Among the obligations Local Authorities inherited on reorganisation were the petroleum licences of "unsatisfactory" premises. Most Authorities have dealt with this difficult task, sought improvements, and closed a small amount of premises with the minimum of problems. On the whole these Authorities are to be commended for their patient and diligent work.
We have heard quite recently of one Authority who has decided to relinquish its responsibility and had indicated that up to 90 petroleum licences would not be renewed. It would seem that the vast majority of the inevitable appeals will be successful and for once this column has some sympathy for the HSE who will be left to deal with this unecessary problem. .'
The Bulletin has been delayed ID publicatIon and the Association apologises to members. This has been due to printing problems outside our have been rectified and hopefully our new prmters WIll be able to provide us with an excellent service.
We enclose free of charge with this Bulletin a copy of the monthly magazine Hazardous Cargo, Bulletin Members wishing to subscribe to this magazine may complete the sUbscription card inside.
Eastern Counties Tank Cleaners Ltd., Stanstead Abbots, Ware, Hertfordshire, telephone Ware 870345, are now offering a service of tank lining to faulty tanks. The specification and detail of their service is available from the company at the above address. The "Ectron" rehabilitation system has been designed to provide a complete service from specialised tank cleaning, repair and successful commissioning of the tank backed by an unconditional 15 year guarantee on labour and materials.
The Association is holding a seminar on 20th October 1981 at Dunstable Bedfordshire. The theme for this seminar is to be modem forecourt development. Speakers have already been obtained to talk upon their specialist field in !his area of development. The silicon chip and other new Ideas continue to revolutionise the retailing of petrol and all the associated equipment which goes into this area.
Here is an opportunity to listen to the experts, and ask those pertinant questions, it is a seminar which will benefit all Our members.
Details will be circulated to all members in due course. Any person requiring advance information can contact the Se?Iinar Secretary, Mr. B. l. Thompson, 94 Marshalls Wick, St. Albans, Herts. AL49SN Telephone St Albans 63448. '.
The Hon. Treasurer would like to hear from any members who have. not already contacted him regarding their membershIp renewal notification letters not being having to pay an unstamped letter fee. If pOSSible, either the actual envelope or a photocopy would be most helpful.
Owing to the great number of letters that had to be posted at once (234), the Post Office was paid for the to be their sorting office franking machine, and It seems that eIther this was not done at all or was done badly. Enquiries with the Post Office are under way and members' co-operations would be welcome.
Please contact Rod lones at the address below: Hon Treasurer, Rod lones, Trading Standards Department, Suffolk County Council,
A certificate proving, under certain conditions, exemption from explosives legislation covering the storage in registered premises of cartridges for use or sale at game fairs, agricultural shows, clay pigeon shoots or shooting competitions, has been granted by the Health & Safety Executive.
The certificate has been issued under the Explosives Act 1875 (Exemption) Regulations 1979, following consultation with interested bodies including local authorities, the police and shooting organisations.
Although it is always preferable for cartridges to be stored in proper registered premises where possible, the certificate will provide exemption from this requirement at the specified types of events, provided:cartridges are kept in a secure place to the satisfaction of the local authority and chief police officer, or are attended at all times. cartridges are kept in closed containers to which the public do not have access during such times as they may be on sale.
The person wishing to keep cartridges at any of the specified types of events gives a! least. seven days notice to the local authority and chief pohce officer of the number of cartridges to be kept and/or sold: and that no person keeps more than 50,000 cartndges under the terms of the exemption.
Until now it has been a legal requirement anyone wishing to keep cartridges at any of the speclfie? eve.nts should store them in registered premises t? the .satlsfactlOn of the local authority responsible for registratIOn.
To ensure compliance with the terms of the certificate detailed advice on the type of contamer d ' .' 'd to be store security of place m which the cartn ges are h't or should be obtained from the relevant local on r as police force. In general the same requirements wdl app Y at normal registered premises.
. b btained from the
Copies of the certificate may e Od HM Explosives county councils and police forces anM'llbank London Inspectorate, Thames House North, I SWIP 4QL.
• D an enforcement Subject to some critic.ism m the ;,rS fety Executive policy said to be supme, the t taken by its Quarries 1979 report tel!s of leg uarry company quarry inspectorate agamst a were also and one of its directors. ItIon of explosives issued on two occassions in relatIOn to !het one appeal for blasting. Both were by the tribunal was withdrawn and the other dIsmIsse . d because it was satisfied that a real danger eXlste
The year reported on showed the highest accident since 1974 and the chief inspectorate's awareness 0 e industry's continued failure to accidents lack of discipline or ordinary caution, and a f e conditions. These factors, say the report, acc.ounte or half the accidents reported in an industry whIch has not taken as much advantage of self-inspection by workpeople as most other industries.
On 17th December 1980 before the Scunthorpe Magistrates Court, Independent Painting Contractors Ltd. of Scunthorpe pleaded guilty to breaches of the Humbershide County Council Licence Conditions.
Officers of the department visited the company on 30th April 1980 and found a total of 155 gallons of petroleum mixture illegally stored in the workshop of the premises. An inspection of the licensed above ground store revealed that the door was not capable of being locked and also a "Notice to Employees" was not displayed.
The two Directors were charged under Section 37 (1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 as the offences were attributable to neglect on their behalf.
The Company were fmed £25 for each offence of failing to keep the store door locked and failing to display a notice to employees. They were fmed £50 for keeping in excess of licensed quantity and were ordered to pay £52 costs.
The directors were fined similar amounts for the same offences but did not have pay costs.
L.A.A.
The Health & Safety Commission and the Local Authorities Association are to set up a joint committee to exchange ideas at national level on the enforcement of Health & Safety legislation.
One of the matters of interest to Local Authorities currently under discussion is the possible guidance on the retail storage and sale of liquified petroleum gas, where the capacity is less than 300 kilos. The existing general standard for storage of cylinders of LPG is given in the HSE Code of Practice for the Keeping of Liquified Petroleum Gas in cylinders and similar containers formerly known as the Home Office Code of Practice.
