The Bulletin - October 1986

THE BULLETIN

Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

TalkingPoint

Pump Hoses cause danger on the Forecourt. Numerous incidents have been reported where petrol pump hoses have been blistering and in some cases have burst, showering the user with petrol. At first it was thought that new additives may have been the cause of this fault. It would seem that tests have revealed the problem has arisen in the fixing of the hoses made by the Goodyear group to the couplings. Petrol has been gathering between the hose layers causing blistering and in extremes cases failure. The manufacturing technique in question is understood to have been in use since 1984 and although it is felt that all hoses will not have been affected the major Oil Companies are arranging for their pumps to be inspected and hoses replaced where necessary. The manufacturing process is being changed to prevent future problems.

This problem has been identified for some months, but there has been a marked lack of publicity on a subject with a high public safety profile. This is a case where the HSE should have been consulted and issued guidance to Industry and Petroleum Licensing Authorities.

BRANCH SECRETARIES

EASTERN BRANCH F. C. Rason

SOUTHERN BRANCH

R. Edwards M.R.B. (Petroleum Services) Ltd MIDLAND BRANCH Derek Hopkins Warwickshire County Council,

Honorary Editor: Mr. J. A. J. Thompson,

FASTFILLLANETHEPROBLEMS

The Oil Industry are keen to develop a "fast fill" lane for the busy motorist who wishes to use a credit card authoriser on the pump island, indeed some of these units are already being installed.

There is no objection to the principle, but problems are being encountered if the pump dedicated to the card reader by-passes the self service console operator when use is "authorised" by the card reader itself.

One of the basic requirements for self service is that the console operator has full control over the fourecourt, with an emergency cut off for all dispensers and in addition the individual control to authorise commencement of each transaction.

This may not suit the marketing people, but they must be prepared to adapt equipment to conform with licence requirements which is supported by their own industry and the Health & Safety Executive.

It is important that this is solved at an early stage as some pundits expect that 90% of petrol sales in Europe will be via Bank or Credit cards by the year 1990.

FERRANTIRESINTOMANUFACTURE UNDERGROUND (PETROLEUM) STORAGE TANKS

Ferranti Resin Ltd has signed an agreement with the Owens Coming Fiberglass Corporation through Veroc Technology A/S a wholly owned Norwegian subsidiary. The agreement is for the design, manufacture and exclusive selling rights in the UK and Republic of Ireland for a range of glass fibre re-inforced plastic (GRP) underground storage tanks. The Owens Coming Fiberglass Corporation is a world-leader in glass reinforcement technology with twenty years experience in the manufacture of GRP underground tanks for petroleum.

The agreement will enable Ferranti Resin to produce underground tanks with a capacity ranging from 550 to 48000 gallons, for the storage of fuel oils notably petroleum. Currently the majority of these tanks are constructed of mild steel, which suffer from internal and external corrosion. The heavy steel tanks are costly to install, requiring concrete cladding to provide protection against corrosion. Further measures against corrosion such as protective coatings, linings, cathodic protection and electrical isolation lead to increased operating and installation costs.

The corrosion-free GRP tanks are installed in pea gravel rather than concrete, and require no further corrosion protection whatever the soil conditions which reduces the cost of installation and maintenance. Currently Oil companies in America such as Shell, Texaco and Exxon after careful evaulation are involved in programmes to replace existing mild steel petrol storage tanks with GRP tanks.

Feranti Resin is the leading UK company in the manufacture and supply of GRP storage and process vessels. Using chop and filament winding techniques, the factory has the capacity to manufacture vessels a gross capacity ranging from 6000 to 250 ,000 htres. Current industrial uses of Ferranti Resin tanks include chemical , water and effluent storage, food and food processing , wine, cider and soft drinks , fuel and energy related applications and bulk solids storage.

PETROLDEATHINHUMBERSIDE 19 March 1986

When an articulated lorry carrying a palleted load struck the rear of a rigid tanker the tanker was propelled up the bank at the roadside and turned onto its offside. The impact ruptured the tank and ignited the petrol by a spark probably by the impact. The vehicle was carrying over 13 ,000 litres of petrol. The tanker driver was able to smash the windscreen of his vehicle and escaped with cuts and bruises. The driver of the articulated vehicle was trapped in his cab and died in the fire. Both the tanker driver and a pa ss ing motorist attempted to rescue him , but were driven back by the heat of the fire.

Foam was used to attack the petrol fire , and sprays to cool the uninvolved part of the tanker. When the fire had been extinguished , the remaining pet.rol was removed and the tank compartments inerted With high expansIOn foam. Some petrol found its way mto the drainage system and was recov ered from a lagoon.

