ensure there

was no area of the tank that could potentially be a leak path due to any corrosion of the steel.

Abfad believe that this is the first tank which stores hydrochloric acid in the UK, if not the world, to be double skin lined.

The tank came into use and began storing product in August 2014. With no problems reported and all zones monitored within specifications the project was a complete success, with both Abfad and Simon Storage delighted with the outcome. This has enabled hydrochloric acid to be stored safely in the North East for the first time.

For more information visit www.abfad.co.uk call 0191 543 7166 or email info@abfad.co.uk.

UK, Fuel firm fined after tanker explosion causes horrific burns A national oil and environmental services company has been fined £25,000 after two workers were badly burned in a tanker explosion.

One of the men suffered lifechanging injuries that left him in a critical condition and mean he is now unable to expose his skin to direct sunlight. The 32-year-old from Eccles, who has asked not to be named, spent three and a half months in hospital and is unlikely ever to be able to return to work.

Adler and Allan Ltd was prosecuted by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) following the incident at its site in Walkden on 5 March 2013, after an investigation found its procedure for cleaning out the tanker lorry had been unsafe.

Manchester Crown Court heard that the workers had been using the tanker to remove fuel from disused pumps at Plant Hill police station in Manchester. After dropping off a load of waste petrol, they returned to Adler and Allan’s site on Harcourt Street to clean out the inside of the tanker.

They reversed the vehicle into the yard and opened the rear door on the tanker, before using a pressure washer gun. As they did this, there was an explosion that engulfed both men and resulted in a large fire that destroyed the side of a neighbouring building.

One of the workers sustained burns to his face. The other was

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truly ‘green’ hydrogen produced from solar power, by electrolysis, at the point of use. In addition, the station will employ BOC’s filling technology to serve a range of uses including the world’s first hybrid vans running on sustainable biodiesel and hydrogen.

Honda and BOC are both members of the HyFive project which aims to create clusters of refuelling station networks in three parts of Europe. The BOC facility in Swindon is an inclusive part of this network.

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taken to intensive care in a critical condition. He needed four skin grafts and is likely to require ongoing treatment for the foreseeable future.

The court was told petrol vapour had been allowed to escape into the yard when the tanker door was opened, with a spark from the pressure washer or another ignition source at the site causing the explosion.

Adler & Allan Ltd, of Station Parade in Harrogate, was fined £25,000 and ordered to pay £8,166 in prosecution costs after pleading guilty to a breach of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 on 12 December 2014.

Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector David Norton said: “Two men were badly burned, with one suffering horrific, life-changing injuries, because their employer didn’t do enough to make sure they stayed safe.

“Adler & Allan is experienced in dealing with flammable substances but its risk assessment for cleaning out the tanker did not identify fire or explosion as a potential danger.

“The firm now uses a specialist contractor to clean out its tankers to avoid the risk of vapours escaping. If this procedure had been in place at the time of the incident then the injuries both men suffered could have been avoided.”

Information on working safely with flammable substances is available at www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion.

UK, Shell planning to sell up to 250 company owned sites in the UK to independent dealers Retailers have been told that while the UK market is important to Shell and that it will continue to grow its business in the UK to ensure it remains a leading retailer, this growth requires further investment.

According to Forecourt Trader magazine, the company has therefore decided to focus on fewer company owned sites and as a consequence plans to sell part of its company owned network (up to 250 sites), to independent dealers who will retain the Shell brand and offer the same products and service to customers, and who can make the investments needed on those sites 24

to ensure they remain competitive.

Shell has begun a confidential commercial process to pursue sale of the sites and aims to conclude this in 2015.

In Forecourt Trader’s Fuel Market Review 2014 published in June Shell reported that it had 789 company owned sites and 231 dealers, giving a total of 1,020 supplied sites.

The company’s estate experienced a substantial boost in numbers in June 2011 when it acquired 253 sites from Rontec as the forecourt operator took over Total’s retail business in the UK.

York.

“The momentum of 2013 has carried through to 2014 as we have continued to expand in Ireland and the UK and we have now established a foothold in the US,” commented the company's chief executive Bob Etchingham.

Earlier in 2014, the group which employs over 2,000 people, announced another 360 staff across the country as it launched new outlets in Wicklow, Birdhill in Co Tipperary, Swords in Dublin and Lemybrien in County Waterford, among other sites.

Ireland, Topaz in talks to add Esso Ireland stations to its network, press report says

Europe, Alternative fuels infrastructure in Europe

Topaz, Ireland’s largest fuel retailer is in talks over a potential purchase of Esso Ireland’s fuel stations, according to a report published December 11 by The Irish Times.

One newspaper said it could not obtain company confirmation but that “it is understood” that Topaz is close to acquiring 38 Esso owned stations in addition to rights to supply another 55 stations that are independently owned but which also operate under the Esso brand.

Topaz already runs 330 stations, it said.

Ireland, Irish retailer Applegreen continues to expand with new sites Petrogas Global, which operates service stations in Ireland and the UK under the Applegreen brand, has reported a 12% increase in turnover for the year ending December 2013.

The company said its operating profits for the year rose to €10.6m from €9.2m in 2012. Pre-tax profits moved up to €10.1m from €5.8m despite the tough trading environment in Ireland and UK and the tightening of fuel margins. It also reported a 12% increase in turnover to €804.5m.

The firm has 92 service stations across Ireland with 17 new sites opened this year in the Republic.

Petrogas, which runs 53 service stations in the UK, recently established a foothold in the US with 2 new outlets in Long Island, New

In the framework of the European Union’s Clean Fuel Strategy, launched by the European Commission in 2013, a Directive on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure (2014/94/EU) has now been adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the EU. This Directive, which covers infrastructure for vehicles powered by electricity, hydrogen and natural gas (compressed or liquefied), states that technical specifications for interoperability of recharging and refuelling points should be specified in European or international standards.

In this context, a number of specific areas where further standardisation activities would be necessary have been identified.

These include: electric vehicle recharging points as well as hydrogen and natural gas refuelling points for motor vehicles and waterborne vessels.

CEN and CENELEC expect to start work on developing new European Standards (and revising existing ones) in support of the EU Directive on the deployment of alternative fuels infrastructure in 2015. This work will depend on the content (and acceptance) of a formal standardisation request to be issued by the European Commission.

European Standards are to be developed (or revised) in relation to: - Recharging infrastructure for electric cars, buses, vans and boats - Hydrogen refuelling points for motor vehicles

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- Natural gas (LNG, CNG) refuelling points for motor vehicles and boats, as well as connectors and receptacles.

Furthermore, CEN’s Project Committee ‘Natural gas and biomethane for use in transport and bio-methane for injection in the natural gas grid’ (CEN/TC 408) will continue working on the development of a European Standard (EN 16723-2) specifying requirements and test methods for natural gas and bio-methane (and blends of both) intended for use as automotive fuels – in accordance with EC Mandate 475.

Finland, St1 to buy Shell's fuel retail network of 420 stations in Norway Privately owned Finnish company St1 Nordic has signed a contract with Shell under which it will buy the Shell-owned Smart Fuel AS service station network in Norway. Shell and St1 will also create a joint venture for the aviation fuel business. St1 will use Shell's trademark in Norway. A 26

source said by telephone that Shell had 420 stations in Norway.

While information on the number of stations that are part of the network being purchased was not readily available in press releases or websites of either Shell, St1 or Smart Fuels, a source close to Shell in Norway who was reached by telephone said there were 420.

“The deal is expected to be closed in the second half of 2015.

The commercial terms of the transaction are confidential. St1 has also concluded a long-term licensing agreement on the use of the Shell trade mark in the Norwegian market to continue provision of current services for clients,” St1 said.

“St1’s expanding service station network will provide high quality environmentally friendly products and services for clients through more than 1,500 retail stations in Finland, Sweden and Norway,” the company added.

Shell also confirmed the transaction in its own web page as well as the 50-50 aviation joint venture.

“The sale is consistent with Shell’s strategy to concentrate its

downstream footprint on a smaller number of assets and markets where it can be most competitive.

Recent examples include the sale of refineries in the UK, Germany, France, Norway and the Czech Republic, and downstream businesses in Australia and Italy,” Shell said.

St1 said it had total sales in 2013 of some 6.6 billion euros. St1 has more than 550 employees and is headquartered in Helsinki.

Denmark, Danish postal service to open 75 new post offices in petrol stations Post Denmark has announced it is opening 150 new post offices across the nation, increasing the overall number to 950. One half will be located at OK Plus petrol stations with the other half sited in shops and supermarkets.

The new post offices will enable customers to take advantage of the stores’ long opening hours to retrieve and send parcels. When the 150 post offices are ready, Post

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Europe, European Union plans to build hydrogen fuel stations as part of program The European Union has plans to “deploy and test three hydrogen refuelling stations” in Finland and Sweden as part of a program to help prepare a European network of hydrogen infrastructure for longdistance travel.

According to a statement published on December 5 2014 by the Innovation and Networks Executive Agency of the European Union, a total of 3.5 million Euros will be spent in studies to ready a European network of hydrogen infrastructure. The goal is to eventually increase the use of fuel cell vehicles and reduce emissions, it said.

“This project is the second part of a larger action aiming to establish a network of European hydrogen infrastructure for transport and to enable long distance travel with fuel cell cars,” the statement said. The implementation plans to be developed will include, in addition to Finland and Sweden, the countries of Belgium, Latvia and Poland.

France, Automobile Club of France says diesel filters better than bans or stickers The Automobile Club Association of France said recently that the generalised use of diesel filters designed to eliminate harmful

emission particles would be “a faster and less costly solution” as it replied to a recent announcement by Paris mayor Anne Hidalgo of a ban on diesel cars in the French capital by 2020 and to other top authority comments against diesel engines.

The Automobile Club Association said that emission filters for diesel vehicles will solve pollution problems “in fewer years and at lower costs” compared with other measures like stickers that plan to be implemented to identify diesel cars according to their pollution creation levels.

French “drivers reject any discriminatory measure but are ready to support solutions which are intelligent and pragmatical” the statement added.

Any move in France away from diesel may represent a big change for both car and fuel marketers.

Most cars on French roads run on diesel, known in France as “gazole routier”.

Changes appeared inevitable, especially after French Prime Minister Manuel Valls said on November 28 that “in France we have long favoured the diesel engine. This was a mistake and we will progressively undo that, intelligently and pragmatically.”

The government has said it plans to use tax incentives in addition to circulation regulations also as part of changes needed with the ultimate goal of reducing air pollution.

are planned to be united in the course of 2015 under two strong brands”, the statement said.

MOL Group’s Lars Hoglund, retail senior vice president, said in the statement that the group has plans to introduce the MOL brand in the Czech Republic while also keeping the Pap Oil brand. The MOL name is already used in Hungary, Romania, Serbia, Slovenia and Austria.

All offers of fuels and services, including fuel cards, will remain unchanged following the Lukoil service stations acquisition, the statement said.

Back in November the Czech Republic office for the protection of competition had said it was analyzing whether any sale of Lukoil stations to MOL would negatively impact the retail market for fuels, lubricants and accessories in the country. There was not any reference to any ongoing investigation in MOL's statement.

“After meeting all the contractual terms and concluding this transaction, MOL Group will be among the ten largest companies in the Czech Republic,” the statement said.

Lukoil did not have any statement about the transaction in its December press releases in its main web page.

In May 2014, the MOL Group announced the acquisition of 208 ENI service stations in three Central and Eastern European countries, including the Czech Republic.

Hungary, MOL group says it completes purchase of 44 stations from Lukoil in the Czech Republic

Bulgaria, Inspectors identify fuel quality irregularities at 43% of filling stations

The Hungary-based MOL Group has completed the purchase of 44 Lukoil service stations in the Czech Republic, according to a statement in MOL Group’s web page.

“This step will significantly contribute to improving MOL Group’s market position and to its intention of becoming a leading retailer company in selling fuel and non-fuel goods and services,” the statement said.

MOL Group said in its statement dated December 3 that it currently operates 192 service stations in the Czech Republic under the brands Slovnaft, Pap Oil and Lukoil “which

An inspection of Bulgaria’s State Agency for Metrology and Technical Supervision has revealed fuel quality irregularities at 43% of the filling stations. The most common violation identified by the authorities was the mixing of gasoline and diesel due to the use of tanks in which both fuel types had been carried.

The inspection also uncovered a large-scale corruption scheme under which over 500 filling stations, or 20% of the total of sites registered at the National Revenue Agency (NRA), had been erased from their software and had not undergone

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Denmark will have more than 1,400 distribution points - the highest in the country.

The move may come as a surprise to some, given Post Denmark's welldocumented financial struggles, though in Denmark there has been a significant increase in the number of parcels being sent due to the growth in online shopping.

"The establishment of a strong distribution-centre network will grant us a competitive edge within the ecommerce market," said Jørgen Fischer, the head of the Danish post offices, in a press release. "More and more people are ordering parcels directly to post offices and selfservice machines."

checks for years, according to reports on private TV station Nova TV. Senior officials of the Agency submitted the information related to the inspections to the prosecuting authority. Some 40 people have been dismissed from the Agency since March over the matter.

As a result of the fraud scheme, the inspections uncovered a share of just 8% of filling stations with fuel quality irregularities one year ago.

Inspections are still underway at petrol bases, with violations discovered so far at 4 out of a total of 10 sites.

Italy, Smuggled fuel creates unfair competition for Italian fuel retailers

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Smuggled diesel, often adulterated with water, is creating unfair competition to Italian fuel retailers and also damaging vehicle engines so police are asking drivers for help in detecting any illegal situation, according to information recently distributed by the Autonomous Federation of Fuel Retailers of Italy also known as FAIB for its Italian acronym.

The smuggled fuels “hurt consumers and create illegal competition problems to honest fuel distributors”, said Italian police colonel Giuseppe Verrochi, according to information distributed recently by the Federazione Autonoma Italiana Benzinai.

Diesel is the most often adulterated fuel because it can be easily mixed with water and vehicle engines may not immediately show problems, the official said. However, in time, the engines will be damaged, he added.

Authorities in Caserta have seized as part of their control efforts some 111,500 litres of smuggled diesel and have already arrested 10 people.

The chapter for the southern region of Campania, which is home to Naples, “has put in place a communication initiative for client support in points of sale”, according to information released by the federation regarding this situation.

The diesel adulterated with water, or with toluene in some cases, appears to be sourced from Eastern Europe and shipped to the region of 28

Campania from where it is distributed to other regions of Italy in the black market.