This was first publised in 1973 and intended to apply mainly in industrial and large commercial premises. The HSE has become aware of a considerable increase in the number of retail premises selling LPG and the difficulties experienced in applying the code recommendations. Earlier in the year the Association of County Councils had expressed concern to the HSE on small storage in retail premises and have sought controls similar to those for perroleum spirit.
At each meeting of the committee, the HSE will indicate the present position of their proposals for new and revised regulations, codes of practice and guidance notes.
Draft Regulations.
A consultative document proposing an increase in the licence fees for storing petroleum spirit has been published by the Health and Safety Commission.
The Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 provides that fees for petroleum spirit licences shall be payable according to the scale set down in schedule 1 of that Act; the fee for transfer of licences is prescribed in the Petroleum (Transfer of Licences) Act 1936. In accordance with H.S.C. policy the rate of fees being reviewed to ensure that the full economic cost of granting the licence may be recovered by the licensing authorities. These higher fees are being proposed to take account of the increase in costs to the authorities since 1978 when the levels were last fixed.
Not exceeding 2500 litres exceeding 250 litres and not exceeding 50,000 litres exceeding 50,000 litres for transfer of licence
Present Fee
£10 p.a.
£15 p.a. £30 p.a.
It is proposed that the increase operation from 1st. October 1981.
£2 will
Proposed Fee £15 p.a.
£22.50 p.a. £45 p.a. £3 be brought into
On 14th January 1981 before the Plcklington Magistrates Court, Humberside a tanker driver Mr. J. R. Clough an employee of Sadler & Co. Ltd., pleaded guilty to a breach of The Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations 1957.
Evidence was given that the driver was smoking a cigarette whilst in attendance of his vehicle during a delivery to a filling station. A fine of £40 was imposed.
The Health and Sefety Executive (HSE) has issued the following statement in response to the announcement that there will be an urgent public inquirey about the British Gas Methane Terminal at Canvey Island Essex. The decision to hold an inquiry follows of the Inspector's report on the proposed URL refinery at Canvey.
"The HSE has been preparing a report detailing all the safety improvements and changes which have been made since the Canvey Island investigation report was published by the Executive in June 1978. This is in an advanced state of preparation. It will include a re-assessment of the numerical risk levels and will be published before the proposed new public inquiry is held.
The Executive will also submit to the forthcoming inquiry a detailed report on the safety of the operations the. at the methane termmal, mcludmg an appraIsal of the suggestion that sources of ignition should be installed on the terminal perimeter"
A completely revise? list of electrical apparatus certified by BASEEFA for use m flammable atmospheres is ublished by the Health and Safety Executive. p
This edition of the list, consisting of more than 200 pages and over 2500 entries, includes all certified product whether they are currently licensed for .u re anh ISh co.mplete up to the middle of 1980. Future e ItI?ns w IC WIll be published annually will only include detads of currently licensed apparatus
C:0f!1piled for the first time from computer records, the lIst IS. m a new format making identification and selection of thIS type of equipment easier for manufacturers and users. The list contains a brief description of each apparatus grouped under apparatus type along with the and address of the manufacturer, the coding of the certIfied apparatus, the certification standard, the certificate of any supplementary certificate numbers and dates of issue, together with the date of issue of any current licence.
A consultative document proposing that, in certain circumstances, the storing of petroleum-spirit in plastic containers approved to a British Standard (BS) specification should be allowed is published by the Health and Safety Commission. The proposed standard is included in the document.
The regulations proposed in the document would remove the legal restraint of the Petroleum-spirit (Motor Vehicles, etc) Regulations 1929, which require that petrol must be kept in metal containers. However, any plastic containers used would be limited to a maximum size of fIve litres and be marked with the BS number along with the registered certification trade mark of the British Standards Institution.
As plastic containers are only intended to hold small amounts of fuel, says the document, the maximum number would therefore be restricted to two in or on a vehicle, motor boat or any other safe storage place. In domestic premises they should not be kept in living areas; a safe storage place would be in a garden, yard, garage or outhouse, but not in direct sunlight.
The document also proposes that all plastic containers be indelibly marked with the warning "petroleum-spirit highly flammable".
The proposed regulations would apply only to petrol being kept for use in an internal combustion engine and the SCope of the 1929 regulatins would be extended to have the same application.
1. The Petroleum-spirit (Motor Vehicles, etc.) Regulations 1929 provide exemption from the licensing requirements of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 in respect of limited quantities of petroleumspirit kept by persons intending to use it for the pUrpose of any motor vehicle, motor boat or aircraft or of of as scheduled, subject to condItIons lrud down m the regulations. Among the conditions, the vessels used must be of metal and so constructed as to be reasonably secure against breakage, and to prevent the leakage of any liquid or vapour.
2. The draft Standard for plastic containers defines matenals and certain dimensions and sets out the performance requirements for' type and production testing designed to ensure that the standards of safety are maintained. This is a draft and should not be regarded or used as a British Standard. An official text will be issued in due course.
3. term .'inflammable" as opposed to IS m connection with previous legal reqUlre.ments relatmg to petroleum-spirit, it should be apprecIated that both words are intended to convey the same meaning. It is Health and Safety Commission policy to use "flammable" wherever appropriate in health and safety regulations in the future.
An explosion occured in Enfield when a workman working with hot cutting equipment was demolishing a 30,000 litre heavy fuel oil tank. The Fire Brigade
spokesman said that the workman was fortunate not to have been killed. He said the illcident was similar to that which killed five firemen and a workman at Millwall in the 1960s. The hot cutting equipment used to dismantle the tank is believed to ignited oil sludge ill the tank. The blast catapulted the top of the tank through the roof of the factory next door. 40 firemen attended the illcident and spent two hours fighting the blaze which followed. Luckily no one was hurt.
Proposals for a new system of classification contained in a new consultative document from the Health & Safety Commission, are the latest in the gamut of proposed legislation on dangerous substances. They are drafted as regulations and formal guidance rather than approved codes of practice to ensure consistency in classification.