D resse r Ljungmans pump with integral bank card author ise r in No rway

FIREDAMAGESNEWSELFSERVICESTATION

B.PICKM.I.FireE. SeniorPetroleumInspectorLondonFireBrigade

On 10 July a fire occured at a self service petrol filling station in South East London. The cause was found to be a 10 litre "jerrycan " which had been filled up at the pump and then behind the front seats of the van. lt is clear that the lid was not securely fastened and petrol leaked from the vessel. Ignition was caused by a lighted cigarette from one of the occupants in the van. The van was destroyed in the following fire, which the occupants escaped unhurt. Damage was caused to th e two pumps which had to be replaced and also to the underside of the canopy. The fire was extinguished by the Brigade u.sing water jets. The jerrycan although damaged by fIre appeared otherwise to be of sound durable construction The incident does highlight the need for good visibility of the forecourt from the console position , and also the need for constant sup e rvision by the operator.

FIRSTSUPPLEMENTTO'APPROVEDLIST'

PUBLISHED

Supplement No 1 to the 1984 edition of the list of approved substance identification numbers, emergency action codes and classifications for dangerous substances conveyed in road tankers and tank containers (The Approved List), is published by the Health and Safety Commission.

The supplement brings together Revision No 4 to the Approved List, published on 8 November 1984, and Revision No 5 agreed by the Commission earlier this year and due to come into effect on 11 August. However, because of delays in publishing the supplement, the Executive has also issued Certificate of Exemption No 5 of 1986 which defers the date of the coming into effect of Revision No 5 to 11 October 1986, although the information it contains may be used by tanker operators in the interim period.

Revision No 5 contains 43 new entries to Part lA and six new entries to Part 1B of the Approved List. In addition, it contains 23 amendments to existing entries in Part lA and 16 consequential amendements to Part Ill.

Clarification

The Executive draws attention to one particular entry on which it feels some clarification is needed. This is "Tars, liquid including road asphalt and oils, bitumen and cut backs, flashpoint above 55° C temperature above 100° C" with the substance identification No 7 .33, emergency action code 2W and classification of "other dangerous substance". This. that t.he hazard warning sign should be a white diamond With a black exclamation mark in the top half, and not the flammable liquid diamond which some operators already appear to be Theusing.product covered by new ?as been carried under the entry tars, liqUid IOcludlOg road asphalt and oils, bitumen and cut with the substance identification No 1999. Thl.s latter however, is only for those substances With a of 55° C or less and classified as a flammable liqUid.

Additions

The Executive is also that where arrYlOg a dangerous consignors/operators are c substance which is not covered by an entry 10 Parts lA or 1B of the Approved List,. they should apply to: Health and Safety Executive HSD-A3 Room 417 Baynards House 1 Chepstow Place London W24TF to have the substance added tothe list. In this way a substance identification number and emergency actIOn code can be allocated to it and so help the emergency services in the event of an incident on the highway.

NEWCERTIFICATEOFEXEMPTIONISSUED UNDERROADTANKERREGULATIONS

Certificate of Exemption No 4 of 1986 under the Dangerous Substances (Conveyance by Road in Road Tankers and Tank Containers) Regulations 1981 has heen issued by the Health and Safety Executive.

In April, the Executive issued Certificate of No. 3 of 1986 which replaced Certificate of Exemption No. 2. The original certificate allowed road tankers complying with ADR to be used for the carriage of petroleum spirit other than for use as motor fuel. tankers had to be certified under ADR as being sUitable for category 1° (a) liquids of Class 3. Certificate No 3 was issued because ADR changed its classification of flammable liquids during 1985 and, as the Executive believed, those liquids classed as petroleum spirit became category 3° (b) liquids.

However, the Executive has learned that one such liqui?: n-pentane, became a category 2° (b) liquid and Certificate No 4 of 1986 has therefore, been issued to correct this. At the same time it revokes Certificate No 3 of 1986.

SCREWUP?

Within the Industry there has been concern expressed over the number of internal fill pipes which have been coming away from the tank manlid., mainly on offset filled tanks. Maintenance firms investigating this phenomina feel that the problem is caused by the installation of the dip stick in the offset fill internal, this is usually placed here in case the Oil Company wishes to check f?r water, but is n?t normally .use as gauges are supplied. The theory IS that the filling operation causes the dip sticks to swirl around, and this in turn has caused a number of these internals to unscrew. The danger then is of course no liquid seal and possible venting of tank through any fill. A number of Local are considering banning this practice, or asklOg for a separate sealed entry for such dip stick storage.

EASTSUSSEXWINAPPEALONCARPARKS

East Sussex have been notified that a recent appeal within that Authorities area had determined that the enforcing authority under Petroleum Legilsation had been correct in their requirement for the provision of an automatic sprinkler installation as a pre-requisite to the issue of a Petroleum Licence in respect of an underground car park.

EXPLOSIONINVEHICLEINSPECTIONPITCAUSES DEATH

A fitter, work!ng in a ve.hicle inspection pit was badly burnt when a fire/explOSIOn occurred. He died later from a heart attack probably caused by the incident.

