The Bulletin – March 1974

_LETIN

Quarterly Journal of the Association for Petroleum Acts Administration

Talking Point

The End in Sight

Local Government as so many of us have known it comes to an end on 31st March. A new era commences immediately and because of its unfortunate connotation we will refrain from mentioning the date. Unhappily, because the function of petroleum licensing and administration is transferred to the top tier authorities we bid a sad farewell to our district council members, all of whom have loyally supported the Association over the years, many from the early days of 1958. We wish these authorities and their officers good fortune and trust they find success and prosperity in their new environment.

We now have to look at the future prospects of the Association. It would appear that its days as a local authority association are numbered. There is, however, a tremendous amount of goodwill towards the Association from the Central Authority, our Associate Members in Industry and many practising petroleum officers and it is the Council's therefore, to make every effort to contmue this Association as a viable and vital body .

In saying goodbye to some of our readers , we hope to welcome new ones . The Bulletin is the only journal devoted entirely to the work of petroleum officers, its audience is wide and its continued success and future, indeed the future of the Association depends upon the enthusiasm and support given to it by the membership . The Council intend to recommend amendments to the present constitution to the next Annual General Meeting of the Association which, if approved, will have an effect on the various categories of membership .

Honorary Editor: R. P. Holdaway,

notes and news

NEW ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Mr. Michael Ayres, Chartered Engineer, Burmah Oil Trading l.iimited,

Mr. Alan R. Bradstock, Sales Promotion and Training Supel'V'isor, Burmah Oil Trading Limited,

De La Rue Instruments Limited, Petrol Vending Equipmen!t,

Mt:. T. M; Hughes, Industrial Sales Representative (P&rol),

RETIREMENTS

A. A. Ainl'ey; Engineer and ' Chief Publ4c Hea'Uh Inspector. Acting Chief Executive Officer, Stone RD.C.

A. Bloomfield, Chief Hre Officer, Salop C.C.

F. J. Capron, . . Chief Hre Officer, Warwickshire. E. L. Darwin, Chief Inspector ()If Weights and Measures, Huddersfield. G. C. Davies, Chie;f Inspector of Weightsl and Measures, Great D. W. Foster, Borough Engineer, Whdt.Jey Bay.

A. R. E. Jarman, Chief Public Health 'Inspector, Banstead V.D.C W. W. Johnston, PO l't 'Supel'il1ltendent, Forth Ports 'QLeitilim(;l' GraIlltofi) Authority.

" Chief Pu'blk Health .Inspector, l3radbury and Rom'Hy V D e. F. B. Saunders, SpaldJing RD .C . W. SpiIman, Engineer and Surveyor, Repton RD.C. C. R. Wells, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Sheffield. N. Whitehead, Chief Inspector of Weights and Me!lsures, Blackpool.

OBITUARY

We regret to report the death of F. Kenniford, Chief Public Health Inspector, Accrington. A past Chairman of the NOlth Western 'Branch.

J. H. Wood, Chief Inspector of Weights 'and Measures, Doncaster.

P. D. WADSWORTH

Honorary Legal Adviser to the Association since its linception in 1958. Mr. Wadsworth retires from the post :of Tmvn Clerk 'Of Dudley, a post he has held for thirty years at the end of March. In wishing Mr. Wadsworth a long and happy we express our grateful thanks ,to him for his interest -in, and the valuable serv-ice he -ba's S'O often rendered to the Association.

B. W. C. THACKER

Honorary Editor of 'the Bulletin. Due to heavier commitments as Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the new Cleveland County Council, Mr. Thacker finds it necessary to relinquish the Editorial post has fulfilled so admimbly for the pa'St three years. Chairman of the Associ-ation ,in 1969, Mr. Thacker intends to continue his ,interest in ,the Association affairs and we Ithank him for his pastservices.

R. P. HOLDAWAY

Immediate past Chairman 'Of -the Association 'and Founder Editor of the BuHetin, Mr. Holdaway has agreed to step -into the breach and act as Editor for the next twelve months. Mr. Holdaway has recently been appointed Peroleum Liaison Officer attached to the Fire Service of ,the new Salop County Council.

A corridor stretching from London to Liverpool, 40 miles wide, defines a vital area of Britain's industrial capacity. A new pipeline has just come into service to feed important industrial centres in that corridor with up to 3.5 million gallons a day of light oil products from the deep-water refineries at Milford Haven in West Wales

Thlmy per cent of the 'popul'ation of Britain live in the area served by <the new line, and 'they generate about ,the same proportion of U.K. energy demand. Industrial prosperityand the standard of living of all of us-depends heavily on an efficient and economical energy supply and we have all benefited from the cheap and ample oil of the last two decades. This oil reqU'iredan efficielllt transport and distribution system to get it to the customer at -the 'best price in a competitive ma'rket, and such a system was bunt up. Now tha,t oil suppNes are tighter and more costly, the effidency of <the distribution system is one of the remaiD'ing elements we can control in 'the uJ.timate cost eyf energy. The building af projects such as the new Mainline Pipel1ne, and the efficient running of are <therefore as impol"tant to the future health of the economy as the spectacular investment in North Sea oil rigs or giant mnkers. The scale of cost is comparable too---;the 285 mile Hne, bringing ,oil to the industrial markets of the Midlands 'and Lancashire fu-om Milforo Haven cost £15 miUion, just about as much as one of the 250,OOO-dwt Very Large Crude Carriers which bring the crude oil horn the Middle East to our shores.

All BrIta1in's refineries are on the coast. The big Crude tankers need deep-water moorings and s'ince, unlike Continental Europe, all centres of demand are within reasonable distance of water communications or are accessible .to rail links, ,there is no need for ,inland refine.ries fed with crude oil by p1pel'ine. Getting the crude to tiherefinery is only half

the transport problem, though. Vast volumes of producltoo great for a refinery to store more than a small percentage-must move OUlt with 'absolute reliability come s'ummer and, even more so, come 'Winter, to cumomers all over the country. These products range from liquefied gases carried in special raH wagons to heavy residual fuel 'O'ils-oils 5'0 viscous they have tD be heated before they can be pumped at 'all. Coas1cal ,tankers, harges, raU and road vehicles an pl1ay a part, shipping the muHitude of types and .g,rades direct to customers or t'O local terminals fur onwa'ro distribution.

Where circumstances suilt, however, there is another mode of transport which has great adV'antages. Economi:c, 'safe, independeIllt 'Of we'arther conditions, environmentally beneficial, avoiding stages of handling and transfer which ,involve risks, hOWeveJr sma.'J..i, 'Of sp'ilIage, pipelines ate an excellent way of supply,ing the right m:arket. Such markets have ,to be large and reasonably stable to jUJ>llJify the, en'Orm'Ous capital expenditure NormaUy, too, they are inland pipeline to a seaside terminal would have half its potential distribu.ti:on 'area under the water!

kll :these charaoteI'istics were satisfied by the Mainline Pipeline .p,roject, which 'ca'I'ries 'white' oils such as kerosenes, avia,tion fuel:s, pe<tr,ol ,and diesel '011s. Opened t his summer by the Minister for Industry, the successful comploo'on of the <}line was the outcome of a twinkle 'in an economist's eye

Leicester Northamplon 'WwocceSler

back ,in the 1950's. As 500n as Esso's second refinery in the U.K., built to complement ,the Fawley 'instaliation, was located in South West Wales, the possibility of a to carry oil products direct to the power-hungry Midlands was under consideration MHford Haven proved a presoient choice , as the VLCC's which play 50 great a part in 06ntro11ing the prke of oil products in Britain were developed, each stage of growth requiring deeper and deeper water. The logistics 'and economics of the pipeline became steadily more a'btractive as the 'sixties drew to a close, and the demand for light oil fuels rose steadily in the potential area to be served. By the time the project was ready ,to come to fruition, other refineries had been estabIishea alongside Milford Haven and Esso offered partioipation to Texaco and Gulf, two companies with existing refineries and a simUar need for diSltribution Iinks to the Midlands and North. MainHne Pipeline Company was formed to control the cooperative effort, with Esso holding a 75 per cent share, TeX'aco 20 per cent and Gulf Oil (GB) Ltd 5 percent.

Such co-operation is required by the PipeHnes Act of 1962 which also lays down the rules by whioh .the public interest is represented when new pipelines are proposed. However compelling ,the economics of a pipeHne. ,there is

a price to be paid in terms of the disruption exper.ienced during its construction. The Act controls what lines may be built-and prevents' their undu e proliferation or duplication -sets up sNindards for 'their construction and maintenance and regulates the processes by which permission to build the line may be obt!lined from those who own or occupy the land under whioh it passes Payment is ma de for permission to build, 'and comple te reinstatement of the land above and compensation for los,t crops or disturbance are negoti,ated with owners 'and tenants, usually through representative bodies such as t he Country Landowners' Assooiation, ,the National Farmers ' Union or the Farmers' Union of Wales. Voluntary agreement is the norm, though the Act does lay down procedures to break a deadlock in negotiation. Local Authori't'ies, River Boards a nd a host of other official and s tatutory bodies have also to be satisfied tha,t a proposed line will not end a nger their interests or damage the people they serve ,

In the case of Mainline P ipeline, once the provisional route for the pipeline had been decided on, wayle'aves had to be obtained from t he 1,057 ia'ndowners and occupiers on the route, The ,lea ses negotIated, which were for ninety-nine years, with 'an 'option f or renewal, restrict the owner oin

These unobtru siv e Installations at Seisdon mark the point where the pipeline branches Pumps and control equ ipm en t ensure that t he right product In the right quantity reaches its destination

what he can do with the land above the subterranean strip through which the pipeline runs. For example, he cannot build on 'it, though agricultural land can be cultivated, since the pipeline is buried approximately 3 feet deep. Interestingly enough, though 'the strip leased does not mclude the top 2 feet 6 inches of the soil, it extends to 36 feet downwards. This allows the pipeline to go deeper where necessary, for example at river crossings-there were 22 rivers and 17 oanals to cross, not to mention 93 major roads and 23 railways. Routing 'the pipeline in congested ,industrial areas was 'complicated; dealing wIth the large tracts of farmland and 'Open country in W'ales, Herefordshire and Shropshire was much simpler, though the badgers who moved home just 'after elabora'te arrangements had been made to divert the pipeline to avoid their sett were felt to have been less than helpful.

