The Bulletin
Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration
June 2014
Chairman’s Report
4
Editor’s Report
4
Brian Baker Editor Brian Baker & Associates
Bulletin Information
7
General APEA Information
8
Fire and Petroleum Safety Services 52 Milton Grove
Business Manager’s Report
8
Bletchley Milton Keynes MK3 5BH
Letters to the Editor
11 Tel: +44 (0) 1908 377127
New APEA Members
11
News
15
Press Releases
32
Mobile: +44 (0) 7798 765958 email: Bakerb4@sky.com
Jamie Thompson Publishing Chairman
Articles APEA Live 2014, Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner
42
Durability and Safety Concerns for UK Canopies Built Pre-1988
47
Choosing the Correct Leak Detection for Tanks
52
Interview with Killian Tallon, APEA Vice Chairman
59
Ask The Experts
66
70 Wangford Road
CONTENTS AND EDITORIAL
Reydon Southwold Suffolk IP18 6NX Tel/fax: +44 (0) 1502 722999 Mobile: +44 (0) 7770 625851 email: jamie@jamiethompson.org.uk
Branches Branch reports Training Training course photographs 2014 course dates and booking details
69
Jane Mardell Business Manager
74 75
PO Box 106 Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3XT United Kingdom Tel/fax: +44 (0) 845 603 5507 Mobile: +44 (0) 7815 055514
NB. The technical content is not an official endorsement by or on behalf of the APEA and are entirely the views of the author’s
email: admin@apea.org.uk
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Front Cover - Rural petrol 'station' in Berau Regency, East Kalimantan Province, Indonesia, Cash Only! - photo supplied by Graham Jones from The Co-operative Group Published by the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration A company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No. 2261660. Opinions expressed in this Journal are not necessarily the views of the Association.
3
Welcome to the latest edition of the
the opportunity to learn not only from the
Bulletin. You will, as usual, find it packed
legislation that drives enforcement but
with useful information and topical news
also from industry peers.
items that we hope you continue to
I attended the North East Branch
enjoy. As always Brian Baker, our Editor, is
meeting at the end of February and one
always keen to receive your articles for
of the ideas that came from the meeting
publication,
you
have
was for attending companies to consider
to
share,
inviting/sponsoring the attendance of a
particularly something technical, please
petroleum officer that may or may not
send it in.
include the awards dinner. I know a
anything
therefore
that
you
if
wish
CHAIRMAN’S REPORT/EDITOR’S REPORT
Two important dates for the diary:
good number of petroleum officers do
upcoming is the new UNITI Expo event on
attend the conference however there
3-5 June 2014 at which the APEA is
appears to be some disparity across
hosting afternoon conference sessions.
local authorities with regard justifying
You will find further information in the
attendance and many take holidays
absence of any code/guidance, BCGA
Bulletin and on the website. The second
and attend in their own time. I'm not
has put together an initial code on
is APEA Live, the annual exhibition,
entirely sure how or if this would work but
hydrogen filling stations. However we
conference and awards dinner on
it is certainly worth considering. If
need to bridge the gap regarding the
Wednesday 5th November 2014. One of
anybody has any ideas about how we
unique aspects of a retail petrol filling
the challenges the APEA faces is
can achieve this then please do get in
stations and how this fuel can be
encouraging
touch.
incorporated. To this end a working
and
maintaining
the
Hurren, representing Air Liquide. In the
presence of the local enforcing authority
I have recently had the pleasure of
group including members of the BCGA
in the face of tight budgets, government
meeting with the Energy Institute, HSE
has been set up with the intention of
cuts
and
Gas
jointly publishing with the Energy Institute
the
an addendum to the “Blue Book” that
in
spending
and
increasing
the
British
Combined
workloads. I have a number of thoughts
Association
on how we can still maintain that
potential
Government-driven
will be available to download from the
involvement
increasingly
introduction of hydrogen on petrol filling
APEA website. Watch this space for news
experienced
stations. You will recall that we had an
on developments.
petroleum officers retire or move on that
interesting presentation at last year’s
the new petroleum officers are afforded
conference on the subject from David
important
and that
it as
is
(BCGA)
regarding
Hello everybody and welcome to the
Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR)
June edition of the Bulletin. It seems
applies? Confusing all to say the least.
incredible that we are almost through
We await a response from our Health &
half of the year already!
Safety Executive but believe me a lot
Wishing you all a wonderful summer with lots of sunshine.......hopefully!
Work is advancing steadily towards
more work is required, being the cynic
APEA Live, our conference, exhibition
that I can be. When they do conclude
and the now famous awards dinner
and implement the new legislation
attracting several hundred delegates. It
(which must be by April 2015), we the
certainly feels like an annual re-union
APEA
each year at which it is a pleasure to
workshops to explain in detail how it is all
network and learn what is happening
going
throughout the industry. You will see more
received several enquiries about this and
on promoting the event elsewhere in this
have already updated some of our
issue.
training presentations since the start of
diminishing and that type of service is no
this year.
longer possible.
At the time of writing my report it has
will to
be work.
operating We
have
one-day already
them
as
much
as
I
could
which
encouraged a good working relationship with licensees. I fear those days are
gone very quiet indeed on the proposed
Staying with training (I still chair the
Right, my rant is over. I hope you enjoy
new UK Regulations known as the
Training Committee) we have noticed a
this edition. As a side issue I have taken
Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations
lot of new people attending our courses,
on the massive job of indexing all our
2014. Whilst last time I wrote I agreed with
especially new regulators from the public
Bulletin magazines since 2001 which are
a lot of the direction it is proposing to go
sector who themselves are continuing to
available
in but there are, in my view, glaring
see cuts in budgets as well as salaries
download on the APEA website, so look
omissions that provide a dilution on
making it hard to operate in a difficult
out for future editions as collectively they
maintaining our standards that have
time.
serve as a useful reference when the
Whilst much of my working career was
been built up over many, many years. For example, who would want to keep
spent in the public sector I did enjoy the
275 litres of petroleum spirit in their
freedom from biased agendas. In other
home? That could give way to operating
words it did not matter to me if I was
a factory within the meaning which
dealing with a major oil company or the
therefore leads onto a workplace where
local village dealer; they both got the
the Dangerous Substances and Explosive
same service and I would even help
4
to
members
as
a
free
need arises. Have a great spring and catch up again soon. Best Wishes Brian
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
Bulletin information and how to submit copy for the Bulletin
• Free issue to APEA members (approx 1200 members worldwide) • Has international distribution and readership • Respected source of industry specific news and information • Contains relevant news items and reports from overseas Bulletin Advertising If you book in 4 issues this includes a 25% discount off the one issue rates. In addition Bulletin advertisers also receive a 50% discount off rates for advertising in the annual Yearbook. If you would like to book
• Individual, Fellow and Retired members receive one copy each and Corporate members receive 5 copies each per quarter. The editor of The Bulletin, Brian Baker, is always on the look out for new material, so if you have something you want to be included, please email it to the APEA office at admin@apea.org.uk and it will be forwarded to Brian for approval. Please email the text in Word format and any images as separate high resolution pdf or jpeg files to
advertising in the Bulletin, please email your requirements to admin@apea.org.uk or call the office on 0845 603 5507. 2014/2015 Copy deadline dates Pleaese ensure you send your
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BULLETIN INFORMATION
• The Bulletin is published four times a year with a print run of 2200.
3rd Edition of the Guidance for Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations - ‘Blue Book’ (Revised June 2011) ‘Publications’ page. You can select to pay by credit/debit card or by invoice. Pricing as follows: APEA Member Hard back £70 pdf £70 plus vat
5 - 9 copies = 10% 10 - 49 copies = 20% 50+ copies = 30% To benefit from the APEA member discount you will need to log on to the website before purchasing. If you do not know your log on details
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password or you can contact me at
in’ icon on the top right of the page and request your username and admin@apea.org.uk. The APEA also publishes the Code of Practice for Ground floor, multi storey and underground car parks. This can be downloaded directly from the APEA website and is available to members at £11.00 and £21.00 to non APEA members.
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
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APEA Website The site features: • A resource centre - useful information and links to other web sites and downloadable PDF’s
• An easy to use site search page
• An events calendar – see what is happening in our industry and Association throughout the year
• View your Branch committee contact details (link on the home page)
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GENERAL APEA INFORMATION/BUSINESS MANAGER’S REPORT
• You can purchase publications – including the 3rd Edition of the Blue Book • View and book training courses for the year, you can opt to be invoiced or to pay online via secure payment systems
The last few months have been very busy with membership renewals, the Bulletin and producing the 2015 Yearbook which is now at the printers. Preparations are also under way for APEA 2014 Live and information can be found on page 42. 2015 Yearbook Thanks to all of you that entered your contact details, online, for the 2015 Yearbook and also those of you who booked advertising; the artwork is now at the printers and the Yearbooks will be distributed on 1st October. If you have not received your copy by the end of October please let me know and I will chase up your delivery. We only have a limited amount of spare copies so you need to contact me by the end of October if you have not received your copy. Individual/Retired members will be sent their Yearbooks by standard Royal Mail and Corporate members will receive their 5 copies by courier which are tracked, so we follow up any non deliveries. APEA Live 2014 AGM, Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner Following the success of APEA Live 2013 we will be repeating the format for APEA 2014. It brings together equipment suppliers, service providers, oil companies, independent retailers, supermarkets and regulators for a day of conference debate, new
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• Members access to past Bulletin articles on line
As a member of the APEA you have access to some of the restricted content on the site as a benefit of membership. To access this content you will need to log on with your personal details below: To log on visit the web site at www.apea.org.uk and click on the member log on link at the top right of the page. If you wish to change your password or contact details at
technology and product display, networking and industry recognition. APEA Live 2014 takes place on 5th November at the Ricoh Arena, Coventry. The event takes place in a dedicated conference and function centre, boasting top class facilities. Anyone wishing to book a place at the Conference, Exhibition or Awards Dinner should go to the link on the home page of the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk. I will be managing the AGM part of the event and information and nomination forms will be posted to all members with the September issue of the Bulletin. APEA Awards There is a simple, easy to use online system to submit your entry or entries and entries are invited from all members and non members of the APEA however big or small your company is or if you are a one man band. If you would like to enter any of the awards you can do this online from the home page of the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk or please contact me for an entry form at admin@apea.org.uk. Please specify which award you wish to enter so that the appropriate form can be emailed to you.
Members email addresses APEA communication to members is now carried out by email. If you
any time please click on ‘My Account’ on the top right of the home page. If you do not know your username and password, please click on ‘Member Login’ on the top right of the home page and you can click to request these details, they will be emailed to the email address you entered when joining the APEA or you can email a request to the APEA office at admin@apea.org.uk. Website banner Advertising You can now place your banner on the APEA website. This is £200 plus vat for one year, please contact me at admin@apea.org.uk if you wish to make a booking.
have not added your email address to your membership record please can you either email me your address to add, or log on to your account and add it yourself. This will ensure you do not miss out on information about APEA activity.
New Members There have been 46 new members joining during January, February and March and details can be found on page 11. General Assistance If you need any assistance with general or technical matters, please do not hesitate to contact me at admin@apea.org.uk or on 0845 603 5507. Regards Jane
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
I look forward to hearing from and seeing you both in the near future. Kind regards Pippa WMB 4132 Pippa Boddy Tyne & Wear Fire & Rescue Service
Detailed below are new members that have recently joined the APEA during January, February and March.
Karl Fagan Global-MSI (Ireland) Unit W9E Ladytown Business Park Naas, Kildare Ireland
January Roger Chetcuti BSE Consultants Ltd. El Corazon' Triq Walter L. Salamone Mosta MST 2314 Malta Alan Pennock Intertek Commercial & Electrical Chambers Building Earls Road Grangemouth West Lothian FK3 8XG Trevor Shiret Shire Total Electrical 22 Slead Avenue Brighouse HD6 2JB Andrea Ticci Franklin Fueling Systems Ltd 8 Olympus Close Whitehouse Industrial Estate Ipswich Suffolk IP1 5LN Susan Saffer BP Oil Witan Gate House 500-600 Witan Gate Milton Keynes Buckinghamshire MK9 1ES Mark McCleary 141 Lichfield Road Aston Birmingham B6 5SP
Dear Brian Re: 3 day Construction, Audit and Inspection training course, 10th March in Solihull.
Steven Harrington Kidderminster Petroleum Services Ltd 36 Land Oak Drive Kidderminster Worcs DY10 2SY Paul Collins Midland Co-operative Society Midlands House Hermes Road, Lichfield Staffordshire WS13 6RH Iain Jones Calves Hill Limited Unit 1 New Whiteway Works Fosse Cross Industrial Estate Cheltenham GL54 4NW Steve Hanson Callidus Health & Safety Brooklands Court Tunstall Road Leeds LS11 5HL David Walcott LBW Solutions Ltd 34 Saint Barnabas Road Woodford Green Essex IG8 7DA Antony Travers Monaghan Fire Authority Fire Station Annaghah Roundabout Monaghan Ireland
Thank you and thanks to Jamie for the excellent way the course was conducted last week. Indeed we have learnt a lot and lots more to learn in detail from the book. Thanks for the attachments which I have received and will look into hopefully by April. Regards Stephen Mifsud Malta Resources Authority
Fred Nutley Wiltshire Council Public Protection - Team 6 County Hall, Bythesea Road Trowbridge Wiltshire BA14 8JN Janet Garland Ancorra Environmental Services Ltd Ancorra House Hammond Road Knowsley Industrial Estate Liverpool Merseyside L33 7UL Peadar Markey Permark Pumps Ltd Dundalk Road Carrickmacross Monaghan Ireland Jacky Kingman Devon and Somerset Trading Standards Service Devon CC Chelston Wellington Somerset TA21 9HP Kaleem Khalil Beekay Electrical Ltd 1 Trueman Avenue Heckmondwike West Yorkshire WF16 9JY Vanessa Daniel Devon & Somerset Trading Standards Service, Devon CC Chelston Wellington Somerset TA21 9HP
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR/NERW APEA MEMBERS
Dear Brian Re: 3 day Construction, Audit and Inspection training course, 10th March in Solihull. Just to let you and Jamie know, I thoroughly enjoyed the course last week and found both the topics covered and presentations very helpful and interesting. Thank you also for taking the time to forward the attached on.
Peter Allder Integral Uk St. Peters House Olding Road Bury St. Edmunds Suffolk IP33 3TA
Paul Ridge Franklin Fueling Systems Ltd 8 Olympus Close Whitehouse Industrial Estate Ipswich Suffolk IP1 5LN
John Higman Devon County Council Trading Standards Service Rm L10, County Hall Topsham Road Exeter Devon EX4 2QD
John Wright Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service West Hartford Business Park West Hartford Cramlington Northumberland NE23 3JP
NEW APEA MEMBERS
Andrew Murphy Staalkade 4b Amsterdam 1011 JN Netherlands
Tobi Smith Conwy County Borough Council Civic Offices Abergele Road Colwyn Bay Conwy LL29 8AR
February Kalyanaraman Kunjithapatham Protiviti Member Firm Consultancy Al Ghaith Holding Tower, 9th Floor, Airport Road PO BOX 32468 Abu Dhabi 32 468 United Arab Emirates
Mark Brierley Conwy County Borough Council Civic Offices Abergele Road Colwyn Bay Conwy LL29 8AR Les Salvidge Local Fuel PLC The Shoreham Oil Terminal Shoreham Port Wellington Road Portslade BN41 1EL
Christoper Rice Devon County Council Trading Standards Service Rm L10, County Hall Topsham Road Exeter Devon EX4 2QD
Daire Nolan iStruct Ltd 16 Oakcourt Park Palmerstown Dublin D20 Ireland
Yvonne Warner 4 Wester Millerhill Dalkeith Midlothian EH22 1RY Paul Yarde Independent Fuel Solutions 10 Westbury Road Northwood HA6 3BT
Doug Barnes Trading Standards Cambridgeshire County Council PO Box 450 Cambridge City CB23 6ZR
Cindy Smith Warwickshire Trading Standards Old Budbrooke Road Warwick CV35 7DP Cathal McWilliams Environmental Health Department Cookstown District Council Burn Road Cookstown BT80 8DT
Peter Sheekey Niall Montgomery and Partners Architects 33 Rock Road Williamstown Blackrock Dublin Ireland
Gary Phillips P & R Services (Southampton) Ltd Unit 4 Westlink Belbins Business Park Romsey Hampshire SO51 7AA
March David Kay Manx Petroleums Ltd PO Box 47 Battery Pier, Douglas Isle of Man IM99 1DE
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Philip Pulley Rheidol Services Ltd Unit 10 Maerdy Workshops Plymouth Court Merthyr Tydfil CF47 0YS Ricardo Paras WOQOD - Qatar Fuel West Bay WOQOD Tower P.O. Box 7777 Doha Qatar 974 Qatar Robert Harper Electrical Contractors Ltd 769 Chester Road Stonnall Staffordshire WS9 0LU Adrian Micallef 9 Rockwood Close Knottingley West Yorkshire WF11 8BP Fernando Del Mundo Qatar Fuel WOQOD 18th Floor WOQOD Tower Al Dafna, West Bay P.O. Box 7777 Doha Qatar 7 777 Dessy Philip Salahuddin Building 123 Road 402 Block 304 Manama 973 Bahrain Peter Rawlinson UL 220 Cygnet Court Centre Park Warrington WA1 1PP Peter Jones Unit 24 Gaerwen Industrial Estate Gaerwen Anglesey LL60 6HR Richard Sykes Octane Holding Group Limited Octane House Peace Street Bradford West Yorkshire BD4 8UF
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
Tokheim, a leading supplier of fuel retail solutions, and Fairbanks, a global provider of wetstock management solutions, have entered into a partnership with Inform Information Systems Ltd. (IIS), a global provider of fuels pricing software solutions. The collaboration is intended to deepen integration between the respective software packages, leverage the collective experience of delivering solutions on a global scale to a changing fuels marketplace and provide worldclass value to fuel retail customers. Tokheim aims to be able to offer customers a complete fuel retailing solution and smart fuels pricing aligned with wetstock management is a key component of that vision. Fairbanks and IIS are currently working together to provide their services to a number of the Top 10 fuel retailers in the UK. These service stations are already experiencing tangible benefits by improving their margins and controlling their wetstock performance. Baudouin de la Tour, CEO of Tokheim, says, “The synergies between Fairbanks and IIS are clear and I think the combination of the experience, knowledge and solutions can produce what customers need to compete in a changing market place. This partnership can help us deliver our vision for clients.” Mark Scanlon, Managing Director of IIS, says, “Some years ago we built a large bespoke wetstock solution for one of our global multinational customers servicing countries across all continents, so we understand the complexity of this area. Following an in-depth review of the Fairbanks service I recognise that it represents the best in class wetstock management solution delivering rapid return on investment. I believe the partnership will be beneficial to all of our customers and look forward to working more closely to build on the current success.” Bob Conlin, Joint Managing Director of Fairbanks, added “We have seen the positive reaction of
customers to the IIS FuelsPricing.com product and we believe integrating its capability with the real-time data that Fairbanks collects, along with market data will give fuel retailers the information they need to manage their business. Both IIS and Fairbanks have 20 years or more experience in their respective fields and already I can see benefit to the partnership.”
