The Bulletin Magazine - June 2008

The Bulletin

Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

50th Anniversary 1958 - 2008

June 2008

Editorial

Contents Regulars

Brian Baker Editor

Chairman’s Report

4

Editor’s Report

4

52 Milton Grove Bletchley Milton Keynes

New APEA Members

5

MK3 5BH

Business Manager’s Report

7

tel:

+44 (0) 1908 252332

fax:

+44 (0) 1908 252319

mob:

+44 (0) 7932 785166

News

8

e-mail: brian.baker@miltonkeynes.gov.uk

Press Releases

27 Jamie Thompson Publishing Chairman

Articles

70 Wangford Road

E & S host major technical seminar - Microbial Contamination of Fuels & Stage 2 VR Testing

31

CDM Principal Contractors Awards, 7th February 2008

32

APEA 2008 Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner

37

Reydon Southwold Suffolk IP18 6NX Tel/fax: +44 (0) 1502 722999

Interview with Ray Blake, London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority

40

Encore 500G - Dispensing More Than Just Fuel

45

History of Petrol Filling Stations Part 6

49

APEA attend Petroforum 2008 in Oman

57

Mobile: +44 (0) 7770 625851 email: jamiethompson@ukonline.co.uk

Jane Mardell Business Manager (including Bulletin Advertising and Production) PO Box 106

Branches

Saffron Walden Branch reports

58

Essex CB11 3XT United Kingdom Tel/fax: +44 (0) 845 603 5507

Training

Mobile: +44 (0) 7815 055514 2008 course dates and booking details

66

email:

admin@apea.org.uk

Front Cover - Filling station in Qatar Published by the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration A company Limited by Guarantee registered in England No. 2261600 Opinions expressed in this Journal are not necessarily the views of the Association.

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Chairman’s Report It’s fairly quiet at APEA Headquarters at this time of year, with all the usual activities running as smoothly as a well oiled automobile. At our recent national council meeting your representatives made progress on a number of important issues including the future of the dormant branches, the future direction of the association, training and other services and their extension outside of the UK. We will feed back to you in due course.

Of course the organisation of APEA 2008 and in particular the Conference and Industry Awards are occupying a significant amount of my time, but I believe it is time well spent and I am particularly satisfied with the introduction of the awards programme.

This year you will notice a few changes to the competition rules and the addition of a sixth award sponsored by the APEA to recognise the work of small enterprises, namely businesses with less than 10 employees. The awards programme is now officially launched so please read the advert in this issue for more details.

With our desire to extend membership internationally, we have been pleased to host two delegations in

Editor’s Report We are already nearly half way through our 50th year in existence and we are seeing some excellent Branch Meetings to celebrate the milestone currently being arranged. The Branch News section conveys these details but it goes to show that at grass root level we are as strong as ever and our small dedicated band of Branch Officials are doing a wonderful job with some really imaginative ideas. Me, I would like to go to all of them if I get the chance. In fact, I can see no reason why any of us cannot go and visit another Branch.

Contact details of all Branch Secretaries are in the Yearbook, on the web site or from Jane.

Momentum builds for the special 50th Anniversary Conference and Exhibition as we return to Telford again this year.

Last year’s event grew from the year before and Downstream Events are working hard to produce a similar result.

You will find details of the event elsewhere in this issue and I hope it is understood that we try and provide a balance from all sections of our membership, making sure that we all 4

recent months; and progress from South Africa and Japan. Several of our members made themselves available to take part in workshop sessions and open discussions when they presented on current UK and Euro standards, latest technologies and design concepts covering general forecourt design and specifically VR stage I and II. The delegations comprised H&S regulators from Japan; and South African MOC engineers. This is a very good example of how the APEA can act as a facilitator for knowledge transfer and networking between product, service and solution providers within the global market place, for the greater good of improving standards. My thanks to those members who gave up their time and also to the Energy Institute and IPEICA (The International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association) for providing meeting venues and providing hospitality.

My report would not be complete without a reference to our 50th anniversary celebrations and whilst we will make the most noise about this on October 23rd, I would encourage all those active members at branch level to find out what your committee has arranged at local level to mark the

occasion. It is likely to be something a little different from the usual meeting format and I am sure will be well worth attending. I know that one branch has arranged their meeting at the factory of an Indian car manufacturer (Tata Motors).

Finally, as petrol prices move beyond £5 / gallon (50th anniversary terminology), refinery closures remind us of the fragility of the oil supply chain, and concerns over the true long term benefits and feasibility of biofuel products remain unanswered, I see the role of all our members being even more important than at any time in the last 50 years.

get something from the experience. I would like to especially recommend attendance from those from the public sector and I more than anyone realises it is harder and harder to justify time away at a Conference. This is not any old conference because we offer a training element known as “Continued Professional Development” that carries a number of hour’s accreditation to the individual. So please you Regulatory Guys, have a word with the boss and convince them what a worthwhile exercise it is attending the APEA Conference. You can also learn so much from our Exhibitors who usually have their experts in attendance who are willing to share their knowledge and technology with anyone who wants to listen. I have to admit, some of my own knowledge and understanding has come this way over many years.

We at council are not letting the year slip by without passing something back to our loyal members. All male members will receive a new corporate complimentary APEA tie in the coming weeks. This was democratically chosen by your Council from several designs but in any event, I hope you find it attractive enough to display your

membership. As for our lady members we are looking at a type of scarf and here I am relying on Jane in terms of fashion, taste and appearance. If it were left to me then potential disaster could ensue!