H is easy to see how the neat straight lines, which appa'rently represent the most economic solution to the problem 'of stretching a pipe between two points turn into the actual track eventually followed. Every angle represents an interest respected, a problem avoided-only 20 out of 285 miles go through bunt-up areas, which present the worst problems of ,inconvenience and difficulty in construction.

Construotion itself took only eight months. In open couIlitry complications were few. First came the fencing gangs, making sure that the workoing tract, approximately 50 feet wide, was secured against straying an,imals and other dangers. Then the top soil was carefully lifted and stored on one side for later replacement. Tracked loaders delivered the pipe and laid ,it out loosely beside the line. A mechanical digger excava,ted the trench to the required depth and was quickly followed by the welding gangs who joined the pipe into long continuous sections. A percentage of the welds were radiographed, the joints were wrapped, ,the coating tested for faults and the welded line was paid into the prepared trench. Then oame ,the s-tage of backfilling, careful replacement of the top soil and reinstatement of the land to pasture, or to whatever use ,it was formerly put. In builtup 'areas the problems were gr:ater-crossings of water, roads or other obstacles presentmg spedal difficulties, but the same high 'standard of oare was exercised throughout.

The completed line begins atWaterston (at which point products from the three refineries are fed into it) and proceeds as a single line to Seisdon, where the main control &taVion ,is located. There ,it splits into two 12-inch lines, the right fork going to Birmingham where the three participants have terminals and (40 miles on, via a lO-inch Hne) .to Ess'O and Texaco plants at Nottingham. The left hand branch goes 75 miles north to Manchester.

In ,the early days of pipelining, a rubber sphere was inserted between different products, and passed along the line between them, in order to av'Oid mixing. However, it was 'soon discovered tha't, since the contents of a pipeline are moving all the time under pressure, very Httle mingling takes place at the interfiace between the produots, even 'if they 'are not physically separated. 'White' oil products are not carried in the same pipeline as 'black' 'Oil produots heavy residual fuel oils burned ,in ships' boilers and to provide steam for the genera'ti'On of electricity in power stations). However, within 'the Hmits of this basic distinction, it ,is 'Only necessary to ensure by careful hatching that

products adjacent in the line are sufficiently compatible to be re-blended. Naturally 'the more highly refined of the two products is blended down into the lower or less refined cut, so that quality is enhanced rather than reduced. Thus, thQugh pipelines are 'inflexible as Tar as total destination is concerned, since pipeline carrying capacity cannot be redirected, as that of ships or rail ·cars can, to other alternative destinations, they do have another kind of flexIbil:ity--:that of being able to vary freely the quantity of each product carried.

However, the need tQ handle this wide range of produots and distribute them to their respective owners' mnks 'at the destination points presents a severe scheduling problem. Good communications are essential and the ends of the line and intermediate staVions remain in constant touch with each other.

From a safety and environmental viewpoint, pipelines are excellent. Once laid they are invisible, and with Itoday's construction techniques, pipeline failure as such <is almost unheard 'Of. There are Hnes in ,this country which were laid over thirty years ago, before anti-rust coating or cathodic proteotion were commonly used, which are still giving safe service. Nowadays, with good coating and cathodic prDtection the Hfe of a pipeline is more 'Or less 'indefinite. The only real hazard Is chance mechanical damage from an external source, but even here the frequent visual inspeotions, by both helicopter -and line walkers, mean that any sort of digging or engineering operations in the vicinity of the line are promptly detected.

In fact, as might be expected with the -reduction ,in loading and unloading, Ithe rate of spillageror pipelines is extremely low in comparison wIth that of other modes of transport. Indeed, it is not only compadtively but 'also absolutely low, as a recent survey of many years of pipeline operat;i'Ons in Western Europe has confirmed-not only were accidental losses very small but also ,the average size of the few spillages experienced were very low.

A parcel 'Of produot put 'into the Hne now takes 74 hours to travel from W'aterston ,1:0 Manchester, though this will be reduced to 38 hours as thecapaoity limLt is expanded by the ins'tallation of additional pumps. This ability to increase throughput at low cost ,is a great economic virtue of a pipeline. It <is not economic to build until ,the throughput jUstifies 'it, but, lin the case of Mainline P.ipeline, 'the vQlume transported can be increased, even doubled, by putting additional pumping s'ta'tions along the line. The oost of these is small compared wIth the ,inItial investment, sO a growing market can be fed with a small injection 'Of new capital.

In conclusion, product pipelines provide a most elegant means of moving large volumes of product to areas of consumption. They preserve 'the environment by being themselves safe, invisible and noiseless. They reduce to a minimum surface 'transportation from refineries, they are highly competitive and have reasonably stable operating cos'ts. 'I1hey are theref'Ore beneficial ,to the supplier, consumer and environment. Mainline ,is the I'atest example and is a true example of a good! pipel'ine. It is an asset to everybody who Bves and works ,in the area It serves and therefore to the country 'as a whole.

With acknDwledgements to' ESSD Magazine.

Home Office and Association CodesElectrical Recommendations

Paper presented by D. Ogden, Lecturer In Electrical Installation, Blackpool College of Technology and Art, at the

ELECTRICAL FAULTS-CAUSE AND PROTECTION

Nature of Supply

The electrical supply given :to most consumers in this country is a 240 v Single Phase 50 Hz A.C. earthed supply. This supply is derived from the secondary winding of a transformer which is used to step the voltage down from the high voltage used f'Or general distribution. For practical purposes it may be considered :that the supply volifJage is generated in the transf'Ormer secondary.

Contr'Ol of Circuits

One pole 'Of the supply 1s connected to earth at the supply transformer. This conductor is called the neutral conductor since it is at earth potential. The mains (240 v) is present between the live and neutral -conductors 'and between the live conductor and any eal'th point.

No fuse or n'On-linked (single pole) switch may be placed in the neutral conductor since .the 'Operation 'Of tbis fuse 'Or switch w'Ould cause the circuit t'O appe'ar de'ad whilst in fact the live conductor was still connected to the circuit. Fuses and circuit breakers are used to prevent 'an excessive current fl'Owing in the circuit. Excessive current fl'Ow may be the result of a short circuit fault 'Or an overload. An 'Overload current is caused by conneoting too large a l'Oad to ·thecircuj,t or by some other similar cause such as a

stalled electric motor. Overload currents do not cause immediate damage to the circuit and may be tolerated for a relatively long time (minutes). A short circuit is the result of the live. conductor being shorted to earth or to neutral. In this case a current equal to 50 times .the normal circuIt current may flow, ,the current being limited ,only hy ,the resistance of the live and neutral conductors or by the sesistance of the Hve conduct;or of the earth path.

For a fuse to give protecti'Onagainst exposed metal-work becoming live the metal-work must be effectively bonded to a good electrical earth. The resistance of the earth fault path must be low enough ,to allow a current to flow which will blow the fuse in the event of a shol't circuit between live and earth 'Occurring.

Water or similar pipe systems must not be used as the sole means 'Of earthing an electrical installation. The ,installatHm can be earthed by conneotion to 'an earth electrode consisting of 'a buried plate or rod or by connection to an earth terminal provided by the Supply AuthorIty.

Types of Protective Device

The open wire fuse is the traditional means of. protecting against over currents but more sophisticated fuses and automatic switches known as circuit breakers are often used.

Petroleum Technology Course held at Lancaster University

Supply Voltage E

Fuse Fault (Live to Earth)

Earthed Case of Appliance

Path of Fault Current

T<

r

Earth Electrical Resistance

The open wire fuse prov,ides good short circuit protection but poor unpredictable overload protection. Other disadvantages of the open wire fuse are; danger from arcing when fusing and the danger of repl'acement with too large an element.

The H.R.C. Fuse (High Rupturing Capacity) consists of silver fuse elements contained in a sealed porcelain tube filled with fine sand. The sand 'is used to quench the arc and disperse the molten metal. This type of fuse gives excellent short circuit protection breaking the circuit in t of a cycle (one two-hundredth of a second). The overload protection is ,accurate but not as accurete as that provided by a circuit breaker.

Oircuit breakers are magnetically or thermally operaJted switches which give very accurate overload protection. The short circuit protection provided is, however, not as rapid as that of 'an H.R.C. or open wire fuse. The circuit breaker can be used as a control sw1tch but its main advantage is the safety it proV'ides by not being subject to incorrect replacement.