UK, Uncertainty from Scottish vote causes headache to BP management The boss of BP, Britain's secondbiggest oil company, warned an independent Scotland could cause his company “uncertainties” and said he did not want to see Scotland drifting away. “We have a lot of people in Scotland. We have a lot of investments in Scotland. My personal view is that Great Britain is great and it ought to stay together,” chief executive Bob Dudley said. Uncertainty around currency issues could impact the company and, should Scotland become independent, it would result in additional costs for BP, Dudley said, becoming one of the most senior business leaders to enter the secession debate. “It does not seem the right thing to me for the country to drift off. That's not a company view, that's from me,” the American BP boss added. Scottish government leader Alex Salmond is leading the drive for Scotland to split from Britain in a Sept. 18 referendum, arguing that Scots will be better off in charge of their own finances which he sees benefiting from Scotland's majority share of oil off the coast of Britain. Salmond has proposed that Scotland form a currency union with Britain in the event of independence from London. Alistair Darling, a Scot and a former British Chancellor who is now chairman of the “Better Together” campaign which opposes a Scottish breakaway welcomed Dudley's remarks. “Bob Dudley is quite right to express concern about the issue of currency. It is far from certain what currency we would use if we vote to leave the UK,” he said in a statement. However, the pro-independence
“Yes Scotland” campaign dismissed Dudley's remarks. “With independence, the continued use of sterling has the overwhelming support of the people of Scotland and the public in the rest of the UK,” a spokesman said. BP, which reported weaker profits last week, remains a big investor in Britain's North Sea, where production peaked in 1999. The company is one of the investors in the 4.5 billion pound ($7.35 billion) Clair Ridge project which is under development off the coast of Scotland and Dudley called Scotland's oil town of Aberdeen, “the heartland of the offshore oil and gas industry”.
UK, Staffordshire, Burton, petrol station had to impose a limit on the amount of fuel it sold to customers after selling a whopping 80,000 litres in just one day The Total garage, in Ashby Road, dropped its price of unleaded to 125.9p a litre - the lowest in Burton causing drivers to swarm the station in an effort to save a few pennies on the price of a tank of fuel. However, bosses did not anticipate such high demand and were forced to put in place a £25 limit on fuel purchases over the weekend until they were restocked. A spokesman for the garage said: “We decided to lower our price of unleaded fuel to the lowest in Burton and customers flocked to the station. We dropped it to 125.9p per litre and this was and is still is the cheapest in the town and that includes petrol stations at supermarkets. Word had obviously spread about our prices as customers descended on us and filled up their tanks. We do not have a final figure but it looks as if we sold around 80,000 litres of unleaded in just one day.” As a result of high demand, the garage had to put a limit on the amount that it could sell to customers of £25. It was necessary to ration it otherwise the station would never have made it to when they were restocked at the weekend.
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
15
NEWS
UK, Tokheim and Fairbanks announce fuel pricing and wet stock solutions partnership with IIS
However, the station is back to full capacity but is still offering the cheapest fuel in town. The petrol station is also selling diesel at 133.9p a litre. The next best price in the town for unleaded is 129.9p a litre at the Shell garage, off St Peter’s Bridge. The same garage is also selling the next best priced diesel in the town and it costs 136.9p a litre. In South Derbyshire, the cheapest unleaded and diesel is at Parkgate Service Station, in Burton Road, Midway. Unleaded costs 125.9p and diesel comes in at 133.9p.
UK, MFG Network Grows To 60
NEWS
Top 50 Indies forecourt operator, Motor Fuel Group (MFG) has grown its network to 60 stations with the acquisition of two former Shell company stations. Jeremy Clarke, MFG’s Managing Director said: “This acquisition adds another two high volume stations to our network. Both stations, one in Woodston, Peterborough and one in St Leonards on Sea, will be BP branded and after a shop refit they will be offering the extensive and competitive range of Costcutter products. “It’s good to start a new year with some positive news. We will continue to look at opportunities for growth during 2014. However, any additional stations must meet our high volume, high standard criteria and have the potential to add value to our network. We are determined to grow our network with assets that fit into our proven forecourt model; we get a good return and our customers get a great forecourt and shop offer.”
UK, Safety failures led to fuel tank explosion in Dorset A Hampshire contractor, who specialises in decommissioning fuel tanks, has been prosecuted for safety failings after a worker was burned while cutting up a disused tank. The man, in his 20s and from Ringwood, suffered burns to his face and wrist when sparks from the disc cutter he was using ignited fuel vapour in the tank. The worker, who doesn’t wish to be named, was in intensive care for two days but has 16
since made a full recovery. The incident, on 13 March 2012, was investigated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which prosecuted Ringwood-based contractor Laurence Greenland, trading as Fuel Pump and Tank Services, at Bournemouth Crown Court on 13 February 2014. The court heard how 54 year old Mr Greenland had employed the worker to help remove two 20,000 litre fuel tanks from the site of a former filling station in Iwerne Minster near Blandford Forum. Before removing the tank that exploded, fuel was emptied and the tank de-gassed so it appeared there was no flammable material or vapour left. The tank atmosphere was monitored using a gas detector until a zero gas reading was given. Despite his concerns, the worker used a disc cutter, brought by Mr Greenland for this specific task, to cut the tank into sections so it could be removed more easily from the site. However, shortly after he started to cut the petrol end of the tank, an explosion occurred. As well as injuring the worker, a number of nearby properties and vehicles were damaged by flying debris. HSE discovered a number of safety failings: • The safety assessment carried out before the work started was inadequate and there was no safe system of work in place; • The gas detector used to monitor the atmosphere had not been suitably calibrated and may have given false readings; • The tank had not been properly cleaned and flammable residues remained; • Although it would not have completely eliminated the risk of explosion, cold cutting techniques should have been used rather than a disc cutter, which generated heat and sparks, thus igniting the vapour when the tank was pieced. Laurence Greenland, of Forest Side Gardens, Ringwood, Hampshire, pleaded guilty to breaching Section 3(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
and Regulation 6(3)(a) of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations 2002. He was fined £4,000 and ordered to pay £5,000 in costs. Speaking after the hearing, HSE Inspector James Powell said: “A number of failings led to this incident, which was entirely preventable. It was only a matter of good fortune that the worker was not killed and other workers and members of the public not seriously injured. “This case emphasises the need for employers to give proper consideration to work hazards before they place their employees in situations where they might be put at significant risk. Laurence Greenland failed to manage the risks of explosion and eliminate the risk of injury to workers and the public, and damage to property. “People working with potentially explosive equipment should follow the safety procedures set out in industry guidance and all employees engaged in such work must be given adequate training in the risks involved and the precautions required.”
UK, Failure of a foot valve actuator on an LPG road tanker to operate on demand at low temperatures created by a loss of containment Health and Safety Executive - Safety alert. Department Name: HID Chemicals, Explosives and Microbiological Hazards Division Bulletin No: HID 1-2014 Issue Date: 13th January 2014 Target Audience: All refining, petrochemical and allied industries using valve actuators in safety critical duties on liquefied gas vessels and road tankers. This includes operators of COMAH establishments and road tankers used for the carriage of dangerous goods. This alert may also concern other industries storing and transporting substances with the potential to create low temperatures during a loss of containment.
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
Background A road tanker carrying liquid propane suffered a flange failure that allowed boiling propane at approximately minus 40°C to come into contact with the pneumatic actuator that controls the opening and closing of the tanker foot valve. The foot valve isolates the tanker discharge pipe work and is considered safety critical in preventing a loss of containment. Upon failure of the flange, the tanker driver activated the emergency stop system but the actuator was frozen and would not fully close off the foot valve. This led to a loss of containment of the tanker’s entire inventory. The incident has been replicated in tests undertaken by The Health and Safety Laboratory using a 5kg carbon dioxide cylinder in a damp environment. The carbon dioxide was released over a seventeensecond period to create cold temperatures. The actuators tested did not function as required. Two causes of failure were observed: • The first was caused by ingress of moisture to the actuator cylinder. The moisture froze to prevent the piston moving within the cylinder. The ingress of moisture was
caused by a worn bellows allowing road spray and rainwater to enter the actuator cylinder.
a.The bellows material is checked to ensure they are compatible with low temperature operation.
• The second failure resulted from the use of an unsuitable bellows material that froze then shattered. The remaining pieces of the bellows prevented actuator movement. It was found that the original bellows material was polyisoprene rubber. The actuator had been reconditioned using polychloroprene rubber (neoprene) bellows, which are not suitable for low temperature operation.
b.The bellows are regularly inspected to ensure they are maintained in a condition that will prevent moisture and other contaminants ingress into the moving parts of the actuator.
During normal operation, the actuators were capable of performing the required duty of opening and closing the safety critical foot valve. On the valve that was involved in the incident, there was wear in the linkages and that may have led to poor valve opening performance, but was unlikely to have held the valve open. The valve had undergone regular maintenance but an assumption had been made that the actuator was suitable if it moved through its stroke on demand during normal operating conditions. The condition of the components had not been considered or their operation during low temperatures caused by a loss of containment. The bellows should have been inspected for wear and damage to avoid moisture ingress. Recommended Action Operators of vehicles, which fall within the scope of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009, CDG, and the operators of COMAH establishments who store or transport substances that have the potential to create low temperatures during a loss of containment incident are recommended to ensure that: 1. They have undertaken a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to identify any hazards and associated risks to persons using the gates. This should include consideration of the following; 2. Where the actuators are fitted with bellows:
3. Similar checks are recommended where low temperatures could be created by the release of other stored substances and there is the potential for this to prevent the operation of safety critical, actuated valves. Relevant Legislation • Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations, 1999, Regulation 4. • Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations 2009, Regulation 5. • Provision and use of Equipment Regulations, Regulation 4 and 5.
Work 1998,
Further information: Health and Safety Executive Hazardous Installations Directorate CEMHD Government Buildings Phase 1 Ty Glas Llanishen Cardiff CF14 5SH
UK, Shell wants Scotland to stay in UK as oil firms opt for stability Royal Dutch Shell has become the second energy heavyweight to urge Scotland to stay in the United Kingdom as the campaign for Scottish independence battles mounting opposition from businesses. Shell is a key player in the North Sea oil and gas fields off Scotland and its Chief Executive Ben van Beurden said a vote for independence on Sept. 18 would mean greater uncertainty for the energy industry. The boss of BP warned Scottish independence could cause “uncertainties” for his company.
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Introduction A recent HSE investigation has found that piston actuators fitted to safety critical foot valves on LPG road tankers may not operate on demand at low temperatures created by a loss of containment. Subsequent low temperature tests on similar valves showed that two types of piston actuators also failed to move a valve to the closed position. In one case, moisture in the actuator cylinder froze preventing movement of the piston. In the second case, neoprene bellows froze, the bellows shattered and remaining pieces of the bellows prevented actuator movement. Other types of actuator used for safety critical isolation on road tankers and fixed vessel installations may be vulnerable to failure at low temperatures. Other liquefied gases either transported by road or stored in fixed vessels on COMAH sites may create low temperatures on release.
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Other oil companies in the North Sea stressed the importance of predictability for their operations, joining a growing number of financial services companies voicing concerns about the impact of independence but avoiding political comment. Another of Scotland's largest companies Aggreko, a provider of temporary power generators which has its headquarters in Glasgow, joined the chorus. It said independence would likely add significantly to its administration costs as its UK operations would have to be split into two trading entities. Opinion polls have the independence movement trailing with only about one third of voter support but the gap in the polls has narrowed this year as the debate gathers pace. Van Beurden said he valued the continuity and stability that the UK offered, arguing for its continued inclusion of Scotland and membership of the European Union. “We'd like to see Scotland remain part of the United Kingdom,” Van Beurden told a company event in London as reported by the BBC. “We're used to operating in uncertain political and economic environments. But, given a choice, we want to know as accurately as possible what investment conditions will look like 10 or 20 years from now.”
Ireland, Topaz opens €3million state of the art service station at Dublin Airport Topaz, Ireland’s largest convenience and fuel retailer has opened its new state of the art service station at Dublin Airport on Friday, January 3rd 2014. The €3m redevelopment of the site has transformed it into one of the most modern and best equipped in the country. Twenty people are employed full-time at the 24/7 open station. John Williamson, Chief Executive of Topaz said the company wanted to give customers, especially visitors to Ireland, a friendly, professional and positive retail experience. “About twenty million people travel through Dublin Airport every year – 20
that’s around 55,000 a day - and not surprisingly, our service station is one of the busiest in the country. Topaz is in expansion mode and the redevelopment here at Dublin Airport is a key part of that. Earlier this year we announced details of two new motorway sites on the M8 and M9. We are constantly looking at sites with good potential near motorways and that will continue into 2014,” Mr. Williamson said. The new site features live Departure/Arrival information which will be very useful for travellers. It also has a cafe, hot food deli, Wi-Fi internet access, EV charger, car wash and a pay at pump facility. Dublin Airport Authority (DAA) Chief Executive, Kevin Toland said the new development was excellent news; not just for air travellers but for everyone who works at Dublin Airport. “We have been working closely with Topaz to enhance services for motorists and this wonderful new facility will do just that. In addition to serving the needs of the travelling public, this excellent new facility will also benefit the 18,000 people who work at Dublin Airport, including DAA employees, airline staff, ground handlers, maintenance staff, car hire company employees, hotel staff, and taxi drivers” Mr. Toland added.
Azerbaijan, Azeri company SOCAR considering buying OMV's network in Turkey Azerbaijan's state energy company SOCAR, which is the largest investor in Turkey, is considering various plans to set foot in Turkey's fuel retail market. Some Turkish media reports reveal that SOCAR is mulling over a plan to buy the whole stakes of Austria's OMV Petrol Ofisi (POA ) - Turkey's leading fuel products distribution and lubricants company. The reports also noted that the Austrian company has decided to sell its stake in Petrol Ofisi and leave the Turkish market forever. OMV bought 54.17% shares of Petrol Ofisi from Dogan Holding in 2010 having paid 1 billion euros. It then increased its stake in the company to 97 percent. Currently, OMV is operating 61 companies and 12,526 petrol stations in Turkey.
Germany, Petrol station advertisements: likable, eye-catching and effective Analysis by Alvern Media shows: Advertising at petrol stations not only increases sales – it is also perfect for widening product range and for supporting brand image. Advertising at petrol stations is much more successful than assumed and is also suitable for products found elsewhere, according to the results of a new market analysis. Alvern Media, the leading providers of innovative advertising formats at petrol stations, recently supported the campaign of a large nationwide insurer using a comprehensive survey. The insurance company had attached various campaign motives to front doors as well as to nozzles in the fall of 2013. A survey carried out among 500 customers immediately after using the service at the petrol station showed the following result: Both the DoorMedia™ as well as the FillBoards™ proved to be extremely effective advertising mediums. FillBoards™ and DoorMedia™ each achieved specific results: While the advertisements on the nozzles are apparently more eyecatching (66 % FillBoards™, 49 % DoorMedia™), the motives on the shop doors were more popular with the customers (69 % DoorMedia™, 60 % FillBoards™). The FillBoards™ high attention level is due in part to the fact that selecting the right type of petrol draws attention to the nozzle before refuelling. The general result of the analysis was the following: More than 80 percent of the petrol station’s customers stated that they have to refuel at least four times per month. Another advantage for advertisers is the age group: Much more than half of the petrol station customers are between 30 and 49 years old and are thus among the most affluent target group. “All of this goes to show: It is simply too short-sighted to classify petrol station advertising as a pure PoS medium,” stresses Thorsten Huneke, Sales Director D-ACH at Alvern Media. “Product groups closely connected with the
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Abu Dhabi, Adnoc to open 20 petrol stations this year The Abu Dhabi national oil company for distribution (AdnocFod) is planning to open 20 new petrol stations in the UAE in 2014. Fourteen new stations will be based in Abu Dhabi emirate and five in the Northern emirates, the company’s CEO said in an interview. Abdullah Al Dahiri said most of the stations planned in Abu Dhabi emirate would be based outside the capital to cater for a rapid growth in demand due to a steady expansion in population and construction areas. Quoted by the semi official newspaper, he said three stations would be set up this year in Sharjah,
two in Ras Al Khaimah and one in Umm Al Quwain. The rest would be based in Abu Dhabi emirate including such remote areas as Al Rahba, Shamkha, Mushrif, Bahia,Shakbout City, Falah South and the Western region. “We have already signed contracts to set up these stations this year…they are part of the company’s strategy to maintain expansions to meet growing demand,” Abdullah Al Dahiri said. He informed also that Adnoc-Fod, which controls two major refineries in Umm Nar and Ruwais in Abu Dhabi, has opened 48 petrol stations since 2011.