The police are advising drivers to be alert for extremely dark fumes or any shaking of the engine immediately following a refuelling as it could indicate potential adulteration which should be reported to a special number that has been made available.

Sweden, Statoil and Axfood sign to extend existing cooperation agreement Axfood Sverige AB supplies Statoil Fuel & Retail Sverige AB with groceries and fast food, and now the parties intend to reach an agreement on an expansion of the existing cooperation agreement to cover supplies of automotive products to Statoil Fuel & Retail’s staffed Statoil stations.

“Looking back on our successful cooperation since 2012, we are very proud of Statoil Fuel & Retail’s intention to give us their expanded, long-term confidence as a business partner,” comments Nicholas Pettersson, President of Axfood Sverige AB. Axfood AB conducts food retail and wholesale business in Sweden.

Retail business is conducted through the wholly owned store chains comprising 253 stores in all. In addition, Axfood collaborates with a number of proprietor-run stores that are tied to Axfood through agreements.

In all, Axfood collaborates with approximately 820 proprietor-run stores.

Germany, Tank & Rast to set up EV charging stations in 400 sites, company says Tank & Rast will install "quick service charging stations for electric cars at approximately 400 own motorway sites during the next years," company representatives have said. The installations will take place by 2017, the company added.

"With this initiative, Tank & Rast aims at sustainably improving the

electric power supply for e-cars on the German motorways," the company said, adding that the effort will be in cooperation with German authorities.

Tank & Rast has already been a partner in a pilot project for quick service charging stations between Cologne and Hamburg since 2011, the company said.

Reuters had said in a story that German authorities are working to try to get enough service stations in Germany to help provide service for up to one million electric vehicles before the end of the decade. The Tank & Rast EV installations were part of that effort, it said.

Qatar, Cabinet panel to check safety of petrol stations in Doha The State Cabinet has decided to set up a committee to assess and regularly monitor the safety of petrol filling and service stations. Strict monitoring will be done of how these stations store fuel and how they fill up petrol in customers’ vehicles, a news agency reported.

More importantly, the committee will be deciding which commercial activities should be housed within the precincts of a petrol station and which one should be removed.

Presently, many petrol stations double as commercial complexes with people crowding them as they boast eateries, supermarkets and even laundries.

The committee is to be set up at the Ministry of Energy and Industry and will be tasked with upgrading standards and specifications for petrol filling and service stations. The panel will check how far the existing stations are complying with the upgraded standards and specifications involving health and safety.

Non-compliance is to be dealt with seriously. How far petrol stations are polluting the environment is also to be checked and made sure that it doesn’t happen anymore.

The Cabinet had actually issued a draft decision earlier ordering the formation of the above-mentioned committee and the State Cabinet, at its weekly meeting, endorsed it.

The committee is to be a permanent feature as a petrol station

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monitoring agency, it is understood.

The government’s move to form the committee follows media reports that not all petrol stations in the country are safe.

Local newspapers have been talking of the need to upgrade safety standards for petrol stations and ensure compliance by all of them after a devastating incident took place at one of them late in February 2014. After the incident, restaurants and cafeterias within the precincts of a petrol station have been barred from using LPG cylinders and tanks. They must instead use electric ovens.

The sale of transparent cooking gas cylinders was also banned by supermarkets operating within the precinct of a petrol station. The decision was, however, revoked in respect of some petrol stations later.

Members of the Central Municipal Council (CMC) raised the issue of safety of petrol stations in the aftermath of the late February incident and demanded strict monitoring by the authorities concerned. They said that the licence of those petrol stations that are not safe should be cancelled and the eateries be removed from the premises of all filling and service stations without any exception.

India, Indian Oil Corporation to automate all filling stations within next three years The Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is in the process of automating its petrol stations and aims to have the work completed within three years, a top official said.

“In the retail front, we have taken a major initiative. We have gone for large scale automation.

All deliveries are controlled by the automated system and there is always a verification to check the quality and the volume of fuel delivered,” B Ashok, Chairman and Managing Director, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, said.

Up to a few months ago, IOC had automated more than 6,200 retail outlets and is planning to automate 7,500 more across the country in the current financial year.

“For 2014-15, the company has lined up investment for setting up 30

new retail outlets and modernise existing retail outlets with canopies, visual identity and installation of modern dispensing units. We are planning to cover all the retail outlets in three years time,” Ashok said.

It is expected that under a rural petrol station scheme, by March 2015 the company should have 7,000 such stations in operation across the country.

Colombia, Terpel remodels stations; offers car washes, typical foods Terpel, which claims more than 40% of the Colombian fuel market, plans to put into operation before the end of 2014 re-modelled service stations, a dozen new car washes as well as 14 new convenience stores which will offer typical, regional foods.

“We service people, not vehicles,” said the company’s marketing vice president Kenneth Siefken as he explained the central idea of the strategy behind changes that the company has been working on for the past two years and which is now implementing through the ongoing constructions.

The changes include the full remodelling of 530 stations by the end of 2014, all complete with new LED lighting as well as gardens, he said. That number represents about 25% of all the Terpel stations in Colombia, he said.

“What we want is to develop service centres with friendly surroundings where people will find much more than fuel,” Siefken said by email.

The car washes will offer drivers the possibility of washing their car while listening to music that they can choose from a list of songs, he said.

The idea is to try to create a “memorable” experience in consumers that they can associate with Terpel, he added.

The convenience stores and restaurants inside them will aim to serve different dishes with typical foods from each of the different regions of Colombia where Terpel has a presence, he said. The locations will also include showers and a game-room.

Terpel has a network which

includes over 2,000 service stations, 29 fuel supply plants and it also has operations in 20 airports in Colombia, Siefken said. In addition, through the Terpel-Gazel brand, which is a brand just for natural gas for vehicle use, the company has nearly 47% of that market in Colombia.

Terpel, which was listed in the Colombian stock exchange earlier in 2014, also has a presence in several other countries within Latin America.

Peru, LPG and natural gas lead expansion of service stations The number of fuel stations in Peru is seeing fast growth thanks to greater demand for LPG as well as natural gas, fuels that have seen a fast expansion since they became widely available a decade ago after energy from the gas field of Camisea in the Amazon reached Lima, the capital.

The number of natural gas service stations and other sales points is expected to continue its fast growth seen throughout the past decade and expand by at least 18% by the end of this year from 227 at the start of last year, said recently by telephone Jorge Garcia, general manager of the Peruvian Association of Fuel Dispensers and Service Stations.

As for LPG, the number of service stations, dispenser or other sales points of this fuel is projected to expand by at least 8% by the end of 2015 from 733 at the start of last year, he added.

“The expansion in LPG and natural gas service stations is growing faster” than that for diesel and gasoline, Garcia said.

Peruvian taxi drivers have recently said that units running on natural gas or LPG can save nearly half of their costs on fuel expenses compared with gasoline. Costs to modify cars so that they can run on LPG or natural gas are relatively low and are often financed by both natural gas and LPG retailers, they said.

Both LPG and natural gas started to become available to drivers in Lima only in recent years following the development of Camisea as well as the completion in 2004 of the construction of a gas pipeline across the Andes to the Ocean Pacific

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Total sales of diesel with maximum 50 ppm of sulphur, also as of the start of the last year, were 1,518,829 gallons/day while that of diesel with higher sulphur content reached 1,129,906 gallons/day.

Sales of LPG for vehicle use, as measured in their equivalent in gallons/day, were 487,520 while sales of natural gas reached the equivalent of 429,051 gallons/day, also as of the start of last year, Garcia said.

Argentina, Gasoline station owners want oil companies to leave retail Owners of gasoline service stations in Argentina grouped under the umbrella organization Confederation of Entities for the Commerce of Hydrocarbons want a new law to limit the participation of oil refining companies in fuel retailing, the group recently stated.

“The main point we seek is that most retail sales would have to go through the channel of individual retailers and not as it is happening now that a great percentage of retailers are owned by oil companies,” recently said by telephone Carlos Gold, secretary of the CECHA organization.

The group recently said that it was hoping a law could be enacted by next year and it was making efforts in the last quarter of 2014 to get the support of legislators.

“The percentage of fuel service stations that are owned by oil companies is not known for sure but it is estimated to be at least 30%. We would like to limit that to about 15%,” Gold said. There are an estimated 3,900 gasoline stations in Argentina, he said.

Any change in legislation would affect gasoline stations operating under the biggest fuel retailing brands of the oil companies in Argentina which are YPF, Shell, Axion Energy as well as the local subsidiary of Brazilian state-owned Petrobras, Gold said.

In addition, the organization wants changes in the way retail fuel prices are being set so that all service stations in the country would have freedom to set their own, Gold said.

Currently there is one group that operates under a consignment

system and another group made up of resellers, Gold said. Only resellers now have freedom to set their prices at the pump. The new legislation being proposed would keep oil companies from continuing to dictate final prices to those gasoline station owners operating on consignment, he said.

The organization also seeks the ratification of a law that bans the use of self-service fuel pumps anywhere in Argentina. The move is aimed at continuing to protect industry jobs, said Gold, who estimated that each service station in Argentina may have on average about 15 employees.

Russia, Tatneft filling station wins “Station of the Month” award assigned by popular Russian trade magazine The Tatneft - AZS Center filling station has been recognised as the best filling station in the international contest “Station of the Month” and is located in the Pestrechinsky district of the Republic of Tatarstan on 829th km of M 7 “Moscow - Ufa” highway.

For customers there is a convenience store with a wide range of related products, a comfortable cafe with a diversified menu and home-baked treats, a large parking area for all types of road transport, and a service station and tire assembly service. Access is provided to free Wi-Fi Internet service in the store and cafe.

The industry contest “Station of the Month” has been arranged by the popular Russian magazine “Modern petrol station” since 2003 among the filling stations located in the Russian Federation, Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Belarus. Applications for participation are also submitted by companies of the former Soviet Union republics and those of the East European countries. Winning the contest allows the participants to apply for the right to participate in the “Filling station of the year” contest.

In assessing the filling stations the jury pays attention to not only an attractive appearance and its original premises design, but also to

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

31

NEWS

coast where the country’s biggest market of Lima is located.

LPG was available in Peru before Camisea, when it was only produced by crude oil refineries and not yet fractioned from natural gas liquids.

Before Camisea’s development, the LPG fuel was predominantly used just for cooking and sold in canisters. LPG is still widely used for cooking but when marketed for that purpose it is sold separately by LPG canister and other distributors that make home deliveries. LPG canisters for cooking are not normally sold by vehicle service stations.

As of July there were a total 4,018 fuel sales locations in Peru including not just full service stations, but also much smaller sales points such as remote floating platforms in the Amazon River or very small fuel storage locations high in the Andes that also sell fuel. That total is projected to rise to 4,074 by this year, Garcia added.

Some service stations in Peru provide only liquid fuels while others sell only natural gas or just LPG. Some of those stations and other sales points are “mixed” as they have dispensers for all fuels or for a mix of some of those fuels, Garcia said.

Nearly 60% of all stations are independent or “white” while the rest operate using the brands of four distribution companies, he said.

Some of those companies also own service stations, Garcia said.

About 13% of all service stations in Peru operate under the flagship brand Petroperu, which is the stateowned, crude oil refining company and which does not own any of stations directly. Roughly 10% operate under the Spain-based Repsol brand and another 10% under the locally owned Primax brand. The locally-owned Pecsa brand represents about 8%, Garcia said.

The most consumed liquid fuels in Peru are gasohol, which is a mix of gasoline and 7.8% ethanol, as well as diesel, which includes 5% biodiesel.

The total consumption of gasohol (gasoline and ethanol mix) in Peru at the start of last year was 1,239,227 gallons/day while consumption of pure gasoline was just 218,330 gallons/day, Garcia said.

the choice range of related services offered, modern technological equipment and use of advanced “green” technologies at the facility.

The convenient location of Tafneft's filling stations, reasonable prices, high quality fuel, high level of service and a discount system for regular customers, all help increase the number of customers and sales of fuel and related products.

Australia, Changes to Caltex-Woolworths alliance

NEWS

Caltex Australia and Woolworths Petrol have simplified elements of their retail alliance. At the end of financial year 2014, the CaltexWoolworths fuel network comprised 633 sites, including 131 Caltexoperated sites with the remainder operated by Woolworths.

Under the revised arrangements, 92 of the Caltex-operated sites will be rebranded as 'Star Mart' or 'Star Shop' convenience stores while continuing to offer the Woolworths fuel discount redemption.

The remaining 39 sites, which are located in close proximity to Woolworths Petrol sites, will exit the Caltex-Woolworths alliance and no longer offer Woolworth’s fuel discount redemptions.

Between January and June 2015, up to an additional 12 Caltexoperated 'Star Mart' or 'Star Shop' sites will begin to offer Woolworths fuel discount redemptions. Once fully implemented by the end of the 2015 financial year, Woolworths petrol discounts will be redeemable at about 100 Caltex-operated 'Star Mart' or 'Star Shop' sites and at more than 500 Woolworths-operated sites.

Woolworths has no plans to close sites as a result of any of these changes to the alliance.

Given operational changes under the revised arrangements, Woolworths will no longer recognise sales from the Caltex-operated sites in its financial results. The new arrangements will not have a material profit impact on the Woolworths Group.

Woolworths Petrol General Manager, Michael James, said: “We are maintaining our strong relationship with Caltex, which remains the exclusive petrol and diesel supplier for all Woolworths Petrol sites across Australia. The new 32

arrangements enable us to focus our efforts on our operated sites and to deliver further improvements to our convenience offer.”

Caltex Australia General Manager Marketing Bruce Rosengarten said: “This revised arrangement demonstrates the strength of the commercial alliance with Woolworths while at the same time providing an opportunity for Caltex to further streamline the branding used on its retail sites across the nation.”

“The Star Mart brand appears at about 180 flagship Caltex sites around Australia and forms part of one of the largest fuel and convenience networks in Australia.

The rebranding allows redemption customers to continue to access the Woolworths redemption offer at Caltex-operated alliance sites while ensuring easier recognition of Star Mart sites for our customers.”

“Furthermore, the revised arrangement retains Caltex as the exclusive petrol and diesel supplier to Caltex-Woolworths sites, ensuring that customers of both networks continue to have access to the same high-quality range of fuel products.”

