The Bulletin – July 1968

Quarterly Journal of The Association for Petroleum Acts Administration

E. V. BEEBY J. BEER

THE ASSOCIATION FOR PETROLEUM ACTS ADMINISTRATION

Chairman: C. T. PEACOCK Vice-Chairman: B. W. C. THACKER

Council:

Rugby R.D.C. 2071

G. H. HARVEY

Dudley C.B. 55433

Worcester City 23156 J. W. HEWISON Havant and Waterloo U.D.C.

J. BIRKS R. L.BLOOR J. W. FRID

Chesterfield B. 2825

T. KERR

Glanford Brigg R.D.C. 2041

Kidderminster B. 3080 H. R. MELLOR Blackpool C.B. 23848/9

Cambridge City 58977 C. R. PESKETT Godalming B. 191/2

6311 H. GRIFFITHS Walsall C.B. 25661 R. E. J. RODEN Birmingham City 021-236 9944 D. HALL

Newcastle-under-Lyme B. 60161 J. SHORT Paisley Burgh 5400

Officers:

Hon. Editor:

Ho11. Secretary/Treasurer: L. A. CAVE R. P. HOLDAWAY

Liaison Officer: G.N.DEAN

Hon. Electrical Adviser:

Hon. Legal Adviser: J. A. SHARP P. D. WADSWORTH

EAST MIDLAND NORTHERN NORTH WESTERN SCOTTISH SoUTH EASTERN SOUTH EAST MIDLAND WF.Sr MIDLAND YORKSHIRE

Branch Secretaries: J. BIRKS, B. W. C. THACKER,

H. R. MELLOR, J. SHORT, C. R. PESKETT, R. E. DUST, G. H. HARVEY, C. T. PEACOCK,

JULY, 1968

The Bulletin

Published quarterly by the Association for Petroleum Acts Administration

Opinions expressed in this journal are not necessarily the views of the Association

CONTENTS

COMMENTS FROM THE CHAIRMAN

Editor: R. P. HOLDAWAY WEIGHTS AND MEASURES DEPT GUILDHALL, SHREWSBURY

Subscription: 30s. per annum

TALKING POINT 55 NOTES AND NEWS 55 LETTERS 57

THE UNITED KINGDOM OIL PIPELINE 59 SELF-SERVICE PETROL STATIONS-N. K. WHITEHEAD 62 W. K. WICKS 64

RADIO LINK IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS-ANTHONY HUNTER 69

ATTINGHAM, 1968-M. C. LEAL 71 THROUGH THE PIPELINE 72 UNATTENDED SELF-SERVICE 73 LIGHT WATER DEVELOPMENT 75 COUNCIL AT NOTTINGHAM 76 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING-SOLIHULL 77 A.M.C. REPORT 79

BRANCH MEETINGS : SCOTTISH-ARDROSSAN 80 NORTH WESTERN-HUYTON-WIHI-ROBY 81 SOUTH EAST MIDLAND-SLOUGH 81 YORKSHIRE-SCARBOROUGH 82 NORTHERN-MIDDLESBROUGH 83

Chairman: C. T. PEACOCK

Honorary Secretary/Treasurer: L. A. CAVE

Liaison/Advertisement Officer: G. N. DEAN

Comments from the Chairman

Mr. C. T. Peacock, who was a pupil of Mr. G. W. T. Brown of Stockton R.D.C., obtained his first post as a Sanitary Inspector with the City of Westminster, passed on to the London County Council, Borough of Deptford, East Grinstead U.D.C., and finally the Hemsworth R.D.C., where he has been Chief Public Health Inspector for the last twenty-one years.

Mr. Peacock was Chairman of the North Eastern Centre of the Sanitary Inspectors Association in 1947 /48 and served 011 the Centre Council for a number of years. He has been a member of the Yorkshire Divisional Council of the Clean Air Society for over twenty years and has been Hon. Secretary of the Yorkshire Branch of this Association since its formation in 1965 and as Branch Representative is a member of the Council.

Every Chairman, at the beginning of his term of office, is apt to dream of all the things he hopes to have attended to, of all the improvements he hopes to have made, before his term expires. Your present Chairman is no exception, but, while he may be able to do a little steering he cannot supply the motive power-that must come from the Members of the Council, the Branches and the Members themselves. ·

One matter that is rather disturbing is the lack of recognition of the Association by the Home Office. Perhaps the reason for this is that too small a proportion of the authorities entitled to join the Association have, in fact, done so. The Hon. Secretary has written to all authorities eligible for membership and forwarded copies of The Bulletin. Some Branch secretaries have followed this up, but still many authorities are not interested enough to join. In some cases the correspondence has not reached the Petroleum Officer. If every member would contact any neighbour who is not yet a member the picture could be altered almost overnight. The foregoing does not detract in any way from the achievement of those officers in the West Midlands who turned a group into a national body in a few short years.

Allied with recognition by the Home Office is our tendency to make every recommendation I 00 per cent safe-to safeguard against every possibility of accident. Every day there are some fatalities on the highway, yet we go on to it each day without giving it a second thought and no one suggests abolishing road traffic. In considering the possibility one must also consider the degree of probability, otherwise there will be no progress; the Home Office must take it into account and failure on our part to do likewise is unlikely to endear us to them.

Another matter that is disturbing is the number of members who complain of the shortage of places at Attingham. Officers who have battled with their Committees for permission to go, or to send someone, have eventually triumphed, only to be told that there is no vacancy. The solution is obvious, either hold two Courses at Attingham each year or find another venue, one that will accommodate all the applicants.

The question of an examination is one that has exercised the minds of the Education Committee and of many members. It is unthinkable that an untrained Officer should be responsible for the safe storage of petrol, yet that frequently happens. Surely every authority would welcome evidence that its petroleum officer understands the job before he starts, and every young officer would welcome an additional qualification.

One of the Association's functions is to work with private enterprise. Perhaps the biggest step forward, in the eyes of the latter, would be to have uniform requirements throughout the country. The Council has issued a series of recommendations and if each branch considered them and forwarded any suggested amendments to the Hon. Secretary for re-consideration by the appropriate committee, a very large degree of uniformity could be obtained. Even if each branch adopted the same requirements, a very useful step forward would have been made.

In looking forward, let no one overlook the achievements of the past year. Much work has been put in by the members of the Committees and much solid progress has been made, as evidenced by the increase in membership and by the number of Model Conditions issued by the Council.

To conc.lude, it will be my aim to further the objects of the Association to the best of my ability and I thank you for the compliment of electing me Chairman.

talking point

0 WAD SOME POWER

The presence of so many of our colleagues from North of the Border at the mid-week school held at Attingham, the House and its association with the Berwick family, the grandeur of the landscape and the fast flowing tributary, minds us of more leisurely days spent in the Border Country. 'Tisa short step from these memories to Burns nights and the powerful, lilting and earthy poems of the Immortal Bard.

And so we take stock of 'oursels' as seen this time through the eyes of members attending Attingham as students, willing to give as well as receive instruction. This year for the first time, circumstances dictated the necessity for an open forum. We on the panel rapidly received our first I.esson. We were ready to accept that off the cuff quest10ns may not always be easy to answer to the questioner's satisfaction, we were not prepared to learn from all quarters of an absolute lack of knowledge on Petroleum Administration from senior officers, highly qualified in their own professions whose authorities had, as. one so aptly expressed :pushed us into this jo? with no trammg, no equipment and no encouragement In sympathising with the invidious position such officers find themselves, we nevertheless applaud their honesty purposeful desire to benefit from a course of instruct10n such as was presented. We now, if we did not know this Association is fulfilling its purpose, and despite a late awakening commend such authorities in at least seeking membership within the Association and a place at this school for its enforcement officer.

With the rapid advance of technological m the petroleum field, an enforcement officer's task is no easy one. He must not only have the tools for the job, he must not know what the job entails but he must the reahsat10n that his Local Authority understands his The post of officer is becommg mcreasingly demanding on time and knowledge and to throw any individual into the deep .end without any training, whilst being a typical British pastime, does not measure up to today's needs.

We have looked at 'ithers' besides ourselves. This Association exists to help members in their everyday working problems, we invite members to use all the facilities available to them, and trust that our membership will in the course of time become more embracing, influential and informative.

notes and news

New Members

Ban stead RDC Surrey Berwick, Peebles, Roxburgh & Selkirk cc City of Ely UDC Cambs. Easington RDC Durham Home Office Fire Service Moreton-in-Marsh, Technical College Glos. Lothingland RDC Suffolk Oswestry RDC Shropshire Ploughley RDC Oxfordshire Stockport CBC Cheshire Woking UDC Surrey

Officers

W. E. Barker H. S. Scawen R. C. Wright

Windsor RDC Surrey Torbay CBC Devonshire Caithness CC

New Associate Members

.

WM

Carr Goldsmith & Fallek, Architects, and Development Consultants, 2 The Shrubberies, George Lane, London, E.18.

Fire Protection Association, Aldermary House, Queens Street, London, E.C.4.

R. W. Hough, Essa Petroleum Co., Ltd., 57 White Lodge, Riggin Hill, Upper Norwood, London, S.E.19. I ll

J.C. G. Hull, Company Director, Petrol Pump nsta aLtd 97 Roderick Avenue, Peacehaven, Surrey. t10ns, ., · F I

C M. Hutchinson, Representative, Kennmg ue Supplies, Chesterfield. 37 Shop Lane, Nether Heage, Derby.

D R. Middleton, Area Supervisor •. G1lbarco Ltd., 204 Melton Road, West Bridgford, Nottmgham.

L. L. Pett, Branch Engineer. Esso Petroleum Co. Ltd., 70 Malmains Way, Beckenham, Kent.

E H S tt Co-ordinator, Station Construct10n, Cleveland Co. Ltd., Central House. Upper Woburn Place London, W.C. l.

N 'Wallace Construction and Maintenance Engineer, Sheli-Mex &' B.P. Ltd., Shell-B.P. House, Eastgate, Leeds 2.

Life Members

E. T. Crowe, lately of Mansfield MB. T. J. Metcalfe, lately of Warley CB. E. Vaughan, lately of Solihull CB (previously retired member).

Change of Address

B. R. Garrett, Sales Manager, Tokheim U.K. Ltd., Wayville, Redhill Road, Smallfield, nr. Harley, Surrey.

G. H. Smallwood, i/c Construction and Maintenance Filling Stations, Shell-Mex and B.P. Ltd., Shell-Mex House, Strand, London, W.C.2.

A. J. Yates, Company Architect, Mobil Oil Co. Ltd., Mobil House, 54-60 Victoria Street, London, S.W.l.

Corrections to Membership Roll

J. & S. Sieger Ltd., not Singer, J. & S. J. A. Turnbull, not Turnball, J. A. J. G. Hurst, Petroleum Consultant, Liquid Handling Engineers, not Equipment Handling Engineers.

Retirements

Mr. J. C. Bird, Shops Acts and Petroleum Officer, Worksop, after 21 years service.

Mr. R. F. Carrington, Borough Engineer and Surveyor, Dunstable, after 17 years service in that post.

Mr. T. J. Metcalfe, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Warley, after 50 years local government service, 27 of which were spent as Chief Inspector at Smethwick, now the County Borough of Warley.

Mr. R. Race, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Tunbridge Wells, after 39 years service in that office.

We wish these gentlemen a long and happy retirement.

Appointments

Mr. F. L. Birkett, Deputy Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Warley, succeeds Mr. Metcalfe as Chief Inspector.

Mr. S. J. Caen, Deputy Engineer and Surveyor, Kirkby U.D.C., has been appointed Borough Engineer and Surveyor, Dunstable, in succession to Mr. R. F. Carrington.

Mr. T. N. Bond, Worksop, succeeds Mr. Bird as Shops Acts and Petroleum Officer.

Mr. S. A. Gower, Building fnspector, Huyton-withRoby U.D.C., and Hon. Secretary of the North-Western Branch has taken up an appointment outside local government. Mr. H. R. Mellor, Blackpool, succeeds Mr. Gower as Branch Secretary.

Mr. C. A. Howard-Luck, Assistant Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Tunbridge Wells has been promoted Chief Inspector in succession to Mr. Race.

'.'1r. S. y. Robinson of Dudley and previously with Bnerley Hill U.D.C., has been appointed Chief Public Health Inspector, Frimley and Camberley U.D.C.

Obituary

We regret to report the death of Mr. A. F. Richmond, Borough Engineer and Surveyor, Pontefract.

Congratulations

Mr. F. M. Bucknall, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Grimsby, has been elected of the Institute of Weights and Measures Administration.

Mr. G. E. McCoy, Chief Fire Officer, Leicester, h!ls been awarded the Queen's Fire Service for distinguished service, in the Birthday Honours List.

Statutory Instruments

Petroleum (Inflammable Liquids) Order, 1968, S.I. No. 570-1/-.

Petroleum (Carbon Disulphide) Order, 1968, S.I. No. 571-6d.

These orders come into operation on the lst August, 1968.

A.M.C. Representation

The A.M.C. has appointed Mr. W. 0. !J<?dd, Town Clerk of Brighton, to represent that Associat10n on the Standing Advisory Committee on Substances in place of Mr. A. N. Schofield, who has retired as Town Clerk of Southampton.

Petrol leak cost £250

The leaking petrol pipeline incident at Clerkenleap, near Worcester cost the Ministry of Power £250, Sir Gerald Nabarro, M.P. for South Worcestershlfe, was told in the House of Commons.

Sir Gerald questioned the Minister about the leak, which started a major alert.

He was told by Mr. Reginald Freeson, Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry, that about 1,500 gallons had escaped.

The cost to the Ministry was not likely to exceed £250.

Mr. Freeson said that prompt action was taken.to the risk of fire and explosion. The line was repaired m less than 12 hours.

Sea Quest on trials after refit

Sea Quest, the 9,750 ton British Petroleum d1:illing rig that broke adrift in the North Sea in January, 1s undergoing sea trials after modification and a complete refit at a Rotterdam shipyard.

·u

She is to seal and abandon an old B.P. well and wt then move nearer to the Yorkshire coast to drill a new well for B.P. in partnership with Amax and other companies.

Another rig, the Constellation, is drilling a new well m the West Sole field 42 miles off the mouth of the Humber, from which gas has been reaching for a year. It is the 16th well since West Sole was discovered in 1965.

A third rig, Gulftide, is starting work for B.P. off the Dutch coast.

LATCHED AUTOMATiC CUT-OFF NOZZLES

In previous correspondence I stated that at the end of the un s ucce ssful test on the O.P.W. I.AA Automatic Latched Mr. Symons, representing Link Hampson the U.K. d1 stnbutors of thi s nozzle, sa id that he would as k. the m a unfacturer 's engineers to have a look at the design of the nozzle, with a view to modifying it in some way to make the bre a k-away fe a ture more acceptable to us.

In January, Mr. Symons .wrote to me and asked for a further meeting to demonstrate a red serrated plastic sleeve, which he thought would overcome my cntic1sm and also to demon strate again the anchor spring for spout breakage or disengagement.

" In the last paragraph to this letter Mr. Symons says We d? accept, however, our responsibilities that each s pout should be correct from both safety and general _service standpoints and ask you to see the new we h a ve to offer as a result of the experiences at Haylmg From this paragraph I as sumed that the. nozzle h a d. m some way been modified and I wrote for detail s of the modification, as I did not think that Ju st further weakening the link would be totally satisfactory. I never received a reply to this request.

However , a date wa s fixed for a further test and on the February , 1968 , five Petroleum In spectors and a Councillor met at the Hornet Service St a tion , Chichester .