UAE, ENOC/EPPCO to implement RFIDbased fuel retailing system for commercial users and fleet owners Emirates National Oil Company (ENOC) has activated a Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)/Vehicle Identification (VID) based fuel retailing system at service stations of ENOC and Emirates Petroleum Product Company (EPPCO), to provide a fully integrated refuelling service to customers. Initially, the service will be available only for commercial users and fleet owners, and will effectively support the fuel self-service facility that has already been implemented across 25 EPPCO service stations, from midnight to 6am. The RFID-based modernised system uses radio-frequency to transfer data from each registered vehicle. It allows users to refuel according to the permitted amount and fuel type allocated for the vehicle, which will further enhance the efficiency of fleet owners in managing their fuel-related bookkeeping operations. ENOC's new ground-breaking system, called ViP (Vehicle Identification Pass) automatically recognises the registered vehicle being fuelled up, and deducts/charges the cost from/to the registered user's account without the help of a service attendant. The process will be managed
remotely through a secured database at ENOC linked to all the service stations, which provides real time updates to customers on their refueling operations. The automation solution is planned to extend to all purchases from ENOC/EPPCO service stations, including Carwash, AutoPro Services, and C-Store purchases. “We are focused on continuously adopting the latest technologies to further enhance customer service standards and add to operational efficiency,” said Saeed Khoory, CEO of ENOC. “The automation drive that is being implemented across our network will streamline the fundamental aspects of purchasing fuel, making it a safer and more convenient experience for our commercial customers and fleet owners. With our new electronic services for refuelling implemented across ENOC/EPPCO service stations, customers now have the convenient option of ‘self-serve, fill and go.’” Corporate clients and commercial customers will be provided with a secured electronic chip which will be installed on the top of the fuel tank gasket of their vehicles when they register for the service. After the chip has been installed and activated, customers only have to visit the RFID service stations to fill their vehicles with fuel. The RFID system will simultaneously log in the details of the purchase at a secured database at ENOC. The payments will be credited to the customer's account, with account updates delivered in real time. This new service ensures that vehicle users can fill fuel on-the-go without the need to pay in cash or use credit cards. The new system will make managing the fuel accounts of corporate clients easier and more streamlined. Apart from reducing processing time, it will enable the clients to track all the details of each refuelling transaction that has been made, thus enhancing operational efficiency. The system will be implemented at all service stations, including the 25 EPPCO outlets that offer self-service facility. This year, ENOC's new system, “ViP” will replace Select Cards, the current refuelling cards. Developed and backed by a
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petrol station environment also achieve a high advertising effect. Car brands and radio stations, but also insurance and banking are suitable for conveying messages along motorists’ mobility chain. They reach a highly interesting and highincome target group.” Advertising campaigns at petrol stations increase the direct demand because advertising, purchase decision and Point of Sale are together in one location - this has been an established fact within the branch for a long time. The station’s environment also becomes the advertisers’ focus since it can be flexibly adapted to the respective region as well as be used to reach target groups that are on the move and therefore hard to reach through classical media. Results of the recent “Perception and Acceptance of Ambient Media” trend analysis also proved that advertising media such as DoorMedia™ and FillBoards™ rank among the highest Ambient locations regarding contact. The study by Fachverband Außenwerbung and PosterSelect credits the petrol station as being the most striking environment for Ambient Media – much more than airports, railway stations, shops, cinemas or pubs. “One of the reasons for this high acceptance is that these days, petrol stations are much more than just a place to buy petrol,” Huneke says. “They are therefore an indispensable touchpoint for advertisers.”
highly experienced RFID/VID international vendor, the system is installed and supported via a local partnership with AST Telecom, an enterprise supported by the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for SME Development, underlining the company's commitment to support the development of entrepreneurialism among UAE nationals. ENOC is at the forefront of several industry-leading initiatives to enhance operational efficiencies and promote sustainable development. EPPCO has also installed advanced and fully-secure fuel dispenser systems at sites where the self-service option has been introduced. With fuel self-service now familiar with a section of the motorists, EPPCO is looking to expand the service across other stations too.
Bahrain, Bapco sees jump in smart fuel card sales NEWS
Bahrain Petroleum Company (Bapco) has achieved a major milestone by selling 40,000 Sadeem smart fuel cards in the kingdom last year. The company plans to double its sales this year and extend the service to 35 service stations by the end of 2014, it is reported. “The target, which was set for 2013 by the Bapco management, was completed successfully despite activities commencing only in March last year,” said the company's marketing division general manager Khalid Buhazza. Sadeem Card enables customers to improve their fuel consumption management. The personalised card in prepaid and post-paid allows holders to buy fuel at 16 Bapco stations.
Qatar, No more unattended car services at Woqod stations in Qatar Service stations of Woqod are no more allowing customers seeking a car wash to leave their vehicles at their premises and take them back later after the service at their convenience stores. Customers are 24
now being asked to wait at the spot until the service is over. The waiting could go up to two to three hours during peak hours. Some cars left by their owners for washing were stolen from different service stations in Doha recently forcing the company to change the system. The service centres at Woqod petrol stations work roundthe - clock and witness long queues of vehicles most of the time, especially in the evening hours. To avoid the long waiting, many customers seeking a car wash and other services leave their vehicles at the custody of the staff along with the keys so that they can take it back later, when they are free. An expatriate who went to a Woqod services centre in the airport area during the weekend said he had to drop his plan to wash the car because the staff insisted that he has to wait there until the service is done. “They told me I cannot leave the car and go. They said three cars were stolen at different services centres recently that were left by their owners for washing,” he said. “I don’t normally go for automatic wash, although it is faster. A manual wash would take two to three hours during peak hours and at least one hour at other times,” he added. A worker at a Woqod petrol station in Doha, while confirming the change in the system, said that customers who come for more than one service - for instance oil change and car wash - can still enjoy the old privilege. However, they have to submit a photocopy of their Qatari ID, for the purpose of identification while releasing the cars.
Morocco, Wayne to supply fuel dispensers and forecourt automation technologies for 160 PETROM locations in Morocco Wayne, a GE Business and a global innovator of fuel dispensers and technologies, announced it will unify every aspect of forecourt equipment and operations management for 160 PETROM S.A.operated fuel stations in Morocco. Wayne will deploy the Wayne Fusio™ forecourt system with the
integrated Wayne™ Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) system to enable fullscale operational control and monitoring across the global oil & gas provider’s entire network of Moroccan fuelling sites. The agreement also represents Northern Africa’s first installation of Wayne Helix™ fuel dispensers with the Wayne iX Media™ platform, which will further enhance the PETROM customer experience. To support its sites across Morocco, PETROM needed a technology solution for fuel inventory and secure forecourt management that could integrate with its in-house retail software portal. The Fusion forecourt system with Wayne ATG offers the business a flexible platform with features like attendant tagging, remote price changes, and data reporting that provides a single point of visibility into and control over operations from a central office. PETROM plans to integrate the Fusion forecourt system with ATG to more than 250 sites in Morocco by the end of the year. “Wayne is a trusted provider with the automation capabilities we need to manage day-to-day operations across a large number of sites,” said Issam Alloul, CIO, PETROM. “With its strong brand reputation and high-quality and reliable product and technology solutions, Wayne possesses the attributes we look for in a regional manufacturer.” PETROM also installed the Wayne Helix™ 5000 fuel dispensers, featuring industry-leading design, security, and functionality. With the iX Media platform integrated into the Helix dispensers, PETROM can deliver customized promotions per site while consumers view entertaining and informative videos at the dispenser. PETROM’s indispenser programming via the iX Media platform will be supported by the Wayne Network Operations Center (NOC) in Austin, Texas, which connects Wayne technicians to customer sites around the world. Wayne utilizes the GE Commercial Cloud hosting facility to provide state-of-the-art communications infrastructure, scalability, and data security for Wayne cloud-based application services. “PETROM understands the positive impact that technology adoption
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Sri Lanka, New filling pumps for fuel stations The authorities are planning to introduce new high-tech petrol pumps at filling stations in a bid to cut down on fraud while at the same time providing the customer with a more neat and efficient service, a senior government official informed. The new devices are to be imported either from Japan or Brazil, Susantha Silva, Managing Director of the Petroleum Corporation, said. He added the new dispensers will also include automatic receipt printing that will provide all details such as the type of fuel, price and amount, date and time, name and address of the station, etc. The new equipment will also have provision for self-service that could ease delays at the filling points.
Sri Lanka, CPC to discontinue kerosene sales at service stations Sri Lanka's state-run fuel supplier, Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), has decided to suspend the distribution of kerosene through its network of fuel stations. CPC plans to distribute kerosene through the cooperative stores, a CPC spokesman informed. Kerosene is Sri Lanka's poor man's fuel and is used by the low income people for lighting and cooking needs. CPC has an island wide network of 1130 fuel stations and the measure has been taken to minimize the losses the corporation incurs in kerosene sales. Daily sale of kerosene in Sri Lanka is around 350
metric tons. The government heavily subsidizes kerosene sales to household without an electricity supply, estate workers, farmers and fishermen. The corporation expects to transfer the employees in kerosene sales to duties in other divisions and hopes the losses may be minimized.
Korea, More fuel stations close due to falling margins The number of petrol stations in Korea decreased for a fifth consecutive year last year amid falling margins from gas sales, officials informed. According to the Korea Oil Station Association, a lobby for petrol station owners, the number of stations which closed due to financial difficulties soared 41.5 percent to 300 in 2013 from a year before. The number of newly closed stations has gradually increased in recent years from 101 in 2008 to 109 in 2009, 127 in 2010, 205 in 2011 and 219 in 2012. In addition, 393 outlets temporarily suspended sales in 2013. By region, 41 filling stations shut down in Gyeonggi Province, 37 in South Jeolla Province, 36 in Gangwon Province and 34 in North Gyeongsang Province. “The closures resulted from increased competition among petrol stations amid falling sales margins and improved fuel efficiency in cars,” an analyst said. He added that the weakening price competitiveness of Korean oil firms is also a factor. Korean firms have mostly imported Dubai Crude, which is getting more expensive than West Texas Intermediate (WTI) of the United States.
Australia, Mobil returns to petrol stations in Australia Convenience retailer 7-Eleven is set to reverse partially a three-yearold, $300 million deal when it allows ExxonMobil to resume branding on petrol stations on the east coast. Almost 300 Mobil outlets were sold to 7-Eleven in 2010, under a deal that was expected to precipitate ExxonMobil's exit from all downstream operations in Australia. But the two companies surprised
the market when they announced Mobil, which had continued to supply fuel to 7-Eleven since the sale, would have its branding returned to shop fronts in 2014. The Mobil move comes at an intriguing time in the retail side of the Australian fuel sector, with BP and Shell reportedly mulling over a sale of their distribution networks around Australia. In a veiled reference to that climate of uncertainty in the local fuel sector, ExxonMobil Australia Chairman Richard Owen said the 7Eleven deal ''highlights ExxonMobil's commitment to downstream operations''. The companies gave little explanation for the change of strategy, but some observers believe it may be an attempt to capitalise on the growing demand for premium fuels in Australia. Rival fuel retailers such as Caltex have recently reported strong demand for premium fuels over the traditional unleaded products, and some speculated that the centuryold Mobil brand might be more attractive to consumers seeking quality than 7-Eleven, which is better known for ''slurpies'' and late-night fast food. ''Premium fuels are definitely increasing and if you look at the other three - Caltex, BP and Shell they all have a proprietary-branded fuel, whereas 7-Eleven at the moment has more of that homogeneous product,'' said Nic Moulis of the Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association. If correct, the strategy would be at odds with comments made in 2010 by then 7-Eleven chairman Russ Withers, who said the convenience store chain would inject its branding into the sector. ''We don't want them to be just a Mobil site with the 7Eleven sign above the door. We want to give it that 7-Eleven feel,'' he said in May 2010. 7-Eleven's entry to the petrol station sector was part of a trend in which retailers such as Woolworths and Coles entered the fuel market. Woolworths and Coles now have a commanding market share in the sector. Service Station Association manager Colin Long said the deal was a surprise given the trend seemed to be for big oil companies
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will have on its processes and customers, and its integration of the Fusion forecourt system will improve daily operations through accurate, real-time control over its fuel networks,” said Jaouhar Jamoussi, sales director, Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey, Wayne. “As a leading provider of both highquality dispensers and advanced forecourt technologies, Wayne is uniquely positioned to serve the needs of the growing Northern African region.”
to distance themselves from the ''downstream'' side of the industry.
Argentina, Galileo launches CNG and hydrogen operations in Argentina
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Along with the official launching of the semi-industrial production of hydrogen in the Pico Truncado Plant, province of Santa Cruz, Argentina, a filling station featuring Galileo’s technology and supplying a fuel mix of hydrogen and natural gas (HCNG) started operations. This event took place after years of experimentation and development. As reported by the City of Pico Truncado, a number of vehicles will be monitored by specialised technicians who will evaluate the effects of using hydrogen as fuel and will then seek to optimise these results. Moreover, the short-term goal is to extend the adoption of HCNG to almost all city fleet. The launching was attended by City Mayor Osvaldo Maimó and Juan Carlos Bolcich, vice president of the World Association for Hydrogen and Technical Manager of Pico Truncado Plant, among other authorities, as well as representatives of Argentinean company Galileo. With this milestone, Pico Truncado, Santa Cruz and Argentina are placing themselves among great powers in the world regarding production of renewable and environmentally friendly energies, according to Mayor Maimó, who also said that this project could be completed “thanks to the confidence and support of the provincial government.”
Australia, Shell agrees sale of downstream businesses in Australia to Vitol Shell announced it has reached a binding agreement to sell its Australia downstream businesses (excluding Aviation) to Vitol for a total transaction value of approximately A$2.9 billion (US$2.6 billion). The sale covers Shell’s Geelong Refinery and 870-site retail business - along with its bulk fuels, bitumen, chemicals and part of its lubricants businesses in Australia. It 28
also includes a brand license arrangement and an exclusive distributor arrangement in Australia for Shell Lubricants. The sale does not include the Aviation business, which will remain with Shell Group, or the lube oil blending and grease plants in Brisbane, which will be converted to bulk storage and distribution facilities. The majority of Shell’s downstream staff in Australia will continue to operate the business under its new owner. Shell’s upstream operations in Australia, in which it will continue to invest, are not impacted by this announcement. Ben van Beurden, Shell’s Chief Executive Officer, said: “Australia remains important to Shell, but we are making tough portfolio choices to improve the company’s overall competitiveness. Our customers will continue to benefit from the quality associated with the Shell brand and we are confident Vitol will invest in and grow the business.” Vitol President and CEO Ian Taylor said: “This is an exciting acquisition for us, a good company led by an experienced management team and underpinned by the value of the Shell brand. Australia is a growing economy and we look forward to working with the management team to strengthen and grow the business.” Shell’s Australia Country Chair, Andrew Smith, acknowledged the enormous contribution that Shell’s downstream employees had made to the company over the past 113 years. Smith said: “Like any business that operates for over a century, Shell’s business has changed over the years, and we are pleased to have found a buyer for the Geelong Refinery. Through the brand agreement reached with Vitol, the Shell brand will continue to be displayed across the company’s service station network and customers will still have access to quality Shell fuels and lubricants. Shell will continue to play a major role in the development of Australia’s expanding liquefied natural gas industry, and we look forward to strengthening our presence in the years ahead.” The deal is subject to regulatory approvals and is expected to close
in 2014. Recent downstream divestments by Shell include the sale of refineries in the UK, Germany, France, Norway and the Czech Republic; downstream businesses in Egypt, Spain, Greece, Finland and Sweden, as well as the creation of a downstream joint venture – with Vitol and other partners – across Africa, and the sale of some downstream businesses in Italy and planned in Norway.
Australia, South Australia - Deputy Premier John Rau warns petrol stations face $6000 fine for not following new price rules Petrol stations have been warned they face $6000 fines if they display confusing price boards that prominently show costs only achievable with discounts. The State Government has previously announced changes that ban misleading advertising on petrol station price boards and the new regime came into force on January 1st 2014. Business Services and Consumers Minister John Rau said some stations had prominently advertised prices only achievable with a shopper docket. This had led to confusion among consumers forced to pay a higher bowser price, he said. Mr Rau said government officers would closely monitor petrol station boards over coming weeks to ensure compliance and said the measure should increase market competition. “This is about greater transparency and fairness and will be easier for everyone - what you see is what you get,” he added. Motor Trade Association spokesman Liam Hunt said the change was a win-win for consumers and the independent retail service station sector. “The MTA has worked with the government to develop these regulations so they are workable for both consumers and the service station sector,” he said. “The introduction and enforcement of the new price board regulations means that there will be a level playing field for all service stations displaying their fuel
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prices. And more importantly, consumers will be able to make their purchase decision based on the true retail price of fuel and not through meeting the fine print of a discount scheme.” New South Wales has already introduced similar regulations. A $6000 fine applies for corporations who breach the rules and $1200 for a person.