INSTALLATIONS IN DIVISION 1 and 2 AREAS

Installations designed to operate in situations where the hazards of ,infi.ammable petroleum liquid gas OT vapour exist are covered by the following codes and regulations :-

Regulations for the Electrical Equipment of Buildings (14th Edition) (Institution of Electrical Engineering).

Model Code of Principles of Construction and Licensing Conditions Part 1 (Home Office).

Code of Praotice re Principles of Construction Electrical Requirements Model Licence Conditions, etc. (The Association for Petroleum Acts Administration).

B.S. 229 Flameproof Enclosure of Electrical Apparatus.

B:S. c.P. 1003 1, 2 and 3 Electrical Apparatus and Associated Equipment for use in Explosive Atmospheres of Gas or Vapour.

The degree of hazard encountered in areas where petroleum and other similar substances are stored, served or used is divided into two categories.

Division 1

An area within which any flammable ,or explosive substance is processed, handled or stored and where during normal operations an explosive or ignitable concentrat'ion is likely in sufficient quantity ,to produce a hazard.

Division 2

An area within which flammable or explosive substance is so well under control ,that the production of an explosive or ignitable concentrat-ion in sufficient quantity ,to constitute a hazard is only likely to occur under abnormal conditIons.

The classification into divisions one and two of the areas within and surrounding petrol s'toresand pumps is given in the Home Office Model Code.

Electrical installations in Division one areas must be of a design and type known as flameproof. Installations in Division two areas must be of solid 'industrial construction and in situations where sparking is likely to occur the equipment must be contained within flameproof enclosures. Sparking can occur in the following electrical equipment under normal conditions; lighting switches, motor contaotors 'and relays, motor commutators, socket outlets (as the plug is withdTawn), mainswitches, circui,t breakers and fuses. From this it can be seen ,that switches and fusegear in Division Two areas must be of the flameproof type.

Flameproof equipment is not designed to withstand a fire from without, but to contain a fire or explosion within the equipment.

A flameproof unit is designed in accordance with B.S.229 to withstand an internal explosion of the gas for which 'it is certified and also to prevent any spark or flame from the explosion leaking out of ,the enclosure and 'igni,ting the surrounding atmosphere. This is effected by wide machined

flanges which damp or quench the flame in its passage across the metal, but at the same time allowing the pressure generated by the explosion to be dissipated.

The cables of flameproof .installa;tions must be contained within solid drawn conduit or be of one of the types given in the list below.

Note: The conduit normally used for electrical installations is of ,the welded seam type and not suitable for flameproof installations.

TYPES OF CABLE SUITABLE FOR FLAMEPROOF INSTALLATIONS

(i) Lead-sheathed steel armoured cable.

(ii) Mineral insulated eopper sheathed cable which must have a P.V.C. outer sheath ·if ·is buried in the ground or exposed ·to the weather.

(ii) Mineral ·insulated sheathed cable which must have a P.V.C. outer sheath if it is burled in the ground or exposed .to the weather.

(Hi) Mineral insulated 'aluminium sheathed cable having an overall P.V.C. sheath and 'additional protection where .jt is liable to mechanical damage.

(iv) Cables housing a seamless aluminium sheath, provided that 'the cables are also :armoured or otherwise protected if liable to be exposed to mechanical damage.

(v) Armoured P.V.C. insulated cable having an overall external covering 'Of P.V.C. provided that ,it is not buried direct in ground which may be contaminated by :inflammable volatile liquid.

UNDERGROUND WIRING

The wiring beltween the control switches (usually in a safe area away from the pumps) and petrol pumps, is usually installed underground and must therefore comply with certain I.E.E. Regulations in addition to ,the Regulations laid down in the .Home Office Code. The cho'ice of cable which may be used is, <in most practical situations, confined to two types, Mineral Insulated Copper sheathed cable haVling an outer P.V.C. sheath or Paper InsuIated Lead Covered Steel Wire Armoured cable. The latter cable would be an unlikely choice due to the high ·cost of the cable and the difficulty and cost of sealing <the cable ends.

When M.LC.C. cable is buried directly in the ground it mus{ be I'aidat a depth of not less than 500 mm (18 inches) and if it lis not laid under a permanent surface 1t must be given the protection of cable oovers. The cable covers Elre ceramic covers or concrete slabs with the words "Danger Electric Cables" cast 'into their upper face.

CIRCUIT LAYOUT

The Home Office Code requires that each petrol pump be wired on 'a separate oircuit and be provided with a double pole isolating switch. The Code also requires that all electrical equipment jnstalledin division one and two areas be controlled with a double pole switch. Double pole

switches are linked swrtches designed to break both .the live and neutral conductors but not the earth conductor. It is recommended that a separate emergency switch be provided, in addition to the main switch controlling the installation, to isolate all pumps and pump lighting. This switch should be readily visible to the public and suitable for easy 'operation in .the case of .emergency.

GENERAL LAYOUT

To Switches 4-----, -r-controlling other Pumps .q.--;::::LJLL_L"'tDistribution Fuse Board containing a Fuse for each Pump

Notice Petrol Pumps Switch Off Here '---,-_-1

Feeds to Distribution Boards Supplying Equipment in Safe Areas

Isolating Switch adjacent to Distribution Board Emergency Switch Visible to Public and within easy reach for operation

r---'---, Sub Main Switch Fuse Units Main Switch Fuse Controlling the whole installation

The above diagram gives a typical layout for control of petrol pump installations.

SELF·SERVICE STATIONS (UNATTENDED)

Ready means shall be pr{)vided for isolat·ing the supply to the pumps and pump ligbting. The master switch shall 'be a contactor suitable for remote 'Operation from one or more push buttons on the forecourt.

'---t--

D.P. Switch

Supply to Pump

Distribution .Fuse Board Separate Fuse for each Pump Remote Stop Buttons Contactor (Electrical Operated Switch)

Isolator adjacent to Contactor and Dis. Board

TESTING AND INSPECTION

It is recommended that the electrical in9tallation in division one ·and two ·areas be ;inspected 'and tested at intervals of one year. The testing and inspection should be carried out by a competent person. The installation should be tested in accordance with the recommendations of Section E of the LE.E. Regulations and the requirements of the Home Office Code.

In basic principle, tests are made to ensure the effectiveness of earthing and the good condition of the ansulating materials. In addition to the general inspection of the installation an inspection should be made of the flanges of flameproof enclosures to ensure that they are free from corrosion.

Supply from Main Switch Fuse

EMERGENCY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

Birmingham-

Report of Meeting held on 30th May, 1973

Present

J. W. Hewison (Chairman), R. P. Holdaway, J. W. Frid, C. T. Peacock, R. E. J. Roden, D. Hall.

Apologies

An apology was received from Mr. J. Beer.

As there had no previous meeting -of this Commj,ttee, there were no mmutes to be discussed.

Annual Conference and General Meeting for 1974

After comment, it was decided that as ,there anl?sufficIent measure of agreement due to the lack of concerning the future of :the Association, consIdera.tlOn -of ,this subject be left until a Council meeting later m the. It was hoped ,that it might be possible to reach a decIsIon concerning this subject by ,the 'autumn and th7 Chairman sUgges'ted that this would leave msufficlent <tIme to prepare Conference arrangements, it was felt that ,the Committee had no further altema,tives but to defer a final decision on the matter.

It was further tenta.tively agreed that all efforts should be made to hold a Conference in 1974.

Election of Committees

In to avoid the necessity of calling a full Council mee,t1O.g, the Emergency Committee took powers to elect councIl members to the Association's various CommIttees.

constitution and Rules

D. Hall

E. V. Beeby

R. S. L. Anderson

J{. C. Hughes

J. Bennet-t

It was proposed by R. P. Holdaway, seconded by J. W, Frid that the Chairman of this Committee be D. Hall.

Reference and Legal

P. H. Cartwright G. H. Harvey T. Kerr K. MacLeod C. R. Peskett R. E. J. Roden

It was proposed by D. HaIl, seconded by C. T. Peacock that R. E. J. Roden Chair this Committee.

Education and Publication G. Beresford J. Birks S. W. D. Harris W. Hetherington B. Hodgson H. R. Mellor

It was proposed by R. P. Holdaway, seconded by D. Hall that H. R. MeUor Chair this Committee.

AD HOC COMMITTEES

Tripartite

(Institute of Petroleum)

Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Editor, Chairman of the Reference -and Legal Committee (Chairman).

Emergency

Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Immediate Past Chairman, Honorary Secretary, Honorary Treasurer.

Honorary Secretary's Report

The Honorary Secretary reported on the following: Tha,t he had received from the Home Office the proposed Regulations for the Construction and Operation of Vehicles used for the conveyance by road of corrosive substances for the Association to comment upon. These had heen circula,ted to certa:in Council members for ,their comments which, together with his own, will 'be forwarded to the Home Office hythe Honorary Secretary. He further reported having received copies of the Minutes of Technical Sub-Committee IV

In order to conserve expenditure the Council of the Association delegated full authority to this Committee

(Dangerous 'Substances) together with a paper produced by this Committee headed "Advice on means of preventing major spillages of petroleum spirit".

