The Bulletin – July 1969

Quarterly Journal of The Association for Petroleum Acts Administration

E. V. BEEBY J. BEER J. BIRKS J. W. FRID H. GRIFFITHS

THE ASSOCIATION FOR PETROLEUM ACTS ADMINISTRATION

Chairman: B. W.C.THACKER Vice-Chairman: R. E. J. RODEN

Rugby R.D.C. 2071 Worcester City 23156 Chesterfield B. 2825 Cambridge City 58977 Walsall C.B. 25661

Council: B. HODGSON K. C. HUGHES R. HUNTINGTON T. KERR

Wigton R.D.C. 2133-5 Stafford B. 3507

Thornbury R.D.C. 2258

Glanford Brigg R.D.C. Brigg 2441/5 Blackpool C.B. 23848 D. HALL Newcastle-under-Lyme B. 60161 H. R. MELLOR C. T. PEACOCK C. R. PESKETT J. SHORT

Hemsworth R.D.C. Brierley 301 Godalming B. 6191/4 G. H. HAR VEY Dudley C.B. 55433 W. HETHERINGTON Witney U.D.C. 3241 Paisley Burgh 5400 J. W. HEWISON Havant and Waterloo U.D.C. 6311

Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: Officers: Hon. Editor: L. A. CAVE R. P. HOLDAWAY

ANGLJAN

CUMBRIA

EAST MIDLAND

NORTHERN

NORTH WESTERN

SCOTTISH

SOUTH EASTERN

SOUTH EAST MIDLAND WESSEX AND SOUTH WALES WEST MIDLAND YORKSHIRE

Hon. Electrical Adviser:

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

Liaison Officer: G.N.DEAN Branch Secretaries: J. W. FRID, B. HODGSON, J. BIRKS, B. W. C. THACKER, H. R. MELLOR, J. SHORT, C. R. PESKETT, R. E. DUST, R. HUNTINGTON, G. H. HARVEY, C. T. PEACOCK,

talking point

Up the Garden Path

The main proposals of the Royal Commission on Local Government, although not unexpected, will for all that come as a shock to those who believe in local democracy. To replace some 1,200 authorities with 61 new local government areas grouped in eight provinces is drastic surgery indeed. Nor are we particularly impressed with the concept of local councils elected to "represent and communicate the wishes of cities, towns and villages in all matters of concern to the inhabitants". The terms "duty, right and power" have a far stronger ring in theory than they are likely to have in practice.

That the pattern and character of local government is changing cannot be denied. However, the argument that the larger the unit the more efficient and economic, is not one that appeals to us. On the contrary, we believe that local government must be local and the units not so big that they are out of touch with the people they serve.

Nevertheless this radical reorganisation has been accepted by the Government and in a few years will be a reality. In our own sphere this must have an effect on the constitution of the ;,ssociation. In the event, although the decision to withdraw the notice of motion at the Annual General Meeting was under the circumstances a correct one, quite obviously the Association cannot survive under the Commission proposals, and if it is to continue to serve practising officers and others, then a new constitution is needed.

This is a matter now being actively considered by the Chairman of the Constitution and Rules Committee.

The Chairman

After ten years' service 1vith the Merchant Navy, Mr. B. W. C. Thacker joined the National Fire Service early in 1947. On his return to local authority control he was transferred to Middlesbrough County Borough Fire Brigade

and was appointed Senior Fire Prevention Officer with that authority in 1960. In 1968 he was appointed Senior Fire Prevention Officer to the new Teesside County Borough Fire Brigade. He holds the Graduate Diploma of the Institute of Fire Engineers , is an Associat e of the International Marine Association and has been Hon. Secretary and Bran ch R epresentative of the North ern Branch s ince its formation in 1965.

In 1965 the Midland Petroleum Acts Administration Group decided that, because of widespread interest in their activities the time had arrived for their group to change from a regional a;sociation to a national body. This transition was carried out smoothly and efficiently and the Association for Petroleum Acts Administration came into being. In the four years since that date it has made steady progress and is now a firmly established national association. This is due, in great measure, to the enthusiasm of the past Chairmen, the members of the Council and the hard work of its honorary officers. It is, I think, most fortunate that the Association has been able to rely on the services of so many of the officials who were in office at its inception.

The Council , after considering reports from its various committees and branches, has published for the Association its own recommendations and model conditions. These are constantly under review in the light of new developments in private industry as well as changes in Ministry recommendations. Liaison has been established between the Council and the Institute of Petroleum's Working Party 'A' and meetings are held to discuss mutual problems. Arrangements have been made for the holding of two courses at Attingham this year and for providing a northern and southern venue for next year's mid-week schools. Our membership has shown a steady increase and now stands at approximately 650 comprising almost 550 ordinary members and 100 associates. It is perhaps interesting to note that other national organisations are taking up associate membership.

It would appear from these achievements that all is well for our Association. In many respects this is certainly true but we must not become complacent. As yet, official recognition has not been achieved. Some slight progress has been made but although the need for close co-operation between the Institute of Petroleum, Home Office and this Association is obvious to us, others appear to be oblivious to the value of this co-operation. The Council has pressed for recognition at the highlest level and I shall, throughout my term of office, do all possible to ensure that eventually the Association is consulted on all matters relating to petroleum administration.

Our present membership, although perhaps numerically good, is not good enough. Many licensing authorities which are eligible for membership have been approached by the Honorary Secretary and by Branch Secretaries but their efforts have not always met with the success they deserve. However hardworbng and industrious the elected representatives are, little can be achieved without a great deal of assistance and goodwill from all members. J appeal to every member to contact any of his neighbours who are not members, explain to them the aims, objects and achievements of our Association and endeavour to enrol them as members. If each of our present members could introduce one new one during the course of the year then I feel recognition at national level can not be justifiably withheld.

Thank you for electing me as your Chairman for the current year. I will continue to do all I can with the help of the Council and its Officers to further the aims of our Association .

notes and news

New Members

Bicester UDC Ox on H

Cockermouth UDC Cumberland H De a rne UDC Yorkshire s

Kempston UDC Bedford S & H Millom RDC Cumberland S&H Northampton RDC Northants H

Northfteet UDC Kent s Orkney cc WM Preston CBC Lancashire F Rotherham RDC Yorkshire s

Officer

J. Barrie Jones Barry MBC Glamorgan H

Associate Members

Contractors Assocation (Inc.) Ltd.,

W. J. Safety and Security Officer, Total Oil (Great Bntam) Ltd.,

Obituary

We regret to report the death of Divisional Officer A. P. Andrews, Senior Fire Prevention Officer Lanarkshire County Fire Brigade. Mr. Andrews was member of the Executive Committee of the Scottish Branch.

Retirements

Mr. J. Beveridge, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures , Dunbarton C.C.

Mr. A. B . A. Campbell, Chief Inspector of Weights and Me as ures , Ayr C.C. , after 40 years service with that Authority.

Mr. G F Cantrill , Chief Ins pector of Weights and Mea s ures, Maidstone.

Mr. H . W. Grummett , Engineer and Surveyor, Bagshot R.D.C.

Mr . E. Jarman , T ec hnical Director, Council of Briti s h Manufacturers o f Petroleum Equipment (Associ a te).

Mr. G. H. L a nca s ter, Chief Public Health In s pector Wilm slow U.D.C., after 33 years in the post. '

Mr . F. Templem a n , Chief Ins pector of Wei g ht s and Measures , Berwick, Peebles, Roxburgh and Selkirk C.C.

Mr. C. Wil son , Chief Public He a lth In s pecto r, Che s hunt U.D.C.

W e wi s h the se gentlemen a long and enjo yabl e retirement.

Appointments

Mr. R. S. L. Anderson, Deputy Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Ayr C.C., has been promoted Chief Inspector.

Mr. G. E. J. Benn has succeeded Mr. E. Jarman as Technical Director, Council of British Manufacturers of Petroleum Equipment.

Mr. J. L. Billings, Deputy Chief Public Health Inspector, Cheshunt U.D.C., has been promoted Chief Inspector.

Mr. H. J Davies , Deputy Engineer and Surveyor, Stourport-on-Severn U.D.C., has been promoted Engineer and Surveyor. ·

Mr. A Gibson, Engineer and Surveyor, Newm a rket U.D.C. , has been appointed to a simil a r position with Gainsborough U.D.C. in succession to Mr. A. B. Whittingham appointed Town Engineer, Roan Selection Trust Ltd., Zambia

Mr. W. J. Harris, Deputy Engineer and Surveyor, Bagshot R.D.C., has been promoted Engineer and Surveyor.

Mr. J. P. Honour , Slough, h a s been appointed Deputy Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, St. Albans.

Mr. D King , District Public Health In spector , Bristol, has been appointed Chief Public Health Inspector , Kingswood U D.C. in succession to Mr. J. Gray, appointed Principal Assi stant , Housing Department, Newcastleupon-Tyne.

Mr. K. McLeod, Deputy Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Dunbarton C.C., has been promoted Chief In s pector.

Mr. C. Savage , Engineer and D_a wley U.D.C., has been appointed to a simil a r pos1t10n with Poulton-leFylde U.D.C.

Mr. J. Slack , Deputy Chief Fire Officer , Bolton, has been appointed Chief Fire Officer, Wakefield.

Mr. L. E. Thompson , Deputy of and Me as ures, Maidstone , h a s been appomted Chief Inspector

Mr. W. H. Veitch , Deputy Chief Inspector of Weights and Meas ures, Berwick , Peeble s, Roxburgh and Selkirk C.C., ha s been promoted Chief Inspector.

Publications

Annual Report of H . M. Inspec tor s o f E x plosive s , 1968. H.M.S.O., 5/ net.

Ministry of Technology Fire Not e N o 10 , Fire a nd Car P a rk Building s, July , 1968 (jointl y with Fir e Offic es ' Committe e Re search Organi sati o n) £ !.

S.I. 1969 , N o 310 Th e Ele c trical Appli a nc es ( Col o ur Code) R eg ulations , 1969. H.M.S.O ., 9d.

Fire Prev enti o n A ss ociati o n Fire Sa fe ty d a t a sh ee t s FS.6001 , FS.6002 , F S.6003 d eal s with P o rt a ble Fire Extinguish ers Choice , Siting , a nd c a re and us e F.P .A ., Ald ermar y Hou se , Queen Stre et , Lond o n , E C .4 1/ eac h plu s postage.

Congratulations

The following Chief Fire Officers received awards in the Queen's Birthday Honours List: Messrs. E. S. Calvert, Brighton, and H. F. Griffiths, Suffolk and Ipswich, the O.B.E.; Mr. D. J. Davies, Merthyr Tydfil, the M.B.E., and Messrs. W. Babbington, Kent, R. E. Cooper, Sunderland, and J. Stewart, Lanarkshire, the Queen's Fire Service Medal for Distinguished Service.

Secretary's Notes

A copy of the Association's Codes of Practice re: Principles of Construction and form of Petroleum Storage Licence, are included free with this copy of The Bulletin to all members of the As sociation. Additional copies may be obtained from L. A. Cave, Hon. Secretary, A.P.A.A., 34 Blackacre Road, Dudley, Worcestershire, at a cost of 5/- net.

Change of Address. The new address of the Editor of The Bulletin is: R. P. Holdaway, Weights and Measures Department, 2 Claremont Buildings, Claremont Bank, Shrewsbury, SaJop. Telephone Shrewsbury 55813/4.

Serious fire situation involves discharging petrol tanker

A serious fire situation developed while a 4,000 gallon tanker was discharging petrol into underground storage tanks containing thousands of gallons at a filling station at Ponsanooth on the A.38 between Falmouth and Redruth. It is the petrol vapour was ignited by paraffin-burning road-warning l amps which were close by.

