Branch Reports

this the tanks are emptied of petroleum spirit, the man-hole lid is removed and the tank is filled with cement slurry. Throughout this operation great care is taken owing to large volumes of petroleum vapour being forced out of the tank and creating a very high explosion risk. During the year some 83 such tanks of a total capacity of 93,600 gallons were rendered safe, thereby dispelling the potential hazard.

EXPLOSIVES

Explosives Acts regulate conveyance, sale and storage of explosives in the interests of security and publlc safety. During October and November, intensive inspections were carried out at the 405 premiaes registered with the Council for the keeping of gun powder and mixed explosives, such premises fulfilling the steady demand for cartridges, toy caps and the supply of small fireworks for the traditional family entertainment each November. Traders in these commodities were generally found to be complying with the requisite storage conditions. No fires or accidents were reported but a few traders were required to modify the manner in which fireworks were displayed for sale. It is not always realised by people handling fireworks that fireworks are very dangerous goods especially in bulk. The widespread damage which can be caused by an ignited collection of them has to be seen to be fully realised.

Regular inspection of the 19 licensed stores which carry the high explosives has been maintained and generally they are in good condition. The constant attention which the staff have given to these stores and the insistence on the observance of good practice, both in the security of the premises and in the handling of explosives has produced a high level of compliance. Unfortunately, as with many other things, persons who constantly handly explosives tend to become their dangerouS properties, and 1t 1S found that the visit of a member of staff when he is least expected is a most method of maintaining good pract1ce.

MINUTES OF MEETING

Minutes of the meeting of the Yorkshire and Humberside Branch of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration held on Thursday, 16th November 1978 at the Berkely Hotel, Scunthorpe.

Welcome

A warm welcome was extended by the Chairman, Mr. R.J. Smith, to the 20 members and visitors present as he opened the meeting at 11.10 am.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held on 20th April 1978 were read to the meeting and it was proposed by J. Houldridge and seconded by L. Murray that they be accepted; this was approved by the meeting.

Matters Arising

The Secretary reported that Mr. Sweeting has been approached regarding his offer to address the meeting in connection with BECEEPHA approved e4uipment. However Mr. Sweeting no longer felt he was in a position to give an address.

Apologies

Apologies were received from 13 members.

Treasurer's Report

In the absence of the Treasurer the Secretary reported that the Branch funds stood at £4.36 and expressed concern at the poor financial state of the Branch. In order to assist the financial state of the Branch, Mr. Murch and Mr. Beevers offered to pay for the cost of hiring the room for the meeting. This offer was greatly appreciated and readily accepted.

The Chairman, Mr. R.J. Smith, reported that as a member of another Committee he had been involved in discussions regarding the acceptability of the use of black carbon plastic containers for storing petroleum spirit. He outlined the advantages the plastic containers had over the accepted metal containers but he also stated that the Health and Safety Executive were not prepared to legalise the use of such containers as they were not in favour of introducing legislation in a piecemeal manner. This provoked a lot of discussion and it was agreed that the Secretary would raise the matter with the National Secretary, Mr. J. Frid, in order that pressure could be exerted on the Health and Safety Executive.

Date and Place of Next Meeting The minutes of the meeting held on 16th November 1978 were read to the meeting and it was proposed by E. W. Dean and seconded by B. Slater that they be accepted. This was approved by the meeting.

Matters AriSing The Secretary reported that correspOl,.:lbllCt:: has been entered into with the National Secretary regarding the use of black carbon plastic containers for the storage of petroleum spirit. It was also stated by the meeting that the Institute of Petroleum were to raise the same subject with the Health and Safety Executive.

Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer reported that the bank balance stood at £13.36.

The date was left to be arranged by the Secretary and Mr. J. Cowling offered to organise a meeting at Blyth. It was also stated by Mr. Brudenell that a new office for the Humberside Trading Standards Department was to be constructed in Scunthorpe and included in the plans for the building was a conference room which could be utilised for future meetings.

Termination of Meeting

The business meeting concluded at 12.45 pm, the afternoon session being devoted to a talk and a film given by Mr. H. McCarthy, Emco Wheaton UK Ltd. This proved to be a very interesting session dealing mainly with the construction of tankers and associated equipment. The meeting concluded at 4.10 pm after a vote of thanks was given by Mr. B. Slater.

MINUTES OF MEETING

Minutes of the meeting of the Yorkshire and Humberside Branch of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration held.on Thursday, 26th April 1979 at the Civic Centre, Immingham, South Humberside.

Welcome

A warm welcome was extended by the Chairman Mr. R.J. Smith, to the 16 members and ' visitors present including Mr. B. Collins, a past National Chairman, and Mr. Francis Lobo from the Kenyan Government. The meeting commenced at 11.15 am. Election of Officers

For the office of Chairman, nominations had been received for Mr. R.J. Smith of Humberside County Council Trading standards Department. There . be1ng no th 0 er nominations Mr. Smith was returned unopposed.

For the office of Secretary. nominations had been received for Humberside County ·t h' g of Mr. H.G. K1 c 1n . T ad' Standards Counc11 r 1ng . . Dep artmen t . There being no other nom1nat10ns, Mr. Kitching was returned unopposed.

MEW Dean r. ., of Humberside County Council osed Trading Standards Department was prop by Mr. R. J. Smith and seconded by Mr. F. W. Minns for the office of Treasurer. ThiS was endorsed by the meeting.

Any Other Business The Ch irman reported on details of aId Explos1ves Association for Petro eum an . Administration's Annual General Meet1ng held on 25th April 1979 at Birmingham. He d reported that a number of changes in relation to the officers. Mr. J. r1 resigned as Secretary as he felt he was. not sufficiently involved in petroleum but was nominated as Chairman, a pos1t10n he readily accepted. Mr. E. Brown of Cambridgeshire was nominated as Secretary and appointed .. The Editor, J. Crew, tendered his resignation - the vacant office was accepted by Jamie Thompson of the Greater London council. Included as Council members were the Branch's Chairman and Secretary. It was hoped that the Council would meet and arrange a suitable seminar.