USA, Innovation key to meeting 'rampedup' expectation of cstore customers Today’s convenience stores face growing pressure to evolve amid the ramped-up expectations of global consumers, and c-stores that fail to innovate are at risk of falling behind, delegates were told at this 2014’s annual convention of the National Association of Convenience Stores in Las Vegas.

In a joint presentation, Joseph Bona, president of branded environments at brand agency and retail design consultancy CBX, and Dan Munford, managing director of UK-based convenience and petroleum retail strategy specialist Insight, said strategic insight had never been more important, because the retail world was changing so fast.

Those changes extend well beyond the fallout from the rise of ecommerce, explained Bona: “For example, the phenomenon of channel-blurring has led to a proliferation of competitors from

outside the traditional c-store sector.

Whether you’re talking about cstores, QSR and fast-food chains or pharmacies and grocery stores, all of these retail categories are chasing the same consumers. Cstores must raise their game.”

In Europe and the United States alike, a growing number of c-store chains now aim to accomplish this by offering dramatically improved food offerings, often in sumptuous settings relative to the c-stores of the past, Munford said. He referred to a September 2014 report by Nielsen, which predicted that fresh foods would account for up to 50% of category sales in Europe’s nextgeneration c-stores.

Meanwhile, US-based chains such as Wawa, Sheetz and Rutter’s are developing increasingly sophisticated store designs centred on higher-quality food, said Bona: “These chains understand that timepressed consumers crave healthier and better offerings in both the food service and grocery areas. Indeed, in one Technomic survey, a sizeable majority - 64% - said eating healthily was important. Earlier in 2014, twofifths of consumers told the research firm they would visit convenience stores for prepared foods more often if freshness and quality were improved.”

However, he said the trick was not just to offer higher-quality food, but also to elevate the overall customer experience: “Coffee shops in the UK, for example, are booming, not because consumers are drinking more coffee, but because they fill a ‘social venue’ gap in society - one that used to be met by pubs.

Today’s c-stores have the opportunity to do the same thing.”

With respect to food service, Bona and Munford noted, a central issue facing the industry is whether to develop their own food service brands or to engage in brand partnerships. “In Europe, two of the most interesting partnership models to date are the Euro Garages ‘convenience malls’ and the ‘brand implant’ model being developed by Tesco,” Munford related. “The Euro Garages format is essentially a branded partner offer. Picture a hiplooking, corrugated building alongside the road, with the likes of Starbucks Coffee or Subway inside.”

Euro Garages has already rolled out hundreds of these locations, Munford said. For its part, Tesco has

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

partnered with food service brands such as Harris & Hoole, Giraffe Cafe, Euphorium and Fred’s to good effect. “This use of the ‘friendly culture’ of popular partner brands was a savvy move that is proving popular with consumers,” Munford said.

Likewise, European convenience retailer SPAR has partnered with independent UK retailer Eat17 to create a retail destination that combines convenience, restaurant and grocery.

In the conclusion Bona said: “In the old days, people went to cstores simply because they were easy to shop,” he said. “Today, they’re looking for something more.

They want a pleasant environment, high-quality food, convenient locations, and, yes, good deals. The challenge moving forward is to exceed these rising expectations on all fronts.”

NEWS

USA, First retail sites of Wayne Ovation™2 fuel dispensers confirm positive customer feedback Wayne Fuelling Systems, a global provider of fuel dispensing, payment, automation, and control technologies for retail and commercial fuel stations, is pleased with the response from the first customer installations for the Wayne Ovation™2 fuel dispenser. This feedback confirms that the Ovation2 fuel dispenser, among the most advanced dispensers ever built, helps fuel site operators build customer loyalty.

The first fuel retailers to install the product starting late in 2013 were: Settlers Co-op Inc. in Bruce Crossing, Michigan; Proctor Milk House in Proctor, Minnesota; and Hub City Convenience Store’s Fast Stop Store in Hart, Texas. Within a year of introducing the new dispensers to their sites, all three retailers praised the Ovation2 fuel dispenser’s customer-friendly technologies and modern styling.

Features such as an intuitive user interface, enhanced media capabilities, and overall curb appeal compliment the product’s fast fuelling as well as a positive brand impression.

“The Ovation2 dispensers not only 34

look good, they are easy for our customers to operate.

The dispensers add an improved fuelling experience for customers compared to the non-Wayne dispensers we previously had,” describes Chris Gscheidle, vice president of Human Resources and Information Technology for Hub City Convenience Stores.

Additionally, the Ovation2 fuel dispenser helps the retailers comply with current and future Payment Card Industry (PCI) and EMV payment card security regulations.

Mark Fiege, owner and operator of Proctor Milk House shares, “One of the reasons I chose the Ovation2 dispenser was to stay ahead of the PCI requirements.”

The Ovation2dispenser’s modular keypad design and upgradeable software compatibility help to make compliance with evolving standards easy and cost-effective.

Another Ovation2 dispenser feature that the retailers say they appreciate is its durability. “Last year, we had one of the harshest winters I can remember in Michigan, and the dispensers continued to operate with no issues in temperatures well below zero degrees for long periods of time,” Marvin Larson, general manager of Settlers Co-Op says. Gscheidle added that the dispensers have also held up well in the extreme Texas heat.

The Helix fuel dispensers and the Ovation2 fuel dispenser product lines were showcased in booth #6621 at the NACS Show that ran from October 7 – 10, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Helix dispensers were equipped with the full range of payment and technology solutions.

A complete family of Ovation2 dispensers including: LX, the EcoFuel Series with enhanced features, HS Diesel + Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) dispenser were highlighted.

USA, Florida to see its first E15 fuel stations Sarasota’s Easy Stop Citgo and Ft. Myers Marathon will open the first E15 fuel stations as well as a new E85 station in Ft. Myers and Sarasota in Florida, according to a press statement by partner Protec.

Protec Fuel, based in Boca Raton, has partnered with the stations to help manage the ethanol blends

pump installations and help provide fuel for the location’s new cleanerburning fuels, the company said.

E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol, as well as E85 which is a blend with 85 percent gasoline, are the most widely tested fuels ever sold to consumers, Protec said.

Ethanol use is most common in the northern and central states of the US like Iowa where corn growing is widespread and the fuel is more available. Unlike other regions like Brazil where nearly all ethanol made in the US uses corn as raw material.

USA, Convenience store operators, fuel retailers may become targets of protests: NACS The international trade group NACS, or the Association for Convenience and Fuel Retailing, is concerned that its members could become targets for groups that have been busy in recent months organizing protests in the US “from coast to coast” against several businesses with the main demand of higher wages.

Thus far, these groups have directed most of their activities at the fast-food industry but it is fair to assume that our industry is a potential target as well,” the organization said in a report dated December 10 aimed at helping members protect themselves if they were to become a target.

While the NACS is an international organization, most of its members are in the United States. However, the wave of protests has not been limited to the US, the group said.

The advice provided includes legal information to make convenience store operators aware that protesters do not have rights to occupy private property though they can occupy public grounds. It also advises operators to communicate with employees and customers as well as to remain calm if any protest occurs and to “keep in mind that their primary dispute is probably with someone other than you”.

“While the ultimate aims of these organizations are not always clear, the themes often revolve around wages, benefits and other working conditions,” the report said.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

The ELAFLEX APEA Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Peter Prescott, Senior Design Engineer of ARTELIA UK at the recent APEA Exhibition and gala evening held at the Ricoh arena in Coventry.

The award, chosen by a panel of judges, recognises an outstanding individual who has dedicated their career to the Petroleum Forecourt industry, registering extraordinary

the Environmental Protection and Improvement category at this year’s APEA awards, announced on November 5th; a great accolade for a product that makes a real difference to reducing the risk of pollution from forecourts.

Adler and Allan’s Ethanol Coalescing Filter is the first and only filter of its kind that removes, on average, 95% of all BTEX components from surface water discharged from forecourt separators. BTEX compounds can cause acute and long term toxic effects if they enter the soil and groundwater system. In addition to

pollution has on the surrounding environment, providing emergency spill response and clean-up services nationwide. By developing products such as this, we can help our clients prevent disaster happening in the first place; apart from the environmental damage, polluting incidents can cost the perpetrator in terms of fines and a business’ reputation.”

The APEA Awards is open to members on an annual basis, with the Environmental Protection and Improvement award recognising individuals, organisations and products that have had the biggest positive impact on environmental protection during the last 12 months.

For more information about Adler and Allan’s Ethanol Coalescing filter and other pollution prevention products and services, visit: www.adlerandallan.co.uk.

OPW adds Bid Specifications to website for downloading

Left to Right: Killian Tallon, APEA Chairman, Peter Prescott and Anton Martiniussen

achievements and demonstrating consistent excellence along the way.

Peter Prescott has spent more than 28 years in the industry. In his long successful career he has worked for several major oil companies. He is a member of the Energy Institute and APEA and has contributed to several industry groups. He has been involved in the development of new forecourt construction techniques which have brought about changes in design and safety.

Adler and Allan win at the APEA Awards Adler and Allan’s revolutionary Ethanol Coalescing filter has won

their toxicity, benzene is known to be a carcinogen.

A simple solution, the Ethanol Coalescing filter can be easily fitted to existing separators without any requirements for modification or upheaval, whilst meeting stringent Environment Agency pollution guidelines.

“We are thrilled to have been recognised in this way by the APEA,” said Alan Scrafton, Group Sales and Marketing Manager for Adler and Allan. “Our Ethanol Coalescing filter will help a wide range of businesses; in the retail, oil, aviation and marine sectors – any industry where fuel is stored and dispensed on site.

“As a company, we are committed to reducing the effect

Documents Help Bidders Prepare Informed Cost Quotes and Identify Equipment Needs.

HODGKINS, IL – November 21, 2014 – OPW, a Dover Company (NYSE: DOV) and the global leader in fluid-handling solutions, is pleased to announce that Bid Specifications for the FSC3000™ Fuel Site Controller, Petro Vend 100™ Fuel Control System, SiteSentinel® Integra 100™ tank gauge and the SiteSentinel® Integra 500™ tank gauge are available for downloading from OPW’s website.

Engineers, contractors and other prospective bidders can now conveniently download these resources to quickly reference the technical and compliance specifications of these OPW fuel control and tank gauging systems.

“These Bid Specifications enable bidders of public sector construction jobs to provide informed cost quotes and specify the proper equipment needed for their projects,” said OPW Fuel Control Product Manager Orlando Hernandez.

The Bid Specifications allow prospective bidders to review: • Approvals – such as hazardous

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

35

PRESS RELEASES

Lifetime Achievement Award 2014 presentation by ELAFLEX

OPW introduces new ethernet and wireless IP gateways

PRESS RELEASES

location classifications • Certification and accreditation listings – denotes what certifications the system has attained (such as Electronic Testing Labs, Underwriters Laboratories, ATEX, CE and/or IEC), as well as identifies the ongoing certifications OPW must maintain for the system • Testing requirements – identifies which third-party agencies have tested the equipment

• Manufacturer support, service and warranty – defines technical support services including training and certification requirements, service and replacement parts, and terms of warranty To access the Bid Specifications for these four OPW systems, bidders can visit www.opwglobal.com and click on the “Downloads” tabs on the FSC3000, Petro Vend 100, Integra 100 and Integra 500 webpages.

New IP Converters Enable Faster, More Reliable Fueling Transactions.

HODGKINS, IL – October 27, 2014 – OPW, a Dover Company (NYSE: DOV) and the global leader in fluidhandling solutions, is pleased to announce the launch of additional Ethernet IP Gateway Kits and 3G Wireless IP Gateways. When used in conjunction with OPW’s Petro Vend K800™ Hybrid, C/OPT™, or FIT500™ Fuel Control Systems, the Ethernet IP Gateway Kits and new 3G Wireless IP Gateways provide secure, highspeed authorization processing (100 Mbps), resulting in improved operational efficiencies and enhanced customer experiences.

“OPW’s IP Gateways eliminate the time required to establish a dial-up connection which enables faster and more reliable transactions,” said OPW Fuel Control Product Manager Orlando Hernandez.

OPW's Ethernet IP Gateway Kits offer two serial connections: an outbound card authorization connection and a connection that facilitates inbound communications from the Phoenix® Fuel Management Software for integrated authorization and data polling. The IP Gateway Kits also have a built-in dial-out modem.

For fuel sites that do not have an Ethernet connection available, the new 3G Wireless IP Gateway can facilitate outbound network authorizations. With these wireless IP

• Technical specifications – the documents’ comprehensive component specifications enable site managers to plan for the exact prerequisites needed by each component, such as space, temperature and power requirements • Configuration/operation – outlines the many configurable operational modes available, spotlighting the versatility of the systems’ utilities • Optional specifications (such as PC software) – identifies the optional enhancements available for these OPW systems 36

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Gateways, a cellular service provider sends the card authorization information to the network for processing. Antennas – used to boost wireless signals or for mobile applications – and additional ports are available.

Wireless and Ethernet IP Gateways are certified to communicate with the following card authorization networks: CFN, TCH®, T-Chek™, NBS, Chase Paymentech™ and First Data’s BuyPass™.

For more information about OPW’s new Wireless and Ethernet IP Gateways, visit www.opwglobal.com or call (708) 485-4200.

Wayne to supply CNG Site with Fusion™ Automation Server and Automatic Vehicle Identification to SOCAR PRESS RELEASES

• Wayne selected to supply SOCAR Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) with equipment for the first fully automated CNG station serving public transports in Baku, Azerbaijan.

• New Wayne Fusion™ site automation server provides fuel station operators with better visibility and control over many forecourt devices in a single, streamlined solution.

• Implementation of Automatic Vehicle Identification (AVI) facilitates completely automated authorization and payment of fueling transactions Wayne Fueling Systems, a global provider of fuel dispensing, payment, automation, and control technologies for retail and commercial fuel stations, announces that they were selected as the single supplier by SOCAR CNG (CNG subsidiary of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic) for their CNG dispensers, Wayne Fusion site automation server, and AVI solution for the first public transport CNG fueling station in Baku.

In preparation for the Baku 2015 European Games, the Azerbaijan government authorities have 38

invested in significant infrastructure improvements throughout the country. Public transportation is updating a substantial amount of their transportation to be environmentally friendly, and will be moving more of their fleet to CNG vehicles. SOCAR will be leading the way with a first fully-automated CNG station for public transports in the city. The site will supply the public bus fleet of Baku city and is scheduled for installations in early 2015 intending to serve 300 public transports.