The employee was cutting the rusted bolts from a vehicle petrol tank using a portable air powered grinding machine. The petrol from the tank had been drained into an op:n container placed in the bottom of the pit. The contalOer was .reT?oved from the pit about ten minutes before the IOcldent. Sparks from the grinder ignited the petroleum vapour. Draining petrol tanks was done frequently at this repair workshop and no safe system of work had been laid down. A second fitter in the pit escaped uninjured.

Legal proceedings were taken against the company and fines of £ 1000 were imposed by the magistrates.

Prosecutions

HealthandSafetyatWorketcAct1974

In the early morning of 12th December 1985 there was. a spillage of petr?leum spirit at the licensed filling statIon at 62, ColInton Road, Edinburgh when 700. litres of petroleum spirit dIsappeared, most of It running down Colinton Road. The north half of Colinton Road, for a distance of approximately 200 yards eastwards of the filling station was closed by Police for about 1314 hours to prevent a possible major accident and allow tests to be carried out on drainage systems etc.

It appeared that a road tanker had been coupled up to an underground storage tank at the licensed premises and had been moved whilst the delivery hose was coupled-up to both the tanker and the underground storage tank. The delIvery faucet of the road tanker and the underground storage tank. The delivery faucet of the road tanker was subsequently wrenched off.

As a result of the damage to the faucet, the driver had been unable to cut-off the petr 1 .. o eum-spmt at ground level and had to climb to the t f h d op 0 t e roa tanker to close the foot valve of the cb' emptied. ompartment emg

Reports were subsequently b' d su mltte to the Procurator FIscal alleging offen f h ( ces 0 t e Dangerous Substances Conveyance by Road' R d T k C m oa Tankers and an ontamers) Regulations 1981 d S 33 of the Health and Safet a an ectIOns 15 and James Shirley Rich d Y t Work etc. Act 1974, by ar son MacGregor d k driver employed b BP' ' a roa tan er y " OIl Ltd., and Graeme West Dunn, a forecourt manager employed b th L' Th 'f' Y e Icensee. e specl IC charges against M G he did cause and pe' ac regor were (a) that rmlt to run th . f tanker of which he wa' h engme 0 a road s m c arge whIl 1 . . was being delivered fro " e petro eum spmt m It mto a st that he, being in charge of d orage. tank and (b) tanker did fail whl'le an attendmg the road , , petroleu' delivered from the tanker to k m-spIrIt was bemg the carrying tank from such eep constant watch on d 1· d petroleum-spirit was being e were

Fines of £200 and £100 respectivel . y were Imposed Dunn was charged with (a) bein th .' of the petroleum-spirit under g e person m charge h'l 1 ground storage tank and faIlmg, w I e petro eum-spirit was bein the storage tank to keep g delIvered mto , a constant wat h d (b) f failing to secure as far as practicabl h c an 0 spirit over flowed from or e t at no petroleum- escaped at th fIr of the storage tank and about 700 lit e I mg po.. escaped at the filling point of the of SpIrIt on to the public roadway to the dan e/nd out Fines of £50 were imposed g of the lIeges. . " on each charge.

Once agam thiS highlights the ne d f driver and the Licensee or e both the tanker represenahve t a constant watch while del" s 0 mamtam Ivenes are takin 1 an incident as I have reported it . . g p ace. In accident may have occurred if that attendance. Even although the road had. been m doing a fool-hardy thing, if som b der dnver was , h d' , e 0 y had been watchmg, t e nver s attention would h b h ' ave een drawn to the stretc mg of the hose How oft " h en IS It t e case

tliat filling stations are closed during deliveries of petrol when only one forecourt attendant or one member of staff is present. Within my own area constant attention is given to attendance while petroleum-spirit deliveries are taking place.

TankerBlast

An 18-year old boy took the place of his absent father and certified the 1500 tonne tanker Pointsman gas-free. But fumes from light petroleum sludge had escaped into the pump room and were ignited by a welding touch only hours later as work was carried out on the vessel. In the ensuing wave of explosions four men died and a further 17 were injured.

On 25 June 1986, Knight International Surveys of Wallasey, Merseyside, a firm of analytical chemists, were fined £1000 under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 for failing to provide a competent analyst; the tanker owners were cleared of six charges under the same act.

AllowingSelf-Serviceonan'Attended'Site -PROSECUTION

Following a complaint from a member of the public that, while he was being allowed to serve himself on what was an 'attendant' operated site, a spillage had occurred and the complainant had been soaked in petrol, the premises were visited by a petroleum officer from the Hertfordshire Fire Brigade.

While the officer was in attendance at the site, members of the public were again seen serving themselves. The site was not equipped with the additional safety precautions necessary for 'self-service', e.g. console operation, isolation switches, tannoy etc.