The issue of incidents continues to portray itself in many guises. On my own patch I had a near miss when a “drunk-driver” lost control of his vehicle on a dual carriageway and left the lane he was driving in at 60 mph, crossed the central reservation missing two lanes of fast on-coming traffic, careered across a Texaco branded forecourt before smashing into a set of Euro-line Multi

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

New APEA Members product Dispensers before coming to rest.

Two passengers in a parked vehicle next to the dispensing island were injured and so to was the drunk driver.

Fortunately the support column to the canopy took much of the force but the angle check valve at the base of the dispensers operated, the site was immediately electrically isolated, the site evacuated and the emergency services called.

Many would say- so what? Well too often we complain when things do not go right and readily pinpoint matters of concern. On this occasion I have nothing but praise for the site staff. All the effort that went into training came to bear to produce the right rapid response. Sadly three people were injured and damage was done but putting things in perspective, what we had planned for worked with injuries and damages at a minimum. The site

operator is aware of my plaudits. As for the driver, well he is looking at criminal charges and must account for damages of in excess of £30,000. I am sure the English legal system will accommodate the gentleman concerned.

You may also have noticed that our training service continues to draw great support and with a new course being launched in September on Enforcement Procedures and the prospect of a new one day course on Vapour Recovery, we seem set for a continuing trend making membership both important and beneficial. By the time you have read this the training team would have travelled all over the UK and probably have been in talks with a few countries outside it!

Fuel Prices continue at record levels and much unrest follows this as the UK is experiencing some of the highest prices anywhere in the world. This cannot help our industry and I cannot

help but feel more businesses may close as a result. Even the big operators are feeling the pinch with job losses occurring inside one major international oil company this year. Makes me wonder where it will end as alternative fuels seem eons away with only “dabbling” taking place.

You will see the usual reports and features in this issue as my own footprint extends into my 6th issue however I am always open to suggestions for articles so feel free to contact me at anytime.

We are now in our Summer, the English way of life kicks in with cricket, gardening, warm summer evenings and strolls and maybe the odd drink or two.

Now where did I put my glass down?

APEA New Members

James Owen

John Widera

38 Grange Close

Green Energy Homes Limited

Horam

32 Hall Royd Walk

Heathfield

Silkstone Common

East Sussex TN21 0EE

Barnsley

Detailed below are new members that have recently joined the APEA during January, February and March 2008.

Best Wishes until next time Brian

South Yorkshire S75 4RQ January

Jonathan Howell Atkins Defence Asset Management

Natalie Bennett

Roger Wyatt

Building F53, RAF Spadeadam

86 Llys Rhufain

Roger Wyatt Consulting

Gildsland

Caersws

4 The Oval

Brampton

Powys SY17 5HY

Frampton-on-Severn

Cumbria CA8 7AT Gerry Dunne

Gloucester GL2 7HQ Alan Holland Stuart McHugh

Atkins Defence Asset Management

NICEIC Group Ltd

9 Woodside Hill Close

Warwick House

Horsforth

Houghton Hall Park

Leeds

Houghton Regis

West Yorkshire LS18 4HW

Dunstable LU5 5ZX

Hilltop Gurteen Rosenallis Co. Laois Laois Ireland Paul Garrad

Vince McGuire

Brunel & Gordano Training

Matthew Lloyd

AIRVENDING LTD t/a AIR-serv

22 Dragon Court

Wynforddesign Ltd

Unit 11 Woking Business Park

Crofts End Road

70 Vale Street

Albert Drive, Sheerwater

Bristol BS5 7XX

Denbigh LL16 3BW

Woking Surrey GU21 5JY

Justin Maltby-Smith

Phil Robinson CSG UK plc

NICEIC Group Ltd

Kieran Cloonan

Charter House

Warwick House

Tedcastles Oil Products

Unit A9 Barton Industrial Estate

Houghton Hall Park

Promenade Road

Faldo Road

Houghton Regis

Dublin 3

Barton Le Clay

Dunstable LU5 5ZX

Ireland

Bedfordshire MK45 4RP

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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New APEA Members Thanassis Babatsikosb BP Hellas SA 26 Kifisias Ave & 2 Paradisou Street Marousi Athens 15125 Greece

Sara-Jane Schofield Swan Environmental Services Ltd 4 Park Close Ryhill Wakefield West Yorkshire WF4 2QX

Dane Mulhall CSG UK plc Charter House Unit A9 Barton Industrial Estate, Faldo Road Barton Le Clay Bedfordshire MK45 4RP

Barry Doul Fire Safety First 14 Great Hayles Road Whitchurch Bristol BS14 0SW

Andrew Nicol Technical Testing Services Ltd The Orchard, 6a Heol West Plas Litchard Bridgend Wales CF31 1PA Stephen Staunton Interserve (Defence) Ltd Building 7 RAF Benson Wallingford Oxfordshire OX10 6AA John Bruce David McLean Contractors Ltd 28 Parkway Deesside Industrial Park, Deeside Deeside Flintshire CH5 2NS Alexander Clark Acetech Security Ltd 44 Holland Road Little Clacton Clacton On Sea Essex CO16 9RS February George Papadopolous Bovis Lend Lease Ltd Aigialeias 52 Amarousion 151 25 Greece Jennifer Page Allianz Engineering Haslemere Road Liphook Hampshire GU30 7AL Mike Booker AKSWard One West Smithfield 3rd Floor London EC1A 9JU 6

Roger Wilton Fire Industry Association Thames House, 29 Thames St Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT1 1PH Karen Ferman Caradon District Council Environmental Services Luxstowe House Liskeard Cornwall PL14 3DZ