The Honorary Secretary ,then read a letter which he had received from John Sharp, ,the Association's Honorary Electrical Adviser, ·in which he was informed of Mr. Sharp's impending retirement which would mean that he would be compelled to give up his position as Honorary Electrical Adviser. The Committee expressed its regrets on the severance of ·a long 'and much valued association with Mr. Sharp and concurred with the Honorary Secretary's action in writing the Association's thanks .to both John Sharp and ,the Chairman of ,the Midlands Electricity Board. No recommendations were made by the Committee for a replacement of Mr. Sharp ·and >the matter was left for .the decis,ion of Council at 'its next meeting.

The Honorary Secretary also placed before the Emergency Committee seven applications for ·associate membership.

Any Other Business

There was some discussion regarding the date and venue for the next meeting of the Council and it was agreed that if more information concerning the future administration of petroleum leg.islation under Local Government reorganisation was forthcoming, arrangements may be made to hold a Council meeting a't Lancaster University during the period of the Northern Branch's petroleum course. It was further agreed that when more information· on ,this subject was available ,the Immediate Past Chairman, Mr. R. P. Holdaway, and the Honorary Secretary should .re-open talks with 'the Association's Honorary Legal Adv.iser ·in order to initiate a letter concerning the future of the Association which would be sent to the new local authorities.

..

Report of Meeting held on 29th November, 1973

Present

Messrs. J. W. Hewison (Chairman), R. P. Holdaway, C. T. Peacock, R. E. J. Roden, J. W. Frid.

Apologies

Apologies were received from Mes·srs. D. Hall and B. W. C. Thacker.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the first Emergency Committee meeting which had been previously circulated were accepted by the meeting.

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

Local Government Re-organisation

A joint report was given by R. P. Holdaway and J. W. Frid (Honorary Secretary) of meetings they had with the Association's Honorary Legal AdvIser at whIch a format was decided for a circular letter which was to he sent on behalf of the Association to the Chief Executive Officers of all 'of the new English, Welsh and Metropolitan. counties together with the Secretaries of the C01;lnty Association and the Association of Metropoi'ltan Authontles. The Honorary Secretary reported the letters had been des?atched on 21st November ·and that to date he had receIved no replies. Messrs. Holdaway and Frid were by the for their report and were authOrIsed to maintain a close liaison with the Association's Honorary Legal Adviser during this difficult period re-organisat·ion When the Association's future would be deCIded.

Honorary Editor

The Honol'ary Secretary repol'ted that the Honorary Editor -who had inadvel'ltently been prevented from attending ,the meeting-had informed him verbally that he wished to resign the edi,torship of "The Bulletin". His reason was >tha·t

his recent new appointment had prevented him from giv'ing as much time to the publication as he would wish, particularly since he was heavily involved in re-organisation matters within his own ·area. The Honorary Secretary further reported that he had approached R. P. Holdaway (ex Honorary Editor) who had agreed to take up the editorship for a temporary period of about twelve months in order to assist ,the Association at this difficult time. The Committee members present thanked Mr. Holdaway most sincerely for his timely offer of assistance.

Chairman's Items

Under this heading the Chairman 'raised the question of the AssociMion's finances during the period whilst ,the Association's future was being decided. The Honorary Treasurer and other members of the Emergency Committee spoke !in support of the Honorary Treasurer's suggestion to send out accounts ·in a normal fashion on 1st January. It was felt that present members would rely heavily upon the Association's advice during the run-up period to local authority re-organisation and that most would wish to support the Association"s continuance.

It was agreed tha't subscription accounts should be sent out by the Honorary Secretary at the appropl'iate time.

The question of the publication of "The Bulletin" during this difficult period was also discussed and it was agreed that it should be pubHshed as and when possible, this be-ing dependent upon the Association's financial pos·ition.

The Chairman reported attending a joint meeting of the East and West Midland Branches and meetings of the Wessex and South Wales, Yorkshire and Southern Branches. He reported Ithat he had been most impressed by the 'support for the Assooiation'scontinuance which had been expressed by many members ·at the meetings which he had attended. He also spoke ·of 'the great interest which had heen shown by existing members when the possibility of their future

partioipati'On in the Association's affairs 'On an ass'Ociate basis had been discussed. Such a possibility had been put to the ChaIrman of the Ass'Ociation's Constitution and Rules Commi,ttee---lD . .Hall. In his unavoidable absence, Mr. Hall had sent a summary 'Of his interpretation 'Of the Associa'tion's rules governing this subjeot which was read to the meeting by the Honorary Secretary as follows :-

"Possibilities of continuing participation after re-organisaHon for those members 'Or nominated representatives who will no l'Onger be directly involved with petroleum administration.

A. Rule 4 (c)

Gives the C'Ouncil the right to elect such members or nominated representatives as it feels proper, in view of exceptional services to :the Association, to Life Membership in the event ·of ,their ceasing to be actively involved in petroleum administra'tion; such election shall be notified for information purposes only, to an Annual General Meeting.

This could 'only be used in a very restricted field and is no real solution to the difficulty, never-the-Iess the power exists.

B. Rule 4 (t)

The Counoil has already accepted the opinion that Weights and Measures Inspectors and Fire Service Personnel are, by virtue of their duties under their professional disciplines, entitled to receive Associate Membership, and it seems to me that this interpretation is sufficient also for the future in respect of such officers, given goodwill on the part of ,the new C'Ouncil

The 'situation is, however. more difficult with our Public Health 'and Surveying, etc. calleagues. It can be argued tha:t such 'Officers are concerned professionally as required under 4(f), but in my opinion this is a much more tenuous argument which would probably not be accepted by a distinct from the present Council. In whIch ·case It seems to me the only way to guarantee that such members cauld continue in their relationship with the A:ssociation 'in the future would be to amend the Constitution in order to permit ,this. If it were felt desirso to do, I would suggest the following, or something sImII'ar :-

4(f) as it now appears becomes 4(f)(i) and the following 1'S added:-

4(f)(ii)-Any person having ceased to be 'a Petroleum Officer 'Other -than due to retirement may, at the discret'ion o.f the Council and 'On payment of the relevant subscriptIon, be admitted to Associate Membership".

It a?reed by members that Mr. Hall's suggestion be borne m mmd at the appropriate time.

Honorary Secretary's Report

The Honorary Secretary reported the following items. A letter had been received from P. H. Cartwright, Branch Secretary, Treasurer and Branch Representative, Narthern Branch, giving information of his relinquishing this office in favour of Mr. C. T. W. AnS'bro, Senior Fire Prevention Officer, Darlington, Co. Durham. Mr. Car,twright had taken

this step because the future administration of petroleum legisIation in his area would be undertaken by another discipline. Mr. Cartwright thanked Council members for their support and wished the AssocIation well in ,the future. It was agreed that the Honorary Secretary should wrIte to Mr. Cartwright thanking him for his work on ,the Association's behalf.

The Honorary Secretary read a letter from the Honarary Secretary of the Wessex and South Wales Branch which requested that the Association consider various changes which had been made necessary by local government reorganisation. 1t was agreed that this matter should be taken to a future general meeting of the Assoc:j.ation.

A further lebter from J. Bennett, Honorary Secretary, Yorkshire Branch, included a resolution from that Branch which they wished to be considered by the Council of the Association. In essence this urged that all effort should be directed toward keeping the Ass'OcIation in being beyond Apr-il, 1974. It was agreed to place this bef'Ore the Council at its next meeting. Meanwhile the Emergency Committee could 'assure the Yorkshire Branch that this object was very much in ,their mind also.

The Honorary Secretary further reported receiving a letter from David Lane, M.P., Under Secretary of Sta,te at the Home Office, concerning local government re-organisation and future training of petroleum officers. In his letter, Mr. Lane suggested that in his opinion the Association should continue to make its case to the County Councils AssoCiation in order ,that the new county councils will not fail to make the appropr-iate use of the expertise currently avaHable.

After some discussian it was agreed that the Honorary Secretary's letters to the County Councils Association could well serve this purpose.

Finally, the Honorary Secretary reported a further seven applications for Associate membership.

Any Other Business

After some discussion it was agreed that future meetings of the Emergency Committee would be called, upon the a.greement 'Of the Cha:irman and Honorary Secretary at such as were necessary. Also that Mr. Holdaway and Mr. Frrd should attend such meetings as were necessary with the Association's Honorary Legal Adviser.

It fur-ther agreed that .the minutes of the Emergency CommIttee be circularised to all members of -the Council.

BRANCH REPORTS

Northern

Minutes of the meeting held at the Fire Brigade Headquarters, Darlington, on Wednesday, 26th September, 1973.

The meet:ing was opened by the Chief Fire Officer, W. R. Golding, Q.F.S.M., the chair being taken by Mr. A. F. Brunner of Hartlepool (Chief Inspector Trading Standards Dept.).

Present

Ten members attended, one Associate and two visitors. The a'ttendancecould be described as "thin on the ground" owing in the main to Local Government Re-organisation.

Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from the Chairman, Mr. D. J. Bruce (Teesside), the Vice-Chairman, Mr. B. W. Thacker (Teesside), Mr. R. Maughan (North Riding of Yorkshire (Associate), Mr. A. J. Hardy-King (Northallerton U.D.C.) and Mr. J. Hewison (Havant & Waterloo U.D.C.) Association Chairman.

Minutes

The minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at ,the Fire Brigade Headquarters, Teesside, on Thursday, 21st June, 1973 having previously been circulated, were approved.