As a result the Licensee was prosecuted at St. Albans Magistrates Court for the following offences:-

Failing to prevent unauthorised persons from have access to the petroleum spirit. Two charges were made, one for each of the dates in question.

Failing to display extracts of the conditions and failure of the staff to observe condItIOns of licence.

The Company pleaded guilty to all three charges and were fined £200 on each offence. A total of £600, plus £45 towards the costs.

Cautions

For the offence of keeping petroleum spirit without a licence, which resulted from the failure to renew their licenses following a 'final reminder', nine Companies have recently been formally cautioned by the Hertfordshire Fire Brigade.

In addition, Hertfordshire Fire Brigade have issued formal cautions for:Failing to notify the authority of a spillage and three further companies for infringements of their conditions of licence by failing to maintain equipment,

Dear Editor

That this Association is growing in membership strength and posture is an unchallengeable fact. Aside from its prominence in consultation with prime bodies and leadership in producing authoratative codes of practice, much national awareness of the aims and work of A.P.E.A. comes from its annual Seminar and Exhibition. The expanding record of exhibitors over recent years is testamony that there is no other exhibition exclusively the territory at those serving the retail sector of petroleum handling.

During the course of making a small contribution towards the organisation of the 1986 Exhibition (at time of writing, yet to be held), I have found a number of member companies feel that they can offer little in the exhibitor role, believing that the exhibition is restricted to the well heeled, nationally recognised equipment manufacturer. In this, I contend, they are wrong.

This Association needs an exhibition which is balanced and reflects the activities of all member companies. Many members are to be found without the small concerns specialising in electrical and hydraulic installation They should not be the forgotten part of the AssociatIOn. Indeed, that they are part of this body them well above those suppliers of labour to the mdustry who care little for standards of safety and how results are obtained. And who will never read The Bulletin.

Installers and other specialist companies may care to note the main benefits of exhibition attendance:

1 Strengthens the Association posture

2 Identifies exhibitor with Association's aims and practices.

3 Yields at low cost, good trade contact with customers; useful business venues: "meet us at our stand".

The challenge remains: what to exhibit?

At relatively little cost, the installer or other specialist can build up a library of plate phot h d 't' g " " "" ograp s epl cm before and after scenes of indust . I d I t na eve opmen s; of skilled men at work especially h h k' .' were t e wor mg environment IS seen to be hazardo (d r knowledge and 'k' us enotes specIa 1st f I wlOl mg equipment etc.): of installations o unusua nove ty or complexity' f' f . I . ' 0 ImproVised plant: o specIa serVIce vehicle layout.

Display with prominence the 'd d If I ". range of services pi OVI e. t le exhibitor IS a nlen b f I d . . 1 er 0 ot ler tra e aSSOCIatIOns, let them be noted M 'd .. t f h" . any companies pravI e ou 0 ours services and h' h Id emp aSls s ou be given to thiS Important fact Good commUl1lCatlons, mternally and externally are worth h' ahl' I . II Ig ltmg, especIa y message recording and mobile

Include a shot of the office adml'nl'stl'at' 'd f I Ion SI eat le business A mini computer in use illustrates a modern stance busmess management. Portravals of coverage. site supervision being p;'actised. drawmgs study- all deserve place.

Simple typed sheets describing the company (use coloured paper) provide visitors with something to pick up. And if, after all that, there's not enough to cover the Shell stand, join forces with an ally in business. Splitting the differences (at this years cost) could amount to less than the cost of one employee for four hours

May we have your support next year?

Yours faithfully

lan Nairne Vice Chairman Apea Dear Editor

Pressurised Pumping Installation

The problem with many pressurised petrol systems is more basic than just the occasional disabling of the leak detection valve. Essentially, the leak detector valve generally used would more properly be called an excess flow valve which closes should the flow exceed the set rate. For multiple off takes, the rate set will allow for full rate of usage from all or most offtakes.

The following leak situations can occur each of which can continue for a long time without detection:

1) Valve disabled.

2) Valve set at too high a rate, leakage less than the difference between the maximum off take and the valve shut off rate.

3) Valve set correctly leakage less than the equivalent of one (or more) outlets. leak will occur until all outlets are used.

4) Valve set correctly all outlets used outlets delivering at less than full rate (blocked filters) Leak less than the shortfall in output.

It must also be recognised that there is the temptation to keep a dispensing operation going at all costs. and this may be achieved by a simple adjustment to a valve.

We have recently studied the problem for a vehicle manufacturer requiring petrol at a single outlet on an assembly line.

The solution arrived at. but not. regretfully installed as yet. is to have electrical control.

Having taken the electrical control route. we were able to incorporate many other features tl) tailor the system performance to the customer requircment!-..

We feel that such a system can he adapted to underground retail systems maintaining the advantages of suhmersihle pumps whilst reducing the leakage risk.

Yours

John Wigfull & Co L.td.

