The Bulletin – October 1970

Quarterly Journal of The Association for Petroleum Acts Administration

E. V. BEEBY J. BEER J. BIRKS C. L. DAVIDS H. GRIFFITHS D. HALL S. W. D. HARRIS G. H. HARVEY

THE ASSOCIATION FOR PETROLEUM ACTS ADMINISTRATION

Chairman: R. E. J. RODEN ·

Vice-Chairman: J. SHORT Council:

Rugby R.D.C. 2071

Worcester City 23156 Chesterfield B. 2825

W. HETHERINGTON J. W. HEWISON B. HODGSON

G.L.C. Hornchurch 40794 K. C. HUGHES

Walsall C.B. 25661 T. KERR

Newcastle-under-Lyme B. 60161 H. R. MELLOR

Gloucester R.D.C. 26223 C. T. PEACOCK

Dudley C.B. 55433 C. R. PESKETT B. W. C. THACKER Teesside C.B. 87721

Hon. Secretary:

Officers: J. W. FRID.

Hon. Editor: R. P. HOLDAWAY

ANGLIA J. W. FRID, CUMBRIA B. HODGSON, EAST MIDLAND J. BIRKS, NORTHERN B. W. C. THACKER, NORTH WESTERN H. R. MELLOR, SCOTTISH J. SHORT, SouTH EASTERN C.R. PESKETI', SOUTH EAST MIDLAND R. E. DUST, WESSEX AND SouTH WALES R. HUNTINGTON, WEST MIDLAND G. H. HARVEY, YORKSHIRE c. T. PEACOCK,

Hon. Electrical Adviser: J. A. SHARP,

Hon. Legal Adviser: P. D. WADSWORTH,

Witney U.D.C. 3241

Havant and Waterloo U.D.C. 6311

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

Glanford Brigg R.D.C. Brigg 2441/5 Blackpool C.B. 23848 Hemsworth R.D.C. Brierley 301 Godalming B. 6191/4

Hon. Treasurer: J. S. FORMAN

Branch Secretaries:

Liaison Oj]lcer: G.N.DEAN

VALEDICTORY

For the past nine years we have had the honour and pleasure of producing each quarter the Association's official journal-The Bulletin. As our early readers know we started in a very small way some l 00 copies being laboriously stencilled and then circulated to members mainly in the Midlands. Today we are proud to claim a circulation of 800 with readers and subscribers, not only in the United Kingdom and the Continent of Europe, but also in America, Canada, Israel, Eire and the Channel Islands.

We have attempted over this period of time to adequately note and comment on future trends in the serving and keeping of petroleum spirit and allied substances. The last decade has witnessed a rapid advance in technological development that may not always have met with the approval of all our readers, nevertheless, we felt it our duty not only to report these advancements, but on occasion to support them.

In taking our leave and handing over to a worthy successor, we express our thanks and appreciation to the many who have helped in making this task an enjoyable one. We thank our contributors, our printers, the many willing helpers behind the scenes, but perhaps above all, we thank our readers, without whose support and encouragement the exercise would have been a pointless one.

New Members

Farnworth St. Faith's & Aylsham Stowmarket

Associate Members

MBC RDC UDC

Lanes Norfolk Suffolk

s H s

Mr. E A Ashford, Technical Manager, Veeder Root Ltd New Addmgton, Croydon. .,

Retirements

R. S. Bone, Engineer and Surveyor, Portslade by Sea

Mr. H. Chief Inspector of Weights & Measures, St1rlmgshire Jomt Committee.

We wish these gentlemen a long and enjoyable retirement.

Appointments

& C. Carey,. Chief Fire Officer, Cambridgeshire Officer. of Ely Fire Brigade has been promoted Chief Fire

Mr. R .. Farmer, & Surveyor, Seaton UDC has been appomted Engmeer & Surveyor, Portslade by Sea UDC.

Mr. D. Deputy Chief Inspector of Wei hts & Measures, St1rhngshire Joint Committee h be g to Chief Inspector. as en promoted

Obituary

regret to report the death of M W Public Health Inspector, Lewes MBC. r. . I. Price, Chief

Publication

Report of Her Majest • I year ended 3lst Decemb Y sl9n69specp of Explosives for the er, · ubhshed by HMSO 5/- net.

W

·

B. Walker-Printer

Messrs. W. B Walk p · and not has now ceased copies of the Bulletin for binding. a pos1t1on to accept any G.R.P.

Storage Tanks

BP Trading & BP PI · h t . . astics ave develped GRP tanks for s. ormg cent.ral heatmg fuel oil. Twelve 250 gallon (1136 5

BP Plastics Cellobond various homes th I ghass bre, are currently under trial in being carried roug the country. Evaluation is also Surrey. on a tan at BP Plastics project at Epsom,

PETROLEUM SPILLAGE DURING OPERATIONS

It is noted in the July issue of the Bulletin on page 55 that under the item headed "Petroleum Spillage during Operations -Mr. Ansbro of Darlington", there is recorded in the last paragraph "It was further suggested that where tank fill pipes were increased in size, the vent pipe should also be suitably enlarged".

The Operational Divisions of my Company have recently carried out extensive practical tests to confirm that our calculated vent pipe size of 1t inch diameter is satisfactory when a short 4 inch diameter delivery hose is used for the discharge operations. Results of our tests are summarised below:-

Throughout the tests speed of discharge averaged over 300 Imperial Gallons per minute.

Ullage space pressure never exceeded 2.2 feet of water.

Slowest times were recorded with 1t inch vent with cap and gauze. The fastest times were recorded with 2 inch vent with cap and gauze. The difference in time for 1100 IG was 0.1 minute, and the times with other vent conditions were somewhere between.

Back pressure in the underground tank varied by only 1 foot of water between worst and best vent conditions.

A 2 inch vent pipe gives no material increase in discharge rate compared with a 1t inch pipe.

Where protective gauzes are fitted, these can become blocked with atmospheric dust. This condition is improved by fitting a 2 inch diameter vent cap on the 1t inch diameter vent pipe.

The tests were carried out using a 6000 JG underground tank with a 4 inch fill pipe. Filling from a 6,300 gallon vehicle using 15 feet of 4 inch hose, and extension elbow. The test medium was pumped back to repeat tests under identical conditions. 72 feet lengths of It inch and 2 inch vent pipes were laid parallel in the pipe trench, and changed over when necessary. Sixteen tests were run, measuring compartment dip and tank ullage space pressure at 30 second intervals.

We are satisfied from our tests and calculations that there is no safety or operational advantage in increasing the size of vent pipes beyond It inch diamter, but termination of the vent pipe with a wire balloon as recommended in the Home Office Model Code provides adequate venting from underground storage, and also considerably assists the rate of discharge from a delivery vehicle.

N. WALLACE

Construction and Maintenance Manager

Shell Mex and BP Ltd. Leeds.

Petrol Tanker Overturned at Rock Street

Junction with Radcliffe Street, Oldham, 5th August, 1970

A call was received to the above address and three appliances, a Pump Escape, Water Tender and Emergency Salvage Tender sent together with 100 gallons of foam. The machines arnved at the incident within two minutes of the call and a tender was requested from Manchester Fire Brigade. An articulated petrol tanker of 6,000 gallon capacity, owned by Messrs. Burmah Oil Trading Limited, had overturned whilst negotiating a righthand turn with an adverse camber at a cross roads and was resting on its nearside against a stone wall. The electrical control box to a concrete lighting column which had been demolished by the tanker was positioned immedibeneath the tank of the vehicle. The driver had escaped Without injury through the windscreen, and although there was no fire, petroleum spirit was escaping from six of the seven tanker compartments through the top hatches. No. 5 compartment of 500 gallons had been discharged prior to the accident.

From the scene of the accident the ground fell away to the south and south east to an area containing industrial and commercial property and to the north and north-west the open rising was used for car parking. Immediately adjacent to the mc1dent was a public house and a row of nineteenth century terraced dwellings. The weather was dry and sunny and it was fortunate that a light breeze was blowing from the south-east although because of the land contours the petrol that was escaping from the tanker was flowing towards the he a vily populated area. Top priority was given to sealing off the area, the siting of foam making equipment and the notification of tl'.e Borough Engineer's Department , River Board, Borough Lighting Department and the North Western Electricity Bo a rd. The two latter authorities were engaged at a nearby substation in the isolation of the electrical supply circuit to the

Report by H. Garlick Chief Fire Officer, Oldham

street lighting column The escaping spirit was flowing into the street drains and water from open ended lines of hose was applied to assist rapid dispersal. Occupants of property in the immediate area were warned to extinguish all naked lights and a prohibition of smoking etc was enforced by the police.

A mobile heavy duty vehicle accident recovery unit was requested and whilst preparations for righting the tanker went ahead, arrangements were made for approximately 4, 500 gallons of petroleum spirit still in the tanks to be transferred from the overturned tanker to an empty tanker. The damaged tanker and surrounding areas were covered with a layer of foam and an improvised bunding of salvage sheets was employed because of the sloping ground The tanker was righted onto its wheels at approximately 1500 hours. The incident had lasted approximately six hours from start to finish during which time approximately 945 gallons of spirit had entered the drains. Only relatively slight damage was sustained to the tank vehicle which was driven away under escort for Ministry of Transport inspection. In a statement the driver said he had entered the turn at about ten miles per hour and had to pull further over into an adverse camber because of on-coming traffic. A subsequent inspection carried out by an Tnspector of the Ministry of Transport revealed that the tanker was in perfect condition and was only three months old.

Subsequently ten calls were received from premises reporting a smell of petrol the farthe st of which was approximately oneand-a-quarter miles from the scene of the incident. The last call was received 48 hours after the incident. All call s were investigated and tests made with an explosimeter In no case was it necessary to take precautionary measures other than venti lating.

Petroleum Technology Course

YORK UNIVERSITY

The Northern Division of the Association held its first Petroleum Technology Course at Derwent College, University of York on 6th-8th July, 1970. 64 residential students and 6 non residential students attended.

Derwent College, one of the 5 colleges of the University, is of modern construction, built in the grounds of Heslington Hall in the outskirts of York. These grounds have been kept, as far as possible, in their original condition and landscaped to provide a beautiful setting for the University. The College provided excellent facilities for the course, single study bedrooms, varied meals in comfortable surroundings, and an extremely helpful staff together with all that one would expect in a new University.

The Chairman of the Association, R. E. J. Roden, Esq. opened the course on Monday, 6th July. In his address of welcome, the Chairman referred to the progress made by the Association during the last few years in organising this type of course. He was pleased to see two regional courses being held this year and mentioned the proposed advanced course to be held in the near future. Mr. C. T. Peacock, Chairman of the Education and Publications Committee and Mr. B. W. C. Thacker, Hon. Secretary of the Northern Branch were in attendance.

Seven lectures were given over the 3 days. Each lecturer was given sufficient time to allow for a question and discussion period immediately after his address. This discussion period proved one of the most interesting of the course. Details of the lectures given are as follows:

"Work and Responsibilities of the Petroleum Officer". F. Gledhill, City of Leeds Fire Brigade.

"Petroleum Law". C. S. McDonald, Deputy Town Clerk, County Borough of Reading.

"The Testing of New and Existing Petroleum Spirit Underground Storage Tanks". J. Beer, Chieflnspector of Weights and Measures, City of Worcester.

"Planning and the Petroleum Officer" W. C. R. Dale, Principal Administration Officer, Licensing Department, Greater London Council.

"The Installation of Underground Tanks" K. Sherwood, Senior Engineer, Esso Petroleum Co.Ltd.