Matters Arising

Mr. Harold Johnson, O.B.E. (former Chief Fire Officer, Teesside, and Branch Chairman) now retired, has accepted the Hfe membership of the Branch.

Membership

Northallerton Urban District Council have formally resigned from the Association, their representative being Mr. A. J. Hardy-King.

Report of the Honorary Secretary/Treasurer

The meeting was informed of Mr. Johnson's acceptance of the Hfe Membership of the Branch, and the fact, that Mr. Johnson at the time of acceptance was ,in fact ,in hospital at .Inverness.

The minutes of the Annual General Meeting were circuIated to the Chairman of the Association, Mr. Hewison, the Secretary Mr. Frid, Mr. Thacker (Hon. Editor) and all members of ,the Branch, together with Associate members.

Irrformation was sought and received from Messrs. Emco Wheaton (U.K.) Ltd., with regard to leak detector valves on remote pumping systems, and ancillary equipment.

Arrangements to be made by the Hon. Secretary to procure the services of a member of B.A.S.E.E.F.A. to lecture on their activities, and in particular certification procedures.

Address by D. R. Sanders, Esq., C.Eng., M.I.C.E., F.Inst.Pet., Engineering Manager, V.I.P. Petroleum Ltd.

The ,illustrated lecture given by Mr. Sanders, projected the average petroleum officer's knowledge into the very near future, where on forecourts in particular, a different form of dispensation is about to be known to Us in the form of "Remote pumping", "Submerged pumping units", and sophisticated 'intrinsically safe self service dispensing units, in which the metering, computation of price and blending facilities are there,in incorporated.

Mr. Sanders went on to describe in great detail the physical layouts to be expected, the mechanical aspects of submerged pumps, the detection of leaks in the 'arterial pipe lines by the use of "Leak-detector valves" 'and "Pressure Switches", the pressures both working and test which incidentally is far in excess of the standard 10 lbs. p.s.i. accepted as the norm and the electrical parts of the installation.

Those present at the meeting asked Mr. Sanders many relevant questions, and unfortunately the question period had to be curtailed owing to the distance that Mr. Sanders had to traverse ,to reach his home in Cheshire.

A vote of thanks was presented to Mr. Sanders by Mr. Brunner for a most interesting talk, to which those present concurred wholeheartedly in the usual manner.

Mr. Brunner also conveyed the appreciation of the Branch to the Chief Fire Officer, Mr. W. R. Golding, for ,the facilities provided for the meeting and the refreshments.

Any Other Business

The question of the venue of the next meeting was left to the Hon. Secretary and Chairman, together with the provis'ion if possible, of a lecturer from B.A.S.E.E.F.A.

Minutes of the meeting held at the Fire Brigade Headquarters, Darlington, on Wednesday, 6th February, 1974.

The meeting was opened by the Chief Fire Officer, W. R. Golding, Esq., Q.F.S.M., the ohair being 'taken by Mr. D. J. Bruce (Chief Fire Officer, Teesside).

Mr. Golding dnformed the meeting it would 'be his last appearance before the members in uniform, as he retires on 31st March. He had always been interested in ,the AssoCiation and its objectives, and also had some very happy memories of friends and wished the Association well in the future.

Present

Ten members attended, one Associate, and the guest speaker Mr. J. W. Hewison, President of the Association.

Apologies

:<\'pologies for absence were received from Mr. C. H. C!apham @3orough of Richmond), Mr. J. P. Urban District), Mr. R. R. Lumsden (Rural DistrIot Coun.cll of Eas'ington) and Mr. A. F. Brunner 'Of Hartlep'Ool (ChIef [nspector, TradingStanda-rds Department).

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held at the Fire Brigade Headquarters, Darlington, on 26th September, 1973 were approved, with the following amendments:-

1. It was stated in the minutes that the chair had been taken by Mr. A. F. Brunner of Hartlepool, when in fact Mr. W. C. Ranson had been in the chair, and

2. Mr. Harold Johnson, O.B.E., should read Mr. Harry Johnson, O.B.E.

Matters Arising

Mr. os. Ord of Sunderland asked for any information available regarding Mr. Harry Johnson, O.B.E. Mr. D. Bruce reploied that in fact Mr. Johnson 'is very well now and has made a good -recovery from his recent illness.

Membership

The Borough of Richmond have formally resigned from ,the Association, their representative being Mr. C. H. Cl'apham. Hartlepool also tendered their resignation, their representative being Mr. A. F. Brunner, and who were at this particul'ar meeting represented by Mr. P. H. Cartwright, former Branch Secretary/Treasurer.

Mr. C. Ansbro asked fora vote of thanks ,to he given to Mr. B. W. Thacker of Teesside for his services 'as Honorary Editor of the Bulletin. Mr. Thacker has now resigned from that post.

Mr. D. J. Bruce, recording a vote of thanks s!I'id Mr. Thacker had played a great part in the success of the Bulletin, and 's'aid members were aware of his national fame and his standing with persons associated with petroleum, and the Assooiation have been very fortunate to have had a person 'Of his standing to help and guide them in this way.

Mr. B. W. Thacker repHed to the Chairman on the vote of !thanks, and in his reply, thanking the Branch, he also stated that he reluctantly gave up the position of Honorary Editor as it was considered that he would not have the time to devote to Ithe job. He 'also 'said that it is in good hands with Mr. R. P. Holdaway, as Mr. Holdaway was Editor 'Of the Bulletin many years previously.

Report of the Honorary Secretary/Treasurer

The meeting was informed the capitance allowance for membership had been received. The cash balance being £5.92, inclus'ive of capitance -allowance.

A letter of thanks had ,been sent to Mr. D. R. Sanders (Sale, Cheshire) of V.I.P. Petroleum, for his lecture at the last meeting.

Correspondence was read from the Department of Trade and Industry, Buxton, Derbyshire, with regard to the provision of a lecturer for some future Branch meeting. This was not firmly 'arranged with the Department, however,

a representative of ,the Department invited the Branch, on prior notice, to a visit to their premises at BllX'ton. The interest of the Branch lies 'in ,the activities of B.A.S.E.E.F.A. and associated certification of electrical equipment, with particular reference to licensed petroleum storage.

Recent communication has -taken place hetween the Branch Secretary and the Petroleum Industry Training Board, arising from which a catalogue of films associated with the petroleum industry generally has been obtained, which appears to be most interesting.

The meeting was informed by letter received from Mr. R. P. Hold-away of Shrewsbury, that he is ,taking over the Editorship of the Bulletin, on the resignation of Mr. B. W. Thacker, Teesside.

Mr. Anshro reported that a successful prosecution regarding illegal storage of petroleum has been submitted ,to the Editor for publication ,in the next edition of the Bulletin, together with a copy of ,the minutes of the meeting held on 26th September, 1973.

Welcome

Mr. D. J. Bruce (Chairman) welcomed to the Branch meeting Mr. J. W. Hewis'On, the Chairm'an of the Association, 'saying he had travelled a long way from the outskirts of Portsmouth and was extended a very happy welcome, as .this was considered a rare and very important 'occasion as far as this Branch was concerned, and ,the Branch generally cons'idered it an honour that Mr. Hewison was present.

Mr. Hewison thanked the Northern Branch for inviting him, and said Mr. Ansbro had kept him informed of all meetings, for which he was very thankful. He expressed appreciaNon to Mr. Thacker for an he had done over the years and said his efforts were appreciated very much in the Associ'ation, and especially in the Council. He was a great help and will be sadly missed on the Council. He expressed the hope that the Association will carry on after Local Government Re-organisation, and stated he would be pleased to help where he COUld. He thought ,the Nor.them Branch looked to be pretty soHd and flourIshing and was very appreciative of the efforts in this area to keep the thing in being.

Legal Proceedings

Mr. Bruce reported two or three cases of <illegal s'oorage of petroleum at Teess-ide.

Mr. Hewison had deaIt with cases of illegal storage of petroleum. On each occasion the initial report came from the police, and he had ,immediately procured a Court Order to search ,the premises and seize the petroleum. This is the legaHty of it. You -are only allowed on the premises ,if they are licensed, and must have 'a Cou-rt Order. The question of s'ampling petroleum was then raised and how it should be undertaken, further, Mr. Hewison suggested Ithat the overall question of seizing, sampHng and Court Orders etc., would make an excellent 'article for the Bulletin, as many petroleum officers will appreciate.

Meeting with County CouncDs Association

Mr. Hewison thought it a good idea if the Counties would take their guidance, and suggested we ca-rry on 'as we are,

being council membership rather than officer membership. We must get people who are interested and wh'O -are willing to keep the Branches in operation, particularly those who attend the first meeting of the Secretaries' of ,the County Councils Association on 15th February, 1974.

Local Government Re-organisation

Mr. Hewison stated we must play our part if and when the Association carries on. It is up to each Branch in its area. Petrol companies would be only too willing to attend meetings and get exchange of ideas, and said the Comp'anies have a lot to give, with their experience in all fields. Petroleum companies and pump manufacturers would bring their equipment f'or showing, and would speak to a Branch readily. Mr. D. Bruce said we should approach associated firms regarding membership of the Association.

Question of Plastic Tanks

G.R.P. tanks for petroleum storage were discussed. Mr. Hewison informed the meeting that these tanks are going in at the rate of 200 a month in America. They are hound to come sooner or later to this country; some are guaranteed indefinitely. U the Branch 'are interested they shOUld write to Messrs. Bunting Plastics for more information.