March Ian Johnston Wilby Ltd Gordon House, Charles Street Halifax West Yorkshire HX1 1NA Mark O'Nions West Midlands Fire Service Coventry Fire Safety Centre Radford Road Coventry CV1 4EL Gordon Woolsey Scotch Street Filling Station 106 Moy Road Portadown Armagh BT62 1QP Kevin O'Brien Fitsafe Technologies Waverley Business Centre Suite 13 & 14, 21-23 Ariston Road Glen Waverley 3150 Australia

Sean Mulrooney Anokato Ltd Dublin Road Roscrea Tipperary Ireland

Les James Custodial Property Room 401, Abell House John Islip street London SW1P 4LH

Terry Britton 321 High Street Eastleigh Hants SO50 5NE

Doug Forbes 3 Common Wood St Johns Road Matlock Bath Derbyshire DE4 3PR

Russell Bundy Johnson Controls 263 Botley Road Sholing Southampton Hampshire SO19 0NL

Steve Ratcliff Ratcliff Lindsay Design & Management Ltd (RLDM Architects Ltd) 26 South Villas London NW1 9BT

Duncan Amos LP Gas UK Ltd New Quay Road Felnex Trading Estate Newport NP19 4PL David James Henry D H Marine(Shetland) Ltd 24 Gremista Industrial Estate Lerwick Shetland ZE1 0PX Mike Brenchley 4 The Yarde Bourne Lincolnshire PE10 0QY

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

David Dawes Johnson Matthey plc Emission Control Technologies Orchard Road Royston, Herts SG8 5HE Duncan Curry Johnson Matthey plc Emission Control Technologies Orchard Road Royston Herts SG8 5HE Tony Green Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council C/O Tees Valley Measurement Cannon Street Middlesborough TS1 5JL

Business Manager’s Report The last few months have been very busy compiling the 2009 Yearbook and this issue of the Bulletin.

Arrangements are also well under way too for APEA 2008, brief details of which can be found below and in this issue of the Bulletin on page 37. It looks to be a very exciting event.

Bulletin Thank you to all of you that have contributed to this issue of The Bulletin.

Please send me any news items, press releases or articles for the September 2008 issue and I will pass them onto our Editor for approval.

We are always pleased to receive contributions from our members and it ensures that the Bulletin remains and interesting and informative read.

2009 Yearbook Bulletin Advertising Thanks to all of you that returned your Registration forms for the 2009 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 will be sending all Yearbooks by Royal Mail recorded delivery and by courier so that we can follow up any non deliveries.

2008 AGM, Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner Following the success of APEA 2007 we will be repeating the format for APEA 2008.

It brings together equipment suppliers, service providers, oil companies, independent retailers, supermarkets and regulators for a day of conference debate, new technology and product display, networking and industry recognition.

APEA 2008 takes place on 23rd October at the Telford International Centre in the UK. The event takes place in a dedicated conference and function centre, boasting top class facilities and onsite hotels. The Telford International Centre is a half hour drive from Birmingham.

Anyone wishing to book for the Conference, Exhibition or Awards Dinner should contact Annabel, Emma or Fiona from Downstream Events at info@downstream-events.com or on +44 (0) 208 932 4505.

If you would like to enter any of the awards 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.

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.

Thanks to all of you that renewed your advertising for the 2008 issues of the Bulletin and thanks to new advertisers too.

Remember that if you book in all four issues you receive a 25% discount and we are able to offer discounts for those of you that wish to book for more than one issue but less than four issues too.

You will also receive a 50% discount on Yearbook advertising too for the 2008 issue.

The advertising rates remain unchanged for 2008 and are listed on our website on the ‘Publications’ page at www.apea.org.uk If you would like to book advertising in the Bulletin for 2008, please call me on 0845 603 5507 or email me at admin@apea.org.uk for a booking form.

If you are interested in hosting a bespoke course for your company please do not hesitate to contact me.

We can offer discounted rates for these courses if you are able to provide a venue and catering.

Thanks go out to all our trainers who often travel long distances to provide their valuable services.

You can book online from the Training page on the APEA website or you can download a booking form from our website training page, just click on the course you are interested in and the course details and form are displayed or please contact me by email or by phone and I can email you a copy.

New Members There have been 43 new members joining during January, February and March and details can be found on page 5.

Publications Website The Blue Book is available at the discounted rate of £40 to APEA members.

If you wish to purchase a copy please contact me on 0845 603 5507 and I will be able to provide you with details on obtaining a copy.

We also publish the Code of Practice for Ground floor, multi storey and underground car parks. This can be purchased directly from our website or by calling me at the office.

APEA Members £10.00 plus p+p Non APEA Members £20.00 plus p+p Training Thanks to all of you that have booked on the APEA training courses, the last few months have been busy with bookings.

The 2008 dates are detailed on page 66 of this issue of the Bulletin and are also on the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk where you can book online or download a booking form.

I am arranging bespoke courses for various companies which enables members to receive training at a discounted rate and at a time and location suitable to them.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

The website continues to be a useful site for information and to make online bookings and payments. I am glad so many of you are using it.

If you wish to contribute anything to the site please feel free to log on and go to the APEA Resource Centre where you can submit your article for approval.

There is a ‘Help’ pull down menu if you need some assistance. If you need any assistance please do not hesitate to contact me.

You can also use the website to change your contact details, just logon and you will be able to access your record. If you cannot remember your logon details please contact me.

General Assistance Finally if any of you need any assistance with general or technical matters, please do not hesitate to contact me on 0845 603 5507 and I will endeavour to help.