"Electrical Requirements". J. A. Sharp, Senior Assistant Engineer (Commercial), Midlands Electricity Board.

"Self Service and Its Future Development". J. F. Bridger, B.P. Retail Head Office, ShellMex & B.P. Ltd.

During the three days covered by the course the weather was warm and sunny which no doubt helped to make the stay at York most enjoyable. The success of the course was however, no doubt due to the planning by Council members, the quality of lectures and the interest shown by all those attending.

Several expressions of appreciation have been received and these can perhaps be summarised by a quote from a letter received from the representative of a well known licensing authority which also expresses the aims of this Association. "It is good to see the close liaison between uniformed and non uniformed members of local authorities who are administrating petroleum legislation and I would like to express my congratulations for the undoubted success of the course".

THE LAW RELATING TO LICENCES FOR l<EEPING PETROLEUM SPIRIT

C. S. McDONALD, M.A. (Oxon.), D.M.A. L.A.M.P.T.I., Deputy Town Clerk, Reading County Borough Council.

"N B othing is certain in Jaw, except the expense"-Samuel utler.

Grandi and Another v. Milburn!

.This case was a rare event; it is very infrequently that the High Court is requested to interpret provisions of the Petroleum (Regulation) Acts, 1928 and 1936, and regulations made under them. In view of the frequency with which counsel are consulted by local authorities on such questions of interpretation, I find this rather surprising. This lack of litigation ?1Ust constitute to some extent a tribute to the diplomacy and Ingenuity of the officers enforcing the Acts, and to the forebearance and understanding of the general public and the petroleum companies. Personally, I find the ambiguity and uncertainty of some of the provisions somewhat disturbing.

This is not to imply that I regard the decision in Grandi v. Milburn as an unmixed blessing. In effect, Mr. Justice James delivered the Judgement, which resolved into interpretations of words "kept", "premises" and "conveyance", none of which is defined in the relevant legislation.

I think it vital that there should be a definitive, if not exhaustive, interpretation of the word "kept" as used in the Acts and regulations. The "Concise Oxford Dictionary alone, gives eighteen different meanings of the verb "to keep". Moreover as Mr. Justice James said,2 ... "there is a real danger to be met when one seeks to construe a word in one statute by r:ference to the contstruction given to the same word in a different statute dealing with a wholly different subject matter". It is surprising that the learned judge then immediately. proceeded to adopt a course similar to that he warned agamst, by referring to Lord MacNaghten's observations on the meaning of the words "stored or kept" in Thompson v. Equity Fire Insurance Co.3

In fact Mr. Justice James decided that petrol in a tanker parked on the forecourt of a shop for four hours, in order that Petrol might be sold to the public directly from it, was "kept" Choosing to be guided by Lord MacNaghten, he came to this decision because he thought the three essential elements of "keeping" were present in this case. There was an element of c?nsiderable quantity-2,500 gallons; an element of duration-four hours, and an element of trade.

It is difficult to see the relevance of the 2,500 gallons capacity of the tanker to this question. Section I(I) of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928, clearly contemplates the "keeping" of petroleum-spirit in small quantities, as an exception from the requirement of the subsection is made for particularly small quantities kept in vessels with a maximum capacity of a pint and in an aggregate amount of not more

than three gallons. Are we to assume that quantities of spirit of more than three gallons may not be regarded as "kept" within the meaning of the subsection because they are not "of considerable quantity"?

It is equally difficult to see the relevance of an element of trade. Again, Section 1(1) of the Act of 1928 refers to"petroleum spirit kept either for private use or for sale"; and Regulation 1(1) of the Petroleum-Spirit (Motor Vehicles, etc.) Regulations, 1929, refers to the "keeping and use of petroleum spirit not either wholly or partly for the purpose of sale".

The element of duration is a different matter. It appears to be a commonly-held view that a degree of permanence is essential to the notion of "keeping" in this context. In this light the acceptance of a period of four hours may be regarded as somewhat liberal interpretation of "duration" or "permanence". Certainly, those who advocate the licensing of commercial spraying booths and the like may still derive some comfort.

I think the element of duration should be of minor significance. It seems to me that there is a more logical approach to the problem than the one which seeks to ascertain certain essential "elements" in the notion of "keeping". The verb "to keep" has at least eighteen different meanings; it is reasonable to suppose that Parliament cannot have intended them all to apply in this case; which meaning or meanings, having regard to the clear purpose of the legislation, seem the most appropriate? I believe that the most appropriate meaning is to "have possession, control or charge of".

The Court in Grandi v. Milburn became involved in the question whether spirit could be "kept" and "conveyed" at the same time. It ruled in the affirmative. In my experienc"'· enforcement officers sometimes pose the q uestion--can sp:; be "kept" and "used" at the same time?-and, in my opinion, once again, the answer should be in the affirmative. In the sense I have put forward, "to keep" is a different kind of verb from "to use" or "to convey"; the two latter describe an operation or activity, the former describes the relationship between the object and the external world. In other words, "kept" does not mean "stored" in this context. I cannot see why, if Parliament had meant "stored", it should not have said so.

The interpretation of the word "premises" is a simpler problem. In everyday language "premises" means "buildings", or, at least, "buildings and surrounding land". In legal language, it means "any land, whether built upon or not, capable of being conveyed or transferred at law". Which meaning should be applied in Section I of the Act of 1928? I incline to the latter meaning, although this tends to be contrary to the accepted rule of statutory interpretation. I dislike the prospect

of a person being entitled to keep many gallons of spirit on an open site in a built-up area with impunity, simply because there are no buildings on his land.

The Petroleum Spirit (Motor Vehicles, etc.) Regulations 1929

As, I suspect, do many others, I find difficulty in construing these Regulations to my satisfaction. My attention was first really drawn to them by the curious fact that many licensing authorities (a) issue licences for car parks in buildings, and (b) apply the Regulations to garages in private dwellinghouses, although several Counsel have advised against both.

Before turning to the Regulations, I think it is useful to attempt to determine whether the licensing system applies to premises in which are situated vehicles or engines containing spirit in their fuel-tanks, such spirit being the only spirit in the premises. Certainly a vehicle parked in premises is"kept" there, and certainly the spirit is "kept" in the vehicles. If vehicles are "kept" on premises, and spirit is "kept" in the vehicles, does it follow that the spirit is "kept" on the premises? Or is the better argument that it is only the vehicles which are "kept", and not their contents? I think it is consistent with my view that "kept" is used in the Act in a status-defining rather than an activity-defining meaning to support the former argument.

Thus, in my view, unless the fuel tank holds less than one of spirit, the premises where a vehicle is parked require a licence, unless the Regulations grant exemption. Regulation _1(1) an exemption where spirit is kept "by persons mtendmg to use if for the purpose of any motor vehicle, motor boat or aircraft", or of any specified class of engine "and not wholly or partly for the purpose of sale". '

The first point to appreciate is that exemption is only wh_ere it is the same person who is both keeping the spmt an?. to use it. Clearly, this would normally cover spmt kept m a private garage, but what about a car park? In that case, clearly the driver of the car intends to use spirit, but who "keeps" the spirit whilst the car is in the car park, the driver or the proprietor of the car park? In the usual case, I incline to the view that the driver "keeps" the spirit.

He who "keeps" the car, "keeps" the spirit in the tank. One would normally talk of the driver "keeping" the car in the park, not !he proprietor. Therefore I think that the ordinary car park Is exempt from licensing. In unusual cases, for example long-term airport car parks, it might be proper to talk of the proprietor "keeping" the car, and so I think that in these cases there would be no exemption.

about cars kept for sale in a showroom with spirit m their If the dealer intends to charge the purchaser fo! the spmt, then there will be no exemption, as the spirit will be kept for the purpose of sale. If he- intends to give the the spirit, there will again be no exemption unless he mtends to use the spirit, for example, to move the car around the showroom, before the sale of the car.

exemption is usually thought of as conferring a privilege, but 1t should be appreciated that this is not always the result. Two consequences flow from an exemption under Regulation H.1 ). The first is that the spirit must be kept in accordance with the Regulations, and it is conceivable that these may be more burdensome than conditions imposed on a licence; and the second is that it is only persons intending to use spirit who may apply for a licence which will exempt them from the exemption4 ! This has important consequences. For, if a car park, for example, is exempted from the licensing system,

only the drivers who intend to use the spirit in the cars can apply for a licence and not the proprietor. In other words, the proprietor of an ordinary car park cannot obtain a licence, and must see that the Regulations are complied with.

I anticipate that an objection at this stage may be based on a reference to Regulation 6, which prohibits the keeping of more than 60 gallons of spirit at the same time in any one storage place, including spirit contained in fuel tanks. It may be claimed that, if one adopts the usual practice of assuming that the fuel tank of a car contains, on average, three gallons, and if one accepts my argument that a car park cannot be licensed by the proprietor, this means that no car park must contain more than twenty cars.

But this presupposes that a car park is a storage place. Regulation 14(2) defines "storage place" as including "any room building or place of any kind whatsoever, whether. or not in the open air, used or proposed to be used for keeI?mg therein petroleum-spirit for the purposes of any motor vehicle, motor boat, aircraft or engine". This is an inclusive, not exhaustive definition. Therefore, one first of all takes the ordinary meaning of the phrase. In the context of the keeping an? use of spirit for motor vehicles and the like, I would submit that this ordinary meaning would not include car parks, garages or showrooms. These are storage places for vehicles, not for the spirit which powers them.

Secondly, one attempts to determine how far the extends the ordinary meaning. I think the key phrase is, or proposed to be used for keeping therein petroleum-spmt · Is an ordinary car park, garage, or showroom used pro- posed to be used for keeping spirit therein? is yes, if spirit is kept or proposed to be kept there111 1r: drums or other containers· no if spirit will only be kept m the fuel tanks of vehicles'. I dontend that a thing can be incidentally "kept" in a place, without that place being "used or proposed to be used for keeping" it there. A car park, garage or room is ordinarily used only for keeping vehicles, not spmt.

Taking this view, I think it is incumbent on me to attempt to explain away the decision in Appleyard v. Bangham 5 In this case an old stable had been converted into a garage for three cars with dwelling rooms over it. There was spirit in the garage except in the fuel tanks of the cars, and 111 a container on one of the cars. It was held that the garage was a "storehouse" within the definition contained in the Regula- tions made by the Secretary of State in 1907 Ufl:der the_ Locomotives on Highways Act, 1846. The Regulations "the expression 'storehouse' shall mean any room, coach-house, lean-to or other place in which petroleum spmt for the purposes of light locomotives" (wh!ch motor cars) "is kept in pursuance of these regulat10ns · · ·

It should be noted that this definition was exh<l;ust1ve, and not inclusive, as in the 1929 Regulations, Mr. Justice Scrutton pointed out that the 1907 Regulations (as do the 1929 lations) clearly contemplated that spirit might be_ kept m a storehouse in the fuel tank of a vehicle as well as 111 containers. He also adduced the argument that a motonst "keeps" his car in the garage, and so also "keeps" the contents of his car in the garage. Therefore, spirit in the tank of the car was "kept" in the garage for the purpose of the car and the garage was a "storehouse".

If J may respectfully say so, l agree with the decisio_n. Bt!t the vital distinction between the two sets of Regulations 1s that for a garage to be a "storehouse" it was necessary for spirit to be "kept" there, whereas for it to be a pl_a?e it must "be used or proposed to be used for keepmg spmt.