The regulations are intended to provide a single system for all commercial and military explosives so that manufacturers, transport operators and emergency service staff need learn only one system of identification. They are designed to harmonise with international requirements and are based on the most recent recommendations of the United Nations Committee of Experts on the Transport of Dangerous Goods. The proposal shoul? help the emergency service by increasing the labelled mformatlOn, of which more will pertain to the physical hazards of the incident. Controls over the explosive substances should be improved and extended to off-shore installations.
The Association welcomes the following new members. Mr. W. M. Crossan,
Fire Officer, Northumberland County Fire Brigade,
G. S. Isaacson, Mr. J. F. Hancock, Mr. A. Dardy, Mr. G. A. Smith, Ringrose (Construction) Ltd.,
Extracted from the Cambrian News. How a Oudley invalid became the victim of fatal bums still remains a mystery following an inquest held at Bangor. North Eryri deputy coroner Mr. Pritchard Jones recorded a verdict of accidental death on 31 year old Carl Bird of Hollyhall, Oudley, West Midlands. The coroner heard the Mr. Bird's a polio victim, had suffered extensive bums after his invalid car had caught fire on Black Rock Sands near Portmadoc last August.
Pathologist Or. Wayte told the coroner that 900/0 of Bird's body surface showed signs of bums. Mr. Bird was taken to the hospital in Bangor, but died early the following morning. His mother Mrs. Bird told the coroner that her son had suffered from polio from an early age and that he was paralysed from the waist down. He had been operated on several times to improve his condition, but he was only able to walk with difficulty. He took a number of for pain each day. Questioned by the coroner Mrs. B.lrd that here son tried his best to accept his but was sometimes unhappy. Asked if she had the possibility of her son taking his own life, she that she had not but it may have occured sometime, but not really deep down. The coroner asked if her son was in the habit of putting petrol in the car on his own, she replied that she had not heard him mention it and also confirmed that he had no other machine required petrol.
Mr. Garry Lloyd Williams of Gest View Filling Station at Morfa Bychan explained how Mr. Bird had called on Sunday evening and said that a friend had run out of Mr. Williams had agreed to sell him a can of petrol which Mr. Bird placed inside the invalid car. The coroner then. told by Mr. Field of Wrexham that he had seen e mvalld car travel up and down the beach, then park 200 years away from him. He noticed that the ve IC e was on fire and rushed with his wife to the scene.
I have just read in the latest edition of 'The Bulletin' that Health & Safety Executive are bringing out a consultatIve document on the use of plastic containers for the petroleum spirit.
It IS With some embarassment that I relate the following personal when I was the pround owner of a Vauxhal Vlv.a car and like most young persons I carried a can m the boot, suitably labelled "Petroleum Spmt It was in a fact a two-gallon ex W.O. can.
One Saturday I decided to empty the contents of the petrol can into the petrol tank of my car. Now those of you wh? are familiar with the Vauxhall Viva know that the Petrol fill -pomt IS at the rear and almost horizontal thereI .had some difficulty pouring the pertol Spl mg It.
I obtain<:d a short piece of plumber's plastic waste-pipe and a plastic waste elbow. Joining both pipe and elbow together: I placed the pipe end into the fill-point of the car and wlt.h elbow in an upright position I inserted a metal funnel mto. It and began to pour the contents of my spare petrol can Into the funnel.
Everyth.ing was going just great until just before the can had emptied and then the whole lot burst into flames. I was confronted with my car on fire, the petrol can, which had long since been thrown down the drive thus spilling the residue petrol and setting my neighbour's fence
He explained that "something like a ball of rIre became detached from the vehicle. My wife threw herself with a blanket on the man's burning body. The blanket disintegrated from the fire as we pulled the man from the rIre. He was bleeding from the mouth and lying on his side. I asked him how it happened and he said he had lit a cigarette. Someone offered him water and we wet his mouth. The only explanation he gave was that he lit a cigarette. The Police had been unable to determine from the vehicle components; which had melted to a solid mass, how the fire had started. Pathologist Or. Wayte explained that the whole of Bird's body had showed signs of burns and that there had been no prospect of him surviving from such burns. Or. Wayte considered the rIre had been caused by petrol vapour and not liquid petrol as the burns would have been worse. The coroner recalled the petrol retailer Mr. Williams and asked what sort of container he had supplied the petrol in. He replied, "A plastic one with a plastic cap," he as unable to confirm if a washer was provided, but that it was not leaking when handed to him. He was also unable to say what the container had previously been used for. Mrs. Bird was also recalled and told the coroner that her son was a regular smooker. Summing up the coroner said "It is clear that Carl Bird bought a plastic container full of petrol. all we as evidence is that people saw the car on fire. ! mus.t conSider under the circumstances whether Mr. Bird died as an accident or as a result of his own actions. There is no evidence of intention, though it is difficult to know why he bought the petrol.
As regards the circumstances of th.e fire there IS the possibility of it being caused by Mr. Bird.
The fire was caused by petrol vapour escapIng from a plastic container and being lit a cigarette."
"He died as a result of an aCCident.
on fire. Fortunatley I always carried a fire extinguisher in the car and promptly extinguished the fire around the car and fence. k·
A few seconds later an old gentleman who was wor I?g in his front garden appeared somewhat out of breath, a barrow-load of earth, and promptly began to throw It over the fence my car and myself in the process.
Now we all' have some do-gooders in our and I had one who put in a 999 call. Within three mmutes I could hear the new familiar sound of the horns of the Fire Service and police Service. After makmg coffee for 12 firemen and 2 policemen I explained to officerin-charge what had happened. (His remarks I delIberately leave out). d· h·
Now if the Health & Safety Executive rea mg t IS letter I hope they will bear in my and I am sure that many cars are being fdled With f<?rm of plastic can and extension piece which may also Igmte due to static electricity building up. . . .
