The Bulletin – December 1974

_LETIN

Quarterly Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

Out of sight, out of mind ...

GRP Tank being Instal/ed

Here at last is an underground petrol storage tank with major advantages. Not only has it a capacity of 5 ,000 gallons, but also other factors which make it ideal for such users as Petrol Service Stations.

The breakthrough has been achieved by Hunting Industrial Plastics , using a specially developed Polyester Resin, reinforced with glass fibre.

The tanks have proved themselves on stringent pressure, strength and dynamic tests. Among their assets they include: 1. ease of installation; 2. the use of expensive brick or concrete is obviated; 3. tanks constructed in this way are non-corrosive 1,OOO ' s off installed in the U.S.A

We could go on, but better still contact us without obligation In this way, we can deal with your specific questions.

A New Beginning

We apologise to our readers for the long delay in publishing this issue of The Bulletin and express thanks to all for their patience and understandmg.

Following local government re-organisation we had to face the dire effect of economic difficulties, dropped overnight from some 600 dlstnct councils to a nucleous of less than 100. Faced not only with this loss of support and equally important a serious loss of income, but with a strong belief in the future of the Association, your Council had to settle for a period of economy and retrenchment. Reluctantly it was decided, in order to preserve our slender reserves to cut issues of our journal.

Happily, we now report that due to the encouragement of our associate members in industry, to .a hard core of practising and retired petroleum offIcers and above all the indefatigable efforts of the Hon. Secretary John Frid, we can now look to the future with more than a little hope.

We have a new title The Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration. In widening our sphere of activities we will continue to pursue our original objects which have not changed during the passage of time. We look to all members and readers for assistance in increasing membership and thereby extending our influence.

Honorary

Chairman's Address

As with many other 'bodies, the Association has been directly affected by the recent local government re-organisation and the transference O'f petroleum licensing to the new County and Metropolitan County CounoHs and in consequence we have lost many of our old local authority members.

At our recent Annual General Meeting ,it was deddec,i that we should become an officer organisation with membership open to local authority officers who are ,' or have been, authorised petroleum officers and asso ciate membership open to those from industry,central government, etc.

The Association faced a critical time almost ten years ago when ,it changed from the Midlands group to a national qody. Its Council and ,its 'officers beHeved in its worth as an unbiased voke lin the field of petroleum legislation, being guided only by the principle of safety. Their efforts are now welI known 'and the Association prospered to become a national body in a very short Dime.

We are now faced with another crisis and I am sure with goodwHI and help from our membership and friends both old and new, that the 'Association will still play its original part in petroleum administraoion and its views wioJl continue to be heard.

I am proud to have been elected as your Chairman for this year of chaHenge and will do aB lean to' promote the aims of this Association and to ensure that it continues to' move forward.

After ten yea'rs O'f sea-going service MT. B. W. C. Thacker joined the Fire 'Service tin 1947 and is currently Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the County O'f Cleveland. He has been associated with petroleum acts administraNon since 1955 and is a FeUowof the Inst itute <:if Petroleum. He was previously Chairman of the Association in 1969 and recently relinquished his position as Honorary Editor. He has 'served on the National Council since 1965 and has been Honorary Secretary of the Northern Branch.

notes and news

OBITUARY

We regret to report the death of Mr. W. H. Matthews who was a founder member and past Chairman of the East Midland Branch. Prior to his retirement in 1971, he held the post of Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Derby C.B. for almost 30 years.

PUBUCATIONS

of H.M. Inspectors of Explosives, 1973. This report contams much information about the work of the Inspectorate and .about general developments in the safety aspects of explOSIves and those sUbstances within ·the Petroleum Act, 1928. Obtainable from H.M.S.O., price p.

Annual Report of the Safety in Mines Research Establishment. An on the behaviour of high expansion , :oam when used to :purge flammable l:iquid storage :tanks 'IS reported on by the Director of the Establishment. Obtainable from H.MoS.O., price 61p.

FIREMAN'S SWITCHES

Members of the Electrical Contractors' Association have rep?rted difficulties lin obtaining delivery of 'Fireman's SWItches' use? for of installations outside publi'c and. commerCIal bUlldmgs and in particular petrol fiHing statIons.

an exceptional and growing demand f'Or these has apparently 'al1ising from an increase ID the mspectIOn of such premises by Fire Officers and particuIarly in relation to petroleum InstaHatI?ns. ThIS demand could not have been foreseen by electrical contractors or 'by the manufacturers concerned.

Following joint consultations the two AssociaVi'ons s tate that every eff?rt is. b:ing made to overcome the shortage. .En the meanbme lIt 1S hoped that the situation will be recognised by the 'Authol1iNes concerned and that owners of. the premises involved will not be unduly penalised for bemg ',:nable to comply temporarHy with the releva t RegulatIOns. n

PROTOTYPE GRP PETROL TANKER BEING ROAD TESTED BY CONOCO

The first petrol tanker with a non-metaHicca to be used lin ·the UK is n'Ow undergo' _ rrymg tank C L ·· d mg a road test by onoco ' 'ImIte' The tank of <this protot _ from synthetic resin-bound glass fibre I IS constructed I' amIDate (GRP) and Y ·carrymg gas oil and diesel fuel f-ram ' Ohffe termmaJ. C'Onoco s

AltJhough GRP tanks have been used for petrol TOad transport in the rest of Euro.pe since 1968, none have prevQolls'ly been approved under the Petroleum Spirit

(C'Onveyance by Road) Regulations, 1957, according to Conoco. But during 1970 1!he Home Office standing advisory committee commenced a revision of the 1957 Regulations. The opportunity was taken to consider the use of this material for the construotion of tankers for the conveyance of petroleum spirit.

In co-operation with the Institute of Petroleum and the Bl1it:ish Plastics Federation, Oonoco commissioned the building of a prototype 4,700-gallon GRP compartmentai<ized tanker.

In addItion to dts Hghter weight and greater safety incase of fire, GRP is as resistant to tfracture on -impact as metaI, with the advantage vhat it cannot spark or fracture. Because of the high content of glass in tJbe GRP, it does not harden with use or age, as metal -(particularly aluminium) does.

The dis'charge 'a'rrangement -is such that there 'fS one common pipe connecNng aU 'With air operated foot valves through which the driver can only select one ,compartment at a time f-or discharge.

Fire engulfunent tests ,conducted under the auspices of the Home Office have demonstrated that, because of the low conductivity of GRP, the risk of an external fire ,involV"ing the product being carried in a GRIP tank ,is minimal.

Problems of sta1Jic electricity, which can arise under certain 'conditions, have been overcome by an electrode fitted ins'1de the tank and earthed to the chassis to disoharge internal stat ic; and a J>ayerof conductive p'aint as a primer on the outside to prevent external static.

THE OIL TANK MADE OF ROCK

The .technique of storing oH in underground rock cavems could soon be used to handle :the North Sea oil bonanza in Britain

The process, weB established in Sweden, i's being brought to Scotland by the firm which pioneered 'it, Svenska Vag AB.

In Sweden, many 'caverns are used to store large quantities of oil,and the firm, which is to open an office in Glasgow, says that Scottish rock iformat:ionscould be equ'ally suitable.

The firm says the technique ,is arousing cons'iderahle interest because of the problem 'Of storage Jor oH products and crude oil.

Costs of 'insta'l:Iing caverns are said 'to 'be cheaper than conventional tank farms.

Other advantages are that 'less sU flface land 'is requlired: unloading is quicker; there is 'less risk of fire or poIluVion, and damage to landscape is m i nimised.

CONDER INTERCEPTOR TANKS

Local Authorities usually require that liquid or material pollutants which are less dense than water should not be discharged into a sewer or directly into water courses. The types of pollutant which this generally involves are petrol, 011, grease and some aerated materials.

The Conder Interceptor tanks are of G.R.P. construction with P.V.C. ,connecting pipes and sockets. Each tank has a total 'capacity of approX!imately 600 litres. No maintenance except periodiical 'sludge removal is required.

In addition ,to the conventional in-line arrangement, virtually any arrangement or number of tanks is possible to suit 'Site 'layout and capacity requdrement (in increments of 600 Htres). Inlet and outlet sockets can also be varied to suit position of drains. There is no maximum distance between tanks, so that on awkward or cluttered sites the tanks can have long pipe runs to avoid existing services. The tanks are set in below the ground level to coincide with the invert levels of the drainage system. For installations with deep 'invert Ievels upstand extensions can be supplied. These are 'also constructed from G.R.P., and can

be provided with or without preformed steps, depending on the depth required.

Foul water enters the ,first tank through the inlet pipe and mixes with the clean water already ,in the tank. Less dense material and Hquids separate from the water and float on the surface. Clearer water !from the bottom of the tank is dispIaced into the second tank through the dip pipe where the same 'process occurs except that the, water flowing into the third tank is now virtually clean. FinaHy, clean water is discharged !from the outlet pipe in the last tank into the sewer or water course (subject to acceptance by the Local Authority).

The tanks should be periodically emptied by mechanical equipment, flushed and filied with clean water.

Some Aspects of Licensing Petroleum Spirit

Installations

Paper presented to the Scottish Branch of the Association by J. R. Hughes, B.Sc., C.Eng, F.I.GasE., F.lnst.Pet., Group Safety Engineer, British Petroleum Company Limited.

Jihe discO'very of oH in the NO'rth Sea will inevitably result in a significant grO'wth of stO'rage installatiO'ns and conveyance by pipeline, rO'ad and rail in ScO'tland. The maj'Or stO'rages on shO're wiH be O'f crude oil which, by definiti'On, is "petrO'leum spirit". But by virtue O'f SectiO'n 2(3) of the PetrO'leum (OO'nsolida'tiO'n) Act, 1928 (1) "a IO'cal authO'rity may attach to' any petroleum licence such cO'nditiO'ns as they think expedient as to' the mO'de O'f stnrage, the nature and situatiO'n 'Of the premises in which, and the nature of the goO'ds with which, petrO'leum spirit is to' be stO'red".

The Properties of Crude Oil and its Products Licensing O'fficers should, therefO're, have s'Ome knO'wledge O'f the prO'perties 'Of thO'se products derived frO'm crude 'Oil which may nO't in themselves be defined as petrO'leum spirit but which may be stO'red near petroleum spirit tanks. Such prO'ducts 'cO'uld be, fO'r example, kerO'sine, gas oil, heavy and l-ight fuel 'Oil and liquefied petrO'leum gases.

Crude oil 'in its natural state is generally a brownishgreen to' black liquid O'f specific gravity 'abO'ut 0.8 to 0.95 and cO'nsists principally O'f a mixture O'f hydrO"carbO'ns of different mO'lecular weight and structure. It iis nO'rmaHy separated intO' 'its cO'nstituent parts by a singla stage crude distHlatiO'n fO'IlO'wed by a vacuum distillation as the secO'nd stage.

FO'r practical purposes, it is preferable to' visuaHse crude O'ilas cO'nsist-ing of fractiO'ns having a smO'oth CO'ntinu'Ous gradatiO'n O'f bO'iIing PO'ints rather than as a mixture 'Of individual chemical cO'mpO'unds.

TwO' -O'ther 'impO'rtant prO'perties a're vO'latHity and flammability. A very vO'latile substance exerts a high vapO'ur pressure, but since vapO'ur pressure increases with rise in temperature, the volatil'ity of different substances has to' be compared by determining the vapour pressure at a set temperature. The Reid v,apO'ur pressure (RV.P.) is the vapO'ur pressure of a substance determined under set cO'nditions in an apparatus which is, ,in effect, a dO'sed cO'ntainer where the ratio 'Of liquid sample to' 'air volume lis 1 : 4 and where -the temperature is accurately ma'intained at 100°F. Table 1 gives a cO'mpaI"isO'n of RV.P's of sO'me petrO'leum Hquids.

Table 1

RV.P.

Petroleum liquid 1'bfj:in2a kgf/cmZa

Propane

190 13.6 Butane 52 3.65

*Crude oil (as usually 0.07 to 0.84 shipped) 1 to 12

MO'tO'r gas'Oline 6 to' 12 0.42 to 0.84 AviatJiO'n gasO'line 5.5 to' 7 0.36 to 0.49 Catalytic reformate 4 and abO've 0.28 and above AviatiO'n turbine gasoline 2 to' 3 0.14 to 0.21

Special boiling-point sp'irits and certain light distillate 0.07 to' 0.28 feedstO'cks 1 to 4

Kerosine, white spiI"it, 0.0035 'to 0.035 tractO'r vapO'rizing O'il 0.05 to' 0.5

Gas oil, diesel oil, heavy below 0.007 fuel oils below 0.1

* There 'can be cO'nsiderable variation in 'the RV.P. 'Of crude oils as fO'und.

Thereare twO' limits of flammability, a lower and an upper fO'r each combustible vapour 'in aiir. The -lower limit of flammability 'cO'rresPO'nds to' the minimum proportiO'n 'Of vapour 'in a'ir necessary fO'r cO'mbustiO'n. The upper limit is the maximum concentratiO'n O'f cO'mbustible vapO'ur in 'air fO'r cO'mbustiO'n. ThecO'ncentratiO'n 'range lying between the IO'wer and upper limits -is called the flammable (or explO'sive) range: the IO'wer limit lis commO'nly ,abbreviated to' L.E.L. (lO'wer explO'sive .Jimit) and the upper to' U.E.L. (upper explO'sive i.1mit).

Vapour above flammable limits,

but flammable mixtures formed inside tank when emptying and

outside tank when filling

0.02 0.03 0 .04 0 0 0

0.05 0.06 .07 .08 .09 0.1 'ii) 0.2 .g .. c 0.3 (,) 0.4 to 0.5 0.6 0.7 g .... 0.8 1ii 0.9 e 1.0 c. ::I o 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0 10.0

> '0 '(5 a:

You 'should all be conversant with "flash point" which is the temperature to which a substance must be heated <to give off sufficient vapour to form a mixture with air that can be 'ignited momentarily by 'a flame. From ,Fig. I, the temperature which corresponds on the straight Hne graph with the <lower l'imit of Hammability IS the Hash point of the petroleum Hquid of a given R.V;P.

The above somewhat brief account of the properties of petroleum liquids is only intended to assist you ina'ssessing the risk to Ilhe petroleum installation which may arise from the storage of other petroleum l:iquids in close proximity. Where such storage does not endanger the petroleum 'spirit instaHation, the provisions of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928, do not apply and conditions of licensing cannot be extended to the "other petroleum liquids".

Over ,the past six years, the Home Office has produced Model Codes of Practice :for the Storage of Petroleum Spi:it (2) and 'l:iqU'ified petroleum gases (3). Also within this the Department of Employment has published the HIghly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations, 1972, (4) which controls the handNng and storage of flammable :liquIds in ,factories where the flammable liquid has a flash point below 90 D F. Apart from this, the Factory Department is concern<!d generally with the safe handJing of flammable liquids cmd therefore, within a (and Ilhis includes refineries, and some marketing mstallatlOns if a s:ignificant amount of blending is carried out? may be grey marginal areas of enforcing authority the. Robens Report went to some lengths to deplorethe s'ltuatlOn of mixed authoritative responsibilIty.

Until the recommendations of the Robens Report are we must rely upon the good 'sense of the and <licensees and ,the tradillionaI good relatlOns whIch exist with the Factory Department.

Movement of Petroleum

. An installation may be suplied in 'anyone of the foHowmg ways: by pipeline from a jetty or harbour by ra'il by road

Despatch of petroleum products could be via similar routes and, therefore, it would be appropriate to say a few words about the var· th 10US me ods of supply and despatch.

By Pipeline

In the United Kingdom pipeline ' commenced wI·thou't. constructIon may not be prIor ,autho· t· of 'authorising the construction rJsa lO.n. the purposes is made lin the PipeIt A of a plpehne, a distinction whose length does (5) between pipelines those whose length m.lles (local pipeJ!ine) and miles (cross-country 1; e,:ceed ten Minister requires not less than 'ocal pIpelmes, the encement of the wOl1k 'a "no"l.ce ,,,,", before comm•• .' VI 'In entlOn" h·, h ' contam as detwiled -in Section 2(2) :f The ,constructIon of a cross-country pipel: th h d ,. b· ,.. me, on e other an , ,IS su ]ect to a 'plpelme construction authol'is'ati " granted by the MinIster. on

It is dmportant to note that the references to "pipeline" in Sections 1 to 40 and Section 42 of the Pipelines Act, 1962, do not include references to a pipeline forming part of the equipment of and situated wholly within a factory (e.g. an oil refinery) or "petroleum depot" (Section 60) ',Petroleum depot" is defined as "premises used or appropriated for use whoUy or mainly !for the storage of 'petroleum spirit' ".

The provisions of the Pipelines Act, 1962, will therefore not apply <to those pipelines within the refinery or depot fence. Nevertheless, the Licensing Authority should be aware of lits provisions and also of the Institute of Petroleum Model Code of Safe Practice Petroleum Pipelines (6) and 'the Supplement to the Code which deals with Emergency Procedures, since this describes the action which should be ,taken in the event of a leakage of a pipeline outside the -licensed premises. Further useful infonnation Qs con'tained 'in British Standard Codes of Practice, CP 2010, Parts 1 and 2 - PJpelines (7)

Water-fed Installations

Under Section 7 of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928, (1) it is the duty of every harbour authority to make byelaws for their harbours as to the loading and unloading of petroleum spirit and tfor regulating the places at which ships carrying petroleum spirit are to be moored, and generally as to the precautions to be observed wifu respect to 'suoh ships. A copy of applicable bye-laws is nonnaUy obtainable on application to the appropriate harbour authority.

We have been 'involved with a number of harbour 'author1ties at different parts of the world in drawing up harbour regulations [or the loading and unloading 'of petroleum spirit. The framing of such regula'tions has now been made much easier wIth the publication of the International Oil Tanker and TenninaI Safety Guide (I.O.T.T.S.G.) (8). Subsequently, a Home Office Working Party has been working on a draft Code of Practice on "Safety at OH Jett'ies". This Code when completed will supplement the I.O.T.T.S.G. The Home Office Code is lintended to be of particular 'application to an jetties handl:ing hydrocarbons which are liquid at ambient temperature and pressure and have closed flash points up to and 'including 55°C. Whilst therefore, the proposed Home Office Code of Safety Practice for Oil JettieswiH deal wi'th hydrocarbons within and ,outside the meaning of "petroleum spirit" it could prove useful guidance [or the 'llicensing by a bye-law authority faced, for the first time, with haV'ing to make bye-laws as required by the Petroleum (Consol'idation) Act, 1928.