Australia, Sydney petrol stations run dry as Cootes trucks taken off the road 540 jobs to go as McAleese halves Cootes fuel truck fleet
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McAleese will axe about 540 jobs including truck drivers and workshop staff from Cootes Transport after deciding to halve the size of the beleaguered fuel-haulage business in the wake of what it described as relentless government scrutiny. The transport company will also sell about half of the trucks and trailers in Cootes’ fleet after losing contracts with Shell and BP, and withdrawing from supplying 7-Eleven in several states. McAleese said the jobs would be gradually lost over the next six months as the contracts ended. The company has set aside about $13 million for redundancies at Cootes this financial year. About 1250 of McAleese’s 2000-strong workforce nationwide are employed at Cootes, which the company bought about two years ago from private equity firm CHAMP. The job losses will primarily include truck drivers but also workshop and clerical staff. Two people were killed and five injured when a Cootes fuel tanker lost control on a bend in the northern Sydney suburb of Mona Vale and burst into flames on October 1. Since then, NSW and Victorian transport authorities have issued Cootes with hundreds of defect notices. The defects have included ineffective brakes, oil and fuel leaks, steering, axle, suspension and exhaust failures, broken engine mounts and tread peeling from tyres. In the wake of what the company described as relentless inspections by authorities, McAleese said it had 30
been forced to half the size of the capital-intensive Cootes business. McAleese chairman Mark Rowsthorn said the repercussions from the Mona Vale accident, including the intense scrutiny on its trucking fleet, had caused credibility and reputational damage that it not had an opportunity to defend given the intense government scrutiny. ‘‘It is a business that unfortunately, due to this tragedy at Mona Vale, has forced the government’s hand into inspecting our vehicles relentlessly and it has had a negative impact on us,’’ Rowsthorn said. “It’s pretty tough with negative press, which the government officials react to and feed. Quite frankly, we have done everything we can – we have accommodated every one of their requests.” McAleese warned that it will take a $47 million hit to its full-year earnings from the crackdown on the troubled fuel-haulage business. This week the company emerged from a trading suspension and revealed the magnitude of the impact from Cootes’ woes. About $239 million has now been wiped from the transport company’s market value over the last month. With authorities in NSW and Victoria heavily scrutinising Cootes’ fleet, McAleese also revealed that the head of its bulk and liquid transport division, Chris Keast, has handed in his resignation. Mr Rowsthorn, who owns almost a third of the company, will also assume the role of interim executive chairman. The company said it expected the $47 million cost of the Cootes restructure – $33 million of which will be taken in the first half – would be offset by selling trucks and trailers. McAleese has put the value of its surplus trucking fleet at $21 million. It leaves the slimmed-down Cootes to haul fuel for Caltex and LPG for Origin Energy.
USA, fuel stations remade into trendy restaurants The dilapidated 1930s Standard Oil gas station was in the perfect spot - a corner not far from the Missouri Botanical Garden, St. Louis, USA, a medical school and a beautiful park. That was enough to catch Ben Poremba's eye. In
November 2012, he decided to turn the vacant St. Louis gas station into a wine bar and eatery, Olio. “It was a part of town that was just run down, and it was sandwiched between two highways,” said Poremba, the chef-owner of Olio. “It was a bad neighbourhood, but we were right there on the corner.” Poremba isn't alone. Around the United States, old gas stations have inspired restaurateurs to launch businesses and invest in communities. But why serve food where they used to service cars? It turns out that those old filling stations are sitting on prime real estate for restaurants and bars. “Gas stations are almost always on corner sites, they have good visibility and great accessibility, so they make great locations for restaurants,” said Ellen DunhamJones, a professor of architecture and urban design at the Georgia Institute of Technology and coauthor of “Retrofitting Suburbia: Urban Design Solutions for Redesigning Suburbs.” Although the population and the number of cars have increased, there's been an 8.2% decline in the number of gas stations throughout the country from 2002 to 2012, according to National Petroleum News' MarketFacts 2012. Dunham-Jones, who studies adaptive reuse of many types of buildings, said gas stations repurposed into eateries tend to be near residential neighbourhoods and many of those households do not have kids at home, she said. That makes ageing gas stations, strip malls and office parks prime sites for the eateries and coffee shops where they now spend their time. “More people are eating out. And, instead of the school as the anchor of social life, those childless households are eager for more alternatives and options of places where they can be social,” Dunham-Jones added. Justin Haynie, the owner of a Diesel Filling Station in Atlanta, said his restaurant is a place that residents can easily walk to for a meal or just to hang out. The Diesel Filling Station is in Virginia Highland, a neighbourhood popular for dining and drinking. “Ninety percent of our clientele comes from walking distance,” he said. “The lifeblood of
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there wouldn't be more problems with the old equipment. He gutted the interior and made it homey with buttery-yellow paint, a tile floor and many large aluminium lighting fixtures. “I've always had an interest and appreciation for old buildings, and I sure hate to see them torn down,” said Noyes, who worked for years as the art director of Preservation Magazine. “This one was loaded with warmth, charm and character it sounds funny saying that about a gas station - and I can't imagine not taking advantage of that.” Poremba, the chef-owner of Olio in St. Louis, tried to preserve elements of the old Standard Oil filling station, as well, but it's sometimes difficult to describe dining in a former gas station. “Of course, it's not a natural setting for a restaurant,” he said. “It's interesting that once you give people a complete version of what the space looks like, they get it. When you try to describe it to them, they think you're crazy.” Poremba said people still think he's crazy for opening a high-end wine bar in a once run-down neighbourhood, but since opening last year, many of Olio's patrons have bought houses near the restaurant and helped grow the community. “Just the notion that you can open a restaurant and invest in this neighbourhood seemed very farfetched, but the results were incredible,” he said. “The restaurant didn't alone change the neighbourhood - the people that came to visit the restaurant changed the neighbourhood.”
USA, Trillium to build 101 CNG stations by 2016 Trillium CNG plans to build 101 publicly accessible Class 8 compressed natural gas filling stations by 2016. The stations will be in 29 states across the United States with 14 planned for Texas, eight planned for Ohio and seven planned for Florida, according to Trillium. Site locations are based on customer demands that CNG stations be built off major interstate highways near their key shipping lanes. The company added it will be securing fuel purchase agreements
with an anchor customer for each station location. “Natural gas is abundant, U.S. produced, burns cleaner and is significantly less costly than diesel,” Mary Boettcher, president of Trillium CNG said in a statement. “The expansion of our CNG fuelling infrastructure will make compressed natural gas available to a greater number of fleets travelling busy commercial trucking routes,” she added. Trillium estimates there are 120,000 natural gas powered vehicles on the road today in the U.S.
Venezuela, Era of cheap fuel may be over The Venezuelan government has been setting the price of gasoline at rock bottom - around a nickel a gallon - but may need to stop subsidizing sales. Imagine filling up your tank for around 5 cents per gallon (or, adjusted for U.S. dollars, a half a penny). That’s enough to make any American motorist swoon with envy. But for Venezuelans, cheap gasoline has long been common. Part of the reason for the inexpensive pump prices is that the country has the world’s biggest oil reserves. The government has kept the price of premium gasoline at about 5 cents per gallon for years. Citizens rioted in 1989 when whispers of raising the price reached the streets. But the cheap prices situation may have to change because annual inflation has jumped above 50%, and the government is racing through hard currency reserves. Currently, Venezuela shells out more than $12 billion annually to subsidize gasoline sales within its borders. Projected price increases would bump petrol near 17 cents per gallon. The country ships 40% of its gasoline exports to the United States. President Nicolás Maduro said that he would like to see a slow hike in gasoline prices. “But it has to be an advantage, not a disadvantage,” he said. “What converts it into a disadvantage is when the tip you give is more than what it cost to fill the tank.”
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my business is locals and people from nearby neighbourhoods.” The casual bar and restaurant offers speciality burgers and brews, but it was formerly a Pure Oil filling station. Haynie fell in love with the location - it's one of the only freestanding buildings remaining in the increasingly upscale neighbourhood - and bought it in 2008. Although many people don't think of gas stations as historic landmarks, Haynie said the architecture makes his restaurant unique. The building still sports a steeply pitched blue roof and a restored gas pump outside. Haynie said he believes the building will withstand the test of time because the original Pure Oil structure has been preserved throughout the years. “There is something to be said about keeping our history intact locations such as Diesel are being torn down on a daily basis,” he said. “You can't 'build' history, nor can you recreate it. I think people see the space and are intrigued by it. It's got that old charm to it and people really want to experience it and see what it's all about.” A few years ago, Brian Noyes went looking for an old, rural destination in Virginia, away from a busy city with strip malls - perhaps an old country store, where he could create a fun atmosphere and special food. But when his prospective investors bailed as the Great Recession hit, Noyes had to find a place quickly and renovate it by himself. He decided to look for a spot closer to customer support. That's when Noyes considered the 1921 Esso filling station in Warrenton, Virginia. “The old Esso service station was about to be vacated ... I liked that it was next door to the courthouse, across the street from the library and adjacent to the county offices,” Noyes said. The Red Truck Bakery opened in 2009. Noyes wanted to preserve the feel of the Esso filling station by keeping the sliding overhead garage doors and gas station restroom. But repurposing a building that used to sell gasoline to a place that now sells pies has its challenges. Years before Noyes bought the space, there was a serious leak in the underground fuel storage tanks. He wanted to be absolutely sure
Franklin Electric announces Scott Trumbull retirement and appointment of Gregg Sengstack as Chief Executive
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Fort Wayne, Indiana – February 19, 2014 – The Board of Directors of Franklin Electric announced today that Chairman and Chief Executive Officer R. Scott Trumbull will retire as Chief Executive Officer effective May 2, 2014 and that Gregg C. Sengstack has been appointed to succeed him in that role. Mr. Trumbull will remain non-executive chairman of Franklin Electric. Mr. Trumbull first joined the Franklin Electric Board in 1998 and was named Chairman and Chief Executive officer in 2002. During his tenure, Franklin Electric has transformed itself from being a submersible motor supplier for pump manufacturers to being a pumping systems supplier for distributors. Additionally, the Company’s revenues have grown to $965 million in 2013 with 37 percent of those revenues coming from developing region international markets. Under Mr. Trumbull’s leadership, the Company’s market capitalization has increased from around $520 million to about $1.9 billion. Gregg C. Sengstack, 55 years old, first joined Franklin Electric in 1988 and has been President and Chief Operating Officer since 2011. He had previously been Senior Vice President and President, Franklin Fueling Systems and International Water Group and has held numerous positions in the Company’s Finance organization before becoming Chief Financial Officer in 1999. Mr. Sengstack is a member of the Board of Directors of Woodward Inc. (NYSE:WWD), a diversified manufacturer and service provider in the global aerospace and energy control markets. Mr. Sengstack holds a bachelor’s degree from Bucknell University and masters in business administration from the University of Chicago. David M. Wathen, Chairman of the Corporate Governance Committee of the Franklin Electric Board of Directors commented on behalf of the Board: 32
“The Board of Directors has planned this transition for several years and we have the utmost confidence that Gregg is prepared to lead Franklin Electric. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Scott for all of his many accomplishments as the Chief Executive Officer of Franklin Electric over the past eleven years.” Mr. Trumbull further noted: “Gregg is a strong leader and excellent strategist. He has been a critical part of Franklin Electric’s success over the past 25 years and we are very confident he will lead the Company to even greater levels of growth and profitability in the future.” Franklin Electric is a global leader in the production and marketing of systems and components for the movement of water and automotive fuels. Recognized as a technical leader in its specialties, Franklin Electric serves customers around the world in residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, municipal, and fueling applications.
Franklin achieves new EN14125:2013 approval for UPP™ brand pipework system Madison, Wisconsin USA – 17 February 2014 – Franklin Fueling Systems, the global leader in petroleum equipment total system solutions, announced that they have achieved their third-party certificate of compliance towards the new EN14125:2013 standard for the UPP™ brand pipework system. This revision to the EN standard contains additional fuel compatibilities, new definitions for secondary containment, as well as a refinement to the conductivity classification of piping systems. “Being at the forefront of the testing to achieve this new version of the EN standard speaks to our commitment to product quality and safety,” said Allan Busch, Global Piping & Containment Product Manager. “We are committed to providing our customers with best-inclass products which are approved to the latest global standards,” he continued. The approval comes after a year of testing procedures including fuel
permeation testing with E-85 and B100 fuels. The standard revision also provides two new classifications for secondary contained pipework - a system with continuous 360° separation between the primary and secondary pipework and fittings, and those systems without continuous 360° separation. The UPP™ pipework system provides full 360° separation between the primary and secondary containment. The standard also now redefines the conductivity classification of piping systems under Annex B into three groups (Conductive, Insulating and Dissipative) and provides guidelines to ensure safety for all three of these groups. The UPP™ pipework system is recognized as being Insulating with proven safety regarding electrostatic hazards according to EN13463-1. See the revised EN14125:2013 approval for more details. If you have any questions regarding the EN standard please contact your local Franklin Fueling Systems Customer Service.
Durapipe launches PLX Blue for forecourts Durapipe UK is expanding PLX, its specialist fuel conveyance pipework system, with the launch of PLX Blue, a plastic pipework system specifically designed to transport AdBlue fuel in forecourts and other transport refuelling applications. As AdBlue is becoming more widely used within diesel fuelled vehicles, especially HGV’s and tractors, PLX Blue enhances Durapipe’s existing offering, providing a solution to convey AdBlue around forecourts, from tank to pump. Designed to lower fuel costs and exhaust emissions, in order to meet European emissions standards, AdBlue is available in selected forecourts across Europe and internationally and is set to continue PLX’s legacy in the forecourt industry. Suitable for the variety of applications required in a forecourt, from pressure and suction systems, to offset fill and vent pipework and tank chamber connection, PLX Blue
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is adaptable in any project ensuring a reliable pipework system is fitted. Made from a specialised high grade polyethylene, a high quality material that is extremely robust, PLX Blue will safely carry the substance around forecourts, without fear of the fuel leaking into the environment. The product’s durable properties also provide a design life of more than 30 years, with little maintenance required during the lifetime of the product. PLX Blue is available in sizes from 32mm to 63mm, in both single wall and dual contained options. The pipework is lightweight in nature and allows for a simple installation process using an electrofusion jointing system. David Naylor, brand manager for PLX, comments: “The addition of PLX Blue to the range means that Durapipe UK can now fulfil all pipework requirements of a forecourt, providing a one-stop solution for contractors and suppliers looking for a complete portfolio of pipework products.” PLX Blue is available to order now. For further information about Durapipe PLX Blue or any of the products within the Durapipe UK product portfolio, please call 01543 279909 or log onto www.plxpipe.com.
Energy Institute issues an improved test method to help predict diesel winter performance The Energy Institute (EI) has been working to improve the test methods for predicting winter performance of diesel fuels - especially those containing significant amounts of biodiesel. One particularly important winter performance parameter is the cold soak filter blocking tendency of the fuel. The existing EI test method is IP 34
PM-EA/08, ‘Determination of filter blocking tendency of fatty acid methyl esters – cold soak and filtration method’. The test method comprises of a sample pre-treatment step which involves warming the sample to 60°C (in order to remove its thermal history) before the “cold soak”. During the cold soak the sample is chilled to 5°C and held at this temperature for 16 hours. After the cold soak the filter blocking tendency is determined using IP 387 Procedure B. The cold soak filterability test was further developed after a joint workshop between the EI and European Committee for Standardization (CEN) Working Group 31. Recent work by WG31 has targeted sources of variability in the procedure and a draft CEN method has been developed. The EI has now incorporated all of the recent developments and enhancements into an updated proposed method - IP PM-EA/13. Significant enhancements to the method include changes to the sample preparation step and cold soak apparatus and the introduction of a verification standard. This winter IP PM-EA/13 is being used by the fuels supply industry and other interested parties to feedback performance and user experiences to ensure the method is robust and fit for purpose. This will enable WG31 to further optimise the draft CEN test method. A precision study could then take place in 2014.
Petroman. This new company, set up by Petroman founder Rodney Carter, will also undertake new installations. Says Rodney Carter, who is also the managing director of the new company: “We are a cutting edge organisation with an entrepreneurial style, so differences among the principles as to direction are always a possibility, but I am determined that this will not affect the services our customers receive in any way whatsoever. “The infrastructure is still there, along with our skilled and experienced employees, so customers should notice nothing beyond a few administrative changes. It really is business as usual.” This will have no effect on associated companies such as Dealers Choice Ltd. For further information contact: Rodney Carter Petroman Unit 2 Dale Manor Business Park Sawston Cambridge CB22 3TJ 01223 836678 phil.lovatt@vapourcontrolsystems.co.uk or Jeremy Pursehouse Enterpress Public Relations 53 Oakley Road Warlingham Surrey CR6 9BE 01883 623025 jeremy@enterpress.co.uk
Business as usual at Petroman
OPW expands network of fueling cards accepted for buypass authorization to the FSC3000™ Fuel Site Controller
Due to shareholder differences, Petroman Environmental Ltd and Petroman Ltd have been placed into liquidation, but all contracts and maintenance agreements will continue to be honoured by Vapour Control Systems Ltd, trading as
HODGKINS, IL – February 21, 2014 – OPW, a Dover Company (NYSE: DOV) and the global leader in fluidhandling solutions, is pleased to announced that its FSC3000™ Fuel Site Controller is now certified to authorize payments through the
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• • • • • • • • • • •
Visa Visa Fleet MasterCard MasterCard Fleet Voyager Wright Express American Express Sinclair Discover Diners Club JCB
Part of the First Data family of payment-processing solutions, Buypass is one of the most widely used and trusted merchant networks in the fueling industry today. First Data, a world leader in the credit-processing sector, boasts more than 40 years of merchant services experience and is responsible for billions of fuel transactions each year. As such, it brings state-of-the-art security and encryption to every transaction the company processes, along with superior connection speeds and reliability. Combined with the FSC3000’s full PCI-compliance and robust set of network accessibility features, the ability to access the Buypass network will allow site owners to process transactions quickly with minimal risk of timeouts or data loss. Leveraging the communications technology of the FSC3000, and security provided by First Data and the Buypass network, fuelers will be able to know their transactions are safe, secure and free from potential fraud. For more information on the FSC3000, and to learn more about how its growing payment-
processing capabilities can help streamline and expand your transaction processing procedures, please visit www.OPWGlobal.com.