In addition, I would draw their attentIOn to the mCldent in Wales when a man who died in his invalid car had a plastic can full of petrol, which have been the the serious fire which destroyed hiS car and resulted In hiS death.
I am sure that my experience is not the only one, many others must know of similar ones, and I hope that this letter prompts other readers to write giving their views on plastic cans for petrol. B.D. Taylor, Trading Standards Oept. ,Chapel Street,Luton,
At approximately 18.06 hrs. on Tuesday, 5th January, 1981, Bedfordshire Trading Standards (petroleum Section) received information that Shell Oil Co. Had delivered 4500 gallons of petroleum spirit to the storage tanks of a boiler house on an industrial estate in Dallow Road, Luton, Bedfordshire.
The boller hose contained 2 X 5 million B.T. U. and 2x7Y2 million B.T.U. boilers and supplied forced hot water heating to 12 factory units on the estate.
The delivery of spirit to the boiler house was made at approximately 16.00 hrs. on the 5th and was discovered at approximately 17.45 as a result of a record check at the Company's depot at Buncefield, Hertfordshire.
The Oil Company endeavoured to contact the boiler house staff but was unable to make contact with them. The Company then contacted Hertfordshire Fire Service who passed the information to Bedfordshire Police and Fire Services.
The Fire Officer who attended found the boiler house locked but could hear some of the boilers in operation he was joined a few moments later by the Plant (who had ?een called out by Luton Police). He was into Isolate the boilers and all sources of ignition by the Fire Officer. The Trading Standards Petroleum Officer attended shortly afterwards.
DUring. investigation it was established that the motor SPInt had been. delivered into the largest storage tarIk (14000 gall) whIch at that time contained 6000 gallons of 35 sec. gas oil. '
,!his was in fact supplying the fuel to the two bOIlers which were found to be in operation by means of a !'umped fuel line 2" diameter with the 2" return pipe entermg at the ?ase of the storage tank thus causing the contents to agitate.
of the bOiler. burners were of a rotary cup type WhICh threw the fuel mto the combustion chamber at the rate of approximately 45 gallons per hour. The motor SPInt had been pumped from the road tanker into the storage tank by means of a 3" overhead fill pipe.
When asked was of the tanks of the vehicle dipped, the Plant Engineer said that it was not their practice to do so but to rely on each of the storage tanks own contents gauges.
It was also established that the driver of the road tanker had been left to make the delivery on his own due to inclement weather conditions.
.It was noted at the juncture that the 3" vent pipe terrmnated above the delivery point (see Fig. 1).
'f?e Od Company was contacted to remove the contammated and after consultation, the Petroleum Officer decIded that in the interests of safety that to remove the fuel in darkness would present additional safety problems i.e. lighting etc., the removal was then for 08.00 hrs. the following day as it was the fuel would not cause any further danger if left Isolated overnight.
Shell supplied a suitable mobile uplift pump and three road tarIkers to remove the fuel on the 6th.
The first obstacle was that the hoses provided were not enough, also an adaptor had to be made up by the boIler house staff to fit the 2" drain valve as this was the only point at which it was practical to the contents (see Fig. 1).
The removal commenced at 09.20 hrs. on the 6th and during the day Shell obtained samples from the remaining fuel tanks and carried out a flash test in case any spirit found its way to them. (The tests proved to be negative).
Also during this time all the fuel lines to each boilers· burners were flushed out to remove any contaminated fuel. The removal of all the fuel was completed some 6 hours later at 15.30 hrs.
The boilers were eventually re-started using the remaining fuel from the 2 x 11,000 gallon tanks at 20.30 hrs. on the 6th January.
Shell undertook to engage a tank cleaning specialist to gas-free the tank and to ensure that all trace of petroleum spirit was removed.
The Health and Safety Executive who had been informed, objected to the method of cleaning proposed and after some discussion it was agreed that a slow backfill of the tank with 35 sec. gas oil via the 2" drain valve over two days and that an anti-static substance should be added to the fuel. The object was to push any remaining petroleum vapour out of the tank via the vent pipe. The replenishment of the tank was carried out on the 9th and 10th January.
On enquiring with the Shell Oil Company as to how such an incident could occur, we were informed that the morning driver had completed his day's work but found he had some spare time at the end of his shift, so he assisted the late shift driver by loading the vehicle for him. Unfortunately, he loaded with spirit instead of gas oil.
The afternoon driver collected the vehicle and proceeded to the boiler house and delivered the spirit into the tank unaware of the nature of the fuel on board and failed to check his load before leaving the fuel depot.
On discovery of the incident, Shell immediately set up an independent internal enquirey team of managerial staff from other depots within the Shell group.
The responsibility for further investigation was passed to the Health and Safety Executive.
I accept that this type of incident is very rare and I aJ?l sure that the Oil Companies take great care to prevent thIS type of incident, but I cannot help thinking that had the boiler house staff dipped the contents of the road tanker before delivery commenced, the mistake may have been detected earlier.
There is no requirement under any legislation for users of gas oil/derv etc., to observe statutory conditions when fuel is being delivered to their premises as required under the Petroleum Consolidation Act and Conveyance by Road regulations (in its present form).
Should a connection such as a paraffin adaptor be used on all gas oil/diesel installations and leave the B.S.P. thread for petrol installations only, or some other type of fitment be installed to help prevent further crossovers?
Perhaps many of the readers do not share my thoughts, some may have had similar experiences in their own authority some may have other ideas of their own.
I would think the Editor of this bulletin may wish to hear of any points of view'they may have.
A. J. Wldgery, Deputy Head Petroleum Branch, London Rre Brigade.
1 Local authorities in England, Wales and Scotland have in the past few years had a fairly rough time. Just when they were reeling under the impact of local government reorganisation in 1974 in England and Wales and in 1975 in Scotland they had to take on board changes in procedures under the Health and Safety at Work, ect Act 1974 so far as petroleum work was concerned and under Regulations of the Fire Precautions Act 1971 for fire certification purposes.