At the incident it was found that the petrol tanker was seriously involved in fire burning on top of the rear five tanks, rear wheels, and from the outlet manifolds on the near side of the vehicle. The fire started while it was discharging into underground tanks.

It was a windless night and the tanker was positioned in a natural trap for petroleum vapours between a high earth wall and the adjacent vehicle repair garage. In addi tion the petroleum installation had not been completed and excavations over the tops of certain tanks had not been completely filled.

On arrival of the first appliance a serious sit uation presented itself to the officer -in- charge as the tanker was burning fiercely and was positioned immediately over the storage t a nk s

The nearest water s upply wa s from a hydrant half a mile di sta nt and the first attack was to put a foam carpet over the underground t a nks using the water contained in the water tender. Fire Brigade Control had realised the s ituat io n befo re th e arr ival of any appliances and had ordered an a dditi o nal water tender from Fa !mouth, which arrived ju s t as the water s upply from the fir st appliance was running out.

When the rrrst se nior officer arrived , water tender s were made three and a s huttle service between the nearest hyd rant wa s continued.

As soo n as the fire burning on top of the tanks wa s ext in g uished, the tanker dri ve r and the Fire Brigade perso nnel endeavoured to close the foot valves, but these had fa iled, due to he a t , a nd there was no way of stopping the petrol leaking and causing a running fire.

Petrol tanks in rail disaster at Johannesburg

people died and 158 were injured in a tragic rail. disaster on the outskirts of Johannesburg, when two stationery petrol tankers each containmg gallons of. spirit, toppled on t; coaches of a passmg passenger tram. The impact ripped manhole covers off the tankers, petrol spilled out and the fumes ignited violence. It is alleged that shunting ape.rations were m progress and by a misjudgment the shunting unit coll.ided with the tankers, toppling them onto the passmg passenger tram.

Experimental oil-fired grass drier

The Faculty of Agriculture of the University of Newhas installed an oil-fired grass drier at its expenmental farm, Cockle P ark The drier, which was preser_ited by the B.P. Group, will be used to conduct experimental and farm scale studies into the economics ?f feeding cattle and sheep with artificially dried grass mstead of the customary hay or silage.

The work of the Faculty on this subject had this year reached a it have progressed further u.nhl the Umvers1ty acquired its own grass for practical research. The drier is of Swiss Combi design and has been manufactured by Allmet of Leeds. The larger .AllmetfCombi machines are already well known, but this machme, known as the Mark II Mini, is the first of the range to be designed for farm-scale operations.

The experimental work will be under the direction of Professor McG. Cooper, Dean of the Faculty of Agriculand J. R O'Callaghan, who holds <;>f Agncultural Engineering. Professor Cooper said: This. IS a really handsome gift that enables us to tackle a v.ery important problem on a comprehensive scale. I smcerely hope that we are able to justify the confidence that Shell-Mex & B.P. have placed in the University".

letters LATCHED NOZZLES

In the January edition of The Bulletin, on page .16, Mr. Anderson makes a comment that may be misleadmg to any who have considered the use of OPW latched automatic nozzles.

Mr. Anderson's belief is that only one type of latched nozzle, the ZVA, satisfactorily fulfils Sub-Paragraph (j) of the "Home Office Model Code of Principles of Construction and Licensing Conditions (Part 1) for the Storage of Cans, Drums and other Receptacles and Petrol Fill in g Stations", which states:

"The nozzle should be so contrived that in the event of a vehicle moving while the nozzle re:Uains in the fil.ling pipe, the flow of liquid will stop and the nozzle will be released from the delivery assembly before damage to the control valve, coupling, delivery hose or pump can occur".

The facts of the matter are that the Home Office the Greater London Council and most Local Autho;ities have given OPW latched nozzle their full approval in resl?ect ?f this and all of the required safety measures. Major 011 companies specify the OPW latched nozzle and seyeral thousand are in use, and very satisfactorily so, in this country.

With experience in using OPW latched nozzles, the circumstances which give rise to the necessity this Pi:trticular safety requirement are understood and but in the reducing number of cases where it is reqmred to come into force, OPW have a first-class safety record.

Link-Hampson Ltd. G. K. M. SYMONS

Explosion and Fire

at Polythene No. 2 Plant Wilton Works, Teesside

Prepared by H. Johnson, Chief Fire Officer, Teesside

A call was received at Brigade Control on Tuesday, 21st January, 1969, at 1952 hours indicating an explosion had occurred in the No. 2 Polythene Plant, I.C.I., Wilton. The initial attendance of three pumps, emergency tender and foam tender was sent on, followed by the Assistant Divisional Officer and Station Officer. The Chief Fire Officer and Deputy Chief Officer were informed and responded.

STORAGE OF PETROLEUM SPIRIT AND DIESEL OIL IN A DOUBLE-COMPARTMENT TANK

A pr.oblem has arisen 01! .the _of allowing the sto1 age of petroleum spmt and diesel 011 m adjoining compartments of a multi-compartment underground storage tank.

possibility for consideration is that at some time in the life of the tank a leak will develop between the compartments. which would not be easy to detect from stock records with normal "wastage". This possibility is enhanced by the fact that a full pressure test on one side of the flat division plate may bend the plate and so weaken the weld at some future time. Should such a leak occur and petroleum spirit build up in the diesel oil, then this lead to a dangero.us build-up of petroleum vapour m the fuel tank of a vehicle or some other container. This vapour would be more dangerous as ib would be unsuspected, and m_ay cause a fire or explosion in the container or at the vehicle filler-pipe or in the engine. A similar position could arise with a delivery into the wrong compartment.

A further c<;>nsideration is that with a double-compartment tank a licensee would be the more likely to switch pumps, and so compartments, from petrol to diesel or vice versa without notifying the Licensing Authority.

Paragraph 2. l.l 5 of the Model Code refers specifically to "domestic burning oils" and l am wondering whether the same considerations should apply to diesel because of the above-mentioned unsuspected risk should a compartment leak occur.

Dudley C.B.C. G. H. HARVEY

Upon arrival at the incident the Assistant Divisional Officer in charge was faced with a building which had been severely damaged by explosion, numerous leaks of ethylene which was escaping from fractured pipe flanges and had been ignited and a report of persons trapped. The l.C.I. works fire brigade was in attendance and had a jet to work, other members in conjunction with uninjured plant personnel were assisting the injured and searching for casualties. The Assistant Divisional Officer reported 'a serious explosion, persons trapl?ed' as part of Brigade standard procedure for serious mc1dents made pumps ten.

Liaison was established with Plant management and works fire officer. The Assistant Divisional Officer was informed that isolation was being carried out and at this time two jets were got to work and teams organised to search the first floor in the compressor house and at ground level.

The Divisional Officer arrived at 1959 hours and took command. As appliances arrived furtl!er jets brought into use and crews directed in searchmg operat10ns.

At 2012 hours the Chief Officer and Deputy Chief Officer arrived, the Chief Officer taking command and setting up control at the emergency tender. Jets w.ere then up to a total of nine and three ground momtors mto use for cooling and fire fighting purposes, part1culi:tr attention being given to local ethylene tanks, fractured hues and structural steel members.

Searchincr continued and at approximately 2055 hours two bodies0 were recovered, the third being found at 2200 hours; all were found at first floor level.

Fire damage was confined to local areas around fractured pipe lines and collectively was minimal compared with the damage caused by the explosion.

The whole of the structure, l 90ft. by 120ft. and approximately 50ft. high, including walls, floor and roof, was severely damaged by blast, varying in degrees from partial to complete collapse.

The team effort shown by the Fire Brigade, works fire brigade, plant personnel and ambulance personnel was of the highest standard under what one can only describe as difficult and hazardous conditions. Once again the value of liaison and close co-operation with management proved to be of great assistance in the control of this incident.

Quick Acting Couplings Aid Productivity

Quick acting hose couplings are playing a valuable part in the productivity of the Shell-Mex and B.P. Group's road tanker fleet.

Designed by the company's engineers in conjunction with the manufacturers, George Hatch Ltd., the new equipment, known as the Hatch Snap-Tight Coupling, is now a standard fitting on all the Group's new road tankers and on their 4-inch delivery hoses and on some 3 inch hoses.

A simple toggle action enables the coupling of delivery hoses, to both the vehicle outlets and the customers' fill pipe, to take place in less time than with the old type of screw action coupling.

Exacting specifications were laid down for the design of the quick acting coupling. They had to be light and strong, yet aluminium could not be used throughout because of the danger of sparking. In addition, the coupling's seal had to be perfect at a pressure of 100 p.s.i. without screwing or the use of tools and, at the same time, be completely secure when subjected to vibration and to cantilever loads.

A high strength die cast bronze alloy was selected as the most s uitable material for the couplings, with the exception of the tail piece for which aluminium was adopted.

Long reach elbows with toggle action coupling, incorporating an air vent and a flow sight glass, are used for connecting the delivery hose to underground tanks with 4-inch fill pipes.

The quick acting couplings are also being fitted to the company's filter housings used for aviation fuels.

Deli verin g motor spirit t hrough a long reach elbow with toggle action coupling , showing the flow sight glass and air vent

Collected Facts and Definitions relating to Electrical Standards and Safety Areas

Presented by W. HETHERINGTON, F.A.P.H.I.

paper is. presented n<?t as a new thought, or an ongmal concept10n of safety ideas, but purely as a repitition of one aspect of petroleum safety rules, that seems to be the least understood of all licensing conditions. It follows from this that electrical standards as a natural requirement of the danger protection can be overlooked, or are required to a standard far higher than often appears necessary. As the cost of flameproof equipment for instance is high, every effort must therefore be made to prevent unnecessary installation to this standard but not at the expense of essential safety conditions. '

It was my intention to consider initially how accidents happen, but on second thoughts realised that they were really allowed to happen. In other words, those combinations of factors that create accidents, and in this context here we mean fire and subsequent explosion are not normally but do come together 'to create dangerous reactions through some deliberate act or negligence.

danger with petroleum has been appreciated for a long time, and the Petroleum Acts and we, as Petroleum Officers, have <l;S ou.r sole purpose the aim of preventing the dangerous s1tuat10n referred to above from developing.

Petroleum lic::ence conditions that stern from the Petroleum Acts consist usually of three main sections. Adrninmech.anical. h3;ndling and safe storage, loose handlmg and d1spensmg m a safe manner. It is in connection with part of this last that this paper is devoted.

It is very easy to l?se a of proportion when laying down precaut10ns, J?articularly against those factors that contribute to explos10ns, and an endeavour will be made. to detail why an exp.losion occurs and where and how 1t can be prevented, with reference to the use of the electrical equipment associated with petrol handling.

Simply, an explosion is an extension of a fire or more technically a chemical reaction between the 'offending substance and oxygei: but not always, from the atmosphere) usually 11111Iate? by a rise in temperature. It does not, repeat not, as a prerequisite, a flame as such. of is usually heat and gas in large volume, very rapid fire by its sudden excess gas production produces the shock wave we call an explosion.

Perhaps the difficult causative factor to appreand sudden and localised temperature nse 1s m on gm and because of this quite detailed recommendatlons have been made by all interested bodies and much. is collected and. col_lated in the of the Bnt1sh Standards lnstltution to which references will be made below, and an understanding of which should go a long way to clarifying this subject.

in the Storage of Petrol

From now therefore those terms used so loosely and generally in discussing safety on petroleum handling sites will be considered in more detail.

An area within which explosive vapour is continuously present in concentrations within the upper and lower limits of flammability.

An area in which any flammable or explosive substance is handled and where during normal operations an explosive concentration is likely to occur to produce a hazard.

