CONVEYANCE OF INFLAMMABLE LIQUIDS-C. L. DAVIDS

letters

LATCHED AUTOMATIC CUT-OFF NOZZLES

I share Mr. Hewison's experience and misgiving regarding item (vi) of the Home Office Circular-the 'drive away' test. Tests in Margate were carried out with the Elaflex Type ZV A 19 Mark 7 nozzle on three occasions. In the first instance the nozzle tested made a dent in the rear wing of the car concerned, in the second the flexible hose between pump and nozzle stretched, broke and had to be replaced; the petrol tank on the car was pulled from its mounting and the filling pipe bent out of shape. When testing the third nozzle the flexible hose lashed back, hit an adjacent petrol pump and smashed the glass casing and dial.

It was very clear there ought to be some better way of carrying out such tests because, quite apart from the resulting damage, the relationship between enforcement officer and garage proprietor became a little strained ; particularly when the proprietor, not unnaturally, pointed out that while he is required to exhibit notices forbidding cars to be refuelled with an engine running, these tests required a car (with engine running) to fracture the nozzle coupling with consequent spillage of a small amount of petrol.

Correspondence with the Home Office elicited the opinion that provided satisfactory assurances as to the safeguards built into the equipment and the tests carried out by the manufacturers themselves on each piece of equipment are received, there is no reason why a licensing authority should not regard the manufacturer's statements as sufficient evidence that the nozzle in question meets the requirements laid down.

It was further pointed out, that upon any destructive test, there is no guarantee that any replacements would work and in this situation a reasonable view might be, that if the device is satisfactory when it is new, then it will continue to be satisfactory throughout its working life.

Under the circumstances I propose, therefore, to add an additional condition to our licences to store petroleum spirit, requesting initial production of a certificate from the manufacturers before a latched nozzle is fitted, and 'at such other times as the Chief Petroleum Officer may request'. This is a solution, but to my mind, far from satisfactory. Margate U. A. BANCROFT

CAR PORTS

I would very much appreciate the observations and comments of your readers on a conflicting point arising out of legislation with respect to Car Ports.

The Petroleum Regulations classify a small domestic garage as a petroleum store and impose certain conditions and restrictions which conflict with Building Regulations in respect of such garages and car ports. How do we enforce compliance with both forms of legislation ?

The difference being thus: a car port attached to a dwelling is permissible when covering a door and/or window, yet the Petroleum Regulations state that an isolation of ten feet is required between a dwelling and a door opening into a petrol store.

I have in the past reg uired any door or window covered by a garage to have a fire resistance of half an hour but can find no authority to continue this practice in the light of the third amendment to the Building Regulations. Sutton in Ashfield U.D.C. F. H. MOLYNEUX

Conveyance of Inflammable Liquids

A GUIDE TO THE REGULATIONS

C. L. DAVIDS, LI.Fire E.

. The object of this guide is to indicate when the regulat10ns apply, and what the exemptions are. Details of the requirements can be obtained from the regulations.

These regulations do not replace the existing Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations, 1957 or The Carbon Disulphide (Conveyance by Road) Regulations 1958 ' I. The Petroleum (Inflammable Liquids) Order, 1968

Came into force on I st August, 1968, and applies certain sections of The Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928 to: (a) Certain liquids named in the order. (All Inflammable). (b) Any mixture containing any of these liquids if the

Flash Point of the mixture is below 73°F. (c) Certain solutions named in the order if the Flash Point is below 73°F. This Order gives the Secretary of State power to make the following Regulations: 2. The Inflammable Liquids (Conveyance by Road) Regulations, 1968 Came into force on lst October, 1968, and makes operational requirements for the conveyance of the liquids mentioned above. It does not apply t~ Petroleum Spirit or Mixture, or to Carbon Disulphide.

Reference: Regn. I Regn. 2 Regn. 3 Regn. 4 Regn. 5

REQUIREMENTS Prevention of spillage. No smoking or naked flame. No unsafe lights or substances. Fire extinguisher required. Vehicle owner must ensure that employees are acquainted with Regulations.

Regn. 7(h)

Regn. 7(a) Schedule

Regn. 7

EXEMPTIONS If total quantity on vehicle is not more than 250 kilos (551.3 lbs.). If all the liquid is contained in "Receptacles" as defined. No exemptions for Acetaldehyde or for Tank Wagons.

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