2 In the turmoil in which local authorities found themselves, many of them have tended to look with some envy on the Greater London Council which was unaffected by the 1974 upheaval. What they forgot was that London was the first area to suffer major reorganisation of local government. London went through the whole process in 1965: since then things have been reasonably stable, and this stability has to be established and many problems mcludmg petroleum problems to be resolved.
3 Let me now pass to a detailed look at GLC petroleum work since it took over responsibility from 60 former Greater London covers some 700 square mIles, housmg something like one-seventh of the total popUlation of the U.K. In 1965 there were over 9000 petr<?leu,? in force issued by local authorities m sl.ze from that of the old London County CounCil to tmy urban district councils. The range of standards which these authorities imposed was extreme. I can recall that there was in fact one urban Council which had decided not to bother with ISSUIng petroleum licences because it was short of staff.
4 I want this picture against the backdrop of general to the importance of petroleum which among many local authorities until the explosion in 1951. This unhappy event led to the Issue by the Home Office in 1957 of the first Model Code. From then guidance as to reasonable safety .standards was available to every licencing and it is, I think, fair to say that most followed the Home Office guidance when .wlth new installations. For a storage of petro eum m cans, implementation of the new standards was a relatively simple matter and the GLC when it took I' '. ' , Over ICensmg m 1965 found that with this type of stora '. , ge, eXlstmg conditions were reasonably safe or could be fairly simple remedied. Sadly, the same was not true of petrol filling stations, and I have no doubt many. of. the new authorities created in 1974 and are fmdmg mUch the same state of affairs.
5 eI930 '.s up to the declaration of war in 1939 saw . stabhshment of a large number of petrol filling statIons as the village blacksmith decided to give up
keeping petrol in cans and opted for the new-fangled bulk storage installations covering a 500 gallon underground tank and hand pump. In many cases the petroleum licence was a mere formality which required only a completed application form and fee without thought of safety checks and inspection. The lead of the blacksmith was followed by the grocer, the bicycle shop keeper and any others who saw the chance of earning an honest copper. After the war many local authorities, with much more urgent and necessary things to do, allowed this situation to continue until the deaths of 11 people at a Bristol filling station in 1951 stimulated a detailed reappraisal. It is perhaps pertinent to say at this stage that many of the old filling stations, substandard by modern practice, had operated quite safely for many years.
6 Thus in 1965 the GLe inherited between 4000 and 5000 petrol filling stations which ranged from the truly horrific to the most up-to-date, meeting every modern standard and requirement. Looking at the stations with deficiences it was found that they fell into these broad categories:(a) those where the deficiences were of such a mmor nature that they could be ignored (b) those where the deficiences could be easily and cheaply remedied, and (c) those where the deficiences could not be remedied without major redevelopment of the premises. Deficiences in category (a) were of course ignored and in the case of category (b) rectification was required as a concmitant of licence renewal. This left only (c) as the promlem child and a policy for dealing with these cases had to be determined.
7 There were a few cases which were so bad that in no way could they be allowed to continue. These cases were discussed with the licensees and the defects and dangers pointed out. Surprisingly in all but one case the licensees saw the realities and discontinued use of the installations. There was just one appeal against the Council's view and this appeal was in due course rejected by the Home Office.
8 Discounting these very bad cases still left 373 premises in category (c) where effectively any improvement could be achieved only by major re-development. Basically there were five types of defect:(a) Vehicles charged on the public way (b) Storage tank openings close to the public way (c) Pumps close to the public way, with or without swing arms (d) Tanks/pumps inside buildings. (e) Tank wagon standing on pubhc way or mSlde a building
Some premises had of course more than one type of defect.
9 There was a very great temptation to shut down all these premises or at least to put a finite life on their activity. This would have been the easy way administratively but it could never have been the fair way. In no way could one justify the closing down the successful and prosperous businesses merely because of a local government reform. Obviously the ultimate objective had to be rectification of all defects but the method of achieving this had to be reasonable.
10 Thus it was decided that each of these premises would be examined not only from the point of view of their compliance with modern codes but also from the aspect of their potential hazard. In each case where the hazard was scuh as might reasonably be accepted then the licence should be allowed to continue until there was a change of accupier or a major re-development of the premises took place. This follows the philosophy modern living has forced on us that we cannot live with guaranteed safety: we can only live with acceptable hazard.
11 Implementation of the policy progressed smoothly. The premises were known for administrative purposes as 'major defect' premises note the term 'major defect' not 'major hazard'. On the first issue of a GLC licence in respect of 'major defect' premises the licensee was informed of the defects and warned that transfers of the licence or major development of the premises would not be allowed unless the defects were remedied. This warning was repeated on subsequent
renewal of the licence until a year or two ago. Now it is customary only to stamp on the licence and renewal documents 'WARNING. The Council is unlikely to transfer this licence to another person unless certain unsatisfactory features are remedied.'
12 You will note that no time limit was imposed. It is true that we hopefully anticipated that the policy adopted would see the eradication of the vast majority of the major defect cases in ten years. This in fact has not been the case. Of the 373 'major defect' cases in 1965, fewer than 60 remain. On the credit side, however, the facts remain that there has been no serious accident or fire involving any of these premises nor has there been the welter of appeals and recriminations against licensing authorities which I understand is now afflicting many areas elsewhere in the country. It would have been so easy to have rejected all the 'major defect' cases out of hand and left the final decision on their future to some one else. In my view, however, that would have been an abrogation of responsibility. Assessing hazard at individual premises is a much more onerous task than a simple comparison of installation features against basic codes of practice: it is, I suggest, a very necessary one if the public whom we are employed to serve is not to suffer without due cause, and, further, it is one which any licensing authority which regards itself as progressive and farsighted should readily undertake.
Main exit of distribution pipework from fuel exchange building
Corrosion in undergound pipelines can be a serious problem especially if the pipes are carrying inflammable liquids like petrol or diesel oil. Burying such pipes in sand, while seeming to increase the safety factor, may tend to accelerate the corrosion process and thus nullify the safety element.