NewMembers

TheAssociationwelcomesthefollowing newmembers

County Trading Standards Officer Suffolk County Council,

G. A. Smith

N. R. F. Pye, P. Phillips, Trading Standards Humberside County CouncIl,

Senior Fire Prevention Officer, London Fire Brigade, J. R. KelsaU Warwickshire County Council, J. Howard, R. Hammond, Southern & Southwestern Pipefitters Ltd.,

A. P. Easey, K. F. Eaglestone, M. B. Collard, Shell UK Oil,

Country Fire Officer, Cleveland County Fire Brigade, S.R.O. Ashby

Chief Fire Officer, Wiltshire Fire Brigade,

B. W. Catcheside, D. H. Waiter.

BMERTAB-LINK FORLONGERLIFE EASIERSERVI

During the past 2 years a different type of drive belt has appear.ed on f?recourt petrol dispensers. The name IS Tab-Link, and its unique polyester/polyurethane construction enables this belt to last a minimum of six times longer than conventional V-belts.

It's easier to service, as one reel enables the service engineer to make up any length of belt to suit all pump assemblies, thereby greatly reducing the stock carried.

When it comes to the manufacture of pump equipment simP!er design is poSSIble USIng Tab "Link as the tensioning and sliding systems ,used with conventional drive belts aren t needed Tab-Link is in successful use in petrol throughout Britain, including those serviCed by Pump Maintenance Limited, and built by Avery-Hardoll Ltd., TokheimLtd and Ferranti Ltd

Light to lift and very strong, yet never noticed.

Suprabloc covers have been specifically designed for use whe frequent is required to a ch,amber a block paved pet I fi lling stat ion forecourt, ro The system presents th " of exposed metal to the yet provides easy, lightJeightaallayout

Th I'd b ccess e so I ottom covers d ' are offered w ith 300 x I' frames section available as recessed 0 cheque r top which can be fittedrc so I or offset over chamb e r, en ra Iy

All uni ts are hot dip galvanised after

manufacture to ensure long-life resistance against corrosion and are fitted with nitrile sealing gaskets ,

Recessed peephole

THE RONCOL COMMERCIAL FUEL PUMP

The pump incorporates a positive displacement, rotary gear type, pumping unit with inbuilt bypass valve and air separator, together with a remote air separation chamber incorporating "drain line elimination". In its standard form it is capable of delivering fuel at 45 litres per minute, there being a high flow version also with a delivery rate of 10 litres per minute. The meter unit incorporated is of the positive displacement type, with all materials of either stainless steel or aluminium for internal corrosion resistance, and positive stop type micro adjustment of measure is possible with increments as small as 0.08 per cent.

The automatic nozzle, INCORPORATED AS STANDARD, is the world renowned ZVA type. The pump is manufactured using a structural rolled steel angle frame with heavy section side plates and base for rigidity, the whole chassis being cross braced and finished in a petrol resistant paint. The flexible suction connector, also INCORPORATED AS STANDARD, is set high in the base for ease of installation. The cladding is in light-weight architectural plastic coated and passivated rustproofed steel sheeting in either red or green.

The pump is also available with integral, top mounted, TIMEPLAN system 300 fuel monitoring, providing a total security and management package. The system will accept up to 100 keys, the basic system being supplied with 25, and provides vehicle reports and tank stock management reports via the integral 20 character liquid crystal display. Alternatively a printer can be incorporated to provide more detailed management reports in printed hard copy form. An MPG computing facility is also available for use with driver entered odometer readings, thus providing a total fleet and servicing management

Once floated on the oil/water surface the bucket filter allows oil into the cOI-' lection chamber by gravity feed . Water cannot pass through the filter and therefore only water free, reusable or resalable oil is collected. Thus saving tanker cleaning, and ellml.natlng .the possibility of oil overspill Into neighbouring watercourses .

Surface Samplers for keeping a on quantity of oil in interceptor. For 0.11 spill recovery larger automatic 011 and absorbent materials are available.

MODEL109

The superb, new HYTEK 109 pump represents the last word in commercial fuel dispensing It has been specifically designed to meet the rigorous day to day needs of a wide range of transport operators including:- Hauliers, Farmers, Parcel carriers, Taxi & vehicle rental operators, local authorities and public utilities.

The pump switches on automatically when the nozzle is removed and switches off when it is replaced. This greatly eases operation and eliminates possible abuse or damage of the separate onloff handle found on some commercial pumps.

It is available in 50 or 70 litres per minute , which means that the right pump for the job can be selected whether you are fuelling small cars or the largest lorries.

A unique front loading nozzle makes the HYTEK 109 simple to use and particularly suitable for locating in confined spaces. It can be supplied with either a manual or automatic shut off nozzle and also features a locking bar which may be padlocked to prevent removal of the nozzle.