OPW Fueling Components EMEA and KPS to consolidate into a single business unit to better serve customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa
CINCINNATI, OHIO – February 4, 2014 – OPW, a Dover Company (NYSE: DOV) and the global leader in fluid handling solutions, announced today that it will consolidate OPW Fueling Components EMEA and KPS into a single Business Unit to better serve customers in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The newly combined company will be called OPW EMEA and will represent all Retail Fueling, Tank Gauges, KPS, and Fibrelite product lines. The new OPW EMEA will be headquartered in Kungsör, Sweden at the KPS facility. “The newly combined company will have significantly enhanced sales coverage, technical support, and manufacturing capabilities to offer higher levels of service to our customers in these regions,” stated David Crouse, President of OPW. Lars Selling has been named Managing Director of the new OPW EMEA. Until the OPW acquisition of KPS in October 2013, Lars Selling was the CEO of KPS.
OPW Introduces NGVLB Vent Line Breakaway For CNG Fueling Applications New pressure-balanced NGVLB model is a direct replacement for existing vent line breakaways. CINCINNATI, OH – February 28, 2014 – OPW, a Dover Company (NYSE: DOV) and the global leader in fluid-handling solutions, is proud to announce the availability of the new NGVLB Model CNG Vent Line Breakaway, which is a direct upgrade and replacement for OPW’s VLB Vent Line Breakaway. The NGVLB is an in-line breakaway that fits into the vent-side of the CNG fueling hose. The NGVLB’s main operational advantage for the CNG-handler is that it is pressurebalanced to 18,129 psi (1,250 bar), which eliminates nuisance separation due to pressure surges in the CNG dispensing system during the venting sequence of the fueling operation. The NGVLB is designed for use in conjunction with any of OPW’s family of high-pressure Fill Line Breakaways in CNG applications at service pressures up to 3,600 psi (250 bar). Because of a similar length to the VLB model, it is quick and easy for operators to perform a like-forlike replacement with the NGVLB
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Buypass network from First Data™ for the following end-user fueling cards:
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Lars Selling to the position of Managing Director of the consolidated OPW EMEA business. Lars has a solid track record of driving business growth and creating value for customers through the development of great products and delivering outstanding customer support,” stated David Crouse. Two internal promotions have also been announced as part of this move. Thomas Hasche has been promoted to the position of Finance Director for the newly combined OPW EMEA. Prior to this, Thomas was CFO/COO of KPS. Fred Hess has been promoted to be Director of Sales for the new OPW EMEA consolidated sales team. Prior to this Fred was Director of Sales for OPW Fueling Components EMEA. For additional information on OPW, please visit www.OPWGlobal.com and www.OPWFTG.com.
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model. The body and internal components of the NGVLB are constructed of stainless steel with specially formulated seals, which provides improved performance, durability and corrosion-resistance when used in harsh operating environments and at temperatures between -40ºF and 185ºF (-40ºC to 85ºC). In the event of a drive-away incident, the NGVLB is reconnectable without tools, which means it can be reused, resulting in reduced maintenance costs. The NGVLB’s passive design also allows pressure to move freely through the vent line, which allows for smoother disconnection of the CNG nozzle. If a drive-away incident does occur, the NGVLB separates with only 15 pounds of disconnection force. If repairs are required, NGVLB seal and spring replacement kits are available for in-the-field maintenance. For more information regarding OPW or any of its products, please visit www.OPWGlobal.com.
LED roll-out for Murco forecourt shops As part of its rolling refurbishment programme, Murco Petroleum is upgrading the lighting in its forecourt shops to LED luminaires provided by Philips Lighting. Murco has a network of over 225 company owned service stations throughout England, Scotland and Wales, each with a retail outlet operated under the Costcutter brand. The company takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously and is continually seeking ways to improve energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions. To that end, the company decided to take advantage of the latest generation of LED lighting to increase energy efficiency in its shops, while also reducing the cost of ownership. Electrical contractor, Peter Oakes who has worked with 36
Murco on many shop upgrades was therefore asked to explore possible solutions. Peter Oakes said: “We have a very close relationship with Murco and wanted to ensure we found the best solution, in terms of performance, energy and cost. We began by obtaining a sample of all the LED options available and sent them for independent sphere testing to evaluate the claims made by the manufacturers. “The Philips products literally ‘shone through’ and all of their claims were validated, so they were selected for the project. We also worked with Murco to develop a business case, which showed they could expect a return on investment within 15-18 months, depending on
the type of store and the lighting being replaced.” “We were very pleased with the results of the trials and decided to proceed with a roll-out programme,” said Amalan Poopal, Murco’s Shop Network Manager. He continued: “We upgraded around 30 shops during 2013 and expect to complete a further 30-35 by the end of 2014. These have been prioritised so that the shops with the oldest, least efficient lighting are upgraded first.” Amalan concluded: “In addition to the energy and carbon savings we have achieved, there is also a significant benefit having the Philips 5-year warranty, as it means that the Murco contract managers who run the shops no longer have to spend time and money on lamp replacement.” Technical Note: The new lighting was required to comply with strict design criteria, maintaining an illuminance of 500600 lux with good colour rendering and a colour temperature of 2800K. To achieve this, modular fluorescent luminaires have been replaced with CoreLine Panel fittings, along with CoreLine Downlight LED fixtures in place of compact fluorescent downlighters. In some stores, 70W CDM spotlights used for display lighting have also been replaced with Philips 35W Turnaround adjustable LED downlights. For further information contact Tony Wynn at AW Marketing. Tel: 0161 439 3813 Mob: 07836 323549 Email: tony@awmarketing.co.uk
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“Plaza” is the centre of attention at UNITI expo, 3-5 June, Stuttgart, Germany A central plaza area of over 300 square metres, offering visitors to UNITI expo a comfortable seating area, with complimentary refreshments and free Wi-Fi facilities, has been unveiled this week. It is, say the organisers, a good example of how they want UNITI expo to appeal differently to visitors, with it having a much greater focus on customer care, than any other International event staged previously. Bruno Boroewitsch, CEO of com-atec GmbH, co-organiser of the International Sales and Marketing of UNITI expo, together with McLean Events, said: “This is something which is very important to us, to show our international visitors that we really care about them and the effort they will have made in attending UNITI
expo 14. Walking the aisles of a trade fair as large as UNITI expo, visitors will certainly need a stop off point somewhere to meet colleagues or have a quick break and this impressive facility will offer everything they need, especially as many might have just experienced a long flight. We decided a long time ago to not have admission charges for the exhibition, or impose fees for the international conference programme, but now visitors will even be able to have a snack and a cup of coffee courtesy of the event and its sponsors”. There are now over 280 companies, from 25 countries, taking part in the event, including every major international supplier of retail petroleum equipment and many of Europe’s leading car wash suppliers. Details of the conference programme will be announced on 31st March. To register as a visitor for the exhibition visit www.unitiexpo.com
UNITI expo is a three day international exhibition for manufacturers, distributors, installers, retailers, PMCs and commercial operators of petroleum equipment, petrol forecourt services & retail technology. The fair will expand over 35,000 gross square metres of space and incorporate three exhibition halls to feature exhibits on; Forecourt Equipment & Technology, Shop & Convenience Retailing, Car wash & Car care, Payment & Automation, Fuel Logistics, Lubricants, Fuels and Additives. UNITI expo will also host the 2014 ‘Future of Forecourts’ Forum, an established international mainline conference, attracting senior executives from major petrol retailers, oil companies, government agencies and major associations from all over Europe.
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To enquire about booking a stand, contact com-a-tec GmbH on +49 7721 98300 For press enquiries, please contact Nick Needs, nick@mcleanevents.com phone +44 7786 607075
UNITI expo APEA Conference Stuttgart Afternoon Agenda Tuesday 3rd June Chaired by Louise Morgan APEA 13:30 to 14:00 Mark Rosling BP Global Head of Retail Site Quality The European Market and future changes. 14:00 to 14:30 David Davis Minalle Tattersfield Design A business tool for maximising the value of your petrol station and Cstore brand. 14:30 to 15:00 Bob Renkes PEI The Bio-fuels experience in the US. Wednesday 4th June Chaired by Jamie Thompson APEA 13:30 to 15:00 • Jamie Thompson Why fuel measurement and stock reconciliation are important safety and environmental consideration. 38
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• Alex Boudry presentation Gauge.
on
the
Franklin
• Pete Neil Presentation on the OPW Gauge. • Bob Conlin Fairbanks Environmental It’s what you do with the data that matters. Subtitle: How intelligent analysis of wet stock data can add significant value to your site automation systems.
Thursday 5th June Chaired by Louise Morgan APEA 14:00 to 14:30 Thomas Schneider Fafnir Global trends in Vapour Recovery 14:30 to 15:15 Lars Zimmerman of Shell Design and operation of hydrogen fuelling stations in Europe and US – Shell case study.
New General Secretary and Insite Editor at the PEIMF UK, www.peimf.com David Honeyman has been chosen to succeed Frank Hare as only the second General Secretary and Insite Editor at the PEIMF. David is well known in the downstream petroleum industry as the founder of the Regional Forecourt Shows that have been going now for over 20 years. David was chosen from a strong field of applicants and he was finally endorsed by the National Committee of the PEIMF at their January meeting. David brings great experience to the role with his wide range of contacts accumulated over many years. His magazine advertising experience with an earlier publication ‘Service Station’, stands him in good stead for the task ahead. His partner Carolyn to is well
known to the petroleum equipment industry as she is also his business partner. Their small but effective organisation under the Thames Communication banner will continue with their Regional Shows. Frank and David have been associated in this sector for many years and are working together to ensure a smooth changeover prior to Frank’s leaving date. We all at the PEIMF give David a warm welcome as will the industry at large we feel sure. Frank wishes it to be known that he is NOT retiring, after having spent over 40 years in the hazardous liquids business, including 12 years with the international industrial gas giant Air Products Ltd as Sales, District General and Regional M a n a g e m e n t positions and finally s UK General Manager – Applied Research and Development, before being engaged in the petroleum sector. He is lining up assignments to keep him busy on the technical marketing writing and blogging front. Frank recently turned down an invitation to appear in the TV show ‘Come Dine with Me’ as his latest claim to fame. He turned it down however, sticking to providing sumptuous Sunday lunches for his family and friends.
Guangdong Province China Shell Oil Co Fibrelite's vacuum testable fibreglass tank sumps and dispenser sumps have been specified by a leading oil company in China. As part of a new industry construction program Fibrelite used its hightechnology RTM production methods to create a range of high quality fibreglass equipment for the growing Chinese market.
Site under construction
Testable Containment, Consistent Structural Integrity Fibrelite's high quality one-piece moulded tank sumps have a smooth finish for easy handling during installation. Designed and manufactured to withstand high groundwater pressure after installation for the lifetime of the site.
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15:00 to 15:45 Dr Oliver Storz,Mercedes-Benz car development and Stefan Kunter, Elaflex The forward looking SCR/AdBlue technology becomes reality in passenger cars
before the top section is installed. Highly Effective in Preventing Water Ingress Many areas have persistently high water tables and Fibrelite's vacuum testable tank sumps have proved highly effective in preventing water ingress and s u b s e q u e n t damage to tank top equipment and possible water contamination to the fuel. Products were supplied by Fibrelite's distributer Flowco in China. For more information visit www.fibrelite.com
Fibrelite tank sumps (S14-3-90) being installed
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Things go better for Cameron Forecourt Fibrelite's Gilbarco/China EL/GC/T05403-SH10 dispenser sumps
Commercial fuelling specialist Cameron Forecourt has responded to an emergency call from one of its customers by carrying out a complete 40,000 litre fuel tank replacement in under one working week. Cameron Forecourt’s service engineers wasted no time when faced by the dilemma presented
Kent. MJD, which handles distribution for companies including a well known soft drinks company, alerted their service contractor Cameron Forecourt, to the problem with the 40,000 litre above-ground tank on a Friday afternoon. A replacement tank was immediately sourced from Simon Engineering for delivery the following Thursday, at which point a team of Cameron service engineers worked flat out to re-commission the fuelling installation, including pumps, fuel management and the Ad Blue tank. They also supervised the transfer of the remaining fuel tanks from the old tank to the new replacement. The installation was up and running again in less than a week from the fault being first reported. Explains Cameron Forecourt Major Account Manager Clive Brewerton: “MJD have been on service contract with us since we renewed their dispense and fuel management system about a year ago. When they called us out we were able to respond immediately and located a replacement tank within a few hours. “Once it was delivered to site our engineers made every effort to get the system back in use as soon as possible. This sort of work could normally take anything up to eight to ten weeks, so we think to achieve it in just six days is something of an industry record.” Mike Bowyer, Logistics Director of MJD was delighted with the response. “This could have been a really major headache for the business, but thanks to the speed and professionalism of the Cameron Forecourt team the situation became manageable and one which we are delighted has now been resolved so quickly.”
Vacuum tested tank sumps are covered by Fibrelite's 15 year warranty against structural failure from date of installation*.
Long Working Life - Tried and Tested Reliable Performance Fibrelite's wide range of dispenser sumps offer a great alternative to polyethylene sumps. The strong rigid structure will not deflect under groundwater pressure. The simple two piece design provides a large working space to install pipework inside the sump, 40
by customer MJD Group of Companies Ltd after the fault rendered a tank unusable at the company’s base in Swanscombe,
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Durability and Safety Concerns for UK Canopies Built Pre-1989 Following on from their September 2013 article which discussed the benefits of employing a canopy repair and maintenance specialist at UK filling stations, Global-MSI’s Managing Director Martin Steggles describes the company’s growing concerns regarding durability and safety of ageing canopy structures, particularly those built before 1989 that have exceeded their intended 25 year design life. This article sets out the main issues that influence the long term performance of a canopy and explain how age related degradation combined with maintenance neglect can dramatically reduce the life span of a canopy. Traditionally a filling station canopy in the UK will have a design working life of 25 years. Over this period an owner will be expected to commission a specialist to carry out regular maintenance on their canopy to reduce the effects of deterioration particularly to steelwork, cladding sheets, guttering, fixings and sealants. After 25 years in service, it is generally recommended a canopy is dismantled and replaced with a contemporary structure preferably supported by new foundations.
This photograph was taken following the winter storms of 2013/14. During windy conditions, image fascias and sheeting became detached from the canopy. The extensive corrosion of the canopy steelwork was a major contributing factor
As the UK’s leading forecourt canopy, maintenance and repair specialist, Global-MSI annually encounters several hundred existing canopies. Using our extensive archive library we can establish the year the majority of these canopies were installed. The undertaking of archive checks over the past 18
months has highlighted a considerable number of UK canopies that remain in service longer than their intended 25 year design life. Alarmingly, our archive checks have indicated that there are several hundred canopies on UK filling stations that were built more than 40 years ago and a number that were built in the 1960’s. Presented with these facts, Global-MSI believes the UK filling station industry should share our concern that at least one of these ageing canopies will suffer a partial or full structural collapse in the future. In fact during the winter storms of February 2014, the canopy at a former filling station premises now being used as a car wash centre suffered a partial collapse. The canopy was The above photograph shows a former filling station canopy at a car wash premises in Greater Manchester following collapse in February 2014 (the ‘A-frame’ is still visible protruding above the collapsed structure). The supplied by a company external appearance of the canopy would have given little indication of the endemic deterioration the main that ceased trading many canopy deck steel members had suffered. It is cases such as this that strengthen Global-MSI’s belief that in the years ago, but their near future an ageing UK filling station canopy will suffer a sudden structural collapse APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
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By Martin Steggles, Managing Director, Global-MSI
structures still exist on filling stations to this day, and can be distinguished by a double-gutter either side of a steel ‘A-frame’ arrangement protruding above the roof line. Old and poorly maintained canopies now pose a genuine threat to the safety of filling station customers and employees. The industry should take the necessary steps to promote the importance for canopy owners to commission regular condition checks by a specialist. The external appearance of a canopy deck with new branding, fascia signage or underlining may often give the
impression the canopy structure is in “good health”. However, such elements often disguise the poor condition a canopy deck is actually in, particularly the main support steelwork positioned within the deck void. Only following a specialist’s inspection of the canopy deck void can an accurate assessment of the canopy’s condition be made. In view of this genuine threat to safety on several UK filling station sites, an owner of a canopy that has exceeded its 25 year design life yet remains in service should pay serious consideration to the following question:
“Can future durability and safety of the canopy be relied upon?”
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The answer for any canopy owner that has financed its regular upkeep by a specialist over the full 25 year period should be a resounding “YES”. Through conscientiousness and consideration for the safety of those people using their site, the canopy owner will typically be rewarded with an assurance from a specialist that, despite its age, their canopy remains fit for purpose. If the owner ensures regular inspections and maintenance work on the canopy continues, it is possible their canopy could remain in service for a further 10 years. Unfortunately, there are many ageing canopies GlobalMSI encounters in the UK that have not been well maintained resulting in significant loss in a canopy’s durability to resist deterioration by weathering, air pollution, chemical attack, vegetation growth and general wear and tear. Any owner of a canopy that has not been well maintained, no matter its age, should employ a canopy specialist to carry out a condition survey and act on the specialist’s recommendations. A canopy specialist’s assessment that specifically concentrates on future durability and safety will focus on several factors that can accelerate the physical deterioration of the canopy structure. These factors are: 1. The environment surrounding the canopy. 2. Quality of the canopy’s original design and construction. 3. Level of protection afforded to the canopy’s building elements. 4. Maintenance canopy.
history
of
the
5. Future maintenance plan.
The above photographs show the extent of accelerated corrosion due to air pollution on a series of profiled steel roof sheets. The resulting damage has caused the roof deck to lose watertightness exposing the supporting steelwork below to acidic rainfall and increased moisture
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The type of environment a canopy is exposed to will have considerable impact on the level of degradation the canopy suffers over 25 years or more. The surrounding environment will also be a major consideration when preparing a maintenance plan for the canopy’s intended design life.