Such is the view now taken by works engineering staff at the Luton plant of Vauxhall Motors. Fuel-carrying pipelines are now laid in concrete trenches but not encased in sand.
Part of Vauxhall's facilities at the Luton plant include a testing and research complex known as the dynomometer building. This houses a series of 22 specially constructed test cells in which engines, coupled to dynamometers, are run. As a basic fire-prevention strategy, only minimal quantities of fuel are kept in reservoirs within the building. The fuel, for continuous running programmes, is supplied from bulk underground storage locations and / or barrel stores for special fuels located outside the building.
The individual test cells are supplied with fuel, usually eilher petroleum spirit or DERV, by means of a comprehensive system of distribution pipework through a valve gallery in a separate fuel exchange building.
In the original planning of the dynamomoter building, involving the full co-operation of the Licensing Authorities, an enclosed concrete-lined trench was provided round three sides of the building. This trench, with close-fitting concrete slabs over, contained pressurised fuel line to supply the individual test cells. Also contained within the trench were two 4" diameter dump lines which allowed fuel to be gravity dumped into special dump tanks at the end of a test or during an emergency
shut-down. The fuel and dump lines were submerged in fine sand as a precaution against leakage and mechanical damage and to fill the ullage space.
Automatic vapour detectors are housed in the chambers which connect the test cells to the pipe trench. These detectors, when triggered, are designed to stop the programmed test in the appropriate cell, sound a local alarm and dump the fuel from the cell reservoir (approx. 2 galls). The dump sequence is automatically recorded on the works fire station alarm panel. In the event of an incipient fire condition a heat-actuated device in the affected test cell would automatically discharge a total flooding C02 system, shut all electrical supplies, close down ventilation plant and close dampers in exhaust ducts and dump all fuel in use at the time.
During maintenance inspection in 1980 it was noticed that the fuel lines, which had been installed in sand some 15 years previously, were showing signs of corrosion. Vauxhall works engineering staff, ID conjunction with the chief fire officer and the trading standards department petroleum officer, made a further inspection of the fuel distribution system and decided that a replacement of the total fuel system was necessary . This programme is now nearing completion.
It has been agreed, though, that the sand will removed and not replaced. The existing concrete trench IS being sub-divided by brick fire stops at i,ntervals of not more than 25ft, with an inspection hatch mcluded one to each section, and in each section new vapour detectors being installed to give an early indication of any leaks m the distribution or dump lines.
Distribution Gallery in Fuel exchange building which allows any cell to be applied from any tank.
An of the dangers arising in the cleaning of tanks whIch have contained hydrocarbon s, and of the problems of using hydrocarbons based products, even when both are nominally well outside the range normally with danger, occurred following an explosion at Kilhngholme, South Humberside on Thursday, 4th December, 1980 about 2.15 p.m. The details of the report are taken from the evidence given at the mquest on three men who died in the explosion.
The storage tank was one of twelve purchased shortly before the incident by the Immingham Storage Company Ltd. tanks had been used for the storage of heavy fuel oIl prIor to standing empty for a number of years. The were being cleaned by a specialist company, Potters 01l.s L!mited of IIkeston, Derbyshire. The fixed roof cylmdncal tanks were of I .5m gallons capacity set into the ground encased by concrete and brick protective walls.
The inquest was told that there were no discus sions in depth about the methods to be used between the tank and the cleaning company, but the Deputy Termmal Manager understood that cleaning agents were to be detergent and water, and maintained there was no mention of paraffin. The matter had not been di sc ussed with the safety officer of the site, even though it was a cleaning firm new to the site and using unfamiliar equipment. The tank which exploded was the eleventh to be cleaned
An electrician employed by the storage company rigged a light within the tank prior to the commencement of operations and stated that he had made it absolutely clear to the employees of the cleaning company that the lamp was not to used in the tank when spraying was carried out. He had been aware that paraffin or a paraffin detergent was being used in the cleaning operation. The cleaning used machinery designed to spray paraffin around the wal ls o f the tank, it being pumped into the tank
under pressure from outside. The pumped fluid was used as a coolant in the pump, that being an old fire brigade tender. It was stated that on the day of the explosion the
spraying machinery was faulty since it kept falling over . The tripod had been cut down to balance it properly. Furthermore, the pipe connecting it to the pump had sprung a leak.
It would appear that cleansing operations had been carried out within the tank whilst the light was still on. The light was of non flameproof design. One witness said that normally the men left the tank whilst spraying but at the time of the explosion stayed inside the tank because "they were fed up with going in and out."
Shortly after the pump was started there was a call for it to be switched off, flames were seen inside the tank, and then an explosion occurred. The explosion ruptured the roof of the tank and brought down the brick and concrete work surrounding the entrance. One man was killed inside the tank, and two others were buried by the falling debris as they were trying to escape from the tank, although one of these was also extensively burned.
The inquest was told by one of the men who had been working with the three who were killed, that neither he nor his workmates had at any time been given instructions about the removal of lights prior to paraffin spraying. He had not seen any written safety precautions nor any code of practice issued by the company, apart from a sticker sometimes put on the side of tanks warning of the danger of smoking or wearing studded boots.
It was said that the most likely cause of the explosion was the paraffin sprayed on to the totally unsatisfactory floodlight , causing to overheat and in turn to rais e the temper at ure of the paraffin spray to a dangerous lev el. It was also possi ble that the initial ig nition might have been caused by a static spark from the equipment. The jury recorded a verdict of accidental death.
Immediatel y following the explosion officers of the Humberside Trading Standards Department were called to th e site and advised on the explosi ve levels within the ruptured tank to ensure it was safe for fire service personnel to recover the body from inside th e tank.
The morning session was taken up by Mr. H. T. E. Jackson of the a.L.c. Petroleum Branch, who gave a talk on 'Emergency Procedures'.