Unifonnity of Licensing

It was suggested that Secretaries of local counoils should meet 'about this. Various authorities are now fonnulating their own licenses, and we should try to persuade all authorities throughout Britain to maintain some uniformity, or we may finish up exactly as we arc, or become worse off.

The question 'Of pre-licensing conditions was discussed, and it would appear that another case fur uniformity is presented.

Delivery of Petroleum on Forecourts

Mr. Ansbro informed the meeting that his authority within licensing conditions insists on one compartment 'Of a tank at 'One time being delivered into 'one underground storage tank 'Or compartment. In the ensuing discussion it was accepted that the vent pipe area was the hazard area associ:ated with filHng stations, or in fact could be so, therefore to alleviate the situation this condition 'is enforced. Neighbouring authorities did n'Ot entirely 'agree to this however, each individual filling station was vetted on its merits, and permission given f'Or multiple rill where circumstances allowed.

Mr. Hewisonreferred to a new bill that had had jots first reading namely the "Health & Safety etc." bill, which may include' the licensing 'Of large in$talIations among 'Other things.

Mr. Tha'cker referred to international membership for the AssociaNon, bearing in mind that the Assooiatron already had members of the European Economic Community.

End of Forum

Mr. B. Thacker thanked Mr. J. Hewison :for coming all ,the way from the south coast and was sorry it was such an atrocious day. He commented "We hope you have enjoyed y'Our day with us, and would like to assure you of our support for the Association".

Mr. Thacker also expressed thanks to Mr. Golding for the use 'Of the premises, and also as he is now nearing retirement, for the help he has given the Association, as Chief Fire Officer of Darlington, in the past.

Any Other Business

Mr. S. Ord (Sunderland) raised the subject of Petroleum Coke. He stated there were stockists in Sunderland and Birtley. It is being sold as smokeless fuel. The question of vapour arose. The name possibly denotes its origin. It was decided it needs investigation, and any further information on this product would be welcomed.

The question 'Of the venue of the next meeting was left to the Honorary Secretary and Chairman.

Wessex and South Wales

Minutes of the meeting held on Monday, 22nd October, 1973 at 11.00 a.m. at Digby Hall, Hound Street, Sherborne, Dorset.

The meeting took place in accordance with arrangements made by Mr. T. K. Blackwell, Engineer and Surveyor, Sherborne U.D.C. and in consequence of the kind invitation of Sherborne Urban District Council.

Immediately prior to the meeting, members and their wives partook of coffee and in an informal atmosphere held discourse with the Chairman of Sherborne U.D.C., other Officers of Sherborne UD.C. and 'their wives as well as the National President Mr. J. W. Hewison and his wife.

Present

The Chairman of the Association, Mr. J. W. Hewison, Mr. M. Clark, Chairman of the Branch and 16 members.

Welcome

Councillor E. H. King, Chairman Sherborne U.D.C. welcomed members and their ladies to the town of Sherborne on their return visit after four years and to the Digby Hall complex which was an addition to the facilities ,the town could offer visitors. He outlined the history of the Association 'and the formation 'Of the Wessex and South Wales Branch. Members were interested ,in the detailed information which he gave concerning the 'Origin of Digby Hall and its complex as a joint venture with Dorset County Council Branch Library which conta'ined a stock of well over 15,000 books.

The reply to the weloome was made by the Chairman of the National Association, J. W. flewison, Esq. He expressed appreciation 'Of ,the arrangements and facilities which had been made available, -to the ,warm words of welcome made by Councillor E. H. King and the presence of wives of officers and members at this opening session. He very much appreciated the charm of the town and the advantages of the layout of the Public Hall and Library which it was intended should be 'inspected. in more detail later lin the day.

Business Meeting

Mr. Clark 'Opened the meeting by welcoming and Jntroducing Mr. J. W. Hewison, National Association Chairman. He expressed his pleasure at Mr. Hewison's presence 'and hoped

that later in the meeting Mr. Hewison would be able to address 'the Branch and bring members up to date 'On Aoss'Ociation matters generaHy.

Minutes

On the prQPQsition of L. Haggett, secQnded by T. L. CQX, the minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Thornbury on Monday, 2nd May, 1973 were cQnfirmed and signed by the Chairman.

The Secretary explained that matters aris'ing from the minutes were covered either in his report 'or by later items on the present agenda.

Apologies

Apologies were received from 20 members including those of ,the Voice"Chairman, Assistant Divisi'Onal Officer, W. J. Jones, Newport C.B.

Honorary Secretary/Treasurer's Report

The Seoretary rep'Orted that he had arranged a visit to the Fire Service Technical College, f'Or Wednesday, 12th September and that 17 members attended the visit ,including the immediate past Chairman, Mr. R. P. H'Oldaway of Shrewsbury. During the course of the visit, Mr. Holdaway had ,taken the opportunity 'Of speaking ,to the members, when we learned that "the C'Ouncil of ,the AssoCiation" was shortly to attend a meeting with 'the Town Clerk of Dudley, Honorary Legal Adviser, t'O clarify problems arising out 'Of Local Government Re-organisatron. inary meetings had already ,taken place with representatIves of the Home Office, and the general feeling was that the Ass'Ociation should -continue in existence, although subscripti'On fees might 'be as high as £40-£60 per annum. Menti'On wa's made of the p'OsS'rble advantages to joining the Association 'On an ,individual basis. Mr. Holdaway recommended that local authorities should renew ,all Hcences for 12 months and thus enable the new authorities a breathing space to get organised.

The Honorary Secretary/Treasurer outlined the circumstances ,in which he had to take out a 'One day insurance cover in order to enable him t'O give the necessary form of indemnity, and he had paid the premium 'Of £4.50 to the Municipal Mutual Insurance C'Ompany, 'On the propositiQn of T. L Cox and L. Haggatt, the Secretary's action was oonfirmed.

The Secretary's report briefly referred t'O the welcome which they had received at the Technical College, the work and training which they did there and the practical faciHties which they saw during the course Qf the c'Onducted tour. During the visit it was learnt that apparently the H'Ome Office did not intend to allow the Technical College to be used fQr the training 'of uniformed petroleum 'Officers. This had 'prompted '1he Secretary '1'0 place Item 7 'On the agenda f'Or today's meeting.

The Honorary Seoretary /T'reasurer's report was accepted by the meeting with an 'indication '1hat it sh'Ould be precised foOl' inclusi'On in the minutes.

The .Honorary Secre-tary briefly reported 'On routine correspondence, and the fact that he had supplied lists of members ,to the National AssociaHon with a claim for pay-

ment of 'capitation fees. The National Chairman assured the meeting that these WQuld be forthcoming f'Or the current year.

Chairman's Address

Mr. M. Clark, Chairman, then invited the Nati'Onal Chairman, Mr. J. W. Hewison, .t'O speak to the Branch. The National Chairman expressed his pleasure at being able to be present at the meeting, and to give members the brQad ouUine 'Of 'the present position. He stated that preliminary discussions on the future of the Association had already taken place with officers 'of the Home Office, the InstLtute of Petroleum, -the Greater London Council and 'Officers of our AssQoiation. The present membership 'Of 'Our Ass'Ocia'tiQn for Petroleum Acts Admisistrati'On was approximately 600. After re-organisation it was thought there would be 46 authorities resp'onsible f'Or petr'Oleum adminisration-'if all j'Oined. -H was the generally expressed view of members that they would Hke to keep our Association viable but ,in order to do SQ, it had been estimated .that it might invQlve an annual subscriptiQn 'Of £40-£60.

He said they had discussed the possibility of dual membership of local auth'Ority members and individual members. It was his des'ire to endeavQur to keep ,the Association alive, he would hate to see it fall. Its strength in 'the past was its membership 'Of mixed disciplines blended together. A's far as ,theyoould judge, the future respons,ibility for petrQleum was approximately 50% each to fire brigades and consumer protecti'On departments.

Mr. T. K. Blackwell, Sherbourne U.D., felt that at any future Association meetings attendance should not be restricted to the chiefs as there was 'Scope fQr senior inspectorate and juniors to attend and gain linformation.

It was resolved:

Proposed by Mr. Crookson, Weymouth M;B., seconde.d by Mr. R. Crowther, Gloucester City, that if possible this Associa,tJiQn ,carry' on in its present fQrm after 31st March, 1974.

lot was further proposed by Mr. R. Crowthe-r, seconded by Mr. L. Haggatt, that the Association look -into the p'O'ss'ibility of lQcal authorities paying an annual ,subscription based on the number of petroleum officers ,in the establishment, and that this would entitle all 'Officers to attend meetings.

Both these resolutions were put to the meet'ing and approved.

It was further proposed by Mr. L. Haggatt, seconded by Mr. A. Addison, that the Association look into the question of a standard basic tra'ining course for aB pe-troleum officers and the Home Office be pressed to work tQward this end.

Date and Place of Next Meeting

It was left for a meeting of the Executive C'Ommittee to consider the date and place of future meetings.

Any Other Business

Among various quesHQns and answers Mr. J. W. HewisQn referred to a type of clip-on '1ab for "fill-pipes" and promised to circulate the name of 'the manufacturer to members.