By Ran

There are no statutory regulations concerning the transport of petroleum spIrit by rail, but the traffic is governed by the conditions laid down by the Clearing House of British Rail. Current pra'ctice ,is to use fast inter-city services and quIck turn-round at 'the tenninal points. British Rail provides the locomotives and movement servlices and the oH companies supply the raln tank-cars and the loading and off-loading faciJiities.

A standing committee has been set up with representatives of the Institute of Petroleum and British Rail to resolve matters which concern the safety of the operation of moving oil products !from one place to another.

By Road

The pl"incipal code affecting the transportation of petroleum spirit by road is still the Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations, 1957 (9) (including subsequent amendments) which must be very famiHar to you and the Motor Vehicles (Construcllion and Use) Regulations, 1966 (10) which lays down the maximum carrying capacities.

Some General Comments about Road and Rail Car Loading

Overfilling is more likely to occur during the filling of road and rail cars than with storage tanks m view of the nature and frequency of the operations. Pre-set meters determine the actu!l'l quanllity to be loaded but human error 1s still possible, because:

of failure to set meters correctly, or compartment still contains product before loading and allowance had not been made for this fact.

Accordingly, oil companies have been developing high level cut-outs which stop 'the flow of product when a predetermined level in the tank compartment has been reached and, within the next few years, most of the 'road-cars and loading racks will be equipped with high level cut-outs working either on the electric or pneumatic principle. Parallel with the development of high level cut-outs, progress has been made liD other directions to ,improve s!l'fety by making it impossible to commence Ioading until the loading arm is correctly positioned in the tank ment. In order to reduce the possibility of electrostatlo discharge in the early stages of loading low flash refined products, dual speed control valves are available so that flow of products [S controlled at not more than 1 metre/ second until the bottom of the fiHarm is covered. These control measures refer, of course, to top loaddng through an open hatCh.

I believe, however, that 'in the years to come the petroleum industry will be subject to .increasing pressure. to reduce the amount of hydrocarbon emission during i-oadmg operations. This has resulted in increased attention to me bottom loading method which has incidental safety advantages over top loading, the main one being, to my mind, the fact that, "you can't fall off the bottom". Other safety advantages are the reduced splashing and less risk ()f 'Overflow as high level cut-outs are an essential supplement to pre-set meters when bottom loading. The greatest difficulty in bottom loading is the conversion m existing Company and Contractor vehicles and of COllrse the eX'isting top loading gantries. But 'these a:e, being overcome both in Amertica, where specifications for tank vehicle adapters have 'heen final'ised, and in the U.K., where individual companies have been working on converS'ion systems.

For a long time to come, however, top loading of cars through open hatches will be the most usual practlce and although there has been a number of highly automated new road car fiBing installations, there is still a sizeable body of op'inion in favour of driver controHed manual deliveries using the dead-man handle principle with the driver filling one compartment at a time.

The ,filling of ra:iI-cars is different ·inasmuch as individual compartment sizes are larger than for road-cars and each raoiJ-car 'in a tra1n ()If cars can be brought under the filling

point and then filled by the installation's employees. For this reas'on, rail-car installations usually 'incorporate vertical drop fill pipes lowered from an overhead gantry when top loading :is carried out. Bottom loading .from fixed ground manifold positions may be carried out at 'Suitably designed fill points when rail-cars are fitted with bottom loading connections.

Locomotives should stop not less than 30ft. (9m) from the nearest loading point unless the locomotive is diesel driven and fitted with flameproof electrical equipment and having a suitable flame/spark arrester on the exhaust. A firefes's steam locomotive is also acceptable.

Quite dearly, one must avoid at all costs the possibility of a rail-car being moved during a filling or unloading opeeration. Methods to 'achieve this should -include:

(a) Control of entry (by rail-cars) to a siding by acompe-tent person. Some positive precautions such as locking points in the "off" position shculd be taken to avoid trains or runaways from entering the siding.

(b) Red warning flags should be conspicuously displayed on both ends of the train being loaded and, in addition, a sign "Rail-car connected" should be placed in a prominent position. At night time, flameproof or intrinsically safe red lights shouid be used in place of flags.

(c) After positioning the rail-'cars, the locomotive is removed and the rail-cars prevented from accidental movement before loading or unloading operations commence.

Bulk Storage of Petroleum

The majority of tanks for the storage of petroleum ,in bulk are of mild steel welded construction, constructed to appropriate iBritish Standard 'Specifications or American Petroleum Institute Standards. (See Table 2).

Horizontal Cylindrical B.S. 2594:197-

TABLE 2 (New revised version now in draft form).

Vertical Cylindrical B.S. 2654:1973

Non-P1"essure Fixed Roofs (up to 7.5 mbar pressure).

Low Pressure Pixed Roofs (up to 20 mbar pressure).

High Pressure Fixed Roofs (up to 56 mbar pressure). Open-Topped Floating Roofs. B.S. 4741:1971

,For service down to -50·C and pressures up to 140 mbar F,ixed Roofs.

API. 650

Atmospheric Pressure Fixed Roofs. Open-Topped Floating Roofs. API. 620

Fixed Roofs f'or pressures up to 13 p.s.i.g. and includes appendices for storage of DPG and LNG.

Pressure Vessels

B.-S. 1515: Part 1:1965

Ferritic steel fusion welded vessels.

For the purposes of this paper, -It is sufficient to table below the recommended types of vert:ical cylindrical tanks for the bulk storage of petroleum spirit:

(a) Floating roof.

(b) 'Non-pressure' fixed roof tank with internal floating deck.

(c) Low pressure fixed roof.

A detailed discussion on the reasons for selecting tanks f?r specific duties is given in the book "Storage and Handlmg of Petroleum Liquids" published by Griffin & Co. Ltd., (11) but the above Table 2 up-dates informaNon given on page 138 of the book.

Current practice is to store crude petroleum in floating roof tanks, 96m and more in diameter and 25m or more high, upon the bearing properties of the tank foundatIOn. One 'tank 'is thuscapab'le of accommodating the full cargo of a V.L.C.C. (very large crude carrier). The steel roof O'f fi'oats on the crude oil and moves up and down as oil '!S pumped into or out of the tank, a significant feature of the tank design being the vapour-tight seal between the rigid periphery of the floating roof and the tank shell.

. The .of a vapour space above the liquid and the dlss'lpation by the earthed floating roof of any static charges. 'are inherent safety features of the floating r.oof tank. W'ith crude oil however, there is very little poss'lbill'ty of static charge accumulation as the conO'f most crude oils 'is relatively high because oil' its conductive impurities.

vapour-tight seal between 'the rIg.id periphery of the r?of tank shell may be produced by a metalhc nng wh'lch IS pressed up against the tank shell and to the rim of the floating roof by acontinuoU's flexible fabric material. Pressure against 'the metallic .ring be achieved. by a weighted pantograph hanger devke. h re recently hquid filled or foam fiHed toroidal seals fl been used to close the annular space between the moatmg roO'f 'and 'the shell O'f the tank. The seal may be ade urethane foam covered by nylon fabric or it may consist O'f an oH-resistant tube filled with fuel-oil the product in the tank or, in warm Climates, water. '

In spite of 'the linherent safety in the design ()If floatingroof used to occur at the pel"ipheral seal of the roof durmg pe nods of electrical storms. In particular it was found the fires more often occurred on tanks fitted pantograph hanger type seals and the cause was determmed as electrical sparking at metal connections of the These incidents have now stopped since more effective methods were taken to bond the tank roof to the shell by the use of stainless steel strips.

A rim seal fire can be extinguished very easHy with dry powder when discovered in its early stages. Failing th'is the appllication of foam is effective but the fire 'should be tac'kled as s?on as to prevent ,involvement of the pontoon sections w'luch gives the roof the necessary flotation.

In our expel"ience at refineries where the fire-fighting effort is organised on a team basis, we have found no great problems in dealing with rim seal fires using mobile attack. With the ,increased safety consequent upon better bonding properties, there lis no justification in our view for fixed fire-fighting ,instalIations on floating roof tanks. However, where there is minimum manning and where the installation is ;in an lisolated position, there could be a case for providing fixed dry risers connected to branched outlets at the tank pel"iphery to facilitate the application of fire-fighting foam.

It is very difficult to justify the cost of an automatic Bromochloridifluoromethane (BCF) system of protection for the rim seal of floating roof tanks in V1iew of the very much reduced risk of fire willh such tanks. Besides, the BCF system isa "'One-shot" application and if it ds not effective first time, it would be necessary to back it up with convential foam or dry powder attack. So far as I 'am aware, no authority will 'accept a BCF system without the backing of conventional foam methods and in my view, therefore, it would be better to rely upon the conventional system as the first line of attack.

You will appreciate, therefore, the need for consultation between the owner and the authorities during the planning stage. Quite apart from discussions on fire-fighting measures, ·there is the most important point of acceptance of the tankage layout and the grouping of tanks within bunded areas. The Model Code of Principles of Construction and Licensing Conditions (Part II) for Distributing Depots and Major Installations (2) was framed with public safety in mind 'and it is mainly concerned with the prevention of fire and means to prevent ·the spread of fire. Thus the layout of tanks, as opposed to spacing between tanks, should be suoh that there ds adequate access for fire-.fighting purpo·ses. In Clause 2.2.2 of Section 2 - Principles of Construction, the recommendation that the nearest point on the fire wall should not be further than 100 ft. from the shell of a floating roof tank was made to ensure that cooling water could be applied to the tank shell from the fire wall.

If during a fire, the floating roof of a large tank (say 250 ft. dia.) sinks, then it would beimpo;;sible to extinguish the resulting 'tank fire because of the tremendous demand for water, foam compound ·appliances.* In that event, !:he tactics should be to cool the tank as far as it <is possible to do so in the hope that the contents will be retained wi!:hin the tank and, at the same time, apply water curtains to protect adjacent tankage. We recall ·one serious incident where ,the tank farm fire was started by an act of sabotage. Four large crude oil tanks were immediately -involved. Because the tanks were fitted with a semi-automatic foam system, a lot of valuable water was lost 'in producing foam which was applied to the inside of the tank's shell, whereas the actual fire situation was in the bund area. This is another good argument against automatic fixed systems of fire protection. Bund fires are, fOJ;'tunately, extremely rare. Side entry mixers are used to keep any sludge o1n 'Suspension in the crude oil 'instead of ,it building up to such an extent that the working ,capacity of the tank lis seriously reduced.

Means to prevent the accidental overfiUing of tanks have been dealt with by the Home Office Working Party referred to ,overleaf and their Report should be published 'shortly.

* Please see Quarterly Journal of the Association for Petroleum Acts Administration, Page 28, Vol. No. 10. No. 2April, 1971.

Prevention of Major Spillage at Bulk Storage Tanks

The licensing officer and licensee will naturally be anxious to ensure that no major spillage of oH takes place on the licensed premises. A Home Office Working Party has just completed a series of recommendations designed to decrease the possibility of 'significant spillages occurring due to the overfilling of bulk storage tanks. As we have pointed out earlier, the installation may be supplied by pipeline, 'by road, by rail or from the water and the Home Office recommendations wiH deal with each mode of supply and make separate provision for existing and new installations. The publication of these recommendations by the Home Office is imminent.

Below-ground Storage

Below-ground tanks are normally of the horizontal cylindrical type and shop-fabricated. Those installed at filling stations are usually of steel construction, suitably protected against damage and corrosion. They need not be made of steel and studies are presently in hand on the service behaviour of buried tanks made ,in glass-reinforced plactic (GRP).

Al,though we are in this paper concerned mainly with large storages, a brief note about GRP tanks is not out of place in view of the interest of APAA in such tanks. In the U.S.A. ,over 20,000 GRP tanks have been installed 'belowground and their experience has been good. Progress in the U.K. has been slow and ,this is perhaps understandable in view of the need to produce evidence CYf the safety of these installations and licensing authoI'lities naturally prefer the evidence of their own experience rather than of others. But unless approval is obtained for their installation on a limited scale at first, the necessary first-hand experience will not be. available. The wider this expeI'lience, e.g. in different SOIls, the more convincing will be the derived information. Licensing officers may therefore be interested 'in the installation of GRP tanks at the Halton Cross site, Feltham, in the GLC area. The prinoipal advantage over steel tanks is, of course, their longer Hfe because of their corrosIonresistance but 'a new factor may now be emerging, namely, theSlhortage of 'steel 'and rapidly 'increas'ing steel prices. We would there'iore, welcome the fuUest co-operation of Hcensing authorities in evaluating the safety performance of GRP tanks throughout the country.

Jetties

There may be assooiated with the bulk storage instaUation, a road or rail-car loading rack and an oil jetty. I have mentioned that, as far as jetties are concerned, you wiIl be able to refer to the Home Office Code of Practice, now in draft. "Safety at Oil Jetties" for guidance or, if this is not available, then you should consult the international Oil Tanker and Terminal Safety Guide. (8)

Conclusion

At bhe present time, with the devolution of administrative functions to newly-established local 'authority boundaries, re-distribution of licensing responsibiHties and new legislation envisaged under the Proposals for a Safety and Health at Work Act, it is, to my mind, essential that the

good work which has been done by the APAA should continue because it is recognised in the oil industry as a responsible and highly respected association.

REFERENCES

(1) Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928. H. M. Stationery Office.

(2) Home Office Model Code of Principles of Construction and Licensing Conditions (Part 11) for Distributing Depots and Major Installations. H.M. Stationery Office.

(3) Home Office Model Code of Pracllice for the Storage of -Liquefied Petroleum Gas at F'ixed InstaHations. H.M. Stationery Office.

(4) The Highly Inflammable Liquids and L:iquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations, 1972, S.I. No. 917. H.M. Stationery Office.

(5) Pipelines Act, 1962. H.M. 'Stationery Office.

(6) Petroleum Pipelines Part 6 of the Model Code of Safe Practice. Institute of Petroleum.

(7) British Standard Codes of Practice, CP 2010. Pipelines: Part 1 Installation of P:ipelines on -land (1966). Part 2 Desi'gn and Construction 'Of steel pipelines on land. British Standards 'Institution, 2 Park Street, London, W.l.

(8) International Oil Tanker 'and Terminal Safety Guide. Applied Soience Publishers, Ltd., London.

(9) The Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations, 1957 (S.I. 191), 1958 (S.I. 962), 1966 (S.I. 1190). H.M. Stationery Office.

(10) The Motor Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations, 1966, S.I. No. 1288. H.M. Stationery Office.

(11) Storage and Handling of Petroleum Liquids by J. R. Hughes. Charles Griffin & Co. Ltd.

EXPLOSIVES-Safe Practice and Storage

'Dhis ·article is produced by kind permission of Nobel's Explosives Company Ltd. of Stevenston, Ayrshire.

Storage

Effect of Storage : General Recommendations : Separation of Different Classes : Types of Storage : Disposal of Unwanted or Deteriorated Explosives and Detonators

Proper storage of explosives and accessories is important, not only to make sure that '1Jhese materials are kept out of the hands of unauthorised pensons and to reduce the haz'aros of accidental explosion, but also ,to ma,intain them :in good condition.

Most. countries or districts have laws or regulations controllIng the storage and handling of explosives, and aB users Of. the.se materials should satisfy themselves ,that they do not 'Infrmge any of the'ir national or local rules. They should ..consul t their local inspector of explosives or licensing before starting to bu:ild any explosive store or magazme.

Effect of Storage

and 'accessories are perishable goods which are to deterIorate after prolonged storage, e'specially ,if subjected to high temperature and high humidity. The of used by the manufacturers are designed to give maximum protection against moisture, and provdded the cases :r:main unopened the explosives should keep in good conditIOn for long periods.

Stocks should always be used 'in the sequence of ,the date of .manufacture, which <is ma'rked on the ends of ,the cases. ThiS avoids any accumulation of old stocks and helps ,to make sure tha't the materials are in best condition. Once a case 'is opened the contents should be used with as little delay as poss'ible. If the explosIve is not all used on ,the s'ame day the ol'iginal pa'cking should be folded ove'r and the case closed ,to give the max,imum possible proteotion to the contents,

General recommendations

Certain generaI conditIons are applicable to all forms of storage.

1 Buildings for storing explosives shouid be situated at a safe distance from other occupied places. Most countries specify minimum distances between explos·ives stores and other buildings. These must be striotly observed.

2 Explosives 'stores should be at 'a safe d1istance from stores containing h'ighly flammable materials.

3 All buildings con1:a'ining explosivt!s should be 'ConstruClted so that they cannot be 'broken !into. 'r.hey should be substantiaBy bU1ilt .of brick, iron, stone or concrete. The intel'ior should be completely lined Wlith wood and should be no linternally exposed l'ron or steel. The bUlldmgs should be securely locked when not 'attended.

All i-astenings, locks, hinges, etc. should be designed so that they cannot be removed by unauthorised persons.

4 AB storage buildings should be equipped with an efficient Hghtning conductor except those which are designed for 'only small quantities.

5 Detonators should not be stored with other explosives. A separate building or annexe to an expiosives store 'is usually desirable for keeping detonators.

6 Buildings for storing explosives should be kept exclus'ively for this purpose and not be used for storing non-explosive matellials.

7 Breaking bulk, 'that ,is, the removal of explosIve from its original packling or cartridge wmpping, should not be ,carried 'out 'in storage buildings. A workshop should 'be used for this operation (see item-'Workshops').

8 Explos'ives stores should, as far as possible, be sited in dry places ,to minimise deterioration due to moisture.

9 All possible precautions must 'be taken against accidenta,l fire or explosion by prohibiting 'smoking and the carry'ing of matches or other means of producing lights, by the exclusion of iron 'and steel, and by stl'lict attention to cleanliness and 'the exclusion of grit.

10 A:ll doors shouid be 'arranged Iroopen outwards.

11 The surroundings of explosives magazines should be kept free from accumulation of flammable materials. All undergrowth and vegetation should be kept cropped 'Close 'to the ground for a sufficient 'area round the magazine, and over-hanging trees should be felled or have their branches removed.