The 1929 Regulations replace the 1907 Regulations, and, in with the ordinary rules of interpretation, some should be attached if possible to the added words new Regulations. It may be argued that the only true di_stmction is that the new Regulations were framed to deal with future use as well as present use. I cannot accept this. In the first place, a simpler elaboration of the original phraseology for this purpose would have been "is kept or proposed be kept". Secondly it only makes sense to cover future use if_an element of intention or design is to be included; othercovering existing situations is quite sufficient. The keepof the cars themselves, or of spirit in separate containers, is mtentional or voluntary, but the keeping of spirit in the fuel tanks is unintentional, involuntary, or of necessity only. _I think it is pertinent to note the comments of Mr. Justice in Appleyard v. Bangham on the I 907 Regulations: I do not think that anyone who framed and drew up these regulations ever thought that they would be applied to the state of circumstances we find here, or intended them to be so · · .. " Although Mr. Justice Scrutton did not agree with these sentiments, was this a lesson which had been learned by 1929?

The operation and enforcement of the licensing system

_Once again, it is surprising how little decided law there is on this topic. The lawyer is obliged to resort to analogies drawn from established principles of law in similar but more fruitful fields of legal activity, for instance, planning law. However, is a legitimate pastime for lawyers, as it is often indulged 111 by the courts themselves, as in Grandi v. Milburn.

In section 2 of the Act of I 928, a distinction is made between for duration and renewal (subsection 2) and conditions which may be attached (subsection 3). As section 3(1) refers specifically to conditions, it seems to me that no appeal lies to the Home Secretary if an applicant is dissatisfied with the provisions for duration and renewal. If, for example, he thinks that the period of the licence is too short, his only remedy would appear to be to fail to apply for a new one, and to hope that the magistrates will sympathise and give him a discharge if prosecuted for keeping without a licence.

Nevertheless, authorities should take care in framing provisions for renewal. I have known such a provision to be so framed that it has at least been arguable that, when the old licence expired, if the applicant had observed the old conditions, the authority had no option but to issue him a licence with the same conditions, even though they wished to impose fresh conditions.

Conditions must relate to the storage, premises, facilities '.0 r testing, or safe-keeping of the spirit. On general principles, may be that a condition which does not relate to one of these items, or which does so relate but is unreasonable, may be legally invalid and unenforceable although there has been no appeal to the Home Secretary. For instance, magistrates may rule that a condition is invalid if there is a prosecution before them. It may be that a condition would be regarded as unreasonable and therefore invalid if, although it related to one of the matters mentioned above, it referred to premises other than those occupied by the applicant. If an authority felt the regulation of such other premises were required, the only Proper course might be for it to defer or refuse the application.

If a condition is invalid, does this render the licence invalid? In planning law, there has been an attempt to say that it depends on whether the authority would have granted the Permission if it had known at that time that it could not im-

pose the the invalid condition. This involves the body pronouncing upon validity trying to put itself in the place of the authority issuing the licence. I think the law should be that the licence is invalid in all cases, and the authority should be compelled, if necessary, to re-consider the application.

As the right of appeal to the Home Secretary against the refusal of, or the conditions contained in, a licence is cast in very general terms, it seems clear that appeals to him may be on matters of fact, law or policy or any combination of the three. This is not to say that the Home Secretary need necessarily be the final arbiter in law. A dissatisfied applicant has only ten days (or such further time as the Secretary may allow) after receipt of the certificate of the grounds of the authority's decision within which to appeal, but I have already mentioned the way in which magistrates may become involved, and moreover the Act does not state that the decision of the Home Secretary shall be final and binding. It seems likely that the High Court might become involved in one of the three waysby an appeal from a decision of the magistrates; by an application for a declaration, injunction or prerogative order against the local authority by a dissatisfied applicant who ignores his right of appeal to the Home Secretary; or by a similar action against the Home Secretary as a result of his conduct of an appeal.

Assuming that the local authority is not at fault the remedies available to it against breakers of the law are not excessive. There is no power to revoke a licence; but there should always be a provision in a licence that the right is reserved to refuse to renew it if a condition is broken by the licensee. To the best of my knowledge, it has never been established whether "mens rea" is essential to an offence under Section 1(2) of the Act-in other words, whether it is necessary to prove that the occupier knew or ought to have known that spirit was being kept on his premises or that a condition was being broken. On general principles, it is probable that it is so necessary.

This leads to another difficulty, which is that it may not always be the occupier who is morally responsible for, in particular, a breach of some condition in the licence. An employee who contravenes a condition set out in a notice posted in accordance with section 2(4) can be prosecuted in his own right, as it were, but otherwise the culpable person can only be prosecuted, if at all, for aiding and abetting an offence by the occupier or employee. To obtain a conviction for aiding and abetting, it is necessary to prove that the aider and abetter knew all the circumstances of the offence, including the fact that he was breaking a condition in the occupier's licence. The occupier may have been entirely ignorant of the circumstances of the breach, and the law is now in a state of some confusion as to when the knowledge of an employee can be imputed to the master. It is doubtful whether an aider and abetter can be convicted without an offence by the occupier having been first proved. Thus it is conceivable that, for example, a petrol pump attendant can connive at a serious breach of a condition by a customer without the authority being able to prosecute anybody.

The problem is not the same for a breach of Regulations made w1der the Act, for the Act provides that anyone who contravenes the Regulations commits an offence.

It is interesting to speculate on what might happen if a local authority were guilty of an offence under the Act or Regulations, for, on general principles, it is quite clear that local authorities are bound by the Act, and thus many authorities are obliged to issue to themselves. It

seems to be a common practice for such licences to be issued in the name of an officer of the authority. In addition to its seeming invidious to place personal responsibility on an officer, this practice would appear to be strictly incorrect. It is the authority who owns or leases the land, and is therefore the occupier, and not the officer. The act does not apply to the Crown.

I have not so far referred to the Transfer of Licences Act of 1936. It should be noted that there is no right of appeal against a refusal to transfer a licence. It may be that the High Court would not allow an authority to refuse to transfer a

licence for capricious reasons, although this is not free from doubt. In any event, it would appear to be quite legitimate for an authority to refuse to transfer a licence on the ground, for example, that the transfer would tend to perpetuate the existence of an old-fashioned site which cannot conform with modern safety standards.

1. The Times, 20th May 1966, (1966) 2 All.E.R. 816. 2. (1966) 2 All.E.R. at p.820, paragraph C. 3. (1910) A.C. at p.596.

4. Regulation 1(2). 5. 0914) 1 KB 258, l 1 LGR 1220.

SELF SERVICE AND

ITS DEVELOPMENTS IN THE IMMEDIATE FUTURE

J. F. BRIDGER, A.C.G.I., G.l.Mech.E., B.P. Retail Division Shell Mex and B.P. Ltd., London

I have been invited to present a paper on "Self-Service and its developments in the immediate future". Self-service is very much a subject of the moment, and judging from the volumes of comment and writing in the trade press and increasingly in the national press too, it is a subject about which there is no shortage of interest.

I am going to discuss developments particularly in terms of new equipment, new designs of outlet and about new techniques of petrol retailing currently being tested by BP and other oil companies in the UK and Europe.

Some, if not all these developments are likely to make an appearance in the UK before too long-a few are already here and some of you may probably have seen one or two of them.

But first of all some facts and figures. Before the Second World War, a car population of 1.9 million cars consumed 2.9 million tons of petrol bought at 35,000 retail outlets. Today, the car population has quintupled to 11.9 million cars, petrol consumption has gone up in the same order and the number of retail outlets has gone up to 41,000.

By J974, however, as far as one can accurately judge, the car population will have incressed by half again; as will the petrol consumed. The number of sites will have dropped by about 10 %, which is significant.

It is likely that by 1980, over 2,000 million gallons of motor spirit will be sold in the UK through self-service outlets. This will represent over half of the estimated throughput in the UK at that date.

Most of this volume will be sold through large integrated post-payment developments, selling weU over a million gallons of fuel a piece, per year.

. The trend towards self-service can be explained in terms of tighter profit margins forced upon the trade by higher Jabour charges, shortage of an acceptable type of forecourt attendant and rapidly rising overheads.

How do we in BP see the market shaping in terms of the type of outlet from which the motorist of the 1980's will be buying petrol.

Most probably types of outlets will have resolved themselves into five different categories.

First of all there will be the large fully integrated post payment site. In addition to petrol retailing a large range of useful ancillary functions will be catered for at this type of site. Po-- large shopping area selling not merely TBA but any useful Imes of that are required in the particular trading area, can be quickly and profitably turned over. leisure goods, cosmetics, gardening equipment, stationery are some examples. Facilities such as launderettes car washing and in the right localit; DIY serv1cmg will also be common. Children's facilities, rest rooms and restaurants will also be found in specific localities.

Secondly there will be the small post payment sites which will be in where space is at a premium. This type of site cater for high volume petrol sales only with possibly car wash 1f there is room. A minimal sales area selling only oil may be provided.

Thirdly, there will be the ghost site-an unmanned one or two pump outlet situated in the remote country areas such as Scotland and the Lake District, or in locations where the trade is particularly seasonal. At this type of outlet and location it is not always economic to keep attendants on site the year.

Four or five such outlets may well fall under the control of one ghost site manager, who will visit each one every few days to collect money and check petrol stocks and equipment.

Fourthly there will be the neighbourhood friendly dealer site offering a full garage service on a friendly basis. Car service, sales, spares and petrol will all be dispensed with a cheerful smile. There will always be a place for this.

Lastly there will be the very large new and secondhand car dealerships; to this trade, petrol selling has very often been regarded as a non-profit making ancillary service. Many dealerships will doubtless give petrol selling up completely, and concentrate their efforts entirely where their expertise lies, namely in car sales and service. These sites will include specialist car repair outlets-possibly even specialising in repairs to one variety of car.

Talking generally about post-payment first, by the end of the year BP will have opened 100 integrated post-payment developments, most of them incorporating car-washing, substantial shop facilities selling everything from TBA to camping gear. Where there is a demand for a particular service, then we should be interested in meeting it.

For instance in Germany we have built parking facilities in the midst of Europe's largest shopping centre, a 60,000 square yard complex on three levels recently opened in Hamburg. The shopping centre, located in the Hamburger Strassecontains over 100 retail shops and 47,850 square feet of office accommodation.

The parking area includes a modern BP site offering petrol, a well equipped autoshop and a high volume car wash capable of cleaning 70 cars per hour. The BP installation complete cost £1-t million. In Germany we have a specialist department purely concerned with the construction of parking centres and we have already built 30 in major cities in Western Germany.

In pre-payment self-service BP have again taken the lead in tht; UK with about 150 note accepting units installed throughout the country. These note acceptors use as a banknote validator a unit which was originally developed from a US dollar bill changer. As any pioneers in a technological field, we have had our troubles with equipment, but now I can safely say that we are over the hill. In fact the equipment has not entirely been to blame as there are over 15 variations of the sacrosanct English £1 note. We have had the equipment tested

under very rigorous conditions at our research centre at Sunbury-on-Thames, and the equipment is now more refined.

Site design has improved immensely over the last 12 months, and will doubless continue to do so. The era of the grubby station is over and sites are now being designed with a view to maximising throughput by inducing very high traffic flows across the fourecourt. Weather protecting canopies shield the self-service motorist from the elements. Pumps are placed on individual plinths to maximise the number ofrefuelling points. The phrase "traffic flow lines" has become part of the site designers everyday jargon.

Autoshops and canopies are sporting illuminated perspex facias specifically to improve appearances and attract the elusive motorist. The big message here is that the petrol industry is at last waking up to the fact that it is in the retailing business in its fullest sense, and that petrol is as merchandisable a commodity as soapflakes or custard.