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
ARTICLES These two photographs were taken during recent surveys of filling station canopies that have exceeded their intended 25 year design life and the indicated damage typifies that of ageing canopies that have not been regularly maintained. The first photograph is from the same canopy supplier as the partially collapsed structure featured above. The second photograph shows a loose bolt forming the connection of two primary structural beams – a common occurrence increasingly being witnessed by Global-MSI’s surveyors
Global-MSI has surveyed numerous canopies across the UK that have suffered severe corrosion damage to critical steelwork members as a result of a coastal environment and subsequent high saline content in the atmosphere. Even canopies surveyed several miles inland from the UK coastline have been affected due to sea spray being carried by the wind. Filling station sites situated in built up industrial areas often suffer from air pollution damage where gases such as sulphur dioxide or oxides of nitrogen form acids in rainwater and attack the integrity of metallic building 50
materials on the canopy such as profiled roof sheeting, fascias and guttering. Premature deterioration of a canopy can occur if the below ground environment contains contaminated soils or groundwater. Sulphate attack on below ground steelwork and reinforced concrete is particularly common leading to weakening of the canopy columns, holding down bolt connection and supporting foundations. Any weakening of these critical structural elements is a major concern to the future safety of a canopy as they have been designed to resist large
overturning forces and stresses. The likelihood of some below ground contamination occurring on a filling station over a 25 year period is particular high given the propensity for fuel spillages and leaks in the underground pipework. Poor detailing decisions and incorrect material specifications during the design stage of a canopy will ultimately hinder its longevity reducing the length of time a canopy can safely remain in service. For example, the level of consideration a detailer pays to items such as cladding flashings, sheet lapping, fixing positions and gutter joints will have a huge bearing on how a canopy fares in adverse weather conditions. Likewise, the quality of workmanship employed during a canopy’s installation will impact on the length of time a canopy roof deck will remain watertight. Ageing canopies that were originally specified with aluminium and steel building materials with no measures to prevent bimetallic corrosion will have suffered some level of deterioration, particular where poor detailing of the canopy has led to rainwater or condensation becoming trapped. Bimetallic corrosion can be severe in coastal locations and polluted industrial environments causing steel fixing failure and loosening of cladding sheets. UK canopies that were constructed in the 1960’s and 1970’s were subject to design, material specifications and construction practices that have since become out-dated or, over the passing of time, have shown to be detrimental to the long-term performance of the structure. Pre-1980’s design and specification of concrete foundations is a classic example where the standard use of amorphous silica aggregates, high alumina cement or ordinary Portland cement led to swelling, cracking and considerable weakening of the foundations. There is no guarantee that some ageing canopies still in service in the UK were built prior to the construction industry gaining a better understanding of defective foundation practices. A common construction detail in UK canopies built during the 1960’s
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These two photographs were taken during the dismantling of a filling station canopy in February 2014. Global-MSI’s concerns are not just limited to poor condition and lack of maintenance of canopy roof structures. The canopy columns above have no holding-down bolts securing them to foundations. They were simply placed onto the forecourt slab and covered by the pump island
and 1970’s was the dual use of a steel member to act as both main structural beam and central rainwater gutter. A canopy using this detail was typically referred to as a “spine beam” canopy and involved the welding together of two steel Hsections (one on top of the other) with the upper H-section receiving rainwater run-off from the canopy roof sheets. The use of spine beam canopies in the UK was generally phased out during the 1980’s as the
detail significantly accelerated corrosion of the main beam steelwork supporting the canopy deck. Global-MSI has carried out repair works on many spine beam canopies that currently remain in service in the UK. Most of the repair work undertaken dealt with rainwater leaks due to corroded welds around gutter outlets. Unfortunately rainwater leaks into the central core of a spine beam
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are concealed from view making it extremely difficult for a specialist to gauge the extent of corrosion damage the spine beam has actually suffered. It is therefore strongly recommended that an owner of an existing spine beam canopy considers a full canopy replacement as the true extent of damage to this type of canopy may only reveal itself through a corrosion induced beam failure. The importance of undertaking regular maintenance and condition surveys on a known spine beam canopy cannot be overstressed given the nature of the canopy’s design will ultimately accelerate the structure’s deterioration. All canopies will receive some form of protective system; be it paint applications to steelwork, galvanised components or resistant coatings to cladding. However, no matter how good the protective system, eventually a canopy will need maintenance treatment. As described earlier, the surrounding environment conditions will influence the types of protection afforded a canopy and the recommended maintenance intervals during its 25 year design life. Should the local conditions change or become more aggressive during a canopy’s design life, the original maintenance plan will need to change accordingly. The main aims of a canopy maintenance plan are to preserve both its structure and appearance from deterioration and need for repair so that it performs safely, efficiently and economically throughout its design life. The comments and photographs in this article highlight only some of the disturbing issues that can arise on UK filling station canopies that have exceeded their 25 year design life having received little or no maintenance. We are in no doubt that further concerns exist on a number of canopies we are yet to survey, and these will remain vulnerable to a sudden and potentially fatal failure if their age and condition continues to be ignored. Please contact Global-MSI on telephone number 01302 361558 or via email info@global-msi.com should you wish to discuss future maintenance of a canopy or to arrange an initial condition survey.
Choosing the Correct Leak Detection for Tanks By Jamie Thompson
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Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Introduction In more recent years the oil Belgium, parts of the UK (on a risk industry has developed a far more based approach) is the Class 1 responsible attitude to the design system. In addition I notice that BP, Shell and operation of petrol stations than when I was a young regulator in and other leading operators are London during the mid 1960’s. specifying Class 1 as they continue take their safety and Safety and environmental to responsibilities responsibility are now an essential environmental requirement for those involved in the seriously. Let us examine the two systems construction and maintenance of a Class 1 and Class 2. filling station. One of the major contributors to safety and environmental security in Leak Detection Systems this field has been the use of leak Class 1 These systems operate either using detection devices as an important Once one wall of the tank is air or nitrogen pressure or by pulling tool for the designer. The leak detection standards (EN a vacuum on the interstitial space. breached liquid will either flow into 13160 1-7) were first developed as a They detect a leak above or below the tank and contaminates the common European standard over the liquid level of a double wall product or into the ground – in both 10 years ago. The standards have system – in fact keeping the tank situations contamination cannot be been welcomed by regulators, under a “test pressure” all of its prevented. The liquid used in the manufacturers and users alike, and I working life. interstice is based on Once a leak is detected fuel can “environmentally friendly” antifreeze notice these have even been acknowledged by many be removed from the tank before but as standards and knowledge product enters the improve over the years the leak practitioners around the world as an any environment. excellent standard to follow. That said after 10 years the industry is now moving on and the standards are at present being revised and it has become apparent to me that for underground storage tanks the more enlightened user is progressing towards the more trustworthy and dependable Class 1 detector which is either pressure or vacuum dependant and away from the more traditional Class 2 liquid system which had historically been used on underground tanks across Europe for many years – but Overpressure leak detector with manifold for monitoring several underground tanks (image source: SGB) has some disadvantages. There are technical, detection liquid is now considered Class 2 environmental and economic many to contaminate These systems operate using a by implications in choosing and liquid filled interstitial space and are groundwater and drinking water. operating a Class 1 leak detection based on the pressure generated by In addition some of the liquids system and I will examine some of the height of the header tank over have been found in use over many these. the storage tank generating enough The only leak detectors that are pressure to detect a leak leading to years to develop fungal attack, now permitted under tougher a drop of liquid in the header tank algae growth and gelling therefore environmental legislation in several signaling a leak in either wall of the preventing the liquid from doing its job and detecting a leak. European countries including tank. 52
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Technical System Comparison Class 2 Liquid System (image source: SGB) EN 13160-3 Requirements for liquid leak detection systems Technical System Comparison EN 13160-3 Requirements for liquid leak detection systems Liquid leak detection systems (Class 2): Requirements according to EN 13160-3 (criteria)
Target value
Difficulty / practical experience*
Electrical conductivity
> 10mS/m
may decline in the long term
Viscosity at -20°C
< 100 mm²/S
not achieved with all leak detection liquids available on the market
Freeze point temperature
< -20°C
If mixed at tank manufacturer correctly
Flash point
> 80°C
Coefficient of thermal expansion
< 5/10000 K bei 20°C
No decomposition
Test procedure 7.4.8
(* reference: Jean-Marc Burnotte, www.technicuve.com)
Fungal characteristics
decomposition possible when several products are mixed fungal attack may cause a failure malfunction
No dangerous impacts on groundwater No dangerous impacts on existing materials
Test procedure 7.4.10
so far, no additive classified in water hazard class 0 is known Corrosion is possible with certain metals
No exothermic reaction with storage product No reaction with storage product revealing a bulking No reaction with storage product causing a gas formation No reaction with storage product causing sedimentations
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Consistent characteristics throughout the operation period of the system
Gelling, algae growth, fungal attack are possible
Consistent characteristics after re-filling and replacement
Gelling, algae growth, fungal attack are possible
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Cost Comparisons The cost comparisons of using such systems are not an area in my expertise but by contacting underground tank manufacturers, leak detection suppliers and maintenance contractors I have been presented with some interesting figures which I will share with you on the costs of owning and maintaining leak detection systems. Class 2 liquid leak detection costs in Euro
Tank Capacity (litres) 20,000 30,000 50,000 80,000 100,000
Interstitial Space Litres 135 190 255 315 390
Leak Detection Liquid in € 92.50 120.66 153.93 184.64 223.03
Leak Detector in € 190 190 190 190 190
Accessories Installation Total Cost in tank 20 200 502.50 20 200 530.66 20 200 563.93 20 200 594.64 20 200 633.03
Class 1 Pressure Leak Detector costs in Euro (whatever size tank)
Leak Detector
Installation Hoses Manifold InstallaKit 2x10m tion PA
Class 1 Total Cost
281.30 281.30 281.30
39.70 59.55 79.40
810.89 946.26 1085.59
84.80 155.09 127.21 178.21 169.60 205.29
250.00 300.00 350.00
Total Cost per tank 405.45 315.42 217.40
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Number of tanks monitored 2 tanks 3 tanks 4 tanks
Class 2 liquid leak detection costs in Euro
Tank installation
Class 2
Class 1
4 x 20,000 litre 4 x 30,000 litre 4 x 50,000 litre 4 x 80,000 litre 4 x 100,000 litre
2,010.00 2,122.64 2,255.72 2,378.56 2,532.12
1085.59 1085.59 1085.59 1085.59 1085.59
Savings using Class 1 Leak Detection 924.41 1,037.05 1,170.13 1,292.97 1,446.53
You will see from the above figures that the larger the tank (and its interstitial space) the more cost effective it is to use the Class 1 system. The savings on the cost of the liquid increases as the tank size increases. There is also the cost of putting the liquid into the tank during the construction process. See the next graph which illustrates this point.
3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0
Class 2 Class 1
Graph 1: Installation costs referring to tank size (in Euros)
G
G
G G G
3000 2500 2000 1500 1000 500 0
Class 2 Class 1
Savings using Class 1 Graph 2: Installation costs and savings Class 2 – Class 1 (in Euros) 5
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Maintenance costs comparisons between Class 1 and Class 2
Class 1 expenditure (minutes)
factor
Establishment of building site C Explosion protection measures R Preparation/cleaning of manhole chamber
0
1
0 0
Tightness test
Class 2 expenditure (minutes)
factor
0
10
4
40
1
0
10
1
10
1
0
20
4
80
20
1
20
n/a
Check of dryfilter / replacement
2
1
2
n/a
Re-filling of leak detection liquid R Passage test of interstitial spaces
0
1
0
5
4
20
5
4
20
5
4
20
Test of switch values
2
1
2
n/a
Test of pressure control valve
1
1
1
n/a
Re-commissioning
10
1
10
10
4
40
Issue of test report
5
1
5
5
4
20
Annual maintenance / function test
Total working time (minutes)
Total labour cost (80.00 €/h)
60
230
80.00
306.67
20 years € Material cost: 6.10
Dry filter TF 1
Annual maintenance cost Maintenance cost over 20 years €
86.10 1,722.00
306.67 6,133.40
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Disposal cost (in 20 years): Electronic scarp
10.00
10.00
Disposal cost, in total Total cost of maintenance and • 20 years of operation disposal, in 20 years
10.00
10.00
• Development costs not considered
• 20 years of operation
1,732.00
• Hourly labour charge assume 6,143.40 • Travelling expenses not inclu
• Hourly labour charge assumed € 80 • Travelling expenses not included
7.000,00 €
Assumptions • Development costs not considered 6.000,00 € • Petrol Station Forecourt with 4 tanks 30,000 litres capacity 5.000,00 € • 20 years of operation • Development costs not 4.000,00 € considered 3.000,00 € • All prices in Euros • Hourly labour charge assumed € 2.000,00 € 80 1.000,00 € • Travelling expenses not included 0,00 € Class 1
Class 2
Graph 3: Total cost of maintenance and disposal in 20 years in Euros
Total cost of ownership over 20 years
Monitoring of 4 x 30,000 litre tanks Installation cost Maintenance cost Disposal costs Total cost 56
Class 2 Liquid leak detection 2,122.64 6133.40 10.00 8266.04
Class 1 Pressure leak detection 1085.59 1722.00 10.00 2817.59
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Savings using Class 1 1037.06 4,411.40 0 5448.45
6
Monitoring of 4 x 30,000 litre tanks
Class 2 Liquid leak detection
Class 1 Pressure leak detection 2,122.64 1085.59 Installation cost 6133.40 1722.00 Maintenance cost 10.00savings by Disposal costs Costs split in installation, maintenance10.00 anddisposal costs and resulting using Class 1 (in 20 years) Total cost 8266.04 2817.59
Class 2 liq system
5000
Savings using 4000 Class 1
Class 1 ov detection
Savings u
3000
1037.06 2000 4,411.40 1000 0 5448.45 0
Installation cost
Maintenance and disposal cost
Total cost
9000
Graph 4: costs split in installation, maintenance and disposal costs and resulting s
8000 7000
9000
6000 Class 2 liquid leak detection system
5000 4000
Class 1 overpressure leak detection system
3000
Savings using Class 1 (in Euro)
2000
8000 7000 6000
Class 2 liquid leak detection system
1000
5000 0 Installation cost
Maintenance and disposal cost
Total cost
4000
3000 Graph 4: costs split in installation, maintenance and disposal costs and resulting savings by using Class 1 (in 20 years)
total costs and savings using Class 1 (in 20 years)
9000
2000
0
7000 Class 2 liquid leak detection system
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A. Environmental advantages of Class 1 pressure leak detection system: - A real “leak prevention system”, still environmentally very safe even when a leak is found - It keeps the tank under “test” the whole of its working life - If there is a leak there is no contamination of stored product - If there is a leak there is no risk of contamination of the environment
Graph 5: total costs and savings using Class 1 (in 20 years)
Jamie Thompson joined the London County Council in 1961 and trained as a Petroleum Inspector and ended up as Principal Petroleum Inspector for the London There are no risks in the Class 1 Fire Brigade, the largest petroleum system such as algae growth, authority in Europe. gelling and crystalline dispersion, He has specialised in petroleum that may be present in Class 2 standards, construction, legal systems enforcement, equipment approval and new design of Petrol Filling There is no possible reaction of www.PetrolPlaza.com 7 the leak detection medium (air) Stations for well over 40 years. with the storage product and if He is currently chairman of required, nitrogen can replace air European Standards committee as the leak detection medium (CEN TC 393) dealing with Function test without access to equipment for service stations, the underground tank manhole which has produced 23 European chamber are also possible standards relating to filling stations. He also chairs CEN TC 265 WG8 on underground and above ground C. Economic advantages of Class 1 storage tanks, and sits as a pressure leak detection system - Considerable advantages in European contributor to the installation cost in all typical Underwriter Laboratory standards for applications, depending on fuel tanks and fuel lines in the USA. number and capacity of tanks He was Editor of the APEA - Considerable time and cost Technical Journal “The Bulletin” for reduction at the annual 23 years and as Chairman of the maintenance technical committee of the APEA he is involved in the publication of the - Average cost savings per station of around two-thirds, that is APEA/EI Guidance on design and according to the example more construction of filling stations known as the Blue Book. than 5,500 Euros.