Jane 7

News

UK, Hereford. Road re-opens after fuel tanker accident Jan 2008 - The A438 was re-opened following an accident between a car and a tanker carrying kerosene. Emergency services were called to the A438, close to the Malt House at Winforton, at around 1pm on January 24th after a Leyland Daf tanker and yellow Peugeot 306 were in collision.

Neil Tipton, for the police, said paramedics were on the scene and a female driver had been taken to hospital. He said her injuries were not thought to be serious. Kerosene was pumped into another tanker before the Leyland Daf tanker could be recovered.

The road was re-opened at around 1.50pm.

UK, Shell oil products earnings up

Shell Oil Products segment earnings were $10,439 million compared to $7,125 million in 2006. Shell marketing earnings increased when compared to 2006 due to higher retail, B2B and lubricant earnings.

Marketing sales volumes declined 1.1% when compared to volumes in 2006. Excluding the impact of divestments, volumes were 1.1% higher than in 2006, mainly because of higher retail sales.

However the big news in its annual returns this week is the net income of record 21bn net income for a European company.

In Manufacturing, the industry refining margins, when compared to the same period a year ago, were higher in the US Gulf Coast, Europe and eastern hemisphere, while industry margins in the US West Coast declined. Full year refinery availability was 91% compared to 92% in 2006.

UK, Hemel Hempstead. Oil spill causes traffic chaos

Feb 2008 - A blunder at a garage in Hemel Hempstead caused traffic gridlock for motorists making their way home on February 11th.

Workers at Five Star Repairs in St 8

Albans Hill accidentally knocked over a large container of kerosene which quickly swamped the nearby road.

Herfordshire Fire and Rescue Service crew commander Dave Humphreys said: "They had a portacabin that they no longer had use for and they were trying to pull it down and in doing so they knocked over a large kerosene container. It was in the region of 150 gallons but we are not sure how much was in it. It spread and went into the workshop, down the side of the building and into the road."

Police were called in to shut off part of the road at the junction with Lawn Lane and Belswains Lane at around 5.50pm, while workers from Hertfordshire Highways cleared the oil.

Firefighters, who were first on the scene, blocked nearby drains to prevent the kerosene from entering the drainage system and helped spread sand to soak up the liquid. The clean up operation took around an hour-and-a-half.

UK, Probe into arson attacks at fuel station

Jan 2008 - Police have launched door-to-door inquiries after arsonists forced a petrol station to temporarily close its doors. The Esso filling station on London Road suffered two suspected arson attacks in January.

Fire crews and police were called out to two rubbish fires at the site in the space of a few hours. The first fire, which was near the main kiosk building, was put out by crews using a high pressure reel at 1.15am. A second fire was started almost two-and-a-half hours after the first and was more serious.

A rubbish bin was placed against the kiosk and when it caught fire, thick smoke entered the building through vents in the wall.

A member of staff working in the kiosk managed to get out before police and firefighters arrived. Two firefighters wearing breathing equipment put the second blaze out but it had already caused damage to the outside of the kiosk.

Police have been checking CCTV footage and carrying out door-to-door inquiries in the area. A police spokesman said: "Police are keen to find the person who started the fires and we are asking members of the public to contact us if they know who is responsible."

Local councillor Dave Dixon (Lib Dem, Walcot) said that starting a fire in a petrol station amounted to a form of

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

terrorism. He said: "Starting a fire at the petrol station is so dangerous. "I am very shocked that someone would do that, especially in a built-up area like this. "The outcome could have been catastrophic. So many lives could have been taken. They not only endangered their own lives but other people's too."

An Avon Fire and Rescue spokesman said: "We always say there is a risk when setting fire to anything, no matter how small. Petrol stations in particular are a very big risk and mindless starting of a fire near petrol tanks can be catastrophic so people really should think before they act."

An Esso spokesman said the firm was sorry for any inconvenience caused during the closure, but as soon as checks had been made and the building was safe, it would reopen the station.

UK, Supermarkets 'lead the way in bringing petrol prices down'

Supermarkets are leading the way when it comes to bringing the cost of petrol down but there are concerns that they are driving smaller outlets out of business.

Experts expect supermarkets to take advantage of slightly lower wholesale prices and cut prices at the pumps. But the Association of British Drivers said that it is concerned supermarkets will have a monopoly on cheap fuel, which could be bad news for those who do live near a Morrison´s or an Asda.

Spokesman Nigel Humphries said: "They are driving petrol stations out of business as they have driven every other shop out of business. "[This] is all very well until you are running out of fuel and cannot find a supermarket petrol station."

He also called on ministers to freeze fuel tax so that the true cost of fuel to the British motorist, who is already paying car insurance, is not masked.

The Treasury is planning a rise of 2p a litre this October and another increase of 1.84p in April 2009.

UK, South Wales.

Agency sees red after diesel spill

Jan 2008 - Environment Agency officials are investigating after

News thousands of litres of diesel turned a river blood red – just as it was recovering from the last noxious spillage.

Children playing in the waters of the Nant Myddlyn at Llantwit Fardre last week were urged to wash thoroughly after complaining of skin irritations, and officials called in pollution specialists.

One neighbour, Martin Chick, said: “Large quantities of red diesel began to flow down the river turning it red all the way through heavily populated areas of housing at Chandlers Reach and Rowan Gardens. Children, unaware of the pollution, have been playing in the river then complaining of irritable skin and were told to wash straight away.

Contractors pumped about 3,000 litres out of the stream but that only had a minor effect as it was still bright red which will clearly have an impact on wildlife, particularly as it runs through sites of specialist wildlife interest. As part of the River Clun, it’s only just recovering from the last pollution incident – and residents are now suffering again with the smell of diesel.”