I arrived s ome time before the other s and spoke with Mr. Symons , him in what way the nozzle to be had been modified , and he replied quite categorically that It h a d n<?t been modified; when I suggested that l then wa sting my time he said he wa s quite sure that tl11 s test would be s ucces sful as it was being carried out under more ideal conditions than those at Hayling Is land For example , the petrol pump was o f. a de sign , the ho se was new and a different vel11cle with a side fill was to be used I remarked that I was not sure whether or not I appreciated these ' ideal' condition s , for s urely, he would n o t a lways expect the nozzle s to be used under such conditions.

By thi s time the other in s pectors had a rrived and it wa s s ugge sted that we get on with the te st.

_Mr. SJ'. m o n s ag a in wo rked through the Home Office item s very s uccessfully and fin a Uy we ca me to item (v1) the driv e a wa y te st.

As J have a lready stated , the petrol pump including th e hos e was almo st brand new , a nd the vehicle chosen wa s a Anglia van with a side fill pipe , which matched in height appro xim a tel y the hei ght at whi c h the delivery ho se le av es the pump.

After the hose had been carefully placed in the fill pipe by Mr. Symons, the van was driven away at a fairly fast rate and, to the pleasure of all , the spout snapped off immediately, the pump did not move nor did the ho se stretch, and very little petrol was lost.

I was rather surprised that the whole thing had worked so easily in view of the fact that I had been told that the nozzle had in no way been modified, and maybe it was this that prompted me to examine the break in the spout.

You can imagine my surprise to find that a deep groove had been filed into the spout where it joins the main body of the nozzle to such an extent as to make it quite un suitable for normal use. The groove had of course been invisible to us during the test as it was naturally hidden by the anchor spring.

During the tests the nozzle was handled only by Mr. Symons and even so the metal remaining to s upport the spout was so thin that it is a wonder that it remained intact during the other parts of the te st.

Under the se circum stance s l felt th a t 1 ha d t o inform Mr. Symon s th a t in my opinion the no z zle h a d n o t bee n satisfactoril y te sted and th a t I wa s rather s urpri sed th a t a no zzl e s hould h a ve been s ubmitted t o u s fo r tes tin g in s uc h a weakened co nditi o n.

I make n o furth e r c o m m e nt and lea ve re a d e rs t o dr aw their own conclu sion s.

Ha van t and Wat erlo o U. D.C J W H EWI SON

LATCHED AUTOMATIC CUT-OFF NOZZLES

Your January issue contained several references to the Z.V.A. nozzle now manufactured by my company, Permex Ltd. I therefore feel that the following comments on the subject of latched nozzles may be of interest to readers of your excellent journal.

Mr. J. W. Hewison compares the action of a nozzle with a weakened spout with that of our safety swivel in "drive-off" accidents. Our extensive tests have shown that both devices are complementary. The force required to snap a weakened spout varies with the angle of pull. When this is at right angle to the spout this might be 140-160 lbs., but if it is in line with the axis of the spout it could be 500 lbs. If a spout is weakened to snap at a more reasonable axial pull, it would constantly break under normal operating conditions. The safety swivel has made it possible to limit axial pulls to below 200 lbs.-yet the spout will be strong enough to withstand normal wear and tear. The Z.V.A. spout will, however, snap when pulled at angles at which the safety swivel cannot operate.

The point that hoses and foundation bolts should be checked is very valid. The only case known to me, of a pump being pulled over, proved to be due to foundation bolts of this and adjoining pumps not having been grouted in. Yet one of these pumps stood up to an accidental pull resulting in the swivel being pulled apart. We have tested new hoses of the types used on petrol pumps and found that they will resist a pull of 600-800 lbs. without apparent damage, but hoses may be damaged by kinking, particularly near the end fittings, and in that state, may tear at a pull of less than 200 lbs. when this is applied at an angle to the axis of the fitting.

When the Z. V.A. is tested for "impact release" in the "dry" state (i.e. without petrol flowing through it) the latch will release only when the nozzle hits the ground at certain angles. When the test is done "wet" it will release every time, irrespective of angle. This characteristic is peculiar to the Z.V.A. design and has been demonstrated to many authorities, including Glasgow, Leeds, Greater London, Walsall and Worcester. The Z.V.A. also incorporates an additional, internal impact release which trips the mechanism even if the lever is firmly wedged open. This prevents the nozzle from being operated until the lever has been first unlatched.

Mr. F. A. Smith mentions that the safety swivel can be pulled apart for inspection. This should not be necessary as every swivel is tested at the factory, and is rejected if the pull required exceeds 199 lbs. Wear and tear reduce this value, as does repeated pulling apart.

convenient way of testing the safety cut-out is to pomt n<?zzle up pulling the trigger back. Very little spmt, 1f any, will project, but the spout and body of the nozzle will fill and must be drained.

Mr. R. A. T. Kemp mentions a latch release that would when the nozzle. is returned to the pump. Devices of type are a pote_ntial menace. The trigger guard on which the nozzle rests 1s one of the two points of maximum being the other). Pivots, or linkages at that pomt get distorted and misaligned quickly, and can then

prevent easy unlatching. No mechanism now commercially available is free from this defect, and any "do-ityourself" implied by the quoted letter, should be strongly discouraged. As stated by Mr. Smith, the safety cut-out gives very adequate protection, and the chance of spillage due to a nozzle not having been unlatched, is remote. The only case which was reported to us proved, on investigation, to be the spilling of "a cupful" when the nozzle was tilted. Obviously the safety cut-out had worked, as it should and the contents of the nozzle were spilt. The valve could not have been open or much more spillage have resulted. The valve cannot operate after tnppmg of the safety cut-out until the lever has first been returned to the "off" position.

The following points arose during contact with other authorities:

One authority wanted a modification which would prevent the use of the lowest of the three speeds. It was felt that this _?therwise encourage attendants to try and .up too high, of topping up manually. The latter is, m fact, less desirable, as the automatic action is slower at low filling speeds, and could even cease at the very slowest rate. Another authority requires a modification to _prevent the use of the highest speed, as this could cause spillage due to blow-back in the case of some "slow fillers". In fact, the automatic shut-off on blow-back is far faster the shut-off by the most attentive attendant. Settmg. a higher speed than the fill pipe will take merely results m premature shut-off.

It was also proposed that notices should be displayed the forecourt to warn the motorist to check that he was disconnected before driving off. If such notices would be sufficiently conspicuous they could be of value when nozzles are first introduced. It has been my experience that stations telling their customers about the ,,(as part of ef!'ort to sell "fill-up without ) do not have dnve-off" accidents. On the Contment, where latched nozzles have been in general use for years over a quarter of a million Z.V.A s are now m service) such accidents are practically unknown.

Latched a comparatively new development m the U.K., and it is therefore proper that all authorities should carefully consider all problems that might be involved. In these arguments it is, however, easy to overlook that the _conventional, non-automatic nozzle causes J?UCh more in day-to-day operation. Even the nozzles which are used without latch, require higher minimum filling speeds and regular mamtenance, cannot compare in safety and reliability with advanced sealed systems like our z. V.A. I am therefore that the ".ery widespread introduction of our nozzle m the l:J.K. IS making a positive contribution to the safer handlmg of petroleum which is the aim of your readership. ,, Director, Perm'ex Ltd.

J. G. HURST

the united kingdom oil pipeline

as the work of a surgeon's scape!, a Jong incision is bemg made across the green English countryside between !hames and Mersey. This is the first step in an operation to the .eco_nomic health of the country: the constru?tlon a p1pehne to bring vital petroleum products to the mdustnal Midlands and the north-west London area.

The. work .Proceeds methodically and quickly-trenchmg, p1pe-laymg, back-filling, and restitution of the farm land And, as plastic surgery can remove scars, so no one walkmg over the fields a few months later would know bei;ieath his feet lay that invisible, silent servant of British mdustry-the United Kingdom Oil Pipeline.

. In its constant search to reduce operating costs the oil mdustry tends always to use the largest containers it can for transp<_>rting its products. As soon as the number of motor vehicles warranted it, the two-gallon petrol can of half-a-ce!ltury ago was replaced by the petrol pump and bulk delivery ?Y road tank wagons. The size of road wag<;ms and ra1.l tank cars has increased steadily up to the ma:'-1mum existing road and railway systems, while size of ocean tankers has multiplied several times w1thm the last few decades. The more gallons one can at once, the less the carriage costs per ga_llon. The ultimate in container size is the pipeline elongated container with liquids congomg at end and coming out at the other. Prm:1ded there sufficient demand to keep the liquids contmual!y flowmg, a pipeline can be the cheapest way of transp?rtJ!1g them over land. But, though cheap to operate, p1pelmes are expensive to build, and a very large throughput has .to be assured before a satisfactory return on the large capital outlay can be realised. Jn this country, with a concentrated demand for petroleum products in 59

This article appeared in the 1967 Book of the Year of Shell-Mex and B.P.

Permission to reproduce is gratefufly acknowledged

fairly small areas and with generally excellent facilities for water, rail, and road transport, the moving of petroleum products on any large scale by pipeline has only recently become sound economics.

For specialised reasons oil pipelines have been used for some time in Britain. Military necessity dictated the construction ofa big network during the last war. B.P. pump crude oil from Finnart on the west coast of Scotland to Grangemouth Refinery on the east and from Angle Bay Ocean Terminal to Llandarcy Refinery. The Shell Refinery at Stanlow supplies the Partington Terminal by pipeline. Shell-Mex and B.P. supplies London Airport (Heathrow) with aviation turbine fuel by pipeline and also fuel oil to the Steel Company of Wales. But the general supply of a whole range of products to large areas by pipeline is new to this country. In 1962 Parliament passed the Pipe-lines Act to prevent the uncontrolled proliferation of pipelines, and their construction must now be authorised by the Minister of Power. Such authorisation was granted in 1964 to a consortium of companies known as United Kingdom Oil Pipelines Ltd. to construct a line between the Thames estuary and the Mersey, and this work is now proceeding apace. The four present shareholders have agreed initially to take up ninety-five per cent of the voting capital of UKOP, leaving for the time being the remaining five per cent unissued. These latter shares may be used to fulfil the undertakings made to the Ministry of Power to admit other companies as shareholders if they are prepared to come in under the terms of the heads of agreement drawn up between the companies. Until it is decided to whom, if anyone, these 'other company' shares shall be issued, the capital contributions are shared as follows: Shell-Mex and B.P.-59.3 per cent, Regent21.9 per cent, Mobil-13.9 per cent, Petrofina-4.9 per cent. The Chairman of UKOP is Mr. T. R. Grieve.

The map shows the general plan of the project. At the Thames end there are three main supply points-the Shell Refinery at Shell Haven, the Regent Ocean Terminal at Canvey Island, and the Mobil Refinery at Coryton. From these three points 12-inch gathering lines feed into the pump station near Shell Haven. From here a 14-inch pipe sweeps round the east and north of London for 59 miles to the booster station at Bovingdon. However, at a point seven miles east of Bovingdon, a short two-mile spur branches off the main line to feed the large new terminal complex at Buncefield, near Herne! Hempstead, where Shell-Mex and B.P., Regent, Mobil and Petrofina are constructing storage facilities. From Bovingdon the main line, now 12 inches in diameter, strikes north-west

to the Midlands. Forty miles from Bovingdon a four-mile spur leads to the Shell-Mex and B.P. terminal at Northhampton. After another 48 miles, including a detour to avoid Coventry, the line reaches Kingsbury, near Birmingham, where terminal facilities are being built for Shell-Mex and B.P., Regent, Mobil, and Petrofina, and also for Continental, which, although not shareholders in UKOP, are sharing this site.

Starting from the Mersey end, the pipeline runs southeast from a pump station near Stanlow for 56 miles of 10-inch line to a point from which a 10-mile, 6-inch spur runs out to the Shell-Mex and B.P. Uttoxeter terminal, and then continues for 21 miles to Kingsbury.

•Nottingham

At a later date other spurs (which have been authorised) may run from Kingsbury (Birmingham) to Nottingham and from Bovingdon to the vicinity of London Airport (Heathrow).

In broad terms the system is designed to carry gasolines, kerosenes, and gas oils from the Thames northwards to Buncefield, Northampton, and Kingsbury (Birmingham), and from the Mersey southwards to Uttoxeter and Kingsbury. Thus north-west London and the industrial Midlands will generally be receiving white products by pipeline. The system is not capable of conveying black 01ls.

The Pipe-lines Act lays down the procedure for acquiring rights-of-way from the landowners through whose land the line is to pass. Along the whole route there are 1 126 agricultural landowners and tenants and commercial owners:. In _addition there are 159 local and statutory authontres with whom UKOP have had to negotiate. The !erms _of leases the landowners have been agreed ii:i their basic forn: with the Country Landowners' Associatwn and the National Farmers' Union. In addition to paying fo_r the. right-of-way, U KOP agrees to meet the cost of remstatmg fences, hedges, land drains, and so on, and to recompense the landowner for construction ?amage and_ l?ss croi:is. The actual laying of the pipe is done by c1v1I contractors specialising in the work. The construction gang, or 'spread', as it is called, along .the_ route in a tightly controlled series of u_mts, each with its own function. At the front end, the nght-of-way crew clear and grade the working width,

their heels come the pipe benders and welders and the coating and wrapping crew. The welded and coated pipe is laid in the trench and the soil backfilleq on top of it. Finally the clean-up gang reinstates the land, removes the fences, and leaves the ground in a state to satisfy the landowner.

erect fences _to keep off stock, and mark the boundaries of the workmg stnp. Surveyors mark the route of the pipeline within the right-of-way. The contractor then uplifts le_ngths of line pipe from a dump, to which it has been dehvered by the manufacturer, and strings it along the route. Next comes the ditching crew, who dig the trench and separate topsoil from subsoil. Hard on

Crossings of roads, railways, rivers, and canals are tackled by special gangs. Sometimes these crossings are bridged; more often the pipe is bored under the obstruction. These special sections are then linked to the main line by tie-in crews. The line when completed will cross 350 roads, 40 railway lines, 110 rivers of all sizes , and 16 canals. Most of the line has now been laid and the various terminals are expected to start taking supplies through it on the following dates: Buncefield July, 1968 , Uttoxeter-December, 1968, Northampton-January, 1969, Kingsbury December, 1968. In 1970, which is likely to be the first foll year of UKOP in operation , some 3.8 million tons of petroleum products ar e expected to flow through the line Products will be pumped through in minimum batches of 700,000 gallons of the same quality and specification. Not le ss than 122 , 500 gallons of any batch will be delivered to any one terminal. For

example, a 700-000-gallon batch of premier grade motor spirit shipped by Shell-Mex and B.P. from the Thames might be delivered as 577,500 gallons to Buncefield and 122,500 gallons to Northampton.

The system is designed to run on a seven-day cycle. This means that each product will be shipped once in a seven-day period. The cycle would start with the 'first' company's best grade motor spirit, followed by all other shippers' best grades. Next along the line would come the other motor spirits, followed by the kerosenes, and lastly each company's gas oil grades. At the end of the cycle, the last shipment of gas oil would be followed by the first of the best grade motor spirits once more. As this is a continuous process, there is bound to be some mixture between grades of product and between actual products as they follow each other up the line. Great care is taken to minimize the extent of this interfacial mixture, which has to be disposed of separately.

The introduction of pipeline delivery for white oils to north-west London and the industrial Midlands will clearly make considerable changes in the distribution pattern. Wherever it becomes cheaper to supply products from a pipeline-fed terminal, the throughput of existing terminals fed by other means will be reduced. Some terminals will be closed altogether and a few transferred to Authorised Distributors. Clearly, also, some redeployment of staff will become necessary. While fewer staff will be needed at a number of old points, there will be very many new jobs at pipeline-fed points. Shell-Mex and B.P. will require, for example, a total staff of about 530 drivers, operatives, and administrators at the two new terminals at Kingsbury and Buncefield. In addition a further 60

will be needed at Northampton and a similar number at Uttoxeter.