In the future we must learn to become more flexible in our attitudes to design. The traditional face lift operation on sites in need of development is no longer the answer as the pace of innovation and the strength of competition becomes hotter.

For this reason lighter and less substantial buildings and constructions are required, as we must now be thinking in terms of frequent bulldozed developments. Cheaper development which, like mest modern automobiles, have "built-in obsolescence" could be the answer.

Plastics and GRP'S will doubtless also become common building materials. Actually two years ago BP erected an all plastic filling station on the Al to evaluate the materials and the methods of construction, and the lessons learnt will soon be applied elsewhere.

In terms of petrol retailing equipment there are many innovations now being tested or completed.

In Germany BP has a very large network of ta_nk units. Munz tank is a multi coin accumulator acceptmg coms of 1, 2 or 5DM in any order and up to a total of about £8. insertion of coins causes impulses to be sent from the com acceptor mechanism through the control i?to a figure storage unit and onto a readout situated o_n the md1cator panel. They also pass from the figure mnt the control panel to the kerbside pump durmg pumpmg . Impulses from the pump flow back to the control panel an? the figure storage unit to a receipt printer which releases a ticket at the end of the delivery. The Munz tank system is ready _for use when (a) the main switch in the network connect10n has been switched on and (b) a safety pin has been removed from the

latched delivery nozzle and inserted in the Munz tank to operate a tumbler switch. The words "ready for use" and "Please insert money" then appear on the indicator panel. The money inserted by the customer is registered on the indicator panel and during delivery this sum is back-counted until at zero money the pump switches itself off automatically. After insertion the coins are checked in several different ways and if accepted' pass into an intermediate storage holder which has two openings. The coins remain in this holder until the customer withdraws the nozzle when they drop into permanent storage. Should a customer want his money back before withdrawing the nozzle he can obtain it by pressing a return button.

The passage of a coin between checking and the intermediate storage causes an impulse to be transmitted which controls a switch which sends information to be totalled and stored. As the computer turns in the petrol pump impulses are sent out which are transmitted to the figure storage unit in the Munz tank. There an impulse of similar value is cancelled by subtraction. In this way all the stored impulses are cancelled one by one. When DM0.5 worth of fuel remains, the fuel flow is restricted electro-magnetically and the money computer slowly appraoches zero. After delivery a paper receipt is printed.

The blender pump coupled to the Munz tank has normally an automatic shut off nozzle to prevent overfilling. Although it is possible for the attendant to use the safety pin to latch the nozzle open during normal service this procedure is forbidden by Petrol Authorities during Munz tank operation by self service customers. Because of this, the safety pin from the latch nozzle must be removed when the pump operates on a self service basis, and used as a contact for the operation of the tumbler switch in the Munz tank.

Installation of Munz tank units started in 1963 with the full authority of the German Petroleum Regulators.

Now BP have more than 2,000 Munz tank units operating offering 5 grades of petrol by day, and night, at more than 2 OOO of the best stations throughout Germany.

' Another development which some of you may have seen is in Birmingham. It is a Japanese system designed primarily to use less forecourt area than a system with an equivalent number of conventional pumps. All the pump islands are eliminated. Hoses coupled to large readouts, visible from the forecourt descend from the canopy. This enables more effective use to be made of sites with limited space and no possibilities for the expansion which would be necessary to take full advantage of higher throughput potential. Manouevrability of vehicles on the forecourt is increased because fuelling can take place when the car is facing in any direction, as long as the car fill pipe is within a circular area of about 20feet diameter centred under the hose reel.

The attendant presses a button on the wall and a hose descends to shoulder level. When the hose is pulled manually a little further towards the car fill pipe, the pump motor is automatically started.

When the customer has been served, another button on the nozzle is pressed, and the hose ascends automatically back into the canopy.

The quantity of petrol bought is registered on elevated readouts installed at the rear of the forecourt. The readout is repeated on slave recorders in the sales office.

In Japan, 1,300 sets of this type of equipment have been installed, and these are predominently in small city centre outlets with high throughput and limited forecourts. A further 59 sets of equipment have been sold to oil companies all over

the world in countries ranging from Taiwan to Turkey-not forgetting Great Britain of course.

For self service operation, the system can operate on a complete card operated basis. A customer can obtain petrol, oil and accessories, plus a car wash if required simply_ by inserting his card into a card acceptor on each relevant piece of equipment. Sales information is recorded at the control desk in the sales room.

After completion of his purchases, the cutomer goes the sales room and inserts his card into a card reader. A pnnter then automatically issues a ticket showing the purchases made. The data recorded on the ticket can be automatically charged to the customer's account, by computer.

A Swedish innovation is the electronic hose and readout, about which I wrote in a recent edition of the Bulletin. This is another pace setting innovation as the pumping units remote from the fuelling points and the electronic readout is on the nozzle itself. The result is a much cleaner and tidier forecourt, and a more convenient way for the customer to notice his sale. All that is required is the control panel for push button price or volume setting, a note accepting unit for out of hours use of the equipment, and of course the hose and hose-end readout themselves.

The credit card syndrome has thankfully not yet developed to any large extent in the UK. Some Scandinavian oil companies operate very sophisticated credit card accepting machines. A customer coming onto the forecourt places his card into the credit card acceptor and keys his card code number into the machine on push button. If his credit is good the pump is released and the customer may draw fuel. His transaction is transferred to punch tape and the customer is debited on a computerised accounting system every so often. If the customer's credit is not good his card is sucked into the credit card unit and not returned.

Computerised stock control both of petrol levels and TBA and shop merchandise is also technically possible now. Combined electronic tills and mini computers control memory banks which retain stock levels which can be altered every time a sale of petrol or an accessory takes place. When items are delivered or fuel delivery is made, the stock level is updated by the operator who can feed in information by push buttoH on the console.

Technically one could envisage equipment to feed this type of information to central data collecting points where the information could be analysed, and items recorded or fuel deliveries co-ordinated. However this sort of facility is very expensive and requires skilled and attentive operation. It also would require a more highly paid operator.

Now I want to deal with Rent a Spanner or DIY servicing at petrol outlets. Although there are a few outlets offering DIY service in the UK, this type of operation is very common in Scandinavia where self service is a more established concept. Servicing costs in the UK are rising rapidly-one informed estimator put a likely rise of 15 % in servicing costs over the next 12 months. I personally feel that there must be oppor- tunities arising now and in the short term future for the setting up of DIY servicing facilities in the right areas. At present a large amount of DIY work is carried out at home garages without proper facilities and tools. I am sure that many more people would be encouraged to tackle jobs on their cars if the use of suitable jacks, pits and tools are available.

In 1968 Denmark BP opened a large self-service petrol site with very extensive DIY facilities. The site has nine self-service

bays available for hire at 3s. per half hour. Tools can be hired, and each bay has washing facilities A full-time mechanic is on call for free advice for the DIY tyro who gets out of his depth.

In addition the fitter has himself a double bay with a four car lift, where he will carry out complicated stages of epair at a cost of 27s. Od. per hour. Commonly used spares are on sale, and TBA sales are four to five times higher than on a site of a similar size and throughput. During time when the weather is bad in Scandinavia and it is t? undertake repairs on the streets, the bays have 0 % Uhhsat1on. This drops in summer time of course when the weather is better.

Such is the leaning towards self service in Sweden that controlling systems for operating DIY bays on an unatt;nded or basis are also available. These are ver; sophisttcated ideas indeed and one which I have seen I shall tell You about.

control is achieved by the photocell and lamp pulse coded which is directed diagonally across the bay. In the bay high pressure water, hot and cold, and compressed air for lubrication is controlled by solenoid valves which do not open until the doors to the bay are fully closed. The valves then remain open as long as the bay is occupied which is verified through testing of the logic locked photocell circuit. The lighting of the bays is controlled in the same manner. This must be paid for on the basis of the length of time that the bay is occupied as perceived by the lamp and photocell circuit.

In the washing bay for example the system is ser at one coin per 15 minutes. In the grease bay one coin per 12 minutes.

When the motorist wishes to rent a bay, the door is opened by pressing a push button on the outside. The door opens, and the car is driven into the bay. After three minutes the door is automatically closed. The door is then locked and cannot be opened by using the push buttons. The motorist can now perform his work and if he wants to leave the bay himself, he can use side doors. When he wishes to leave the bay with his car h e inserts the requisite number of coins to pay for the time he has occupied the bay. The time is shown on a counter by the coin box.

As the coins are inserted they are registered on a counter which moves down towards zero and when the counter indicates that he has paid for the total length of time he has occupied the bay, the doors open and the counters are reset. The motorist has now got three minutes to drive his car out of the bay, before the door is automatically closed. This system can thus be used at completely unmanned service stations which can be open 24 hours a day.

Design of self-service DIY facilities should be done in such a way that operating personnel do not have to waste time for time paid or supervising car wash. The bays s ould be charged on the basis of the time the bay is occupied rath h ' er t an from the amount of water used or the length of hrne that the electric light is switched on.

TI The best arrangement is to have little or no supervision at all. /e personnel can then concentrate their activities on the sale 0 Products and paid services.

w Jhere are coin-operated machines available which f 1 open solenoid valves for water as long as the time is paid i or.I The customer is then free to stay as Jong as he pleases iay without paying, and do what he wants after having car. This is not the ideal solution in terms of a. ihty for the operator.

preOrdinary photocells have also been used to indicate the sence ofa h" 1 · is not ve IC e, and to shut off the water supply If the fee the 1paid. These can be deceived by directing a torch towards P 1otocell A .

.Patented system is available which is based on a a log· sation. of a lamp and photocell in order to obtain ock which cannot be deceived by the enterprising nst. ·

The system this t e . operates as follows on an unmanned site. At and tip of Pa_Yment is made after the bay has been used is in the bay by a Jock on the door until whi h mer has paid. Each bay has electrically operated doors are supplied with protective photocells and a bar along bei ower edge of the door to prevent people or vehicles from ng struck when the door is automatically closed. Payment

At a manned service station where the bays can often be sited some distance from the main building it is usual to have a small lamp panel at the cashiers desk, with a green light indicating an unoccupied service bay and a red light indicating a bay with a customer in it. In this situation, payment is made in advance.

The photocell and lamp, are placed diagonally across the bay as before. When the customer enters the bay, the first pulse coded test switches on the light and water, and a bell rings to remind the motorist to pay his fee by inserting a coin in the slot for payment in advance. A stay of say 15 minutes for example is paid for in advance. If the customer does not pay his fee the light is switched off after two or three minutes as well as the solenoid valve for water and at the same time a red light flashes on the cashiers desk. After payment, the cutomer may work until the bell rings again when he can either insert another coin or drive his car out of the bay and leave. If he stays for more than three minutes without paying, light and water is cut off again and the red lamp lights on the cashier s desk .

These are interesting and sophisticated systems and doubtless very expensive too. It remains to be seen whether such facilities will catch on in any degree in the UK.

In this fast moving age of innovation and streamlining of the petrol retailing business, there is a very real danger of forgetting the customer, and his likes and feelings.

Research has shown that there is much resistence to selfservice from those who have not experienced it, whilst those who have tried it and mastered the technique tend to be hooked once and for all. The most violent antagonism to self-service comes from those whose first experience of selfservice has been unpleasant. Perhaps they have been left to work out for themselves how to serve petrol , and have not been instructed on the use oh he petrol pump , or even welcomed to the site.

This is the reason why petrol companies and site operators have to be so careful in their handling and operation of selfservice sites once they have opened. The first month of a new site's life is the most critical in its life. This is the time when many potential customers can be and are lost by inconsiderate handling of the opening weeks.