“Wayne was selected for having the unique combination of our wellknown CNG dispensing solution combined with the Fusion site automation server. The AVI solution brought in as a complete solution to satisfy the customers’ requirements”, says Damian Tracey, President Wayne Europe. “This builds on a strong relationship with SOCAR in Switzerland where Wayne has supplied customized, outdoorpayment solutions.”

It seems to be a trend that whenever a major sporting event takes place, Wayne’s products and services will be there. Two years ago, the Wayne Helix™ fuel dispenser was the official fuel dispenser of BP's “Fuelling the Future” Showcase in London during the 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Earlier this year, Wayne announced it had been selected to supply CNG fuel dispensers for the first fuel retail site at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games

in Sochi, Russia.

The Fusion site automation server provides fuel station operators with increased visibility and control over many forecourt devices in a single, streamlined solution. The product is manufactured specifically for the rugged demands of a petroleumretail environment – such as extreme temperatures and dust – and also built to handle the needs of forecourt operators with its advanced technology.

With the addition of Wayne’s AVI functionality, the Fusion site automation server facilitates completely automated authorization and payment of fueling transactions for the Baku public transport fleet, 24 hours a day. The AVI solution utilizes pumpmounted readers to wirelessly access information stored on special tags mounted on the buses.

The data captured is relayed to the AVI controller module on the Fusion site automation server, validates the information prior to fueling, and denies fueling to unauthorized vehicles. Wayne AVI tags have full read/write capability which allows vehicle-specific parameters and business rules to be written to the tag from a remote location, meaning the system can operate offline without the unnecessary cost and inconvenience of updating tag information back at the bus depot.

Moreover, tags can be dynamically suspended or deactivated in the field.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

#6621 at the NACS Show from October 7 – 10, 2014, in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Helix dispensers were equipped with the full range of payment and technology solutions.

A complete family of Ovation2 dispensers including: LX, the EcoFuel Series with enhanced features, HS Diesel + Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF), and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) dispenser were highlighted.

For more information, please visit www.wayne.com.

“We are proud to be selected by SOCAR as a CNG dispenser, site automation, and AVI solution provider. Wayne is continuously developing alternative fueling solutions and is pleased to support SOCAR CNG in their environmental efforts,” says Andrei Belomestnykh, General Manager, Wayne Fueling Systems, Russia and CIS.

First retail sites of Wayne Ovation™2 Fuel Dispensers confirm positive customer feedback • Retailers report smooth transition to PCI-compliant payment systems • Durable design ensures dispensers weather extreme temperatures and conditions Austin, Texas USA – October 2, 2014 - Wayne Fueling Systems, a global provider of fuel dispensing, payment, automation, and control technologies for retail and commercial fuel stations, is pleased with the response from the first customer installations for the Wayne Ovation2TM fuel dispenser. This feedback confirms that the Ovation2 fuel dispenser, among the most advanced dispensers ever built, helps fuel site operators build customer loyalty.

The first fuel retailers to install the product starting late last year were: Settlers Co-op Inc. in Bruce Crossing, Michigan; Proctor Milk House in Proctor, Minnesota; and Hub City Convenience Store’s Fast Stop Store in Hart, Texas. Within a year of introducing the new dispensers to their sites, all three retailers praised the Ovation2 fuel dispenser’s customer-friendly technologies and modern styling. Features such as an intuitive user interface, enhanced media capabilities, and overall curb appeal compliment the product’s fast fueling as well as a positive brand impression.

“The Ovation2 dispensers not only look good, they are easy for our customers to operate.

The dispensers add an improved fueling experience for customers compared to the non-Wayne

dispensers we previously had,” describes Chris Gscheidle, vice president of Human Resources and Information Technology for Hub City Convenience Stores.

Additionally, the Ovation2 fuel dispenser helps the retailers comply with current and future Payment Card Industry (PCI) and EMV payment card security regulations.

Mark Fiege, owner and operator of Proctor Milk House shares, “One of the reasons I chose the Ovation2 dispenser was to stay ahead of the PCI requirements.” The Ovation2 dispenser’s modular keypad design and upgradeable software compatibility help to make compliance with evolving standards easy and cost-effective.

Another Ovation2 dispenser feature that the retailers say they appreciate is its durability. “This year, we had one of the harshest winters I can remember in Michigan, and the dispensers continued to operate with no issues in temperatures well below zero degrees for long periods of time,” Marvin Larson, general manager of Settlers Co-Op says.

Gscheidle added that the dispensers have also held up well in the extreme Texas heat.

The Helix fuel dispensers and the Ovation2 fuel dispenser product lines were showcased in booth

When DCV Engineering noticed that its client appeared to be buying more fuel than the pumps said were being dispensed, they needed a quick and easy way to calibrate the pumps to eliminate the possibility of fuel going missing and to produce accurate figures. The solution came in the form of a handy device: a test measure can from Hytek (GB) Ltd, suppliers of fuel and lubrication equipment.

The client - a landfill company runs a fleet of heavy plant equipment, which runs on gasoil and needs refuelling every day.

Looking more closely at their refuelling figures, the company discovered that they didn’t add up.

Their purchasing figures said one thing while the pumps said another, leaving them with an inaccurate picture of their fuel consumption.

With their client’s audit fast approaching, DCV Engineering came to Hytek seeking a quick way of calibrating the pumps to resolve the errors in their figures, which could lead to fuel going missing.

Hytek supplied them with their 304 stainless steel 20-litre test measure can, which can be used with diesel, petrol, biodiesel and Adblue®. The option of a weights and measures certificated test measure was discussed, but as the landfill company were filling their own vehicles and not reselling, this option was not required. The test measure can allowed DCV Engineering to calibrate all its client’s pumps rapidly, including fixed island pumps and those on fuel bowsers.

Commenting on the outcome, David of DCV Engineering said: “The test measure can has a good clear

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PRESS RELEASES

Hytek’s secret to quick, accurate calibration

Jones & Bob Conlin. Bob said “We are committed to growing the business and I am delighted that Tony will be joining us on January 5th 2015. His previous role with OPW as Director of Engineering and New Product Development for Fuel Management products in the US gives him significant experience that we are delighted to acquire.”

Steve Jones added “We were impressed with his passion and drive along with his depth of understanding about our industry which, combined with his large network of contacts, will help us reach new customers in previously uncharted territories. Tony will be relocating back to the UK with his family and we look forward to introducing him to our existing customers in the coming months.”

PRESS RELEASES Test Measure Can

gauge, making calibrating the pumps quick and easy. It has the added bonus that the can pours nicely and cleanly, allowing the 20 litres of test fuel to be put back into the storage tank easily.”

After use, engineers found that they could easily and safely store the test measure can for future use.

It also comes with an optional protective carry case designed to prolong the life of this useful device.

Hytek only supply the trade; for your copy of their 242 page product catalogue please email sales@hytekgb.com or call 01279 815 600 or visit www.hytekgb.com.

Trade accounts can be opened the same day.

Fairbanks appoint new head of Global Sales and Marketing (Lancashire, UK – 18th Dec 2014) 40

Fairbanks, a global fuel management service provider, announced today that Tony Mills is joining the business to deliver their global sales and marketing strategy.

The move represents a statement of intent from the UK Company as they look to further develop their service and solutions range and expand into new markets.

Fairbanks delivers intelligent fuel management services to many leading oil companies, hypermarkets and retailers across 35 countries and provides data analysis that enables faster decision making via a secure web based system. This exciting new appointment will allow the business to focus on enhancing its existing services and increase its geographical scope and market share.

Tony Mills will join the Fairbanks Leadership Team which includes Joint Managing Directors Steve

About Fairbanks Fairbanks, based in the north west of England, is a global specialist in providing fuel monitoring and management services to the downstream fuel retail industry. They provide services to the majority of independent UK sites as well as major clients such as Tesco, Morrisons, Shell and BP. Today the company also has licensees using the Fairbanks system to manage wetstock across Europe, Asia and Australia. More than 10,000 stations in 35 countries benefit from Fairbanks solutions. For more information about Fairbanks, go to www.fairbanksglobal.com.

About Tony Mills Shortly after graduating from the University of Bradford with a Bachelor of Engineering degree, Tony moved into the Fuel Management industry. In a career spanning 26 years he has held numerous positions within the field.

He was instrumental in the deployment of early ATG based wetstock management solutions, and with his former company led their environmental products group.

After obtaining his MBA he played an instrumental role in global business development. He is a member of the BSI and continues to represent the industry on new and emerging EU standards.

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The Euro 6 Exhaust Standard and the Impact on the Retail Forecourt Industry

By Stefan Kunter, Elaflex

ARTICLES

The Euro 6 exhaust standard has been in place since September 2014 whereby emissions of NOx (nitrogen oxides) during normal operation must now be 80 % below those of diesel vehicles without NOx aftertreatment. This represents the biggest challenge diesel vehicles have been faced with since the introduction of the EU’s first exhaust standards! The automotive industry has already come up with solutions for meeting the exhaust standard of tomorrow: optimized engines, NOx Storage Catalysts (NSC) and Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR).

The latter substantially reduces exhaust emissions by using a new aqueous solution. Its name: AdBlue.

Against this background, the automotive industry is being challenged by even stricter legal requirements for further emission reductions. A very ambitious proposal from the European Commission envisages regulating the CO2 output from passenger cars at 95 g/km CO2 by the year 2020.

This corresponds to a fuel consumption of less than four litres for every 100 kilometers travelled.

The current CO2 regulation sets a limit of 130 grams for the European passenger car fleet by the year 2015. In other words, to achieve the 95 g/km target, the European car manufacturers must save an average of 35 g/km of CO2 within just five years – from 2015 to 2020. If adopted, the EU limits would turn out to be the strictest applicable standards anywhere in the world.

As a part of the road map that has been established for the Euro 6 Exhaust Standard, the standard has been binding on all new passenger car type approvals since September 2014. By September 2015, it will apply to all newly registered passenger cars. In September 2017, the Euro 6 exhaust standard is to be tightened even further. Not only will car producers then have to prove that the engines of all new vehicle models comply with the exhaust 42

limits based on the dynamometer specified in the New European Driving Cycle (NEDC), but that this will also work in normal, everyday operation. The introduction of Euro 6 therefore means that effective systems for the after-treatment of nitrogen oxides are of paramount significance.

SCR technology with AdBlue has laid the technological foundations for bringing down pollutant emissions – especially when it comes to nitrogen oxides – from dieselpowered commercial vehicles. In the case of heavy commercial vehicles, AdBlue which is in common use, has already proven its worth and therefore not surprisingly

established itself as an effective solution for exhaust after-treatment.

Modern commercial vehicles using it now run almost free of emissions.

According to the forecast of the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) and the European Automobile Manufacturers' Association (ACEA), nearly 40 million passenger cars and

Typical filler neck

Filler neck with nozzle

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light commercial vehicles will be driving on European roads by the year 2020. There is no doubt that the combination of SCR and AdBlue is developing into a major technology component for diesel vehicles and it is very likely that these vehicles need to be refilled with AdBlue on a regular basis.

Refilling by Nozzle Since mid-2013, vehicle manufacturers and the oil industry have had a joint systematic longterm testing program which is being implemented at selected public filling stations. The aim is to gain more insight into technical knowledge – with a special focus on feasibility – and evaluating practical motorist experiences. Based on the requirements of the vehicle manufacturers and oil companies, ELAFLEX have constructed the new ZVA AdBlue LV nozzle. It incorporates a misfilling-proof interface in accordance with ISO 22241-5 and has a flow rate of not more than 10 l/min. Lightweight and a slim design - such as diesel and petrol nozzles – will give motorists the same operating feeling and handling that they are used to.

ZVA AdBlue LV Nozzle

Logistic Hose with Dry Disconnect Couplings

Dispensing Hoses and Break Away couplings Dispensing hoses shall meet all requirements in accordance with ISO 22241. In 2005, ELAFLEX developed a highly flexible hose together with a 1” female BSP stainless steel end fitting; these hose assemblies will also ensure purity of the medium and hassle-free refilling of vehicles.

In some countries, a break-away coupling is mandatory whilst in others it is optional. The ZVA AdBlue LV nozzle is available with an optional SSB 16 SS Safety Swivel Break. In case of a drive-off incident it will separate to avoid spill and equipment damage. Break-Away’s have to fulfill all the requirements in EN 13617-2.

and their usage have for this reason become standard practice today.

They are operating in a wet hose system on tank trucks for the fast filling of underground storage tanks (UST), above ground storage tanks (AST) or Intermediate bulk container (IBC). In a wet hose system it is important for the lining of the hose to guarantee a high media purity.

The use of Dry Disconnect Couplings, with EPDM seals, make for a quick and clean connection without spill – either under pressure or with gravity flow from the tank truck.

Logistics The bulk refilling of AdBlue has been well known since 2005 and the refilling equipment market has matured too. Certified tanker hoses and stainless steel Dry Disconnect Couplings have proven their value

• AdBlue is a registered trademark of the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA)

References: • ISO 22241-5 “refilling interface for passenger cars”

• Info Leaflet of the German Automotive Industry Association (VDA) 2013.

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ARTICLES

The Open Issue The Refilling Method: It is already clear that the separate AdBlue tank will have a volume between 8 to 30 litres and an interface (filler inlet) defined by ISO 22241-5. So far the industry has not made final decisions about the method of refilling. It was previously assumed that AdBlue would be topped up at the garage workshop as part of the standard inspection cycle, but recent tests show that prescribed maintenance intervals are way too long for the majority of the vehicles. Hence there will definitely not be any other option than a self-service solution for the motorist. Special bottles and containers are already available as an interim solution at many petrol stations. However these bottles turn out not to be motorist friendly as they are awkward to handle. The industry is now looking for a more acceptable motorist-friendly and simple refilling method by using a forecourt type nozzle integrated onto a Multi-Product Dispenser.

Misfuelling Motor Vehicles

By Andy Powdrill, Automobile Association

ARTICLES

Historically the notice with rise in demand for the AA to attend to issues with misfuelled motor vehicles started to appear somewhere around the year 2000. Due to the advances in technology with diesel engine road vehicles around this time, they became smoother running and held better performance.

As motor manufacturers and engineers adapted the new technology to the diesel engine to meet environment and customer demands for (at the time) cheaper fuelled vehicles, diesel engines became more common, especially in models which were not normally associated with diesel engines. As the number of diesel engined vehicles on the road increased, the better performance and smoother running of the engines made it easy for the driver to become mistaken and believe that the vehicle they were driving was a petrol engined version.

Due to customer demand, since January of 2006, the AA has been operating a bespoke service to attend to and rectify vehicles which have been misfuelled.