The meeting closed at approximately 4.15 p.m. after which' members were entertained to light refreshments kindly provided by Sherborne U.D.e. and Mr. T. K. Blackwell, assisted by their ladies. The Chairman expressed the wish that a letter of thanks should be sent by the Secretary to all those concerned with this successful meeting and this was agreed with general acclamation.

Regarding training, the courses at Attingham had always been over-subscribed, until the advent of additional courses in the north and south. All these had been good courses. Views had been expressed that this year's course at Lanoaster University had been very high pressure. Refresher courses were also needed, the annual conference at Hastings had been very successful.

He sought the views of the Branch on a possible further annual conference in March. Mr. Clark, Chairman, suggested that local authorities might be reluctant ,to release officers so near to the time 'of changeover. Members were in general agreement with this view, but some felt it might be feasible if -the ,annual conference was brought forward to early March.

From the ensuing discussion the following points arose:

A. S. Gigg, Gloucester C.C. Fire Prevention Officer, referred to the training arrangements he had made in respect of his brigade and stressed the importance of our Association avoiding becoming a second-class one. The Branch Treasurer drew attention to the danger of a possible «'take-'over" of our Association by another. He drew attention to the pattern which was apparently being followed in the re-organisation of the District Councils Associati'On, and the Association of Rural District Council Surveyors which had redesignated itself the Association of District Council Surveyors. Mr. J. W. Hewison, National Chairman, stressed the importance of our Association continuing its work where local 'authorities were arranging for the duties to be carried out by a separate inspectorate under the auspices of another department. Messrs. Gigg and T .. L. Cox, Cricklade and Wotton Bassett, considered there might be a danger to the best interests of Petroleum Administration if local authorities only appointed one officer as their representative in any new "set-up" as Trade & Industry representatives could be in the majority. They suggested the National Association's attention be drawn to this aspect.

The meeting adjourned at approximately 12.35 p.m. for lunch at the Post House Motel, and re-assembled at the new County Library. They were received by the Librarian, Mrs. Hamilton who outlined the facilities, and the special features the library provided. She emphas'ised that its provision in 'association with Digby Hall as a Public HaIl enhanced the usefulness, and enabled the dual use of services, etc. Members generally expressed their 'appreciation of this visit and there was general accord to a vote of thanks -to Mrs. Hamilton the Librarian, and to Mr. T. K. Blackwell, Sherbourne U.D.C., who had made ,such a successful inspection and visit possible. During the subsequent discussions on problems of re-organisation and training, numerous members took part in the ensuing discussions. Messrs. Gigg, Crookson and Cox spoke on the problems, dangers and ,shortcomings if the Fire Service Technical College restricted -its 'training to uniformed officers only. Mr. M. Cl ark, Cha-irman, suggested that any officers

responsible for enforcing the licensing and regulations should be trained ·to a national course of national standard. If it were not possible at the Fire Service Technical College, then have either the firm of Pump Maintenance, or one of the National Petroleum Companies any facilities, bearing in mind that the training would have to cover not only the retail but bulk storages, etc. Mr. J. W. Hewison, National Chairman, emphasised that the Fire Service Technical Oollege was a most excellent place for training but is designed for the training of fire fighting personnel. Lancaster University has facilities for the practical training of petroleum 'officers generally. Messrs. Crowther, Gloucester City, and Garnett, Cricklade and WoUon Bassett, stressed the need for independence of training of inspectorate, but our Association may not be strong enough in the future to make it feasible, and suggested that if it could not take place ,at the Fire Service Technical College, then some approach might be made to the Local Government Training Board. It was generally suggested that a combination of the Local Government Training Board and our Association should organise a suitable course. Mr. Addison, Port of RA., spoke on the effectiveness of the Fire Service Technical College. Mr. J. W. Hewison, National Chairman, suggested the Home Office should be asked to set up a training college for petroleum officers or a chair of petroleum technology at one of the Universities under the auspices of the Home Office, District Councils, this Petroleum Associat-ion and Petroleum Companies. Mr. L. Haggatt, Merthyr TydfiI, referred to the greater depth which our courses dealt with in respect of petroleum licensing. That next year the Fire Service Tecnical College will run an advanced course on petroleum for the Fire Services and that Mr. Gigg, Gloucester C.C., has officers go-ing on a three week course.

East Midland and West Midland

A Joint Meeting of the East Midland Branch and the West Midland Branch was held at the Leicester City F-ire Brigade Headquarters, Lancaster House, Lancaster Place, Leicester, on Friday, 9th November, 1973.

Mr. H. Booth, Chairman of the East Midland Branch, in opening the meeting extended a welcome to Mr. J. W. Hewison, Chairman of the Association and to members 'Of the West Midland Branch. Mr. T. R. Bass, M.I.F.E., Chief Fire Officer of Leicester City Fire Brigade then welcomed both Branches to Leicester on behalf 'of his authority. He said that there were ,two fundamentals which should continue to exist in Petroleum Administration following Local Government Re-organisat:ion. One fundamental he said was that such administration should always be carried out by men of experience no matter which department was given the responsibility and the other fundamental was that the Associa-tion for Petroleum Administration must continue after Local Government Re-organisation otherwise there would be no organisation ,to which petroleum officers could refer to for help and guidance. Mr. Bass 'then left the meeting and each Branch held its own business meeting as follows:-

East Midland Branch Ordinary General Meeting

Present

The Chairman of the Branch, Mr. H. Booth -and 22 members.

Apologies

19 apologies were received.

Minutes

The Minutes of the !Annual General Meeting held at the Town Hall, 'Loughborough, on Tuesday, l&t May, 1973 were approved and confirmed.

Membership

There was one -app1i-ca<llion for associate membership which was submitted and approved.

Report of Branch Representative

The Branch Represenflative reported that there had heen no Council Meetings of the Association since the last Branch Meeting.

Date and Place of Next Meeting

lit was agreed that in view of Local Government Re-organisation that the Branch should call an early meeting during March, 1974, and the invitation given by Mr. H. E. Wright of 'Leicester City Fire Brigade to hold 'Such a meeting at Leicester was accepted.

West Midland Branch Ordinary General Meeting

Present

The Chairman of the Branch, Mr. A. A. Awey, and 18 members.

Apoloates

26 apologies were received.

Minutes

The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting held at Newcastle-under-Lyme on Thursday, 22nd March 1973 were approved and confirmed.

Any Other Business

Mr. G. ,Harvey, the BTanch Representative,repol'ted that there had heen no Counoil Meetings since -the last Branch Meeting.

It was reported to ,the meeting that Mr. T. Keith of Cannock was 'in hospirtal at ,the ttime of the meeVing. The Secretary was instruoted to write to Mr. Keith gav.ing him the best wishes of the Branch for a speedy recovery.

Mr. D. Hall, Newoastle-under-Lyme, proposed and ,the Chairman seconded tihat an honorarium of £20 be paid to the Branch Honorary Secretary/Treasurer.

Mr. Hall, Newcastle-under-Lyme, also mentioned that s'ince the la'5't Branch meeting Mr. Sharpe, the Association's Honorary Electrical Adviser, had retired !from h1s position with the West Midland Electricity Board and also tendered his resignation from the Association. The meeting authorised the Secretary/Treasurer to write to Mr. Sharpe express'ing

the Branch's appreciation for the work done by Mr. Sharpe for the Association since tits inception and that in appreciation of this work a gift to the value of £5 be sent to Mr. Sharpe.

Date and Place of Next Meeting

The meeting felt that it would be advantageous '00 hold a further meeting of the Branch prior to 1st April, 1974, the date and venue of this meeting ItO be decided by the Branch Committee.

Joint Meeting

After the conclusion 'of the Branch business meetings all the members for a general discus'sjon on the administration of ,the Petroleum Acts and Regulations following Local Government Re-organis'ation and the future of the Association. The Honorary Secretary of the Association, Mr. J. W. Frid, joined the meeting and the discussion was opened by 'the Chairman of the Association, Mr. J. W. Hewis'on, who expressed his concern as to function would be given the responsibility of petroleum iAdiministration. He said that some of the new 'authorities already knew which department would be carrying out the administration while others had not yet made up their minds. He believed that whoever carried out the administration the expel'ltise of 'the present petroleum officers should not be lost. He thought that there shOUld be an independent Petroleum Inspectorate acting as one diSCipline under one department. Mr. ,Hewison concluded by saying that in visiting the V'arious Branches of the Association he had leamed that they 'all agreed that the Association should continue and he thought that the new authorioties should become members for their own benefi,t.

The Honorary Secretary of the Associat10n apologised for the lack 'CYf Council Meetings, but it was felt that the l'imtited funds 'Of the Association must be reserved for meetings during 'the period ,of re-organisation. He said that a draft letter had 'been prepared which would be sent to the Chief Executive Officers of the new County Councils out}iining tthe workcYf the Association 'and asking them whether or not they wished to become members. Several members expressed their views 'on the future of petroleum administration and it was clear from the discuss'ion that whatever pattern of 'administration was emerging 'it was essential ttha,t the Association should continue dn some form for the beaeftt at anyone who would have the responsibility of administering the ,Petroleum Acts and Regulations on behalf of the new authortties.