While the construction work has been proceeding an immense amount of planning work has been done to ensure that the staff concerned are kept fully-informed on all aspects of these moves which affect them. Information folders have been distributed giving facts about education, public transport, shopping, health services, sport and recreational facilities and, of course, housing. At Herne! Hempstead the Commission for the New Towns has made a number of houses available for renting and they are to be allocated to volunteers agreeing to transfer, using a points system based on the recommendations of works committees. Some members of the staff will buy their own houses and it is hoped to arrange exchanges among tenants of council property.

Visits have been completed recently during which staff members and wives were shown the terminal under construction, the shopping centre and amenities and some of the houses which are available in Hemel Hempstead.

The Group is making allowances to cover legal and agents' fees connected with the sale and purchase of houses and to cover other disturbance expenses.

Some local recruitment will be necessary as the total number is greater than those employed now, but we hope that a large proportion of the staff of the new terminals will come from existing Group terminals. At Kingsbury arrangements are rather less advanced but similar assistance will be given to all wishing to move from neighbouring terminals.

Self Service Petrol Stations

N. K. Whitehead

Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures Blackpool C.B.

There is nothing really new in the conception of selfservice petrol pumps for I well remember obtaining petr?l from a shilling in the slot piston pump late one night in Staffordshire, back in the early thirties. Top grade petrol was then l/5d. a gallon and a shilling would get you twothirds of a gallon if the pump happened to be properly primed. Nevertheless, I must admit that when I was first approached some five or six years ago to consider the licensing of coin operated pumps for use on unattended stations at night, I was very much against their tion. I visualised all sorts of dangerous things happemng: spillages, smoking filling, drunks trying to operate the pumps, young hoohgans even spraying petrol around

Two Papers presented at a meeting of the North Western Branch

and setting fire to it just for the hell of it or as they are wont to say, "just for kicks". There was also the question of thieves causing leakage and possibly fire by breaking into pumps to get at the money. Then again, who would be around to call the fire brigade in case of fire and to take immediate action. I placed my thoughts before my Committee and they determined as a policy that they were not then prepared to accept unattended self-service pumps for licensing.

No one can stop the of progress, however, and last )'.ear I ha? six separate applications for perm1ss10n to. mstall com acceptor pumps, we had to have another thmk. In_ the there had been improvements pumps, m to the nozzles, and experience wh1.ch had been gamed 111 other places, especially on where these pumps had been in use a cons1d.erable time_, proved that most fears were groundless. Sp1lla&e, fo_r mstance, was practically non-existent, the motorist bemg Il1:0re careful that any garage attendant. Other untoward had been extremely rare and it seemed that the risks were such as might now be taken at any rate for a trial period. '

My Committee agreed, their only reservation being as whether use of these pumps late at night would d1s_turb the by reason of noise. When I pomted out that this was not a valid reason under the Petroleull1: for refusing a licence, I was asked to clear apphcat10n for this reason through the Town Plannmg Department. This presented no problem to my for we have a very good liaison with Town t: lannmg_ as "!Ve also have with the Fire Department. So ar, apphcatio.ns for pumps have come from already_ estabhshed filhng stations and the Borough Sur;eyor me where planning permission is m without restriction he is not at a later date a to impose any limitation as to hours. _decided to accept self-service pumps, the next cons1derat10n would be the conditions to be applied. On r7quest the f:-!ome Office s':1pply a pamphlet giving suggest10ns but I did not find this too helpful mainly because it seemed !O be cautious. Some of the suggestions even impracticable. For example, it was suggested that children or young persons should not be able to obtain from these. pumps. I cannot see any mechanical ans of preventmg a young person using such a pump if he has the money. It was also suggested that the pump should only be operable by the use of a special key such as or R.A.C. key. Later, notes sent out by the Home ce the suggestion of a special key and also ed that mechanism should only accept a of to discourage use by children The Home ce pamp et commenced by suggesting ·that before acceptance of unattended coin operated pumps "there should be shown to be a real demand for them". It did not say from the demand had to come. So far I have n?t had a smgle de;mand a motorist. The demand has. come from fillmg stat10n proprietors pushed from behmd by petrol companies and urged ' on by pump manufacturers.

from principles therefore we decided on the followmg for com operated pumps in Blackpool.

1. The pump should n?t sited near any gully wh!ch was not m commumcatton with a petrol interceptmg chamber.

2. The pump should be fitted with a safety nozzle such as will prevent the accidental flow of petrol until the spout is either turned down or is inserted in a suitable container. It must be one that will prevent the overfilling of a tank or container and will shut ?ff if is a blow-back. It must not have a latchmg device. (Z.V.A. O.P.W.).

3. Conspicuous "No Smoking-Stop Engine" signs must appear on opposite sides of the pump.

4. Clear and legible operating instructions must appear on the pump.

5. Two fire extinguishers (2 gallon foam or 7 lb. dry powder) to be kept in an approved position.

6. A notice to be displayed giving directions to nearest telephone and to include the wording "in case of fire call Fire Brigade".

7. The pump and its immediate surrounding, the isolator switch (marked "fire switch"), _the <:xtinguishers and all notices to be kept adequately Illummated after dark.

8. Lighting on other ordinary pumps to be when station only open for unattended self-service.

9. An isolator switch marked "Fire Switch" to be fitted to cut off all energy except to lighting over fire extinguishers and notice re calling fire brigade.

A number of authorities are now licensing coinoperated pumps and suitable _co!lditions of l_icence have. been worked out. This Assocrnt10n has pubhshed model conditions which are suitable for adoption in most cases.

There have been three coin operated pumps in in Blackpool for just over twelve months. Each proprietor wanted to be first in the field and the one who was has also been first to take out his pump and ."chuck': It away. He had continual trouble. Soon after mstallat10n the operating handle off and taken On a later occasion, a thief broke mto the pump housmg to get at the money but he was as the happened to be out of action on that mght and the box was empty. On several occasions the pump readmgs did not accord with the money eventually the proprietor decided he was better it. _I am I?leased to say, however, that no untoward mc1dent mvolvmg safe keeping or dispensing of petrol has occurred with any of the pumps.

There is one matter to which I would draw your tion in relation to certain coin pumps. The co1_n mechanism merely controls the switch to electric motor; turning on the power when money is accepted and cutting it off when your money is done. does not control the pumping or valve mechamsm. Consequently, if the pumpmg be ?perated by hand, petrol can be obtained ad-hb. It is advisable therefore to warn proprietors to remove the belt from hand operated pulley. A condition licence to this effect would not be amiss in the general mterest of safety.

At one filling station the hand pulley belt _had left on and it must have broken when a self-service was taking place. A piece of the belt became wedged 111 !he switch mechanism and prevented the motor from bemg switched off. When the proprietor arrived the following morning the motor was still running and was very hot, so much so that the pump casing was perceptibly warm. During the night some forty gallons had been withdrawn without payment.

Turning now to note acceptor units, I must admit that I cannot speak with much experience. The one I have has only been in operation about a month and it might therefore be premature to form conclusions. There are one or two things which can be said, however.

In the first case I would say that note acceptors are preferable to coin acceptors from a safety angle. The minimum outlay of £1 should certainly discourage children or hooligans from trying to obtain petrol. As the note acceptor is not incorporated in the pump housing, any larceny attempts to jemmy open the money box will not endanger the petrol.

The conditions to be laid down for the acceptance and licensing of note acceptors are very similar to those for coin operated pumps. There is one important difference. As the note acceptor unit is fitted with a heater it must be positioned at least twenty feet away from any pump or other petrol hazard. Although some of us may be disposed to accept a coin operated pump on a site without a petrol interceptor, a note acceptor unit should not be so approved in view of the higher petrol quantity involved in each delivery. Note acceptors seem to be a good idea and, I understand, prove very satisfactory. I have not heard of any untoward incidents occurring with them.

Leaving prepayment self-service and going on to consider post payment systems, I must now admit that with these I have had even less personal experience. When I agreed to introduce this subject some months ago there was already a post payment station envisaged for my area and I had hoped that it would be in operation before now. However, although the station is not yet in operation, I have been concerned with the initial planning.

If note acceptor units can be considered safer than coin operated pumps, then post payment systems are a step or two safer again. In fact, in some respects they are safer than a conventional service station. There may only be a girl in charge but she will have complete control. She can control smoking by refusing to switch on a pump if a customer is smoking. Ordinary pump attendants faced with an awkward customer are apt to take the easy way out and ignore smoking. Spillage is practically nonexistent, as customers serving themselves are far more careful than busy or "slap happy" pump attendants.

So far there are two systems for the operation of a post payment station. In both cases the operator sits at a console in a pay office overlooking the pumps. In the Wayne system there is two-way communication by means of loud-speaker and microphone between pump and console so that the operator can give instructions or offer guidance to the customer. The Avery Hardoll system employs no built-in speech communication and relies merely on push button and lamp signals. I think it essential, however, that there should be means for the controller to issue instructions to the customer, especially to stop smoking. I would, therefore, not be prepared to licence a post payment station without loud-speaker communication at least one way, that is, from controller to customer. This is not difficult to arrange.

Another essential is that the control office for any system should be so sited as tC! give the controller a clear view of the pumps and service area from the console position. Ideally, the co.nsole ?e at least twenty feet from the pumps as 1t contams switch gear which is

not of flameproof construction. In some cases where this ideal cannot be achieved, safety might be ensured by having the power pack and other gear mounted above four feet from the ground. Even this is not always practicable and on a site I have been asked to approve where the pumps are a foot or two short of the desirable twenty feet from the console, I have agreed to the power units being below four feet provided the floor of the control office is six inches above outside ground level, so as to form a step to prevent the ingress of petrol vapour from any spillage.

Although I have said that spillage is unlikely from selfservice, I still think that a petrol interceptor is advisable at these stations. Control consoles are usually fitted with an isolator switch to de-energise all pump motors at once but it is still essential for a master switch to be fitted in the control room to cut off both power and lighting to pumps in case of emergency. There should also be in the contr<;>I. room a for calling the fire C_ond1tions should be laid down requiring fire extmgmshers, adequate operating instructions on the pumps, no smoking, etc., notices. Pump nozzles should be of the approved safety type and without latching mechanism. Hoses should be retractable, in so far as this is practicable.

There is no doubt that self-service in one form or another is with us to stay and, with the imposition of the right conditions, I think licensing possible in the majority of cases.

W. K. Wicks

Shell-Mex and B.P. Ltd.

History. is a subject upon which one can talk at length, but I wish to leave time for discussion. May with a few historical details. Apart from the old sh11lmgs worth on a hand operated pump way back in !he 1930's self-service as we know it today was m Sweden by the Co-operatives in the late 50's and this subsequently spread to Denmark and other European countries. They concentrated on a modern sophisticated post payment system, much as we know it here in the U.K. The first site to open for self-service in the U.K. was at Plymouth using Swedish equipment. A very close second (some will argue which came first) was at Southampton where the first British equipment was used. We then had to wait some time before the next site was opened in 1965, but since then numbers have increased until currently there are more than 150 post payment types of self-service sites operating in the U.K. Pre-payment self-service systems followed post payment as a natural development. Australia led the way in this respect but the major develo\'ment was in Germany with the Muntztank operation rn 1964. Some present today have visited Germany to see this system in operation, and may have impressed (as I was) with the statistics quoted to us durrng that visit. One company alone has in excess of 2,000 of these coin operated pumps, all of which are used without supervision. You ha_ve no doubt heard at sometime, the figures quoted that m lit million customer operations

only two incidents involving fire have been reported. Even allowing for all the pros and cons of argument that have ranged around these figures, I think you must agree gentlemen, that they are impressive. In the U.K. we had to wait until 1964 before a completely unattended coin operated site was opened, but since that time many other coin operated pumps have been installed; and some bank note operated.

Most of these installati_ons operate without supervision, some on a temporary basis, but many having been granted consent. To date there are 91 approvals for com operated pumps and 58 approvals for bank note and. in total we must now be approaching l_QO mstallat10_ns wluch are operational. This is a contmually changmg figure and therefore cannot be absolutely accurate.

Systems Post Payment

We all familiar with this system where the customer himself then kiosk or control point to pay for hts purchase. Thts equipment necessitates the employment of at least one person on the premises to control the pumps and to accept. the payment, and is often referred to as attended This was the system introduced down at Plymouth _usmg Swedish equipment. At least five m the U.K. are currently producing post payment eqmpment; these I will talk about later.

Pre-Payment

As the the customer pays for his spirit before servmg himself and by far the vast majority of systems .are operated by the insertion of coins or bank notes, either mto the pump or into control cabinets or remote from the pump. One system was eveloped where by the pump could be pre-set remotely a_ cash register type of console but I have not seen this used practise. This does not mean that it has not been used m the The coin or bank note operated systell1:s are the ones mstalled on the unattended sites, but you will gather that had the third system been developed to any great degree we could have had an attended presystem. I understand that there are one or two sites. bemg operated. with normal pre-set pumps as selfserv1ce. On these sites an attendant carrying a satchel the forecourt, taking the customer's cash and prepump, then switching on for the customer to sherve tmse.If. I have not seen these sites but I am told t ey are quite successful.

Equipment

As Il1:entioned earlier, there are at least five pump compames manufacturing self-service equipment in the U_.K. and very broadly these can be split into two Groups. Firstly there are the ele<;:tro-mechanical systems being p_roduced by two compames. Basically this system consists of pulse generators, mounted on the money and <?f the head in the pump, which send electr!cal impulses mto control gear mounted in a console umt the control point or kiosk. The pulses are counted electrically and are to provide readouts of both the cash and q uant1ty. The controller is able to converse throu_gh an intercom system with the customers. This sometunes give rise to difficulty because

the intercom units have to be intrinsically safe and so the power supply is very small. It is therefore difficult to obtain sound transmission which is higher than general noise level on the forecourt. When the customer has signalled his presence to the operator, he or she releases the pump for customer use. The operator is able at any time to switch off the supply of energy to any pump. Additionally, there is a master switch on the console which isolates all pumps. One manufacturer in the U.K. has developed a completely electronic system. In this case again pulse generators are fitted to the appropriate shafts in the computer head, but at the kiosk or control point the impulses are fed into memory store and thence to a ticket printer, which, when the pump is switched off, prints a ticket automatically, this being presented to the customer when he comes to pay.

Two-way communication is included in this system through press buttons and light systems, which are very simple to operate and to The presses a button on the pump which ltghts an amber ltght on the pump and the console. When the operator releases the pump a green light shows on the pump and the customer serves himself. Again the operator has comple!e of the pumps, being able to switch on or off md1v1dual pumps or to isolate all pumps at will.

Two further U.K. manufacturers have developed systems utilising electronic equipment by a _fi_rm of electronic specialists. Naturally there are s1mtlanties, between these two systems, but basically again we pulses being fed from the pumps back to. a control pomt. In this case they are fed into an electromc memory store, and here the system becomes more and more complex than the others mentioned so far. Havmg the information into the memory store, it is the1?- possible to operate this system either as post payment readouts, or as pre-payment either bank or com Used as post payment the infonnatton from the store can be transferred to a readout and held whtls! the following customer operation is takit?-g Alternatively the information can be transferred immediately onto the readout which follows the pump computer as a slave.

When used as pre-payment either 5/- or £1 number of impulses corresponding to the value mserted ts recorded on a relay. When the pump is operated the pulses sent back from the pulse generator co_unt up _to the number on the relays and the operation ts when the correct numbers have been dispensed. Audto intercoms are fitted on the post payment systems but these suffer the same weakness as other similar arrangements.