It follows in devising safety standards that conditions of risk must initially be defined for each dangerous substance and for petroleum products these are classed as: Division 0: Division 1: Division 2:

An area in which any flammable substance is so well under conditions of control that the production of an explosive concentration in sufficient quantity to constitute a hazard is only likely under abnormal conditions (also known as a Remotely Dangerous Area).

Safe Area: All areas not classified as dangerous areas. Simply therefore, Division O acknowledges a permanent high risk, Division 1 acknowledges that the risk is inherent in the situation, Division 2 acknowledges that sa\ety can b.e. achieved by depending on the 1mprobab1hty of the simultaneous occurrence of a flammable atmosphere and ignition source.

As applied to and filling stations, the Division 2 class1ficat10n means that m normal operating conditions a safe area exists and. the dangerous atmosphere is only present as a result of The should be well ventilated so that vapour 1s dispersed rapidly.

Divisions O and 1 are fairly self descriptive, the former including both the tanks themselves and the inside of pipes and pumps, while the embraces _those fixtures and fittings and are<1;s whe.re could develop with inherent d1spers10n d1fficult1es.

The physical extent of area.s is of bound up with actual site cond1t10ns, particularly D1v1s10n 2 a!ld the outer limits of Division 1, and can only be defined with experience. Practical industrial experience has assessed a guiding factor and these appear in the Home Office Model Code Part l (1968), but these are only guide lines. Obviously the extent of Division 2 precautions on a windswept

Chief Public Health Inspector, Witney Urban District Council at the Annual General Meeting of the South East Midland Branch

open site must vary from, and be relaxed in relation to, those applied to a site in a close and overbuilt up area. Remember then that having defined the risks the practical limits must depend on site conditions.

Consideration must now be given to electrical standards and the type of equipment that will be acceptable in these risk areas. Remembering that an explosion can be caused only if the following conditions prevail:

(1) The concentration of petrol vapour in the area must be within the lower and upper danger limits (1 %-6 % approximately).

(2) The temperature must be raised high enough, and for a long enough period of time, to raise the gas temperature to ignition point. Condition I depends on the efficiency of the mechanics of storage and handling, let us therefore look at electrical fittings that can create condition 2.

Accidental conditions of heating can be caused by wiring carrying current beyond its rated capacity, a condition created by:

(a) poor standard of contracting and the use of underrated wiring,

(b) mechanical damage to cable causing short circuiting or earthing or similar damage caused by other sources of heat similarly affecting cable insulation.

(c) insufficient or inadequate safety devices (fuses, earth links, etc.).

It can also be caused by electrical faults (or sparking), (d) when contacts open or close, as in switches, (e) bad contacts, such as light bulb sockets, cable junctions, (f) arcing caused by defective wiring, earthing to metal fittings, remembering that whether single or three phase supply is used, the voltage can be 240V or 4 I 7V.

It is therefore necessary to specify:

(1) wiring, and its associated physical and electrical protection, that will not overheat in use, break down physically, or if coming in contact with heat, and therefore initiate danger conditions itself; and, (2) equipment that either:

(a) when sparking will produce sparking insufficient. in size, or time, to raise the temperature of surroundmg gases; or,

(b) when sparking and igniting such gases within itself, will contain the resultant explosion within its own structure and not spread it to the main atmosphere.

The former (2a) is known as "Intrinsically Safe" and the latter (2b) as "Flameproof". This description is not lightly given, and all such apparatus is Ministry approved and marked appropriately by the B.S.S. marks.

Minimum standards to comply with this requirement within the differing danger zones are:

Wiring:

Division J : Armoured cable, insulated cable in solid drawn (not rolled) conduit, or mineral insulated cable (M.J.C.), all terminations to British Standards.

Division 2: Insulated cable protected against mechanical damage.

Note: Where Division I conduit extends into Division 2, all terminations must be to Division I standards.

Equipment:

Division I : Certified flameproof Certified intrinsically safe.

Division 2 Approved non-sparking apparatus.

In safe areas normal industrial standards of wiring and equipment would prevail and in any case Division I equipment is acceptable in Division 2.

In _both. wirin_g and equipment Division 0 peculiar drfficult1es, but as this relates to submersible pumps installed in tanks, sealed induction motors with M.I.C. or conduit cabling would appear the answer.

Division 1 equipment is expensive to purchase and fit, but where such equipment is required there is no alternative to this standard. Care must be taken therefore in that it is not demanded beyond limits reasonably reqmred or preferably wherever possible that fixtures are kept out of the risk area. For a normal installation it should be possible to limit Division 1 equipment to the pump and its associated fittings and the lead in cables from control switches sited in a safe area.

This analysis of the current recommended electrical standards becomes somewhat academic when present industrial standards are considered. The growth of the use of M.J.C. cable, _multicore, physically strong, flameproof, electrically safe neat tidy and unobtrusive m use has practically usurped other cables. The judicious siting of control gear referred to above can limit requirements of flameproof equipment to what in practice often becomes a simple combination of this cable its associated fittings and the pump, as the only electrical equipment in the danger areas.

On the ordinary retail distribution site certified flameproof equipment is all that will be met with. Certified intrinsically safe equipment is largely limited to signalling and equipment, and may ore appear m the ancillary equipment of self service Approved non-sparking apparatus is limited to certam types of motors and switchgear and is not yet subject to general specification.

The presentation of this paper in its attempt to has probably brought forward facts that may temporarily complicate matters in the minds of those not too familiar with electrical terms. The books listed below should be in the library of every Petroleum Officer, and a reading will, it is hoped, help to put this subject in its right perspective.

The meeting terminated with a simple practical demonstration of fundamental differences between similar electrical fittings classed as good industrial equipment and to flameproof standards. To the reader B.S. 229: 1957 is recommended, this will clearly indicate what is a flameproof standard and help to prevent an acceptance, particularly of mineral insulated cable, of flameproof equipment used on non flameproof fittings.

Bibliography

All statements of fact relating to safety area, electrical fittmgs, etc., used here and in the Home Office Codes originate in British Standards Publications These books specify in considerable detail many of terms commonly used and contain in B.S.S. 229 : 1957 some excellent illustrations.

addition the Regulations of the Institute of Electrical Engmeers on electrical wiring is worthy of consideration, as. are a!so some of the excellent trade publications on mmeral msulated cable.

B.S.S. 229 : 1957: Flameproof enclosures of electrical equipment (10/-).

B.S: 12_59 : 1958 : Intrinsically safe electrical apparatus and circuits (4/-).

B.S. 4137 : Guide to electrical equipment for Division 2 areas.

.. 1003: Part : 1964: Choice of flameproof and mtrms1cally safe equipment (10/-).

1003 : Part 3 : 1967 : Electrical apparatus in D1v1s10n 2 areas (5/-).

Published with current amendments by the British Standards Institution.

Electrical Safety Code 1965, published by Institute of Petrol.

for the. Electrical Equipment of Buildings Ed1t10n) published by Institute of Electrical Engmeers.

A Proud Day Power Minister Opens Pipeline

Britain's first loJ?g distance commercial oil pipeline became fully operat10nal on Monday, 24th March, when the Minister of Power, the Hon. Roy Mason, M.P., pressed two buttons at the Kmgsbury Oil Terminal Complex and activated the flow of petroleum products already in the line between the Thames Estuary and the Mersey.

T. R. Grieve, C.B.E., M.C., who is Chairman of the United Kingdom Oil Pipelines Ltd., as well as ViceChairman and Managing Director of the Shell-Mex & B.P. the Minister-"This is a proud day for us and 1t is with great pleasure that I pay tribute to those who made it possible for Mobil, Texaco/Regent Shell-Mex & B.P. Ltd., to bnng this enterprise to a satisfactory conclusion".

He acknowledged the assistance given by Government notably the Ministry of Power, whose understandmg of the many complexities inherent in such a venture and their technical support were of immense help. The encouragement and advice of many local authorities had also been of vital importance. In particular, Mr. Grieve mentioned Warwickshire County Council, Atherstone Rural District Council and Hertfordshire County Council who gave full support to solve the many practical problems which arose.

In all there had been five principal pipeline contractors, all of whom worked with the project team, responsible to the Board of the United Kingdom Oil Pipeline Ltd., for carrying out the work. He thanked them for a job well done.

Mr. Grieve concluded: "Bold and imaginative methods to increase efficiency are essential to combat the everincreasing cost of services and the pressures of competition. The record of price stability in the oil industry is second to none and without their enterprise and purposeful endeavour it would have been impossible for the industry to maintain this record. It is our belief that this pipeline will be a real service to the national economy for a great many years to come".

The Minister of Power thanked Mr. Grieve for inviting him to declare the pipeline open and also for the kind references to his Department.

"I would equally wish to compliment U.K.O.P. Ltd., which represents Mobil, Petrofina, Texaco/Regent and Shell-Mex & B.P. Ltd., on their achievements in constructing this line", he added.

"It is the longest commercial pipeline so far authorised under the 1962 Pipeline Act and at the touch of a button nearly four million tons per annum of oil products had been set in motion. This annual throughput represented 10 per cent of the total white oils consumed in the United Kingdom".

"I understand that capacity can be doubled about eight million tons a year when demand so requires. At that stage the value of the annual throughput would be about £80 million before tax", said Mr. Mason.

The total cost of the project was considerable the line itself it was £8.5 million with another £7.5 m1lhon for the terminal costs, making an overall cost 16 milli?n. The companies who came together to bmld the Ime deserved congratulations for pushing it through at a time when capital was not easily available was, of c.:ourse, very expensive. It was far-sighted dec1s10ns of sort which would bring basic changes to. our economic ture. Only by modernising will tlus country regam its industrial initiative.

"I think the effectiveness of the whole operation and the care with which the land was made good after the pipe layers had passed by can be demonstrated by the fact that crops are now growing again over that land". continued Mr. Mason. He concluded: "'The companies concerned are to be congratulated on taking an enlightened and longsighted decision to develop the line which l have the pleasure to open today. Our economy will surely benefit if more decisions of this kind are taken to invest in progress".

Annual General Meeting

Held at the Manor House, Doncaster, Thursday, 24th April, 1969

The Chairman, Mr. C. T. Peacock, welcomed delegates and introduced His Worshipful the Mayor of Doncaster, W. H. Kelly, Esq. His Worship welcomed delegates and expressed his pleasure that Doncaster had been chosen for the Annual General Meeting. He appreciated the wo.rk the Association was doing and wished it continued success.

The Chairman thanked His Worship for finding time to open the proceedings and for his encouraging The business portion of the Agenda was then considered.

Present

66 Petroleum Officers; 11 Associate Members and one Visitor.

Apologies

A large number of apologies were recorded.

Minutes of previous meeting

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 remarks, Mr. Peacock referred to the Hof'.le Office Model Code to the work carried out by the Chairmen and of the different Committees of the Association. He said it was hoped to have the tion's revised Code, Conditions and Recommendations printed soon and distribution would be made to all members. He particularly thanked Mr. J. A. Sharp for the W?rk he had done in his capacity as the Association's Electrical Adviser. Mr. Peacock also mentioned the liaison that the Association now had with the Institute of Petroleum, and commented that this should be of considerable value.

Concerning Courses of Instruction, he mentioned that in 1970 there were to be three Schools, one in the Northern area; one in the Southern area and one to continue at Attingham Park. Concluding, he thanked all officers, particularly Mr. L. A. Cave, Hon. Secretary, local authorities and members, who had contributed so much to the advancement of the Association.

Hon. Secretary/Treasurer's Report

These reports had been circulated and were accepted and approved.