He explained that these were not easily defined and for the purposes of his talk he would deal with common situations at filling stations and similar sites. He suggested that it was necessary to sort out priorities and then went on ot describe ways of dealing with and finding leaks in tanks and pipework. It was worthy to note that petrol changes its character through age and transit through earth. The powers of Officers on licensed premises should be covered by licence conditions. However, the Safety at Work Act now gave some assistance in this field.
In conclusion he suggested that Officers should always be on the side of caution.
The Chairman, Mr. B. Lowe gave a vote of thanks to Mr. Jackson for this time and interesting talk.
The A.a.M. of the Branch followed after lunch.
1. 21 members and 2 visitors were present.
2. 12 apologies were received.
3. Minutes of the last A.a.M. were agreed and signed by the Chairman.
4. Matters arising:- Membership of the Branch was discussed.
5. There was no correspondence to be given.
At this point in the meeting the death of Mr. a. Bailey, past Chairman of the Branch was recorded and that he would be greatly missed at both local and national level.
6. The Chairman in his report apologised for non attendance at two Branch meetings. However, he felt that these meetings had proved a useful forum for discussion and fulfilled the objectives of the Association. He then wt;nt on to seek support for the National Association. He concluded by thanking all concerned for the misplaced confidence in his Chairmanship.
7. The Secretary/Treasurer was pleased to report an active year, with meetings being well attended. He presented the Statement of Accounts which indicated that we had a balance in funds of £34.68 with a paid up membership of 25. He then thanked everyone for their support during the last year.
8. Appointments of Officers The following persons were duly elected.
Chairman J. Wright Vice Chairman B. Lowe
Secretary/Treasurer E. Brown Auditor L. Brooks
To Executive B. Thompson, J. Chesworth Branch Representative E. Brown
Mr. A. J. Wright, Chairman of the Branch opened the meeting by welcoming 19 members and 1 visitor to Luton Airport.
1. There were 6 apologies for absence.
2. Minutes of the last A.a.M. were presented. Mter two amendment!i regarding names, the minutes were accepted by the meeting.
3. There no matters arising.
4. There was no correspondence.
5. The Chairman gave his report in which he said that it had been a quiet year for the Branch, but he felt it was wrong to have a meeting just for the sake of it. He thanked those Officers who had supported him during his year of office and hoped that the coming year would be more fruitful.
6. The Secretary/Treasurer Mr. E. Brown, report in which he said attendance had been van at meetings but the full membership of the Branch was good. He presented the Balance Sheet in which it was seen that funds had diminished mainly through postage. He also noted that. the Bra.r;tch had not claimed capitation fees .and dId not. WIsh to .unless unavoidable. He felt however, that It was unjust to those members who supported the Branch t?at they could subsidise those who did not attend meetmg.s. finally thanked all those who had m office particularly as he was not seeking re-electIon.
The meeting then decided that the should write to all members asking whether they WIshed to. be notified of meetings thus resulting in a possible savmg in postage and with the agreed increase. to £1 for Branch Subscription the funds would agam become healthy.
7. Appointment of Officers: .
Chairman: Mr. B. Thomspon, a.L.e., was proposed and seconded and duly elected to office.
Vice Chairman: Mr. J. Wright, Cambs., was proposed and seconded and duly elected to office.
Secretary/Treasurer: Mr. B. Taylor, Beds., was proposed and seconded and duly elected to office.
Auditor: Mr. B. O. Lowe, Beds., was proposed and seconded and duly elected.
Branch Representative: Mr. B.O. Taylor was proposed and seconded and was elected.
9.
The Editor of the Bulletin made a plea for material for publication and also explained the recruitment drive. A discussion was held regarding the filling of cans on forecourts and the pressure testing of suction lines.
Mr. J. Thompson informed the meeting of the corrosion problems of alloy covers on angle check valves.
The meeting Itlosed at 3.30 p.m.
Two members to Executive Committee: Mr B. J. Thompson and Mr. J. Chesworth were nommated and elected to these offices.
The Chairman, Mr. B. J. Thompson, thanked Brown for his sterling work as Secretary dunng hIS term of office and this was unarumously endorsed by the meeting.
E. Prior, J. Brinkhurst, M. E. Smith, H. T. E. Jackson, M. Ayres, D. Taunton, B. L. M. Day, L. Bartram. W. J. Slatcher, K. H. Jevons, D. G. Bicker, J. D. Muskett, K. R. Potter, J. C. Cook, A. J. White, H. F. McCarthy.
R. Bailey, W. Edser, D. Harper, S. Worsford, R. G. Hall, D. Peddett, D. Care.
1. The Meeting was opened and members and guests were welcomed by the Branch Chairman Mr. K. Potter.
2. The Secretary reported on progress to include Hampshire members in the S.E. Branch and hoped that by the next quarterly meeting this matter would be resolved. Warm thanks were extended to Mr. P. Smith for his efforts in this regard.
3. Treasurers Report (See attached Balance Sheet). The Treasurer felt that in the light of proposed rules a Branch SUbscription might be determined. This was not generally accepted and the matter was left until the question of Capitation fees could be discussed between the Treasurer of the Branch and the Association.
BRANCH CHAIRMAN Mr. D. Bicker
Proposed: Mr. J. Muskett. Seconded: Mr. J. Cook
BRANCH SECRETARY Mr. J. Cook
Proposed: Mr. D. Bicker. Seconded: Mr. P. Smith
BRANCH TREASURE Mr. J. Muskett
Proposed: Mr. Slatcher. Seconded: Mr. K. Potter
COMMITTEE Mr. P. Smith
Proposed: Mr. J. Cook. Seconded Mr. D. Bicker Mr. K. Jeavons
Proposed: Mr. J. Muskett. Seconded: Mr. K. Potter Mr. D. Harper
Proposed: Mr. K. Potter. Seconded: Mr. J. Cook
Mr. P. Smith felt that this would be better cared for by the Secretary and this was generally agreed.