The service was developed and based upon recognised volume of vehicles which had either broken down as a consequence of having the incorrect fuel or contaminated fuel in the fuel tank or where the driver of the vehicle has realised that they have mistakenly filled up with the incorrect fuel.

The observations and technical feedback during the research time showed that more diesel vehicles where misfuelled with petrol than petrol vehicles which were filled with diesel. The percentage of misfuelled diesel vehicles equated at the time to around 90% of the total volume leaving the remaining 10% being petrol vehicles misfuelled.

Up until recently from the AA perspective, the two main areas of misfuelling to be dealt with were: 1) When a diesel vehicle has been incorrectly filed with petrol (more common) or: 2) When a petrol vehicle had been incorrectly filled with diesel (less common).

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In addition and more lately there is now a recognised (albeit small) rise in demand for service where vehicles have had products such as Ad Blu and water mistakenly added to the fuel system. At present the mistakenly added Ad Blu is seen more in the HGV world. However with the requirement for Ad Blu in smaller modern diesel vehicles becoming more common and the placement of Ad Blu dispensing nozzles at petrol and diesel pump islands giving the customer more choice the expectation is that the problem is likely to rise.

To date the statistical analysis now shows that 84% of misfuels are when petrol is added to a diesel fuel tank, 14% of demand for service is when diesel is added to a petrol fuel tank and the remaining 2% currently shows where water or Ad Blu is added to either diesel or petrol fuel tanks.

Whilst the AA has successful, tested and proven methods already in place to deal with vehicles which have been subject to misfuelling, there are now further researched practices in place from the AA to deal with Ad Blu and water ‘crossovers’ or other types of contamination into the diesel or petrol fuel tank of the customer’s vehicle.

Statistically when a vehicle has had either petrol misfuelled into a diesel vehicle or diesel misfuelled into a petrol vehicle the AA complete a roadside repair allowing the vehicle to continue on its way in over 98% of all instances dealt with by our dedicated AA Fuel Assist Technicians. This success is reflected whether the casualty vehicle engine has been started or not. Where water contamination has been identified the percentage of vehicles repaired at the roadside is greater (99%). Again this reflects all instances whether the casualty vehicle engine has or has not been started. In the very small amount of instances at present where Ad Blu has been added, due to the nature and characteristics of the Ad Blu product, a drive away or roadside repair is less achievable equating at

present to 60% success rate.

Successful roadside repair in the instance of Ad Blu crossover is somewhat dependant on whether the vehicle has been started as the AD Blu product will quickly block fuel lines and filters. However the removal of the contaminated fuel and Ad Blu product is completed allowing the vehicle to be in a more ready state for a workshop repair as the fuel system has already been emptied by the AA Fuel Assist technician.

The mechanical consequences of running a misfuelled diesel engine vehicle with petrol can vary from vehicle to vehicle dependant upon the integrity and serviceability of the main fuel system components at the time of the incident. Diesel engine vehicle fuel systems rely in part on the lubrication properties of the diesel fuel to keep the moving components such as the fuel injection pump and the injectors lubricated during use. When petrol is added to the diesel fuel system the ‘spirit’ quality of the petrol will ‘wash out’ the lubricating qualities of the diesel fuel and if the vehicle engine is started with the petrol in the system will cause additional friction wear on the diesel injection components.

The mechanical consequences of running a petrol vehicle with diesel in the fuel tank can be seen as less severe taking into consideration that the diesel fuel is less combustible than petrol and therefore prevents the fuel igniting in the combustion chamber causing the engine to stop in a very short period of time.

As stated earlier though, the surprising results over the 9 years of experience shows a 98% success rate in making a roadside repair on these vehicles whether or not the engine has been started. This includes cases of petrol in diesel misfuels where the vehicle has driven considerable motorway miles from fill up with the incorrect fuel.

Why do drivers misfuel?

From a general observational perspective there are many features of the motor vehicle refuelling activity which could contribute to drivers misfuelling.

Common driver excuses range from:

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• Blaming the fuel forecourt for the position or colour of the dispensing pump islands, pump pipework, pump handles and/or dispensing nozzles; • Being initially convinced that the vehicle absolutely requires the fuel which the driver has selected. In these sorts of cases the driver is convinced and believes the selection of the fuel is correct, only to find after filling that the vehicle should have had the other choice of fuel…!!; • Distraction, pressure;

in

a

rush,

under

• Using a different brand or a filling station which the driver is not familiar with; • Blaming the vehicle manufacturer for not having a suitable prevention device.

ARTICLES

As highlighted earlier, modern day diesel vehicles perform well and run smoothly with little of the old diesel fuel ‘odour’. These vehicles can easily be mistaken for petrol engined versions.

Although diesel and petrol forecourt delivery nozzles are different sizes and some modern day diesel vehicles have anti-misfuel devices fitted this still does not totally prevent the more persistent driver getting the wrong fuel into the vehicle fuel tank. Due to the more accessible larger aperture of the diesel fuel filler neck on most diesel vehicles and the smaller diameter petrol dispensing nozzle, the more common practice is to fill a diesel vehicle with petrol.

If a driver regularly changes the vehicle they drive and end up making an assumption on the fuel the vehicle requires to run on it is more likely that the vehicle will be mistaken for a petrol version.

Therefore in this particular instance the driver could attempt to fill the diesel vehicle with petrol. Anecdotal experience from a male/female differential of this particular example it can be demonstrated that some males are more likely to successfully misfuel the vehicle than a female.

The observations made here are when a male, confident in the 46

assumption that the smooth running high performance vehicle requires petrol, or perhaps just that the pump he has selected to fill the vehicle is correct, will by pass or override any manufacturer fitted misfuel device which would be attempting to prevent the vehicle being filled to warn the driver of the impending mistake. Whereas generally from a female perspective the female driver will come up against the manufacturer misfuel device, stop, take another look to check and confirm the correct fuel selection or seek advice…..

What happens to a vehicle when diesel fuel is added into a petrol vehicle fuel tank?

• Generally the vehicle engine will start up as normal. However after a very short running period of around 30 seconds to perhaps a few minutes due to the less combustible properties of the diesel fuel and also dependant upon the ratio of diesel in the petrol, the engine will begin to lose power, run incorrectly – misfire, and the exhaust will smoke excessively. Engine management lights may illuminate to warn the driver.

• The diesel fuel will ‘oil’ the spark plugs preventing the effective combustion of the fuel which in turn causes the engine to run erratically/rough.

• The diesel fuel will also ‘foul’ the petrol filter….

What happens to a vehicle when petrol is added into a diesel vehicle fuel tank?

Due to the better combustion of the now added petrol into the fuel system the immediate affect for the driver is the feeling of more engine power and then a harsher mechanical engine noise which can be caused by ‘pre ignition’ of the fuel mixture within the combustion chamber.

On modern vehicles the engine management system will attempt to combat the pre ignition and also try to keep the engine running as smoothly as possible. If the diesel vehicle is on a motorway journey

(70mph) it is likely that the engine will keep running until the driver switched off the engine. If the modern diesel vehicle is being used around town in traffic, although it is likely in most cases where the integrity of the fuel system prior to misfuelling was good and serviceable, the engine will also keep running. However in the town driving the driver is sure to eventually experience difficulty when accelerating, slowing down and changing gears which will help alert to a problem.

Eventually in either scenario whether diesel in petrol, petrol in diesel or with any other fuel contamination it is highly likely that the engine warning light (if fitted) will illuminate to warn of a problem If the warning light should start to flash, this is warning the driver that there could now potentially be damage being caused to the emissions reduction components on the vehicle such as the catalytic converter or in the example of a diesel engine the diesel particulate filter (DPF). However it is again highly likely that the driver would have enough warning through the dash board communication and the now limited performance of the vehicle to stop at a safe location and research the problem further.

From a diesel in petrol perspective when the engine is eventually switched off it will be difficult to restart whilst warm, but may restart when cooled down. This is mainly due to the different properties and reactions of the added petrol into the diesel system whilst under the influence of pressure and heat in the diesel fuel system. As the petrol will vaporise more readily than the diesel the mixed fuel within the diesel fuel rail will try to expand when the fuel is not circulating when the engine is not running. This in turn will cause a ‘vapour lock’ within the fuel system which in turn reduces the amount of combustible component being injected into the combustion chamber for ignition.

Technical summary: Although the engineering technology and component integrity of the modern day diesel and petrol engines is excellent and in most cases able to withstand a

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as the diesel fuel will be washed away by the spirit base of the petrol. If further difficulties are identified in a very small number of cases a fuel filter replacement may be required.

•A petrol engined vehicle contaminated with diesel fuel will start, run for a short period, possibly misfire, run rough and eventually stop. The rectification will involve the removal of the contaminated fuel, system flush and in some cases spark plug removal and/or replacement and restart the vehicle with a view to evaluating any further consequential risk to the fuel and exhaust emissions components.

The flushing of the fuel system is likely to combat the blocked filter

• A diesel engine vehicle which has been contaminated with petrol needs the driver to acknowledge the issue as soon as possible. As in some circumstances the vehicle continues to run without any perceived issue (such as on a motorway journey) the driver may not always read the warning signs.

Delay in rectification and continued use of the petrol in the diesel system will increase the risk of component damage and in some extreme cases under prolonged use could cause a

The Regulatory Development Needs Analysis (RDNA) for Petroleum Officers

By Kim Bennett CMCIEH Senior Environmental Health Officer The RDNA (Regulators’ Developmental Needs Analysis) approach to competency has been used within health and safety regulation for several years and has since been extended to cover other regulatory areas such as animal health and welfare, housing, metrology, and port health, pollution prevention and control, licensing (in particular the Licensing Act 2003), fair trading, product safety, and agriculture.

More recently HSE, LBRO, CIEH and TSI, along with other partners, have been working on a major project aimed at extending RDNA across more local authority regulatory services functions, including Petroleum regulation. This was due to be available from October 2014 (see note below). The GRIP (Guidance for Regulators Information Point) for this module will include the BTEC, APEA courses,

CPD through SELCOG, PELG etc.

The Health and Safety Executive developed the RDNA approach to support the continuous professional development of its own regulators, and those in local authorities who regulate within health and safety.

They are happy to see the extension of the approach across the regulatory system. Experience shows that the RDNA approach provides more tailored and cost-effective learning and development for regulators, and an effective means to build and maintain relevant competence. This is good for them as individuals, good for the organisation, and most importantly good for the businesses they regulate and the people protected by it.

The core competencies section ensures that all regulators have the competence and confidence to carry out their functions effectively.

catastrophic mechanical failure within the fuel system if not dealt with early enough.

The rectification will involve the removal of the contaminated fuel, system flush and prime and then restart the engine with a view to evaluating any further potential consequential risk to the fuel and exhaust emissions components.

Whichever way providing the vehicle is dealt with promptly once it has been affected with fuel contamination the AA can in 98% of all cases achieve a satisfactory roadside repair.

The AA provides a nationwide Fuel Assist Service to help resolve vehicles that have been misfuelled and can be contacted on 08702403985.

This section covers, for example, inspection techniques and report writing which are common to all regulators. It also ensures that regulators can identify hazards and react in an appropriate and proportionate way as well as being able to use office systems to support their regulatory activity.

The topic specific areas ensure that individuals have the knowledge required in a particular area; topics included are diverse such as: asbestos, catering, slips and trips, childcare and workplace transport.

The topic areas are supported by the GRIP tool, which gives access to relevant publications including HSG and guidance documents, and training support, including formal courses as well as shadowing of competent officers.

The tool requires a dialogue between the Regulator and their manager to discuss the outcome and to agree a training regime. This will include shadowing of other officers, research and reading as well as attendance at formal courses.

Please note that the RDNA tool has been taken offline whilst work is carried out to identify and develop a suitable competency tool for CPD that better meets HSE's business needs. This work will take place during 2014/15.

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ARTICLES

certain amount of running with occasional poorer quality fuel over short periods it is still essential that contaminated or known mixed fuels within the vehicle fuel system is dealt with as soon as possible.

Introducing the APEA Charity for the Year Action for Children

By Mark Orr, APEA Council Director

ARTICLES

Action for Children is a national charity committed to helping the most vulnerable and neglected children and young people in the UK break through injustice, deprivation and inequality, so that they can

regional level of the good work that Action for Children does so that member companies or regional branches may choose to also adopt them as their chosen charity.

If so this will increase the

achieve their full potential. For 145 years it has delivered direct support programmes to support children, young people and their families across the UK. This year the APEA has chosen Action for Children as the charity of the year.

The Council hopes that by announcing the charity earlier than in previous years that we can raise awareness at a national and

fundraising the industry can achieve for the charity which will benefit the children they serve.

To help the charity has given us promotional material that we can distribute to members and local representatives are happy to attend

regional branch meetings to introduce the charity to members and tell them of the work being done in their region.

So why did we choose Action for Children – let them explain: ‘Action for Children works in local communities to protect and support the young and vulnerable, as they grow up. We exist to make their lives better: now, tomorrow and every day.

We make growing up safer. We believe in taking action early to fix problems before a child is overwhelmed by them. We make things happen quickly and with understanding. We help children at different stages of their lives. We care about each child and every family. We treat everyone as an individual and give people the

support they really need. We never give up.

We run over 650 services, from children’s centres to intensive family support, from fostering and adoption to respite care for the disabled. We have over 7,000 staff and 2,000 volunteers.

In the past year we helped more children and their families across the UK than any other charity. Today, we could easily double that number to meet demand.

Let’s all take more action for children.’

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Ethanol Coalescing Filter, Revolutionising Pollution Risk on Forecourts

By Richard Scree, Adler and Allan Adler and Allan’s Ethanol Coalescing Filter, the first and only filter of its kind that removes on average 90% of all BTEX components from surface water discharged from forecourt separators, won the Environmental Protection and Improvement category at last year’s APEA awards. Richard Sacree, who help design the system, explains how the Ethanol Coalescing filter was conceived.

ARTICLES

Ethanol Coalescing Filter – the background: Removing ethanol is an increasing requirement due to the introduction of European Directive 2003/30/EC which stipulates the use of biofuels and other renewable fuels. These fuels are currently up to 5% ethanol.

Adler and Allan was tasked in late 2008 with developing a solution to preventing related pollution on forecourts, ideally enhancing the existing filtration installed to all separators ensuring sites have adequate measures to deal with the environmental issues as a result of the new directive.