Environment Agency Wales officials confirmed several thousand litres of red diesel entered the Nant Myddlyn, a tributary of the Clun, near Llantrisant and “officers traced the source of the problem, and it is not ongoing.” The spokesman continued: “Booms were put in place at several locations and a specialist contractor has been working over the weekend to get the diesel out of the river to tanker it away for disposal.

At present, further downstream, the river has a slight sheen on it but most of the diesel has been held back by vegetation stopping it from getting down the watercourse.

There have been no fish reported dead.

This section of river is moderate in quality and is still recovering from an earlier pollution incident that occurred in April 2007.”

UK, BP oil cost cutting exercise to cut 5000 jobs

BP is set to cut 5,000 of its 97,000 employees by the middle of 2009.

Confirmation of the plans came as BP saw profits drop by more than 20% to 17.29 billion dollars (£8.76 billion) last year as problems with its US refineries continued to dog the business.

But Mr Hayward said that he was confident of cutting corporate overheads by up to 20%, potentially saving up to 1.5 billion dollars (£762m)

a year.

Most of the UK job losses will be felt at BP's administrative bases in London and Sunbury upon Thames, Surrey, although 300 jobs will go under previously announced cuts at its North Sea operations headquarters in Aberdeen.

The latest cuts - expected to cost BP 1.35 billion dollars (£686m) in restructuring charges - come after BP took 9,500 people off the payroll by selling its US retail business to franchisees late last year.

BP has struggled with production problems at its US refineries as well as lower margins due to soaring oil prices, which sent its refining and marketing operation to a fourth-quarter loss of 1.34 billion dollars (£678.7 million).

This loss left the group's overall underlying fourth-quarter profits at 4 billion dollars (£2.02 billion) - well below consensus forecasts of 4.3 billion dollars (£2.17 billion).

UK, Fireworks ban after suspended prison sentence breached

At a sentencing hearing at Bradford Crown Court on 28 March 2008, his Honour Judge Robert Bartfield banned Michael Cain of 3 Howgill Green Bradford BD6 2SE from the commercial storage of fireworks at any place in the UK for two years.

In May 2007, Cain was given a 6 months prison sentence suspended for 12 months after he pleaded guilty to breaches of the Manufacture & Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 (MSER); namely regulations 4 (fire & explosion control measures),5 (mandatory separation distances) and 11 (exceeding the permitted stock levels). These offences having come to light in September 2006 following a serious fire at the building in Bradford where he stored and retailed fireworks.

The Court heard that explosives inspectors of the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service (WYFRS) visited Cain’s home address on 5 November 2007 in response to a complaint from a member of the public that Cain’s domestic garage was full of fireworks.

When the inspectors searched the garage they found fireworks stored amongst a collection of household goods, furniture, electrical equipment and air-blowers for bouncy castles; the standard of housekeeping was

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

considered to be very poor. The fireworks were not kept in any designated location, many were unboxed and scattered around on the floor; some covered by rubbish and empty cartons. Some of the fireworks were damaged and appeared to be loosing powder or were crushed, some were held together with cling film, many of the rockets were not in their packaging and had broken sticks.

As there were no measures in place to either prevent a fire or to mitigate the effects of a fire, Cain was charge with an offence of breaching regulation 4 of MSER. Subsequent to charging Cain with the offence and before the court hearing, the WYFRS used its powers under regulation 17 of MSER to revoke Cain’s registration to store explosives.

In his summing-up, the judge said to Cain “Your association with fireworks is not a happy one. You are simply not careful enough to keep fireworks on a substantial basis”.

After the prosecution counsel explained to the judge that the revocation of Cain’s registration only applied in the metropolitan county of West Yorkshire, he ordered [under the provisions of section 42 of the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1974] that he is prohibited for 2 years from storing fireworks for the purpose of sale anywhere in the UK. He also ordered Cain to reside at his current address for each and every night for duration of the (remainder) of the suspended sentence and awarded full prosecution costs of £1,564 to the WYFRS.

UK, Manchester. £2,800 for selling fireworks

Feb 2008 - A shopkeeper has been fined for selling fireworks illegally. Strict rules mean they can only be sold around celebrations such as Bonfire Night and Christmas and New Year. But Rochdale trader Siraz Yusuf sold them outside the defined period without the required ‘all year round’ licence issued

by Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service.

Yusuf, of M and H tobacconists on Yorkshire Street, pleaded guilty to selling fireworks without a licence and falsification of documentation under the Health and Safety at Work Act. For the first offence he was fined £3,000, which was reduced to £2,000 due to his guilty plea, and for the second he was fined £1,200, reduced to £800. He must also pay legal costs of £675 to the fire service.

11

News Yusuf was convicted in 2006 in a separate prosecution by Trading Standards officers of selling fireworks to children, something he failed to mention while applying for a new licence. Mr Yusuf said he was “very disappointed” with the fine, which he claimed was a result of a misunderstanding after a Hindu celebration. He said: "I back the antisocial behaviour campaigns in Rochdale - that's why I do not have a year round licence. This was just a misunderstanding by a member of staff the day after Divali. We were actually getting rid of the fireworks at the time. I thought that my backing of the campaign to reduce anti-social behaviour would have counted in my favour but I was told they wanted to make an example of me."

Under legislation introduced in 2005 aimed at cracking down on the nuisance fireworks can cause, shopkeepers who wish to sell fireworks can apply for two types of licence. One is a year round licence and the other allows traders to sell fireworks in set time periods around Bonfire Night, the New Year, the Asian Divali celebration and the Chinese New Year.