Election of Chairman

Only one nomination being received, Mr. B. W. C. Thacker, Teesside C.B.C., was duly elected. Mr. Thacker, in taking the chair, thanked members for his election and on behalf of the Association thanked Mr. Peacock for his services during the past year.

Election of Vice-Chairman

Only one nomination being received, Mr. R. E. J. Roden, Birmingham City, was duly elected.

Election of Officers

Hon. Secretary/Treasurer Hon. Editor

Mr. L. A. Cave

Mr. R. P. Holdaway

Hon. Liaison Officer and Auditor Mr. G. N. Dean

The Hon. Legal Adviser, Mr. P. D. Wadsworth, Town Clerk, Dudley C.B.C., and the Hon. Electrical Adviser, Mr. J. A. Sharp, Midlands Electricity Board, were thanked for their services and re-elected to office.

Election of Council

The following persons having been nominated, were elected to the Council: Messrs. E. V. Beeby, J. Beer, H. Griffiths, D. Hall, J. W. Hewison, K. C. Hughes, T. Kerr, and R. E. J. Roden. All the foregoing and the following Branch Representatives form the Council of Association: Messrs. J. Birks (East Midland), J. W. Fnd (Anglian), G. H. Harvey (West Midland), W. Hetherington (South East Midland), B. Hodgson (Cumbria), R. Huntington (Wessex and South Wales), H. R. Mellor (North Western), C. T. Peacock (Yorkshire), C.R. Peskett (South Eastern), J. Short (Scottish) and B. W. C. Thacker (Teesside ).

Notice of Motion

The Notice of Motion amending the Constitution and Rules submitted in the name of the Council by Mr. D. Hall was withdrawn, this withdrawal was proposed by Mr. '.!all and seconded by Mr. Harvey and permission was g!ven for the withdrawal by the A.G.M. Mr. Hall explamed there was a possible legal difficulty in the definition of Ordinary Member and that this question would have to be looked at again by his Committee.

Any other business

The Chairman referred to the attendance at the meeting of Mr. E. T. Crowe, lately of Mansfield M.B., a life member of the Association.

Mr. Hall referred to the work done for the Association by the late Mr. R. L. Bloor and moved that the appreciation be recorded. Agreed.

Mr. Kerr moved, Mr. Matthews seconded, that consideration of the expenses of the Hon. Secretary and Editor be referred to the Council. Agreed.

lt was moved by Mr. Holdaway and seconded by Mr. Roden that Mr. K. Sherwood, Senior Equipment Engineer, Esso Petroleum Co. Ltd., be made an Honorary Member of the Association for his many services, particularly in connection with the lectures he has given at Attingham School. Agreed.

The meeting re-assembled after lunch with the Chairman introducing Mr. R. B. Robertson, Fire Service Design Engineer, Heavy Organic Che!Ilical Division, I.C.I. Ltd., and invited him to present his paper on Part II of the Home Office Model Code. An interesting talk enlightened by projector slides then followed and Mr. Robertson had a ready answer to all the questions put to him.

A vote of thanks to Mr. Robertson was ably proposed by Mr. Hall.

The meeting then partook of a buffet tea kindly provided by the courtesy of the Doncaster Watch Committee.

The thanks of members for the hospitality given by His Worship the Mayor, the Doncaster Corporation and Mr. J. H. Wood, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Doncaster, for his kind assistance prior to and during the meeting were acclaimed unanimously.

Council at Birmingham

Report

from a Special Meeting held on 26th March, 1969

Present

Messrs. C. T. Peacock (Chairman), E. V. Beeby, J. Beer, J. Birks, L. A. Cave (Secretary), G. N. Dean, J. W. Frid, D. Hall, G. H. Harvey, B. Hodgson, R. P. Holdaway (Editor), K. C. Hughes, T. Kerr, H. R. Mellor, C. R. Peskett, R. E. J. Roden, J. Short, R. E. Dust (representing the South Eastern Midland Branch) and J. A. Sharp (Electrical Adviser).

Apologies

Received from Messrs. H. Griffiths, R. Huntington, J. W. Hewison and B. W. C. Thacker.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Hodgson, Hon. Secretary and Representative of the newly formed Cumbria Branch.

He then explained that the Special Meeting had been called with the object of considering reports of the Education and Publications Committee and the Technical Committee.

REPORTS OF COMMITTEES

Education and Publications

Mr. Peacock, in presenting this report, stated that at its last meeting the Committee had finalised preparations for the two schools to be held at Attingham in 1969. The available places at the May School had been filled and there were only ten places to be taken up at the October School. Mr. Mellor had been appointed Administrative Officer for both schools.

Mr. Hetherington of Witney U.D.C. had attended the meeting and in detail discussed the preparation of a cumulative index for The Bulletin; this offer to prepare such an index had been accepted with thanks.

The Chairman reported that in accordance with the instructions of the Committee, he had convened a meeting of representatives from the North regarding the holding of a School in that area in 1970. He added that although Attingham had been booked for 1970, it was also proposed to hold further Schools in the Northern and Southern regions. Mr. Peskett informed the meeting that the Southern area had booked a course for 1970 and preparations were proceeding smoothly.

Resolved: That this report be adopted and that the Association guarantee would extend to all three schools to be held in 1970.

Technical

Mr. Peskett circulated the .of this relating to the amendment and revis10n of Association's Codes, Conditions and Recommendations.

Following the publication of the r_evised Home Of!ice Model Code in August, 1968, a meetmg of the Techmcal Committee was called when it was agreed that the mittee welcomed the Code and that it called for the and amendment of all the Association's Codes, Cond1t10ns and Recommendations. It was further agreed thi;i.t the Committee should accept the principles down m the Code and confine amendments and. to where there were options and alternat!ves, and m P.artlc?lar points requiring definition, explanat10n and clanficat1on.

Prior to the meeting of the Committee an had been received for representatives of the Association to meet periodically members of the Institute of Working Party 'A' and Greater London Counc1l to discuss mutual problems affecting petroleum leg1slat1on.

To deal with the task of amending and the Codes it was decided to split into .sub-committees, .allocating various Codes to each particular sub-committee.

Sub-Committee I-Messrs. Beer and Dean (a) Pre-licensing requirements (b) Licence Conditions

Sub-Committee 2-Messrs. Frid and Peskett

Special conditions for attended and unattended selfservice.

Sub-Committee 3-Messrs. Birks and Griffiths

Pre-licensing requirements and licence conditions for storage of cans, drums, etc.

Sub-Committee 4--Mr. Sharp-Association's Electrical Adviser

All details relating to electrical matters.

The Codes and Recommendations for underground car parks and basement, sub-basement and multi-storey car parks remain unchanged for the present.

Part II of the Model Code relating to distribution depots, etc., not to be dealt with at this time.

The Committee decided that prior to arriving at a final draft of those Codes, etc., to be amended full discussion and consideration should be given at all stages prior to consideration of the final drafts by the Association Council. Following this decision discussions have taken place with the Institute of Petroleum, the Greater London Council representatives, the Association's electrical adviser together with other persons and bodies.

Some sections of the Codes were cleared through this process early in December but there was some delay in obtaining drafts for the other sections but all the drafts are now presented as final drafts.

The meeting considered the reports of the sub-committees in detail, and minor amendments were accepted by the Chairman on behalf of the Committee and its Advisers.

Resolved: (i) That the amended Codes, etc., be adopted and that they be printed and circulated to members as soon as possible.

(ii) That the work undertaken and accomplished by the Committee, and particularly by Mr. Sharp on the Electrical requirements be acknowledged with sincere thanks.

ANY OTHER BUSINESS Election to Committees

Mr. Holdaway referred to the haphazard method by which members of Committees were appointed and proposed that a sub-committee of three, comprising the Chairman, Mr. Hall and the Hon. Secretary should submit a schedule of Committees to the first Council meeting to be held after the Annual General Meeting. Agreed.

Vote of thanks

.Mr. Beer proposed a vote of thanks to the Birmingham City Council for its hospitality and to Mr. Roden for the arrangements made. Agreed unanimously.

Report from a Meeting held on 2nd June, 1969

Present

B:W. C. Thacker, Esq. (Chairman), Messrs. E.V. Beeby, 1. Birks, L. A. Cave (Secretary), J. W. Frid, D. Hall, G. H. Harvey, W. Hetherington, J. W. Hewison, B. Hodgson, R. P. Holdaway (Editor), K. C. Hughes, H. R. Mellor, C. T. Peacock, C.R. Peskett, R. E. J. Roden and J. Short.

Apologies

Messrs. J. Beer, G. N. Dean, H. Griffiths, R. Hunting- ton and T. Kerr.

Minutes

The Minutes of the Council held on 8th January were confirmed and signed.

Matters Arising

Badge of Office: The Secretary had written to the College of Heralds and was to visit London in due course; a draft design for the badge was submitted. It was agreed that an ad hoe Committee comprising the Chairman, ViceChairman, Editor and Secretary be set up t!o consider and report back.

Committee Reports

(i) Finance and General Purposes:

The Committee was asked to meet as soon as possible and look at the Association's financial interests and assets.

(ii) Constitutions and Rules: No Meeting.

(iii) Education and Publications:

It was reported that preliminary arrangements had been made for Residential Schools in 1970 to be held at York University and at Surrey University in addition to Attingham Park.

The cumulative Index for the Bulletin prepared by Mr. Hetherington was in draft form and was to be considered by the Committee prior to publication. The Council authorised the Committee to consider the draft and gave power to act to avoid delay.

(iv) Reference and Legal:

No meeting had been held but two queries received would be passed to the new Committee to deal with.

(v) Technical Committee:

The Chairman reported on the present position with regard to the Association's revised Codes, etc. These were now at the printing stage and the Council discussed costs and distribution. It was proposed by Mr. Birks, seconded by_ Mr. Hall and carried that 2,000 copies of the Codes be pnnted by the Association. On the proposition of Mr. Hughes, seconded by Mr. Frid, it was further agreed that one copy of the Codes be sent free to each Member and Associate Member of the Association; further copies would be made available at 5/- per set.

The Secretary of the Scottish Branch had raised the position with regard to flame-traps on vent pipe ends; after some discussion the Council decided to add a note to pre-licensing requirements relating to this particular pomt requiring the provision of an approved flame trap.

The Ministry of Technology had forwarded to the Technical Committee copies of the second draft of B.A.S.E.E.F.A. Certification Standards for comment and this was currently under consideration.

Special Meeting

The Minutes of the special meeting of the Council held on 26th March at Birmingham were confirmed as amended and signed.

Matters Arising

(a) Schedule of Committees

It was decided to adjourn for lunch to enable the subcommittee to meet and bring forward proposals.

f.

On re-convening the meeting the Chairman of the ad hoe Committee, Mr. Hall, reported the selection of the following Committees:

Constitution and Rules: Messrs. Beeby, Beer, Hall, Hewison, Hughes, Short.

Education and Publications: Messrs. Birks, Frid, Griffiths, Hetherington, Hodgson, Mellor, Peacock.

Reference and Legal: Messrs. Birks, Frid, Griffiths Harvey, Huntington, Kerr, Peskett. '

Finance and General Purposes: The Chairman of the Association together with the Chairmen of the four Standing Committees.

The Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Immediate Past Chairman, Secretary/Treasurer, Editor and Liaison Officer of the Association to be ex-officio members of all Committees.

At this juncture the Council adjourned proceedings to allow Committees to elect Chairmen.

At the resumed session it was reported that the following had been elected Chairmen:

Constitution and Rules: Mr. D. Hall.

Education and Publications: Mr. C. T. Peacock

Reference and Legal: Mr. C. R. Peskett

The Chairman of the Association, Mr. B. W. C. of the Finance and General Purposes Committee m accordance with the Constitution.

