50 per annum

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 Weightsland 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, POl't 'Supel'il1ltendent, Forth Ports 'QLeitilim(;l' GraIlltofi) Authority.

A .H. S. Lewis, 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 aff·airs and we Ithank him for his pa·stservices. 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.

ShrewsburV'4\

'WwocceSler

Leicester

Northamplon

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 this summer by the Minister for Industry, the successful comploo'on of the <}line was the outcome of a twinkle 'in an economist's eye

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 I·inks 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 undue 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 made for permission to build, 'and complete 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 the 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 and a host of other official and s·tatutory bodies tha,t a proposed line will not end have also to be satisfied anger their interests or damage the people they serve,

In the case of Mainline Pipeline, once the provisional route for the pipeline had been decided on, wayle'aves had to be obtained from the 1,057 ia'ndowners and occupiers on the route, The,leases negotIated,. which were for ninety-nine . years, with 'an 'option for renewal, restrict the owner oin

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.

Home Office and Association CodesElectrical Recommendations

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

at the Petroleum Technology Course held at Lancaster University

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.

Live L (Red)

Supply Transformer

Supply Earth

240 v.

Neutral (Black)

o v.

,...--'---, Load

Earth Terminal at Load

Earth Conductor (Green)

Consumer Earth Point

Supply Voltage L Fuse

E 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 Pump each

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.

D.P. Switch

Supply to Pump

Distribution .Fuse Board Separate Fuse for each Pump

'---t--... Remote Stop Contactor Buttons (Electrical Operated Switch)

Isolator adjacent to Contactor and Dis. Board

Supply from Main Switch Fuse

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.

EMERGENCY COMMITTEE MEETINGS Birmingham-

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

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

(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.