Conventional fuel hydrocarbons are hydrophobic, when mixed with the grey water in the separator a

two phase system occurs; the lower water phase and the oil phase. Oil is less dense and floats on the water whereas ethanol is extremely water miscible and therefore passes through traditional coalescing filters.

Within the separator, the components in the oil phase such as those found in the BTEX family: benzene, toluene, ethyl benzene and xylenes, become associated with the water phase rather than staying with the oil, polluting soil and watercourses.

Research and analysis: Separator manufacturers are required to conduct their testing in accordance with European Standards Body (CEN), with procedures designed to ensure that the efficiency of separators is assessed by discharging a standard oil/water mixture, flowing through the separator at a set rate. BTEX is prevented from entering the environment by means of the surface or ground water drainage systems, but not to a very high concentration.

Improving on the industry standard, we undertook a study of the chemistry of both the forecourt discharge and the conditions within the separator itself. Working with three petroleum companies, samples were taken from numerous service stations across the country.

The solution: It was considered that ethanol and BTEX compounds could be filtered by enhancing the current coalescing filter media, using a filter

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formulation that still incorporated the oil phase separation feature, thus ensuring that environmental risks are properly addressed, with minimal additional cost to the operator - this was our design mission.

Over a period of two years we

conducted a range of tests to determine the efficiency of reducing contaminants using differing filter media, focusing on BTEX compounds. The results were analysed by the National Laboratories under the Environment Agency’s MCERTS certification. Filter depth proved to be key and we ended up with a combination of reticulated foam filters fused together to a form a thickness of 75mm; enough to filter out oil and BTEX compounds while still being suitable for use in an existing separator.

The resulting Ethanol Coalescing filter is easy to fit, and, most importantly, removes on average 90% of potentially cancerous BTEX compounds from the hydrocarbon polluted water discharged from onsite separators.

Launched at the APEA November 2013 Exhibition and Conference, in early 2014, the Ethanol Coalescing Filter was chosen as part of a proactive coalescing replacement programme by a leading oil company and has been installed across a hundred sites, throughout England and Wales. www.adlerandallan.co.uk

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Unmanned Entry Tank Lining Development

By Tolulope Martin, Design Engineer (Fuels) Shell Retail Engineering

ARTICLES

Tank-entry and work in confined space have led to a large number of unfortunate incidents. A lot of these incidents have occurred because there were violations of safe systems of work. The fact remains however, that in spite of industry recognised safe systems of work which are part of requirements for most major energy companies, including Shell, a number of fatalities and serious injuries in confined spaces take place each year around the world. It’s been calculated that working in a confined space is approximately 150* times more dangerous than doing the same job outside.

At Shell, with roughly 45,000 Shell branded retail stations worldwide, we have in the past had several incidents linked to tank entry or work in confined spaces. Our ‘no tankentry policy’ is aimed at eliminating where possible or reducing to the barest minimum the need to enter a tank or work in confined spaces, where there are no legislative requirements to do so. Of course any ‘no tank-entry’ policies are only as good as solutions which realistically allow for their implementation; i.e. with no requirement for someone to physically enter into a tank.

Over the last few years Shell Retail and its partners have embarked on a journey to find and trial methods aimed at eliminating confined space entry where they already exist, building on existing methods or developing our own bespoke solutions.

There are numerous types of tank lining systems that have been used in industry over the years, some more successfully than others. Shell retail, has installed a lot of these systems. The installation of these tank lining systems have traditionally required a person to physically enter into a tank to install the lining. In view of the mentioned ‘no tank entry’ policy, we were faced with two options; totally stop lining tanks and 54

only replace them, or come up with a way to line a tank without requiring someone to physically enter a tank.

The need to line tanks can be due to various reasons including: eliminating defects found by inspections; fortifying tanks for planned introduction of new biofuels or a desire to introduce additional barriers at high risk environmental locations for sites newly acquired into our network.

Shell Retail has a huge network which means that there is an inevitable need to be conscious of costs and so re-tanking is not always a viable solution. In addition, there are strong HSSE reasons why we would like to avoid retanking, unless there are no alternatives. Tank removal for replacement carries its own safety risks, and we are actively working with our partners to reduce exposure hours for our contractors and to design out risks wherever we can.

These were some of the considerations that led us to initiate a project with our partners aimed at developing a process of lining tanks that allows for installation, inspection and replacement of a liner without manned entry. Our partners in developing the process of unmanned tank lining are Tokheim and Fenotec. Various other partners, notably Artelia, have been closely involved as well, especially in the market trial and fine-tuning stages of this project. In different markets, our various sub-contractors have brought their various technologies and expertise for cleaning and inspecting tanks to the table to enable us to have an end to end unmanned process.

The project was initiated in 2011 with an aim to develop a method of lining diesel and petrol tanks. The unmanned process was developed and fine-tuned in 2013.

The liner being used for the unmanned tank lining is the ‘Fenosafe’ liner. It is a bag liner

produced by Fenotec, a German company with over 40 years of experience in producing and installing leak protection liners in Germany. Fenotec is working in a partnership with Tokheim on tank lining, which allows the project to leverage the global reach and experience of Tokheim.

Bag type liners have several advantages over traditional lining solutions, and lend themselves well to being installed without requiring manned entry, unlike traditional lining solutions. Since the liners are produced in a factory, the quality control is higher and the quality of the bags remains consistent. Quality benefits also come from the fact that lining a tank with a bag type liner means that labor intensive steps e.g. preparation of the tank wall by intense cleaning and grit blasting, proper preparation of coatings to mention a few are not required. Eliminating these steps also provides safety benefits. As bag type liners do not need to be adhered to the tank wall, they can be more easily removed and replaced if necessary. Where traditional liners fail, they require manned entry for inspection, repair and removal, and our experience has been that where we have had failed traditional liners, the removal process is tedious and potentially harmful for the tank’s structural integrity, in addition to the safety considerations.

A quick overview of the unmanned installation process for bag liners is as follows: 1. Preparation for lining •A confirmation of the dimensions of the tank is needed. This can be done either from an accurate design drawing of the tank or through a measurement of the tank for

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instance using the 3D laser tool.

• The tank is made product free and cleaned.

• The tank is prepared and the connections of the measuring and suction line of the vacuum interstitial leak detection is installed and adjusted.

2. Liner Installation: The process of the installation of liner with the protective fleece is as below.

• An air mattress is first inserted into the tank.

Liner and fleece package in tank before being inflated

• The air mattress is then inflated.

• The bag liner and protective fleece is introduced into the tank.

• The slide is separated and retracted from the tank.

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• The liner is then inflated.

• The dome fitting & connections are secured.

• The leak detector system and vacuum lines are checked. Then the dome fittings are mounted and then a final inspection and hand over is carried out.

As with any new development, the development of the unmanned installation process for tank lining has faced several issues and challenges.

One such challenge was to address how the liner is properly positioned in the tank without a person entering the tank. The mattress solution was found to be the easiest solution to that issue. Another challenge had to do with the use of ropes; during the first couple of installations it was difficult to quickly recognize which rope was which even when the ropes were labeled, as all the ropes had the same colour. In the improved process, the ropes are colour coded which has made the process much easier. As with any new development, it has been necessary to conduct training on how the unmanned process works.

There are also challenges with limited numbers of contractors who can carry out unmanned tank

Introduction of air mattress into tank

cleaning in various markets.

The total time required for the installation of the liner has been reduced to two days, with the preparation work being done on

day one and the actual installation of the liner being done on day two.

This is a considerable advantage over traditional lining methods.

For the unmanned process to get

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ARTICLES

Example of inner view of partly inflated liner.

fully embedded an end-to-end unmanned process is required. We look to leverage available technologies that can be offered by partners in the market to do this.

One such example is the use of the Tokheim 3D laser tank measurement tool which can be used for calibration and measurement of a tank with and without the liner. The calibration table used by the tool is in line with EN standards, and has the benefit that it can be used to

measure a tank without cleaning the tank so that measurement can be made and the liner produced in advance, even where no tank drawings are available.

Since a liner solution, without a petrol option is not complete and will not gain much traction, in parallel to developing the unmanned lining process, Fenotec has been working to finalize the development of a petrol solution.

German requirements for a petrol

liner with respect to permeation and conductivity are more stringent than EN requirements, but in light of the fact that there have been petrol liners that have caused massive problems in the past, a cautious approach has been taken. The petrol liner that is in the final stages of precertification is being TUV certified in addition to the EN certification.

A disadvantage of bag liners over certain types of traditional lining systems is that they do not lend structural stability to a tank, which is something that is required in certain instances. Since it is not possible for now to install traditional liners without manned entry, another part of this project is dealing with the development and trialing of a structural lining system which can also be installed without entry into a tank. We hope to begin testing this method sometime in the coming year.

This was a short introduction to our tank lining project. I would like to say in summary that if there are two points to take from this short article, I recommend you think about methods for the complete elimination of tank entry and hazardous works in a tank, and also methods of doing unmanned lining safely on tanks with various configurations including on tanks with no man ways and tanks with internal structures. We would be very interested in hearing your thoughts on these. *SOURCE: OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF LABOUR, WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND

Ask The Experts What is a flame arrester and what is it designed to do?

A flame arrester is a device that has been used in this industry for many years and is designed to prevent the spread of fires and explosions in equipment that contains flammable gases and vapours.

In 1909 a report to both houses of parliament and to Winston Churchill 56

(the Home secretary at the time) about the dangers of petrol storage and mention was made of a safety device “to prevent backfire into the vessel and the possible explosion of an

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explosive mixture of petroleum spirit and air inside a tank”.

This device was based on the principals of the Davey lamp used in the mining industry. This lamp operated safely in mines where methane was present. Methane would not ignite as the flame would not pass through the fine gauze surrounding the lamp.

Whenever ignition of a petrol vapour occurs there is always a chance of a flash back to the source of the vapour. In the open air the speed of a petrol flame is calculated at around 300 to 450mm

58

a second - but in a pipe such as a vent pipe the speed would increase as the pipe acts as a flame acceleration path.

Theoretical speeds up to 200 m/s might be attained in a 50mm pipe 5m long.

Therefore with a petrol installation the dangers are from any open entries into the storage tank vapour space and we try and design the installations to minimise the risks by having a vent pipe situated at high level with a flame arrester at the top end of the vent pipe.

There are different types of flame arrester but the most common on a filling station is the end of line deflagration arrester and these are placed normally at the vent pipe and at the vapour return connector which the road tanker connects to before delivery.

In addition in these days of stage 2 vapour recovery flame arresters are encompassed in the design of petrol dispensers and part of the approval system ensures that manufacturers place flame them in the correct places to protect the public from the risk of any explosion.

We also design the installation so that the fill pipe is below the liquid level by ensuring the suction or submersible pump is always above the bottom of the fill pipe.

There have been many changes since 1909 however and in more recent years we have seen changes in the design and performance of flame arresters from BS7244 1990 Flame Arresters for general use to BS EN 12874 and now replaced by the international standard EN ISO 16852: 2012 this is now used across the industry and one way of checking compliance to ensure the equipment is correct is to check the markings on the equipment used on the filling station.

HS (G)158 offers Guidance on the use of Flame Arresters and can be downloaded free from the HSE web site.

I have been asked to carry out a fire risk assessment by my local fire authority. I already have a Petroleum Storage Certificate as well as a risk assessment under the Dangerous Substances & Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR). Why do I need another risk assessment just on fire?

In the UK, the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 applies to ALL premises with the exception of single private domestic dwellings. It also can apply to activities in the outside depending on what is happening.

From 1997 onwards, the UK have had a myriad of fire safety legislation amounting to dozens of fire safety laws which were in effect - confusing to those operating a business or activity. So as a result, the Better Regulation Task Unit decided to rationalise fire safety law by issuing a single set of Regulations that are both flexible and achievable.

As with most safety-related legislation these days, the fundamental requirement is to have a fire risk assessment. This fire risk assessment should identify all possible risks of fire as well as identifying any control measures.

Should there not be control measures, then items are identified and known as the “Significant Findings” – in other words, the steps to be taken to minimise any risk of fire.

Jamie Thompson Chairman Technical Committee

• Finally, the site is open 24 hours a day but is fitted with emergency

Here are some examples; • The distance someone has to travel out of a sales building on a petrol forecourt is 14 metres (actual distance of travel). As that is within the 18 metres dead end maximum travel distance it is compliant with the standards and therefore forms a “Control Measure” A simple fire alarm is installed inside a Forecourt Shop and is tested every week. That is both a risk and a control measure.

• There may be a risk of fire breaking out so a fire alarm system is installed as a control measure. It is tested every week to ensure the system works. That is another control measure.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Most Fire & Rescue Services have fire risk assessment forms as a free download to assist in conducting your fire risk assessment yourself.

If five or more persons are employed (which is aggregated across the whole company) then the fire risk assessment must be written down and a copy kept on the premises to which it relates, as it needs to be produced on demand by a qualified fire safety inspector.

In the case of the UK, it is mainly the metropolitan fire authorities (London. Greater Manchester, Merseyside, West Midlands, South Yorkshire Tyne & Wear and a few shire fire authorities which undertake possibly joint petroleum and fire safety inspections whereas the remainder of the UK is very much down to who controls what locally.

So despite the presence of a dangerous substance, there is still a legal requirement to have a fire risk assessment as well.

Further guidance may be obtained from the Local Communities on www.gov.uk.

Brian Baker Consultant What factors are necessary when assessing the environmental sensitivity of a particular location with respect to designing a drainage system for new a petrol filling station?

The specific areas that need considering with any designed drainage system may be listed as follows; (i) The need to check groundwater vulnerability where such sources may be present; (ii) The location of Source Protection Zones (SPZ’s); (iii) The proximity to surface waters, such as lakes, streams and rivers; (iv) Access to appropriate drainage services to identify all potential hazards to the aquatic and

surrounding areas; (v) The Treatment and Disposal of effluent from site operations (for example access to appropriate drainage services is of particular importance when a Vehicle Wash it be incorporated), and; (vi)Groundwater abstractions.

and

surface

Brian Baker Consultant I have recently taken over as my authority’s petroleum officer and I have several sites that have LPG/Autogas. One of them has decided to discontinue selling autogas and wish to decommission the installation. What advice should I give on how best to do this?