A feature of the bank note operated and coin section is that the control cabinet has a system of air purging which overcomes the problems of flame .P!·oofing or making intrinsically safe. Some local find this acceptable and the control equipment 1s therefore allowed to be mounted adjacent to the petrol pump.

The Swedish equipment used on the first site in this country is similar to the first two that is, electro mechanical with audio intercom, but ongmally this transferred price indications only.

Apart from the one equipment mentioned above, which could be used for either pre or post payment, prepa)'.ment equipment in the U.K. is mainly of two types. Firstly,

we have the coin operated variety which operates by the insertion of two half crowns and dispenses only that quantity of fuel. With this system the first half crown can be recovered if the customer changes his mind or does not have a .second half crown which is valid, but when the second half crown has been accepted then the customer either takes his fuel or loses the cash. In this system the pump is pre-set to 5/- and the coins simply provide the electricity supply; the cut-off control being mechanical as with ordinary pre-set pumps. Coin accumulation using both florins and half crowns has been tried, but has not been developed to any great extent. The other prepayment system that is familiar to us is the bank note operated equipment. The bank note validator is based upon the American Dollar Changer, and is an anglicised, sophisticated version of the equipment which is used extensively in the U.S.A. This device scans a section of the bank note in great detail and is usually adjusted to reject about 5 % of valid notes. This means that very old, dirty and creased bank notes would be rejected. The systems in operation are basically very simple. When a valid note has been accepted this simply supplies energy to the pump which is mechanically pre-set, and cuts off automatically when the correct volume to the monetary value has been dispensed. In this respect it is similar to the coin operated 5/- version. In the bank note system a three minute timing device has been incorporated, the operation being completely cancelled at the end of this period.

Another system being developed and to be evaluated in the near future is a mechanical ticket printer built into the pump. Some form of intercom will be built into the system which will of course be post payment. When the pump is freed by the operator the customer serves himself and at the end of the sale a ticket is issued automatically, which is presented to the operator for payment. This equipment will have power re-set which means that the customer will only have to remove the nozzle from the pump, serve himself, and return the nozzle to the pump, which is about as simple as the operation can be made.

A system is being developed using remote pumps with a readout on the nozzle end of the hose. In this system hose reels underground or suspended from canopies could be incorporated.

Yet another system under development will use blender pumps on a post payment system during day time operation, and will switch to bank note or credit card unattended operation at other times.

These last two systems are not being developed in the U.K. and are very much in the development stage so we need not concern ourselves with details at this time.

Nozzle

When self-service was first introduced into the U.K. it was suggested by some authorities that a nozzle should be produced which would not operate until it was placed in the fill pipe of the vehicle. It should be designed so that it would cut off automatically when the level of liquid rose up to the end of the nozzle, and should cut off in the event of blow back. It should also be impossible to grasp the trigger when taking it out of the pump.

Wayne Tank Pump spent a great deal of time and money 111 developmg a nozzle which would

satisfy all the conditions called for. They built in electronic sensing devices so that it sensed when a car was in front of the pump. There were other devices built into it, so that it would not operate until it was placed into an opening. It cut off as required in the event of blow back or fill up. This development cost that Company many thousands of pounds, but it did not prevent a customer placing a nozzle into a metal pipe similar to a car fill pipe, and what was worse, it could not be made reliable. The sensing devices were far too delicate for a piece of equipment which receives somewhat rough handling in quite normal operation. The significant point of course was that it could not be made reliable and thus would have created a hazard. The next development was carried out by a continental manufacturer. In an attempt to satisfy some of the conditions, they produced a nozzle which had an external bar running underneath the spout, and which operated a moving fulcrum arrangement within the nozzle body. In theory this nozzle would not operate until it was placed into an opening, but the opening could be anything from a vehicle fill pipe to a section of chain link fence. In practise this nozzle proved to be most unreliable as bar became damaged due to being pressed the sides of the vehicle fill pipe, and knocked agamst the pump when being replaced in its holder.

Far from being a safety feature this arrangement became an additional hazard as the customers failed to make the op:rate. when in the fill pipe after a very short period of time m use, and therefore took it out and started fiddling with it. This often resulted in petrol being sprayed anywhere but into the proper place.

For these reasons, some of the authorities who had for this arrangement changed their requirement. The maJonty of pump manufacturers and certainly my own company strongly recommend that this nozzle is not used for and generally a preference for the type of nozzle which has an inbuilt inertia device is stated. These latter nozzles will not operate until the nozzle is pointed downwards below the horizontal they cut off automatically at slow speeds in the of back or fill up cond1t10ns, that is where the level of spmt rises above the end of the spout. We consider these nozzles to be eminently satisfactory and this would appear to be borne out by experience on the continent, particularly in Germany, where they have been used on the many thousands of coin operated machines installed on sites in that country.

In addition to the safety features built into these nozzles, in practice it has been found that customers serving themselves are more careful with their own vehicle than an attendant would be, and one rarely sees even the dribbles at the end of the sale running down a vehicle on selfservice sites, whereas this often happens with attendants who tend to become somewhat careless.

Regulations and Licensing Conditions

There has been little guidance to Licensing or Oil Company personnel on the subject of self-service, from the Home Office. What little information that has been issued to date upon application, has been in the form of an opinion given by H.M. Chief Inspector of Expl_osives. This opinion included some conditions which are impossible to comply with, such as not allowing young persons

to obtain petrol from an unattended equipment. However, you may have heard that when on the 28th March Mr. Gresham Cooke asked the following question in the House of Commons:

"To ask the of State for the Home Department, when, havmg regard to the contribution to National productivity that can be made by Self-Service Petrol Stations, he will publish the Model Code for attended and unattended Petrol Stations for the guidance of local authorities".

The following reply was received:

"\Tuidance on_ !he precautions necessary at SelfF1llmg Stations will be included in a version of the Home Office Model Code to be by H.M. St'.1-tionery Office in about three moi;iths time. any local authority requiring advice can obtam it from the Home Office".

M_ay I expre?s the hope that any advice sought and received followmg that statement, will be based on the new Model Code and not on the information as given in the past.

You are all no doubt familiar with the documents headed Cond_itions for Post-Payment Self-Service at Retail Fiihng and "Special Conditions for Unattended Self-Service at Retail Filling Stations" issued by_ the Council of the A.P.A.A. combnefly on some of these conditions I should !1ke t<? make clear that these documents helped fill a gap gu1d'.1-nce to Petroleum Officers which was creating d1ffic1:1lties for all concerned with the Oil Industry, and that. mcludes relevant sections of local authorities. been mvolved myself in framing documents of this n_ature, I appreciate the hard work and thought that went mto the production of these two documents and we should all be grateful to the people who made the effort to them. It is much easier to criticise someone else s work than to produce original work, so I would ask t.0 a.ccept any comments I may make are not intended as but as suggestions where amendments could possibly be made with benefit to all concerned. Further, l shall not comment on every item as this would take too long. '

Let us first consider Post-Payment:

Condition 1

Contr?l Room shall be constructed of incombustible materials and shall be so sited and designed that operator (hereinafter called the Controller) . as a c .ear and view of all Self-Service pumps and adjacent d1spensmg areas". We would enitrely agree

Controller should have a clear view of all that is appenmg on the forecourt in the area of the dispensing equipment, but the term "incombustible materials" does !o. be so.mewhat loose and surely this would not apply if1t IS outside the areas prescribed in the Model Code.

Condition 4A

of Spirit into receptacles which comply with the requirements of the Petroleum Consolidation Act, 1928, may be made by a forecourt attendant but by no other person".

There may not be a forecourt attendant so the Condoes release a pump for a customer for filling mto a contamer. 1t would appear that this Condition is

really questioning the efficiency of the Controller but we feel it would be better omitted.

Condition 5

"If the Controller, for any reason, leaves the Control Room so that the remote control devices are no longer under his immediate supervision all systems shall be de-activated. The only exception to this Condition shall be that if the Controller makes a delivery from any pump then that pump and that pump only may remain activated during his absence from the Control Room".

It would appear that this Condition has been framed to cover Condition 4 and may be thought unnecessary. We would all agree that the control devices must be deactivated if left by the Controller.

Condition 6 refers to Operating Instructions. Much thought has been given to the instructions on SelfService equipment by manufacturers, the Board of Trade, Oil Companies, and some authorities. They vary for each system and if we or anyone wishes to vary them, tion has to be made to the Board of Trade. The mstructions given in this document do not cover all systems and we would suggest that they be either qualified, would be a major operation, or omitted altogether m the detail given.

Condition 10

"The persons employed as Controllers shall have received instructions in the use of the apparatus, shall be over 18 years of age and their names shall be displayed on a notice kept within the Control Room. No person other than those so named shall operate the Control Console". Here we would suggest that reference to a responsible person would be better than stipulation. of a minimum age limit as I am sure you will agree age IS no guarantee of responsibility or intelligence.

Condition 12

This condition refers to the design of the delivery nozzle but we would suggest that some aspects have not been covered. For instance, the Conditions in the document do not mention latched nozzles and this could lead to some confusion because as you know the Home Office Conditions for latched nozzles state that they shall not be used by anyone other than the pump attendant, but these Conditions are supposed to supersede the Model Code.

Condition 14 is one which gives the Special Conditions priority over Standard Conditions, but as you see from my few comments there are some points that need clarification if Condition 14 is to stand in its present form.

Now may we look briefly at the Conditions for unattended Self-Service.

Condition 1

"The method of operation may be by coin or note acceptor, but in order to safeguard against misuse the minimum permissible quantity shall be limited to that obtainable by the insertion of 10/-. If note accepting apparatus is used this shall be built into the Sales Office or Kiosk and, unless it is of the pressurised type, be sited at least 20 feet from any part of the petroleum installation: the base of the apparatus shall be 42 inches above ground level. Pressurised coin or note accepting equipment is automatically switched off immediately following a loss

of pressure within the housing of the apparatus". Here it is difficult to understand the minimum figure of 10/when there are nearly 100 coin operated installed dispensing 5/- worth. These have been very successful as a get-you-home service and it is felt should be allowed to continue, particularly in view of the experience in Germany where many thousands of machines having a lower limit of under one gallon have been very successful. Further, it is difficult to see why the base of the control apparatus should be 42 inches above ground level. It may be better to suggest that the greater part of a gallon be the minimum quantity dispensed from this type of equipment.

Condition 2

"A good standard of lighting shall be provided to illuminate the dispensing area, the note accepting apparatus when provided and the cabinet containing fire fighting equipment; all other lighting shall be extinguished". We feel that it is preferable to have a good standard of illumination on the forecourt with a higher concentration on the actual filling area. Maybe some guidance could be given on the intensity of illumination. May I quote Germany again· here, where they insist on good lighting on the many sites they are successfully operating.

Condition 4 again refers to the type of nozzle and it is felt that a little more detail could be given in this item. At the same time the fitting of a shroud has been tried unsuccessfully, and to my knowledge there is no equipment available which will completely lift the hose from the ground. We feel that the nozzle with the inertia fitting coupled with the normal retractor type hose gives sufficient safety and the retractor mechanism tends to pull the hose and nozzle off the forecourt area onto the pump island.

Condition 9

"Apart from the normal instructions on the operation of the pump(s), there shall be a notice on the pump housing itself marked "NO SMOKING' -"SWITCH OFF ENGINE" and giving instructions to the customer on the replacing of the hose after use. There shall be a further notice on top of the pump(s) bearing the words "SELF-SERVICE". Such pumps and notices shall be free from any advertising matter".

In this case, a plea for help, because the operator is not allowed to display any notices on the pump without the consent of the Board of Trade. I am sure you can appreciate, gentlemen, that we poor people in the Oil Companies and our dealers could be battered from two authorities unless we can ask you to co-operate with each other.

Condition I I once again gives the Special Conditions priority over the Standard Conditions and as before we feel that some clarification may be needed.

I hope l have not sounded hypercritical of these Special Conditions, in the absence of positive guidance from the Home Office some guidance was necessary and I am sure that these documents were given much thought before they pu?Jished I shall to discuss any of the pomts raised durmg the d1scuss10n period.

fn closing I wish to say that the growth of Self-Service in the U.K. has been assisted by those Petroleum Officers who have granted approval for these installations with

realistic conditions. It is fair to say that without these gentlemen there could have been no progress in this sector of the Oil Industry and their efforts and courage are appreciated I am sure by the Oil Companies. Now ifthere are any points which I can clarify I shall be pleased to receive your questions or comments.

Discussion ....

Mr. R. P. Holdaway referred to Mr. Wicks' comments on the Special Conditions for Post-Payment and Unattended Self-Service at Retail Filling Stations issued by the Council of the Association and pointed out that, although every effort had been made to have discussions round the table with representatives of the Home Office, Petrol Companies and Pump Manufacturers, the joint discussions did not materialise. In consequence, as Association Members were requesting immediate guidance and even though it was known that a new model Code was to be issued soon, the Council had done their best to fill the gap.

Replying, Mr. Wicks said that he hoped his remarks had not been misinterpreted. The Council's Special Conditions were very good and had been issued with good intent.

In reply to questions dealing with the safety of selfservice: the advantages of note acceptors over coin operthe danger of customers spilling petrol on the1r clothmg; and the type of fire extinguishers to be provided, Mr. Whitehead considered that the time had come when one must take a calculated risk in accepting the principle self-service. From the experienc;:e Local Authont1es and as evidenced by Mr. Wicks m his paper, this was a risk that could be accepted.

had no personal preference in the type of fire extmgmshers, the 2-gall.on foam type might have an advantage over dry powder 111 that they were Jess likely to be stolen from the premises and so be missing at the time they were needed.

In answer to a question concerning immigrants who be un'.lble to read the operating instructions,. Mr· Wicks remmded the meeting that there were resident British persons who could not read. There was no real answer to that question.

Other points raised and replied to by either Mr. Whitehead or Mr. Wicks dealt with:

The prohibition of latched nozzles on self-service pumps;

The desirability of the break away device between the nozzle and the hose;

Consultation with the Planning Authority in the event of filling stations commencing to sell other goods not normally related to that trade;

The necessity for an attendant to remain on the forecourt at those conventional filling stations which were using normal type of pump but permitted the customer to operate the pump;

The provision of retractable hoses;

The fact that, in Germany, it had been found that accidents resultant from self-service were so unusual that few, if any, garages now took out insurance policies to protect themselves against claims by motorists.

RADIO LINK IN THE DISTRIBUTION OF PETROLEUM PRODUCTS

This article has been prepared for our readers

by ANT H 0 NY H U NT ER Shell-Mex and B.P. Ltd.

All over -!3ritain today, oil _fuel tanks serving dome stic cen!ral heatmg systems are bemg filled automatically with radio control.

This. new cal_led Radio Link , is the final development m a service savmg up to 50 per cent of delivery eliminati_ng the danger of human errors and enabl_mg a maximum fill to be carried out without risk of spillage.

_Moreover , in future outlook, the method may be for handlmg not only domestic kerosenes, but the widest range of liquid products and perhaps motor spirit.

Radio Link arose from a marketing need at Shell-Mex and B.P. to speed the "kerb to kerb" time taken by the operators to deliver domestic fuel oil for private central heating installations and to fill the tank safely and quickly to the correct level.

The problem was put to the Facilities, Design and Construction Division of the company who invented Radi o Link to solve it. The system was then developed by ShellMex and B.P. in co-operation with Memco Limited.

Radio Link employs a radio receiver which is installed in the cab of a delivery vehicle and a solenoid valve positioned in the vehicle pipe-work. When the vehicle driver has connected the delivery hose to the tank, he positions a small transmitter. This transmitter has, as an integral part of the unit, a Posistor probe, fixed to the transmitter case. The posistor probe is inserted into the customer's tank through a hole in a small plastic plate. The plate is secured by a plastic insert fitting into a half inch hole drilled into the tank top.