Steve Beckley, Assistant County Fire Officer, welcomed the prosecution. He said: "This decision sends out a clear message that selling fireworks outside the prescribed periods will not be tolerated. Pursuing cases like this is one method of addressing the antisocial behaviour related to the use and abuse of fireworks."

The M.E.N. has campaigned for a ban on over-the-counter sale of fireworks.

UK, The Corporate Manslaughter Act are you prepared?

The Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 came into force on 6 April 2008. It creates a new statutory offence in England, Wales and Northern Ireland of ‘corporate manslaughter', and of ‘corporate homicide' in Scotland.

An organisation will be guilty of the new offence if the way in which its activities are managed or organised causes a death and amounts to a gross breach of a duty of care to the deceased.

Complying Employers must think about how risks are managed. The offence does not 12

require organisations to comply with new regulatory standards, but organisations should ensure they are taking proper steps to meet current legal duties.

Courts will consider how the fatal activity was managed or organised throughout the organisation, including any systems and processes for managing safety and how these were operated in practice.

A substantial part of failure within the organisation must have been at a senior level. Senior level means the people who make significant decisions about the organisation or substantial parts of it. This includes both centralised, headquarters functions as well as those in operational management roles.

Liability Prosecutions will be of the corporate body and not individuals, but the liability of directors, board members or other individuals under health and safety law or general criminal law, will be unaffected. The corporate body itself and individuals can still be prosecuted for separate health and safety offences.

Organisations found guilty of the new offence will be liable to a fine, a remedial order and a publicity order.

UK, Prison sentence for illegal storage of fireworks

West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority has successfully prosecuted a man for the illegal storage of fireworks.

Terence Hartley, 47, of Moor End Road, Halifax, was sentenced to six months in prison when he appeared at Bradford Crown Court today.

Hartley was prosecuted by West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority after he was found to be storing 33 cartons of fireworks and 34 loose fireworks, most of which were rockets, which had a total net explosive content of 157.1kg. He admitted breaching the Regulation 10 of the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005 [illegal storage].

Hartley was also prosecuted by HM Revenue and Customs for four counts of evading duty on cigarettes and rolling tobacco at the above address and also at Vicar Park Drive, Halifax. For these offences he was given four separate 12month sentences to run concurrently.

His total sentence will be 18 months.

The court heard in mitigation that Hartley had stored the fireworks under duress, for other persons he was

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unwilling to name.

Roger Marris, Senior Petroleum/Explosives Inspector for West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “As the judge quite rightly pointed out in court, this was an extremely serious offence, hence the custodial sentence.

“This offence could have had a very grave outcome because the fireworks were stored dangerously in the living room of the house. We take the illegal storage of fireworks very seriously and anybody found to be breaking the law will be prosecuted, as is the case today.”

At a previous hearing in January, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Authority applied for and was successfully granted a Deprivation Order for the removal and destruction of the fireworks.

UK, Easy targets attacks on UK fire crews

According to recent research, there are more than 40 attacks on fire crews every week in the UK although underreporting could mean the true figure is much higher than the over 2,000 attacks recorded every year.

The report by the Labour Research Department (LRD) for the Fire Brigades Union shows that attacks recorded by fire authorities in England and Wales are four times the official figures issued by the government. Attacks in England and Wales are up 15% year on year, compared to the official government figures that show a fall of 68%.

The Department for Communities and Local Government suggest that attacks have fallen, from 1,300 in 200506 to only 400 in 2006-07. Figures obtained from fire services (using the Freedom of Information Act) show the actual numbers of attacks increased from 1,300 (2005-06) to 1,504 (200607).

In Scotland, official figures for attacks are published in the Annual Report of the Her Majesty’s Fire Service Inspectorate, which show that in 200506 there were 324 attacks on firefighters, while in 2006-07 there were 316 attacks.

In Northern Ireland, the total number fell from 342 in 2005-06 to 285 in 200607. Incidents reported by fire crews include: • being threatened, intimidated and abused

News • being pelted with bricks, bottles and stones • ambushes • booby traps • being attacked with lumps of wood, knives or a petrol bomb.

According to the report, some fire and rescue services have well developed policies for tackling violence towards all fire service staff. However, others do not and often fire crews who are assaulted and injured are treated in the same way as any other sickness absence.

The report notes that firefighters are unhappy about the speed and quality of police responses when they are under attack. The research also found little evidence that closed circuit television (CCTV) is an effective deterrent against attacks on firefighters.

A number of key recommendations are set out: • DCLG should develop a coherent national strategy to address attacks on fire crews, in consultation with FBU and senior fire officers. This should include adequate reporting methods and the production of comprehensive good practice guidance • DCLG and fire and rescue services should ensure that adequate funding is available for community youth and education programmes • DCLG and fire and rescue services should run public awareness campaigns using the media and other channels to highlight the consequences of attacks on fire crews • fire and rescue services should introduce a moratorium on the use of CCTV until its implications have been thoroughly researched • fire and rescue services should assess their premises, appliances (including small vehicles) and equipment with regard to the risk of attacks on crews • fire and rescue services should train all fire service personnel on violence, during induction and as part of later training programmes • DCLG and fire and rescue services should develop straightforward

reporting systems • fire and rescue services should ensure that all fire service personnel that are injured following an attack are not penalised in terms of pay and conditions.

Rehabilitation programmes should be in place.

The full report is available at: http://www.fbu.org.uk/campaigns/attack s/pdf/feb_08_fbu_attacks_low_res.pdf

UK, Tesco blames cold snap for rogue fuel

Supermarket giant Tesco is blaming a recent cold snap for "freezing" diesel which led it to sell contaminated fuel.