Officers' Expenses

iyir. Cave and _Mr,. Holdaway retired from the meeting the Council discussed this matter. On the proposition of Mr. Roden, seconded by Mr. Frid, it was agreed that both the Secretary /Treasurer and Editor be paid the sum of £60 each.

Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet

Following discussion, it was agreed that, prior to the next A.G.M. of the Association, the Finance and General Purposes Committee would convene a meeting to discuss the Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet, draw up a full Agenda for the A.G.M. and provide the in-coming Chairman with an 'aide-memoire' on taking office to assist in the proper conduct of the business of that meeting.

Council Business:

To expedite Council business, Committee Chairmen were again asked to provide duplicated Reports of proceedings for reception and adoption by the Council. It was suggested that the next Council meeting be held in Birmingham at 11.30 a.m. to enable Committees to meet at 10 a.m. (or before); facilities would be provided by Mr. Roden.

Queries:

In future queries submitted to the Association together with the appropriate answer would be included in The Bulletin for the general information of all members.

Membership

The Secretary of the North Western Branch reported on difficulties and differences of opinion on the interpretation of Membership in the Association's Constitution and Model Branch Rules. A letter was read from the Secretary of the East Midland Branch _which had the following Resolution: "!hat tlus is of the opinion that Local Authority Membership should be retained as at present".

After some discussion both matters were referred to the Constitution and Rules Committee.

BRANCH REPORTS

Northern

A Meeting of the Branch was held at Durham County Fire Brigade Headquarters, Framwellgate Moor, Durham, on Wednesday, 4th September, 1968.

Present

Fifteen members were present as well as five visitors.

The Chairman, Mr. H. Johnson, opened the meeting by extending a welcome to new members.

Apologies

Apologies for absence were submitted from the Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority and the North Riding County Fire Brigade.

Minutes

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

Matters Arising from Previous Minutes

Further to the minutes of the last meeting regarding multiple discharge from road tank wagons, the Secretary reported that the Reference and Legal Committee of the Association had considered the question and the following was their reply:

"We agree that the simultaneous discharge from a road tank wagon into two underground petroleum tanks is not in conflict with the Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations, 1957, provided there is adequate supervision of the operation. Requirement 16(5) requires that some competent person, who is not the tank wagon driver-is in charge of the storage tank for the purpose

of delivery. It can therefore be argued that if the tanks are remote from each other there should be a competent person supervising each tank".

Home Office Code of Practice and Institute of Petroleum Model Code

The Chairman introduced Mr. T. C. Covill of Management Engineering Division, Esso Petroleum, who gave an explanatory lecture on the electrical clauses contained in the new model code. Mr. Covill in particular gave a clear indication of defining hazard areas and members felt that his technical interpretations were most welcome.

The Chairman closed the meeting by thanking members for their attendance and members then proceeded to visit a post-payment self-service filling station at Birtley, Co. Durham.

The members showed particular interest in this selfservice station and much appreciated the assistance given by the management and staff.

* * * *

A Meeting of the Branch was held at Stockton Fire Station, South Road, Norton, Teesside, on Tuesday, I Ith March, 1969.

Present

Twelve members were present, as well as one visitor.

The Chairman opened the meeting by extending a welcome to Mr. Hardy King of Northallerton U.D.C. and Mr. Scanlon of Easington R.D.C., who were attending for the first time.

Apologies

Apologies of absence were submitted on behalf of Newcastle and Gateshead Fire Brigade, Whitby U.D.C., Whitley Bay M.B.C. and Richmond R.D.C.

Minutes

The Minutes of the meeting held 4th September, 1968, were accepted as a true record.

Matters Arising from Previous Minutes

The Secretary reported that Mr. T. C. Covill of Esso Petroleum who spoke at the last meeting on the electrical clauses contained in the new model code, had promised a precis of this talk which it was hoped could be included in the minutes. As yet this was not to hand.

Correspondence

A letter had been received from the Secretary of the Association regarding the residential courses for petroleum officers to be held at the Residential Adult College, Atting- ham Park. There were two courses planned this year, one from 19th to 21st May and the second from 6th to 8th October.

From 1970 it is planned to divide the country into northern and southern sections, each to run its own residential school. The venue of the northern school has yet to be decided.

Model Code

The Technical Committee has had under consideration the effect of the new Model Code on the Association's Code. The Technical Committee has welcomed the Home Office Code and decided to revise and amend the Association's Codes, Conditions and Recommendations where necessary, but these should be confined to matters where were options and and in pomts requiring definition, explanat10n and clanficat10n.

The Council had instructed the Technical Committee to produce the amended code as soon as possible and suggested that this should be completed before the Annual General Meeting. These matters were reported in the January issue of The Bulletin.

Members agreed it would be advisable to await publication of the Association's Codes before amendment to their own conditions of licence and principles of construction.

It was agreed that the question of conditions of licence be put on the agenda of the first meeting follow!I?-g publicat10n of the Association's Model Codes, Cond1t10ns and Recommendations.

New Conveyance Regulations

It was considered that these were not generally being applied, but in any case it was felt that these fell short of the basic desired requirements, for example no consideration given to the routing of tankers through towns, and freight containers appeared to be exempted from the labelling requirements imposed on containers. The Chairman felt that each vehicle carrying a hazardous load should be clearly marked so that the contents were readily identifia?le thus enabling the emergency services to take appropriate action in the case of an accident.

It was also suggested that regulations should be on the subject of responsibility for labelling and 1t was agreed that this responsibility should be placed firmly on the consignor.

Members agreed that the inadequacies of the new regulations should be brought up at the next meeting of the Council of the Association.

New Branch

The Secretary reported on the formation of the Cumbria Branch of the Association which had recently held its inaugural meeting. This had resulted in the loss of five members from this branch and it was hoped that members try to interest neighbouring authorities in the activities of the Association with a view to membership of the branch.

Re-election of Chairman and Secretary

The Secretary pointed out that the present meeting had been postponed from February because of adverse weather conditions and that the meeting was following the previous agenda. He felt that as it was now nearer the start of a new financial year, there should be included on this agenda election of officers. The meeting agreed to this suggestion.

Proposed by Captain Eastaugh, seconded by Mr. Lown, that the present officers continue in office for another year.

There being no other nominations, the present officials were elected, i.e.

Chairman: H. Johnson, Teesside CBC.

Hon. Secretary and Branch Representative: B. W. C. Thacker, Teesside C.B.C.

Any other business

(i) Mr. Lown reported on instances he had discovered recently when vending had been in.stalled on petrol station forecourts without approval. This problem had been encountered by other members and it was felt that periodic letters to reJ?Unding them of the requirements of thetr cond1t10ns of licence would prove useful.

(ii) Because of the modern towards low canopies on forecourts, there was mcreasmg use of offset fill pipes and with this came the danger of spillage when filling if the dip cover had been left off. Mr. Lown how members had approached this problem in their own areas. In his own authority, Sunderland, the contents of tanks in such cases were measured by pressure guages instead of dipping from the top of the tank. The gauges were sited adjacent to the fill points and numbered as the tanks. Problems arose over the accuracy of such gauges and the fact that readings would vary with the differing specific gravities of liquids. The Model Code specified that there should be no connection on the top of a tank for dipping the tank and that some other means should be found of measuring the contents, although no suggestions are made in the Code.

Members could suggest no other solutions to the problems and generally treated each case on its own merit.

(iii) Concern was expressed over storage of L.P.G. cylinders on open sites to which children had ready access. Because of the wheel type valves on the cylinders it was easy for children to turn on the cylinders and intances had been known where children had ignited the gas and used it to set fire to site huts, etc. Members deplored the fact that this substance was not covered by legislation and it was agreed that the matter be passed to the Council of the Association with a view to approaching the Home Office regarding its coverage by legislation.

(iv) A member asked if it was possible for the Association to publish a list of petroleum officers !he country. The Secretary pointed out that the had published a full list of its member authonti.es and the designation of the petroleum .officer, but the difficulty of maintaining an up to date register of names would be too great to be worth while.

Cumbria

A meeting of the Branch. was held at Carlisle Fire Brigade Headquarters, Carhsle, on Wednesday, 19th March, 1969.

Present

Eleven members were present and were welcomed by the Chairman, Mr. F. J. Lorrigan.

Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Cockermouth R.D.C., Ennerdale R.D.C. and Lakes R.D.C.

Minutes

It was proposed by Mr. W. J. Patten and seconded by Mr. T. E. Thwaite that the minutes be accepted. This was agreed.

Matters Arising from Previous Minutes

The Secretary reported that the Branch were required to elect a branch representative to the Association Council.

It was proposed by Mr. J. Sewell and seconded by Mr. W. F. Barnes that the branch representative be the serving Branch Secretary. This was agreed.

The Secretary reported on the Northern Regional Education Committee Minutes. The branch were requested to elect a branch representative to serve on the subcommittee, and the Chairman and Secretary should serve on the full committee.

It was proposed by the Chairman and seconded by Mr. Sewell that the Secretary be elected as branch representative to serve on the sub-committee. This was agreed.

The Chairman requested that items (a) and (c) be deferred until a later time.

(a) Petroleum spirit tank testing. (c) Discontinued tanks. This was agreed.

Electrical Equipment

Mr. Patten gave a very enlightening talk on this subject which was well received by members. He then answered questions. It was suggested by Mr. Thwaite that if possible Mr. Patten's notes should be printed and circulated to members to study at their leisure.

The afternoon meeting was taken up with a film shown by kind permission of Pump Maintenance. Mr. Lindop, Pump Maintenance District Manager, and Mr. McMillan invited questions on this film and other aspects of Petroleum Regulations.

The Chairman thanked Messrs. Lindop and McMillan and then formally closed the meeting.

Scottish

The Annual General Meeting of the Scottish Branch was held at Glasgow Airport, on Tuesday, l 5th April, 1969.

Visit

The forenoon was occupied by a conducted tour of the Airport, including the Tank Farm and Fire Service Headquarters.

Present

The Chairman, Mr. T. Cairns, welcomed the 35 members present. Before proceeding with the business he referred to the death of Divisional Officer A. P. Andrews a member of the Branch Executive, and invited the meeting to stand in tribute to his memory.

Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Mr. L. A. Cave and ten branch members.

Minutes

The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Ardrossan on 9th April, 1968, as printed in The Bulletin dated July, 1968, were approved.

Secretary and Treasurer's Report

The report of the Secretary and Treasurer, copies of which had been previously circulated, was approved.

Report by Branch Representative

The Branch Representative reported that ded all meetings of the Council of the Assoc1at1.on smce his appointment last April and stated that Mmutes of proceedings at Council Meetings held dunng 1968 had been fully reported in The Bulletin.

A detailed account was given of proceedings at the Council Meeting held on 8th January, 1969, and the Special Meeting of the Council held ol'l: 2?th ,March, 19?9. Special reference was made to the s Code had been presented in draft by the Techrucal Committee of the Council for consideration at the Special Meeting held in March. A few items were taken back for further consideration, and a final draft will be placed before the Council for approval in due course.

The Code is a comprehensive document divided six separate sections and will be most useful to authorities in the revision of pre-licensing and licensing requirements. It is likely to be circulated to member authorities about mid-summer.

Residential Schools

The Secretary reported on the up to date position regard to Residential Schools sponsored by the Association for the year 1970. In view of the demand for places at Attingham Park, it had been decided to provide two Schools and divide the country into two areas, one area comprising the Branches in the Northern half of the country and the other the Branches in the South, each area to be responsible for organising and conducting one of the Schools.