Summary B. 5000 Class 1 overpressure leak As a conclusion, it can be clearly detection system 4000 demonstrated that the Class Savings 1 leak using Class 1 detection system shows a system 3000 with inherent environmental and 2000 safety-related advantages on a Class 2 system. 1000 The Class 1 system demonstrates that0 the operator is responsible and meets all the safety and Graph 5: total costs and savings using Class 1 (in 20 years) environmental requirements expected of them by safety and environmental regulators. In addition from the figures I have been shown it also has economic advantages for those operating service stations over Class 2 systems. -
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Savings using Class 1
1000
8000
6000
Class 1 overpressure leak detection system
Technical advantages of Class 1 pressure leak detection system: Several underground tanks may be monitored using only one leak detector
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Competency on the Fuel Forecourt By Martin Jones CompEx Operations Manager JTLimited
What if it goes wrong? Unfortunately, recent history still has plenty of examples of when it does go wrong and how. When it does go
traditional threatened;
markets
were
• Customer confidence damaged badly; • Staff confidence damaged by reoccurring explosions; • Owner Senior
Texas City Refinery March 2005 Distillation Tower flooded with Hydrocarbons 15 Killed – 180 injured
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disenchantment Management Engineers.
with and
Ask yourself - would you be exposed if this happens to you? So, the question to Forecourt Owners is ‘What is your worst nightmare Scenario?’ • Spontaneous ignition of vapour cloud whilst customers are fuel filling? It would be, however Vapour Recovery Systems have assisted to address this potential hazard. • Mobile Phone igniting a vapour cloud? With the onset of multiple social media devices into society is this a real risk to safety? The results of a study were presented at a technical seminar hosted by the Energy Institute in March 2003. The main conclusions where that: • There were no 59
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Employing competent people on wrong, many responsible persons still your forecourt does not just make take the attitude that ‘It will never good business sense it’s also a vital happen to me’………..Well actually, component of how your forecourt it did happen to me! would be judged by the authorities, During 1997/98 in a Chipboard should any incident occur. Pre-Production facility five dust By implementing best practices, explosions occurred during a period you not only protect lives but also of eight months, luckily with no you protect the main source of serious injuries. On each occasion revenue which is the capital asset production ceased for 5-7 days you have invested in. each time whilst engineering and So, why employ only competent production workers worked tirelessly staff? Competency actually means to recover the plant to a safe that your staff and contractors have working environment again. both the knowledge, experience However, the cost to the business and ability to install and maintain was heavy in many different areas: equipment in explosive atmospheres so their work should • Recovery cost for plant – materials not give rise to danger….provided and wages; their competency has been validated effectively. Utilising • Business loss as a consequence – competent staff addresses the requirements of the site operator or developer’s responsibility and creates a good impression. Ask yourself - do contractors understand the hazardous areas on your site? A good practice methodology is that the risk assessment is conducted jointly by the site operator and the contractor; this is very Imperial Sugar USA July 2008 - Dust Explosion – 14 Killed good practice to ensure there are joint understandings here. Sites that embrace these initiatives rarely fall foul of the regulatory bodies – it is the sites that ignore their responsibility that face problems, especially when things go wrong!
confirmed ignition incidents associated with mobile phones anywhere in the world
UK Legal Framework • HASAW – UK Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974
• Mobile phones, although not specifically designed to standards as 'protected equipment', pose a negligible ignition risk and one that is far less than other ignition sources on a fuel forecourt Ref: UKPIA 2012
• EPA – Environmental Protection Act 1990 • EPR – Environmental Permitting (England & Wales) Regulations 2010 - addresses diesel fuel environmental risks as it may have only had minimum controls for fire & explosion due to low flammability properties • Electricity at Work Regulations 1989 (EWR)
Flat Top General Store & Gas Station Ghent, West Virginia Jan 2007 - Propane Gas Explosion – 4 Killed
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However, major incidents can happen on Fuel Forecourts. So, having asked the Forecourt Owners the question - What is your worst nightmare Scenario? The answers are that there are many, but one of the difficult ones to manage is when something has gone wrong, you are delivered a legally binding Prohibition Notice that stops operations immediately until improvements are made for failure to abide by the legal framework. It is vital that Fuel Forecourt Owners understand the Legal Framework and are pro-active in embracing the requirements, outline guidance is given below. EU Legal Framework European Directives (Law) • EC Council Directive 98/24/EC – The protection of the health & safety of workers from the risks related to chemical agents at work concerned with controlling fire and explosion risks • EC Council Directive 99/92/EC – Minimum requirements for improving the safety and health protection of workers potentially at risk from explosive atmospheres Both of these European Directives are addressed in UK legislation by DSEAR 2002 – Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (Law) 60
• Confined Space Regulations 1997
• Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1999 • DSEAR & Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) • Construction (Design & Management) Regulations 2007 (CDM) All these regulations are concerned with securing the health, safety & welfare of people at work and also protecting those not at work, from risks arising from work activities. The UK Legal Framework Regulation List goes on and is not exhaustive; therefore, the message is, from lessons learnt in the past, that Planners, Contractors or Site Operators shall ensure that any other relevant legislation, guidelines and good industry practices are followed and adopted. Fuel Forecourt Owners can obtain guidance for assessing environmental risk: • EA in England & Wales • SEPA in Scotland • NIEA in Northern Ireland • DEFRA (Dept Food, Environment & Rural Affairs) Groundwater Protection Code
DSEAR Regulation 8 requires Assessment & Implementation of appropriate arrangements to deal with:• Accidents • Incidents & Emergencies involving dangerous substances present on the premises For filling stations this is specific for events such as spills & releases of vehicle fuels. • Risk Assessment – ‘HSE Approved Code of Practice (ACOP) & Guidance’ – Note L138 • Specifically for Fuels – Chief Fire Officer’s Association (CFOA) ‘Petrol filling stations guidance on managing risks of fire & explosions APEA Guidance • APEA Association Membership – keeps you abreast of current developments • Blue Book Publication – ‘Design, construction, modification, maintenance and decommissioning of filling stations’ – excellent reference book for legislation and codes of practice. The Blue Book is the established technical guidance on providing information about storage and dispensing of petroleum products used as fuels for motor vehicles (including petrol, diesel and autogas (also known as LPG). It provides information on civil, mechanical, hydraulic and electrical installation issues for the planning, design, construction, commissioning, modification, maintenance and decommissioning of filling stations, together with information aimed to minimise the risks from fire and explosion, to health and to the environment. Competency of Persons This was first addressed after the offshore Piper Alpha Disaster in July 1988 where 167 men died after an explosion of hydrocarbons and ensuing fire that melted the platform causing its eventual collapse. Lord Cullen’s Public Enquiry Report into the disaster produced 106 recommendations to improve
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offshore working conditions but that essentially employers must ensure the competency of their staff and all the contract staff they engage with. This led to many questions, but one overriding theme was: • How, as employers, do we address Competency in potentially explosive atmospheres? The CompEx Scheme was developed as a result and since 1994 has addressed validating Core Competency of craftsmen and latterly Application Design Engineers in the following manner; • Initially checks experience & qualifications of the candidate
Target Audience • Electrotechnical/Instrument Practitioners
• 633 CompEx Ex 07&08 Fuel module certificates issued specifically for Fuel Filling Stations since July 2002
• Mechanical Practitioners
• 345 CompEx Refresher Certificates for Fuel Filling Stations issued to confirm ongoing core competency since July 2008
• Electrical Engineers
Application
Design
• Foundation Course for anybody requiring Explosive Atmosphere Awareness Are Competent Electricians available for Ex Fuel Forecourt working? • Many electrical contractors possess CompEx Ex01-04 Gas & Vapour Module certificates for safe installation, inspection and maintenance of Ex equipment
There are enough core competent practitioners for fuel forecourts out there to enable you to meet your legal requirements. The Local Chief Fire Officer will ask to see competency certification for craftspersons for your electrical installations and ongoing maintenance, inspection & testing programmes during routine visits. CompEx also provides a core competency module for Mechanical Practitioners
• Enhances & Tests knowledge & understanding of IEC 60079 Parts 14 & 17 Standards & relevant Legislation
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• Assess candidate’s ability to apply knowledge through a series practical assessments utilising IEC Ex and ATEX equipment • Validates core competency against an international standard only where candidates meet the industry benchmark so as not to give rise to danger in the workplace JTLimited is the CompEx Certification Body and is Accredited by UKAS, the United Kingdom Accreditation Service to IEC/ ISO 17024 : 2012 - Competency of Persons who work in Explosive Atmospheres. This accreditation sets the scheme apart from training courses and all knowledge based courses in the fact that it actually determines the core competency of the individual candidate against an agreed industry benchmark determined and developed by EEMUA, the oil, gas and chemical major user group association and JTLimited, the CompEx Certification Body in conjunction with representatives from the HSE, OGUK Offshore Technical Authority, APEA , ECA & Unite. 62
P&R HURT CompEx Modules 7&8 - Fuel Filling Competency Assessments
P&R HURT Ex 07&08 Fuel Module Assessment
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
developed in conjunction with EEMUA’s Machinery Committee, known as the Ex 11 Mechanical Course which is now available at eight CompEx Centres nationwide. This is a 3 day course consisting of: • Foundation Course & Theory Examination • Mechanical Examination
Course
&
Theory
• Mechanical Practical Assessment Resulting in an Ex11 Certificate of Core Competency Validation of Mechanical Practitioners working in Explosive Atmospheres – this is now a reality. Professional Engineers – Application Design In 2010 the Major User Group representation requested a module to validate professional engineers
who could only validate their competency with qualifications, albeit high level qualifications – but the question remained ‘who validates their competency?’ A CompEx Working Group was formed to address this need and the CompEx Ex12 modules were agreed and offered commercially. Since May 2012, over 200 professional engineers have been certificated as core competent, against this industry agreed benchmark. So, there is in place a methodology for Fuel Forecourt owners to ensure that work conducted by their employees or contractors is completed by competent persons, thereby allowing you to meet your legal requirements with regard to ensuring the competency of your staff.
Summary 1. The EU Directives and UK Legislation is a Legal requirement – so embrace it. 2. The consequences are clear for ignoring legal requirements. 3. Competency Validation is not just achieved by just training course attendance certification. 4. Specific Fuel Modules do exist for your industry – for different disciplines and different levels of responsibility. 5. Use competent staff to protect you & your assets – it does work. Go to www.compex.org.uk for more information. ‘Competency Saves Lives & Protects Assets’
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Interview with Killian Tallon, APEA Vice Chairman By Brian Baker It is expected that Killian Tallon will become the new Chairman of the APEA who hails from his native Ireland. A regular APEA Council Member for a few years now, Killian has always taken a keen interest in the industry and I managed to be able to pose a few questions to find out more about our new Chairman. Killian, in November it is expected you will find yourself becoming the next Chairman of the Association. How do you feel about that? Firstly I would like to say that I am honoured to be the incoming Chairman of the Association. The size and scope of the role is somewhat daunting when I look at the list of people who have held this office before me and all their achievements. In particular taking over from Louise is a big step as she has been such a charismatic chairman. One of my primary goals is the continuing development and promotion of the association. Given the rapid development in the field of forecourt development it is more important than ever to raise
awareness of the excellent work that the association does on behalf of its members and the industry. Is it something you had hoped to achieve or was it a matter of coincidence? It is certainly not something that I had hoped to do; originally when I joined the association it was out of necessity to learn about the technical side of our industry. However, I soon realised the important role that the APEA play in providing technical and best practice guidance to members regardless of where in the world you are based and from here I took more of an active interest. I served as Irish branch representative and on central council for a number of years before being approached by a number of other central council members to see if I was willing to serve as Chairman. Once I was asked I jumped at the opportunity. As the first ever overseas based member to become Chairman of the Association, I believe I have a greater appreciation of the
important role the association has in providing technical guidance and the model of what is good practice. I recall you were instrumental in the revival of the Irish Branch which in less than 10 years has gathered both strength in numbers and interest. Why do you think that is? To be honest, I would have to politely disagree with that statement. Our current Irish branch chairman Tom Daly was the person most instrumental in the revival of the Irish branch along with a number of others including myself. Specifically, the Irish branch is quite unique in that it covers the island of
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Ireland and therefore spans two sets of legislation. The branch has gone from strength to strength both in terms of numbers and importantly the promotion of the association. In recent years we have seen an increase in the number of training courses being held over here and also the organisation has become more active in both consultation and providing feedback with the relevant statutory authorities.
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You are a Health and Safety Specialist within Topaz, a leading fuel retailer in Ireland. What can you tell us about Topaz in terms of how it has grown in its brand and presence? Topaz was established in December 2005, and is now the largest convenience and fuels retailer in Ireland. We now operate 123 company operated service stations and supply fuel to a further 200 plus dealer sites. In addition we have two fuel storage terminals, and a home heat and commercial fuel distribution network spread across Ireland. Topaz originally started with the purchases of Shell Ireland and then two years later the acquisition of Statoil Ireland. Since its formation Topaz has striven to put Health and Safety as a core value of the organisation with a commitment to our HSE Vision. My own role is that of a Health & Safety specialist as part of a larger team under the guidance of our group HSE & Risk manager. Topaz’s commitment to HSE is considerable. That is why it was great to get the recognition by winning the APEA Health and Safety award in 2010. I guess you get to learn about accidents across the network. What would you say are the most frequent kind of incident? The most common accidents across the network involving people would be slips, trips, falls and manual handling incidents. However over the last number of years Topaz has undertaken a complete culture change program in their pursuit of Health and Safety best practice. We care about safety and believe that all injuries are preventable, and that anyone working on behalf of Topaz should experience zero harm. Our vision is to be industry leader in H&S management through a passionate 64
pursuit of sustained learning. We have established a set of Safety Principles, Zero Mind-set, No Repeats and a set of Non-Negotiable Standards. Can you describe the Irish fuel market as it is today in terms of the major players and biggest competitors? Apart from Topaz there are a number of other significant players in the Irish market including Tesco, Applegreen, Maxol and Esso. Topaz is currently the largest fuels and convenience retailer in Ireland. What would you say is the biggest challenge for the Irish retail fuel market at present? The Irish economy has been through some very challenging times and this was reflected heavily in the fuel market. It also faced the scourge of fuel laundering which cost the state hundreds of millions of euro every year. Thankfully we are now starting to see progress in both areas. There are now some green shoots of economic recovery and a new system of tracking and recording the movement of fuel along with tough enforcement which is helping to combat fuel laundering. This question is posed to every interviewee; how did you come into the downstream industry and what have you done in your career? When I was in college I started working part time in McDonald’s. I left college in the early 80’s and an opportunity to move into management in McDonald’s arose and I took it. I worked there until the early 90’s when I left to take up a position with a leisure company. Subsequently I left there to join a small independent oil company, Primo Oil. That is how I arrived downstream. After that Primo was purchased by Statoil Ireland and I worked in the retail operations side of the business until an opportunity arose for me to go back and study health and safety and move into this exciting new field. What would you say are the main difference between the UK and Irish markets? The UK market is much further developed than the Irish market,
particularly in terms of the legislation governing the downstream market. However I believe that there is a growing sense of optimism that this will change in the near future. One aspect I believe the Irish market is better developed in is the retail models used on forecourts. How far has the Irish market developed in the area of alternative fuels? At a national level Ireland is one of the leaders in wind and wave energy. There is a good national structure of electric charging points being rolled out. We are probably behind the UK in terms of the roll out of hydrogen fuel cell refuelling. What do you like and dislike in our industry? What I like most is the diversity across the industry. People are constantly trying to make improvements, be they technical equipment on the forecourt, changes to the retail offer or food offer. All bring with them new challenges to be faced and overcome. My greatest dislike has got to be the small number of operators that give our industry a bad name by the manner in which they run their businesses. OK, when you are not working, what do you do to relax and have you any pastimes you enjoy? Outside of my family and work my main interest is sport. I am a diehard supporter of Leinster Rugby and more locally in Irish Gaelic Football, the Dublin teams. And a final thought about your time ahead? As I said at the start I am honoured by the opportunity to take over as Chairman. I look forward to meeting as many of our members as possible at the various branch meeting during my time in office and engaging with other interested stakeholders in our industry. Killian it has been a pleasure and can I categorically state that I really enjoy coming to Ireland and look forward to my next visit there which will of course cost you a pint of Guinness!
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Ask The Experts
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My client is to construct a large barrel store where several 205 litre drums of petroleum spirit are to be stored. The store will have lighting and be accessed by fork lift trucks operating throughout the day and early evening. The trucks have Lithium Batteries. Can you advise what electrical safeguards are needed for the barrel store itself, what steps are necessary regarding these fork lift trucks and should I arrange for an assessment for Lightning Protection under BS 6651? There are a number of duties that the site owner needs to take into consideration and should all be part of their DSEAR risk assessment. The first thing to be sure of is whether the person carrying out the risk assessment is capable of doing so? In other words are they “Competent”? Of course under DSEAR the first question is do they need to use “petrol”? Can they not substitute it for another non flammable material? If they must store petrol, do they need such quantities? Can they operate the business with less storage? If they must store petrol in barrels, can this be done in the open outside or in a partially open area? Storing flammable materials indoors should be a last resort. If we assume that the only option is indoors, then every potential ignition source must be identified, ideally removed from the hazardous area or suitably explosion protected. Lightning is of course a source of ignition so a lightning risk assessment must be carried out as you would for any building structure, the results determining whether lightning protection is required. If it is then it must be installed in a particular fashion. All electrical items, systems and connections that then fall within the hazardous area of the store must be suitably Ex protected and installed and maintained by a suitably competent person. If a fork lift truck is used, again it could be a source of ignition simply due to the combustion engine it uses or as you suggest battery operated as that will feed the electrical system on the fork lift. Ex forklift trucks are available in the market for situations like this. 66
We also need to consider ignition sources from mechanical items, so will the brakes on the fork lift get so hot or spark that they could ignite petrol vapour? Of course one would hope the barrels are sealed to prevent loss of vapour but again this is down to type and construction of barrels. We also need to consider static electricity as a potential source of ignition so the material of the barrel and handling needs to be addressed plus clothing worn by operatives in the store. As you can see there is a lot to be considered and dealt with. Gareth Bourhill Gareth Bourhill Consulting Under what circumstances would the Dangerous Substances and Explosives Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) apply to a private domestic dwelling? DSEAR places duties onto employers and the self-employed and so will not normally apply to a private dwelling. If the householder runs a business from home and stores petrol – or any other dangerous substance – s/he will have to comply with DSEAR. Enforcement responsibility in this case lies with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – assuming the householder does not have a private petrol store and dispense fuel; there are a few of these licensed sites about the country. In this case DSEAR would certainly apply. However, for small amounts of fuel the requirements will be proportionate to the risk and a risk assessment and sensible precautions to prevent ignition when filling equipment should suffice. As a petroleum officer, I have been asked to advise on the keeping of small amounts of petrol by a landscape gardener. I advised them to keep small amounts – no more than 2 x 9 litre approved containers – in the brick built garage associated with the dwelling. DSEAR would not then apply and he would be treated the same as any other householder. The proposed Petroleum
Consolidation Regulations which are due to come into force in October 2014 do allow for up to 30 litres to be stored at domestic dwellings with tighter controls on amounts up to 275 litres. Further information about the changes will be published later in the year. Kim Bennett Senior Environmental Health Officer, Milton Keynes Council I have received a request to store up to 50 LPG cylinders on a forecourt in my area. What advice can you give me about how these cylinders should be stored as well as the safety features to look for? This is dependant on the size of cylinders being stored; the nominal quantity in a cylinder is the weight of gas stored in the cylinder after it has been filled. The process for filling LPG cylinders is comprehensive so should result in them leaving the depot having being inspected for integrity and lack of leaks. However cylinders that have been used may be returned with the valves not fully closed and therefore be a potential source of gas. The storage of cylinders is covered by UKLPG CoP7, which gives information including details on the types, quantity and separation distances. For retail storage, e.g. on forecourts, AND providing the nominal weight of the LPG does not exceed 400 kg then they may be kept in a small lockable wire cage in a safe place in the open air. Unless changed by a site specific risk assessment the cage should be no less than 1 metre from a boundary, building or potential ignition source and; • at least 2m from any building opening; • at least 3m from other flammable materials. The separation distance can be reduced if stored against a building wall then the area at least 2m on either side and up to 9 m above ground to be imperforate and of 30 minutes fire resistance construction. The distances are mainly to protect the cylinders from external factors and not to protect surrounding items from the cylinders.