Furious drivers have inundated the news with complaints when their cars broke down after they had refuelled at Tesco filling stations A Tesco spokeswoman said: "This seems to be a regional problem not confined purely to Tesco. We are continuing to carry out tests, but we believe the problem was caused by the dramatic drop in temperatures in East Anglia over the weekend. In extremely cold conditions, diesel can freeze.”

"In the Cambridgeshire area, temperatures dropped suddenly and appear to have fallen to the freezing point of diesel. This is likely to be the cause of the problems reported. Like other fuel suppliers and fleet users, we are investigating further," the spokeswoman said.

The representative said since temperatures have risen they have not received any further reports of problems.

As reported on Cambridge News Online, 19 cars with problems have been taken to John Banks Honda on Newmarket Road, Cambridge in the last few days. The cars had recently been filled with diesel in Milton, Bar Hill and Royston.

EMG Ford on Milton Road, Cambridge, has also dealt with half a dozen diesel cars with problems in recent days.

The affected vehicles need to have the diesel drained, filters replaced and adjustments made to the engine management system. Drivers face bills of around £300 to fix the problems - but this could escalate to thousands of pounds if there is more serious damage to the engine.

It is just a year since Tesco was at the

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centre of fuel problems affecting thousands of cars which had developed engine problems. The cause was traced back to a storage facility in Essex where Tesco had sourced unleaded petrol.

The company initially denied there was a problem before it emptied its tanks at 150 outlets in the south east. It later issued full-page apologies in national newspapers and paid for repairs.

UK, Are we getting all we pay for at the petrol pump?

Spiralling costs of petrol and diesel might be hitting everyone in the pocket but have you ever stopped to wonder if you're getting everything you pay for at the pump?

Trading standards officers have been testing the accuracy of fuel pumps on the forecourts of Derbyshire for the last year - checking a total of 730 nozzles.

In that time not one pump was found to be short-changing customers but four premises were delivering over the prescribed limit, meaning customers were actually receiving more fuel for their money.

In the four months prior to June last year, one garage was averaging losses of 2784 litres of petrol and 1044 litres of diesel because of the error. The pumps have now been recalibrated, saving the retailer around £6,400.

Derbyshire County Councillor for community safety, Clive Moesby, said: "Petrol inspection may not seem like the most glamorous aspect of our work but it is important in these days of rising fuel prices that people are getting what they paid for. We are here to provide a service to both consumers and businesses and we enforce a universal standard for large and small petrol retailers.

The results of this investigation have revealed that people in Derbyshire have actually been getting more fuel than they paid for in several petrol stations. While this is good news for the consumer it means that some businesses have been losing money, which could have serious implications for independent retailers.”

Ireland, Co Donegal.

Laundered diesel seized in Donegal

Jan 2008 - Customs officers seized 6,000 litres of illegal diesel at what they say was a "sophisticated" laundering 15

News operation in east Donegal.

A search was carried out on a service station by customs officers. "Officers discovered a man in the process of discharging laundered diesel from a lorry into an underground 20,000 litre storage tank. They also found a sophisticated electronic switching system buried under a layer of gravel which which was designed to allow the diesel pumps to be fed from the concealed tank or from the regular tanks."

The steel-bodied lorry had been specially adapted with a "false floor" to allow it carry 4,500 litres of fuel. It was loaded with bags of peat moss as cover.

"Both the filling pipes and discharge pipes were well concealed. The lorry and approx 6,000 litres of fuel were detained and removed from the premises," the statement added.

A man has been questioned and a file will be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions. A Revenue spokesman said: "Laundering or 'washing' of red or green diesel defrauds the state of excise duty and VAT. People also need to be aware of the environmental and safety issues surrounding the laundering of diesel".

The spokesman urged members of the public to contact their nearest Revenue office if they know of any fuel misuse or suspicious activity.

Scotland, Paisley.

Woman dies in tanker horror

Jan 2008 - A woman tragically lost her life after her car careered head-on into a 40-ton tanker at a notorious accident blackspot. Paramedics were close to the scene when the accident happened and desperately fought in vain to save her.

The dead woman is believed to be in her early 40s. It was unclear which way the car had been travelling seconds before impact. The twisted wreck of the blue Hyundai car was jammed side-on against the front of the tanker after the accident at a sharp bend at the top of Risk Brae, which is part of the busy A737 just outside the village of Howwood. Several drivers have died on the road, one of the busiest in the West of Scotland and a main artery taking traffic from Renfrewshire into Ayrshire, in the past few years.

Emergency services raced to the crash scene around 11am. At least 10 police cars, ambulances and teams of medics arrived within minutes. More 16

than 20 firefighters were also there and hosed spilled fuel from the road.

Immediately a crash investigation team of senior fire and police officers launched an investigation to establish how the accident happened.

They were looking at the condition of the road surface which was wet in the wake of snow and sleet showers.

Medics returning from a medical exercise were first on the scene and tried desperately to save her but all efforts failed. One man said: “The car was badly mangled, so badly I couldn’t tell you the type of vehicle. It’s ended up side-on against the from the tanker which is huge. It appears to have been heading eastwards towards Howwood.

“The cause of the accident is unknown at theis time.” Police closed off both sides of the road and alerts to closure put up on the M8.

Huge tailbacks of traffic heading into Ayrshire and Renfrewshire quickly built up. A lorry driver, who had to reverse his truck several hundreds away from the accident so he could take another route to his destination in Ayrshire, described the crash as “one of the worst he had seen”. He added: “I don’t think the woman inside stood a chance of surviving that. “It’s going to be many hours before this road reopens. The police investigation team will probably be working right through the night. The conditions here are freezing.” And the 24-year-old driver on a car caught up in the tailbacks said: “My heart goes out to the family of whoever is in the car. They will be devastated.” Later police appealed for witnesses to the fatality.”