A Meeting of Branch Chairmen and Branch Secretaries of Northern Branches had been convened by direction of the Council at Leeds on 5th March, 1969, at which the Branch was represented by the Vice-Chairman, Mr. Forbes. At the meeting the West Midland Branch representatives stated their intention to continue the School at Attingham Park and that their Branch could support this School from within its own membership. A Committee comprising one representative from the other Branches with C. T. Peacock as Chairman and B. W. C. Thacker as Secretary was formed to investigate possible venues and arrange a Northern Area School.

The Council at their Special Meeting on 26th March, 1969, subsequently endorsed the decision that the West Midland Branch should be allowed to continue to provide its own School at Attingham Park, thus providing three Residential Schools during 1970.

After hearing the report, some discussion ensued during which it was suggested that the Scottish Branch might consider running its own School but, after the Secretary explained that the School would have a limited life due to the small number of petroleum officers in Scotland, and the fact that each was only likely to attend once, the matter was not pursued.

Election of Officers

The following Officers were elected: Chairman: I. G. Forbes, Clackmannan C.C. Vice-Chairman: R. Donnelly, Kilmarnock Burgh. Honorary Secretary and Treasurer: J. Short, Paisley Burgh, also Branch Representative. The following Committee Members were elected: W. Anderson, Port Glasgow Burgh. G. Arneil, Mid and East Lothian C.C. J. J. McKellar, Perth City. K. McLeod, Dunbarton C.C. R. McGill, Clydebank Burgh was elected Honorary Auditor.

Place of Next Meeting

After some discussion, during which various ideas for the next meeting were discussed, authority was given to the Branc? Committee to fix the date and place of the next meetmg.

Vote of thanks

The Meeting concluded with Mr. McKellar proposing vote of thanks to all those responsible for the organisation and of. the Meeting, in particular Mr. Redpath, Admm1strative Officer, Glasgow Airport, the Shell and B.P: Scotland Ltd., Glasgow Airport, the Firemaster of the Airport Fire Brigade the Chairman and Secretary. '

South East Midland

The Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held at the Council Offi?es, Witney R.D.C., Oxfordshire, on Tuesday, 22nd Apnl, Twenty-nine members were present, and two apologies were received.

Just be.fore lune? the meeting was welcomed by Coun. H. R. Kitto, Chairman of the Council and later entertained to drinks at the Marlborough

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held at Huntingdon on Wednesday, 2nd October, 1968, were confirmed.

Arising from Minutes

The Secretary explained that as instructed he had written to the Executive Council and asked them to give consideration to the matters under No. 5 of the minutes dealing with the Home Office Model Code. The Council replied

that the matters had been given consideration when drawing up the Association's recommended code of requirements and licence conditions, which would be published before the middle of the year.

Correspondence

The Secretary read a letter he had received from the Secretary of the South Eastern District saying that he was proposing to arrange a School of Instruction at the University of Surrey in Guildford during the Easter vacation of 1970. The School would be in addition to two Schools which were being arranged by the Northern and Midland Regions. He asked whether the South East Midland Branch would be prepared to go in with the organisation of the School, and he had written similar letters to the secretaries of the Anglian, Wessex and South Wales districts.

It was resolved:

(a) That the Branch fully support the principle of holding regional schools.

(b) That since two schools were planned for 1970, to hold another in Southern England might be too much. If it was possible for the Guildford School to be delayed until 1971 the Branch would be delighted to help in every respect. If, however, the South Eastern Branch were committed to hold the School in 1970 no help, other than publicity for possible students, could be expected.

The Secretary also read a letter he had received from the Chief Public Health Inspector of Leighton-Linslade U.D.C. asking for advice regarding the installation of a centralised fuel storage and distribution scheme to serve an estate of some fifty dwellings. Some members felt that the position was covered by the Pipelines Act, 1962, and the Secretary was instructed to investigate the position and reply accordingly. ·

Election of Officers

The following officers were elected:

Chairman: W. Hetherington, Witney U.D.C.

Secretary: R. E. Dust, Oxford City.

Treasurer: R. Hill, Oxford City.

Branch Representative: W. Hetherington, Witney U.D.C.

Auditor: R. Morden, Chief Fire Prevention Officer, Oxfordshire Fire Brigade.

Committee: Chairman, Immediate Past Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer.

Date, place and business of next Meeting

It was resolved that the next meeting should be held at Amersham R.D.C. in October and the Secretary was instructed to liaise with Mr. Caudrey regarding the date and business. The business to be a discussion of the Home Office Model Code.

Report of the Delegate to Executive Council

The Secretary reported that since no official delegate had appoin!ed. he himself had attended a Council held at Btrmmgham on 26th March, and Mr. Hill, of his department, had gone to one in the same city on 8th January.

Mr. Hill_ reported .that most of his meeting had been taken up with the settmg up of sub-committees to consider Home Model Code to report back to the Council a! its next He also reported that the Council had given consideration to the defiinition of an 'ordinary member' and that the new definition would be submitted to the next Annual Meeting of the Association. The Sec:r:tary was mstructed to await the outcome of the decISion at the An?ual General Meeting and if necessary ask the committee to look into the question of amendment of the Branch Rules regarding membership.

Th.e Secretary that his meeting had been taken up lengthy d1s?uss10ns c;ifthe recommendations of the vanous sub-committees wluch had been considering the Home Office Code. A draft of the Association's Model Code had now been agreed and would be circulated to members before the middle of the year.

The report was adopted.

Secretary's Report

The Secretary's report was adopted which showed a total of 47 full members, 9 branch members and one associate member.

Treasurer's Report

The Secretary reported that no Treasurer had yet been appointed but the division of the funds, as a result of the breakaway of the East Anglian Branch, left the sum of £13 I 6s. 5d. deposited in the bank. The report was adopted.

Discussion on incidents

Both Mr. Chester of Eaton R.D.C. and Mr. Sirey of Slough Borough, gave information of incidents where pumps with latched nozzles of the O.P. W. type had failed to shear when cars had driven off with the nozzle still in the fill pipe. The safety piece of the nozzle did not deta.ch ai:id the pumps were pulled over, breaking the suct10n l!nes and electrical connections. A fire had m one case. It was resolved that members should consider very carefully whether nozzles of this type should be allowed to be fitted.

Mr. also a fire which had resulted fro"!11 an 1gmt10n of ".a pour issuing from the tank vent pipe whilst a tank was bemg filled from a tanker. An employee walke.d the vent pipe, which was 12ft. high, smokmg a c:1garette and was slightly burnt about the face. The vent pipe outlet was fitted with the usual cap and gauze which deflected the vapour downwards.

The licensee had been asked:

(a) to raise the vent pipe.

(b) to fit no cap or gauze to the outlet of the vent so that it vented vertically upwards and the vapour was more quickly dispersed.

He was seriously considering making it a condition that all vent pipes in his area be vented upwards without the restriction of a gauze. Admission of rain water had been considered but was thought to be negligible. It was generally accepted that even with no gauze a fire would not travel down the pipe farther than from 10 to 18 times the diameter of the pipe.

Paper

Mr. Hetherington of Witney U.D.C. presented a paper on Electrical Standards and Safety Areas in the Storage of Petrol. Questioned about the term "approved nonsparking equipment" Mr. Hetherington said it was difficult to know what the Home Office meant by the term. (Reported on page 55).

Votes of thanks

Mr. Hill proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Hetherington for his interesting and highly instructive paper, and the Chairman thanked Witney U.D.C. for their very generous hospitality. Both were carried with acclamation.

East Midland

The Annual General Meeting of the Branch was held at the Council House, Derby, on Monday, 12th May, 1969.

Present

The Chairman, Mr. G. C. Cartwright, and 35 members. Twelve apologies were received. There were 8 visitors, including Mr. R. P. Holdaway, Editor, The Bulletin, and Mr. R. G. Fenner of the Petroleum Industry Training Board (Midlands Region).

Official Welcome

The Meeting was opened in the morning by The Worshipful the Mayor of Derby, Alderman Mrs. Edith Wood, who referred to the importance of the new Codes relating to the distribution of petrol and said that in this age where petrol was extensively used it was absolutely essential that such a dangerous substance was safely kept. After giving a brief history of the City's treasures and inviting members to view them in the Mayor's Parlour, the Mayor concluded by extending a wholehearted welcome to members on behalf of Derby Corporation. The Chairman, in expressing the thanks of the Branch, reminded the Mayor that since one of the first Pioneering Groups of petroleum officers was formed at Derby several years ago, members were always pleased to return and be guests of an authority which had a special place in the history of the Association.

Minutes

The Minutes of the Ordinary General Meeting held at Mansfield on the 14th November, 1968, were confirmed.

Membership

There were 20 applications for membership and one for associate membership which were submitted and approved.

Report of Secretary/Treasurer

The Secretary presented his Annual Report and Balance

Sheet. Members were informed that as a result of the circular letter sent to 57 non-member local authorities, 11 such local authorities had become members of the Association and as a result there had been a substantial increase in Branch membership which had more than doubled since the formation of the Branch two and a half years ago. There were now 60 Local Authority Members and one Officer Member of the Branch, providing 94 Ordinary Members; in addition there were 11 Associate Members.

The Balance Sheet indicated a satisfactory financial position. The Report was approved.

Report of Branch Representative

The Branch Representative gave his report on the proceedings of the Council. He referred to the Petroleum Scho<?ls and _h?ped that members who had previous difficulty m obtainmg a place at Attingham Park had been able to secure a place following the notice circulated to members of the vacancies at the two schools scheduled at Attingham Park for 1969. Interest was shown in the possibility of a Petroleum School being held in the Northern Area and members were informed that a Northern Region Education Committee had been formed which was considering possible venues.

Concern :-vas. shown by some members regarding the date ofpubhcat1on of the Association's Codes. Mr. W. H. Matthews of said . that although his authority to am.end its own l!censing conditions as soon as possible, he w1Shed to remam loyal to the Association and wait for the Association's Codes but he was anxious about the date of publication.

On these matters the Branch was fortunate to have a first-han_d report. from Mr. Holdaway, the Editor of The Bulletin. He mformed members of the policy and progress made by the Technical Committee. He said a great am<;mnt of effort had gone into the product10n of Revised Codes over a period of six months and members that the publication was well worth wa1tmg for. It had been decided to have the Codes printed and Mr. Holdaway said that this inevitably had caused some delay, but the Codes should be ready in about one month's time. As regards the programme for Petroleum Schools, Mr. Holdaway informed the Meeting three venues were scheduled for 1970, namely at Att1!1gham Park,, the Northern Region and the Region. He said that Attingham Park maintained its and must be kept as a Petroleum School, but m future 1t would be organised by and mainly patronised by members of the West Midland Branch. The Southern Region was organising its Petroleum School at Guildford and the Northern Region had yet to decide on a suitable venue .. Mr. Holdaway concluded by saying that such schools m order to be successful should be kept intimate by limiting the number to about 60 members.

Election of Officers and Committee

The following were elected:

Chairman: J. Bantoft, Derby C.B.C.

Vice-Chairman: B. S. Pike, Market Harborough U.D.C.

Hon. Secretary/Treasurer: J. Birks, Chesterfield M.B.C.

Committee:

R. E. Clarke, Leicester City Fire Service.

C. M. Hutchinson, Kenning Fuel Supplies.

D. T. Jones, Beeston and Stapleford U.D.C. W. H. Matthews, Derby C.B.C.

Hon. Auditor: W. H. Matthews, Derby C.B.C.

Branch Representative: J. Birks, Chesterfield M.B.C.

Installation of Chairman

Mr. J. Bantoft was installed as the new Branch. Chairman by the retiring Chairman, Mr. G. C. Cartwnght.

Date and Place of Next Meeting

The Branch was invited to hold its next meeting at Nottingham by Mr. Cartwright at a date to be arranged. The invitation was accepted.