12 Explosives magazines should be kept weN venbila;ted. Gases 'should be stacked on duckboards or trestles and away Ifromrhe walls so that air can oirculate freely.

13 Care should be taken to make sure that explosives magazines are kept in good ,repair. They should be inspected regularly for condition of both magazine and stocks.

14 A fuU record should be kep't of outgoing 'and incoming stocks. This makes it easy to ensure that the maximum stock lis kept Wlithin 'the 'limit allowed for the magazine and that ,the 'oldest stocks are used first.

Cleanliness

The !inside of all buildings containing explosives should be kept clean and free from grit. Overshoes should be kept in the store, and so used 'that a dirty boot 'is never placed on the clean floor 'and tha't ,the clean overshoes are never placed on the dirty ground outside.

This ,is best arranged by providing 'in the doorway a sHding boa'rd about 150mm (6") high (preferably painted red) to mark Jthe boundary between the clean floor and ,the

floor and ground outside. The word "clean" is used in its technioal sense, implying the exclusion of grit. When the store is much used, the overshoes may conveniently 'be large leather shoes, made very ,wide at :the ankles so as to include ,the bottoms of the trouser legs and -large enough to sl'ip on readily over a pa'ir of boots. Where the traffic is infrequent, large-size rubber galoshes will be suitable.

If ,the storekeeper works for the greater pal"t of illhe day in the store he should be provided with a powderman's shoes and suit, without pockets and made -of non-flammable material. He should change into this on going ,to work, and it should never be taken out of the store.

The storekeeper, before going :into the s'tOre, should either be 'searched by some -responsible person to ,that he has no dange,rous articles such as pipes, cigarettes, or or other me:ans of 'obta!ining a light, or he should ms'tructed to make it 'a -rule to go :through his pockets tllmself before going into the 'store He should also search any other persons going into the

Tools

Any tools used in the storage buildings should be of wood or sotit non-ferrous met'a!!, such as Mass, copper or bronze. Iron and steel 'tools should be prohibited as lIlhey might cause sparking. '

Repairs

·any repairs are required to the store all explosives should e and ,the 'interior thorougl1ly cleaned by washing out water. If the repairs 'can be completed between and sunset of one day usu'al'ly no obJ·ection wiH be raised t , 0 removIng explosives to planks in the open and l covermg 'them aB with a tarpauHn. Should repairs be of onger dUra't· f. Ion, some arrangement must be made for Itransetrrmg 'the explosives to some other approved place of s orage In an h stock of h _ Y case, before -repairs are put in hand It e Il e store should be ·run down to its lowest point.

Workshops

Magazines shOUld b .. charges for . e used only .for stormg explOSIves. Where made _ Use m the -OCcupier's mine or quarry are to be shop t P ' a Workshop should 'be ereoted nearby. The workbe if more than one are required) must may be .dat SUch distance away from ,the maga2)ine as district T: down by the regulations of the country or that is _ e workshop should be regarded -as 'a magazine, forms must be worn, ,iron and gnit iD; all a'llowed in and no smoking or open bght jointed It. It should be wood-l,ined, with a closetools shOUld b: floor. Any exposed intemal metalwork or should be Used fof brass. or other soft metal. Wooden wedges Or openmg cases.

Notices

Every store shOUld h conduct in the s- .pos.ted up general rules governmg oversh tore, IndlClating the necessity for ,the use of oes proh ·bY ete d ' 1 I iDg Smoking and carrying oaf matches, ., an any other 1· . th local lcicensi es which may be reqmred by '. e ng authorIty. A statement of the type of weight allowed -in the budlding s DU a so e dISplayed in a prominent position. These

notices should be posted just ,inside the door in such a position that they will be visible to all persons entering the store.

Ou:tside the store a prominent notice should be displayed warning trespassers of the danger of unlawful entry and listing the penalNes for infringement.

Fences

It is advisable ,to erect a fence at a suitable distance from the store :to prevent the access of animals.

Separation of Different Classes

Unless ,local regulations or the licence of the building proV'ide 'Ot:herwise, the following explosives may be kept together 'in one building: high explosives (whe-ther or not they -contain nitroglycerine), gunpowder or black blasting poWder, sporting powders (not made up into cartridges with percussion caps) and 'Cordtex' Detonating Fuse.

Detonators, eleotric detonators, delay detonators and capped fuses should always be kept separate from other explosives.

Safety cacrtridges, i.e. spoI1ting cartridges fitted with percussion caps, shOUld be kept separate from either detonators or high explosives, gunpowder, etc. Unless 10cal regula.<llions state otherwise, safety fuse does not -require special explosive storage and may be kept on any premises.

Types of Storage

The type of storage reqU'ired for explosive depends largely on the qU'antities involved. The recommenda'tions given are based on -BrItish praotice, and before adopting any of these methods :it 'is necessary to see ,that they are in accordance with the regulations in force in the locality.

Storage of Small Quantities

Where it is des'ired ,to keep a stock of not more ,than 4.5 kg (10 lb) of explosives it is usually unnecessary to buHd a store. The explosive should be kept 'in a securely locked conta,iner placed well -away from fire or hea'ting 'apparatus. Detonators and capped fuses should be kept -in a separate l'Ocked container and should never be stored wi:th other The containers should be readily ,removable in the event of fire (a steel travelling trunk provides a suitable oontainer for this f.orm of storage).

When ,h is necessary to store up to 25 kg (55 Ib) of high explos'ive or up to 90 kg (200 Ib) of black blasting powder, a small store or magaZline should be bunt. These 'small stores are commonly used as trans'rt stores for ,issuing and receiving canisters near the entrance to mines. They are a'lso sui:table for keeping detonators when ,the main explosive store js not provided with an annexe for ,this purpose; they must not, however, be used simultaneously both as detonator stores and explosives transit stores. The building should be substantially cons,tructed of brick, stone, concrete or other approved materi'als and should be fi'tted with a strong iron-8lhea'thed wooden door designed to prevent access by unauthorised pers-ons. It should be lined with wood or other material so tha!t there is no 'internaHy exposed bI1ick, concrete or iron, In hot climates an additional sun roof should beconstruoted. The store should be detaohed

from other buildings and situated at a safe distance, usually about 15 m (50 f.t) from any highway, thoroughfare or public place.

St'Orage 'Of Large Quantities

Large quantities of explosives should be stored in specially cons'tructed buildings situated away from residential areas, public highways, etc. In hot cJ.imates, it wHl often be necessary to ereot a sun 'roof over these buildings for additional protection.

In determining the size of 'the magazine required, ample space should be allowed so tba,t ,the explosives cases can be 'readily handled. Cases should be arranged so that the ends showing the date of manufaoture are always visible. This makes it easy to ensure that the oldest explos,ives are used first. In smaH stores is convenient to stack the cases a few inches away from The wan opposite the door, and 'in l'arger stores in a sigle row a few ,inches from each of the side waHs, allowing a working space of ,about 1 m (4 ft) between the ,tiers 'Of cases. About 2.5 m2 (26 sq ft) of floor area should be allowed for each tonne (ton) of explosive.

Where the quantity of explosive exceeds 20 tonnes (tons) a separa:te building should be used for ,the storage of detonators. Where ,the explosive 'is less than 20 tonnes (tons) the detona'tors may be stored in an annexe, which .is buiU as an ,integral part of the structure but has a substantial double pa'rotition with an air space between the detonator compal'ltments and the main store. When detennining the thickness of the partition a good rule is to allow 230 mm (9") of brick and 230 mm (9") of air space for the first 1000 detonators and an additional 25 mm (1 ") of bl1ick and 25 mm (1 ") of air space for each addi,tionaI 1000 detonators e.g. ·two 230 mm (9") brick walls and 460 mm (IS") of air space prov.ide adequate protection fur storing 10,000 detonators.

W<here magazines are situated near .the sea, steel or galvanised ironwork is liable to corrosion in the salt air, and it ,is recommended that all exposed surfaces should be treated with coal tar or ,good quality oil paint.

Where white ants 'are a menace, teak should be used for aH doors, venHlator f.rames, etc. Teakwood stools should be pro'."ided to carrY the explosives cases, and these stools should rest 'in 'aluminium saucers containing creos'Ote.

P'Ortable Magazines

Where it lis required to use explosives ,for a short period only, f.or ex·ample 'in certain public works contracts, a woodl,ined portable steel magaine will ,be found useful. A magaZ'ine of this 'type may be used foor up to IS00 kg (4000 of explosives. It may also inolude a detonator compartment as a separa,te unit welded 'on to the back ·of the s'tore along the roof and base ,of the compartment 'and aIlDWling a 9" a'ir space.

In hot clrimates this type of magazine should be prDtected from the sun by a canvas flysheet or other similar tempDrary protection.

Sites f'Or Magazines

The best sites for magazines are on well drained, sl'Oping ground. It is usually ,inadvisable to build underground magazines, s,ince these are almost mval'liably damp. This is liable to ,induce more rapid deterioration of ,the explosives and of the constructional woodwork. In s'ome countries it is illegal to store explosives underground.

Magazines should be located as far as is reasonably practicable from inhabited buildings or places where people congregate. They should not be in bunt-up areas. Where new storage accommodabion is required it is recommended that the local Inspector of Explosives or other Licensmg Authority be consulted, and care ·should be taken to ensure that 'the statutorY distances from 'Other buildings and property are observed. These will depend on the quantity of explosives involved.

Although magaz.ines should be 'at a suitable distance from other property they must be readily accessible for loading and unloading. The ground hetween the magazine and ,the neaTest good road should not be too rough, or the construction of an access road will be verY expensive. It is advisable to make sure that eX'isNng tracks are usable throughout the year and not only seasonally.

In dry climates, especially where guards are required to Hve on the site, the magazines should be located either near a source of sweet water, 'Or over water bearing stra,ta t'O whioh a borehole may be sunk.

DisP'Osal of Unwanted or Deteri'Orated Expl'Osives

and Det'Onat'Ors

From time ;to time it is necessarY to dispose of expl'os1ves which are no l'Onger required. This necessity can arise when the blasting operation for whichtJhe materials weTe obtain ed .is completed or when unduly prolonged or adverse storage has made them unfit for use. Wherever possible the manufactu'rers should be oonsulted regarding :the disposal of any large amounts of surplus 'or detwiorated 'stocks, but it win sometimes be necessarY for the owners to arrange for ·the des'trucNon of small quan:ti>ties.

Nitr'Oglycerine Expl'Osives

A '."isual examination is usuaHy suffioient to determine whether explosives are fit for use or 'should be destroyed.

Nitroglycerine gelatines tend to darken with age. This effect is accentuated at ,the ends of the oartl'lidges where moisture has heen absorbed, and may be accompanied by exudation of nitroglycerine. Excessive moisture penetration leads to the appearance of an aqueous salt liquor. This can usual'ly be distinguished from nitroglycerine by placing in water, when 'Oily globules will separate out if nitroglycerine is present. Since the equeous Hquor may conta-in a small amount of nitrogly,cerine, 'care must be taken to see that contaminated explosives or cases are not subjected to friction or shook. True exudati'On of nitroglycerine is usually found lonly 'in explosives with a high nitroglycerine content such as the Gelatines or Blasting Ge:atines. When moisture penetration has occurred with subsequent dty'ing, an incrustation of 'CrYstalline sa,lts Wlill be present. Where this is only Sll'ight the exploS'ive will still function satisfactorily, but in bad cases ,it will be ,insensitive and should not be used.

Nitroglycerine powder explosives also darken and absorb moisture, especially at the ends. Detel"lOratlon is more rapid than with gela1Jine explosives.

Where free nitroglycerine is present the agents or manufacturel"s should be consul.ted before the explosive is moved. If movement cannot be avoided, ,the liqUlid (whether nitroglycerine or 'aqueous solution) should be carefuHy absorbed in plenty of sawdust, great care being taken to avoid friction or shock dUl"ing handling.

If the floor 'or walls of the magazine have become contaminated with nitroglycerine or aqueous liquid they must be thoroughly cleaned by wasbing, first with hot water and then with methylated spirit.

Nitroglycerine explosives are destroyed either by drowning or burning. Drown'ing Js the quicker method but can only be used where ,it ,is possible to take the explosives out to sea to deep water several kilometres (mHes) from the shore. The cases of explosives are carefully opened With wooden tools. The cartridges are -removed ,from ,their packets or direct f'rom the ·case 'and put into sacks placed 'on a waterproof sheet. The sides and ends of the sheet are tied over the s·acks, which are then ·taken out ,to the drowning area. The sheet prevents contamination of the boat with explosive. Befure heingthrown overboard eaoh bag is slit with a bra'ss knife to ensure rapid drowning. Finally ,the waterproof sheet ,is well washed in the sea.

The cases, lin,ings, packet wrappers and packets a!"e destroyed separately by burning.

It should be cleal'ly understood that although burning is quite a common method of destroying explosives, there are of the -burning process 'changing to detonation. This IS partIcularly Idkely to -happen 'if the explosive 'becomes which increases the Tlisk of hot spots developing Wl'thln the burning mass. Experience -indicates that this happens more rapidly with compositions known to conta'lna high proportion 'of inert ingredients, such ·as high performance Gelatines and Permitted (i.e. coal mining) explosives.

In circumstances, drowning is impracticable, and the explosl.ve must then be destroyed by burning in lots. The Site shOUld be in open country. The method lS as fOllows:

1

2

Small piles of cartridges not exceeding 2,5 kq (5 l'b) in each, are placed on ,J'ayers of paper or wood shavings. pile must be ·at least 3 m (10 ft) from and ,to the wmdward of the preceding piIe.

3 The ·cartridges are brOken in two and wher3 heavy spiral wound wrappers -are used as for Opencast Gelignite or 'Geophex', 'the explosive ,is .removed from the wrapper to prevent the formation of local hot spots whicl1 might cause detonation.

4 A tra'in of wa'ste paper Or shav1ings 'is laid from heap to heap and extended -in the form of an "L" at ,the windward end.

5 'Ilhe expl'osive and 'train is well sprinkled with kerosene or diesel fuel and after all persons are 'in a position of s·afety the train is !it from the windard end.

6 The burner must ,immediately retire to a safe sheltered posrtion 'S'O that he is in no danger if a detonation occurs.

7 Once a fire 'is lit it must not be approached until dt has completely burned out. Allow a good safety factor here.

8 Any expi'osive found 'after the fire, must be handled carefully and burned on the next fire.

9 A fire must not be built on ,the site of a previous fire unless ·the area has been well watered to ensure complete extinction and cool'ing.

All packing materials 'including cases, wrappers, Ilinings, and sawdust or wa5te used in cleaning up,or in .tl"ansporting the exploS'ives, are collected together and burned separately from the explosives. In burning the packing linings, wrappings, etc. the same caution must be used as in 'burning the explosive 'itself. These materials may have become 'impregnated with expl-os'ive.

When explosives or packing materials a're being destroyed by burning, aHpersons must be in safe sheltered positions in case an explosion occurs.

TNT I Ammonium Nitrate Explosives

Detel"ioration in TNT/ammonium nitrate explosives takes the form either ·of hard caking 'and setting, or excessive softening and liquefaction. These effects are hoth caused by moisture hard cak.ing arlises from 'absorption of moisture fullowed by drying -and :is particularly marked where the explosive is stored at high temperatures. Slight caking, in whioh the lumps can be broken by pressing between the fingers, is usuai}ly unimportant, though if there is 'any doubt about the condiHon, a cart'l"idge or smaHcharge of the powder should be tested to make sure -that it is initiated by a standard detonator before using it in large charges. Hard 'caking renders the explosive unsuitable for bIasting, and where this OCCUI'S or where excessive moisture or water penetl'ation has taken place,advJce should be sought from the agents or manufaoturers. TNT/ ammonlium nitmte explosives 'are best destroyed by drowning in the sea. The cartridges or Itins are op'ened to aUow 'ingress of water, whioh will dissolve the ammonium nitrate. The TNT rema'ins unchanged and 'is both explosive 'and poisonous, If there is no suitable 'site fOT drowning, TNT/ammonium nitrate explosives may also be 'burned in small lots as previously described. However, they do not burn as readily as nitroglycerine explosives, and it is ·therefore necessary 00 use larger than normal quantities of paper, shavings and kerosene.

Blasting AgentS/Slurry Exposives

The senslItivity of 'blasting agents, such as Anobel, NobeHte and Nobelite 'H', is progressively reduced when the CODlpositions absol'b moisture and the point may 'be reached where they cannot be initiated even with the strongest primer. 'J1hese blasting agents do nat contain any lingredient which ,is explosive ;in itseU. Theyoan, .therefore, be destroyed safely in 'any iIarge volume of water since the bulk of the ingredients will dissolve and any which are insoluble, such as aluminium, will be harmless.

With slurry lit may be necessa'ry to effect destruction ,if there has been a breakdown of the gel. Such

breakdown, however, would mean that destrucbion could best be accompHshed in ·a s'imilar manner to that suggested for -blasting agents. Nobel's 'slurry expIos1ves do not contain self-explosive sensHisers. Slurry explosives can also be destroyed by burning, but difficulty is Hkely to be encountered with this method.

Black Blasting Powder

Black blasting powder becomes ,insensitive w,ith moisture penetration or willh excessive caking. Slight caking is not serious, but where :the lumps cannot be broken by hand the explosive should not be used. Similarly, if the powder is damp (in' pellets ,this -can be recognised by their being sof,t and -crumbly) iit is unsuitable for use. Black blasting powder is destroyed by 'removing it from dts wrappers or containers and drowning it 'in a large bulk of water. The packages and wrappers should be burned. On no account should any attempt be made to destroy black bIasting powder by burning.

Detonators

Detonators which have become wet or which show marked tarnishing or signs of corrosion on the tubes, are unfit for use. 'Special care must he taken in handling them, and the suppHers should be 'consulted regarding their disposal. Badly deteriorated detonators may have spots of fricl:'ion-sensitive materIal on the outside of the tube and should not be ,transported except after expert examination and packing (usually in ve,ry small numbers packed 'in sawdust).