In Sweden now nearly 70 % of all gasoline sold is dispensed by the customers themselves, and the situation has arrived where a second generation of motorists have matured who have been brought up to use self-service outlets from the day they began to drive.

In Britain we are progressing through the growing stage where we must sympathetically convert a generation of motorists who have been brought up on conventional service.

Many people fear self-service because of its impersonality, but this need not be so. Indeed more often than not it is a complete fallacy. A well operated post payment site can really reverberate with personality, warmth and activity.

I hope that the content of my paper indicates that the petrol industry is at a particularly interesting state of evolution now. I think the years 1970 to 1980 could rightly be called the Petroleum Revolution.

LEAKAGE OF PETROLEUM SPIRIT INTO G.P.O. TELEPHONE MANHOLE

Report by

In May 1969 a report was received at the Weights and Measures Department that an explosimeter reading taken in a G.P.O. manhole as a routine precaution prior to the commencement of work by the G.P.O., had revealed the presence of an explosive concentration of vapour, which in all probability, was petroleum spirit vapour.

The manhole in question is always almost full of water and the presence of the vapour was not detected until the manhole had been pumped out, allowing water to drain out of cablecarrying ducts into the manhole. The water from the ducts was carrying with it patches of a brownish black substance and it was as soon as these patches entered the manhole that positive explosimeter readings were obtained. It was surmised that the brownish black patches was jointing compound, used to join the lengths of duct pipe together and that petrol was dissolving the joints and thus entering the cable ducts and hence the manhole.

It was established by analysis of a sample taken from the manhole and by the Department's explosimeter that the vapour was, in fact, petroleum spirit vapour, which meant that the ball was firmly in our court.

Fortunately, the work that the telephone engineers had to do was not of the utmost urgency, which meant that we had plenty of time to eliminate as many possible sources of petrol leaks as possible. It was realised that eventually excavations in the road might have to be made, but being a seaside resort we were anxious to avoid this during the summer months if at all possible, bearing in mind that the leak was of very minor proportions and was causing no hazard whatsoever to the general public.

In order to ensure that the vapour in the manhole was not just a 'flash in the pan' the manhole was flushed out and pumped dry repeatedly by the Fire Brigade. It was possible to completely remove the explosive vapour for a time, but it would reappear after a short period.

There are two garages in the immediate vicinity of the manhole; one almost directly opposite across the road and the

G. C. DAVIES,

Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures Great Yarmouth

other approximately 50 yards to the north, on the same side of the road. Obviously these were the prime suspects. In addition to these garages there is a private installation approximately 200 yards away on the opposite side of the road.

The tanks at all these installations were given an ullage test and were found to be satisfactory. Old disused tanks in the area were reinspected to ensure that they had all been made properly safe and the telephone manholes to the north and south of the manhole in question were tested for vapour and found to be clear.

It was now October 1969, and all logical and immediate avenues having been explored, a meeting of interested parties, i.e. the Borough Engineer, Fire Service and Post Office Engineers, was held. Resulting from this meeting it was decided that the Borough Engineer's Department would dig two holes down to the cable-carrying ducts at intervals between the affected manhole and the manhole immediately to the north (the water flow into the manhole being from north to south), break the duct pipes and with the aid of the explosimeter try and pin-point the place of entry of the petrol into the ducts.

The excavations were made in early November, 1969, and revealed quite clearly that the garage about 50 yards from the manhole on the same side was the culprit. On the strength of this evidence the licensee of the garage was requested to arrange for a nitrogen pressure test to be put on his tanks and associated pipe lines under the conditions of his licence. The tests were completed by the 7th January 1970,revealed one leakmg suction line, which was immediately disconnected and sealed off from the tank and pump.

Over the next few months the manhole was repeatedly pumped out and checked with an explosimeter. The readings showed a steady diminution of explosive vapour concentration, until finally on 2nd July 1970, the manhole was found to be completely free of vapour.

It was concluded that any petrol which had been lying on the surface of the subsoil water had now been cleared and the incident was considered closed.

The First Fully Automated Self-Service Filling Station in the Federal Republic of Germany

On July 10, BP Benzin und Petroleum AG opened the first fully automated self-service filling station in the Federal Republic at Hamburg-Neuwiedenthal. All the facilities at the station are designed for self-service-including equipment for car care and washing, sales of accessories and refuelling-thus making it possible to dispense entirely with attendants.

The installation was specially planned to cope with conditions in the satellite town ofNeuwiedenthal, where the number of inhabitants will increase from the present figure of I 0,000 to 15,000 when building is completed. Detailed questionnaires carried out in the area in which the station's potential customers live indicate that extensive self-service facilities of this nature with price advantages for refuelling, washing, car care and the purchase of accessories are what the custc:imers want. BP's five gasoline qualities are dispensed with a considerable price reduction by means of two automatic refuelling units capable of accepting coins and notes, which will be supplemented by a third unit in due course. Water and air are provided free. Use of one of the six washing and maintenance positions in the car bay costs DM 0.50 per time unit of 15 minutes on weekdays and I 0 minutes at weekends. Motorists using the bays are provided with vacuum cleaners, suction equipment for removing motor oil and warm water at no extra cost. Coin-operated automats are available to supply washing agents and car care items, motor oils, car accessories and articles for every day use as well as hot and cold drinks. Two automatic units provide small change for five, two and one mark coins.

With the exception of the car bay, the self-service station is open around the clock. The installation is a test model developed by BP for specific market conditions. The results of the experiment will provide the BP group with important information for planning and operating its filling stations.

THE USE OF LIGHT METALS IN HAZARDOUS ATMOSPHERES

by H. G. RIDDLESTONE Head of Industrial Applications Department, The Electrical Research Association

The increasing use of light metals and their alloys in the oil and petrochemical industries has recently been drawing more attention to the known hazard of frictional spark ignition that can arise from impact between light metals and rusty steel surfaces. Although a hazard may arise irrespective of the type of equipment concerned, British Standards and Codes of Practice relating to electrical equipment for hazardous atmospheres specifically refer to it. The Electrical Research Association has therefore assessed the hazard on behalf of the sponsors of its research programme dealing with such equipment.

Nature of the Hazard

It is well known that light metals such as aluminium can be easily caused to react, with release of considerable energy, when in intimate contact with iron oxide-the so-called thermite reaction. The first systematic investigations of the potential hazards of the reactions between these materials in the presence of a flammable atmosphere followed an accident at a colliery which resulted in injury to 10 men, including one fatality. The cause was suspected to be incendive sparking due to impact of a light-alloy cased hand-drill dropped on to steel scaffolding. Subsequent experimental studies have shown that flammable gas mixtures can be ignited at impact energy levels of a few tens of ft lb. Even more important, only a light tap on a smear of light alloy on a rusty surface is needed to produce incendive sparks. Earlier work on the use of aluminium paint on rusty surfaces has shown that in some circumstances, this can also give rise to a hazard.

It has therefore been clearly demonstrated that there is a potential hazard in the use of light metals, such as aluminium, or alloys containing a high proportion of such metals and that the extent of this hazard and possible precautions require consideration.

Action Already Taken

The most positive action taken to deal with this problem has been that of the coal-mining authorities. In this country, the use of these metals in coal-mines was virtually banned when the extent of the hazard became apparent and existing equipment was removed, at considerable cost. Strict controls have also been imposed by mining authorities in other countries. Jn other industries, action of a less drastic nature has

been taken in a number of countries and warnings are given in current British Standards and Codes of Practice. The time has now come, however, when the extensive use of light metals demands a careful appraisal so that any necessary guidance can be given, and the International Electrotechnical Commission has already circulated a questionnaire asking for information on national requirements.

Possible Courses of action

Accepting the ignition hazard due to impact of these materials in the presence of flammable gas concentrations as proven, a number of different courses of action can be considered. Firstly, an extensive ban on the use of light alloys could be imposed, as in mining. Apart, however, from the extreme difficulty or impossibility of implementing such a restrictive measure, it ignores a number of other factors. Since a smear of light alloy on rusty steel is the most dangerous situation, it would imply inspection of all ferrous materials installed or taken in to a hazardous area as to of smears. It also ignores the real differences which exist between mining and surface instal!ations. The environmental conditions below ground result m the frequent occurrence of heavy impacts, space is restricted and coalface equipment is constantly being moved in cirwhere gas emission is frequently a possibility. In the 01! and petrochemical industries, conditions are much n:ore Equipment is predominantly fixed and m pos1t1ons where impact is unlikely. Jn many areas, the nsk of flammable gas concentrations is small and their duration limited. The risk of a simultaneous occurrence of the two events is therefore small. As it is this overall risk which is the determining factor, it is possible to consider alternatives other than prohibition, mostly requiring only the exercise of discretion, and whereby emphasis is placed instead on careful consideration of location, installation and design of equipment.

Portable equipment presents the more obvious difficulty because of the high risk that such equipment will be dropped'. It would therefore seem advisable that such equipment should be covered with an abrasion-resistant coating of, for exampl neoprene or rubber, which would need to be regular Iv for damage. It should be noted, however, that rus.tv ferro e _ clad objects on to light i:netal structures a hazard, albeit a lesser one than 1f the materials are reversed.

This article originally appeared in the Oil and Petroleum Equipment News, and is reproduced by courtesy o.f the author and the Council of British Manufacturers of Petroleum Equipment.

In the less hazardous Division 2 areas, where the chance of occurrence of flammable atmospheres is small, it would seem reasonable to consider light alloys as introducing a negligible risk except in situations where heavy impact could initiate or be accompanied by the release of flammable materials. Similar considerations would suggest that in Division I areas, light metals should not be used where the risk of impact is high, or else should be protected by appropriate means such as by abrasion-resistant coatings, mechanical guards, etc., depending on the conditions of use. Particular

attention should be paid to loading areas, where booms may accidentally impact on adjacent metalwork. Precautions should be taken in such areas to prevent impact between light metals and ferrous materials by choice of materials, protective guards, coatings etc., as appropriate, since light alloy smears once formed would be particularly subject to subsequent impacts. Restriction on the amount of magnesium in a light alloy and the use of inert alloying elements have been proposed, but have been shown experimentally to have only a limited effect.

Council at Solihull

Report of a Meeting held on 9th September, 1970

Present

The following members attended-Messrs. R. E. J. Roden (Chairman); J. Short (Vice-Chairman); J. W. Frid (Hon. Secretary); J. S. Forman (Hon. Treasurer); R. P. Holdaway (Hon. Editor); G. N. Dean (Liaison Officer); C. L. Davids, D. Hall, G. H. Harvey, W. Hetherington, J. W. Hewison, K. C. Hughes, T. Kerr, H. R. Mellor, C. T. Peacock, C. R. Peskett and B. W. C. Thacker.

Apologies

Messrs. V. Beeby, J. Beer, J. Birks and S. W. D. Harris.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

The minutes of the previous meeting (already circulated), were received and after some discussion were accepted.

Matters Arising

It was proposed by Mr. Hall and seconded by Mr. Hewison that upon the effective date of Mr. Holdaway's resignation as Editor of the Bulletin (31st December, 1970) he become a co-opted member of the Council. This was unanimously agreed by the meeting. It was further proposed by Mr. :reskett and seconded by Mr. Frid that during the tenure m office of the present Chairman Council Meetings be held at Solihull. This was agreed. '

Correspondence

The Secretary reported that upon the receipt of an enquiry from Mr. Hewison regarding Powers of Entry into unlicensed premises in the event of suspected petroleum contamination, he had been in correspondence with the Home Office who were looking into the question.