LPG being a liquefied gas under pressure cannot be “drained back” to a storage vessel. The usual method is to displace the liquid in the pipework and dispenser using nitrogen. The vessel can then have the valves closed and the LPG vapour/nitrogen mixture be vented safely to atmosphere. If there is a significant amount of liquid in the vessel then the gas supplier could be asked to empty it. If it is a small above ground vessel owned by a gas company then they should be asked to disconnect the vessel and remove it from site. For site owned vessels and/or underground vessels then the vessel needs to be depressurised before being purged and left in a safe condition.

This type of work is not something for “do-it-yourself”; DSEAR reinforces the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER), which requires “every employer to ensure that where work equipment is likely to involve a specific risk, the use of that equipment is restricted to those persons given the task of using it and repairs, modifications, maintenance or servicing that work equipment is restricted to specifically designated persons whom the employer must ensure have received adequate related training.” The work would require site specific risk assessment and competent personnel with the correct equipment. It must be remembered that not only are LPG vapour and nitrogen asphyxiants, so

suitable precautions must be taken when the mixture is released, but normal gas detectors do not give correct readings when the oxygen level is below 19%.

Richard Wigfull John Wigfull & Co Ltd I have received a set of plans for a new petrol station, one of which refers exclusively to the site’s drainage system. Can you advise the best way to assess the adequacy of these drainage proposals?

Under no circumstances should any liquid run-off be allowed to leave the site in an uncontrolled manner. It is critical that the entire area where fuel is stored, delivered and dispensed is isolated from direct discharge into the surface water or foul sewer system and protected by a surface impermeable to the vehicle fuels present.

Consideration should be given to the factors in Catchment Areas, Containment for Tanker Delivery areas, Grating Channel Design and Drainage Pipework so as to ensure a safe and adequate method of controlling and containing surface run-off.

The colour-coding of access chambers, gullies and other drainage apparatus, to differentiate between surface water drainage and foul drainage is advocated as a means of assisting in the prevention of pollution.

The convention is “Red” for foul drainage and “Blue” for surface drainage and a “Red C” for combined systems. A drainage plan for the site should be available at the new site for future reference in case there is an incident.

Brian Baker Consultant To what extent should I have an “Incident Response Procedure” in place for my petrol filling station?

Having a leak detection system in place should ensure a leak is detected early enough to minimise the damage caused. However, there may be an occasion when a leak results in an incident, for example following a sudden release of a significant quantity of fuel (e.g. caused by a dipstick penetrating

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lighting. If the lighting circuits fail and the site has no lighting, the emergency lighting will operate giving sufficient lighting for people to escape – another Control Measure.

the bottom of the tank), when hydrocarbon vapour has been detected in adjacent premises or when a tank or line test has resulted in a failure.

Every site should have in place an Incident Response Procedure. As a minimum they should include; (i) All elements identified for the loss investigation escalation procedure; (ii) A focus on making the site safe as quickly as possible; (iii) A logical process to identify the reason for any loss or contamination, and; (iv) A logical process to identify the extent of any environmental pollution that has occurred and to arrange for the cleanup/removal of that pollution.

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The Incident Response Procedure may also include steps to re-open the site for trade once safe to do so.

Typically, the following should be notified of any incident; -

-

The Petroleum Enforcement Authority in whose area the incident has occurred The Environment Agency The Local Authority in respect of Contaminated Land The Fuel Supplier The Special Waste Contractor The Insurance Company concerned If a risk of fire, the Fire and Rescue Service If traffic congestion and public order involved, the Police.

Brian Baker Consultant Can you advise to what extent should labelling take place on an electrical installation on a petrol filling station?

The third edition of the publication ‘Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations’ (APEA/EI Blue Book), clearly indicates in section 14.9.11 what type of labels should be used and what items should be labelled by the site installer or maintenance electrical contractors and expected to be seen by the 60

local Petroleum Enforcement Authority. In particular the details on the type and style of label should be of a “Permanent” type and that the size of font is appropriate for purpose and location; for example it will not fade or deteriorate due to weather, sunlight and any chemical degradation, use of contrasting colours and how they are applied and fixed are also given. That any Ex certified electrical or non-electrical equipment is never drilled to fix labels as this could affect the safety integrity of these items. If any of the labels are provided to warn of a significant risk to health and safety, or are required under any other relevant law, then they have to comply with the Health and Safety (Safety Signs and Signals) Regulations 1996. Guidance on these requirements is contained in HSE Safety signs and signals: The health and safety (safety signs and signals) guidance on regulations, L64. It is also very important that all electrical equipment both inside and outside the sales building is suitably labelled indicating its purpose, and in particular the labelling of switches, isolators, control gear and each circuit breaker and fuse is clearly identified.

The very recently amended BS 7671:2008(2015) IET Wiring Regulations 17th Edition Amendment No. 3 will detail exactly what the electrical contractor should do. From my own experience the ongoing “Maintenance” of labels is poor on many sites; they are often not replaced when they fade due to weather and/or general degradation. Where labels indicate the purpose of labels and circuit breakers they are often not updated to reflect changes of use when circuits etc are updated or serve a new purpose. Correct and clear labelling is not only a legal requirement it also helps maintenance crews and technicians to do their job safely and more efficiently and as such could save the site operator money.

Gareth Bourhilll Gareth Bourhill Consulting What are the essential requirements for containment systems?

There a number of essential

requirements for containment systems and much will depend on which part of the containment system we are talking about - and where it is situated. Guidance is provided in The Blue Book, chapter 8.

We should also remember that many of the older installations will not have all the requirements that we expect now; things have moved on and with legal requirements for health and safety and environmental protection pushing the industry towards better protection and much safer containment systems.

Tanks It is now accepted that underground tanks must have secondary containment built into their design and this will ensure that any breach of the inner or outer skin will be detected by a leak detection system which will notify the site that they have a problem before fuel can escape to the environment.

The use of recognised European standards such as EN12285-1 and leak detection standards EN 13160 1-7 are an excellent way for the industry and regulators to ensure that the installations are correct. In addition we should remember that double wall tanks with class 1 and 2 leak detection systems installed are under permanent test the whole of their working life - at least tank owners and regulators can have that confidence.

Above ground tanks (EN12285-2) should also have secondary containment and this can be either built into the design or have a properly constructed bund around again with a leak detection facility.

Older underground single wall tanks are vulnerable to leaks and the industry has accepted that they are at risk from leaking and if a leak detection system is fitted you will not know the tank is leaking until product has entered the environment. Many tank owners use systems such as third party leak monitoring which provide some security in detecting small leaks.

Others are upgrading their older underground tanks using tank lining systems to EN 13160-7 to bring up the same level of protection that a new tank would provide.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Pipes There a number of different types of pipe, some using fuel others vapour and they will also operate at different pressures.

The main historical problem with pipes was that they were normally constructed of single wall steel and they were prone to corrosion problems and leaked fuel.

Improvement in design and materials again occurred as the industry recognised that alternative materials were better suited to the pipes in filling stations.

The publication of the European Standard for underground pipes EN 14125 Thermoplastic and flexible metal pipe work for underground installations at petrol stations again provided the industry with a solution to one of their biggest headaches.

The Gas and Water industry had been using plastics for some years and now the petroleum industry “came of age”.

The user and regulator now need to come up with a recognised type of pipe for the pressure, use and risk they may afford. Guidance again is provided in Chapter 11.

One example is that using a pressure system operating at around 3 bar can mean if a pipe wall is breached a loss of around 200 litres

a minute can occur which is unacceptable. Therefore a double wall pipe would be required with a class 1 or class 3 leak detection system. The use of single wall pipe is acceptable if the risk of leakage is lower and the filling station has no water courses, basements etc close to the site.

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Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015; Draft guidance on the Regulations

By Brian Baker Subject to Parliamentary approval, new Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) will come into force on 6 April 2015.

About this guidance; This draft Legal (L) Series guidance is on the legal requirements for CDM 2015. It’s being made available before the Regulations come into force on 6 April to help anyone who has duties under the Regulations to prepare in advance.

Please note the draft Regulations within the guidance have been amended following consultation.

The Regulations and this draft Legal series guidance may be subject to change while the Regulations are awaiting parliamentary approval.

The final version of the Legal series guidance to support CDM 2015 will be available on 6 April 2015.

What will change?

• Principal designer.

The replacement of the CDM co62

ordinator role (under CDM 2007) by principal designer. This means that the responsibility for coordination of the preconstruction phase – which is crucial to the management of any successful construction project – will rest with an existing member of the design team.

• Client. The new Regulations recognise the influence and importance of the client as the head of the supply chain and they are best placed to set standards throughout a project.

• Competence. This will be split into its component parts of skills, knowledge, training and experience, and - if it relates to an organisation - organisational capability. This will provide clarity and help the industry to both assess and demonstrate that construction project teams have the right attributes to deliver a healthy and safe project.

The technical standards set out in Part 4 of the new Regulations will remain essentially unchanged from those in guidance related to CDM 2007.

HSE’s targeting and enforcement policy, as a proportionate and modern regulator, also remains unchanged.

There are a series of draft industry guides for the five dutyholders under CDM 2015, and one for workers. These are available before the Regulations come into force and may be subject to change.

They set out, in practical terms, what actions are required to deliver a safe and healthy construction project.

HSE will also be working with stakeholders in the entertainments industry to provide specific guidance for these sectors. An update letter on their progress is available.

When CDM 2015 comes into force on 6 April 2015, there are transitional arrangements in place that will run for six months from 6 April 2015 to 6 October 2015.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

By Jamie Thompson Ken Wilcox is the founder and President of Ken Wilcox Associates Inc, a third party evaluation laboratory. He has been a member of the Association for many years and was recently made an honorary member of the APEA for his services to the petroleum industry. I have known Ken for some time and he has always been very supportive of the Association visiting the conferences and presenting papers over the years.

Ken you are well known in the petroleum industry as an expert in leak detection. Can you let our members know how you started in this industry and what service your company provide.

The vision of the need for and the development of the corporation, Ken Wilcox Associates, Inc. started

by Ken Wilcox in February 1, 1990 are as follows: It was a dark and stormy night; I had just been laid off from my job. I

What did you do before you got

had taken the job because I knew

involved with leak detection?

the owner of the company, but I

I earned a PhD in Chemistry at the

was at an engineering firm that was

University of Southern California in

the wrong fit for me. I received a

1971. Following graduation I worked

$10,000 severance pay, and EPA

as a Professor of Chemistry, an

had just mandated that every leak

Astronomy Lecturer, and a Chemist

detection

device

in

certified

according

California;

then

a

Quality

had

to to

be EPA

Assurance Manager for Northrop

protocols. At that point, it was clear

Services, Inc., in North Carolina. Then

that there was an opportunity for

a Section Chief of Field Programs

someone to make some money

Section, Member of Council of

providing the EPA certifications. So I

Principal

Midwest

decided to construct a facility for

Research Institute in Kansas City, MO

Scientists

for

conducting testing for the EPA

and a Senior Scientist for Geraghty

regulations. A friend, Phil Farrell, now

and Miller in White Plains, NY.

chairman of the US PEI, who had a

business in constructing gasoline stations and various kinds of fuel processing equipment, offered to install a couple of tanks in his back lot and set us up so we could do certification per the EPA requirements. In some ways I was uniquely qualified to do that because I had worked for Midwest Research Institute who had had a project from EPA to test a large number of operating service stations across the United States to get a handle on how many tanks were actually leaking.

The objective of the project was to select a leak detection method for testing a large number of tanks across the United States. This put me in contact with most of the vendors of that type of equipment. Following that survey of leaking tanks, I was assigned to the Midwest Research Institute office in Washington DC. The major thrust of that project was to prepare the test protocols and run a series of tests to determine the performance of several methods that were currently in use. As a result of my involvement with Midwest Research and the US EPA, I made a lot of contacts and as a result of having given talks to various groups associated with retail fuel systems, I had received a huge exposure so that virtually everyone who had anything to do with service station leak detection knew us.

So, there I was without a job and with a $10,000 severance and all of our retirement funds. Phil offered to install two tanks at his business in order for us to do testing. At the same time, other groups had decided to provide similar services.

However, since I had already established a reputation in the leak detection business, we had no trouble in recruiting clients. So I cashed out all of our savings and we built the test site which ultimately cost us over $100,000. I wondered if we would be financially ruined but because of my previous exposure we had no trouble in signing up clients to certify their equipment.

Your company has always been a

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Interview with Ken Wilcox of Ken Wilcox Associates

family affair - can you tell us who works with you?

Kathy, my wife, is the treasurer, bookkeeper and administrator.

Craig my son also works with me and carries out testing. We also had our son Jeff who unfortunately died in 2005 aged 35 who was involved in leak detection.

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You have visited the UK and Europe and also presented papers at the APEA conference in the past.

Are there any big differences between Europe and the USA in leak detection?

I owe a lot to the APEA who have been kind enough to help me make contacts in Europe. We have made a great many friends around the world in testing for folks in England, France, Germany, Italy, South Korea, Japan, China, South America, South Africa, Hawaii (including the seven million gallon tanks at Pearl Harbor) Australia, Canada, and Israel. I want to thank all of our clients and for the help of many individuals who made the success of our company possible.

We have attended many APEA meetings in the UK and made many friends who showed us excellent hospitality, in particular the late Brian Taylor and his wife who showed extraordinary help in making us feel comfortable in the British environment. Special thanks go to the APEA staff who have always made our visits to the UK a pleasure.

Hope to see all of you again next year.

At your site in Missouri your facility includes underground fuel tanks and pipes to check equipment – can you explain to us what you have got and how you use it?

We started our business on February 1, 1990. The first year we were absolutely swamped with work. We worked long hours seven days a week for several months, and frankly I made more money than I had ever made in my life. For the first time we had enough money to travel to Europe visiting England and France and had lots of fun. In 1996 64

we decided to move our testing facility to a new location specifically designed to test leak detection systems. We now have four underground storage tanks, the largest a 20,000 gallon tank, an above ground tank with a capacity of 10,000 gallons, and 300 ft. of pipeline at our test site in Missouri, USA.

standards?

Actually, we evaluate equipment based on the US EPA protocols. We have no connection or influence with UL or CEN. Some of the protocols are the same.

Third party SIR Systems are now widely used in Europe - polling data from gauges and dispensers. Can

You run something called Leak List.

Can you tell our readers what it is and how they can participate?

Jeff started the Leak List but our company is not directly involved with this site. It is independent of Ken Wilcox Associates, Inc. How would a regulator or a purchaser of leak detection equipment check if leak detection equipment has been tested by KWA? They could go to the National Work Group Leak Detection website and see who evaluated the leak detection equipment.

you explain the process of how a system obtains KWA certification? Is this a more difficult test to make?