Small numbers of plain detonators are destroyed by placing them in a paper bag strapped 'Closely to 'a cartridge of explosive, which is 'then buried in sawdust and fired by safety fuse and plain detonator or by eleotric detonator.

Alternatively, the rejected detonators can be carefully inserted ,into an explosive 'cartridge like pins ,in a pin-cushion and 'the cartridge fired after burying 'in sawdus·t. Larger numbers of detonators (not more than 500 at a I:'ime) are destroyed by pIading the tins Slide by side on a 150 mm (6") ,thick layer of sawdust ,in 'a 900 mm (3 ft) deep hole in

the .ground with the bases of the detonators upwards. A charge of explosive (e.g. Special Gelatine 80%) extending the length of the row of boxes is placed in pos,ition on the top and the hole filled with sawdust. The explosive is then fired by safety fuse or electric detonator, the operator being in a place of safety.

EIect1'ic detonators are destroyed after first cuttiing off the ,leading wires about 25 mm (1") from the tube. When large quantities are being prepared in 'I:hls way, care must be exercised ,to 'avoid a lapse ,in concentratIon due to the repetitive nature of ·the operation. Oa'reless use of ,the cutting tool ,could result in ,the detonator tube being crushed or severed. Not more than 100 detonators are then placed in a paper bag prlimed with a -good electric detonator. Up to five such bags, each separately primed, can be destroyed together after hurying in a sawdust pit as for plain detonators.

Note. Whenever plain or electric detonators are destroyed by the above methods the residue of sawdust must be sleved carefully to make sure that no detonators remain unfired.

'Cordtex'

'Cordtex' Detonating Fuse withstands very long periods of storage without deterioration. Under damp conditions or when immersed in water, moisture can creep along the explosive 'core, but df the wet end is cut off, the remainder of the length will fire sa·tisfactorily. A simple method of destroying short lengths of 'Cordtex' is to place them alongsIde explosives charges in shotholes. Longer lengths can be destroyed by hurnling as for nitroglycerine explosives.

Safety Fuse

Moisture penetration renders safety fuse unfit for use. Where this is suspected the fuse is tested by bum,ing a selected sample length ,after cutting off and discarding a short length from .Ilhe cut end. If the burn-ing speed is outside the specification the fuse should not be used. Safety fuse is destroyed by buming on fires built on open ground.

Remote Contents Gauges for Filling Station Petroleum Tanks

This article is provided by F. W. Watts, Esq., Director, K.D.G. Instruments Ltd.

In anticipatJion of .the 1974 Revision of the Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations, Ess'o Petroleum Ltd., conceived a need to develop ,remote gauges for the storage tanks 'on their petrol sta'tion forecourts. FoHowing the introducti:on ,0[ this revisi'On, dt likely that much -larger petrol tankers will be used 'and"that some del,iveries may be made outside normal business hours; thus an accurate form of tank indication becomes necess'ary to give ,a record of petroleum deliveries.

It becomes obvdous that a current trend towards accommodati:ng more vehicles by enlarging the forecourt area, paT'ticularly 'of self-service filling stations, together wlith the inareased size of del:ivery vehioles, would make it necessa,ry to off-load 'at a point remote from the storage tanks themselves.

It was, of ,course, important that remote contents gauges should satisfy the requirements of the Petroleum Officer, particularly with regard to the 'reliability 'of the readings and, lin addition, meet ,the 'conditions of the Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance 'by Road) Regulations 1952, The gauging system must 'be very accurate in terms of repeatabHity.

It was felt that the system of measurement should not rely on mains electrical p'ower f'Or its operation since .jt would be undesirable if deHveries were prevented by power f'aHure; at ;the same time, it was cons,idered unacceptable that the operator be requiired to manually pressurise the system as this would not provide a continuous reading. As the gauges would be read by personnel, p'O'ssihly at times when no assistance would be ava'ilable, it was essential that the gauges themselves would be simple and require no particular abilities or manipu}.aVion. Because they would be read by visit,ing personnel, it was felt that they shOUld be mounted 'on the forecourt but, necessarily, must be unaffected by local dimaticconditions, for eJrample, rain or sunshilJ.e. The instruments could be mounted in a suitable box which, ,if fitted with locked doors, w'Ould prevent the gauges being ,read by unautJhoris3d persons and further protect them against damage. In order that the units should be suitable for most site condii'tions, the design should be adaptable to either a free-standing or a wall-mounting arrangement. Further, :the 'gauges 'should be grouped 'in a compact fashion so that on a s'ite wi'vh a large number of tanks a multiple assembly could be reasonably accommodated.

A major difficulty which had to be faced was that if the gauging system failed, it would be possible to overflow the storage tanks and some means of indicating this was deemed necessary. In addition to this, it was also important that the system should be fitted with a positive and simple means of testing, one which could be carried out by an operator to verify that the gauge itself was functioning correctly. Maintenance was a further point which would have to be considered; this required that the system should have the minimum number of moving parts so that the incidence of wear would be reduced.

Wiith the SI units soon to be 'introduced, it was considered important that the gauges, however calibrated iin the first pIace, should be suitable for re-calibration at some Iater date. Necessarily, the system would need to be fitted to eXlisting tanks as well as 'to new ins'tallations.

These various requirements were put to the engineers of KDG Instruments Ltd., of Crawley, Sussex, who have wide experience of 'this f'Orm of measurement.

Basically, their approa'ch to the problem was to cons'ider whether 'any equipment they already had would be acceptable or whether it would be necessary to introduce a totaUy new concept; alternatively, couId any improvements or modifications be made to utilise exisl!ing designs. Such an approach would ensure :that the requirements would be met with the least possible cost.

First and foremost, the instrument would need to be as near perfect as economic cons'iderations would permit, but if a new concept were necess'ary it would need to be better, cheaper, more acceptable and essentially available within a required time scale.

Above aU, the 'information that it gives must be reliable. Any doubt or mistrust on the part of the operator may cause him to ign'Ore the instrument completely with p'Ossibly disastrous results. The visual presentation should be as clear and s'imple as possible and should be readable at a reasonable distance. Any excess information ds likely ,to caus'e confusion. Likewise, it should he uncompl'icated dn that the indicated value should be usable as given, i.e., there should be no need for a conversion factor. Ideally, the information presented should give a S'imple, overall picture, such as the actuaI value lin relation to the minimum and maX'imum limits; further, an indication of the filling rate could prove most useful to Ilhe tanker operator.

ObViously, the instrument must be safe in all respects and in no way cause a haza'rd; at the same time, it should be relatively iinexpensive. The costing should' take into account both the initial price of the equipment and all ....mounting 'accessories, such as any structure necessary to accommodate a free-standing arrangement. Further, the question of possibly difficult insllaoJlat'ions has to be considered 'bearing 'in mind the calibre of labour avaiHable too carry Ilhis 'Out.

The hasio opera'tionaI requirements of the instrument were quite straightforwa'rd. Simply, it must measure the level of ,the liquid and present this in a form that is acceptable and easily understood by the user. Possible methods of achieVling this are many and val'ied.

KDG considered a number of altematives as possible solutions to the problem. Each method has draWbacks, some of the more pertinent being:-

Manual Pneumatic

This type of installation uses a small hand-operated pump to create a back pressure at the bottom of a dip tube !inserted !into the liquid. Since the pressure created at the base of the tube ,is also that of the hydrostatic head of liquid, its measurement by a pressure gauge is also a measure of the liquid depth. In fact, the gauge can be calibrated in terms of liquid contents if the specific grav:ity is known, together with details of the tank shape. However, this system does not fulfill thereqU'irements for continuous reading since it operates only when the pump ,is being used. Further, it is completely reHance on the manipulation of the handpump which must be 'Operated sufficiently to expel all liquid from Ilhe 'instrument dip tube; insuffiient air would mean a low reading with .the danger of the tank being overfilled. Also, it is practically impossible for the gauge reading to be kept abreast of liquid changes during tank ,filling. A major disadvantage would be the extreme diifficulty of designing a faH-s'aife arrangement into such a system.

Continuous Pneumatic

This requires 'a continuous supply of air which must, necessarily, be both clean and dry.

Sealed System Contents Gauges

These utilise a Ibellows or diaphragm sensor connected to a length of 'capillary tubing. A change of lliquid level above the sensor causes the pressure change to be indicated 'by the gauge which can be calibrated 'in terms of tank contents. Since the system 'is 'completely sealed, i.e., the sensor is connected directly to the gauge by the capillary, it follows that :the length of the capillary together with details of the specific gravity of the l'iquid 'and of the tank shape must 'be known ,before manufacture can commence; it is thus difficult to supply a system suitable for a wide range of applications.

Electronic Level with Dial Indication

A number of such systems are possible, ranging from capacitance measurement to pressure measurement using 'a diaphragm or capsule sensor via a differential transf'Ormer. 11hese Tequire a ,continuous power supp'ly and must be electrically safe to avoid hazard.

Electronic Level with Digital Indication

11bis system also requires a continuous power 'supply, and not cause a hazard. Also, there being no straight line conversion between depth and tank volume in a horizontal cylindrical tank, a conversion ohart is necessary or expensive electronic circuitry ihasto be built oln to achieve a digital presen'tation of the actual contents.

Following considerations of the various aspects of possible 'systems, KDG rejected the manual system as in no way meeting Esso's requirements; slml1arly, the sealed system contents gauge was rejected since -installat,ion wou1d be difficult on new ,sites and maintenance could be expensive if t"eplacements were necessary. The digital indication electronic system was considered primarily because it presents a satisfactory "image" but without

extens-ive ele'ctrDnics 4t wDuld be difficult to' CDnstruct such a system which wDuld measure cDntents in terms Df vDlume and the alternative pDssibility which. was to' prDvide CDnversion charts wDuld nDt be acceptable.

Of the variDus systems, the cDntinuDus pneumatic and the equivalent electrDnic level 'arrangements had the greatest merits and the final decisiDn was reduced to' these. The pneumatic system is ,inherently safe but the mDdern electrDnic equivalent cDuld 'alsO' be made safe and cDvered by an Intrinsic Safety Certificate issued by BASEEFA (British ApprDval Service fDr Electrical Equipment in Flamable AtmDspheres). HDwever, it was decided to' Dpt fDr the pneumatic system since this wDuld nDt depend Dn CDrrect installatiDn to' ensure absDlute safety.

KDG then set out to' deVlise a system which wDuld be as fDDlprDDf as pDssible and incDrpDrate the required features of accuracy, fail-safe and system checks. It was decided to' use a modular arrangement since this permits the pDssibility of a high degree of flexibility cDupled with IDwer manufacturing costs.

A hasic cDntinuDus-reading pneumatic system Df the type visualised wDuld cDmprise an indicatDr, an air-flDw regulatDr and a dip pipe; alsO' necessary fDr this system is a cDntinU?US air supply which, necessarily, must be at a slightly hIgher pressure than the head Df the maximum depth Df liquid abDve the Dpen end Df the dip p'ipe. The air-flDw regulatDr prDposed by KDG is a cDmbinatiDn of air-flO'w inddcatDr plus a flow regulatO'r, nO'mmaUy set at 1 cu. HI hDur. The operatiDn Df the basic assembly is simply that the cDmpressed air supply is fed intO' the air-flO'w regulatO'r a?d frDm there to' aCDnnec'tiO'n at the tO'P of the dip tube v-la a length of tubing. The dip pipe 'is inserted through the tDP Df the tank via a suitable cO'nnection whilst an O'pening at (Dr near) its .lDwer end permits air to' bleed out and up the product. A back pressure ,is thus created in the aIr eqUJiva'ient to' the depth Df the prO'duct abO've the m the dip pipe. Necessarily, the specific gravoity O'f the lIqUId must be taken intO' accO'unt when the indicator itself is calibrated in terms of tank contents.

KDG have fDr many years supplied pneumatic systems twin air Nnes between the dip pipe and Instead of the back pressure being read dlrectly.frDt;n the air line to' the dip pipe, a secO'ndary static between the dip p'ipe and the indicatO'r. ThIs. a'lr lme system permits greater distance between the mdIcator and the .tank but remains unaffected by pressure lossesalDng the pipe run; such pressure losses would affect the accuracy of the readings.

The pneumatic system propDsed was on the same princIple's .but t? this basic arrangement extra features were added !!Deludmg 'a master filter with an autO'matic condensate drain. This accepts air from the statiO'n cDmpreSSO'r and remDves 'any excess moisture whIch is -cDllected 'in the bO'wl of the unit. Immediately after 'the filter -is the master pressureregulatDr which CDrrects the wide fluctuatiDns in air pressure to' be expected Dn service stations. This reguJoatDr the 'air supply which may be 'as high as 150 Ibs/om2 and reduces this to' 30 Ibs/'in 2 • The air is tilen passed thrDugh each of the 'air flDW regulators (Dne per tank/gauge) and further regulated as previously described.

The air from the master regulatO'r is alsO' passed via a restrictor to the faoil-safe mechanism built into eaoh indicatDr. Thus, the supply into the system is being mDnitored and at a pre-determined low pressure the fail-safe mechanism causes the indicatDr to' read "Air supply failure" or, if desired, "Full".

The indicatO'r itself cO'mprises a pressure element, a gauge mechanism, a PO'inter and a dial. The pressure element is a rated capsule which will distend prDPO'rtionally to' the pressure of the liquid head (via the air medium) being applied. This mO'vement is converted to' the gauge mechanism to' rDtate the pointer Dver the dial. Hysteresis must be kept to' an absO'lute minimum to' achieve cDntinuous accuracy during the filling -and whilst tanks are in use. To meet this requirement, one of the many gauge mechanisms manufactured by KDG was mDdified and prDvided with a jeweHed mO'vement. Since the unit WO'uld need to' be mDunted in the O'pen and subject to a wide range O'f ambient temperatures, -a bi-metallic compensator was intrDduced which WO'uld reduce the effects of temperature Dver a nominal range -of -20°C to +50°C to a very low Drder.

The indicator capsule was cO'nstructed to' cover tank depths usually encountered .in petrol station foreCDurts.

The indicatO'r dial has a single calibratiO'n in gallons but can be easily replaced on sIte with calibrations in SI units as required. The actual calibraHO'n of the dials wDuld be carried out by KDG using a special cDmputer prO'gramme designed for this purpose. The resulting calibratiDn data is retained by the CDmpany whO' are. thus able to' change the units O'f calibration -as required.

The resulting system alsO' inCO'rpDrates facilities for verifying the perfO'rmance Df the indicatO'rs by means of a three-way valve inserted intO' the air return from the dip pipe to' the indicatO'r. The valves are gauged and permit up to six -indicatO'rs to' be switched frDm a single valve. The pDsit'iO'ns O'f the valve are as follO'ws:

Position 1 - Vent

This will permit all gauges to be vented to atmosphere, allDwing the remainder O'f the system to' remain pressurised. The gauges being vented to' atmDsphere permit the gauges to' be checked to' ensure that nO' zero shift has occurred.

Position 2 - Test Position

AH gauges are interconnected to' a pair Df valves marked ',inlet' 'and 'exhaust'. The 'exhaust' valve shDuld be dosed and 'the linlet' valve -opened to introduce a CDmmDn air supply intO' aH level jndicatO'rs, driving the pointer-up-scale to' a -predetermined point on all Indicators near the 100% caHbration mark, therefDre verifying the original caHbration and pel1fDrmance of the indicators. TO' prevent overloading the gauges, a second pressure regulatDr is inserted in .the line prior to the test pressure inlet valve. On cDmpletion Df the test, the exhaust valve is Dpened, aJIowing all pointers to' rest at zero.

Position 3 - Gauge

This returns all indicators to their normal operating oircuit,

Equipment Housing

AB controls such as air-flow regulators and valves which be are stored in a single, lockable housing, the key to whIch would normally be held by the station manager. The housing itseH js of robust construction weatherproof and suitable for fixing to a wall or on to stand, in the event that the equipment may be required on or ad'Jacent to a pump 'Island. Indicators are stored in which are also lockable, but have another It IS mtended vhat this key /Iock will be common to all cabinets purchased by Esso Petroleum Co. Ltd. The IndIcator cabinet, like the control cabinet, is also _Weatherproof. ,and adaptable 'insofar as the mounting arrange:ment IS concerned. Alte·rna-tive methods of mounNng ava'lj,able, suoh as, a simple panel plate or poHshed; ha'rdwo'Og board, these are restricted 'to under cover 'InstalIatwns, such as !In the station compress'or room ?r office Desplite these alternatives beung avalilabIe it is IIiten?ed 'that lock,able control cab'inet wiH ;lw-qys remaIn. The housmgs pre'ferred by Esso a're of aluminium' these may be 'pa'iJl'ted to suit i ndiVlidua,1 requirements. '

The approach to affords a high degree of flexlblhty In methods and p'os'ltlOns of mountiJlg.

The instrument dip pipes are simple, efficient and easy to 'ins'tall. On new linstallations, tlle space taken up on fhe , tank cover :is s'omething less than three inches. l1b.e dip p'ipe "is a one inch o.d. mild steel tube with twin a lir pipe constructions at the top. This is inserted in 'the tank via a compression fitNng installed on the tank cover plate. In certain cases, KDG arecaBed upon to pf(i}vide repla,cement equ'i:pment, thererore the ,slimpJioC'ity .of the KDG dip pipe permrts this to be ada'pted to suit any exis't:ing arl'angements such as Hanged ,fitting.

Summarising, KDG have compllied with the specification as l'a'id down by the Esso Petroleum CO'. Ltd.

System Accuracy

+

Repeataib-i-lity: 0.2 % O'f span

+ Hysteres'is: 0.25 % of span

+ Ambient Temp yrature: 0 02 % per cegree C averaged between the lImits +50 °C to -20°C

FIRE AND ITS PREVENTION

What is Fire?

Fire is the name given to the process of combustion, which is a chemical reaction. Three things are needed for fire to take place: FUEL -HEAT OXYGEN.

These three elements form the Fire Triangle. Remove one of the elements and the fire goes out.

Fuels

These may be:

Solids: Timber and coal are examples of normal solid !fuels. But other substances such as cotton, wool, rubber and plastics will all act as fuels.

Liquids: For example, paraffin or petrol.

Gases: For example, domestic 'coal gas or butane.