Upon receipt of correspondence rrom a Exeter C.B. of a complaint regardmg an article contamed m the magazine Popular Motoring concerning the use of a t-gallon Total oil container for petroleum spirit when empty, the Secretary reported on correspondence which he had entered into with the Editor of that magazine and of the inadequate correction which was subsequently printed in a later edition of that magazine.

It was reported that the British Standards Association had circulated a draft Standard for plastic containers for petroleum (metric units). The Secretary was instructed to write to the Standards Association drawing their attention to the fact that this Association would wish to comment on proposals of this nature and requesting that a copy of the draft Standard be supplied for consideration.

The Chairman reported upon a letter which he had received from the past secretary, Mr. L. A. Cave, copies of which had been received by the Hon. Editor and Hon Secretary.

CHAIRMAN'S REPORT

The Chairman informed the meeting that a sub-committee had met at York to consider the question of a badge of office. A selection from a number of entries as to design had been made. A quotation had been obtained from Thomas Fattorini Ltd. for the manufacture of the badge at a cost of £72 5s. The Company would supply smaller replicas of the badge for use by Branch Chairmen at the the cost of £20 2s. 3d. each. The Chairman added that he would send details of the design to Branch Secretaries in order that they may bring the question of the purchase of replica badges before their next branch meetings.

RESOLVED That the report be adopted.

SECRETARY'S REPORT

The Secretary requested permission for the purchase of a cabinet to contain the trays of Addressograph plates which constitute the membership details of the Association. It was agreed that a sum of £25 be authorised for this, failing the purchase of a second-hand cabinet.

The Secretary reported upon seven applications for membership which he had received since the last meeting of the Council.

It was proposed by the Secretary and seconded by Mr. Harvey that the Treasurer be instructed to charge full membership fee for applications before lst December, and that the applicants for membership after that date shall pay full membership fee which will be credited for the following year.

RESOLVED That the report be adopted.

TREASURER'S REPORT

The Hon. Treasurer reported that a few subscriptions for 1970 remained outstanding but reminders had been sent to those concerned. He further reported that after payments for expenses incurred by members attending the Council meeting and meeting an account to hand that morning, credit to the Association's account was approximately £630. Added to this was the sum of £127 14s. that Mr. Thacker, Hon. Secretary of the Northern Branch, had handed in as balance from the school held in York in July. This included £60 advanced to Mr. Thacker towards the school's expenses.

The majority of subscriptions to the Association due in January each year, were received between January and April and it was then that the Association's balance was highest. The cost of printing the Bulletin (average approximately £150) and payments for attendances at meetings were the highest items of expenditure to be met, and before the year's end, the cost of another issue of the Bulletin (in October) and expenses incurred for the meeting due on 9th December would have to be paid.

RESOLVED That the report be adopted.

EDITOR'S REPORT

The Editor reported that the production of the Bulletin had been maintained satisfactorily despite a change in the printer, due to the closure of the works of Messrs. W. B. Walker of Shrewsbury. Mr. Holdaway paid tribute to the help and services provided by Messrs. Walkers and stated that the new printers Messrs. Wilding of Shrewsbury were proving to be as helpful and efficient.

The Editor informed the Council that he had received an application for the post he was vacating at the end of the year,

that of Mr. B. W. C. Thacker of Teesside. Mr. Thacker had spent the previous day with him and after due consideration had agreed to take over the post.

RESOLVED That Mr. Thacker be appointed Editor as from lst January 1971 and that the sincere thanks of the Council on behalf of all members be accorded to Mr. Holdaway for the work he has undertaken as Editor of the Bulletin for the past nine years.

COMMITTEE CHAIRMENS REPORTS

Finance and General Purposes

No meeting.

Constitution and Rules

It ""'.as proposed by Mr. Hall and seconded by Mr. Kerr that Stan.dmg Orders be suspended during discussions of the Chairman's proposals. This was carried.

Upon resumption of Standing Orders, it was proposed by Hall, by Mr. Hewison that the recommendations of the Constitution and Rules Committee (a) regarding model rules, and (b) payment of capitation fees to branches (copies attached) be accepted.

It was by Mr Mellor and seconded by Mr. Holdaway that. if fees are not paid by 30th September, no cap1tat1on fee will be paid for these members.

RESOLVED That the report be adopted.

Education and Publication

The Chairman reported. that it was proposed to hold an Advanced School for Semor Officers at York u · · · J I 1971 · dd" · mvers1ty m . u ft; N , a 1tion to any schools that may be organised e ort ern and Southern areas of the country A . s10nal programme had been arranged and lecturers. approached. Mr. Thacker would be responsible f b k' accommodation at York University. or 00 mg

RESOLVED That the report be adopted.

Reference and Legal

The Chairman reported a number of queries wh. h h submitted to the Committee and said that th ic ad been printed in a supplement of the January issue oefsteh would ?e e Bulletm.

RESOLVED That the report be adopted.

Any Other Business

Mr. Hewison reported on correspondence he had h . the secretary and Messrs. Avery Hardoll conce ad with membership of the Association. It was agreed block of block membership by companies of this natu b e matter to the Constitution and Rules Committee who e referred report back to the next Council meeting. ere asked to

It was proposed by Mr. Short and seconded b that the Model Branch Rules be circulated to b y Mr. Kerr the suggestion that they should revise their rut With of the Model Rules and submit their revised m the light for approval within 12 months. This was agreed ranch Rules

It was P!"O?osed by the Secretary, seconded by Mr the Association pay for the rental and any offi . I . Hall that calls on behalf of the Hon Treasurer Mr F c1a telephone agreed. · ' · orman. This was

BRANCH REPORTS

Wessex and South Wales

A meeting of the Branch was held on 20th April, 1970 at the offices of Taunton R.D.C., Mary Street House, Taunton, Somerset.

Present

Mr. R. Crowther(Vice-Chairman)in the Chair and 26 members.

Apologies

18 apologies were received including that of the Chairman Mr. S. W. D. Harris.

Minutes

The minutes of the meeting held at Sherborne on 20th October, 1969 which had been circulated with the Agenda, were approved and signed.

Matters Arising out of the Minutes

The Secretary reported that he had received a letter of appreciation from Mr. D. J. Davies, M.B.E., and Mr. T. K. Blackwell, together with the Clerk of the Sherborne UDC.

Hon. Secretary/Treasurer's Report

The Secretary explained the fact that the Association had not confirmed the Branch Rules and Constitution as they were preparing new Standard Rules and Constitutions.

Since the notice of the meeting had been sent out he had consulted with the Chairman, and had found it possible to call a meeting of the Executive Committee for 7th April, 1970. At the suggestion of the Secretary it was agreed the of that meeting (which were thereupon circulated) be received and considered in conjunction with Items 6 and 7 of the Agenda.

The Treasurer reported Branch membership had increased from 46 to 59 for which 5/- capitation fee per member had been received, totalling £14 15s.

Various enquiries and correspondence had been received and dealt with from Petroleum Officers, either for information or details of the Association's activities. He had attended meetings at Doncaster, Birmingham and Burton-upon-Trent but would be prevented from attending the Annual General Meeting at Leamington Spa by other commitments.

The financial position of the accounts showed that with the payment of the .;urrent year's capitation fee of £14 15s. the balance in the bank at 31st March, 1970 was £1617s. with out- standing accounts of £1 15s. Od. The services of Mr. D. Cole, Deputy Treasurer Thornbury RDC had been obtained and the accounts had been audited.

Election of Officers

The view of Mr. S. W. D. Harris, present Chairman, that in the early formative years of the Branch, the Chairmanship should be changed annually, and the recommendations of the Executive Committee were adopted, namely-

Chairman

R. Crowther, Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures, Gloucester City.

Vice-Chairman

L. Haggett, Fire Service Officer, Merthyr Tydfil.

Secretary/Treasurer

R. Huntington, Public Health Inspector, Thornbury RDC.

Hon. Auditor

D. Cole, Deputy Treasurer, Thornbury RDC.

Branch Representative S. W. D. Harris, Gloucester RDC.

Committee

T. L. Cox, Cricklade & Wootton Bassett RDC; T. K. Blackwell, Sherborne UDC; M. Clark, Cheltenham BC; A. B. Rowlands, Llanelli RDC; W. Jones, Newport CB; J. J. Storey, City of Bath.

Date and Venue of Next Meeting

After discussion it was unanimously Resolved that the next meeting be held on 12th October, 1970 at Newport, Mon. Mr. C. J. Jones agreed to make the necessary arrangements in consultation with the Secretary and Chairman. Consideration was given to holding the next Annual General Meeting in April, 1971 at either GloucesterCityorpossiblyinlWiltshire.

Any other business

Various matters of general interest were discussed.

J. The fact that plastic containers were frequently being used for containing small quantities of petrol; the danger of this practice due to the tendency of certain plastics to weep, and the difficulty of obtaining suitable metal containers.

2. Mention was made of the large scale petroleum fire at Plymouth. It was suggested that in due course it might be possible for Mr. R. Billings, Chief Petroleum Officer of the City of Plymouth to give a short talk on the occurrence.

3. It was suggested that Mr. S. W. D. Harris be asked to outline the details of a court case which his authority had taken concerning a car fire and petroleum spirit.

4. The question of ducting or concreting of underground wiring was discussed. Ducting was to be preferred, but would be dealt with later by Mr. J. A. Sharp, the Hon. Electrical Adviser.

5. It was agreed that further consideration be given to a question concerning the need for petrol interceptors, the circumstances that warranted their provision, and the method of requiring their provision.

Address

Upon the resumption of the meeting after lunch, members were joined by guests from nearby authorities to hear Mr. J. A. Sharp, Senior Assistant Engineer, M.E.B. and the Hon. Electrical Adviser to the Association give an explanation and talk on the Association's recommendations for electrical requirements under the 1928 Act.

Mr. Sharp expressed the view that the Association had done a good job in preparing the Code and stressed that it would be amended by the Association in the light of experience. It should not be applied too rigidly in respect of existing filling stations but it certainly should insofar as new stations were concerned.

Mr. Sharp mentioned that there are now three area classifications for stations where a dangerous atmosphere was likely to be present and went on to define these areas as follows :Division 0-where a dangerous atmosphere would be continuously present (not likely to occur under the present conditions on a filling station).

Division I-where a dangerous atmosphere is likely to occur at any time (within the pump enclosures and adjacent to Vent and Filling pipes).

Division 2-where a dangerous atmosphere is only likely to occur under abnormal conditions.

In addition to the above, a 'safe area' is defined as being outside the limits prescribed in the Code of Practice.

Mr. Sharp went on to define the type of fittings and switches etc. available for use in Division 2 areas and made mention of mercury, micro-gap and magnetic types of switches. He further pointed out that bare tungsten lamps were not suitable for use within a Division 2 area as the glass envelopes of such lamps exceeded the temperature limits laid down in British Standard Code of Practice 1003. In dealing with kiosks, the Association had recommended that 9 in. from the floor would constitute a Division 2 area, and above 4 ft. would be considered a safe area except that lighting fittings should be of the enclosed type. The reasons for excluding socket outlets in a kiosk was explained. In the case of cash registers, these should be connected directly to the circuit through switched outlet boxes. The Association also recommended that heating of the kiosk should be by means of liquid filled radiators.

Mr. Sharp pointed out that the Home Office Code laid down recommendations for minimum levels of illumination and quoted the filling area as 1 lumen per sq. ft, the forecourts on unattended self-service and attended self-service being 10 Jumens per sq. ft.