I

wouldn’t

say

that

an

make

compared

to

other

evaluations, it is just different. An SIR evaluation requires a large amount of

monthly

data

from

several

different sites and tanks. KWA takes each set of monthly data and manipulates it with an induced leak rate of varying sizes. After the data has been manipulated with varying leak rates (blind to the Vendor), the data is then presented to the Vendor for their processing.

Can I ask if all the equipment passes or do you manage to fail some equipment?

We have had several pieces of equipment that have failed to pass an evaluation at our facility. The type of equipment where we have seen issues varies from simple float sensors to Automatic Tank Gauges.

Usually when a manufacturer has an issue with a given piece of equipment, they will do some additional research and development to fix or improve their product to a standard that is needed to pass an evaluation.

SIR

evaluation is any more difficult to

After

the Vendor processes the data and reports a leak rate, the data is analysed by KWA to see if the Vendors method meets the EPA Standard.

What do you do to relax away from Leak Detection?

We have two grandchildren and they visit us often; here is a photo of my wife Kathy and 4 year old Skylar (Skylar is now 11 years old and Asher is 9½ years old).

Do you find that UL or CEN standards have not been written well enough to test properly? If not are you able to influence those

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

BRANCHES

Eastern December Meeting 2014.

The Eastern Branch’s annual Christmas meeting and dinner took place on Wednesday 3rd December 2014 at Hanbury Manor in Ware, Hertfordshire.

The well attended event included a variety of interesting speakers as well as the regular updates on regulations, standards and LPG and also a fantastic Christmas Lunch for all delegates.

Before the speakers began the Eastern Branch voted in a new chair to supersede Mrs Jean Fincken who has recently retired from her work at the London Fire Brigade and relocated to Somerset.

Lee Markham of Franklin Fueling Systems was voted in as the new Chairman of the Eastern Branch and Lee began his tenure by passing his and the branches best wishes to Jean in her retirement. Lee also promised to continue the good work that Jean had been responsible for during her time in the role and he also recognised and thanked Anton Martiniussen for all of his great work as secretary.

The first speaker was Peter Roll of the LFB who presented the regular update on regulations and helped members unfamiliar with the acronyms and terminology used by regulators (myself included!) to understand how the regulatory system works in a little more detail.

Anton Martiniusssen then delivered a report on the latest European standard revisions on behalf of Jamie Thompson who had previously sent his apologies for absence.

Richard Hakeem, Technical Manager of UK LPG then gave a very insightful update on the LPG regulations, focusing on the proposed thermal regulations for ADR Road Tankers.

Martin Steggles, Managing Director of Global - MSI presented a very thought-provoking talk on the durability of petrol station canopies and how retailers should be looking to be proactive when dealing with ageing structures.

Martin’s presentation included many photos of old, corroding steel canopies and highlighted the dangers of this problem for the industry in general.

Some of the incidents seen on forecourts due to poorly maintained canopies were quite shocking to 66

provided by BRDO and see.

Chris Haritou, Health & Safety implemented by PELG. A warm Director at ABFAD Projects then welcome was made to the presented a case study for his speakers, Ray Blake who is head of company’s FUELVAC® tank lining petroleum for London Fire Brigade system – showcasing how they had joined by Gordon Robb from PELG lined an existing above ground mild- who provided a very interesting steel tank in such a way that it was review of the proposed legislation made suitable for storage of Acid that is now in force. The event was and at the same time provided with well attended by branch members a double skin and interstitial so that it and for those who couldn’t make it could be constantly monitored for on that day, alternative locations were arranged of Stirling and leaks. where additional A hearty Christmas lunch was Inverness enjoyed by the members before Jac presentations were held. The Williams, MD Berrys Technologies Ltd feedback from the training was presented the latest addition to the positive as there was plenty of MIDAS misfueling system: the OPUS healthy discussion and questions.

Since the introduction of the overfill prevention device. This (Consolidation) clever addition ensures that the Petroleum valve at the fill point is closed should Regulations 2014, members that are Petroleum Officers have reported a tank be overfilled.

Jerry Burton, Fuel Quality no major issues with the introduction consultant to Tesco Stores than of the New Petroleum Regulations in gave a very informative talk on the regards to storage certificates.

We may not have snow yet in the supply chain of fuel from depot to forecourts and why the myths about West Coast of Scotland but we still the quality of supermarket fuel have the wind and rain to contend should not be believed. Jerry went with. There an old Scottish saying on to show that in fact Tesco have that “there is no such thing as bad one of the most comprehensive fuel weather, but just the wrong choice quality assurance programmes of of clothing” but as you will see from the picture below, no clothing any fuel retailer in the UK. Rob Moore from Farsight Ltd then gave an interesting presentation on their intelligent remote monitoring of unmanned service stations for ASDA stores, something that was of great interest to the regulators in the audience.

Finally Carl Pike of Filoform Ltd presented their method of sealing cable ducts in Saltcoats in North Ayrshire, thankfully there in no Petroleum hazardous areas which premises in close proximity to this area. was shown to be a whatsoever is going to make me simple solution to the issue at hand. move out of my nice warm office at the time of writing this branch report.

Alex Boudry If this was a caption contest, my Branch Representative caption entry would be “summer has finally arrived”.

Scotland On a serious note, we are pleased The APEA Scottish Branch never held a meeting in September as we to announce the Branch AGM will contributed to a training event in be held at Radstone Hotel (formerly conjunction with PELG and the Shawlands Park Hotel), Ayr Road Trading Standards Scottish Branch. Shawsburn, Larkhall, ML9 2TZ on the This was held on the 23rd September 14th May 2015. Members will also be in Chatelherault Country Park, able to attend the Forecourt Hamilton. Partial funding was Roadshow being held at the same

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

Andrew Wyllie Branch Secretary

North West David Clement - Rep James Hall and Co Ltd Spar Distribution Centre Bowland View Preston PR2 5QT Tel: 01772 706666 ext 2561 Mobile: 07917-834079 email: Dave.clements@jameshall.co.uk Geoff Oldham - Sec Suresite Group Ltd 5D Millennium City Park Barnfield Way, Ribbleton Preston, Lancashire PR2 5DB Tel: 01772 790901 Mobile: 07831 490352 email: jgo@suresite.co.uk

Southern Nothing to report.

Ireland Nothing to report.

North West Nothing to report.

Midlands Rob Tunnicliff - Rep 37 Victoria Park Road Tunstall, Stoke on Trent ST6 6DX Tel: 07909 141232 email: rob.tunnicliff@stoke.gov.uk

North East Nothing to report.

Midlands Nothing to report.

Graham Adcock - Sec Adcock Associates Falstaff House Birmingham Road Stratford upon Avon CV37 0AA Tel: 01789 414202 Fax: 01789 267741 email: enquiries@adcockassociates.co.uk

Yorkshire & Humberside Nothing to report.

Branch Representative and Secretary Contact Details Eastern Alex Boudry - Rep Franklin Fueling Systems Limited Olympus Close Whitehouse Industrial Estate Ipswich Suffolk IP1 5LN Tel: +44 (0)1473 243 322/ Mob: +44 (0) 7825 798 953 email: Boudry@franklinfueling.com Anton Martiniussen - Sec ELAFLEX Ltd Riverside House Hoddesdon Herts EN11 0PA Tel: 01992 452 950 Mob: 07831 595620 email: elaflex@aol.com

North East Mike Silmon - Rep and Sec W O Silmon Ltd Industry Road, Heaton Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne & Wear NE6 5XB Tel: 0191 224 0777 Fax: 0191 224 0707 email: Mike@silmon.co.uk

Southern Philip Monger - Rep Petrol Retailers Association Meadowside West End Sherbourne St John Basingstoke Hants RG24 9LE Tel: 01256 850164 Fax: 01256 851273 email: phil.psac@gmail.com Paul Reyner - Sec 25 Ayebridges Avenue Egham Surrey TW20 8HR Tel: 01784462388/07785367113 paulreyner@btconnect.com

Scotland Ian Hillier - Rep 26 Melrose Avenue Balgonie Estate Paisley PA2 9JA Tel: 01505 352004 email: i.hillier@ntlworld.com Andrew Wyllie - Sec North Ayrshire Council Bridgegate House Irvine KA12 8BD United Kingdom Tel: 01294 310116 email: andrewwyllie@north-ayrshire.gov.uk Ireland Thomas Daly - Chairman and Branch Rep Dublin Fire Brigade HQ, 165-169 Townsend Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: 00 353 (0)1 673 4059 email: thomas.daly@dublincity.ie

BRANCHES

time. Further details and how to book a place will be made available as soon as possible. Last year’s event was well attended by industry and APEA Members.

Further events are planned for this year with some great specialist speakers lined up as well as some training opportunities. This is also an ideal opportunity to network with other members as well as network with some of the small and national companies associated with the petroleum industry. We are also open to suggestions regarding the training requirements from our members.

Ronnie McArdle - Sec McArdle Doyle Limited Shanard House Ardpatrick Louth Village, Dundalk County Louth Ireland Tel No: 00353 42 9384792 Fax No: 00353 42 9384792 email: mail@mcardle-doyle.ie Yorkshire & Humberside Craig Brocklehurst - Rep Brulines Fuel Solutions The Former Post Office Station Road Sowerby Bridge Halifax West Yorkshire HX6 3AA Tel: 07703336264 email: Craig.brocklehurst@vianetfs.com Terry Guthrie - Sec South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue The Lifewise Centre Kea Park Close Hellaby Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S66 8LB Tel: 0114 2532592 email: tguthrie@syfire.gov.uk

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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Cyprus Training Course for Hellenic Petroleum

By Jamie Thompson

TRAINING

Following a request from Thomas Evangelou of Quality Link Ltd, local Health and Safety Consultants in Cyprus, the APEA put together a training package for Hellenic Petroleum and once again the APEA trainers returned to Nicosia in Cyprus to carry out some petrol station training.

The three courses delivered over a one week period were LPG Awareness, the three day combined Construction, Environmental Awareness, Audit and Inspection then a one day specialist course on Vapour Recovery.

While the presentations were delivered in English, not all delegates were competent in technical English therefore simultaneous translations were available for those who needed it and this also helped in the discussions during and after the presentations.

While many of the Hellenic (EKO) engineers from Cyprus had received training over the years this time the emphasis was also on architects and the different contractors who work on the filling stations. In addition Hellenic Petroleum

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APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

TRAINING

engineers from other countries such as Greece, Bulgaria, Serbia, and Montenegro were also introduced to the training and all received copies of The Blue Book which Hellenic use in building their sites.

The first course being LPG which Richard Wigfull presented was class based and covered properties of LPG, site layouts, regulations, codes of practise, metering, emergency procedures, gas detectors and maintenance.

The next three day course presented by Brian Humm and Jamie Thompson cover the planning and building of petrol stations and culminated in the inspection of a filling station in Nicosia. Here delegates put into practice what they had learned during the course.

Twenty people inspecting a filling station brought some puzzled looks from customers but the identification of equipment in the field is an important part of the training course. At this site it was interesting to find four different types of underground pipe had been used over the years.

The last day a more intense presentation on both stage 1 and stage 2 vapour recovery which is affecting all sites in Europe was well received and again a site visit to a stage 1 and stage 2 site outside Nicosia was used to inspect and also allow delegates to test the efficiency of the system. The delegates were then taken to the Hellenic distribution terminal in Larnaca where Christos Pantechis, the terminal manager, showed the delegates the unit which recovers the vapour and returns this back into fuel thus completing the vapour recovery journey.

Each delegate was presented with a certificate on completing the examinations and in addition those who did not live in Nicosia were also treated to a guided walk around the divided city of Nicosia by a very knowledgeable guide who was the wife of Christos Pantechis; she explained the history and significance of the buildings and the influence Archbishop Makarios had in the history of Cyprus.

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The Vapour Recovery Unit at the terminal in Larnaca which turns the vapour back into petrol

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

2015 Training Course Dates

Manchester Airport

10th, 11th, 12th March

Solihull

16th, 17th, 18th June

Stansted Airport

14th, 15th, 16th Sept

Electrical Installations - An Awareness

DSEAR Manchester Airport Solihull Stansted Airport

20th April 15th June 28th Sept

Petrol Filling Stations Enforcement Procedures An Awareness

Manchester Airport

19th March

Solihull

14th May

Manchester Airport Solihull Stansted Airport

Swindon

1st October

Petroleum Officers Workshop Manchester Airport Stansted Airport

Safe Installation and Use of LPG Manchester Airport

18th March

Dublin

20th May

Stansted Airport

30th Sept

Wetstock Management Manchester Airport

24th March

Solihull

9th June

Stansted Airport

16th Sept

Explosives and Fireworks Manchester Airport

3rd Sept

Stansted Airport

10th Sept

23rd March 8th June 1st Sept

9th March 7th Sept

PFS, Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 Available 2015 Petrol Filling Stations Vapour Recovery Installations (on request) Please contact Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk for a quotation Petrol Filling Stations Leak Investigation (on request) Please contact Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk for a quotation

Course Fees (all plus vat) APEA Member Non member 3 day course with accommodation £1020.00 £1120.00 3 day, day delegate rate £810.00 £910.00 1 day course £260.00 £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 until 31st December 2015.

Bespoke courses can also be arranged for companies, which enables members to receive training at a discounted rate and at a time and location suitable to them. If you are interested in hosting a bespoke course for your company please contact Jane Mardell, the APEA Business Manger at admin@apea.org.uk.

Courses will be designed around the (3rd edition) Blue Book Guidance for the Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations (June 2011).

You can purchase a copy directly from the Publications page of the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk, log on to the website first to benefit from the APEA member discount.

APEA members can purchase a hard copy at the discounted rate of £70 (non member rate £140).

A PDF download from the APEA web site www.apea.org.uk can be purchased with a licence for individual use only by members for £70.00 plus vat or by non members for £140.00 plus vat.

It is strongly recommended that attendees have access to this document during courses.

All courses can be booked online at www.apea.org.uk on the ‘Training’ page.

For details of this and any other training enquiry, please contact: Jane Mardell - APEA Business Manager, email: admin@apea.org.uk, Tel: + 44 (0) 845 603 5507 or Brian Baker, Brian Baker & Associates, Fire and Petroleum Safety Services Tel: +44 (0) 07798 765958 email: bakerb4@sky.com APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk

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TRAINING

3 Day Combined Petrol Filling Stations – Construction, Audit and Inspection Course