Heating and Ignition-How different fuels behave

In the case of solids (and some liquids) combustion takes place in two stages. What happens is that the solid or Hquid is heated to 'a temperature at which it gives off a vapour and it is tbis vapour which is then by the flame 'Or spark.

Solids vary considerably in their readiness to bum. Where they are 'heavy and dense, e.g. a thick beam of wood, they are difficult to set on fire and slow to bum. When they are light and slender, e.g. a match, shavings or paper, they are easily 'ignited and swift to ·burn. Solids finely divided in dust, e.g. sawdust or flour and dispersed in the air as clouds, are capable of creating an explosion if brought into contact with a flame or even in some cases a spalk

While aH solids need an external source of heat to raise them to the temperature at whioh they will give off their flammable vapours, there are many liquid fuels which are heated to 'this point by the surrounding atmosphere. Petrol, for 'instance, is already vaporising even on a cold day. Likewise all petroleum spirit based liquids such as certa'in cleaning fluids and 'adhesives. The point at which enough vapor:isation occurs [or them to be ignited is known as the "flash-point"

It is 'important to remember that vapours from many liquids are heavier than air which means that they may "travel" and ·collect at Iow levels. They can be dgnited at some ·considerable distance away from the ·container in whioh they are kept.

Gases, since they are aI-ready in the form of vapour, ignite in one single stage: turn ·on the gas tap, apply the match and flames 'Occur 'immediately. No preliminary warming up -is required. Dispersed in the air, in an enclosed space, gase's will ignite instantaneously and are capable of cauS'ing an explosion.

Oxygen

Combustion is a chemical reacti'On in which flammable vapours ·whether produced from solids or Hquids, or already present as gases combine with oxygen to give off heat. Combustion cannot take place without oxygen.

Fuels vary in the proportion of oxygen to fuel vapour required for buming. Most liquids cease to bum if the oxygen content is reduced to 15 per cent, whereas solid materials may continue to bum or at least to smoulder until the 'Oxygen content in the air is reduced to 6 per cent. The free 'Circulation of air is a safeguard against the build-up of flammable vapours that is why ventilation ·is effecllive in preventing fire.

Vapour from a liquid, being heavier than air can travel from its can towards a source 'of ignition. lid ds on and the can kept well away from 'any heat, such a thing cannot happen. The flammable vapours are kept inSlide the can, deprived of air and unable to be ignited.

Gases ignite in relation to air supply in the same way as flammable vapours. However there is this noteable difference in behaviour, in that gases including town gas and natural gas 'are lighter than air and will rise to the Mghest point in 'a room.

How Fires can be Extinguished Fires in 'Ordinary combustible materials are best extinguished by cooling, i.e. removing heat, with water from a bucket or extinguisher. Water has greater 'cool'ing properties than any other extinguishing agent. But water conducts electricity and unless the current has first been switched off, water should never be used Qn any fires caused 'by electricity Qr where there is any danger of short circuiting.

Dry probably the most effective agent for flammable hquld fires, is stored in the extinguisher with an expellant gas. A non-conductor of electricity, it can be safely used Qn fires where there may be risk or electric Its cooling properties are, however, limited and it gives no protection against re-ignition if the application ceases.

is next in effectiveness to dry powder, working by formmg a blanket on the burning surface, and coming between the !fuel and 'the flame. It remains in position IQng enough to prevent re-ignition and aUow cooiting. Foam is the chemical interaction of two solutions _ sodlUm bicarbonate and aluminium sulphate separately stored. but mixed when the extinguisher is activated, or pre-mlxed and mechanically expelled from ,its conta'iner by compressed .gas.

di'O.xid.e works 'by extinguishing the fl'ames over the bummg hqUld. It acts more rapidly than foam but does not. re-ignition, and has only limited cooling effect. It under pressure before being stored in the extinguIsher.

Growth and Spread of Fire

O?ce a has started and is surrounded by material which m an adeqUate supply of 'Oxygen, the natural thing IS for 'it ,to' spread. This happens in three ways:

CONVECTION RADIATION CONDUCTION.

Convection is the transp'Ortation of heat by movement of the heated substance. Over four-fifths of the heat from a fire is 'carried away by a,ir and other gases in this fashion. By being heated the air becomes less dense than the surrounding atmosphere and, mixed with gases produced by the fire, m'Oves upwards forming convection currents which carry with them heat 'and smoke. The temperature of this rising air is likely to be very high and it will heat up all materials in its path.

Unless the supply of 'air is cut off, the displacement of air upwards will draw fresh air towards the fire. This will in turn become heated and rise upwards continuing the process of eonvection. The increasing suppl'ies of oxygen reaching the fire, as the draught ·caused by convection grows stronger, will intensify the burning heat from the fire and make 'it spread. The [or<:e of these currents can be enormous. Large increases 'of air drawn in over the fire eome together with violent turbulence and may rush upwards In a sort of whirlwind. This up-rush is capable of lifting burning

materials and dropping them over a wide area, starting new sources of fire.

Radiation. Objects in the neighbourhood of a fire are directly to the radiant heat from its flames and burning fuel. The nearer these are to the fire the greater the intensity of the radiated heat reaching them and they become heated to ignition point. This is what happens when clothes dryIng in front of a fireguard ignite. Once a second fire has been started close to the original one, ·the fires then radiate each other and speed up their rate of growth.

Conduction. Although same metals such as steel will stand up to great heat without igniting, their presence In a 'qurning structure wiH not necessarily check a conflagration. Metals are very good conductors of heat. A st:el beam heated at 'One end will carry the heat throughout 1ts length and may cause combustible material at its other end to smoulder until it reaches 19nition point.

With acknowledgements to the Fire Protection Association.

BRANCH REPORTS

South Eastern

The Annual General Meeting of the Branch of the Association was held at God-aIming on 27.th February, 1974.

Present

In the absence of the Branch Chairman, Mr. J. Hewison (Association Chairman) presided over a meeting of 18 members and ,invited guests.

Apologies

Apologies for absence were tendered on behalf of 16 members. Among .the apologies were a number of letters from officers and authorities who are relinquishing Petroleum Act duties. The letters expressed appreciation for the services of the Branch and 'the Association during their years of membership.

Minutes

The Minutes 'Of the 1973 Annual General Meeting were confirmed 'Clnd 'signed.

The Treasurer reported a small haIance in hand but 'some outstanding 'accounts would not be submiotted Until the end of 'the financial year. A s·tarement of accounts W'Ould be at 31st March, 1974.

Mr. Hewison 'Outlined 'the present s'i.tuation 'and the action taken by the Emergency Oommi.ttee 'Of 'the Association Council to endeavour to ·continue the As'sociation. In the ensuing discussion the members were unanimous that:

(a) every effort should be made to continue 1lhe role and functions of 'the Association and

(b) that eons'ideration should be given to the inclusion of explosives in the subjects covered by the Ass'ociation.

The following were duly eleoted to serve from 1st April, 1974:

Chairman H. T. E. Jackson (G.L.C.)

Secretary M. E. Smith (G.L.C.) Committee Members

D. Taunton (SuTrey C.C.) R. Hunt (Hampshdre Fire Brigade) D. Riddett (portsmouth)

Messrs. J. E. Hay and A. R. Prue, Treasurer and respectively, both agreed to continue for the time bemg.

It was decided ItO hold 'Over the election of Ithree further Committee members until 'the future of Branch and Associa,tion becomes de·ar.

The Committee when fully constituted would elect a Branch ;to the Association Council.

Mr. C. Peskett, the Branch Secretary, was to give up Petroleum work 'a't the end of March a·nd the thanks of the Branch -and the· A,ssocia'tion were expressed for his work in conneotion with the formation of the Association and the South Eastern Branch of which he had been Secretary since dits 'inception.

Held on 4th September, 1974 at London Fire Brigade H.Q., Lambeth.

Present Chairman, Mr. H. T. E. Jacksen, 20 members, 7 prespective members, 5 Associates and 1 visItor.

Apologies

14 apelogies were ·received.

The Chair welcemed all 'attending and intreduced those 'Of the Committee pres·ent. It was fater decided not to elect further Conun'ittee members until the future was clearer.

The Chair fOT the benefit 'Of new members, gave a resume 'Of the and previeus w'Ork of the Asseciation in its f.ormer guise.

After discussion three votes were taken on .informal metiens:

(a) The meeting felt the need to be represented on the Emergency CommH±ee and charged the Secretary te arrange maJtlters.

(b) The meeting felt that the Asseciation sheuld cen!inue with or wi'thout 'the BuUetin in ,its present pnnted ferm.

(c) The meeting feIt the need for the Branch to -in whatever form might be regardless 'Of the Natronal pesttion.

(d) The meeting felt that the membership at large sheuld be 'oensulted before the Associatien might be weund up.

The Secretary reported 'On lthe available infermation in the field 'Of legislation, Vliz:

0) The expected Petreleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) ReguIa'tiens te be made under the Safety 'and Health Act 1974.

The Inflammable Subs:llances (Cenveyance by Road) Regulatiens te be made under ,the Petreleum Aot. Beth te he admini:stered by the Petroleum Authority The rem'Oval frem the Heme Office te the Department of Empleyment of the members of H.M. Explosives Inspectorate.

There fell 'Owed an open forum of matters of technical interest.

Scottish

The Meeting was held within the Council Chambers, Town Buildings, Ayr, en Fl'iday, 1st March, 1974 and was officially 'Opened 'by C'Ouncill'Or Paterson, Convenor of Ayr County Ceuncil. The Branch Chairman, Rebert S. L. Anderson thanked Oeuncillor Patersen forgiving of his valuable time te perform the open'ing -ceremony.

The merning 'sess'ion was devoted t'O a paper by John R. Hughes, Chief Safety Engineer, Briti-sh Petroleum C'Olllpany Ud" enti,tled 'Some Aspeots 'Of Licensing Petreleum ·Installations', At the conclus,ien of his !balk he shDwed a fHm on North Sea Gas, Mr, Hughes was cengratulated on the excellence of his paper and thanked on bebalf of the Branch

for undertaking ·a long jDurney te present it by Mr, Robert Collie,

.AIt lunch which was kindly previded by Ayr County Ceuncil, the Branch Cba'irman thanked Ayr Tewn Council and Ay,r Ceunty Council for their generous hospitalilty and use of their accommedatien. Counciller Paterson acknewledged 'and 'congratuIated the Branch en their choice 'Of venue.

Apologies

There were 41 apolegies, Standing Orders Standing Orders were submitted and approved, Minute

The Minlllte 'Of the Annual General Meeting held at the Beach Ballreem, Aberdeen, on 2J.rd March, 1973, cepies 'Of wh'ich had been previeusly circulated, was appreved,

Secretary and Treasurer's Report

The repert of the 'Secretary 'and Treasureor, cepies 'Of which had been previeusly circulated, was approved, Annual

Subscription

A recemmendatien by the Branch Executive Cemmittee that ne suhscriptien be levied :fur the years 1974 and 1975 was unanimeusly appreved, thus amending the decisien taken ·at last year"s A·nnual General Meeting with regard te the subs'oription for 1974,

Association Secretary

The welcDmed Mr, John Frid, Secre1Jary 'Of the Aissoclation tD the Meeting and invited him te address ·the members,

Mr, thanked Ithe Ohairman for being given the opportunity to 'speak and stated that he wished te inform of, the Association's futUre prespects fellowing re-erganIsatIon ·ef local gevernment which was ,ooking place in England ,and Wales. Officers of the Association had consulted ,the legal adviser and, .follewing his advice, a letter was clrcuJoated to the Chief E. ·t' es of the new C t 0 '1" , xecUo IV h' Y S mV'l'tmg ithem ItD <c'Ontinue members' IP enjoyed by ex1sting lauthDl"ioties Taking on such a cemmItment would 'entail an ann I 'b 'p !' on in the ua su scn b regren of £40-£60 but, for that fee th th. 'ty would e bI ' , e au 'OM t'ves a e to nommate up te ten th' 1 ' as. elr rv '

Before entering 'inte ·any ·cemm',. neW Co 'I 'h d ref 'Ll' C unCI s unCi s a erred lthe matter .to th C unty '0 , A. .', ,.' om . e '0 , h Ithelr rlSSeClaLlon, cers of the Assec'I" t' h d m<>t Wit ffi ' 1 h a len a .,. , t'on's o Ola s W '0, after 'censiderati'" 'f h ASsocl8 'I • h 'd vn '0 t e ' tIOn approac 'oonSI ered that 'the C'eu t C 'I ' AssoCiJ'a' . n y OunCI s tcould undertake the effective CD''O d" d represen , , , r matlOn an atlOn of authDTltles on Petroleum m tt a ers,

Since the last Annual General Meeting the Ass'Ociation bad been by the ''Officers suppor.ted by an Emergency censisting 'of the officers 'and .two Chairmen of CemmIttees, cDnsu1taJtion amongs1t the place. fDlloWIng the Ceunty Counoils' ASSOCiation deCl's'lOn which was 'Only made known wilthin the past ten days 'and there was a streng feeling that the Ass'Ociatien

could continue in its present form provided a drive was made .to recruit officer members. If this class of membership could be increased to about 600, income would be sufficie·nt to maintain a viable body and continue on the same ba'sis.

Before such a policy could be adopted, it would have to be approved at the Annual General Meeting. No arrangement 'had been made to oall the Annual General Meeting but it was hoped <that it could be convened at an early date.

Aiiter answering questions from members, Mr. Frid was thanked by the Chairman for 'bringing members up to date on the future of ,the Association.

Election of Officers and Committee

Before demitting office, the Chairman thanked the officers and members of the Branch Execu·tive Committee for supporting him during his year 'Of office. He ,then invited Mr. George Turnbull, City of Edinburgh, sole nominee, to accep't the office of Chairman for 'the ensuing year and hoped that he would have 'a successful term in 'Office.

Mr. Turnbull thanked ,the members for entrusting him with this high office and to discharge his duties to ,the best of his ability. He thanked Mr. Anderson for his on behalf of the Branch during the past year.

The eX'act number of nominations having been received, the 'remaining office bearers and members of Committee were elected as follows:

Vice-Chairman

H. Bruce Collier (Clydebank)

Honorary Secretary and Treasurer J. (Paisley)

Five members to serve on the Committee

J. S. Baird (Lanarkshire) R. A. Harris (Dumfries) T. Kane (Glasgow) D. McGregor (Stirling) S. I. Steadman

Branch Representative to the Council of the Association R. S. L. Anderson

Auditors

R. McGill (Clydebank & Dumbal1ton) K. Ma·cLeod (DunbaI'ton)

Place of Next Meeting

The fixing of ,the date and place of the next Meeting was remitted to the Branch Executive Committee.

Vote of Thanks

Mr. CoUier moved that Iflhanks be accorded the various authoriiies 'and officers who had ·contributed io the success of the Meeting, in particular Ayr Coun'ty Council, Ay'r TDwn Council, the County Convenor, CouncillDr PaJterson, Mr. Hughes ,for his excellent paper, Mr. Anderson, Chief Inspector, Ayr County Council 'and his 'staff for local arrangements the Secretary of the Assooiation Mr. Frid for lending

support, the Branch Execurtive Committee and the Branch Secretary for their part in the organisation. It was unanimously resolved that letters be sent to the Town Clerk and 'the County Clerk expressing the Branch's indebtedness to both authorities for the accommodation and hospitality provided.

North Western

The Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held at the St. George's Hotel, Liverpool, on 18th March, 1974.

In 'addition to Branch members, ·invitations were extended to 'all officers whose future duties under would .include the Petroleum Acts and also to Inspectors of Weights and Measures in view of their involvement with filling station measuring equipment which was the ,subject for discussion at the afternoon sessioll.

Present

There was an attendance of 92 persons.

Opening the meeting, the Branch Honomry Secretary (H. R. MeIlor, Blackpool) explained that the Branch Chairman (A. Hewitt, Liverpool) was HI, ,the Vice-Chairman (Mr. C. Savage, PouIton-le-Fylde) had been unable -to attend and that only one serving member of ·the Branch Executive Committee was present.

He warmly welcomed .the a,1ltendance of Mr. C. Peacock, the Jionorary TTeasurer of ,the Association, and Mr. R. P. H'Oldaway the Immedia'te Past Chairman of the Association and Editor of "The Bulletin". As Re-organisation duties had made it impossible for the present Editor (8. W. Thacker) to continue dn 'Office, Mr. Hold-away had taken over the duties 'Once again. Since the holder of the office of Editor was, by Bra·nch Rules, a member of the Branch it was unanimously agreed ,that Mr. Holdaway be appointed Chairman for the Meeting.

After 'thanking members and welcoming everyone t'O the Meeting, tile Chairm·an 'regretfully reported the death .of Mr. Frank Kenniford, Accrington, ,the Immediate Past ChaIrman of 'the Branch, and the members mood in silence as a mark 'Of respect.

The Honomry Seoretary reported on the last Branch meeting and 'On other Branch activities including the visits to StanlDw Refinery and the Petroleum Technology Course held at the University of ,Lanca'ster in August, 1973. He also subm'itted tile Financial Statement which was adopted.

Mr. Holdaway then addressed the meeting at length giving 'a clear 'pioture of .the form the Association may have to 'take if ,it was to continue. In essence there n'Ow seemed no prospect of continuing as a "I'Ocal authority" Association and tthe only solution would be for it to become 'an "'Officer" Association. This question would be determined at -the Association Annual GenemI Meeting which was to be held a't St. Albans 'on 24th April, 1974.

Proceeding neXJt ,to the future of the Branch it was agreed that a holding Committee comprising Messrs. A. Hewitt (Merseyside-Fire Service) 'and H. R. MelIor (LancashireBlackpool Weights and Measures) be formed and that H.

R. Mellor 'continue oto 'act as .H'On'Orary Secretary and Branch Representative on Ithe Council 'Of the Association.

The retiring Honorary Auditors, Messrs. T. Alexander and D. Nield, were re-appointed.

The morning concluded with votes of thanks, proposed by Mr. E. Hilton, to the Oha:irman, to the 'retiring officers and Branch Committee and, for their past SUPPOllt to the Branch, to all members who would cease to be Petroleum Officers on 1st April, 1974.

Refreshment and Buffet Luncheon were provided in the Hotel at the kind invitation of Shell Marketing Ltd.