The front of the cabinet is fitted with a hose hanger whe re the hose can be hung when n ot in use, therb y preventing unnecessary scuffing and " run ov er" damage

The all steel cabinet is thoroughly etched and primed prior to a finishing coat of baked petrol resistant enamel. The final high quality, high g loss treatment presents a clean, smart and profess ional comme rcial pump , we ll up to ifs tasks

AppealsAgainstLicenceConditions

byCliveBainbridge,KentCountyAssistantCountyTradingCouncilStandardsOfficer

Two appeals have recently been determined on the vexed question of pressure testing of underground petroleum spirit storage tanks. Both appeals were from licensees in the Tunbridge Wells area of Kent, who objected to the condition in their licence which stated as follows:-

"In the 20th, 25th and 30th year after installation and thereafter in every second year, or at such times as may be required by the licensing authority, each underground tank and its associated pipelines other than the vent pipe shall be tested for leakage by subjecting them to an internal pressure with inert gas of 7Ib/sq. in. (0.5 kg/cm.sq.) for not less than 24 hours."

In both cases the appeal was determined without a hearing in accordance with Section 44(3) (a) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 with the H&SE Inspector carrying out a site visit and relying on written representation from both sides.

In one case the appellant was a farmer with a small 500 gallon tank which was sited in a very rural area. The tank was installed in 1952 in a sand filled vault with petrol being dispensed via a hand operated pump.

The second was a garage proprietor selling petrol by retml from 4 underground petroleum spirit tanks. Tw.o of the .tanks were of 2,500 gallon capacity and were Installed In and the remaining 1,000 and 1,500 WhICh were the subject of the appeal were Installed In 1931 according to the local licensing authority records. and 1963 according to the licensee. The garage premIses were situated in the centre of a village adjacent to the main A229.

In both cases a pressure test was practicable and had been carried out in the past when requested by the licensing authority.

Both appeals were allowed by the Secretary of State with the following reasons being given:-

"Pressure testing, ullage testing and inventory checking, the test method commonly used for underground tanks, all suffer from drawbacks with none having a greater tendency towards an absolute standard than any other. However, in cost terms, pressure testing is the most expensive method and possibly involves the greatest length of time during which the tank would be out of use. In the circumstances it is considered that there is little to warrant the added expense of pressure testing provided that one of the cheaper alternatives is strictly followed and there is no history of leakage from the tank."

Although both appeals were allowed, conditions imposed by the Secretary of State are of interest in that it could be considered that the checks now required to be onerous than previously reqUired by the hcensmg authority. In the case of the farm tank

1 Ullage test every two years.

2 checking (monthly or bi-monthly)

3 If the Invent.ory checks prove unreliable (because of the type. of dispenser) then an ullage test every year.

The garage however required to carry out more stnngent tests which are reproduced below in full from the Secretary of State's determination.

1 An ullage test as specified in the Annexe 1 to this letter, be witnessed by the licensing authority every year; and

2 be supported by regular inventory checking to the method specified in Annexe 2 or similar. The mannor of undertaking the inventory to be to the satisfaction of the licensing authority; and

3 all underground pipework associated with the tanks and conveying liquid petroleum spirit to be pressure tested to the satisfaction of the licensing authority, every 5 years. The pressure test to be carried out using an inert gas at the lowest possible pressure commensurate with proving the integrity of the pipework.

Annexe1SpecificationofanUllageTestforPetrol Tanks

a The tank should be completely blanked off from all pipe connections other than the vent pipes.

b The tank should be filled with petroleum spirit to its maximum capacity, ie until the level is just below the manhole neck.

c To minimise any possible error due to thermal effects the tank should then be allowed to stand for some hours before the test is commenced, preferably overnight.

d At the time of filling the tank, and whllst It standing prior to the commencement of the test, It should be freely vented to ensure the elimination of any air pockets.

e The tank should be dipped at of the test. To minimise any pOSSible error In dlppmg caused by displacement etc. a ullage rod be used when taking check dIpS, the crossI?Iece resting on the top of th.e. fill pipe the rod Itself only penetrating the spmt for a few Inches.

f The tank should then be sealed and left for 24 hours. A second dip should then be taken.

Annexe2

A recommended inventory check on a tank for leakage is as follows: .'

a At least once during each workIng day the should ascertain the contents of the tank m the approved manner and take a meter of each pump connected to the ensunng ,that no petroleum spirit is placed 111 or I:eI?oved from the tank in the time between ascertammg the contents and taking the meter reading.

b The licensee should keep records in an approved manner of all such contents and meter readings and of all deliveries to the tank.

c The records for the last preceding 3 months sl1lluld be produced at all reasonable times on the request of an authorised representative of the licensing authority.

The Trading Standards Department of the Kent County Council does not at present propose to alter the standard condition regarding pressuring testing in respect of any other licences.

Many Petroleum Officers may have knowledge of a ·or oil company attempting to persuade licensing maJ . d f·' f thorities to allow black Iron pIpe an IttIngS or use underground petroleum installations instead of the accepted galvanised matenal.