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The layout of forecourts, and other liquid LPG dispensing systems, is covered by UKLPG Code of Practice 20. Richard Wigfull John Wigfull & Co Ltd I have some new underground tanks being installed on a site in my area. How many anchorage points should be specified? When a new tank is installed underground it is empty and is lowered onto a concrete base covered by pea shingle or sand. It is normal practice to then secure the tank to the concrete base to prevent: • lateral movement during back fill surround; or • upward flotation should water come into the excavation before the tank is fully installed The favoured way to install these
anchorage points is to pass the straps under the concrete base and then connect the holding straps to these using hooks and ratchets. The method of securing the tanks is important and webbing straps are commonly used to secure the tanks to the base; these do not damage the surface coating of the tanks and are rated according to their breaking strength (EN12195-2). For example a webbing strap tested to 10,000kg would very
Securing tanks using webbing straps
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Tanks strapped and ready for pea shingle surround
adequately deal with a 10,000 litre tank. Therefore the advice for a 50,000 litre tank would be to use 5 such straps and fixings. Pea shingle on concrete base with straps already installed
Preparing for concrete with straps under the base
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Jamie Thompson Chairman Technical Committee I have received a set of plans for a brand new petrol filling station for an out-of-town development area. What should I initially be looking for? Prior to commencing any works and subject to the local planning authority’s
consent, a health, safety and environmental assessment should have been undertaken by the developer that should include; 1. The nature, location and depth of any waste disposal (landfill) and land contamination. 2. Any underground water courses, aquifers, culverts, pipelines or mine workings. 3. Any cuttings or tunnels and any basements or cellars directly beneath or adjacent to the proposed site. 4. Any surface or ground water and their distances from the site. 5. Protected Environmental Areas, for example, of a site of specific interest such as conservation areas, water source protection zones, etc.
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Southern The Southern Branch held their AGM and winter Meeting on Thursday 30th January 2014 at Deanwood Park Golf Club and presented an informative list of speakers which attracted 40 members. The AGM was held and a new Chairman, Doreen Pooley, was elected. With the formalities of the AGM completed Doreen introduced the first speaker of the day, Dr. Jenny Clucas from Cogent Sector Skills Council. Jenny introduced the meeting to the new Petroleum Drivers Passport with a review of its origins from the Downstream Oil Distribution Forum and the aims to improve and standardise Health and Safety as well as driving standards up for the industry. The Training and Certification program has taken 3 years to develop with the first drivers getting their passports in January this year and has involved all stake holders in the process to ensure universal adoption. The training has a minimum standard but this can be exceeded by applying organisations. The standard will be reviewed for the 3 years. It is anticipated that all drivers should have qualified for their passports during 2014 with it mandated for 2015 after which renewal will be in
taken to avoid danger from falling cables, the possibility of stray currents in the metalwork and the possibility of direct contact by delivery personnel using dipsticks on tops of Tankers. The nature of the previous uses of the land being developed should also be identified and assessed, including where necessary a soil vapour survey. Brian Baker Consultant When planning a site, what consideration should there be for vehicle movements? The site layout has to be designed bearing in mind the required vehicle routes around the forecourt for customers using the site facilities and for vehicles making deliveries (both wet and dry). Particular attention should be paid to the siting of parking areas which are normally pre-set by the planning authority.
Also, attention to car valeting and car wash facilities and delivery unloading areas relative to each other and to the main vehicle flows on and off the site through the fuel forecourt. The layout should aim to avoid route conflicts and should be enhanced if necessary by the provision of extended sight lines, speed restrictions and appropriate signs and markings. Where more than one vehicle may deliver fuel to the site at the same time provision has to be made for the simultaneous safe emergency exit of both vehicles. Unloading locations for the two vehicles have to be adequately separated to ensure that an incident on one does not affect the safe operation of the other and should be reflected in the risk assessment. Brian Baker Consultant
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You can use the Environment Agency’s web site that covers England and Wales at http://apps.environmentagency.gov.uk/wiyby/default.aspx. or go to a search engine and enter ‘environment agency my backyard’ which should take you to this page and which you can navigate and see the geology for the area concerned where a proposed petrol filling station is to be sited. Wherever possible, the filling station should be so arranged that there are no overhead conductors (electricity or telephone lines etc), which at their maximum horizontal swing pass within 3 metres of a vertical projection upwards from the perimeter of the hazardous areas (i.e. vent pipes, dispensers and tanker stands). Exceptionally, and only with agreement with all relevant authorities, the site MAY be located beneath suspended overhead lines PROVIDED that precautions are
Dr. Jenny Clucas from Cogent Sector Skills Council.
Kevin Newton of DHL speaking on Systems and Solutions in Petroleum Distribution
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the license for up to 10 years. The container storage aspects prompted extensive discussion during the meeting. Final presentation was from Simon Deacon of the Environment Agency. Unfortunately he was unable to attend but his presentation gave an update of the Above Ground versus Below Ground Storage: Joint EA-EI Project. The new Southern Branch Chairman thanked all speakers and delegates and advised them that our next meeting would be 22nd May 2014 and would be held at the Bluebell Railway in East Sussex. Kevin Newton of DHL speaking on Systems and Solutions in Petroleum Distribution
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line with the drivers ADR certification. The main point of check whether the driver is qualified to drive a petroleum distribution tanker will be the loading terminal but the driver should always carry the photo ID passport with him. The presentation made by Jenny was well received and prompted some discussion of a positive nature. The second speaker continued the delivery theme with a presentation by Kevin Newton of DHL on Systems and Solutions in Petroleum Distribution which focused on DHL’s procedures as they handle fuel logistics solutions for Morrison’s. The main focus of the presentation was on the use of real time data to manage a complex operation ensuring their customer’s key target of total availability is met. Kevin explained not only the fuel logistics aspect of their operation but also the safety management and vehicle management processes. These included real time camera recordings of the tanker entering stations enabling dynamic risk assessment to be generated with real time information. The presentation was highly informative and demonstrated that managing the supply line of fuel to a station is a complex process but that it can be effectively managed for efficiency and safety using real time data management with good human control. The next activity was a new idea for Southern Branch with the concept to have an open forum discussions of regulatory issues that are imposed on our industry but not directly implemented. The regulation under consideration was 70
ROHS2 Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment. The discussion covered Lead vs. Plastic seals, and how exclusions and exceptions add to the confusions and complexity of the fringe regulations affecting the industry. Ray Blake gave a brief review in the Enforcers update which covered progress of Hydrogen Fuels, which will be covered in a special Southern Branch Meeting in September. Ray also gave the latest on the issue of foam filling of tanks. Ray’s second presentation of the day covered “Petroleum – Legal Framework”. Ray went through the new proposals with what does and doesn’t change in the proposals including Enforcement, DSEAR and HSWA. New licenses are to be phased in from 30th September as existing licenses become due. Also those licensees can pre-purchase
APEA Southern Branch Late Spring Meeting. APEA Southern Branch is pleased to announce the details of our Late Spring meeting which will take place on Thursday 22nd May at the Bluebell Railway. The program is as follows:10.00 – 10.25 Arrival/coffee 10.25 – 10.30 Address by Doreen Pooley, Southern Branch Chairman 10.30 – 11.05 When Refurbishment goes off the rails – Implications of modifying Dispensers on and off site, speakers from SIRA 11.05 – 11.40 Central Vacuum System as an Alternative VR Stage II upgrade Solution – Bora Filipovic, OPW
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11.40 – 12.15 Managing the process of checking fuel quality against specification – Jerry Burton Tesco 12.15 – 12.30 Enforcers update – Ray Blake 1.00 – 2.54 Board the train for return trip to East Grinstead with lunch served on the train. We feel the speakers will provide an interesting mix of topics of interest to members and urge people to book early as we have only limited places available. Please contact Southern Branch Secretary Paul Reyner at paulreyner@btconnect.com to book your place or get more information. Paul Reyner Branch Secretary 72
Ireland The Irish Branch Held its AGM on the 19th November in the Pillo Hotel, Ashbourne and the branch chairman Tom Daly gave a welcoming address to the members present and thanked the outgoing committee for their work throughout the year. He also gave a brief synopsis of the work carried out by the branch committee throughout the year which included the ongoing problem of illegal diesel retailing sites, meetings with the government department and update on the status of the regulations. The election of officers took place and all of the outgoing committee were re-elected along with 3 new committee members. There is now a very vibrant and active branch committee which is reflective of all the stakeholders in the industry. The day then continued until 4pm revolving around a buffet lunch and standing tea and coffees with topical presentation. The theme of the day was to
inform industry attendees of current and on-going issues within the industry and offer a networking opportunity to people that may not meet on a day to day basis. The first speaker of the day was Paul Curran of the NSAI who gave a thorough and informative talk on metrology, The second topic of the day was given by Peter Heffernan. He covered the topics of Health and Safety in construction from the perspective of the client. After lunch the third speaker of the day was Steve McGarry from the Health and Safety Authority. Steve gave a great insight into the forthcoming wet-stock guidance document. This new guidance has now been issued by the Authority and is available on their website. Eamonn Leahy of Leahy and Company Accountants gave a light hearted and very positive presentation on compliance and how compliance applies to not only petrol retailers but many other businesses. Our last speaker was Mr Donnchadh Breathnach from the Revenue Commissioners. He gave an excellent and very clear speech on the Mineral Oil Traders Licence which was introduced in 2013 and gave an update on how the new requirements were working. He also gave a very welcome explanation of all the revenue efforts being made to eradicate the problem of illegal laundered diesel in Ireland. The issue of on-going enforcement was discussed at length and well received. Finally Donnchadh took a Q & A session from the delegates and comprehensively addressed all queries and concerns from the floor. The committee wish to thank all speakers and attendees of the AGM. The event was attended by over 50 people which is a large percentage of the membership. The first Branch committee meeting of this year was held on the 2nd February in the Huntsman Inn, North County Dublin. The Topics of interest discussed included: • The Moratorium extensions for S.I. 311. • Any moratorium should include steps towards regulation update.
APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
Fax: 0191 224 0707 email: Mike@silmon.co.uk
• Regulations, suppliers, retailers, oil companies all want change.
North West David Clement - Rep James Hall and Co Ltd Spar Distribution Centre Bowland View Preston PR2 5QT Tel: 01772 706666 ext 2561 Mobile: 07917-834079 email: Dave.clements@jameshall.co.uk
• Five years since publication of the Arup Report. • UK has updated their Regs 2 or 3 times since Ireland started this review. Thomas Daly Branch Representative
Geoff Oldham - Sec Suresite Group Ltd 5D Millennium City Park Barnfield Way, Ribbleton Preston Lancashire PR2 5DB Tel: 01772 790901 Mobile: 07831 490352 Fax: 01772 790902 email: jgo@suresite.co.uk
North West Nothing to report. North East Nothing to report. Midlands Nothing to report. Scotland Nothing to report.
Midlands Rob Tunnicliff - Rep 37 Victoria Park Road Tunstall Stoke on Trent ST6 6DX Tel: 07909 141232 email: rob.tunnicliff@stoke.gov.uk
Yorkshire & Humberside Nothing to report.
Branch Representative and Secretary Contact Details Eastern Alex Boudry - Rep Franklin Fueling Systems Limited Olympus Close Whitehouse Industrial Estate Ipswich Suffolk IP1 5LN Tel: +44 (0)1473 243 322/ Mob: +44 (0) 7825 798 953 email: Boudry@franklinfueling.com
Graham Adcock - Sec Adcock Associates Falstaff House Birmingham Road Stratford upon Avon CV37 0AA Tel: 01789 414202 Fax: 01789 267741 email: enquiries@adcockassociates.co.uk
Anton Martiniussen - Sec ELAFLEX Ltd Riverside House Hoddesdon Herts EN11 0PA Tel: 01992 452 950 Mob: 07831 595620 email: elaflex@aol.com
Southern Philip Monger - Rep Petrol Retailers Association Meadowside West End Sherbourne St John Basingstoke Hants RG24 9LE Tel: 01256 850164 Fax: 01256 851273 email: phil.psac@gmail.com
North East Mike Silmon - Rep and Sec W O Silmon Ltd Industry Road, Heaton Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne & Wear NE6 5XB Tel: 0191 224 0777
Paul Reyner - Sec 25 Ayebridges Avenue Egham Surrey TW20 8HR Tel: 01784462388/07785367113 paulreyner@btconnect.com
Scotland Ian Hillier - Rep 26 Melrose Avenue Balgonie Estate Paisley PA2 9JA Tel: 01505 352004 email: i.hillier@ntlworld.com Paul Devine - Sec South Lanarkshire Council Consumer and Trading Standards North Stand Cadzow Avenue Hamilton ML3 0LU Tel: 01698 476170 Fax: 01698 476180 Mobile: 07795 090903 email: paul.devine@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Ireland Thomas Daly - Chairman and Branch Rep Dublin Fire Brigade HQ, 165-169 Townsend Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: 00 353 (0)1 673 4059 email: thomas.daly@dublincity.ie
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• Employment will be created by updated regulation.
Ronnie McArdle - Sec McArdle Doyle Limited Shanard House Ardpatrick Louth Village, Dundalk County Louth Ireland Tel No: 00353 42 9384792 Fax No: 00353 42 9384792 email: mail@mcardle-doyle.ie Yorkshire & Humberside Craig Brocklehurst - Rep Brulines Fuel Solutions The Former Post Office Station Road Sowerby Bridge Halifax West Yorkshire HX6 3AA Tel: 07703336264 email: Craig.brocklehurst@vianetfs.com Terry Guthrie - Sec South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue The Lifewise Centre Kea Park Close Hellaby Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S66 8LB Tel: 0114 2532592 email: tguthrie@syfire.gov.uk
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Delegates who attended the 3 day Construction and Environmental Protection, Audit and Inspection course in Solihull in March
TRAINING Delegates from Bapco who attended the 3 day Construction and Environmental Protection, Audit and Inspection, Wet Stock Management and Electrical Installations courses in Bahrain
Delegates from the recent DSEAR training course held at LCM Environmental Ltd
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APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
2014 Training Course Dates 3 Day Combined Petrol Filling Stations – Construction, Audit and Inspection Course 17 - 19 June
Radisson Hotel Stansted Airport, Essex
15 - 17 Sept
Manchester Airport
Electrical Installations - An Awareness 5 June
Glasgow
3 Sept
Manchester Airport
DSEAR 16 June
Glasgow
29 Sept
Manchester Airport
Petrol Filling Stations - Enforcement Procedures An Awareness 2 June
Glasgow
9 Sept
Manchester Airport
Petrol Filling Stations - Vapour Recovery Installations
LPG Awareness 18 June
Glasgow
17 Sept
Manchester Airport
24 June
Ipswich
Leak and Incident Investigation
Wetstock Management 17 June
Glasgow
26 June
Glasgow
16 Sept
Manchester Airport
11 Sept
Manchester Airport
23 Sept
Luton
25 June
Glasgow
30 Sept
Manchester Airport
10 Sept
Manchester Airport
Course Fees (all plus vat) APEA Member Non member 3 day course with accommodation £1020.00 £1120.00 3 day, day delegate rate £810.00 £910.00 1 day course £260.00 £310.00 More information and booking details on the ‘Training’ page at www.apea.org.uk Anyone booking a training course that is not an APEA member will automatically receive complimentary “Individual” membership to the APEA until 31st December 2014. Bespoke courses can also be arranged for companies, which enables members to receive training at a discounted rate and at a time and location suitable to them. If you are interested in hosting a bespoke course for your company please contact Jane Mardell, the APEA Business Manger at admin@apea.org.uk.
Courses will be designed around the (3rd edition) Blue Book Guidance for the Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations (June 2011). You can purchase a copy directly from the Publications page of the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk, log on to the website first to benefit from the APEA member discount. APEA members can purchase a hard copy at the discounted rate of £70 (non member rate £140). A PDF download from the APEA web site www.apea.org.uk can be purchased with a licence for individual use only by members for £70.00 plus vat or by non members for £140.00 plus vat. It is strongly recommended that attendees have access to this document during courses. All courses can be booked online at www.apea.org.uk on the ‘Training’ page. For details of this and any other training enquiry, please contact: Jane Mardell - APEA Business Manager, email: admin@apea.org.uk, Tel: + 44 (0) 845 603 5507 or Brian Baker, Brian Baker & Associates, Fire and Petroleum Safety Services Tel: +44 (0) 07798 765958 email: bakerb4@sky.com APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507 www.apea.org.uk
75
TRAINING
Petroleum Officers Workshop
Explosives and Fireworks