As soon as the tran smitter is placed on the tank , with the probe inserted into the hole , a m ag net in the plate causes a reed switch within the tran smitter to close. An intern a l battery is connected via this reed switch to the posistor probe and Schmitt Trigger circuit, and the Transmitter Circuit. This immedfately causes:

I. Current to be supplied to th e posistor element whi ch heat s to approximately 130°C , an d its r esista nce a lso increases with this rise in temperature. This incre ase te1:11perature is use d t o operate the Schmitt Trigger circtut and hence s upplie s power to a low frequency modul ator circuit.

2. The transmitter to be energised and a carrier wav e within the U.H.F. band to be initiated

When the modulator circuit is energised, tones amplitude modulate this carrier. Actuation of the modulated signal by the receiver on the vehicle operates a relay. The relay contacts close and connect the vehicle battery to open the solenoid valve in the delivery line. A further solenoid is energised which is mechanically linked with the engine throttle and pump speed. This automatically throttles the engine to pumping speed and product flows through the delivery hose into the customer's tank.

When the product eventually rises to touch the tip of the posistor probe, which is approximately 3 inches in length, it cools the posistor and reduces its resistance. This causes the Schmitt Trigger circuit to open the circuit to the tone modulators, thus removing the amplitude modulation signal from the carrier wave. The receiver detects the absence of the amplitude modulated signal which deenergises the relay and closes the solenoid valve, shutting off product flow and at the same time de-energising the throttle solenoid to reduce engine and pump speed.

To enable the operator to know that the transmission is working, two facilities are provided:

I. When the probe is inserted, a small light on the transmitter illuminates for a few seconds and then extinguishes during the filling.

2. An intermittent audible note is heard during product flow. When the tank is full, the lamp illuminates continuously and the audible note ceases.

When the tank has been filled to capacity the hose is disconnected, the operator removes the transmitter the tank and operates a push-button on the transmitter which again energises the carrier wave, this time amplitude modulated by different tones.

The receiver detects this signal to operate a second relay, the contacts of which control the operation of the hose reel motor. This allows the driver to hold the hose nozzle in his hand and walk towards the vehicle while the hose is automatically being wound on the self-guided hose reel.

The internal battery in the transmitter can be charged using a unit at delivery depot.

The range of transmission is approximately 300 feet with a transmission power of 15 milliwatts. A feature of the transmission frequency is that signals are unaffected by the presence of objects, moving vehicles, surrounding buildings, etc.

The receiver operates from the vehicle battery. An aerial is situated on the top of the driving cab. There are two lamps also situated on the cab roof which illuminate when the solenoid valve is open as a warning to the driver. To deal with the occasions when it is necessary to make a delivery without the radio control, an override mechanism is provided which bypasses the radio action and applies P?Wer to the solenoid valve, keeping it in the open cond1ton. The only other additional equipment required on the vehicle is a junction box to route the solenoid valve, battery and lamp wiring through to the receiver-which also facilitates easy removal of the receiver for servicing.

The radio control system is fail safe.

Radio Link_ has many advantages. By using it, the storage tank is always filled to capacity reducing the

frequency of delivery. It is easier for the driver and reduces the time spent on customers' premises. Human error is eliminated and the implementation of the "Degree Day" automatic delivery system is made more efficient. The "Degree Day" system is a means of caleulating a customer's oil consumption by the relationship between what his boiler uses and the mean temperature from day to day. From this it is possible to calculate in advance the ideal time and size of the next refuelling delivery required by a customer.

With this date, a preplanned delivery service for the domestic heating market can be arranged, whatever the weather, so that time is saved, unnecessary journeys are avoided, the tank can be filled without risk of overflow and the customer is served without his having to concern himself with ordering his fuel.

Radio Link reduces the "kerb to kerb" time of delivery, further increasing productivity and reducing costs, all of which are necessary in the constant endeavour to stabilise costs of oil to the customer.

Technical and other publication of the facts of Radio Link has that it may solve problems in the transfer of hqmds for many industries. For instance, of gallons of milk are lost annually through spillage m and at least one of the major canners of evaporated mlik are now considering using this system.

Firms dea!ing with products as widely different as treacle, plastics and pi:lp for paper making have asked f?r d.eta1ls and the Mm1stry of Technology is also evaluatmg its other uses.

In petrol marketing radio link could in the future have a use, probably as part of a complex system of cybernat10n for control, data acquisition and transmission.

Particularly in connection with customer self-service and to ease delivery difficulties associated with short notice orders for pe_trol, and delivery planning to promote economy and avoid. traffic congestion, remote control systems have beel! tned ?ut to gain precise information about stocks at fillmg stat10ns and there is no reason why a company coul.d not automatically gauge the stock pos1t10n of every fillmg station from a centralised point. Other plans whi_ch would completely cybernate the gathenl!g of ordering and drawing the stock at the mst_allat10n and recording the fill. At present, however, high costs of such a system make it uneconomical and may do so for some time to come.

Nevertheless, with a view to the future and the fact that Radio Link may have specialised uses in the motor spirit market in the nearer future investigation continues.

If Radio Link is to be used with petrol so that deliveries can ?e ma?e faster, with absolute accuracy and with. a readily available means of recording the data, the equ1pwould have to be certified intrinsically safe for :ise m hazard atmospheres. Research into this is now bemg out in the Facilities, Design and Construction DlVISJOil of Shell-Mex and B.P. This offers no real difficulties but the inductance and various components of the equipment will have to be checked and replaced where This work is now going forward in close co-operat10n with the Home Office and Ministry of Labour and with other national authorities concerned.

Attingham 1968

An appreciation of the Residential School held at Attingham Park near Shrewsbury

by M. C. LEAL F.R.S.H., M.A.P.H.I., C.P.H.1.B. Public Health Inspector Petworth, R.D.C.

far from the madding crowd

Just off t.he main A.5 road from London to Holyhead, stands Attmgham Park, which is a few miles outside Shrewsbury, and the Shropshire Adult College. The wounds and as the house is a Georgian !1Jans10n, standmg JUst in front of a large row of trees, its from the Tern bridge across the lawns is very 1mpress1ve.

The house was built in 1785 for the first Lord Berwick and amongst the people who were concerned with it was the Architect John Nash, who built a fine picture gallery.

In 1947 was bequeathed, together with the estate, to the Nat10nal Trust and so as a National Trust houses its many treasures to show the public. . '

Governors of Adult College were wise in choosmg such a fine for use as a residential college for conferences, and mdeed the Association for Petroleum Acts Administration. have visited this house for many years. !he surrol!nd1?gs are congenial and although the is one which is very intensive, it is nevertheless enjoyed even better m such surroundings.

S!r George Trevelyan is the Warden and his enthusiasm radiates to those who attend such a course as ours. After a welcome to college by Sir George the Residential compnsmg 70 students, got under way immediately. •

Four films. on petroleum were shown <end there was a syllabus of six talks. discussions to be fo llowed, each taken by an expert m his own particular field.

The firs! :-vas by Mr. J. R. Hughes, Chief Safety Engineer of the Bnt1sh Petroleum Group on the subject of " The Nature of Petroleum Spirit aod 'its Hazards".

"Petroleum Law" was the second subject, taken by Mr. C. S. McDonald, Assistant Town Clerk of Solihull County Borough, in which various facets of the. law we:e dealt with, and discussed such things as keepmg, stormg and use in relation to petroleum spirit, and als<;i the to which legislation could be applied to As always with Petroleum Law this was a hvely d1scuss10n which Mr. McDonald dealt with in a very able manner.

"Planning and the Petroleum Officer" was the subject of Mr. W . . C. R. Dale of the Greater London C<?uncil,. in which detailed attention was paid to the way m which petroleum storage should be planned. The of the site deals with such things as the prevent10n of the outbreak of fire with adequate ventilation, exclusion on icrnition sources and the dealing with areas immediately ;'utside the hazard zone and the attention that should be be given to petroleum spirit stores and above ground garages.

Mr. J. Beer, Chief In spector of Weights and to the City of Worcester, gave an _extremely pract1ca.I <l:nd helpful demonstration on the testmg of new and ex1stmg petroleum spirit underground sto!·age t'.'lnks and gave many useful tips and words of advice which were greatly appreciated by members on the course. He made members think more about the aspects of atmospheric pressure variations and other effects upon the testing of the tanks and this talk was also followed by a lively discussion which had to be short circuited owing to the fact that s upper wa s ready to be served.

With the new Model Code of Principles of Construction and Licensi ng Conditions which are to be issued very shortly by the Home Office, Mr. J . A. Sharp, Senior

Assistant Engineer to the Midlands Electricity Board, gave a very helpful lecture on the electrical requirements at petroleum filling stations. The fact that there will be alterations to the areas of hazard known at present, show that there will have to be a complete reappraisal of the situation which exists in some filling stations.

Mr. Sharp also dealt with the practical problems which will include the use of cash registers and telephones and heating appliances in kiosks which could be within either division one or division two areas.

The last lecture was given by Mr. W. K. Wicks and Mr. J. G. French of the Shell-Mex and B.P. Group with the _title of "Self Service". With many Authorities now allowing self service within their district this talk was a great help and perhaps more especially to those people who were considering whether or not to allow this type of vending of petroleum spirit to be carried out_ within their district. A set of coloured slides were shown by the speakers, giving the course a very good idea as to how Oil Companies attempt to serve the motorist in a manner

which would allow the safe dispensing of petroleum spirit, and at the same time providing the customer with the he requires. Interest was shown in this type of vendmg and 1t was most useful to have provided by the Wayne Tank and Pump Company an exhibition of technic'.11 equipment regardingthenoteacceptorunit and pump which members could use themselves and ask the liaison Engineer, Mr. F. G. Ashley, any questions. This was most useful as members had the opportunity of opening up the note acceptor unit and going into many details, which is not often very practical on site.

Personally, as one who attended the course for the first time, I found that there was a great deal to be learned and that the people who took the lectures were the people who should obviously do the teaching.

It was an excellent c.ourse in every way and many thanks go to the orgamsers, who tried to remain anonymous to .thos': of us who were at the course; it was, however, quite evident who they were.

THROUGH THE PIPELINE by Otto

WHAT'S THE HOLD-UP ?

When the tail pipe of a tank. wagon compartment is first connected to the filling pipe of an unde!ground st.orage tank, there is a considerable amount of atr trapped m the connecting hose as well as in the vehicle _Pipe and tank filled pipe. Air interposed surfaces m this way tends to produce the classic cond1t10n known to all plumbers as "air lock".

The weight of air in the pipe is negligible and so the effective "head" of liquid to establish flow depends largely only on the depth of liquid in the carrying tank. Not infrequently this is insufficient to overcome the head of liquid above the bottom of the fill pipe in the storage tank. In such cases, equilibrium is established and no flow takes place.

Before flow can start, additional pressure is necessary. The simplest way of getting this is to replace the trapped air in the tank wagon tail pipe and hose by liquid, thereby achieving a sufficiently greater head of liquid.

So far as a plumber is concerned, the classic case he encounters is of an air lock in a pipe connecting to a bathroom tap, fed from the water tank in the roof. To overcome the problem, he has available mains water pressure. Using a hose, he will connect the mains water tap in the kitchen to the affected bathroom tap and open them both. Then mains water pressure will push water and trapped air out of the pipe and up into the tank in the .roof and, hey presto, the household system is working agam !

The tank wagon driver has no such simple cure open to him, but with the ingenuity one has grown accustomed to expect, he has devised another remedy. He leaves the hose

the tank fill pipe loose, in theory only until s1;1ffic1ent air. escaped and been replaced by liquid to give add1t10nal. head he requires to establish flow. In h<;>wever, it not infrequently occurs that the signal for the connection is the appearance of liquid runnmg down the outside of the fill pipe.

are tank and pump fitters who have been known to tank wagon driver's need. They drill a mch in the wall of the fill pipe just below its pomt penetra.tton through the tank skin. Without a!lyone be1.ng the wiser, air can then be displaced without hmdrance the vapour space and never again will words. atr lock. pass a tank wagon driver's lips as he tightens his connections once and for all.

The question which petroleum officers must answer is they should to the one-sixteenth inch hole m the wall of the fill pipe. It is apparent that this hole will connect the t'.1nk v.apour space to atmosphere at low level, when the. filhng cap is removed. It is unlikely that one-sixteenth mch hole would prevent flame penetrat10n to the tank space under the right conditions. !:fowever, four 1/32 mch holes or, at most, sixteen 1/64 mch .holes would probably be satisfactory on all counts that the were not more than 23 inches from the fill pipe cap. This would meet the case of most directly tanks but would still leave a problem when a tank is filled through an off-set filling pipe.

are provided the only truly safe way of atr locks appears to be to fit the off-sets with vent separate from but treated in the same way as the pipes of the storage tanks. It could well be argued that will add to the cost of installations If this IS so, !11-ore fruitful approach might be to consider the. prov1s10n of a suitable permanent device to remove atr on tank wagon hose connections.

Unattended Self Service

With the growth of self-service by prepayment at petrol stations in Britain, an opportunityto scrutinise the operation of BP's "pound note acceptor" was eagerly grasped by more than 60 senior local authority officials and petroleum officers at a demonstration in Manchester on April 30th. The event -the first of its kind organised by BP in this country-was staged at the Grand Hotel, where a note acceptor and blender pump were set up on a platform and subjected to critical study both at first hand and through questions to senior representatives of BP and the unit's manufacturers.

M_r. J. M. Baker,. a Regional Sales Development Adviser, told the that a big increase in night traffic and the cost of manning petrol stations were two of the chief reasons for the rapid growth of selfservice at garages. "We have nine million cars on the roads today and we shall have 13 million by 1970" said Mr. B.aker. "The tell us that the tendenc'y for motonst.s to travel at mght been steadily growing for five or six years-yet wage nses and the effects of S.E.T. increased the cost of a typical garage night shift by nme per cent".

Mr.. Baker said that, apart from economic considerations.' it becoming increasingly difficult for garages to obtam mght staff, particularly for isolated stations, beca.use ,?f the "human risk in sitting in a lonely kiosk at mght Yet coastal roads and trunk roads carrying heavy traffic were busier after dark than they had ever been. "Those stations which do give a long service operate freq1;1ently .on margi!lal profitability at night and any mcrease m their operatmg espense can seriously affect their he said. "In our own group we have seen a reduction over the last few months in stations open at night, and the A.A. tell us that the number of all-night garages registered with them levelled out a year ago and is now in decline".

Baker emphasis.ed that safety of operation had been a pnmary cons1derat10n when BP introduced the note acceptors. The risks of vandalism, too were very slightare l_lOt to a p'ound just to at stations-even simple thmgs hke slashmg hoses or breaking pump glasses-was not, in fact, a serious problem.

Mr. W. F. North West Regional Manager for BP, said with 18,000 self-service grocery stores in the United Kmgdom, the public was now "self-service orientated". BP had a long study of self-service, and had introduced 2,400 com-acceptor petrol pumps at its service stations in West Germany.

"In Britain we decided to pioneer the pound note acceptor, which we preferred because of the low denominations of coinage when related to the price of petrol", he said. "Understandably we have encountered resistance from some local authorities to permitting unattended self-service by prepayment, largely because of fears about the flammability of petrol. We believe that, with the collaboration of the unit's manufacturers, the Wayne Tank and Pump Co., Ltd., we have developed the pound note acceptor to an extent where such risks are minimal.

"In West Germany, there is a safety record of 16 million refuelling operations and only two incidents, neither of which proved dangerous and both of which could have happened at a conventional station". There were 25 note acceptors in use in Britain and the total would top 100 this year.