The oil company states in their letter to the authorities the following points:-.

1 Black iron would gIve fleXIbIlIty to Interchange pipe work between and both leaded and unleaded petroleum spmt.. .

2 When pipe is screwed for fIttmgs. these threads unprotected and present corrOSIon concentratIon points. .

3 Th re is no indication that black Iron suffers more f e external corrosion than galvanised and that rom II galvanising of pipe and fittings serves little overa , practical use. '.

Th b ve are the three mam POInts suggested in d eta aOchieve their goal, I would however, like to or er 0 P I Off.' explore th ese points from a etro eum leer s POInt of view.

1 Flexibility

If any company fleXIbIlIty: do they hose material whIch lowers an eXIstIng standard is detrimental to the safe-keeping of petroleum spirit?

Why not put for.w ard suggestions such as stainless steel pIpe and fIttmg.s? .Such pipework ould offer the long term fleXIbIlity they require w d improve the standards which both the local an Id thority and enVIronment wou welcome, and also be beneficial to the oilcompany in the long term.

How many Petroleum OffIcers know of diesel passing through old petrol lines during redevelopments or the many pump changes in the past? Quite a few I would think all at the oil company's suggestIOns.

It will not be very long now before one of the majors announce that they are unleaded petrol and in the rush to keep up WIth the competition unleaded petrol will pass through any old they can find to satisfy a commercial gain at the expense of an accepted pr.actice to ensure the safekeeping of petroleum SpIrIt.

2 Corrosion of Threads

Should the oil company read the local authorities constructional requirements and Our own Association's Code of Practice , they will find that all pipes must be to BS 1387 and to a thickness for medium tube i.e. (Blue Bland). Any pipe used for petroleum spirit must be galvanised and where the threads are cut, the metal protected against corrosion.

Should the above be adhered to, there would not be the risk of leaks due to corrosion of exposed threads.

Buried pipeworks are subjected to corrosion because of .the ease that oxygen can gain access by the pipework bemg near the grounds surface compared to the underground tanks. That is why all pipes should be surrounded with 150mm of sulphate resistant concrete which must be surface vibrated to ensure a compact mass of concrete under and around the pipe, and the concrete not just laid over the pipe allowing voids to form underneath, which would allow all sorts of bacteria to gain access to the pipework.

Petroleum Officers must ensure that threads and damage to the galvanising of both pipe and fittings are given a coating of some protective substance, and where necessary , shuttering must be provided around the pipes ensuring that all pipework can be vibrated to obtain the required amount of mass surround.

3 Galvanising of little use

If galvanising serves little use, who do both the APE A and the Institute of Petroleum codes ask for galvanised petroleum spirit pipework? It has been the accepted practice for many years.

Black iron pipeworks in diesel installations are not required to be subjected to the same testing as petrol lines , but those of us who have tested diesel lines would say that black iron does suffer more . One of the reasons is that when they were installed, the same care was. not applied by the fitters and many lines were rustmg even before being concreted. I know of many industrial diesel lines leaking after a few years (these lines had not been supervised by the local authority during installation). The same applies to many petrol filling stations which installed

iron diesel lines and the Petroleum Officer not bemg requested to supervise the work. does offer protection against corrosion , especIally .on ve.nts and offset filling pipework where Will form and commence attacking on the mternal surfaces and from the various bacterias in the ground.

4 Conclusions

When a major oil company decides to lower an accepted practice , it's the time when all Petroleum Officers should ensure that the standards are maintained or improved.

One way we can counter these attitudes is by bein a stricter on the supervision of petroleum spirit and diesel lines by making all contractors adhere to the County's constructional requirements, testing the pipework on the same day as concreting the pipework, ensuring all joints have a protective coating , all brick and supports removed from under the pipework, ensuring that the 150mm of sulphate resistant concrete surrounding the pipework is vibrated with , if necessary, formed shuttering alongside the runs Failure to carry out these basic requirements will be a failure to the public to ensure the safe-keeping of petroleum spirit which local authorities have a duty to carry out and will encourage other substandard suggestions to be put forward.

4 Conclusions

All local authority Petroleum Officers welcome new technology which will make it safer for residents and the environment surrounding their filling stations To the oil company concerned I would say "SO LET'S KEEP GOING WELL " .

IJReader,F.I.Fire.E DeputySeniorFireProtectionOfficer,HertfordshireFireBrigade

I read with interest the article entitled 'Galvanised into Action' in the March 1986 Bulletin.

As a member of the APEA for a number of years I am aware of the efforts made in keeping up a high standard of safety. However, having been involved recently in carrying out some research into the relative merits of using galvanised or black iron pipes on forecourts, I offer the following thoughts.

I too am concerned that 'standards of safety should not be lowered. I am also concernted that licensing authorities should not be seen to adopt standards as 'custom and practice' to which the only defence, when challenged, is 'because we say so'.