Mr. K. Jeavons opened the discussion on the proposed rules fc;>r the Branch, he pointed out that basically the new rules dIffered only in minor details from the previous rules such as a reduction in the number required for a quorum and the reduction in the number required for a Committee quorum: Mr. White asked why membership was not defined 1!1 the Branch rules as was informed that this was covered 10 the Association rules. There then followed a general request for the Assocation rules to be printed in the
Bulletin. The Secretary agreed to pass this on to the Editor. Mr. D. Bicker proposed that the new rules be adopted by the Branch, it was seconded by Mr. K Jeavons and was carried unanimously.
Mr. J. Muskett said he felt more could be done to publicise the Association and its aims on an individual basis. Mr. Jackson, in reply to the question "was anyone approached for information?"
Mr. Jackson replied that he wasn't but suggested that the Branch approached the local media.
Mr. D. Bicker said that his was not always possible unless there was a story. He added that he didn't feel this was our function anyway, perhaps the Bulletin should be the means for doing this work. The question was raised "Does the Bulletin reflect Feedback?" Some felt a change of name for the Association might help but it was suggested this might be a matter for the A.G.M. on 29th April 1981. It was, however, decided to leave until the next meeting, as to whether or not to appoint a collator of information for the Editor of the Bulletin.
Mr. J. Cook asked the meeting if anyone had been approached regarding lining of tanks with glass fibre resin apparantly it is not accepted in Kent, Surrey or London A number of reasons for not accepting this process . e gIven.
1. It is not known how the lining would stam up to stress where there are large areas of rust and corrosion occuring after application.
2. Quality Control apparently cannot be assured.
3. Unacceptable hazards arising from and during the work being carried out.
4. More than usual supervision by the P .0. is required as a result of 3.
There were other reasons which largely fell within 1-3 above.
It was agreed to accept an invitation to visit the Marley Co. at Ockenden in Essex on 20th May, 1981 if this can be arranged.
Bennet Beck; Mr. Jackson would follow this up. B.P. Research Labs at Sunbury to be followed up by Mr. J. C. Cook.
Minutes of the A.G.M. held on 10th March, 1981 at 10.30 a.m. at the London Fire Brigade Headquarters Albert EmbankmentMinutes of the Yorkshire and Humberside Branch of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration held on the 17th April 1981 at the Red Hart, Blyth Nottinghamshire. '
A warm welcome was extended by the chairman Mr. R. J. Smith to the 24 members and visitors present as he commenced the meeting at 11.00 a.m. He informed the meeting that this was the last time the Treasurer Mr. E. W. Dean would appear as an officer of Humberside County Council as he was due to retire in six weeks time. However, it was to be noted that Mr. E. W. Dean was prepared to carry on as Branch Treasurer.
The minutes of the meeting held on the 25th October 1979 were read and accepted as a true record. Proposed by B. Murch. Seconded by R. Hall.
A general discussion ensued regarding unsupervised tank tests and the onus of responsibility.
Apologies were received from 8 members.
The Treasurer reported the Bank balance as standing at £26.41p.
The following officers were unanimously re-elected:-
Chairman: Mr. R. J. Smith, Humberside County Council Secretary: Mr. R. G. Kitching, Humberside County Council
Treasurer: Mr. E. W. Dean, Humberside County Council
The forthcoming Seminar on Conveyance of Hazardous Substances at the Shire Hall, Cambridge to be held on the 19th June 1980 was commended to the members.
A report was given by the Chairman on the legalising of Plastic Containers for the storage of Petroleum Spirit. He informed the meeting that a standard was coming to fruition for the use of containers constructed of high density polyethylene incorporating carbon black and of a capacity of 5 litres. The following points were raised in the discussion that ensued:-
(a) difficulty of identification if such containers
(b) suggested use of a B.S.1. No. embossed on the containers as a legal requirement (c) possibility of publicity being given.
Static Electricity in relation to hose
The question of continuity tests for static electricity on hoses of petrol pumps was raised by L. Murray. A genral discussion took place and Mr. E. W. Dean offered to carry out some tests and report back.
Concern was expressed by B. Slater in relation to the use of galvanised pipe work in installations for Avgas storage. This type of pipe work being used for the storage of fuel for light aircraft in ways sponges whereas the Aviation Authority require stainless steel pipe work as high octane fuel such as Avgas tends to part the galvanising from the pipe work.
The increase storage of L.P.G. gas bottles in shops and supermarkets and the lack of any control over the storgae was causing concern. It was pointed out that the Fire Precautions Act was of limited use.
The business meeting concluded at 12.40 p.m., the afternoon session being devoted to a most interesting talk and demonstration of electronic tank contents gauges given by Mr Mike Denham supported by Mr. Dennis Whitley both of Fuel Pumps Ltd.
Vote of thanks was given by Mr. B. Murch.
Finally it was proposed that for his services life membership be given to the Treasurer Mr. E. W. Dean, this keenly endorsed by the meeting.
The meeting concluded at 3.15 p.m.
The meeting arose of an invitation by Pump Maintenance Ltd., to visit the Company's training school at Babworth. A good response was received from the and the 24 who attended had a full and informatIVe tlme as the different facets of the school were absorbed.
A vote of thanks was given to M. R. Harrup, Head of the School and his staff by Mr. C. W. Brudenell.
Please address any communication to the udersigned.
Honorary Secretary Eric Brown Abberley House Great Shelford Cambridge CB25LF
0223 843367
I wish to appy for Membership/Associate Membership of the above Association and I enclose the sum of £. being the Annual subscription.
Name: Address: ............................................................... . ........................................................................ Authority or Company: .................................................. . The completed form should be returned to the secretary with the fee.
Subscriptions: Membership £8 per annum; Associate Membership £9 per annum.
Membership is open to those persons who are authorised Officers within the meaning of the Petroleum or Explosives Acts. ., D Associate Membership is open to any body, company or person not elIgible Membership but being otherwise concerned with the handling, storage or transport 0 substances covered by this legislation.
Reg.Office-Brittanic Buildings, 4Sc,High Street, Erdington, Birmingham,B23. Telex.335379.