Mr. George Ashley, of the Wayne Tank and Pump Co., Ltd., explained the note acceptor's built-in safety devices in detail. The cabinet was designed for either wall or plinth mounting, with anchoring points to prevent bod.ily removal. It was formed from heavy gauge steel plate with the door edges formed to prevent jemmying, and with a welded-in pin in the massive, full-depth door hinge. strong door-locking linkage was protected by a ten-pm tumbler cylinder lock for maximum security. The enclosed cash-drawer-inside the cabinet-was protected by a second lock of similar design, but with a different combination. Key changes were never repeated.

Each pump housing, and the changeover mechanism from automatic to manual operation, had the same type of ten-pin tumbler cylinder lock, but, again, with combinations. The note-acceptor head was a security device which rejected forgeries and photo-copies. Nevertheless, it was a robust unit which was tamper-proof and resistant to external physical damage.

The cabinet was fitted with a thermostatically-controlled fan-heater to maintain the electronic and electrical components and circuits at correct working temperatures, and to avoid malfunction due to condensation. Each pump control module was equipped with an electric time-switch. This allowed three minutes from the time the nozzle was removed and the pump switched on for the delivery to be completed. Experience, he said, had shown .that three minutes was more than adequate for the delivery a pound's worth of fuel but the time switch protected agamst the possibility of a hazard if a delivery was not completed and the nozzle not replaced.

Mr. R. P. Holdaway, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Shrewsbury, told his colleagues about Shrewsbury's successful experience with the Note Acceptor since it was installed in the town last September. Conditions of Licence had been drawn up after consultation with the manufacturers of the unit and the Fire Service. Siting was all important and, in this instance, the site was a modern one on the fringe of a residential area with a busy well lit road, upon which a fair amount of traffic passes through the night.

There had been no reports of vandalism or even incidents on the site since the installation has been in operation, and the local authority is well satisfied in its introduction.

Mr. Holdaway concluded by saying that a petroleum store is always a potential hazard , one could not pretend that this type of in stallation was perfectly safe , but the experience up to now in Shrewsbury has shown that it is no more dangerous than a conventional station.

Discussion ...

Mr. J. R. Robert s, Manchester, a s ked what precaution s were taken aga in s t cu s tomers who inadvertently left the petrol pump nozzle in the car filling up.

Mr. Ashley said that the nozzles used in conjunction with the unit were serrated so that, if the car was driven away, the nozzle unit would grip the petrol tank and break from the pump . No spirit would escape because a valve in the ho se closed immediately the break was made.

Mr. W. C. Adamson, St. Helens, wanted to know whether one note acceptor could control more than one pump. He also raised the question of the safe positioning of note acceptors o n forecourts .

J'1r. Ashley said that there was no reason why as many as six pumps could not be made to operate from one note All necessary was the addition of five more. modules w1th1i:i the note acceptor unit. On safety, he pointed out that neither the oil industry nor the pump manufacturers could take risks, and would not, for example, recommend note acceptors in a "No. 1 hazard area''.- It was felt that a note acceptor should be placed at a height of four feet, but that site conditions would determine its proximity to the pump.

In reply to. further questions on operational safety, Mr. Ashley said. that all pumps used with note acceptors must be fitted with automatic nozzles which would cut off the petrol supply if the tank was in danger of over-fillinl?·

Damage vandals to the note acceptor could not accidentally off a supply of petrol because a direct switch operat10n was necessary on the pump itself.

Mr. N. G . Perry, Staffordshire C.C., asked why, if the operational hazards were so few , pound note acceptors could not be introduced at all petrol stations, removing

George Ashley Demonstrates

the need for attendants altogether. He felt there must be hazards, and wanted to know whether some of them could be outlined.

Mr. Henderson explained that the pound note acceptor was an expensive piece of equipment-costing with the blender pump over £1,000-and was therefore being selectively installed on sites where such an investment, reflecting an extension of opening hours, would be a worthwhile additional service. Although technically possible, self-service by prepayment during the day was not seen to be an urgent need. He emphasised that BP had given a great deal of thought to the principle of prepayment and, in collaboration with Wayne, had produced equipment which was safe and efficient.

Mr. J. E. Robinson, Stalybridge, Hyde and Glossop, felt that there should be a "proven need" before note acceptors were installed. He thought that this could be judged by the number of inquiries for night petrol service

received by the police stations.

Mr. F. Kendall, Secretary of the North West Economic Planning Council, emphasised the need for regular maintenance and asked: "How many people are going to be diddled out of their pounds ? "

Mr. Ashley pointed out that there was, indeed, regular maintenance, and added that, even if the petrol was not delivered, the note acceptor issued a ticket at the time of prepayment and this could be exchanged for petrol during normal hours.

Mr. Henderson, concluding the discussion and thanking all the guests for their interest, said that his company as responsible innovators, were keen to improve productivity. "We cannot stop the march of progress and, as you have seen today, we are contributing to it. But we are anxic;ius to meet all the requirements of safety and the well-bemg of our customers, and those whose interests you represent".

LIGHT WATER DEVELOPMENT

What can justifiably be termed a revolutionary development in fighting flammable liquid fires was tested out at the Brentford (Middlesex) works of The Pyrene Co. Ltd. on January 30th, before a small party of technical journalists with great success. The development concerns the introduction of a new medium known as Light Water (registered trade mark of the 3M Company of America). "The Pyrene. Co., noted for forward-looking attitude 111 fire-fightmg and fire prevention, have designed and put into production an entirely new portable 2-gallon extinguisher containing Light Water, for which Pyrene hol_ds sole distribution rights in this country. This extmgu1sher worthily takes its place alongside the wide range of other extinguishing agents produced by this company. The new medium has the advantage that it can be used for both class 'A' fires, such as burning wood and vegetation, in addition to class 'B' fires, where it would seem to be the ideal medium, because of its high flame rate_ with, of even more importance in the wnter s op11110n, its permanent sealing action. was very forcibly in a series of tests out m a large tray of petrol covering 60 sq. ft. With a 30-second preburn period, the resulting fire with tremendous smoke and flame was out in 35 seconds making for a fairly' stiff wind, 30 seconds o; ?emg average time. It was the first portable extmgmsher usmg this medium and the characteristics in the subjugation of the fire extremely interesting. a gradual and steady extinguishment, with no or ?ue to the sealing effect.

This 2-gallo'1: extmgu1sher is well designed, with a pressure gauge mcorporated and operated by depressing lev.er, and_ the transfer on container gives clear md1cat1on of its use and operat10n. It is also colourcoded.

By. a test was carried out in exactly the same cond1t10ns with .a 2-lb .. dry powder extinguisher. The effect m.ost mterestmg. A quicker knock-down rate but with flashback and re-ignition and very bad v1s1b1hty. That is not to say that dry powder,

particularly BCF, is not a very useful medium in certain circumstances. But the sealmg effect obviously makes the use of Light Water much superior in tackling flammable liquid fires, with far greater safety to the operator.

Another point is that the new medium is compatible. In other words it can be used in conjunction with dry powder if required. I can see a strong case for such Light Water extinguisher to be carried on every tire _appliance for use in fires associated with the transportat10n .of flammable liquids in addition to whatever other .equipment is normally provided for carrying on such apphcanes.

Going back to the extinguisher itself, it is noteworthy that it is pressure-stored, hand-operated (Model fitted with gauge, jet control valve and fill_ed with 2-gallon of pre-mixed Light Water solut10n (I pmt co11;centrate plus plain water) pressuri_sed to 200 p.s.1. Although the charge is smaller and hghter tha_n that. of other foam extinguishers of the same MPSF, the makers state, has proved to be five or six times as active, easily subduing test petrol fires of up to 60 sq. ft. surface in about 30 seconds.

The Pyrene Co. emphasises that !1ew .mediu!n ta.kes its place as a valuable addition to fire ing agents, not only in portable un_1ts, but. also m largecapacity fixed systems and It offers improved performance for first-aid. equipment can either maximise efficiency or, alternatively, save weight and size in high-output systems and fire Water would obviously not be suitable for foammg air runways, where the conventional protein foam is, of course, invaluable.

·

Finally, Light Water, pre-mixed in the proportion. of 6 per cent concentrate to 94 per cent water, gives expansion rates about equal to those obtained with protein foam. A number of patents protect the new medium, for which is prophesied a great future, in view of the undoubted success of the tests carried out at Brentford, for which The Pyrene Co. deserves high praise.

From Fire Protection Review

Council at Nottingham

Report from the meeting held on 21st May, 1968

Present

C. T. Peacock, Esq. (Chairman), with Messrs. Birks, Bloor, Dean, Frid, Griffiths, Hall, Harvey, Hewison, Holdaway, Kerr, Mellor, Peskett, Roden, Short, Thacker and the Hon. Secretary.

Standing Orders

The following Notice of Motion was considered by the Council and agreed:

Notice of Motion

Proposed by Mr. D. Hall, Seconded by Mr. G. H. Harvey:

That the Standing Orders for the Council for the Association of Petroleum Acts Administration be amended as follows:

I. Reference and Legal Committee

Standing Order 22 by the substitution of '6' for '4' in relation to Membership.

2. Education and Publication Committee

Standing Order 24 by the substitution of '6' for '3' in relation to Membership.

3. Constitution and Rules Committee

Standing Order 26 by the substitution of '5' for '3' in relation to Membership.

Confirmation of Standing Orders then followed.

Apologies

Apologies were received from Messrs. E. V. Beeby and J. Beer.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

T.he Minutes previous meeting were confirmed to of Education and Publications ommittee for and General Purposes Committee (page 44 of Apnl Bulletin).

Correspondence

a letter from Avery-Hardoll Ltd., the Council agam discussed Associate Membership and at Branches and confirmed the decis10n that Companies wishing to have repre- sentation at Branch level must get their Representatives to join as individual members.

_A letter from Mr. M. E. Woodworth Flammable Liquids Specialist, of Boston, U.S.A., was re.ad. He to meet a representative of the Council when he visited in June. It was agreed that Mr. Peskett and Mr. Gnffiths meet Mr. Woodworth.

Election of Committees

It was unanimously agreed to suspend Standing Orders and proceed with the election of Committees and refer to the Constitution and Rules Committee the question of revising Standing Orders to regularise the position in future years relating to the procedure for electing Standing Committees.

The following Committees and Chairmen were elected to serve for the ensuing year.

(a) Finance and General Purposes Committee

The officers ex-officio and the Chairmen of all Committees.

(b) Reference and Legal Committee Messrs. Roden (Chairman), Birks, Frid, Griffiths, Harvey and Kerr.

(c) Education and Publications Committee Messrs. Bloor (Chairman), Dean, Hall, Holdaway, Mellor and Peacock.

(d) Constitution and Rules Committee Messrs. Hall (Chairman), Beeby, Hewison, Short and Thacker.

lt was unanimously agreed that the present ad hoe Committees set up to deal with Emergency Procedures and Code Revision should be combined to form a Technical Committee and the following were elected to serve on this Committee.

(e) Technical Committee Messrs. Peskett (Chairman), Beer, Birks, Dean, Frid, Griffiths and Holdaway.

Report of the Hon. Treasurer

The Hon. Treasurer reported a balance in hand at 11 th May, 1968, of £1,078.

Report or Hon. Secretary

The Hon. Secretary reported that the current membership figures stood as follows:

463 Local Authority Members

74 Associate Members

8 Honorary and Retired Members

There were 32 subscribers to the Bulletin.

Report of Hon. Editor

The Hon. Editor reported the cost of printing the Membership Roll was £50 and it was proposed to print this biennially. lt was agreed that printing of the next issue of the Bulletin be extended to 750 to allow for additional copies to be sent to Branch Secretaries to encourage membership.

Reports of Committees

Reference and Legal Committee

The Committee had dealt with three items of correspondence all affected by the Revised Home Office Model Code. Copies of"the proposed Health and Welfare legislation had been sent to all Council members for information.

Education and Publications Committee

Final arrangements had been made for the School at Attingham Park. The Committee had discussed running a second School and on balance recommended the Council not to proceed. The Council discussed this recommendation at some length, it was mentioned that 117 Local Authorities had applied for the 62 places available this year and that some Local Authorities had applied for several years and not been successful and that this fact was causing some dissatisfaction.

On the proposition of Mr. Holdaway, seconded by Mr. Peskett, it was agreed that accommodation be booked for a School to be held at Attingham Park in May, 1969, and arrangements made for a second School to be held in the Autumn of 1969.

Constitution and Rules Committee

The Committee would meet to discuss the items raised at the Annual General Meeting and on the proposition of Mr. Hall, seconded by Mr. Holdaway, the Council formally elected the following retired gentlemen to be Life Members of the Association:

Mr. E. T. Crowe, late of Mansfield M.B.; Mr. T. J. Metcalfe late of Warley C.B.; and Mr. E. Vaughan, late of Solihull C.B. (previously retired member).

Any other business Qualifying Examination

The question of the necessity for a qualifying examination in Petroleum Administration was referred to the Education and Publicity Committee for report.

Definition of Members

The Constitution and Rules Committee was asked to look into the definition of 'Member' as defined in the Constitution with a view to clarification.

Self-Service Conditions

Criticism of some of the recommended conditions in the Association's recently published suggested conditions for Self-Service had been voiced at Branch Meetings particularly relating to the minimum amount of money 'to be inserted. It was emphasised that the Codes had been drawn up when the official information available from the Home Office was that 10/- was the recommended minimum amount. The Technical Committee would meet and consider the revision of all the Association's RecomConditions and Codes in the light of changed ctrcumstances.

Scottish Branch

It was by the Secretary of the Scottish Branch th.at Sect10.n 73 of the Public Health Act, 1961 (dealing with derelict petrol tanks) did not apply to Scotland. Mr. Short asked on behalf of his Branch that representations be made to the Secretary of State for Scotland to extend these provisions to Scotland.

The Scottish Branch requested the Council to press for recognition of the Association at the highest level and the Council discussed the present position in regard to this matter at some length. Members were perturbed that the Revised Home Office Model Code was soon to be published and the Association (representing nearly 500 Local Authorities responsible for administering the Petroleum Regulations) had not been consulted at any stage. On the proposition of Mr. Dean, seconded by Mr. Thacker, it was agreed that the Secretary approach the Home Secretary and the Secretary of State for Scotland setting out a resume of the Association's Aims, Objects and Achievements to date, requesting the Association be consulted on all matters relating to Petroleum Administration.

Annual General Meeting

held at the West Midlands Gas Board Headquarters, Solihull, on Wednesday, 24th April, 1968

The Chairman, Mr. C. R. Peskett welcomed delegates and representatives of Local and Harbour Authorities and Associate Members. He then introduced George E. Cooper, Esq., F.I.M.T.A., Deputy Chairman of the West Midlands Gas Board and invited him to open the proceedings.

After welcoming the Association, Mr. Cooper gave a very brief history of the development of the Solihull Headquarters and of the progress in the changeover from Town Gas to Natural Gas and concluded by extending an invitation to visit the various sections of the Gas Works.

A vote of thanks was accorded to Mr. Cooper. The Chairman then referred to the business portion of the Agenda.

Present

Three Authority Chairmen, 68 members, 8 Associate members, one retired member and one visitor.

Apologies

A large number of apologies were recorded.

Minutes

These were agreed and as there were no comments the Chairman then gave his report on the progress of the Association.

Chairman's Report

In his report on the year's work the Chairman stated that the Association's membership now exceeded 500 and had been strengthened during the year by the formation of a new branch in Scotland and a new branch to cover the North Western Counties. There were now eight branches of the Association covering the whole of the country apart from the South West and Wales, where it is hoped branches can be set up.

During the year the Association produced a recommended Code of Practice for special types of Car Parks and Special Conditions for Attended and Unattended SelfService at Retail Filling Stations; a small ad hoe committee had been set up to enquire into and bring recommendations and standard procedures for use m emergencies.