The afternoon ses'si'On took the form of an 1llustMted lecture 'On Petr'Ol Dispensing Equipment Development. Mr. p)... Holden, Shell Area Manager, Liverpool, presided and the meeting was 'addressed by Shell Retail Officers Messrs. G. M. Pattenden, Tactical Planning and Development Unit, and M. N. Senior Equipment Engineer.

Mr. Pattenden first of a:ll gave an Introduction to a film called "Right First Time". This film was made by Shell International and outlined the basis on which Shell are tackl'ing all aspects 'Of filling station design in terms of tayOUlt and equipment. This was followed by a short !talk by Mr. Pa1ltenden SUppOI'lted by a slide presentation which traced the history of the petrol dispenser from the Bowser "Perfect Measuring Tank" 'Of 1885 to the development 'Of the first filling s1laJtions ,in the UK in the 1920's and through to :the modern electronic equipment which is now beginning to 'appear on forecourts. He 'also dealt with the eqwipment problems associated with Ithe application of self service. It is projected that by the late 70's over 50% of the rotal Shell retail petrol sales will be >through selrf service and against this 'background ,tt is quite clear thart; petrol dispensing must be cusotome'r designed, accurate and reliable.

Mr. Pitz-Simmons ,outlined 'the basis on which Shell are trying to use modern technology to provIde the answers. He described 'the background and history 'Of the systems currently available to the market place including Wescourt Mk111 and Llewellyn Lewis Fact'Or 5000 and explained the link between 'these 'companies and the pump manufacturers. He also 'outlined how Shell 'are endeavouring to measure the levels 'of accuracy and reliabiHtty through their own research facilities and what they hope to achdeve 'in the future.

The submerged pump and its use was also described in some detail and its 'advantages quantified.

There was also 'Opportunilty f'Or a quick look into the future and at equipment which is I'ikely to be seen on some forecourts in 'the ne&t twelve months. This 'included the Hardoll and Dresser Decade systems, both 'Of which WIll be using 'advanced electronic rtechnology.

The meeting concluded with 'sincere votes of thanks being expressed :to Shell Marketing lJtd., to Messrs. A. Holden, G. N. Pattenden and M. N. Fitz-Simmons and to Mr. A. Jacobs and Mrs. A. Fletcher ,of Shell Trade Relations for their able assistance in the making of aU the arrangements.

East Midland

An Ordinary General Meeting of the Br,anch was held at the Western Fire Station of ;the Leiceste'r Fire Brigade, New Parks Boulevard, Le'icester, on Tuesday, 28th March, 1974.

Present

The Chairman of the Branch, Mr. H. Booth and 11 members. In addition ,there were 7 visitors including Mr. R. P. Holdaway, Editor of the Bulletin and 3 members of the West Midl:and BMnch.

Election of Interim Chairman

After welcoming V'isiltors to the meeting the Chairman informed members Ithat owing to the Tact that he would no longer be concerned with Petroleum Administration following ,local government re-organisation, he wished to relinquish his office. Members 'agreed that under the circumstances Mr. Booth had no option but to vacate the chair and that an Interim Chairman should be elected

Accordingly, Mr. R. E. Cla'rke, Le'icester City FIre BrIgade, was elected by members and installed as the Interim Chairman by Mr. Booth. Mr. Clarke first thanked Mr. Booth for his services to !the Branch 'On behalf of the members ,and the meeting then continued under his chairmanship.

Discussion

A general discll'ss'ion on 'the future of the Association then took place. Mr. H'Oldaway informed members of ;the efforts made by the Association towards its continuation f'Ollowing local government

He said tha't a meeting had held WIth ,the representatives of the County CounCIls ,the Metropolitan Councils with a view to m:mbershlp of 'the Association. Although the representatIves of the A:ssociation were well received the n th T ew all' 01"1 les were not interested in taking up membership of the Assodation.

Mr then outlined. the current plan of the ASSo<;l8JtIOn whIch was revealed at the Annual General Mee'tmg held a't St. Albans on rthe 24th April, 1974. This plan that .there should be "officer membership" of the and ,that the subscription rate would be decided at a later date Mr. Holdaway then gave a few facts he had learned regardmg Petroleum Administration following local government He. said that about sixty per cez,n of Petroleum AdmInIstratIon had gone to the Fire ab?l.lJt of'orty per cent ,to Weights and Measures u ' 'crI les whICh were mainly nn the South of England. The Office, trade and industry were 'anxious that ,the ASSOCIatIOn should continue according !to Mr. Hold was th I t' away, as e ns Itwt<: of Petroleum. He was optimistic about future membershIp which could 'consist of practising petroleumofficers,' local authorities if they wished associate members from industry and "officer" for those petroleum officers who were no longer 'concerned with petroleum administration. He 'said that 'the Association be 'an. 'asset for a Viariety of officers such as a Fire BrIgade Sltatlon officer 'in 'a vHlage and building 'inspectors. He sug.gested that the AssociatIon might even embrace the ExplOSIve Aots Administration 'and thereby bring in more members by way 'Of Trading Standards Officers who enforced these Acts.

Finally, Mr. H'Oldaway inf'Ormed members thart: ,there were offers from current members tD cDntinue in the variDus offices 'Of the A'ssociaHon 'and 'that he had become Editor 'Once again. The Chairman then thanked Mr. HDldaway f'Or his 'remarks and infDrmatiDn and said 'Uhat 'it was good and encouraging't'O see that the A:ssDci'atiDn was not folding up.

A number of views were then expressed by variDus members as ,tD how :the membership 'Of the Association cDuld be maintained. It was 'thDUght that "The Bulletin" ShDUld be circulated as much as possible pal"ticularly to new 'authorities WhD were interested 'in 'Obtaining infDrmati'On. Mr. J. BantoH, Derby, th'Ought thart: petrDleum 'Officers transferred tD variDus Fire Bl"igades cDuld 'inform othem 'Of the valuable w'Ork done by ,the AssDciatiDn. Mr. BODth, Barrow-upon-Soar R.D.C. said that buHding inspectors in the planning depal'ltment 'Of his new authority would be all'Owed t'O attend any future petrDleum meeting t'O gain knDwledge IB.'ssociated with their wDrk. Reference was made ,to the Fire Service and it was agreed that the attitude 'Of variDus Chief F-ire Officers was mixed tDwards the A:ssociation. It was agreed, hDwever, that the c'Ourse pr'Ovided at 'the 'training c'Ollegr. rat M'Oretonin-the-Marsh was a great ·asset tD the enforcing fire authortties.

The Chairman wDndered whether 'It had been considered that detaHs 'Of the Annual General Meeting shDuld be available tD 'aB F'ire Brigades. Mr. HDldaway agreed that ithis

was a good idea. Mr. W. H. Matthews, L'ife Member, suggested 'that all details 'Of meetings and a copy 'Of "The Bulletin" should be cIrculated tD all new enforcing auth'Orities. Mr. HDldaway 'said that he wDuld inform Mr. J. Frid, Secretary 'Of the AssociatiDn, of the suggestiDns and recommend that all details 'Of meetings ShDUld be sent t'O the new CDunty Councils. The discussiDn was then cDncluded.

ResignatiDn 'Of Secretary and Electi'On 'Of Acting Secretary

Members were informed by Mr. J. Birks, Chesterfield, :that 'Owing to :the fad that his new authDrity would not be adminIstering the petroleum Aots and RegulatiDns, he had nD aLternative but to resign as Secretary 'Of the Branch. After :thanks had been expressed to Mr. Birks f'Or his work as Secretary of the Bmnch since its fDrmation it was agreed tha1t Mr. I. HDod, Chesterfield, shDuld be elected as Acting Secretary ,to IDOk afiter 'theaffoa1l"s of the Branch follDwing IDcal gDvernment re-organisatiDn.

Electi'On 'Of Acting Vice-Chairman

It was agreed that Mr. J. Bates, Premier Pump and Tank OD. 'Ltd. should be elected as Acting Vice-Cha'irman tD assist ,in 'the 'affairs of the Branch when necessary.

There being nD further business the meeting was clDsed by :the Chairman and tea was taken.

EMERGENCY COMMITTEE MEETING BirminghamReport of Meeting held on 13th March, 1974

Present

Messrs. J. W. HewisDn, R. P. HDldaway, J. W. Frid, C. T. PeaDDck, R. E. J. RDden, D. Hall, K. Hughes.

Apologies

An apDl'Ogy was received from Mr. B. W. C. Thacker.

Minutes 'Of Previous Meeting

The minutes 'Of ,the last Emergency CDmmittee meeting which had been previously circulated were accepted by the meeting.

Matters Arising

There were nD matters arising.

Local G'Overnment Re-organisati'On (Approaches to New Auth'Orities)

The Honorary Secretary repol1ted that in company with Mr. W. C. l'hacker ,the HDnDmry Editor, he had attended a meeting in LDndon on Friday, 15th February tD discuss the

future of 'the AP.AA. with representatives from the AssociwtiDn 'Of MetropDlitan Counties. The HDnDrary Secretary repol"ted That the meeting had 'cDmmenced with. a of pDlicy on behalf of the AC.C. and M.C.C. WhiCh mdlOated quite dearly that 'these Associations were not. prepare? .'1'0 suppor.t a recommenda'tion ;f)o the CDunty CDuncil a.U'thDn'ties that they sUPPDrted the AP.AA They gave as ,their reaSDns that (a) it wa's not their policy tD support AsS'OciatJiDns and that (b) ;they wDuld prefer tD linclude under A.C.C. umbrella a sub-cDmmittee 'Or working party which W'Ould deal with petroleum matters. They gave examples of the ,type 'Of work which they ,thought the AC.C. cDuld under.take and 'these were educatiDnal courses, technical articles in 'their journal, infDrmatiDn circulars 'tD petroleum 'Officers; 'and the prDvis'ion of a modified forum for the collectiDn and disseminatiDn of technical informatiDn including 'che provisi'On 'Of new and revised model codes. The AP.AA representa:tives strongly pressed the ASSDCiatiDn's ca'se fDr sUPPOl1t and at grea't ieng!l:h emphasised the reaSDns behind the 'Original formati'On 'Of the West Midland

Petroleum Group which subsequently became the present A.P.AA. They pointed QUit <the pal1cicular uniqueness of the AP.AA, e.g. the ,amicable combination of local government disciplines, and further, that only an Ass'Ooiation of this type could prmnide !l:he personal ground roots contacts I\lhat are necessary to ,assist petroleum officers. They drew rthe A.C.C./M.C.C's attention to lthe peculiar 'Of Scottish members, e.g. the later re-organisatien programme and finally stressed that an early deoision would be appreciated from the AC.C./ M.C.C. ,in 'order <that the A'P.AA's financial position should no:t deteIii'Orate disastrously.

The AC.C./M.C.C. 'l"epresentatives tentatively suggested the poss,i:bility 'Of financial 'support for the Association but this was 'refused by your representatives 'on the grounds that such financial suppcrt may -incur unacceptable interference with the As'sociation's aotiv<1ties.

The meeting, which was quite amicable, proceeded for about four hours and the Association's 'representatives were informed ,that ,the AC.C./M.C.C. Pol'icy C'Ommirttee was meeting 'early in March where the subject 'Of the AP.AA's future would be discussed. The results of this meeting would becommun1icated to the A.'P.'AA as soon ,as possible.

In view of the Honorary Secretary's repol'lt the Emergency Committee commenced t'O examine the possibiHties of changing the Associati'On',s present constitution in 'Order to reform :the A.P.AA. as 'an officer/associate Association. The Chairman of 'the AssociaJtion's Constitution and Rules Committee, Mr. D. Hall, had previously circularised the Commi:ttee with some notes concerning the interpretatiQn of !the present C'Ons'tiJtutien.

It was mnally decided by the meeting that the As'sociation's ·officers should proceed to produce Notices 'Of Motien to 'amend 'the As'soci!lJtion',s cons'titution, which would be placed befere an Annual Geneml Meeting which would be held in April :this ye'ar. It was agreed that D. Hall, R. P. Holdaway and J. W. Frid should meet to finalise these Notices 'Of Motion during 'the week commencing 18th March. A suggested drute fcr the Annual ·General Meeting was Wednesday, 24th April and a suggested venue was Batchwood Hall, St. Albans, Hel'lts., at 11.00 a.m. The Chairman agreed to 'eX'amine the possibility of using this venue and to Ha·ise with the Honcrary SeoretaTY in 'Order to make final arrangemenlls.

The Chairman thanked the Chairman of the Constitution and Rules Oommittee, D. Hall, for bis work in cla1'lifying the .legal situation with regard to changes in the Association',s 'constitution.

Chairman's Items

Under this heading the Honorary Treasurer was asked to briefly !inform members of the AP.AA's current financial sitll!ation. This he did pointing out that to date 260 ioeal authorities had not renewed their membership for 1974. However, this was not as yet a serious problem and :the Honorary Trea'surer felt 'that providing we control the Associati'On's expenditure we had breathing space which would allow us to perhaps rearrange the future of ,the Association. The Honomry Treasurer inf.ormed members tha't the Association's statement of accounts fer 1973 was read 'and would be presented at the Annual 'General Meeting.

The Honorary Treasurer further suggested 'that when the agenda for the Annual General Meeting was sent 'Out by the Honorary Secretary, 'a letter ·should be included urging members who had not so far paid their annual subscription to do 'so. This was agreed.

The Chairman 'Of the Association reported ,that he had !lJttended meetings of the Southern Branches at which he was urged to 'support thecon:tinuance 'Of the Association. He was 'informed by a number ,of senior officers whe would have futUre responsibility for petroleum adm1nistra'tion tha,t they would encourage officers of their 'staff to take up membership 'Of the Association. This -information was echeed by the Honorary Secretary whe had recently attended 'a meeting of the Scottish Branch dn Ayr. Further under this item, the Emergency Committee dec'ided upon the agenda for the next Annual General Meeting.

Any Other Business

The Honorary Secretary reported that he had received nominations for Officers and Councillors 'and that these would be placed before 'the Annual General Meeting. Further, that he had received 'the resignations of E. V. Beeby,. C. R. PesketJt, P. H. Cartwrigbt, members of the CouncIl. These were as ,the result of local government reand ithe Honorary Secretary was ,instructed !Do wnte ·and thank these 'OffiC'el's on behalf of the Assedati'On f.or their valuable ·and dedicated 'Service over the years.

HQnorary Secretary repotted further that he had ,receIved a 'copy 'Of the rinquiry results into ,the accident at Langley in BUCks. ron 5th October, 1973 and varieus other 'including types of major spiHages and safety at '011 JettIes from :the .Home Office.

.The Cha'i;man thanked Mr. Roden and the Birmingham CouncIl for the f.acilities which had been provided for the meeting and thanked the officers f'Or their attendance.

COUNCIL MEETING - St. Albans

Report of

Present

Meeting

held on 24th April, 1974

The foHowing members attended: Messrs. J. W. Hewison, R. S. L. Anderson, G. Beresford, J. W. Frid, D. Hall, W. Hetherington, R. P. Holdaway, K. C. Hughes, K. McLeod, H. R. Melior, C. T. Peacock, R. E. J. Roden.

The Chairman, Mr. J. W. Hewison, opened the meeting and welcomed the members attending.

Apologies

Apologies were received from B. W. C. Thacker, G. Ha-rvey, C. T. Ansbro, J. Birks, and J. Beer.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

These had been previously circulated to members and were accepted by 'them.

Matters Arising

Under this heading Mr. K. C. Hughes (Stafford) raised a question concerning the future -of the AssociaNon and the Chairman directed tha't this would !Je Clovered 'in 'the Honorary Secretary's rep-ort.

Chairman's Report

The Chairman gave a brief report on his Association activities during ,the past year particularly in relation To ,his visits to the Branches.

I:Ie remarked how heartened he was at the pos'itive attItude adopted by the members in relation to ,the continuance of the Association in some form or other.

Support was promised to keep the Association viable e:en from those members who 'in future may not be dIrectly concerned with the administration of the P&l-oleum Acts.

The Chairman then thanked the Secretary, Treasurer and members of the Executive Council for their support during the past yea'r and promised his full support for the Association in the future.

Honorary Secretary's Report

The Honorary Secretary reported upon :the three meetings of the Emergency Commiottee which had been held during the year and presented ,the minutes of meeting No. 3. The Secretary spoke further on :this subject in -respect to varIOUS queries which were -raoised by Council members.

J:I0norary Secretary 'informed the meeting :that the majorIty of his work since the last meeting of :the Council had been involved with vadous aspects concerning :the future of the Association.

Following ,the Honorary Secretary's report, various members of -the Council spoke on matters relating to local government re-organ'isation 'and dts affects upon the Assoc-

ia!t,ion and the Association's future. Concern was expressed about future membership of the Association and its ability to continue as a viable body. The Chairman reiterated his experiences at each of 'the Branch meetings which he had a-ttended during his year of office where it had been impressupon him by Branch members that they wished the Associa'tion to continue.

The Honorary Treasurer drew members attention to the importance of the Bulletin and ,its benefit to members and stated :that he was of 'the opinion that every effort should be made to meet the publication programme.

The two Council members from Scotland, R. S. L. Anderson -and K. MacLeod, sp-oke a:t 'Some length on the subject emphasising that they were not 'COmpletely 'Optimistic with regard to support from Scottish members, they stressed that they felt :this would be of reasonable volume. At this point Mr. Hall ;requested that the Honorary Treasurer's 'report be received in order that :the discussion could be widened.

Honorary Treasurer's Report

The Honorary Treasurer presented his report to Council (previously circulated) and ,spoke briefly on the Association's financial position. He said ,that he was reasonably optimistic that the Association could continue for the major part of this year and 'that its balances would allow for one, possibly two, more issues 'Of "The Bulletin".

After some discussion the Honorary Treasurer',s report was accepted by the Council.