Any Other Business

The Branch Representative reported the facts and correspondence regarding the revision of the definition of "Ordinary Member" as suggested in the Notice of Motion submitted to the Annual General Meeting of the Association held at Doncaster on the 24th April, 1969, and which was referred back. Mr. Holdaway had earlier explained to members why the founder members of the Association had decided that local authorities should be members of the Association having a nominated representative and went on to state the constitutional difficulties the Council was meeting with its wish to appoint Fellows and other officers. He suggested that although the real question was whether the Association should become a professional body or remain as it is, the advice given by the Legal Adviser must be accepted. After some discussion it was proposed by Mr. Matthews and seconded by Mr. S. M. Carruthers of Belper R.D.C. that the following resolution be submitted to the Council: "That this Branch is of the opinion that Local Authority Membership should be retained as at present". The resolution was agreed.

Mr. J. Staddon, Esso Petroleum Co. Ltd., expressed his concern over the interpretation of the new Model Codes by certain authorities _who "Yere insist.ing that all petrol stations should be provided with petrol and acres of concrete. He asked for more considerat10n and prior notice to the trade, and said that his complaint only existing sites he thought that the strict application of the condit10ns of the new Model Codes should only be applied where necessary. Mr. Matthews said that although local authorities were autonomous regarding licensing conditions he regretted that the trade was not given prior notification in such cases. He said that in Derby discussions were always made with the trade on such matters before submitting recommendations to his committee and in certain circumstances it was always possible to deviate a little from certain licensing conditions. He thought that petrol interceptors were not always necessary and each case had to be judged on its merits.

The business meeting was then concluded and members adjourned for lunch.

Address

At the afternoon session, the Chairman introduced Mr. C. S. McDonald, M.A. (Oxon.), Solicitor, Assistant Town Clerk (Legal), Solihull County Borough, who gave a most interesting talk on "Petroleum Law". Members were extremely fascinated by Mr. McDonald's interpretation of petroleum law and particularly by his references to the meaning of "keeping" and "using" with respect to petrol sold from a road tanker, cellulose used in spraying booths, petrol used at racing circuits, and petrol kept in the tanks of cars in car-parks and motor showrooms.

In opening the discussion, Mr. Matthews asked about the problems sometimes encountered when a transfer of licence is requested and expressed some concern regarding Mr. McDonald's criticism of the Petroleum Acts being enforced by "different classes" of officers. Mr. McDonald replied that a local authority could not refuse to transfer a licence if the same licence conditions were maintained, but since the Petroleum (Transfer of Licences) Act, 1936, says that a local authority "may" transfer a licence then it seemed that a local authority could refuse to do so if some recommended alteration was not fulfilled. He said that as regards enforcement it was vital to have a qualified officer but he was not suggesting that one particular class of officer should be employed. He felt that it was wrong in local government to have different officers reporting to different committees regarding general licensing rather than to special committee fitting efficiently into the Council structure and coordinating such work.

Mr. C. W. Howkins of Grantham said that in his area empty underground tanks which had been temporarily put out of use many years ago by filling with water were now an obvious danger. He wished to know what was meant by "temporary" and what action he could take to remove the danger. Mr. McDonald replied that "temporary" was a question of fact, 3:nd although the answer might be to prosecute he felt 1t better that the local authority should remove the tanks themselves rather than go to law.

Mr. Cartwright presented a unique licensing problem relating to a petrol installation in his area where the pumps drew petrol from underground tanks located in neighbouring ground which was not t.he of the licensee, and asked what the form of hcensmg should be. Mr. McDonald replied that to the layman there were two premises and accordingly there should be two licences. He pointed out that •'keeping" includes "dispensing" and it would seem that a licence relating to petrol passing through the pipelines and pumps would be required. Mr. B. S. Pike then wondered what quantity of petrol should be stated in the licence under such conditions. Mr. McDonald suggested that such a quantity could only be estimated and concluded by saying that an installation of this type was certainly most unusual.

Mr. E. Stainforth of Mansfield, referring to administration, said that in enforcing the Building Regulations in addition to the Petroleum Regulations he had no real difficulty in achieving the standards he requred. He thought that standards of enforcement varied between one local authority and another because different classes of officers acted as petroleum inspectors, and the time was coming when it must be decided as to what single class of

officer should administer the Petroleum Acts. Mr. McDonald appreciated these remarks and said that there would always be differences between local authorities for some could always administer more efficiently simply because they were better staffed than others in relation to their size. Mr. Bantoft, the Chairman, supported these remarks, saying that uniform administration in local government was difficult and the problem would always be with us to some extent.

Mr. R. J. Reeves of Shell-Mex & B.P. Ltd. wondered why the regulations relating to self-service petrol stations were more strict than on normal petrol stations and what were the reasons. Mr. McDonald said that in relying on the technical information of the Association there were special dangers on self-service stations and consequently there had to be some appropriate legislation, otherwise there would be insufficient control.

Mr. Howkins proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. McDonald for his most interesting and informative talk The meeting was then concluded and tea was taken by the kind invitation of the Mayor of Derby. A vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. Stainforth to Derby Corporation for the excellent facilities and hospitality received.

Wessex and South Wales

A meeting of the Branch was held at Stokefield House, Thornbury, on Wednesday, 14th May, 1969

Present

Mr. S. W. Harris, Gloucester R.D.C., in the Chair. Mr. D. Hall, Newcastle-under-Lyme, Council Member, and ?9 members. Mr. Harris welcomed delegates to the meetmg.

Apologies

A list of apologies from member representatives was taken as read.

Minutes

The Minutes of the Meeting of 5th December, 1968, were read by the Secretary, approved and signed.

Matters arising out of the Minutes

These were covered by Agenda Items.

Recommendations of the Executive Committee

Before the details were considered a discussion took place on the c:orrespondence between the Branch Secretary the National Secretary on the question of 'proxy' votmg.

was that this was a matter which should not be mcluded rn the _Constitution and Rules, but that it should be recorded m the Minutes that where more than one of a Local Authority attended a meeting only one should be allowed to vote, which vote to be used by the Deputy, or Senior Officer present. It was

further Resolved that the Secretary consider the advisability of advising members in future correspondence of this fact, and of the desirability of the Local Authority nominating a duly authorised officer and proxy for attendance at meetings.

(i) The Secretary's report was adopted; (ii) The Treasurer's report was received and noted; (iii) Branch Constitution and Rules;

The Meeting proceeded to consider the Branch Constitution and Rules, and it was Resolved the Draft prepared by the National Association be adopted with the following insertions and/or deletions.

Para. 1. Title:

That the title of the Branch be the Wessex and South Wales Branch, to cover the administrative counties previously agreed at the inaugural meeting, namely Devon, Dorset, Glamorgan, Gloucester, Hereford, Monmouth, Somerset and Wiltshire, and that the counties of Cornwall, Pembroke and Carmarthen be added.

Para. 4. Subscriptions:

That no Branch subscriptions be levied for the time being.

Para. 5 (a) Meetings:

That the Annual General Meeting be held in April of each year, the date in each year to be decided by the Chairman and Secretary, having regard to the date of the Easter period.

Para. 6. Officers and Committee:

(a) That Mr. R. Crowther, Chief Inspector of Weights and. Measures, Gloucester City, be appointed ViceChairman;

(b) That the Secretary endeavour to obtain the services of an officer from the Finance Department of the Thornbury Rural District Council to act as Honorary Auditor;

(c) That the following additional members be appointed to the Executive Committee of the Branch:

Mr. M. Clark, Building Inspector, City Engineer's Department, Cheltenham B.C.;

Mr. A. Rowlands, Chief Public Health Inspector, Llanelli R.D.C.;

Mr. W. Jones, Chief Fire Officer, Newport C.B.C.;

Mr. J. Storey, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures City of Bath; '

The resulting Committee will, therefore, comprise the officers of the Branch and eight members;

(e) Nominations to be in the hands of the Secretary hv I st March each year. ·

Para. 7

(h) The action of the Chairman and Secretary in opening an account with the National Provincial Bank, Thornbury, was approved.

The Meeting formally approved and adopted the resulting Branch Constitution and Rules, subject to confirmation by the Council of the Association.

Recommendations of the Branch: Future Dates and Venues:

It was further Resolved that the Secretary endeavour to arrange the next meeting for a full day meeting on October 20th, 1969, at Yeovil or Sherborne, with Branch business being kept to a minimum in the morning, followed by a guest Speaker on "Pre-Licensing Conditions'', and the afternoon to be covered by a further guest Speaker giving a paper on "Licence Conditions".

Correspondence

The Secretary gave a brief resume of correspondence which had taken place with members and the National Secretary, regarding Schools and Courses of Training.

A letter from Mr. C. R. Peskett, Chief Public Health 1nspector of Godalming, was read to the meeting and, after a full discussion on the relative merits of the need for more courses being held, the meeting Resolved that "Mr. Peskett be informed that this Branch promises to support the holding of a School at Guildford".

The Meeting then adjourned for lunch.

On its resumption Mr. Dennis Hall, of Newcastleunder-Lyme, ably assisted by Mr. Black of his Department, demonstrated various pieces of equipment used in the testing of petroleum, petroleum installations, associated explosives, etc., and outlined problems encountered by his Department.

Numerous questions were asked, and answered, and an extremely useful discussion took place.

It was generally agreed that the Meeting had been instructive and highly successful. Members gave a unanimous vote of thanks to Mr. Hall for his attendance and talk. Upon conclusion of the meeting light refreshments were served.

Treasurer's Report

The Treasurer, Mr. R. Sample, pointed out that many members seemed to think that a branch fee paid in respect of one authority covered all the representatives from that authority who attended the branch meetings. He pointed out that a branch fee was due from every member.

Report of the Representative on the General Council

The Branch Representative, Mr. C. T. Peacock, reported on the year's work and explained the difficulties encountered in preparing the Association's recommendations concerning the Home Office Code; as Branch Hon. Secretary he assured the members that a meeting would be called as soon as possible after receipt of the recommendations.

He also gave a report concerning the school and gave an outline of the present position. The members agreed that York would be a suitable venue.

It was moved by Mr. Gascoigne and seconded by Mr. Sample that the Chairman and Hon. Secretary of each adjoining branch be invited to attend Yorkshire Branch Meetincrs as reciprocal arrangements could lead to a profitable exchange of ideas. The motion was passed unanimously.

Election of Chairman and Vice-Chairman

The Chairman thanked the officers and members for their loyal support during his two years of offic.e and requested the Hon. Secretary to conduct the election of the next Chairman.

Yorkshire

Minutes of the Annual Meeting held at the Town Hall, Scarborough, on Wednesday, 2lst May, 1969.

The Meeting was attended by sixteen members as shown in the Attendance Register and was opened by the Chairman, Mr. S. Gascoigne. Six apologies were received.

Minutes of Last Meeting

The Minutes having been circulated before the Meeting, were taken as Mr. Skelton moved and Mr. seconded that they be signed as a true record. The mot10n was carried and signed.

Matters Arising out of the Minutes

The only matter raised concerned the s.chool. The Hon. Secretary replied that it would be dealt with fully at a later stage of the Meeting.

Chairman's Report

The Chairman, Mr. Gascoigne, apologised for not presenting a written report, an omission due to of other duties. He gave a verbal summary of the years work.

It was moved by Mr. Gascoigne and seconded Mr. Sample that the Vice-Chairman, Mr. F. be appointed Chairman and that Mr. L. Darwm be appointed Vice-Chairman. The mot10n was unanimously and Mr. Gledhill then took the He expressed the thanks of the meeting to Mr. Gascoigne for his work as Chairman during the last two years and for the efficient manner in which he had carried out his duties.