Address

At the af,ternoon session members at both Branches were given a talk entitled "Petroleum Licens'ing" by Dr. G. J. Jeacocke, M.Sc., Ph.D., 'F.R.I.C., of the Home Office. He began his talk by relating the hi'story of the ExplO'Mves Branoh which he said was the oldest technical branch in the Home Office. He welllt on to describe the enormous powers cYf Home Office Inspectors in rel'ation to petroleum administration which were greater than those powers given to I'Ocal authority Inspectors. He described the purposes of the Petroleum (ConsoHdation) Act 1928, which tidied up previous and which gave more powers to local

authorities. He referred to the licensing conditions attached to petroleum licences by local authorities which had become so varied that the Home Office attempted to guide local aU'thorities towards uniformity ,in petroleum administration by first issuing a model code in 1957 and again in 1968. He said that new developments were always taking place and model codes could not be considered to be final otherwise progress would be hindered. He mentioned the difficult task the Home Office had always had in dealing with 1,400 different local authorities responsible for petroleum administration and thought this would become less formidable foHowing Local Government Re-organisation when the number would be reduced to approximately 65 local authorities.

Dr. Jeacocke then spoke of self-service stations and the planning techniques of reducing hazards at bulk storage depots. He ,then went on to refer to the future responsibilities of local authorINes regarding the conveyance by road of numerous dangerous substances of an inflammable or toxic nature not yet oovered by legislat:ion. Local authorities he said, would have ,to carry out more responsible checks on road vehicles carrying such dangerous substances than under current Conveyance by Road Regulations particularly in relation to constructional deta'ils and the labelling of these substances. He concluded by asking all petroleum officers to inform the Home Office of any interesting incidents arising out of the conveyance of any dangerous substance as such 'information was always helpful to them in formulating any new legislation.

At the end of the talk members inundated Dr. Jeacocke wi'th a variety of questions and it was soon ev,ident that they were not going to lose the opportunity of acquiring information from someone so well-known by petroleum officers for his expertise and guidance over so many years. Questions were asked on the acquiring and keeping of petrol in cans and drums by ,the general public and in particular by motorists. Dr. Jeacocke said that it was difficult to fully control sales of petrol In this manner 'and 'that the Petroleum (ConsoHdlrtion) Act 1928 now reqUIred revision. Some members were concerned about the control of dangerous substances at such places as hospitals and universities regarding storage and disposal. He said 'that the Home Office were aware of the dangers at such places and informed members that legislation might be introduced to control the use storage and disposal of such dangerous substances but ,that it did take time to introduce legislation of this kind since so many interested parties had to be consulted. He reminded members, however, that no matter how muoh good legislation there might be it did n'Ot eliminate accidents completely for there would always be people who would break the law.

Interest was shown in the acceptability 'of Glass Reinforced PI'astic tanks for the underground storage of petrol. Dr. Jeacocke said that as raras the Home Office was concerned ,they were interested -in progress reports on these tanks from petroleum officers to help them in their research and because of ,this the more GRP tanks installed the better for them.

The problems some new petroleum authorities would have to face in dealing with sub-standard petrol sta'tions were referred to by some members 'and Dr. JeaC'ocke was asked

as to what line of 'aotion should be taken. In answering this question he told members of the course of action the Greater London Council had taken when they became a new petroleum 'authority. He said that petrol installations were classified into four groups. The first group consisted of "good stations" having no licensing problems, the second group consisted of stations requiring "a little tidying up" and were easily brought up to licensing standards, 'the third group required immediate attention "to serious faults" which had to be corrected before licensing, and the fourth group were so bad that they were not considered for licensing under any circumstances. He said that the G.L.C. had only 'One appeal in relation to a petrol s,tation which was refused a licence and this was extremely satisfactory. Consequently he anticipated that the 65 new oounty authorities woU'ld have few problems regarding ,the licensing of petrol installations. He ,told members that there were some bad petrol 'installatiQns and suggested that the new authorities could bring these <installatiQns up to the required standards by the use 'Of discretion and good commonsense.

One problem 'the new 'petrQleum authorities would have and that was to decide the number of petroleum officers they should engage for a particular area. It was suggested that 'One petroleum officer should be engaged for a specifiC number of petrQI installations and Dr. Jeacocke was a'sked what number he thought to be appropriate. He said that although the G.L.C. had one petroleum officer to every 200 petrol ,installations it was difficult to compare the new authorities with G.L.C. and he CQuld not ,theref'Ore suggest a specific number.

An interesting discussion on plastic cQntainers f'Or petrol took place. Dr. JeacQcke informed members that a draft specification had been prepared for plastic containers and tes,ts under fire conditions 'On both plastic and metal containers were being oorried out. He said that on balance a good plastic container of the correct specification was to be preferred 'loa metal container for in addition to there being no rust problem, petrol in a plastic container did not boil as readily as petrQI in a metal cQntainer since the conductivity of plastic was lower than the conductivity of metal. He warned members 'Of a popular one gallQn plastic conta'iner which easily melted and said that approved plastiC containers shQuld carry the well-knQwn British Standards kite mark.

It was felt that 'attention should be given to regulating the conveyance 'Of petrol by rail tankers and although Dr. JeacQcke agreed, he said that 'it was a difficult problem to deal with owing tQ the fact 'that British Rail had their own particu}iar and byeIaws relating to suoo conveyance.

At the end 'Of the discussion a vote of thanks was given to Dr. JeacQcke by Mr. G. J. Hannibal, Nottinghamshire Oounty Council, for his most interesting and informative talk to members. The meeting was 'then concluded by Mr. J. Bant'Oft, Derby, whQ thanked the Leicester CIty Fire Brigade for their kind hospitality and fadlities proVlided at the meeting.

Legal Proceedings

DARLINGTON

A call of fire was received to a private dwelling on 21st November, 1973 at 2029 hours. On arrival it was discovered that the rear ground floor room 'of the dwelling was well alight, and that firemen had to wear breathing apparatus to make an entry. The occupier of the house, a Mr. A. Morgan, stated that petrol was kept in the cellar, which proved to be 'On examination a rather deeper than normal foundation area below the ground floor, access being gained :thereto via a floor hatch and raking ladder. The fire was under control at 2106 hours.

The incident of fire was occas'i'Oned by the occupier Mr. Morgan visiting the basement area within the foundation where he kept the petroleum spirit and where therein fractured a glass container (bottle) of petroleum spirit, the vapours of which were eventually ignited by an adjacent gas fire, which was Ht lat :the time. Mr. Morgan was extremely fortunate to escape injury.

The petroleum spirit removed from the premises and placed ,in a properly constructed store for safe keeping, consisted of a " jerry-oan" and 11 glass bottles, nine of which contained approximately two pints of spirit and the remainder one pint.

The 'Occupier, Mr. Morgan, was successfully prosecuted by the Licensing Authority, for contraventions of "The Petroleum-Spirit (Motor Vehicles etc.) Regulations 1929" (S.R. and 1929 No. 952) and was fined £30 by the Town's Magistrates at Darlington 'on 29th January, 1974.

EASTBOURNE

At Eastbourne Magistrates' Court on 20th July, 1973, John Edward White, of 206 Nightingale Vale, Woolwich, SE18, pleaded guilty under No. 12(2) of the Petroleum Spirit (Oonveyance by Road) Regulations 1957 to delivering petrDI from a tank wagon with the cap to ,the filHng opening unlocked. Fined £20.

ST. ALBANS

At St. Albans Magistrates' Court on 16th October, 1973 and 25th October, 1973.

1. Pickfords Tank Haulage Limited, The Cross, High Street, Stroud, Glos.

Offences:

Did not lock the six manhole covers on top of road tanker, registration number DLK 555 J, contrary to Regulation 12 of the Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations, 1957, made under Section 6 of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928. Fine £50.

Did not carry an efficient fire extinguisher on vehicle, registraHon number DLK 555 J, contrary to Regulation 6 'Of the Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) RegulaHons, 1957, made under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928. Fine £50.

Did not mark vehicle, reg.istraHon number DLK555 J, with a sign stating "Petroleum Spirit", contrary to Section 5 of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928. Fine £50.

Costs £10.

2. City Petroleum Company Limited, Mercury House, Hanger Green, London, W3 3BA.

Manager: Mr. D. P. Wigmore.

This case arose as a result of an explosion at the licensed premises of City Petroleum Company Limited, at 220 London Road, St. Albans and both the Company and the Manager were prosecuted and convicted on the following charges:

(a) Offences: City Petroleum Company Limited

Failure to maintain fire fighting equipment, Section 1 Petroleum (Consolidat:ion) Act, 1928. Fine £75.

Failure to take all due precautions regarding petroleum overflow, Section 1 Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928. Fine £100.

Not marking dipstick with same number as storage tank, Regulation 16(3) of Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations, 1957 and Section 6 'of Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928. Fine £75.

Aiding and abetting Wigmore who failed to secure tha:t petrol did not overflow, Regulation 16(6) of the 1957 Regulations, Section 6 of the 1928 Aot and Section 35 of the Magistrates' Court Act, 1952. Fine £50.

Costs £10.

(b) Mr. D. P. Wigmore

As person in charge of a storage tank signed his name to a certifiaate under Regulation 16(7) of the 1957 ReguIations without complying with the requirements of Regulation 16(6), contrary to Section 6 of the 1928 Act. Fine £50.

Fa'ilure to secure that no petrol overflowed from a tank by faiHng to test with a dipstick, Regulati!on 16(6) of the 1957 RegUlations and Section 6 of the 1928 Act. Hne £50.