The Council :then cons:idered the future of 'the Assooiation at some length 'and deba,ted the Notices of Motion which were ,to be placed before the Annual General Meeting. Mr. D. Hall, Chairman of the Consti,tution and Rules Committee, placed :the three possible alternative., before :the meeting. Firstly, he said :the Association could carry on as a Local Authority Association without any change at all. Secondly, it could carry on in 'Hs changed capacity as an officer Association and thirdly it could be allowed to run down expending 'its finances until 'such time as j,t ceased to eX'ist. He stressed that ,in view of the ob\'ious 'Strength of feeHng for the continuance of the Association, the third alternative was a non-starter. He thought also that the first aHernative to carry 'On as a Local Authority Association was :impracticable. We were left therefore with the situation that if the AP.AA were to continue 'then the members would have to change the -constitution in order ,to form an Officer Association. He emphasised that <in view of the Honorary Secretary's report the Association could not look to the new county councils for support and this fact left the A'ssociation with no alternative other than his suggestion should it wish to continue.

Tb '" llowed considerable discussion during which the , ere . . . ed d' 1 f f es for the new ASSoCIatIOn was air an It was leve 0 e 11th ' agreed that the AssoOlatnon shouldru.m at a eve " was bl and not so high that it deterred membership. reasona e

Th was further consideration of the proposal ta ere the range 'Of the Assodation's interest,s to include mcrease' . h 1 · legislation and it was generallycorrsldered t at exp oSlves " t h 'dening would be compatible With the duties curren suc WI h d Id t 1 undertaken by many petroleum aut onties an 'wou a the same time extend 'the pool 'Of potential members. At this stage 'Of the discussian was praposed by.D. Hall and seconded by R. P. Holdaway that the followmg scale of membership fee be recommended to the Annual General Meeting:

Fellow £4.00

Ordinary £4.00

Associate Member £5.00

RetJired Member £2.00

Bulletin Subscriber £4.00

During the ensuing debart:e, the Honorazy Secretary asked the Council to consider :a problem wh'loh hecoU'ld see developing in the future. He felt. strongly unless the Association set :a da·te prior to which subscrlptlOns musrt: be paid :00 be a time well before ,the Association's were exhausted rit would be impossible for the ASSOCIation to carry on. indicated that should the wait until the 1st January, 1975 when nonnal subscrlpt10ns would be due, the Associat10n may well have exhausted its funds not be able to operate in order to call for such subscriptions. He proposed ,that on the 1st October a new financial year be ,commenced and all members should pay their annual subscriptions from that date. This he indicated would allow the Assodation',s Council to make a caol appnrisement 'Of the situatian in say November, and at that time <it would be possible to take a clear decision on the AssoCli'ation's future.

There followed a discussi:on on this point and finaHy Mr. Hall suggested an amendment to his initial proposal by adding the following:

A new member shall pay a joining fee of £2.00 in 'addition to the membership fee. For the year 1974 such jorining fee shall be the annual fee, payable by 1st Octaber far that current yea'r. In respect of Scottish membership the joining fee ,shall be the annual fee payable for 1975. Subsequently, the joining fee and membership fee shalI be paid simultaneously at the :time of joining. This second part of the propasal, together with Mr. Hall's original proposal, was carried unanimously. It was agreed therefore that the amendment ta Notice of Motion No. 4 be submitted to the Annual General Meeting.

Honorary Editar's Report

Mr. R. P. Holdaway reported that the resignatian of the Edit'Or during the year had been submitted ta the Emergency Cammiutee and that he had been requested by the Committee ta 'take up the reins of editarship once more during this vital state of flux .In :the Associatian's affairs. Mr. B. W. C. Thacker had reluctantly been campelled ta relinquish this post due 'to his changing and oneraus duties 'in respect of local gavernment re-arganisatian. Mr. Haldaway paid tribute :ta the three years excellent wark which had been cantributed by Mr. Thacker and he asked, and 'it was agreed by rthe CauncH, that their sincere thanks shauld be recarded in these Council minutes. Be praposed, and ,it was secanded by the Hanorary Secretary, that a presentatian of £25 be made to Mr. Thacker 'on behalf 'Of the Assaciation as a small taken 'Of its appreciatian for his cansiderable eff'Orts an behalf of the AP.AA This was agreed.

Mr. Haldaway continued by apalagising ta the meeting far the late appearance 'Of "The Bulletin". This he said was due ta pllirrting difficulties which 'had 'Occurred because "The Bulletin" cantinued 'to be printed by the Teesside camp any whase quatatian was cansiderably less than any that he cauld obtain IocaHy in Shrewsbury. This arrangement had led ta inevitable delays which he haped wauld not be repeated in future. "The Bulletin" which 'is ,'Our 'shap windaw' he said, wauld be sent aut within the next few days.

He concluded his report by requesting the Council's assurance :that wh'ils,t he was prepared to take aver this task as he put it in a caretaker capacity, he felt that at 'the earliest 'Oppartunity a yaunger member cauld be preva:iled upan to take aver.

Cammittee Chairmen's Reports

Mr. H. R. MelIar, Chairman of the Educatian Cammittee reported bI1iefly an the finalising of the finanoial details of the Lancaster University CiOurse which was held in 1973. He infarmed the Council that it was expected to be possible ta hand aver to the Hanarary Treasurer of the Assaciation a sum araund £100. Members 'Of the Cauncil spoke warmly of hIS 'the effarts 'Of his C'Ommittee in providing and making arrangements for this caurse and the Hanorary Secretary was asked to recard the minutes of the meeting the ASSOCiation's sincere thanks to Mr. MelIor.

Any Other Business

The Hanorary Secretary, having raised the matter in his repart, again drew Council members' attention ta the ecanomies which had been attained by virtue 'Of the operratian of variaus Emergency and Ad Hac COlILl11'ittees of ASSOciation during the year. Be asked that the agree ta the cantinuance of this praotice during thIS time and 'to extend this ta include occasianal meetmgsaf appropriate 'Officers fram time ta time as required. This was agreed.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING - St. Albans

Report of

Present

Meeting

held on 24th April, 1974

The meeting was 'Dpened by Mr. J. IN. HewisDn, Chairman, whO' welcDmed the 52 members and 5 visitors present.

Apologies

ApolDgies were received frDm 47 members.

Minutes

The minutes Df the 1973 Annual General Meeting were put to' the meeting and accepted as a CDrreot reoord.

Matters Arising

There were nO' matters arising.

Chairman's Report

The Chairman extended a most sincere weloome to all present at the meeting at Batchwood Hall, St. Albans, and expressed his pleasure 'at there being such a good attendance. He realised 'that mDst of the 'Dfficers present were deeply ,invDlved in re-DrganisatiDn and that 'their time was at a premium. HDwever, he was sure that in attending the Annual General Meeting their time was being well spent.

Guests present were Hsked to' join in the discussions, for as prDspeotive members, their v,iews were particularly welcDme and 'relevant.

During his term of Dffice the Chairman had visited all but the SCDttish Branch and he had been most 'impres:sed and encDuraged by :the a'ttitude of the members, for without exceptiDn 'they were in favour of the continuance and ful1therance of the AssDciati'On to such an extent that support was Dffered even frDm those members whO' would be nO' lDnger administering 'the PetrDleum Acts arf<te'r reDrganisatiDn.

The Chwirman thanked most sincerely all the officers Df the AssDciatiDn and ,in partIcular the Secretary and Treasurer for all their kindness and help during his year 'Of office.

The year had been particularly hectic and one which required many emergency meetings to settle urgent matters. All ,these meetings had been held in Birmingham, s'Ome at very shDrt nDtice and speoial thankos were due to Mr. R'Oden fDr makling all 'the necessary al'rangements.

Other ,impDrtant mee'tings had been held but :as the Secretary was so vi'tally inV'Olved ,in 'them 'and as ,the Cha'irman had nO' wish 'to' steal his 'thunder, he would leave him to speak Dn these as part of his repDI1t.

It had 'CDme to' ,the Chairman's notice that Mr. George A'shley of Waynes Ud., was about to' retire and he spoke in CDmpl'imentary terms 'Of the uns'tinting help Mr. Ashley had given to the AssDciatiDn particularly in tile field 'Of practical education and demDnstratiDn at the Branch SChDDls.

On 'invitatiDn, Mr. Ashley addressed the meeting and intrDduced his successDr, Mr. Dudley Muskett.

In concluding the Chairman thanked all those members whO' had helped ilie AssDciatiDn during the past year.

Honorary Secretary's Report

The HDnDrary Secretary stated iliat he was pleased to 'inform members that membership Df the AssDciatiDn had kept up quIte well dur,ing this pel'iod Df local government turmDil. He inf'Ormed members ,that because O'f the uncert!rinty of the AssDciatiDn',s future and because of. the AS'S'Dcia'tiDn's ,Iow ,finanoial baloances, it had been deolded during the year that 'in place of fulI Counoil meetings much Df the AssociaNDu's work ,in relatiDn ,to' local government re-Drganisation cDuld be done by the Emergency and Ad HDC Commtttees. This arrangement, he said, had worked quite well ta's wDuld be shDwn loater in the HonDrary Treasurer's 'repDrt. The re"'OrganisatiDn of IDcal government and Hls subsequent effect upDn the AP.AA had been the prime subject fDr discussiDn by the Council via its Committees during ,the year. Many Branches hadrep'Orted they wished to' press the Council to' take every step PDsslble to' preserve the A'ssooiaUDn for the future and this the Council was endeavouring to' dO'.

The cDntinuing Iarge numbers of enquiries and requests for 'informatiDn frDm members strDngly indicates the need for theliiaoisDn activities Df the AP.AA and this service wiU be af paramount importance after local gDvernment re"'OrganisattrDn when many, previDusly inexperienced departments, :take Dn the task of administering petrO'leum legisJ,3'tion.

The HDnorary Secretary went Dn to infDrm members .that as a Tesult of decis'iDns made by 'the AssDciatiDn's Emergency CDmmi-Vtee he had Wl1itten to each Df :the Chief Executive Officers 'Of the new cDunty cDuncils requesting that they give their support to' the oDntinuance of the Assodation. Whilst a number ofcDunbies had expressed their unqualified support, 'the majority had asked that the decision be .deferred pending guidance frO'm the new CDunty CounCils and MetropDliItan Author,ities ASSDciatiDn.

As the 'result of an apprDach which had been made to' the Ass'OcIatiDn by :the Secretary of ,the CDunty Councils ASSDCiatiDn, a meeting was arranged 'in London where AP.AA representatives Mr. B. W. C. Thacker and himself, and representatives of 'the AssDciation of County Councils and the AssDciatiDn 'Of MetrDp'Oli!tan Authorit,ies met to discuss the future of petrDleum administratiDn.

He went on <to' explain to' members present :that in his positiDn as the As'sociation's HDnDrary Secretary he was in a pos'ition to fully appreciate the usefulness of the Association and felt strDngly that 'if it were allDwed to cDlIapse, the need would again arise 'in the future fDr a similar

organlisation, 'bu:t by then hard won ties and ,liaison with industry and central government departments w'Ould be lost and :the vitaloontaot points at officer level would be forfeited. He was of :the 'Opinion that there were difficult times ahead for the Associa'ci'On; that budget would be Ij)j,ght and :that 'a great deal of work would need :to be carried out by small groups of 'Officers in order to 'conserve :the A<ssocda:tion's resources. He was quite sure that tlle task could be accompI<ished but he stressed tile need f'Or b'Oth members and ex members ItO use all tileir good offices, encouragement and persuasion to re-establish the membership for the future.

The Honorary Secretary cfuanked the Chairman, ·the Oouncil and members for their ass'istance and support during the year.

There followed some discussion 'On the H'Onorary Secretary's report and he ·answered a number of questions regarding the meeting which had been held in London with tlhe AC.C.

Finally the Chairman ;thanked the Hon'Orary Secretary f'Or his considerable efforts during the year and asked that the meElllling accept :the ,report. This was agreed.

Honorary Treasurer's Report

The financial posilJiion at the end of ,the year 1973 (circulated) was muoh heal'thier than at ilhe beginning ,in spite of the generally increased prices without any corresponding increase in 'subscripti'Ons: was principally due to the decisi'On t'O hold meetings of :the Emergency Committee rather than Council Meetings.

The ·cost of printing the BuHetin was the biggest single item of expenditure but any curtailment would have meant a lowering of s,tandiards 'Or ,of reducing 'the number of issues. To many members 'and associates the Bulletin is the biggest attra'ction of membership. Due to g'Overnment reorganisat.ion and the oonsequent redtlction 'Of subscription income lit may be necessary to reduce the number of issues in 1974.

The Honorary Treasurer's repoIlt was accepted by Ithe meeting ,and :the Chairman thanked him for his excellent w'Ork throughout Ithe year.

Honorary Editor's Report

Mr. Holdaway said he had agreed to return to the edit'Orial field for the next 12 months in order t'O help 'Out ,in the difficult positi'On tlle Ass'Ooiation found itself, due to the uncertainty of lits future. Mr. Holdaway paid tribute to the w'Ork of his predecessor Mr. B. W. C. Thacker in this post, and was delighted to Ilearn 1lhat his valued services would not be lost to the Assooiation as he was to be n'Omina:ted as Chairman for the cvming y'ear.

Mr, Holdaway br.iefly referred 00 the background history of the Association, its development and succes's dnthe petroleum field ,since its inception 15 years ago and expressed the hope that all that had been achieved would not be lost and that the Association would gofurward dn sitrength even :though it be ,in a different form. He apologised f&r the late 'arri¥al 'Of this quarteT's joumal but 'asked for readers' tolerance !in the difficult ,time ahead.

Notices of Motion 1-5

Mr. D. HaH, ChaiI'lllan 'Of the Constitution and Rules Committee, in -introduoing this !item suggested to the meeting that there were three 'a:lterna'tives open to the AssocIation following local government re-organisa'tion. Firstly, he said the AP.A.A. CQuldcarry on as a local authority Association Without any change at <all. Secondly, 'i'tlsconstitution could be changed in order to all'Ow ,it to continue as an officer Association and, !thirdly 4t could be allowed to run out its course until such time as it became financially inviable'.

]n giving his opinions concerning these al:ternatives, he stressed that ,in view of the obvious strength of feeling for the 'continuance O'f the Ass'ociation, the third 'alternative could not be considered. He felt also that the first alternative was, in Vliew 'Of tlle small number 'Of county councils involved, 'impracticable since it had been shown from the results of various meetings, :that the AC.C. :and A.M.A. were not yet in a position to recommend unqualified suppo11t for the Associa'tion to its own members. Therefore in view of It:bii,s lit would appear, he 'S'aid, IIlhat in reality :the Association had 'Only one course which it 'Could logically fulIow. l1his being to ,change ,its identity completely and form an Association of officers andassocia:tes. Mr. Hall oontinued by explaining the reason ror :the prop'osal that Ithe Ass'OciatJion's ,title, adms and 'Objects would also be ,changed to include the administration 'Of explosives legisIation. He members that the Council considered that in many authOrities the task O'f adminis,tering petroleum functions was usuaHy as'sociated with a 's'im'ilar function Tor explosives. Therefore such ,change would have the effect to not only increase the scope of the Association but also its membe1'Ship.

The meeting then considered the Notices of Motion No's 1-5 and discussron foHowed. Various suggestions to improve the Notices wereoonsidered and this was finaJ!ised when an amendment was placed by D. HaU, 'se'conded by R. P. f[oldaway to Notice of Motion No. 1, Artiiole 4(e) Ordinary Member. The ,amendment provided for an addl'tion to the proposal of the words "or :is 'Otherwise with the thereof". This wa's carried unanimously. Notice of Motion No. 1 was as follows:

Article 1

Title-The Association ror petroleum and Explosives Administration.

Article 2

(a) Between tihe words "Petroleum" and "Acts" insert the words "and 'Explosives" so that it reads" Ithe administration of the Petroleum and Explosives Aots and <associated legislation".

(c) Delete the words "Petroieum acts and as'sociated 'leglislation" land substitute "a!foresa'id legislation" S'O that 'it Teads- ' " the administra:tron ot the afores'a'id legislation".

(e) Delete the words "Petroleum Acts and ass'Ociated legrsIation" and substitute ''afores'aid legisla'tion" so that it 'reads- ' " purview of the aforesaid legislation".

Article 3

(c) Delete the words "Dr the nominated representatives within 4(e) (i)" S'O that it reads". such Ordina'ry Members as it thinks prDper ......"

Article 4

(c) Delete the wDrds "Dr a nDminated representa,tive within -tee) Ci)" 50' that it reads" ...... ceased :to be an Ordinary Member, has been duly "

(e) Delete the whDle of 4(e) and substitute the follow-ing"4(e) Ordinary Member.

Any perSDn employed by a Local AuthDrity wh'O is or has been an authDI1ised officer within the meaning Df ·the PetrDleum DrExploS'ives Acts".

(f) Delete 4(f) and insert the foHowing"4(f) FeHDw

Any Orddnary Member nominated by the ODuncil and duly elected to this class at an Annual General Meeting in recognitiDn of exceptlional service rendered on behalf of the Ass'Ociati'On,and shaH have aB the privHeges 'Of an Ordinary Member".

(g) Delete 4(g) and 'insert the fol'lDwing"4(g) AssDciate Member

Any bDdy or person not being eligible for OrdinaTY Membership under 4(e), but being cDncerned with the safe handling, storage or distributiDn of substances fa1l:ing within the purview of the aforesaid

(h) Delete 4(h) and insert the following"4(h) Retired Member

Any pers'Dn whO', having been an Ordinary Member of the AssooiatiDn, ha-s retired frDm his appointment may become a Retired Member 'Subject to' such cDnditions as may be prescribed".

(i) Insert the .foH'Owing"Ci) AppHcaitions for Ordinary MembeI1Ship, Ass'Ocia'te Membership and Retired Membership shaH be subject ,to .the apprDval of the Council".

Article 5

Substitute the fuH'Owing"5. Rights 'Of Membership

(a) Subject to' the proV'isions followIng, all classes of members-h!ip \ShaH be entitled to' receive aB Ass·ocia:ti'On publicatiDns ,to' attend, speak and vote at all Association meetings, but only Ordinary Members may be natiDnaHy elected to the Council of the A'ss'Ociation, prDV'ided that:

Ci) The President, Vice-Pres'idents, Life Members and Honora'ry Members shaH not be required to pay any subscription, and

(b)

eii) HDnorary Members, Associate Members and Retired Members shall net be entitled 00 vote on any issue.