The writer states that a major Oil Company is making efforts "to change a basic safety concept". Whose basic safety concept? Although the APEA Code asks for 'galva' d' . mse pIpework, the earlier codes, eg Home Model Code of Principles of Construction, simply requIred that pipes and fittings should be "suitably protected against corrosion".

The writer correctly quotes B.S. 1387 : 1987 as the standard for the t·· h' cons ructIOn of pIpes. However t IS applIes to all pipes whether galvanised or black Iron. Therefor t d . e, apart from the surface fImsh, the s an ard IS the same.

b The real point of the debate then is how should pipes from possible corrosion. The P· cal Industry has always used steel tanks and Ipework for use . h I probl . WIt petroleum without any particu ar of corrosion. Therefore, specifically, Ion agaInst external corrosion is the concern. Historically t k ground' ' . an s were installed directly into the , sometimes b k f'l 'f corrosive '1' ac I led with sand, or I In reSisting) Installed in "fine concrete" (sulphate . ere was a ne d . al corrosion and this e .to protect agaInst extern tank to be resulted In the requirement for the Paint A sCtoatded In red lead and bitumen or bituminous an ard '1 including th A Stl I aCCepted by most authOrItIes, e PEA COde.

Is there a need fo . think not prov'd d r PIpes to be treated differently? I , I e that the . .. d d of protection e b' Y are gIVen a SIn111ar stan ar sulphate paint and surrounded with installation i gl' ncrete. After all the depth of the s re atlve and . k t the same depth. pIpes connect with tan s a

Why the did galVanised ? M research of ab, pIpes enter the scene. Y h b num el of SOurces indicates that it may e,en one. particular Company who wished to mark et pudre splTif. They used galvanised pipes and tan s to re uce the risk f' • 0 Impuntles gettmg mto the IT rroduct (Probably more for public relations than for 'oak/v)

Galvanised pipes may also have been used because of their better 'non-spark' properties when associated with flammable liquids.

Galvanised pipe certainly resisted corrosion while in stock and in transit, and because it was cheap enough to process by dipping, it therefore became readily available for use in an expanding market. Incidently, pipes are galvanised inside a.nd for not because the trade or hcensIng authOrIties reqUIre it. To treat the outside only would require plugs, vents etc to release internal pressures.

R tatl'ves of the major oil companies, epresen h" h installation companies and hcensl?g aut .arItles ave failed to provide any eVidence that I . d' 'pes are substantially any better or worse 'ga vamse pi . ,. h 't bl treated 'black Iron pipes. Indeed the use t an SUI ay. " of black iron for diesel Installations IS standard and h eVI'dence of continual problems of corrosion. t ere Isno

Th rrosion of pipes, when enclosed underground, eco 'lh' l'kely to be electrochemlca t an by oxidatIOn. IS more I , This can result in the formation of a hard protectl:e coat. Many pipes, used for gas etc have been m the ground for very lon.g perIods and, although they d t become brittle With age they have not corroded ten 0 'b' away. Petroleum are su to pressure tests periodically and there IS no statIstI,cal basis for t 'ng that standards of safety are bemg reduced. sugges I

Pipework of both types will, tlimeh, fail. There was estion in the original artIc e t at a comparison no sugg h' f h bl k' , had been made. Simply t at some 0 .t e Iron d b subJ'ect to attack and that thiS was, m part, ha een . dequate workmanshIp and lack of supervIsion. due toma . . wo uld apply to galvamsed pipes. Were any The same k d ? If due to bad workmanshIp (or poor chec e. , '1 d ., ) the threaded or stI son am aged section supervISIon , d I '. of galvanised pipes is not treate ,any.e ectrolyhc actIOn will be concentrated at the weak and this could result in a greater degree of corroSIOn.

The cost of a forecourt installation is very high; it is po rtionally even greater to close down a forecourt pro , N for replacement of defective pIpes. 0 company is going t treat this matter lightly, PartIcularly when considering need to run an economically viable operation and to maintain public support.

Licensing Authorities are required by law to licence petroleum spirit and to for safekeeping. We cannot achIeve publIc safety on OUI own. we need the co-operation of the industry and management in order tu maintain the standards.

LAFONSAFETYFILLINGLIMITERS

For above or underground tank storage of petrol and diesel, gravity or pump fed.

With forecourt safety in mind, the Lafon Filling Limiters ensure no overfills, no pollution or environmental damage. With the advent of deliveries out of hours no errors in filling can take place.

Tanker driver couples up to offset fill or direct. After limiter closes, driver shuts valve, waits one minute and can drain line.

The LAFON Filling Limiters are easy to install and require no maintenance . No electronics. Used internationally.

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Saxon House, Heritage Gate, Derby. DEi 1N L

Tel : Derby (033 2) 4 172 1

Te lex : 377106 IFL