Election of Hon. Secretary and Treasurer

It was moved by Mr. Warren that the present officers, Messrs. Peacock and Sample, continue in their present posts. Mr. Garfitt seconded the motion and, in doing so, thanked both officers for the work they had done. The motion was carried.

Election of Committee Members

It was moved, seconded and carried unanimously that Messrs. Gascoigne, Murray and Paxton be appointed. Mr. J. H. Wood was elected Auditor.

Any Other Business

Mr. Paxton moved that a letter be sent to the Rural District Surveyors' Association giving information of the Association for Petroleum Acts Administration as many surveyors were not aware of its existence. The motion was seconded and duly passed.

It was also moved, seconded and passed that the Hon. Secretary request the attendance of the Press at future meetings.

Mr. Sample moved that enquiries be made concerning a badge of office for the Chairman. The motion was seconded and carried unanimously.

Afternoon Meeting

The afternoon session was devoted to a general discussion and an explanation of how various difficulties had been met.

Mr. Warren pointed out the difficulty of enforcing no smoking at unattended, coin-operated service stations.

Mr. Havercroft said that two note-accepter installations had experienced so much difficulty that the owners had ceased to operate them.

Mr. Gascoigne's authority would not accept latched nozzles on self-service stations.

Mr. Wood pointed out that when a licensed station closes it is doubtful whether the local authority can take any action in the period between the closing by the one licensee and the re-opening by his successor even though such a period extend over many months. Section 73 of the Public Health Act, 1961, makes the owner responsible but what could reasonably be required when the tanks still contained some petrol and the date of re-opening is unknown?

Mr. Gascoigne stated, in reply to a question, that his authority licensed car parks. In accordance with Home Office advice three gallons per car was taken as a basis and the licence was drawn up accordingly. It was essential to get agreement on requirements at planning stage.

He also mentioned the trouble caused by a tank which passed an ullage test but later failed a gas test. It was finally located by testing the slurry in a sewer into which it leaked. The sewer carried the smell for some distance so that several service stations and garages were suspect and all the tanks had passed an ullage test.

Mr. Sample mentioned the danger of plastic petrol tanks on vehicles. Mr. Gledhill pointed out that metal tanks are required by the regulations.

Mr. Gledhill cited two cases where cars had driven off and the latched nozzles, both of the same make, had failed to break. One type of nozzle became unusable very quickly if subjected to rough handling. There were six of each of two types of nozzle in use in his area on an experimental basis.

Mr. Wood stated that he had recently found an independent boiler for a domestic heating plant in a garage attached to a house.

Through the Pipeline

by OTTO

WHAT'S THE CONTENT ?

Man an inquiring mind. When presented with a glass of cider and a straw he will not only suck and see how good the cider is. Occasionally he will blow for no other reason than to find out what happens.

Some experimenters will be satisfied with watching the bubbles of air detaching themselves from the bottom of the straw and admiring the patterns they form as they float to the surface. Others will note that a very gentle blow does _no more than depress the liquid in the straw below that m the glass outside the straw.

They will further by increasing the of the1r blow until they arrive at that stage of equ11Jb1rum where liquid is completely expelled from the yet no bubbles appear. They will note that if they increase the pressure beyond this point, surplus air again

bubbles away from the bottom of the straw. They will reason that as a _of s_urplus air bubbling away, a constant pressure is mamtamed in the straw and that a harder blow than is necessary to push out the liquid does no more than increase the number and/or size of bubbles.

If James Watt invented the steam engine by watching a kettle boil then surely the man who invented the hydrostatic contents gauge must have enjoyed drinking cider through a straw.

Obviously one or two modifications had to be made before a reasonable contents gauge was achieved. No-one would fancy blowing a six foot head of petrol out of a tube extending down _into a tank_. So an air pump or a low pressure connect10n to an air supply had to be arranged for this purpose. In order to measure the pressure when liquid was fully excluded from the tube a manometer had to be provided.

The operation of a hydrostatic gauge is simple in the extreme. Either one gives a few pumps on an air pump until the pressure remains constant or one arranges a continuous flow of air at a rate of about a cubic foot per hour from some convenient source. Thereafter all one needs to do is to read the manometer.

The pressure recorded by the manometer is Wlz p.s.i.g. where W is equal to the pressure exerted by a one foot head of the liquid being measured and /z equals the head of liquid in feet. In a container of fixed size, there is no reason why h should not be recorded in gallons, as is done on a standard dipstick. Similarly, there is no reason why the manometer (recording Wh) should not be marked in gallons instead of pounds per square inch; this is what is usually done. ·

The manometer reading is not affected by changes in barometric pressure because this pressure acts also on the surface of the liquid in the tank ; hence any change is selfcancelling. However, the reading is affected by the additional pressure exerted on the liquid surface as a result of the difference in density between vapour laden air and fresh air. The same error is encountered when a dipstick reading is taken in a petrol tank which has a single vent and all other openings fitted with pipes carried down to near the bottom. The maximum possible error gives an enhanced reading of 0.1 inch for every 10 foot rise of vent pipe. To avoid the error in all cases it is necessary to draw sufficient petrol from the tank to ensure that only fresh air remains in the vent pipe immediately before a reading is taken.

There is one other variable to be considered. The value of Win the formula given above changes with the specific gravity of the liquid. For water W equals 0.434 per foot head; for petrol the correspondmg mates to 0.434 x 0. 72 or 0.317. In fact the specific gravity of petrol varies between O. 72 for regular petrol and 0. 77 for best grades. Thus on change of grade in a tank recalibration of the manometer dial for that tank may be necessary.

Hydrostatic gauges are particularly useful for satisfying Home Office Code requirements in respect. of tanks with off-set filling pipes. The gauges provide an efficient way of ascertaining the contents of a tank which must not be provided with a dipping opening.

It is wonderful what one can achieve by sipping cider through a straw !

WHAT'S THE RETAINER ?

Oil companies do not always agree _the regulations and licence conditions imposed by even tho_ugh they may usually suffer them gladly. There is one subJe?t, however, which is guaranteed to generate heated discussion and this is the question whether bunded enclosures around storage tanks should have hard or soft bottoms.

The oil companies favo1;1r soft bottoms And this is not surprising when one considers the appallmg co.st of viding concrete floors to the acres of land lymg ms1de bund walls. They urge that bund walls are really fire walls and that their purpose is to prevent spread of fire not escape of liquid. As a telling aside, they are wont to add that even if retaining walls and floors are made of concrete, it is virtually impossible to make the enclosures completely liquid tight.

The argument then develops with the question of why is it necessary to make the enclosures liquid tight anyway ? It is, after all, modern practice to fit high level alarms and/or high/high level cut-offs to storage tanks which are fed by barge, ship or pipeline and this makes overfilling virtually impossible. All valves are operated by experts so there can be no misuse or malfunction of them which will cause outflow. Tanks are regularly inspected for minor leaks. So what is left ? only catastrophic failure of a tank and whoever heard of that in this day and age !

That the authorities are not wholly convinced by these telling arguments must be due to their having seen too often spillages and leakages seeping away into the soft bottom of a bund to reappear in lakes, rivers or at some other inconvenient point and there frequently to create conditions of real danger. Even when there is no danger, the problem of pollution arises.

The authorities applaud the use of high level alarms and high/high level cut-offs and are prepared to agree that the catastrophic failure of a tank is indeed rara avis. But they have a healthy scepticism regarding the "experts" who operate valves and the ability of oil company personnel to spot leaks in the very base of a tank resting on the ground. Experience too often has shown that all is not for the best in this best of all possible worlds.

The authorities accept that it is most difficult to make a bunded enclosure completely liquid-tight but they recognise a difference between a seepage rate of a few gallons per hour and a soft floor which allows outflow at the same rate as input.

And there the battle lines rest. Authorities say that the floors of bunded enclosures should be paved with concrete whereas the oil companies say that this is far too expensive.

The question of expense is very valid and it is therefore surprising that more thought has not been given to making enclosures liquid-tight other than by use of concrete. It would for example be possible to coat the floor of the enclosure with a macadam in which the binding material is coal tar pitch. Pitch mastic complying with British Standard 1450, 1963, might also be acceptable for this purpose. Both these coverings should provide reasonably impermeable barriers to petroleum outflow during the period any spillage is likely to remain unmoved in bunded enclosures. If this solution is adopted, each tank should be supported on a suitably coated concrete raft which should be shaped to encourage any leakage from the base of the tank to flow towards its .sides where the leakage would become visible. The raft could well extend a few feet beyond the edges of the tank.

It will be necessary to provide drainage to any enclosure made liquid-tight in order to dispose of surface water. Preferably the drainage should be to a sump within the enclosure whence it could be pumped to a petroleum interceptor before passing to the public drains. However, it might be reasonable to allow direct connection from the sump to the petroleum interceptor provided drainage is controlled by a lockable valve which is opened only by or under the constant supervision of a competent and responsible person. Moreover a suitable high level alarm could be arranged in the second chamber of the petroleum interceptor to indicate the presence of a head of petroleum prior to the breaking of the water seal in the chamber.

Legal Proceedings

During the past few months magistrates in Greater London have shown no hesitation in imposing heavy fines on companies infringing the Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations, 1957.

On 9th April, 1968, a tank wagon, WPU 639F, owned by Kingsford Haulage (Bulk Liquids) Ltd. was found to have the filling caps of all its six compartments unlocked and flung wide open (Reg. 12(2)) and to have no fire extinguishers (Reg. 6). The magistrates imposed a total fine of £175 (£25 on each of seven informations) plus ten guineas costs when the case was heard at Hendon Magistrates Court on 30th September, 1968.

On 29th July, 1968, an inspector found a tank wagon, XNA 522, owned by Gem Petroleum Co. Ltd., infringing the Regulations in that (a) the fuel tank was leaking and held on by a piece of string (Reg. 11) and (b) two filling openings caps were unlocked, one of which was also insecurely closed (Reg. 12(2)). At Woolwich Magistrates Court on 22nd August, 1968, the company was fined £65 and ordered to pay five guineas costs.

V.l.P. Petroleum Co. Ltd., suffered a total penalty of £50 plus five guineas costs at Feltham Magistrates Court on lst April, 1969, because its tank wagon HRJ 514D was found on 7th October, 1968 (a) to have a defective delivery hose which was permitting escape of petroleum spirit (Reg. 11) and (b) to have two filling opening caps unlocked and insecurely closed (Reg. 12(2)).

A fine of £75 was imposed on ABCO Petroleum Co. Ltd. at Havering Magistrates Court on lOth December, 1968. The company's tank wagon SAN 469A was seen on 26th August to have all six of its filling opeding caps unlocked and insecurely closed (Reg. 12(2)).

Esso Petroleum Co. Ltd. was fined £60 with ten gumeas costs at Highgate Magistrates Court on 26th March, 1969. One manlid of the company's tank wagon, 168 GLU, was found to be unlocked and insecurely closed (Reg. on llth Oct.ober, 1968; moreover, the locking mechamsm of the manhd was defective (Reg. 11).

The. heaviest fine of all was, however, imposed on Crow Carrymg Co. Ltd. at Croydon Magistrates Court on llth April.' The company had to pay £439 in fines 20 gumeas m costs for infringements involvmg three of its tank wagons delivering petroleum spirit Gas Works. None of the vehicles carried fire extmgmshers (Reg. 6-£10 each); eleven filling opening caps were unlocked and insecurely closed (Reg. 12(2)-£20 each), and nine of them had inoperable locks (Reg. 11-£20 each). Moreover, four of the company's drivers were fined £5 each for failing to keep a watch on the carrying tanks of their vehicles while petroleum spirit was being delivered (Reg. 16(9)).