Other points mentioned included the provision of isolating switches on self-service forecourts, the use of Division 2 wiring on loud speakers circuits where such wiring entered a Division 2 area, methods and types of wiring for pump installations and the use of double pole switches to control the circuits.

During the subsequent discussion Mr. Sharp made the following points :-

Cables should be at least 18 in. deep or otherwise protected. In Division I areas, solid drawn conduit should be used, whilst in Division 2 areas, welded conduit is satisfactory. Referring to the Master Emergency Switch the Home Office Code states that this should be inaccessible to the public, but the Association recommends that this should be readily visible to the public and within easy reach. Replying to a question on earthing ,Mr. Sharp made the point that the earthing circuit is the part of the installation which may not be called upon to function for 20 years or more, therefore, it is essential that it should remain intact for the life of the general wiring. It is necessary then that it should receive detailed attention when the installation is initially carried out. It was further pointed out that in all cases fuses must not be fitted in the neutral conductor. Stress was laid on the importance of ensuring that test certificates were received only from approved electrical contractors. It was again reiterated that the Code applies to new stations and a question was raised as to how long we should put up with substandard installations.

Mr. Sharp listed the following important points:Earthing-double pole switching-correct fuse ratings and a good standard of workmanship.

In answer to a question on switches for use in Division 2 areas, it was stated that manufacturers were at present making switches of the following types:- Mercury Tube; Magnetic; Micro-gap.

During the course of discussion Mr. Sharp illustrated various aspects with excellent sketches which enabled the members to appreciate the various points under discussion. From the lively discussion which had ensued and the clarity of Mr. Sharp's answers there was no doubt that the session had been a most interesting and instructive one.

Vote of Thanks

At the conclusion of the meeting a vote of thanks to Mr. Sharp was unanimously approved, with individual expressing their appreciation. Thanks were also given t? Mr Nesling and his Council for the arrangements and fac1hties0 which had been afforded to the Association for the holding of the meeting. Members were entertained with light refreshments, by Mr. Nesling for which the Chairman personally thanked him.

Northern

A meeting of the Branch was held at Norton Fire Station, Teesside on Monday, 29th June, 1970.

Present

15 representatives were present and these were welcomed by the Chairman, Mr. H. Johnson who extended a special welcome to Mr. H. Freer, of Saltburn who was attending for the first time.

Apologies

Apologies for absence were received from Newcastle City, Richmond Borough and Mr. Thompson of Field Service Mechanics.

Minutes of Previous Meeting

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

Matters Arising

(a)

BRANCH RULES

The Honorary Secretary reported that draft Branch rules would be submitted to the Council at their next meeting for approval. Following this, the Branch would have the opportunity of studying these with the view to adopting them as binding on the Branch. He suggested that this might well be done at the Branch Annual General Meeting in 1971.

After a thorough discussion this suggestion was agreed to.

(b) STORAGE OF L.P.G.

The Chairman referred to the small bulk installations in country areas and stated that this problem now seemed to have reached the town and urban districts. In particular he made mention to a recent application to power Taxis with L.P.G. This application had been granted and he anticipated that the natural follow up would be an application to store L.P.G. within the premises of the proprietor. At the moment he was preparing recommendations in respect of storing L.G.P. for such use in his authority's area.

Election of Officers

The Honorary Secretary reminded the meeting that the election of officers had been deferred from their last meeting pending issue of Branch rules. As these could not now be adopted until next year he felt sure the meeting should regularise the position until the next Annual General Meeting.

The Chairman then asked for nominations for the post of Chairman and Secretary.

It was proposed by Mr. Newton seconded by Mr. Ranson that the present officers continue until the 1971 Annual General Meeting. There being no other nominations, Mr. Johnson was elected Chairman and Mr. Thacker elected Honorary Secretary for the current year.

Any other business

The Honorary Secretary gave a brief report on the previous meeting of the Council and mentioned the adoption of the new constitution and rules and also that approval had been given for an increase in Association fees.

Film on hazards of L.P .G.

There being no other business the meeting was then shown a very in1eresting film made in the United States of America on the hazards of !iquified Petroleum Gases.

Anglia

A meeting of the Branch was held at the Gas Terminal, Bacton, Norfolk on the 17th September 1970.

Present

The meeting was opened by the Chairman, Mr. J. G. Clark who welcor:ied the 30 members present.

The Chairman drew the members attention to the publication of the Holroyd Report on the Fire Services, in particular that part which recommended that the safety provisions of the Petroleum Act be administered by the Fire Services. He stressed that it was not for members to criticise such recommendations but that it should be recorded that the present

arrangements for administering this important legislation had been tried and proved.

The Chairman then went on to describe the day's programme which would be mainly taken up in visiting various terminals at the Gas Council's Bacton site.

Finally, the Chairman suggested that the branch might like to take up the offer of a venue at the B.P. Headquarters at Harlow, Essex for its Annual General Meeting in the spring, the date of which was left to be confirmed by himself and the Secretary. This was agreed by the meeting.

Apologies

The Secretary reported 10 apologies from members who were unable to attend.

Minutes

The Minutes of the Annual General Meeting of the Branch, as previously reported, were accepted. There were no matters arising from these minutes.

Secretary's Report

The Secretary/Treasurer/Branch Representative reported that the finances of the Branch were in a reasonably healthy condition and that the Branch's 1970 capitation fees were yet to be received. The Secretary further reported on various aspects of Council meetings which he had attended since the last Branch Meeting. He drew the members attention to the fact that the Association was proposing to hold an Advanced School at York University in July, 1971 and also that arrangements were going ahead to hold further Schools at both York and Surrey Universities in 1971.

He further drew the attention of the Branch to the fact that Council had agreed to submit to all Branch Secretaries the Association's new Model Branch Rules. The Secretary suggested that these be made available to all members of this branch and that an item be placed on the agenda at the Annual General Meeting in 1971 in order that members could comment as they wished. This was agreed by the meeting.

The Secretary then informed members of a few of the controversial enquiries which had been received by Council including one which had to do with the Powers of Entry into unlicensed premises and another which involved the proposed British Standard for plastic containers to contain petroleum spirit.

Visit to Bacton Terminal

Members of the Branch then proceeded on the aITanged visit around the Bacton Terminal, commencing with a tour conducted by Mr. H. Smith, the Supply Terminal Manager for the Phillips/Arpet Group of the North Sea Gas Receiving Terminal. After an extremely interesting circuit, members questions and enquiries were adequately answered by Mr. Smith. After lunch, as guests of the Gas Council, members were taken on a further tour of the Gas Council's terminal by Mr. Walker, the Terminal Manager. All members were extremely interested in the well-planned and efficient installations and were considerably impressed by the speed with which the whole operation involving the supply of North Sea gas from the wellheads in the North Sea to the main trunk gas systems had been achieved.

Vote of Thanks

At tea, after the tour, a vote of thanks was proposed by Mr. J. Wookey, Vice-Chairman to both Mr. Walker and Mr. Smith.

Legal Proceedings

Through the Pipeline by OTTO

SANDOWN-SHANKLIN UDC

Storing Petroleum mixtures without a licence

Legal proceedings were taken a ga_rage proprietor for storing quantities of petroleum mixtures m excess of the permitted amount without a licence.

The premises had previously been over a number of years but application for a renewal of licence had been refused at the end of 1968 as the proprietor had failed to comply with the conditions of licence

He was informed that unless comphance was affected no licence would be issued and if he continued to sell and use petroleum mixtures without a licence, he would be liable to prosecution. The Isle of Wight magistrates on 4th August, 1970 found against the defendant and imposed a fine of £50, £25 analyst fees (in respect of samples of petroleum mixtures purchased) and £20 towards legal costs.

An application for time to pay was refused, an order bemg made for payment in full within one month.

LIVERPOOL Stealing Petroleum Spirit

On Wednesday, 12th August, 1970, an unidentified youth drove a Land Rover vehicle onto the forecourt of a garage owned by Portus and Rhodes, 77 St. Mary's Road, Garston, Liverpool 19. He forced the lock securing the manhole cover of an underground petrol tank, removed the cap of the filler pipe then inserted into the underground tank a length of rubber garden hose, attached to the other end an electrical fuel pump with two connecting wires which he connected to the battery of the Land Rover.

The fuel pump was placed into an enamel jug of about 3 gallon capacity and siphoning of petrol from the underground storage tank took place. However, the_ course of siphoning, a wire at the battery termmal was dis.connected and the youth, whose hands were saturated with petrol, attempted to secure the connecting wire with the result he caused a spark to occur which was of sufficient energy to ignite the petrol vapours coming from his hands.

The sudden ignition of petrol vapour caused the youth to panic and he accidentally ignited the petrol in the jug with a result the paintwork on two garage doors was set on fire. The youth then drove his vehicle away. The fire was discovered by a policeman on patrol and the Fire Brigade was called and the fire quickly extinguished.

As a result of police enquiries, Phillip John Waddicar aged 20 years, unemployed, of 23 McBride Street, Garston, Liverpool 19, was charged with stealing a quantity of petroleum spirit and at the Liverpool City Magistrates' Court on Wednesday, I 9th August, 1970, he pleaded guilty and was remanded on bail in the sum of twenty pounds for medical reports. At a subsequent court and after consideration of a medical report, defendant was fined £25.

Further investigations revealed no breach of the conditions of the Petrolewn Licence issued by the Licensing Authority.

WHAT NO MORE!

For more than half a decade this column has appeared in this journal, usually at the end unless there has been a space to fill elsewhere. The editor has never disclosed whether this was because he liked to keep the best until last, or whether he preferred that the trash cart should follow the Lord Mayor's Show.

The original idea behind the colwnn was that there would be merit in having a corner of the magazine devoted to tical Points". At that time this was a thing which was bemg done by all the best magazines. It was proposed that in each issue a simple practical point would be discussed.

The editor was going to produce all the bright ideas and arrange for experts in the field to write them up. In this way an entertaining and instructive column would be produced.

It did not however work out that way. The editor never had any bright ideas. Without ideas there were no major issues for the experts to discuss. And so; production of the magnum opus was left to a single hack writer who in the first place lacked sufficient dexterity to dodge the column.

Because of the multiplicity of authors who should have writing the column, it needed a title and a pen name behmd which the writers could shield. A pen name was in any case convenient because it indicated that views expressed could not be associated with any particular authority, company etc. is noteworthy that the editor is alleged to have produced his own disclaimer "Opinions expressed in this Journal are not· ··" only after Otto started writing.

Thoughts on a suitable title produced wit at its lowest. Some of the less hilarious examples included "Drippings from a sample can" and "Points by Flash Harry".

In a very short time the editor put a stop to this He opined that the question of a title and pen name was important and decided, after a great deal of effort, on "Through the Pipe-line by Otto" (Cycle you know!).

When a devastating piece of wit is 1s-.erdevastated. When the producer is so delighted with his achievement one is reluctant to do other than roar with laughter and approbation. It is only now after many years that Otto dares to ask the editor, nay challenges him, to explain the joke.

And so the picture emerges: this was to have been a column that provoked as well as entertained and instructed. For those who may have asked "Where did it go wrong?", the facts are now revealed.

For his part the author has had immense fun in producing a small regular contribution to a unique magazine. But all things good and bad must come to an end. What better time for a change than when a new Editor replaces the old.

Otto, finally caught in his pig trap, bids any who may have read him "Farewell".

Otto, of course, is correct but then who would change a winning team, particularly when its star player scores so regularly. We thank Otto most sincerely for his well written and much enjoyed contributions.