Expressing disappointment at the failure of the Association in obtaining representation on the Home Office Standing Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances, he said it was strange that when consultation at all levels had become an accepted and useful procedure, . t_he Association representing a large number and officers responsible for petroleum was having difficulty in obtaining rightful recogmt10n and representation in some quarters.

The Association's Bulletin and Residential School had proved of immense value and had done much for the Association. Thanks were due to the Council and its committees and to the Secretary, Mr. L. A. Cave.

In resolving the problems and difficulties of administration in the petroleum field the Association had a vital role to play. Concluding, Mr. Peskett said there was no room for complacency and much remains to be done if the Association is to fulfil its aims and objects and obtain rightful and proper recognition at all levels. All this can be achieved if the strength of the Association continues to increase and all members take full part in the activities of the Association at branch and national level.

Hon. Secretary/Treasurer's Report

The Hon. Secretary/Treasurer submitted his reports, which were agreed. He was thanked for his services.

Election of Chairman

Only one nomination being received, Mr. C. T. Peacock, Hemsworth R.D.C., was duly elected. Mr. Peacock having taken the Chair thanked members for his election and on behalf of the Association thanked Mr. Peskett for his services during the past year.

Election of Vice-Chairman

Only one nomination being received, Mr. B. w. c. Thacker, Teesside C.B., was duly elected.

Election of Officers

Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. L. A. Cave

Hon. Editor: Mr. R. P. Holdaway

Hon. Legal Adviser: Hon. Electrical Adviser: Mr. P. D.Wadsworth, LLB. Mr. J. A. Sharp

Hon. Liaison Officer and Auditor:

Election of Council

Mr. G. N. Dean

The Chairman informed the meeting that as nine nominations had been received it was necessary to hold a ballot. He further stated that in order to overcome the absence of. two scrutineers from the meeting to count the votes, this work had been done by Mr. Harvey and an assistant in the presence of the Hon. Secretary, at Dudley. He asked the meeting to agree to this procedure. Agreed.

The Hon. Secretary then read out the results of the ballot as follows:

Mr. J. Beer Worcester City 21 I Mr. R. L. Bloor Kidderminster M.B. 205 Mr. E. V. Beeby Rugby R.D.C. 198 Mr. D. Hall Newcastle-under-Lyme M.B. 198 Mr. H. Griffiths Walsall C.B. 196 Mr. R. E. J. Roden. Birmingham City 185 Mr. J. W. Hewison Havant & Waterloo U.D.C. 184 Mr. T. Kerr Glanford Brigg R.D.C. 157 Mr. K. C. Hughes Stafford M.B. 140

The Chairman informed the meeting that all but Mr. Hughes been to the Council, together with the representatives nommated by branches.

Notice of Motion-No. 1

In the name of the Council, Mr. D. Hall moved and Mr. _K. C. Hughes seconded the following Notice of Mot10n:

That Rule 3 be amended as follows:

!: Under A-!en_1bers delete the first line and substitute shall consist of a President, VicePresidents, Life Members, Ordinary Members, Associate Members, Honorary Members and Retired Members". Agreed.

ii. Insert "(a) The President shall be elected by the Annua! 9eneral Meeting and shall have all the rights and pnv1leges of a member". Agreed.

iii. Insert "(b) Vice-Presidents shall be elected by the Annua.l 9eneral Meeting and shall have all the rights and pnvileges of a member". Agreed.

iv. Insert "(c) Life Member. A person who having to be a member of another class and is elected a Member b)'. the Annual General Meeting in recogmt10n of exceptional service to the Association. A Life Member shall not required to pay any subscription and not be ehg1ble for election to the Council, but otherwise shall have all the rights and privileges of membership". Agreed.

v. Insert "(d) Fellows. That a class of Fellows be inaugurated and members be elected to this class in recognition of outstanding service to the Association. Initially, election to be by the general membership at an Annual General Meeting, thereafter subsequent election being the prerogative of the existing Fellows". After considerable discussion, this item was referred back to the Council.

vi. Re-letter the existing paragraphs as: "(e) Ordinary Member (f) Associate Member (g) Honorary Member (h) Retired Member". Agreed.

Notice

of Motion-No. 2

Moved by Mr. G. N. Dean, and seconded by Mr. R. L. Bloor as follows:

"That a new Rule be inserted after Rule 6 in the following terms:

6A. Honorary Technical Advisers. The Council may from time to time appoint persons from within or outside the Association to act as Technical Advisers to the Association. Such persons shall during their period of office be ex-officio members of the Council". This also was referred back.

Notice of Motion-No. 3

Moved by Mr. R. P. Holdaway and seconded by Mr. H. Griffiths as follows:

"That Rule 6 be amended by inserting 'Immediate Past Chairman' after 'Vice-Chairman' in line 2". Agreed.

A.M.C.

Notice of Motion-No. 4

view of the decision to refer back to the Council of Motion No. 2, the proposer of this motion, I.e. that Rule 7(a) be amended by the insertion of 'and Technical J\d".isers' after 'Officers' in line 4", Mr. J. Frid asked perm1ss10n that the Notice be withdrawn. Agreed.

Membership

The Secretary reported that since the last A.G.M. 59 apphcat1ons had been received for the year ending 1967. The total membership now stands at 540.

Any other business

A vote of thanks to the Council was proposed by Mr. Johnson, seconded by Mr. Marsden and endorsed enthusiastically by all present.

At t?e close of the morning session, members were entertamed by the W.M.G.B. to a buffet lunch and liquid refreshment.

The. meeting re-assembled at 2.30 p.m. when the Chairman mtroduced Mr. K. B. Hill, C.Eng., Engineer in Charge, Design and Development Division, W.M.G.B., who gave a talk with the aid of films on the development and problems involved in the utilisation of Natural Gas.

A visit to a number of sections of the Gas Board Headquarters rounded off by tea ended a very interesting and instructive day.

Mr. Peskett ably proposed thanks to Messrs. Cooper and Hill and staff of the Gas Board for their help and guidance throughout the day. Thanks were also expressed to Mr. G. N. Dean for making the necessary arrangements.

Fire Service Commit:t:ee

Supply of Fuel to Road Vehicles

We have considered a letter from the B.S.l. inviting observations on the proposal that, resulting from the advent of 'self-service' and unattended petrol and other fuel dispensing stations, the nozzles on fuel pumps should incorporate certain new safety features. The development of such devices would necessitate standardising the size and type of fuel tank entry and filler cap. The institution has pointed out that, in view of the increasing amount of foreign touring, it may be desirable to think in terms of international standardisation. The matter is still in its early stages and much detailed considerstion will be necessary before a firm conclusion can be drawn as to whether the proposal is capable of practical introduction, and we have informed the B.S.l. accordingly. We have, however, exl?resse? the J\ssociation's willingness to take part in any d1scuss10n.s may be held if the institution decides to proceed with its mquiries.

Dangerous Substances-Carriage by Road

We have noted with interest that in reply to a question in the House of Commons on 18th January, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary at the Home Office said that in view of recent accidents the department had been exploring the possibility of banning the carrying of paraffin in road tankers capable of conveying and other fuels, but for economic reasons not all d1stnbutors had been willing to adopt such a ban voluntarily. As soon, as present inquiries had been completed, the C?ffice would consider whether a statutory ban would be JUSt1fied.

We were also pleased to learn tha.t Sub-<:;ommittee ·' 11 (dealing with the construction of vehicles) ot the Stand111g Advisory Committee on Dangerous Substances is now active.

Municipal Review Supplement, May, 1968.

Branch Meetings

Scottish

The Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held at Ardrossan Refinery, Ardrossan, Ayrshire, on Tuesday, 9th April, 1968.

Present were the Chairman, Mr. T. Cairns and 32 members, together with Mr. J. Beer of Worcester. There were eight apologies for absence.

Demonstration

Shell & BP., Scotland, Ltd., kindly made a road tank wagon available for the use Mr. Beer, who effe.ctively demonstrated how an mspection should be earned out under the Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations. The demonstration aroused a of interest and the numerous questions asked were md1cative of the warm appreciation of those present.

The members then divided into groups of six each under the charge of a guide provided by Shell U.K., Ltd., and were conducted on a tour of the Refinery. The Refinery produces mainly bituminous products, but a section is used for the storage and distribution of petrol brought in by sea.

At the close of the morning session, members adjourned to a local hotel for lunch. Hospitality was extended by Shell & BP., Scotland, Ltd.

The business meeting took place in the afternoon.

Minutes

The Minutes of the inaugural meeting held at Paisley on 27th Aptil, 1967, as printed in The Bulletin dated July, 1967, were approved.

Secretary /Treasurer's Report

The Secretary reported that the membership of the Branch now totalled 32, consisting of 27 Authority Members, 4 Officer Members and one Associate Member. Since the Inaugural Meeting, 10 Authority Members, 4 Officer Members and one Associate Member had been admitted.

The Branch Committee had met on two occasions during the year and business transacted related to selfservice filling stations, latched nozzles, the opening of a bank account and arrangements for the A.G.M. It was also agreed to pay the expenses of Committee Members who were not reimbursed by their Authorities.

Capitation Fees received from the Association amounted to £7 10s. Od. and at 31st December, 1967, there was a balance of £7 8s. Od. in the current account. As only one small item of expenditure had been incurred, it was not thought necessary to call on the services of the Honorary Auditor.

Report of Branch Representative

The Branch Representative stated that he had attended three meetings of the Council of the Association and that proceedings at those three meetings had been fully reported

in The Bulletin. He drew members' attention to the fact that a new Home Office Model Code was likely to· be published at any time and that observations from Branches on the Association Codes of Practice in the light of the provisions of the New Model Code woul9 be welcomed.

Some questions were asked about the draft of the new Model Code and if consultation had taken place with the Association. After hearing that the Association was not officially recognised by the Home Office a motion that the Branch press the Council of the Association to take steps to obtain recognition was unanimously approved. It was pointed out in support of this motion that the Association membership consisted largely of Local Authority repre- sentatives.

Mr. Reid enquired if any progress had been made by the Home Office Working Party on Inflammable Substances. It was pointed out that the Association was not represented on this Working Party and no information was available.

Branch Annual Subscription

After hearing an explanation by the Chairman, a proposal by the Branch Committee that a Branch Subscription of 10/- be imposed in terms of Article 4 of the Constitution and Rules was unanimously approved.

Election of Officers and Committee

The following Officers were elected: Chairman: T. Cairns, Glasgow City Vice-Chairman: I. G. Forbes, Clackmannan C.C. Hon. Secretary and Treasurer: J. Short, Paisley Burgh

Five members were nominated to serve on the Committee, but A. McK. Mitchell of Ayr with the consent of his proposer and seconder withdrew his nomination, and the following Committee members were elected: Divisional Officer Andrews, Lanark C.C. R. F. Donnelly, Kilmarnock Burgh J. J. MacKellar, Perth City G. Arneil, Mid and East Lothian C.C. R. McGill, Clydebank Burgh was elected Honorary Auditor.

The Hon. Secretary/Treasurer was elected Branch Representative to the Council of the Association.

Place of Next Meeting

Authority Was given to the Branch Committee to fix the date and place of the next meeting. It was also agreed that a special meeting would be called to consider the Home Office Model Code when published.

Other Business

It was agreed to request the Council of the Association to make representation to the Scottish Office that immediate provision should be made for the inclusion in future

legislation applicable to Scotland of powers to deal with derelict tanks similar to the powers contained in Section 73 of the Public Health Act, 1961, which is applicable to England and Wales.

The question of voting rights and the right to attend business meetings of the Branch was remitted to the Branch Committee to investigate as some confusion had arisen during the nomination and election of Officers and Committee.

Vote of Thanks

The meeting concluded with Mr. Forbes proposing a vote of thanks to Shell U.K., Ltd.; Mr. Eddie, Refinery Manager, Shell & BP., Scotland,_ Ltd:; Mr. Camplin, Regional Transport Manager and his assistant, Mr. Hunt; and the Secretary/Treasurer for the excellent arrangements made for the meeting. He also thanked Mr. Beer for effectively demonstrating the inspection of a tank wagon and the Chairman for his conduct of the meeting.

North Western

The first Annual General Meeting of the North Western Branch was held at Huyton-with-Roby on Wednesday, lOth April, 1968.

Present

Mr. J. R. Roberts, Manchester, in the Chair, and 26 members, one associate member and two visitors.

Three apologies for absence were received.

An official welcome was extended by the Chairman of Huyton-with-Roby U.D.C., Councillor A. G. Cowie. The Chairman of the Branch replied on behalf of the members.

Branch Rules

The meeting considered a draft form of Branch Certain alterations and additions were suggested and it was agreed that the matter be referred to the Branch Committee.

Election of Officers

The following were declared elected for the ensuing year:

Chairman: Vice-Chairman: Secretary & Treasurer: Committee:

Auditors: Branch Representative on Association Council:

J. R. Roberts, Manchester City F. Kenniford, Accrington M.B.C. H. R. Mellor, Blackpool C.B.C.

T. Broster, Birkenhead C.B.C. G. H. Lancaster, Wilmslow U.D.C. E. Newton, Chester City

N. K. Whitehead, Blackpool C.B.C. K. Williams, Cheadle & Gatley

U.D.C.

T. A. Alexander, Morecambe & Heysham M.B.C. A. F. Bambridge, Lancaster City

H. R. Mellor

S. A. Gower, Huyton-with-Roby, informed the meetmg that he would be leaving the Local Government

Service within the next three months and would, therefore, be unable to hold any office. Resolved that the best thanks of this meeting be extended to Mr. Gower for his services as Secretary to the Branch.

Branch Annual Subscription

Resolved that the annual subscription for membership of the North Western Branch be five shillings.

During the afternoon session of the meeting two papers were presented on Self-Service Petrol Stations, by Mr. N. K. Whitehead, Blackpool, from the Local Authority aspect, and Mr. W. K. Wicks, Shell-Mex & B.P. Ltd., from the Petrol Company's. (Reproduced on page 62).

Votes of thanks were accorded to Mr. Whitehead and Mr. Wicks for the presentation of their respective papers; to the Chairman for his able conduct of the meeting and to Mr. Gower, together with members of the Surveyor's staff for the arrangements made.

South East Midland

The Spring Meeting of the Branch was held at the Town Hall, Slough, on the lOth April, 1968. 43 members were present. Six apologies for absence were received.

The Meeting was welcomed by Alderman A. J. Frenchum, the Mayor of Slough, who spoke of the important work being carried out by Petroleum Officers.

Election of Officers

The following officers were elected: Chairman: D. W. Johnson, Slough M.B.C. Secretary: R. E. Dust, Oxford City. Treasurer: J. W. Frid, Cambridge City Auditor: Mr. Wookey, Chesterton R.D.C. Branch Representative to Executive Council: J.W. Frid. Committee: Officers of the Branch, together with the immediate past Chairman.

Report of the Delegate to Executive Council

The report of the Delegate to the Executive Council was received. Arising out of the report, the Chairman, Mr. Johnson, gave notice of two matters which he intended to raise at the A.G.M. of the Association. ·

(i) He questioned the proposal for the award of Fellowships to individual members, since membership in most cases was in the name of the Local Authority, and there could be no guarantee that specific individuals would continue to be nominated by these Authorities to attend Association meetings.

(ii) He questioned the desirability of allowing technical advisers to be members of the Council since, by doing so, they would have voting rights and could influence the policy of the Association. He was all in favour of a technical panel and technical advisers serving on that panel but felt they should be co-opted only.

Mr. Frid replied that these matters had not been fully discussed in Council but merely put forward as proposals for full discussion at the A.G.M.