A member Df the AssociatiDn, other than an HonDrary Member, shall be entitled to indicate his membership by appending to' h!is name such Dne of the following abbreviated designatiDns as is applicable -to his <Class of membership: FellDw F.A.P.E.A., Ordinary, Life or Retired Member M.A.P.E.A., Associate Member A.A.P.E.A.

Article 8

(a) RemDve ,the brackets and the wDrds therein cDntained so that it readscc•••••• eight Ordinary Members who shall be " and remove :the words "AuthDr.ised Petroleum Officer" and subs·titute "Ordinary Member" SO' that jt reads". Branch representative, whO' shall be an Ordiinary Member, appointed tD .•••.•"

(e) Delete ,this sub-article and ·re-number -the succeeding ones accDrdingly.

(f) Re-numbered (e) and delete the w'Ords "Dr a nDminated represenllative within 4(c)(i)" SO' that it reads" ..•..• -to appO'in't an Ordinary Mem'ber to' fill the vacancy ......"

Article 12

<e) Delete aB words a1iter "Ordinary Member".

Article 13

Delete aH wDrds after "Ordinary Members". was put to the meeting and unanimously agreed.

Notice of Motion No. 2

Since 'Local GDvernment Re-Drganis'atiDn in Scotland dDes nO't !take pI-a'ce until 1975 -i,t lis necessa'ry, .if NDNce Df Motion No. 1 ,is apprDved, 'to protect the exis-ting rights and interests Df the Scottish membership -in -the -interim; it is therefore proposed that:

"NO'twithstanding the effect of ,the apprDval of Notice of MotiDn NO'. 1 upDn -the Constitution and Rules of the Associa:tion, ,the righlls and .privileges 'Of membership contained in <the original CDnsbitutiDn and Rules be preserved ;to' all ;Scottish members untIl 16th May, 1975". was !then put to 'the meeting 'and this .tOO' wa,s cal"1"ied unanimously.

No:tice of MotiDn No. 3 was withdrawn.

Notice of Motion No. 4 was a further subject for amendment, ,the amendment being an addition to' the original motion Df -the .foHO'wing:

"A new member shall pay a j'Dining .fee of £2.00 ·in additiDn to the membership fee. F'Or -the year 1974 such Joining riee shall be the only fee, J:ayable by 1st OctDber fDr 'that calendar year. In respect of Sc'Ottish officer membership the joining .fee shall be 'the 'Only fee payable for the year 1975. Subsequently the j'Oining fee -and membership fee shaH be .paid simuIrtaneously at the time of joining".

ded by Messrs. HaH

This amendment proposed and se<:on th bstantive and Hughes was carried unanimously and, e ISU

Notice of Motion No. 4.

"(a) That from 1st January 1975 tha Annual SUbSCripti: for the vaI'iolls classes of membership be as agre rorFellow Ordinary Member Associate Member Retired Member

£4.00 £4.00 £5.00 £2.00 Bulletin subscriber £4.00

(b) That the ISubscription for 1975 shaH not, in of .the Scattish membership only, become due untl 16th May, 1975".

plus the amendment, was put to the meetIng and was carried with one member voting against.

Notice of Motion No. 5

That this Annual General Meeting shaH, within the eJcisting .conS'titution, nominate and elect such Officers and Members of the Council, as it ,shall deoide. proposed by D. Han, seconded by W. Hetherington, was agreed by the meeting and carried unanimously.

Election of Officers for the Ensuing Year Chairman

The Honorary Seoreitary 'advised the Chaidman that there had been one nomination for the office of Chairman, that being of B. W. C. Thacker (Cleveland C.C. Fire Service). The Chairman addressed 'the mee·ting and asked members present to endorse this ·choice. This the members did, and Mr. Thacker was duly elected as Chairman of ,the Association for Ithe ensuing year.

At ·this point the .Honorary Secretary reminded members present of an apology whioh he had received from Mr. Thacker for his non-a·ttendance at this meeting and it was agreed Ithat Mr. HewiS'on, ·immediate past Chairman, should remain in .the Ohair.

Vice-Chairman

Mr. J. Hewison, Havant and Waterloo, was nomina'ted and elected Vice-Chairman for the ensuing year.

Honorary Secretary

Mr. J. W. Frid, Cambridgeshire County Council, was nominated and elected Honorary Secretary for the ensuing year.

Honorary Treasurer

Mr. C. T. Peaoock was nominated and elected Honorary Treasurer for the ensuing year.

Honorary Editor

Mr. R. P. Holdaway wa's nominated and elected Honorary Editor for !the ensuing year.

Honorary Liaison Officer

There was no nomination for the office of Honorary Liaison Officer and it wa's 'agreed by the meeting that 1lhis be Iefit open.

Honorary Legal Adviser

The mealling was informed by the Honorary Secretary that Mr. P. D. Wadsworth, Town Clerk .of Dudley, had retired and ,that there had been no replacement nominated. 1t was agreed by the meeting that ,the Council should place this on the agenda for 'EtS first meeting and ·that Mr. Wadsworth be sincerely ,thanked by .Ilhe Association for his unst:inting services in the past.

Honorary Auditor

It was agreed by the meeting that as there was no nomination for this post and that the current Audttor could not continue, the Honorary Treasurer should look 'into the situation 'and 'report back to <the Council a·t !its firs't meeting.

Election of Council

The Honorary Secrallary reported th'at he had recedved five nominations :for ·the eight vacant pla:ces, these being J. G. Clark o(Soullhend), D. Hall (Staffs.), K. C. Hughes (Staffs.), K. MacLeod (Dunbarton), D. J. Riddett (Hampsh'ire). The meeting 'agreed 'that these members be elected.

Election of Scrutineers

Two nominations haVling been received for H. Martin and L. R. Wilson (both of Cambridgeshire). These we're reelected.

Any Other Business

A,t 1:hi's point the Cha:irman -informed members present that Mr. A. J. Yates, Chairman of Panel A, Inst.itute of Petroleum and a distinguished Associate had asked if he could adddess the meeting. He first expressed his regret that so many of the eJq>erienced members of the Association had ceased to be responsible for the administration of the Petroleum Act folIowing ,the local govemmentre-organ:isation, it was a l'oss to both the Assooiation and to Ithe OB Industry.

J:Ie hoped that the Association would 'survive and prosper ID '1ts new form and !that they would be successful dn obtaining a Wlide 'and comprehensive membership. Over the ye'ars Panel A has been grateful for ·theco-operation they had received .from the Association and hoped that this wiH convinue .in the future. As Ass'OOiate members, Panel A would continue to suppor.t the Association.

In conclusion Mr. Yates said that he hoped that ,the County Council Associa.tlions refusal to give direct 'support :to the Assodation would not be too great a handicap as he felt the AssociaoUon prov.ided a much needed point of contact for aN those respons'ible for :the 'administration of 'Ilhe Petroleum Act.

Panel A would be maJcing contact with the newly formed County 'and Metropol1itan County CouncIls and with the County CounciIs Associ'ation, with a view tu ma!inta'ining contact between Industry and the Author.ities.

Some discussion foHowed Mr. Yates'address and ,the Ohairman, 1n concluS'ion, thanked him .fer hds remarks and support.

ASSOCIATION OF MUNICIPAL CORPORATIONS

Report of Fire Service Committee, October, 1973

This is the last Report of this Committee to be recorded prior to re-organisation

Dangerous Substances--Conveyance by Road

In March (M. R. Supp., p.141) we reported that we considered that dangerous substances carried by road should be identified by visual, easily recognisable colour identification -as well as by written warnings. The Home Office accept our point that there is a need for the public to be made aware of the fact that a vehicle is carrying a dangerous substance, and with this in mind they are currently preparing a television 'filler' film about the exIsting labelling scheme and they intend to have it ready for distribution when the forthcoming organic peroxides labelling regulations come into operation. The Department consider that there could well be difficulties over any system of colour coding of vehicles simply because there is no power to preclude anyone from painting an ordinary commercial vehicle the same colour as a vehicle used for the conveyance of dangerous substances. The Home Office also add that the appropriate committees of the Standing Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances have accepted the need for a coding system which would give Immediate advice to the emergency services on the initial action to be taken in the event of an accident (whilst further information about the load was being obtained) and that of the various schemes considered the Hazchem soheme was to be preferred, although some modifications would be necessary and that detailed consideration would need to be given to such aspects of the allocation of codes to substances, the suggestion of a composite label and the siting of labels on vehicles.

The matter continues to receive active 'consideration. We welcome the action being taken and hope that a decision will be reached at an early date.

Dangerous Substances--Conveyance by Rail

In 1970 (M.R. Supp. p.46) we reported on the representations we were then making that advance notificaNon of the movement by rail of abnormal, hazardous loads should be given to local police and fire authorities and that the British Railways Board had agreed to this suggestion.

During the ;intervening period the Association received representations from a number of authorities about the inadequate labelling of railway wagons carrying dangerous substances and an informal meeting with representatives of the local authority Associations, the Home Office and British Railways Board was held so that ,the position could be clarified and views exchanged. The whole matter has of course to be considered internationally and in all such discussion the United Kingdom has supported proposals !for the inclusion of the U.N. substance number. J1he view was expressed that the present 'railway 'label is not sufficient for the fire services' needs because it does not help identification of the substance, and that it would be of immense value to the emergency services if the labelling for transport by

road, rail and sea could be the same throughout. The Railways Board emphasised that difficulties arose over tankers used for different loads at different times and over the common carrier who carries different loads each day and frequently has no knowledge of their nature. The Board said that the British Rail code scheme would be based on the V.N. substance number and pointed out that on any main railway line there is 'a telephone patrol box every few hundred yards and, in the event of an incident involving one of the marked wagons, the information would be passed from the control box to the emergency services rimmediately; there is not, however, the same !facility available with regard to country and branch lines where there are fewer control boxes. It was stated that for the time being the information conveyed by the railway tanker label for the fire 'Services would be by classification of the substance but that more information would be available when the V.N. Substances number comes into use; dt is very difficult to move along these lines faster domestically whilst there are still international difficulties to be overcome.

Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928

Petroleum Spirit (Motor Vehicles & C.) Regulations 1929

Some observations in connection with the storage of petroleum spirit under the above Regulations in and around private houses.

Prepared by G. H. BISHOP, Esq., lately of Derby C.B.C.

Is PS kept and used for any motor vehicle, motor boat, or Schedule engine AND not wholly or partially for sale?

YES-

Subject to provisions of Regs. keeping and use orf PS by persons intending to use it for such motor vehicles, etc., shall be exempt from Sec. 1-9 of Act and PS shaH 'be kept and used in accordance -with Regs. PROVIDED on application of persons intending to use PS for such MY, etc. LA may grant PS licence AND exemption and Regs. shall not apply.

NO-Regulations do not apply. Keeping orf PS excess of 3 gal. in 1 pt. containers is subject to Act (licence, etc.)

1. Not more than 60 gallons of petroleum spirit ,(PS) shall be kept in any storage place at any time (Reg. 6).

Includes PS in fuel tanks of motor vehicles (MV) etc. in storage place (Reg. 6(a».

Any storage places 'in occupation of same occupier anI more than 20 feet apart shall be deemed to he separate storage places (Reg. 6(b).

NOTE 1

"Storage place" includes any place orfany kind whether or not ,in the open air (Reg. 14(2».

2. PS in addition to that in fuel tank of a MV etc. within 20 feet of any building, etc. shall not be kept.

(a) In a vessel orf capacity exceeding 2 gallons (Reg. 7 (1) (a);

(b) In more than 2 vessels of capacity not exceeding 2 gallons each carried on a vehicle UNLESS notice is given to the Local Authority (LA) (Reg. 8(1».

NOTE 2

Strictly speaking (b) does not permit the unconditional storage of 4 gallons in, say, 5 gallon container or 4 x 1 gallon containers. It merely permits the keeping of 2 vessels and prescribes their maximum capacity.

NOTE 3

A building is et'a substantial structure for giVling shelter, e.g. a house", and probably should not be read as including a domestic garage or shed.

3. A storage place which is part of or attached to a dwelling shall be separated _therefrom by a prescribed floor or partition. (Reg. 5(d».

Such a partition (not a floor) may have an opening only U in addition to PS in fuel tank of ,MY etc. not more than 2 vessels of capacity not exceeding 2 gallons each stored (see Note 2) and opening has prescribed selfclosing door. 5(d) (ii).

4. Notification to LA is required only where PS in addition to that in the tank of an MY etc. is kept.

(a) In any vessel of capacity exceeding 2 gallons <Reg. 7(1) (c);

(b) Within 20 feet of any building etc. unless the PS is in the fuel tank orf "any MY etc, and in not more than 2 vessels of capacity not exceeding 2 gallons each carried ona vehicle (Reg. 8(1».

5. The following requirements apply to the storage place:

(i) It shall be in the open air or ventilated to the open air (Reg. 5(a);

(ii) It shall have an entrance direct !from _the open -air (Reg. 5(b».

(Hi) There shall be in or nearby suitable fire extinguishing apparatus or sand, etc. (Reg. 5(c».

(iv) If PS is kept dn any vessel of capacity exceeding 2 gallons provision shall he made to prevent outflow in case of fire (Reg. 7{1) (b».

6. It is permissable for up to 60 gallons to be stored without giving notice to the LA prov.ided:

(i) The storage place -is more than 20 feet from a building, etc. -and

(ii) The vessels used, not being a fuel tank of a MY etc. are not of a capacity exceeding 2 gallons.

In an extreme <:ase a person could keep PS in this manner in any number of such storage places provided they are more than 20 feet apart.

Legal Proceedings

HENLEY-IN-ARDEN

Art Stratf.ord upon Avon Magistrates' Court on 24th May. 1974. R'oss Foods Ltd. of flenley-in-Arden. Warwickshire pleaded guilty to stol"ing pem-oleum spirit in a back ga.'rden adjoining their factory premises. Two drums. each containing ·about 40 gaB-ons of petroleum spirit were seized. Five charges were·preferred. 1 and 2: .incorrectly labelled vessel. 3: Vessel exceeded two gallons. 4: Petroleum kept within 20 feet of a building. 5: Over 60 gaHons stored in one place.

The finn were fined a total of £150 wi'th costs of £15.62. The petroleum spirit was forfeited and realised £31.20.

RUGBY

At Rugby Magi'strates' Court on 26th July. 1974 Melvin Gordon Frost of 25 NOI,th Road. CHfton-upon-Dunsmore. Rugby pleaded guilty to five offences of not labeUing vessels in which petroleum spirit was kept. four 'Offences 'Of keeping petroleum spirit in a plastic vessel. cne offence of keeping p'etroleum sp'idt in -a 'storage place whe-re there was no su:itable -fire ex·tinguishing apparatus. one .offence of keeping petroleum spir.it in a vessel exceeding two gaHons and not complying with the requirements O'f regulat'ions 7 and one ?ffence of keeping petroleum spirit in a ·storage place withm 20 feet of a building without notifying :the local authority. Frost was fined £5 on e-ach summons. a total of £60. plus advocates fee. £15 analysts fee and fOJ'lfeiture 'Of -the 25 gal'Ions concerned.

At same hearing Frost pleaded guHty :to various motor'mg and >theft charges and asked for 43 offences of thefit t.o be taken into considerati'On. He was placed on probabon !for ,three years and fined a total of £25 with £138.33 back duty.

On 6th May. 1974 a fire occurred -at a lock up garage at Somers Road. Rugby owned by a car salesman. The salesman was attempting Ito renew a petrol tank on a private motor car and was in ,the process of draining the petroleum spiJ'lit from the -tank with the doors of the garage closed and a lighted paraffin heater situated within 12 feet. The building and the car were severely damaged and the salesman was detained at Birmingham Burns Unit for two monibhs with 40% burns.

At Rugby Magistrates' Court on 9th August. 1974 Thomas Lyttle. ,the salesmanconce.rned of 44 Long FUl'llong. Bilton. Rugby. pleaded -guilty to keeping in excess of 22 gallons of petroleum mixture without a Petroleum Spini.t licence and not guilty :to keeping one gallon of petroleum spirit in a non-metal vessel and .in a vessel which was not labelled. The defence accepted all the evidence of the prosecution but 'attempted to argue -the vessel was not being "kept" because Lyttle had only intended to use the vessel while the petrol tanks were exchanged. a period of 15 minutes. The fire had prevented 'Lyttle from removing the petroleum spirit from the plastic vessel. LyWe was found guilty on the two summonses.

The prosecution asked for the court .to be Ien'ient on the grounds. that had been injured as a resu1<t of the fire. Lyttle was fined £10 for storing petroleum mixture without a Hcence and £5 on each of the other .two charges. Analysts cos-ts of £46.86 were awarded and the petroleum mixture (170 tins of assorted. cellulose rpaintsand thinners) were ordered to be forfeited.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

St. Albans, 24th April, 1974

BRANCH REPORTS

East Midland 9th November, 1973, Leicester (Joint with West Midland) 28th Ma'rch, 1974,Leicester

Northern 26th September, 1973, Darlington 6th Felbruary, 1974

North Western 18th March, 1974, Liverpool Scottish 1st March, 1974, Ayr

South Eastern 27th February, 1974 Godalming 4th September, 1974, 'London

Wessex and South Wales 22nd October, 1973, Sherbome

COUNCIL MEETINGS

St. Albans, 24th April, 1974

EDITORIALS

The End in Sight A New Beginning

EMERGENCY COMMITTEE MEETINGS 30th May, 1973 29th November, 1973 .. . Blrmmgham, 13th March, 1974

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Darlington Eastbourne HenIey-in-Arden Rugby St. Albans

MISCELIJANEOUS Association of Municipal Corporations Chairman's Address ConderInterceptor Tanks Corridor of Power Explosives-Safe Practice and Storage Fire and its Prevention Fireman's Switches Home Office and CodesElectrical Recommendations-D. Ogden ... Personalities

Petroleum Legislation G. H. Bishop Prototype G.R.P. Petrol Tanker· Publications

Remote Contents Gauges tfor Filling Station petroleum Tanks-F. W. Watts Retirements

Some Aspects of Licens'ing Petroleum Spirit Installations-J. R. Hughes ... . .. The Oil Tank made of Rock

OBITUARY F. 'Kenniford W. H. Matthews J. H. Wood