Subject Index-Cumulative

PERIOD 1966-1970 (VOLUMES 5 to 9)

References indicate year and page numbers. All articles are not indexed but references to other articles may be found in those listed. The index in Volume 8 (October 1969) contains information prior to 1966.

ASSOCIATION A.P.A.A. Constitution and Rules 1970·63

DRAINAGE Pitch fibre pipes 1967-76 Petrol interceptor 1966-47, 66

ELECTRICAL Circuits 1970-3

Earth leak protection 1966·89 Electrostatic spraying 1967-76 Flameproofing 1966-19: 1968-27 Safety standards 1967-90: 1969·55: 1970-4, 16, 24, 26, 82 Sparking 1969·48 Static 1967-22, 28, 76: 1969-34 Tank protection 1967·9, 40

FIRE Fire extinguishers 1966-24, 33, 53: 1967-22, 88: 1968-19, 31, 75 Ignition 1967-98: 1968-27 Major incidents 1966-32, 62: 1967-60 Tanker accident 1969-52

GARAGE EQUIPMENT

LAW

Heaters 1967-18, 80 Layout of premises 1966·37, 49, 90: 1969-77, 83

Administration 1969-49, 75 (Maud proposals) 75 (Code of Practice) Cases: Licensing conditions 1966-28, 48: 1968-28, 52: 1969-24: 1970-20, 40 62, 84 Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance Etc.) Regs. 1969-72: 1970-20, 40, 62 Petroleum Spirit (Motor Vehicle) Regs. 1967-98: 1969-24

Faulty Tankers 1968-51, 110 Petroleum Law 1966-83: 1968-88: 1969-33: 1970-69 Tanker dispensing 1966-71, 83

L.P.G. (Liqulfied Petroleum Gases)

Aerosols 1967-97 Car fuel 1970-43, 58

Frozen earth storage 1966-96 Major incidents 1966-32, 36: 1969-53 North Sea Gas 1967-14 Safety 1968-8 Storage 1966-35: 1967-29: 1968-8 Testing 1967-3 Transport 1968-8, 33

MODEL CODE 1968 1969-11, 41, 52, 75: 1970-3, 53

NOZZLES 1967-79: 1968-5, 47, 57, 68, 84, 88: 1969-52, 65: 1970-25

PUBLICATIONS, ETC. Association publication 1969-52

Book reviews 1967-7: 1970-24 Historical 1966-12: 1970-61

Blending pumps 1967-4

PUMPS AND FITTINGS

Mobile sale 1966-28, 71 New forecourt equipment 1967-11, 49: 1968-91

Petroil 1968-47 Plastic pipes 1966-54

Pump motors 1968-109 Pumps-future trends 1966-87 Self service (see below) Swing arms 1967-26

TECHNICAL:

SELF SERVICE

Attended 1966-65: 1967-49, 79: 1968-12, 37, 62, 93, 107: 1970-9, 72, 77

Unattended 1966-76: 1967-30, 36: 1968-4, 12, 31, 47, 62, 73, 93, 107: 1970-9, 72

Conference B.P., 1969-6

Credit card 1966-57

Note acceptor 1966-39: 1967-30 Paraffin 1967-34

SPILLAGE AND LOSSES Faults and emergencies 1970-38, 48, 67

L.P.G. 1966-36

Spillage 1968-50: 1970-76

STORAGE Airport storage 1969-5, 76

Boats 1968-39

Bulk stores 1967-16, 62: 1968-41: 1969-71: 1970-6

Can stores 1967-63: 1970-15

Content gauges 1969-88 Depot fire 1966-62

Disused tanks I 968-49

Double tanks 1969-53

Filling 1967-80: 1968-72

Frozen earth storage L.P.G. 1966-96

Glass fibre tanks 1967-8, 38: 1968-20: 1969-2, 73, 88: 1970-66

Leaking tanks 1966-27

Offset fillers 1968-49: I 969-70

Plastic storage tanks 1966-55: 1967-8, 38: I 968-2, 20

Safe storage 1967-85

Tank cleansing 1967-6

Tank numbers 1968-43

Tank protection 1967-9, 40

Tank testing 1967-21, 47: 1968-102, 105

Underground tanks 1966-80: 1969-77: 1970-45

Ventilation 1967-98: 1970-19

Vent pipe sizes 1970-66

FUEL AND CHEMISTRY

Abel test 1966-70

Evaporation I 967-39

Fibreglass 1966-26

Flammability 1969-47, 48

Flash 1967-98

Flashpoint tester 1970-30

Hydraulic oil 1967-5

L.P.G. 1968-8

Nature of petroleum 1966-77: 1968-8, 98

North Sea Gas 1966-41

Octane number 1966-6

Proof spirit 1966-70

Refining 1967-31

Safety classification 1967-90: 1968-3

Small pumps I 968-109

Solvents 1967-85

Ventilation 1967-98

TRANSPORT AND DISTRIBUTION

Dangerous liquids 1967-97

Heavy oil 1968-11

Hose coupling 1969-54

L.P.G. 1968-33

Offset fillers 1968-49

Petroleum bulk 1968-17, 72

Pipelines 1967-14: 1968-15, 59: 1970-28

Rail transport 1966-61

Road transport I 966-9 5 : I 967-97: I 970- I I, 67

Tanker ships 1967-82

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Royal Leamington Spa, 9th April, 1970

APPOINTMENTS

A. Buckland

K. Burrow

C. Carey

R. Churchill G. N. Dean

J. H. Easdown

A. Elrick

R. Farmer

J.B. Franks

A. Grant J. N. Hill D. McGregor M. E. Moore

J.C. North E. A. Peat

W. Qualtrough M. R. Richards

B. G. Rogers

E. C. Sandys

W. R. Simpson

H. Till

A. Winning B. M. Young ...

BRANCH MEETINGS

Anglia 29th April 1970, Southend-on-Sea I 7th September 1970, Bacton

Cumbria 3rd December 1969, Carlisle

East Midland 3rd November 1969, Nottingham 23rd April 1970, Market Harborough

Northern 29th September 1969, Teesside lst April 1970, Teesside 29th June 1970, Teesside

North Western 21st October 1969, Blackpool 2nd July I 970, Haydock

Scottish 17th March 1970, Dalkeith

South-East Midland

16th October 1969, Amersham 23rd April 1970, St. Albans

INDEX 1970

Page 52 23 23 66 23 23 42 2 66 23 23 23 66 23 2 42 2 23 42 42 23 42 2 42 59 83 18 17 55 13 55 82 15 59 54 14 57

Wessex and South Wales 20th October 1969, Sherborne 20th April 1970, Taunton West Midland 5th March 1970, Cannock Yorkshire 26th January 1970, Birkenshaw

CONGRATULATIONS

G. Critchley P.H. Darby H. Griffiths F. W. Harbidge H. Johnson B. W. C. Thacker

COUNCIL MEETINGS

Birmingham, 29th October 1969 Birmingham, 25th February 1970 Birmingham, 20th May 1970 Solihull, 9th September 1970

EDITORIALS

Clean air and the petrol engine Holroyd and Petroleum Administration Leonard Arthur Cave Valedictory

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

Bradford-Licensing Conditions Dursley RDC-Storing Petroleum spirit without a licence Eton RDC-Conveyance by road regulations

Great Yarmouth-Licensing conditions Liverpool-Conveyance regulations Liverpool-Stealing petroleum spirit Poole-Conveyance by road regulations

Sandown-Shanklin UDC-Storing petroleum mixture without a licence Shrewsbury-Storing petroleum spirit without a licence Warley-Conveyance by road regulations

LETTERS

Code of Practice {Electrical) S. Gascoigne R. C. Wright

Petroleum Administration and Maude. A. Howard-Luck Petroleum spillage during operations-N. Wallace

MISCELLANEOUS

A hose end read-out refuelling system-J. F. Bridger

A.M.C. Reports

Automation in operation-T. C. Covill Book Review

Carrying offshore pipelines and equipment Constitution and Rules of Association

Page 35 81 37 36 42 42 2 2 2 2 12 33 51 79 21 41 l 65 40 62 40 20 62 84 40 84 62 20 3 24 3 66 25 11, 32 6 24 43 63 87

Cook with gas-Joe Toff

Correction

Cumulative Index

Electrical safety in dangerous atmospheres-W.C.R. Dale

Emergency Procedures-H. T. E. Jackson Gas consultative councils

G.R.P. Storage tanks

Leakage of petroleum spirit into GPO telephone Manhole Leak detection service to industry

New apparatus for the determination of fl.ashpointD. Handley

Petroleum Technology Course-Surrey University -do- -York University

Petrol tanker overturned at Oldham

Progress report on electrical instrumentation for use in

Page 43 23 85 26 48 32 66 76 43 30 44 68 67

hazardous atmospheres-K. J. Brown 4

Publications 2, 23 & 66

Secretary's Notes 2, 23

Self-service and its development in the immediate futureJ. F. Bridger 72

Self-service and its development in the immediate future in the retail petroleum trade-Y. L. S. Tribble and J. F. Bridger 9

String 'em out and bury 'em 28

Tanker parks for Teesside-H. Johnson 11

Tank installations and tests-F. A. Smith 45

The Chairman 22

The first fully automated self-service filling station in the Federal Republic of Germany 77

The law relating to licences for keeping petroleum spiritC. S. McDonald 69

The use of light metals in hazardous atmospheres-H. G. Riddles tone 78

Ultrasonic leak detector 43

OBITUARY J, S. Bates E. H. Box W. I. Price

RETIREMENTS

J. E. Andrew .. . E. R. Asbill A. F. Bambridge G. H. Birch •.. Dr. H. K. Black R. S. Bone A. Dixon J. Forman G. Kent G. W. J. Kerslake E. A. Lyne M. H. Newman E. M. Richardson R. J. Stepney F. W. Taylor R. A. Thomson A. A. Wheatcroft H. L. Whitham

THROUGH THE PIPELINE

How did it all begin? How does one know now? What no more! Who's spitting? Who's to deliver? Who's to stop it? Why the hammer?

Page 2 42 66 23 2 23 42 42 66 42 23 42 23 2 66 2 42 42 2 2 23 61 39 84 19 61 38 19

LIMITED

STATION ROAD

CHERTSEY, SURREY ENGLAND

Telephone: Chertsey 4391

Produces a GO/NOT GO confirmation of critical flash point in ONE MINUTE. Correlates with ASTM-IP methods. Requires only 2 ml. Sample.

ACCURATE-RELIABLE- PORTABLE

DR. H. K. BLACK

(B.Sc., Ph.D., D.I.C., F.R.I.C.)

Consulting Scientist (Formerly H.M. Chief Inspector of Explosives, Home Office) 79 POPE'S A VENUE, TWICKENHAM, MIDDX. TELEPHONE: 01-894 5069

This is to announce that following my decision to retire from the post of Her Majesty's Chief Inspector of Explosives at the Home Office, London, I have entered into practice as a Consulting Scientist in the following fields of expertise:

EXPLOSIVES: PETROLEUM: CONVEYANCE OF DANGEROUS CHEMICALS: GAS CYLINDERS AND PRESSURE VESSELS: INDUSTRIAL SAFETY: ACCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS. POLLUTION: EXPERT WITNESS.

Manufacture, storage and conveyance. Storage; site design and lay-out; dispensing systems; licensing problems; conveyance. By road and other forms of transport; modern handling methods; port facilities and lay-out; bye-laws.

For conveyance of dangerous substances by road. Explosion and fire hazards; general safety.

Assessment of hazards; precautionary measures.

I am available for consultation at the above address.

MIDLANDS