Secretary's Report

The Secretary reported a successful year. There are now 95 members of the Branch, 78 of these being Local Authority members and 17 Branch members. This was an increase of 17 Local Authority members, the Branch membership remaining the same.·

Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer reported a reasonably healthy Balance Sheet and recommended that branch membership fees should remain at 5/-. This was approved.

The thanks of the meeting to the Secretary and Treasurer was recorded.

Self-Service Petrol Pumps

A long and useful discussion on the question of prepayment self-service petrol pumps took place and various views were expressed by members. It was pointed out that the Association had already published a Model Code of Conditions relating to these pumps and that the Home Office Model Code was still awaited which, it was believed, would vary considerably from the Association's recommended Conditions. Members were not certain which Code they should recommend their Authorities to adopt. It was resolved that no decision be taken on this matter until the Home Office Model Code had been published and fully discussed.

Any other Business

The value of the experiences of other inspectors relating to incidents in the use of latched nozzles and post payment and pre-payment petrol pumps was expressed and it was suggested that the information regarding all incidents involving the storage of petroleum should be collated and discussed at subsequent meetings. The Secretary was instructed to take the necessary steps.

As a result of views expressed by Mr. Chester, of Eaton R.D.C., which were seconded by Mr. Huxtable, ofClacton U .D.C., that the Branch was too large, it was resolved that officers of the Branch look into the question of the setting up of smaller discussion units and not excluding complete division of the Branch.

Time, Date and Place of Next Meeting

It was resolved that an invitation by Mr. Parcell of Huntingdon and Godmanchester M.B.C. for the Branch !o visit be accepted and the Secretary mstructed to ha1se with Mr. Parcell regarding a suitable date and time.

Visit

After lunch the meeting visited the Works of the Wayne and Pump Company Limited at Bracknell, Berkshlfe, where all types of Petrol Pumps and Flow Meters in of co?struction seen and their operation explamed. Particular was paid to coin operated and .note acceptor devices for use with pre-payment selfserv1ce petrol pumps.

Members were of Wayne Tank and Pump Company for tea, d u_nng which a very useful discussion was held on the policy of both pre-payment and postpayment self-service dispensing of petrol.

The Chairman thanked the Wayne Tank and Pum Company for hospitality and for the arrangemenfs made for the v1s1t.

Yorkshire

The Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held at the Town Hall, Scarborough, on Wednesday, IOth April, 1968.

The Vice-Chairman, Mr. F. Gledhill, opened the meeting in the absence of the Chairman, Mr. S. Gascoigne, who was unable to attend due to a bereavement. A total of seventeen members and visitors were present. Six apologies for absence were received.

Minutes

The minutes of the last Annual General Meeting held· at Sheffield on the 25th April, 1967, had been posted to each member on the 27th March, 1968. It was moved by Mr. Hendry and seconded by Mr. Sample that they be taken as read and signed as a true record. The motion was carried and the Vice-Chairman duly signed.

Chairman's Report

The following Chairman's Report was then read by the Hon. Secretary.

"The past year has been the third year in the history of the Yorkshire Branch and I have been pleased and honoured to be the second person occupying the Chair of the Branch.

The been one of slight advancement but mainly of consohdat10n of the pioneer work done in the first two years by Mr. Sample and Mr. Peacock. has increased slightly from 22 to 26 by the add1t10_n of three _me1:11bers of private firms an? one local au!honty. There 1s still room for improvement m memberand must thank the West Riding County Council Fife Service for_ Jetter they now enclose with c.orrespondence 1!1v1tmg authorities to join our Associa!10n Membership will increase only if present members m personal contacts with employees of non-member authontJes _recommend membership very highly for the benefits which accrue to the authority by joining and to a less extent the Branch will gain by their membership. I trust you will see a sharp rise in membership; if noncan see how enthusiastic we are regarding the activ1t1es of the Branch, the Branch will virtually sell itself.

The star.ted with myself as speaker in what I hope was a? m_terestmg lecture, but I think the Report in the Bu!letm did a great deal to boost the Branch. Since then we have had two meetings at the Fire Service Headtwo at the West Riding County Council_ Fi.re Service Headquarters. This predominance of from the Fire Service was tempered a little by the meeting at Sheffield and the one today at ScarI would ask delegates to consider whether their authonties would be willing to have the meeting in their areas.

. This increased number of meetings has been the main difference from the accepted routine of previous years and I am very pleased to say it has been accompanied by '.l good record, so I assume members have been mterested rn the subjects discussed.

This is what I call consolidation of the pioneer work of J1!Y l hope the next year will see a contrnuat10n of the mterest shown in the Branch and an increase in the membership because of this enthusiastic interest.

I cannot close without thanking Mr. Peacock for his local and national work on our behalf, particularly this year when he has had to sort out the genuine proposals from the off-record discussions and has produced our recommendations in printed form for every member.

We should also congratulate Mr. Peacock on his election to the Chairmanship of the National Association for the period 1968/69.

I have enjoyed my year of office and hope you have too and I wish the Branch all the best for the future years".

A vote of thanks to the Chairman for his services was moved by Mr. Sample, duly seconded and passed.

Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer's Report was then presented, and, after the meeting accepted Mr. R. Sample as auditor in the absence of Mr. H. Seal, copies were handed round.

Branch Representative's Report

The Branch Representative on the General Council, Mr. C. T. Peacock, reported on the present position concerning the use of plastic tanks; the Branch's suggested amendments to the Association's recommendations concerning underground tanks, above ground storage, storage of carbide of calcium, and electrical equipment; and the shortage of places at the Annual A lively discussion on the last item ensued when it was pointed out that the Branch's representative had endeavoured to obtain some improvement in 1966 and 1967, but without avail. It was moved by Mr. Hendry and seconded by Mr. Garfitt and carried unanimously that the Branch representative. be to raise the matter again, making the followmg pomts:

1. The number of places applied for far exceeded the number available.

2. The course should not be a "once in a eff?dr1t. The subject was so large and was expandmg so rap1 Y that a yearly attendance would be advantageous. of the benefit was derived from the private discuss10ns between members in the evenings.

3. Two courses could be held each year as the lecturers need not be the same men, neither need the same subjects be discussed.

4. Alternatively one course could be held at a place large enough to accommodate all the applicants.

Election of Officers

Chairman: S. Gascoigne, Sheffie:ld City

Vice-Chairman: F. Gledhill, Leeds City

Hon. Secretary and Branch Representative: C. T. Peacock, Hemsworth R.D.C.

Hon. Treasurer: R. M. Sample, Scarborough M.B.C. C

Committee: H. Hepworth,Wakefield C.B. · E. L. Darwin, Huddersfield C.B.C.

P. Murray, Yorks. (W.R.) C.C.

The meeting resumed after lunch and arising from minutes of the last meeting, it was mentioned that Sect10n 17(5) of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928, gave officer of a local authority the right to demand certam assistance.

Correspondence

The Hon. Secretary reported that the only correspondence was in connection with arrangements for this meeting and with Scarborough Rural District Council and the Borough of Spenborough to whom applications for membership forms had been forwarded.

Any other business

Mr. Hendry described the difficulties experienced in complying with the requirements in the case of a petroldriven machine being tested on a test-bed situate on the first floor which had only an 18 gallon tank but whose engine had to be tested to destruction.

Mr. Gledhill mentioned a Television film he had seen. It was a demonstration of an aeroplane that was burning furiously being entered within 30 seconds of the use of light-water foam. Two gallon sizes to be on the market shortly.

Conditions of Licence-Underground Car Parks

Mr. Murray mentioned that one of the lecturers. at Attingham had posed the questions. Is petroleum bemg kept ? If so, by whom ? If more than 60 gallons .be kept it could be licensed but who would be responsible for complying with conditions.

Mr. Sample considered that sprinklers or drenchers should be required in all cases.

It was suggested by the Vice-Chairman that of the conditions be postponed until the next meetmg and, everyone being in agreement, he closed the meeting.

Northern

A meeting of the Branch was held at Fire Brigade Headquarters, Middlesbrough, Teesside, on Monday, 29th April, 1968.

The Chairman, Mr. H. Johnson, opened the meeting by extending a welcome to Mr. Hood of Bishop U.D.C., who was attending as a visitor. 18 representatives of licensing authorities were present. One apology was received.

Minutes of previous meeting

The Minutes of the previous branch meeting were accepted as a true record.

Matters arising from previous Minutes

Minute 7(a) relating to the transportation of petroleum spirit in factories resulted in correspondence between the Branch Secretary and Association Secretary. The Reference and Legal Committee of the Association considered this matter with the following result:

"This concerns the transportation of petroleum spirit within factories and it was the Committee's view th.at .if there was any concern about the route taken. w1thm licensed premises by a road tank wagon, then this could be covered by special condition of licence".

This was passed on to the Hartlepool C.B. the enquirers, but happily, Mr. Brunner of that authority had resolved the situation by the use of fixed pipelines.

Chairman's Report

The Chairman reported that with the formation of the Teesside County Borough, the administration of t.he Petroleum Regulations has been delegated to the Fire Brigade.

The object of the Association was pr?vide grounds for licensing for the various hcensmg and in fact the Teesside Authority has used the Association's model conditions as a basis for its own conditions of licence.

He reported on the growing problem, especially in his own area, of the passage of hazardous cargoes by road tankers, and their parking in heavily populated ar.eas It was expected that this year wou.Id see new leg1slat10n covering the conveyance, and possibly the storage of over 200 hazardous substances. This increased the value of an organisation such as the Association, where petroleum officers can meet and discuss common problems and agree on certain basic standards of safety.

The Chairman commented on the gradual increase by the petrol marketing firms for permission to install selfservice pumps and this pressure was to grow. Any help this Branch can give its members will be gladly offered and perhaps a demonstration could be arranged, similar to that arranged for latched nozzles.

In an area which has perhaps the greatest storage capacity of petroleum, he remarked on the small of Association members from that area and the des1rab1hty of seeing many more licensing authority members.

The Chairman offered his congratulations to the Secretary, Mr. B. W. C. Thacker, on his election as Vice-Chairman of the Association.

Secretary's Report

The Secretary reported that with the inception of the new Teesside Authority the branch had lost three members and now only eighteen licensing authorities.were members. He intended that there should be a dnve for greater membership in the year.

The Association had produced model conditions for t.he licensing of post-payment and pre-payment self-service installations and these had in fact been adopted by Teesside. Reco'mmendations have been prepared covering above ground and underground storage tanks; carbide of calcium storage; electrical installations on forecourt.s, and electrically operated petrol pumps. These were m draft form and awaiting approval.

The Secretary reported that the Home Office Model Code has been passed through its various committees and he was given to understand that it is now at the printers.

£4 capitation fee had been received from the Association and this had been passed to the Borough Treasurer of Middlesbrough to offset the cost of stationery, etc., used by the branch. This action was approved by the members.

As Teesside, where all previous branch meetings were held, is in the southern part of the area covered by the branch, the Secretary asked if a change of venue for future meetings might help members who had to travel from the more northern parts. This was agreed by members and places suggested were Durham and Darlington.

The Secretary further suggested that he could try to arrange for speakers to come to branch meetings to give

short talks on matters affecting petroleum storage, etc. Other suggestions for future meetings were films, visits to oil refineries, distribution depots, etc. Members agreed that the Secretary should look into these possibilities.

A brief report was given on the recent annual general meeting, noting the provision for a President, VicePresidents and Life Members oftheAssociation. Membership at the end of 1967 stood at 533, of which 457 were licensing authorities. This number represented about onethird of the licensing authorities in the country, and the Secretary urged all present to support a drive for new members so that eventually the Association could receive greater recognition.

Election of Chairman and Secretary

It was unanimously agreed that Messrs. H. Johnson and B. W. C. Thacker be Chairman and Secretary respectively for the ensuing year.

Branch Title

The Secretary pointed out that as six local authorities had now merged and formed the new County Borough of Tees?ide, he felt it would be wrong for the to contmue to be known as the Tees-side branch, particularly so as the boundaries extended far beyond Tees-side.

Mr. Elmslie of Newcastle moved that the Branch should be known as the Northern Branch of the Association for Petroleum Acts Administration. This was seconded by Mr. Brunner of Hartlepool and unanimously approved by the meeting.

Any other Business

(a) Multiple disc/zargefrom Road Tank Wagons

A member raised the question of multiple discharge from road tankers into underground storage tanks and wondered what views other members had.

It appeared from the discussion which followed that there was a divergence of opinion on this subject. this practice whilst others h1b1ted 1t by cond1t10ns of licence. Those authorities to multiple discharge did so in order to reduce the time the tanker was discharging and thus perhaps reduce the time of most hazard.

Th<?se against argued that by filling more than one tank at a t1111e the the density of petrol vapour from t.he vent pipes, thus increasing the hazard of filling operations.

As there was such a difference of opinion on this subject the Secretary was instructed to seek the views of the Council of the Association.

(b) Latched Nozzles

The Secretary informed the members that recently on checking an installation of latched nozzles, he found that it was possible to return the nozzle to its housing in the latched positi?n and on commencing another delivery it was also to create quite a large spillage of petroleum. In t111s sequence of events it seemed also that the pump did not the correct amount of spirit delivered. He pomted out that this make of nozzle had previously been demonstrated successfully to the Branch and suggested that each such installation should be checked when approval was given.

Petroleum Officers Handbook

BY A. L. GOOD, F.R.S.H., F.A.P.H.I., A.M.l.P.H.E., A.l.H.M.

Chief Public Health Inspector and Petroleum Officer to Bishop's Stortford U.D.C.

The need for a practical handbook for the Petroleum Officer has been apparent for a very long time. Mr. Good, a Public Health Inspector with long experience as a Petroleum Officer, has attempted to fill this need.

In this book the Author is concerned mainly with the practical problems which face the Petroleum Officer with regard to his duties in ensuring compliance with the Petroleum Legislation. He also discusses fully the constructional problems relating to the storage of petroleum spirit in a variety of establishments both major and minor, laying particular emphasis on safety measures.

In addition he deals with related matters, e.g. transportation, testing, cleansing of tanks, liquefied petroleum gases, pumps, etc. The value of a technical book of this kind is obviously enhanced by illustrations and some 55 line drawings are incorporated in the text showing details of installations and equipment.

This handbook is intended primarily to aid the Petroleum Officer but Fire Officers, County Planning Officers, Local Authority Engineers and Surveyors, Public Health Inspectors, Building Inspectors and Inspectors of Weights and Measures will, no doubt, find the book immensely practical and useful. Engineers and technicians employed in the ever-growing Petroleum Industry will also find the book helpful, giving, as it does, the forthright views of a practising Petroleum Officer.

CONTENTS

CHAPTER

Introduction

II Simple Relevant Principles of Physics and Chemistry

111 Petroleum Mixtures and Carbide of Calcium

IV Storage under Licence

V Keeping Petroleum Spirit, Solid Mixtures of Petroleum and Carbide of Calcium without a Licence

VI Existing Storage Tanks and Pipelines

VII The Interception of Oil and Petroleum

VIII The Transportation of Petroleum Spirit and Carbide of Calcium

IX The Transportation of Carbon Disulphide

X Liquefied Petroleum Gases

XI The Testing of Petroleum

XII Testing Concentrations of Inflammable Gases and Vapours The M.S.A. Explosi meter

XIII Accidents

XIV Means of Escape in case of Fire

XV Fire Extinguishing Apparatus XVI Control and Enforcement

XVI! Conclusion

APPENDICES A-J

These include statutory and other useful forms and notices and, in addition-safety precautions when fuelling aircraft-conversion table for gases-British Standards and Codes of Practice -table of flash points, etc.

INDEX

CHARLES KNIGHT & CO. LTD. LONDON & TONBRIDGE Dowgate Works, Tonbridge, Kent