Ireland, Westmeath.

A mother of seven escapes jail and fined over €2000 for illegal fireworks

Jan 2008 - A mother of seven was fined over €2,000 at Athlone District Court for possession of a large number of illegal fireworks with intent to sell.

The arrest was the result of an undercover Garda operation which was commended by the presiding judge.

Julie Stokes (37) with an address at 45 McKeown Park, Farnagh, Longford, appeared before Judge Conal Gibbons for the second time charged with possession of fireworks with intent to sell or otherwise supply to another without a licence on October 16, 2007, at Gurteen, Clara, Co Offaly.

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The court heard how the Gardai in Tullamore were carrying out an operation at 3pm and a search of the defendant’s vehicle was carried out. It was stated by Inspector Jarlaith Folan that there were “big plastic bags of fireworks” and that the defendant had accepted full responsibility.

In court, Judge Gibbons repeated his stance that “he wouldn’t be backed into a corner” adding that “it is a hugely serious business for somebody to have fireworks in their possession for sale”.

Defence solicitor Michelle Mellotte said that her client “foolishly made the decision to build up cash for Christmas” and that she thought by selling fireworks she would be “making a killing” in the run up to Halloween. “I wouldn’t say killing is an appropriate word. Kids can get injured,” replied the Judge.

Ms Mellotte said that Stokes sincerely apologises and that she hasn’t slept a wink since the warning of possible jail given by Judge Gibbons.

Garda Naughton, who was the undercover garda involved, said that the fireworks were priced at €1,200. He explained that, while dressed in plain clothes, he approached the defendant to incur the sale at the Clara Market and that the defendant had the fireworks hidden away. Garda Naughton said that Stokes told him the fireworks were too dangerous to have around because of the Gardai so she arranged to meet him later. Judge Gibbons commended the work of Garda Naughton and Garda McHugh, as “it shows the calibre and work of the Gardai”. He added he has been persuaded not to send the defendant to prison.

Bulgaria, Petrol Holding to redevelop network sites for mixed development Petrol Holding of Bulgaria and Federal Development, an international real estate development and asset management company, have announced this week the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to create a joint venture that will focus on developing mixed-use real estate opportunities in Bulgaria for existing service station sites.

Initial plans focus on converting and redeveloping approximately 50 service station sites, owned by different entities within the Petrol Holding group of

News companies, including Petrol AD and Naftex Petrol.

These sites will be converted from oil servicing facilities to mixed-use developments that will likely include office, retail, and residential components.

Financial analysis indicates that the investment for the projected developments will exceed $3 billion over the next ten years.

Italy, Biodiesel output down

Italy's production of biodiesel was down in 2007 to about 500,000 tonnes, from 600,000 tonnes in 2006, but output should increase this year, a senior industry official said at the weekend.

"The fall last year was due to unclear regulatory framework and fiscal control procedures which were too rigid," Maria Rosario Di Somma, director general of Italy's union of biodiesel producers Assocostieri, told local media.

But Italy, a leading European Union biodiesel producer, aims to double biodiesel output in 2008 and hit a 2 percent national "green fuel" target thanks to capacity boost and clearer regulatory framework this year, she said. "We think that total output will exceed 1 million tonnes this year as THE obligatory 2 percent target comes into force," she said.

"2008 is a year of start-ups. We have production capacity of 1.2 million tonnes and another 1 million will come on stream this year," Di Somma told Reuters on the sidelines of a bioenergy conference in Verona, northern Italy.

Italy has pledged to have a 1 percent share of biofuels - biodiesel and bioethanol - in 2007 and to double this share in 2008 and also introduce fiscal brakes for biofuels producers in a carrot and stick policy aimed at catching up with the European Union's efforts to fight climate change.

Netherlands, Emmeloord. Dutch unveil robot to fill car gas tank

Feb 2008 - Motorists nostalgic for the time they could sit in their car while attendants braved windswept gas stations to fill their tanks may yet see the full days return - compliments of a Dutch robot.

Dutch inventors unveiled on a $111,100 car-fueling robot they say is

the first of its kind, working by registering the car on arrival at the filling station and matching it to a database of fuel cap designs and fuel types.

A robotic arm fitted with multiple sensors extends from a regular gas pump, carefully opens the car's flap, unscrews the gas tank cap, picks up the fuel nozzle, an tank opening, much as a human arm would, and as efficiently. "I was on a farm and I saw a robotic arm milking a cow. "If a robot can do that, then why can't it fill a car tank?" I thought," said developer and gas station operator Nico van Staveren.

"Drivers needn't get dirty hands or smell of petrol again."

He hopes to introduce the "TankPitstop" robot to Dutch stations by the end of the year. It works for any car whose tank can be opened without a key and whose contours and dimensions have been recorded to avoid scratching. Asked whether he would trust his car to a robotic garage attendant, Jelger De Kroon, filling his black Alfa Romeo at a nearby gas station, said, "Why not? I guess I could keep my hands free and clean, but I'd hope they have good insurance."

France, Ban on alcohol sales at service stations

The sale of alcohol will be banned from petrol stations in a new campaign against drink drivers that includes the permanent confiscation of their vehicles for a second offence.

Petrol station owners were angered by a measure that is part of a package to bring down road deaths to 3,000 a year from the present 4,600.

Presenting the package, François Fillon, the Prime Minister, said that the sales ban targets the young who buy alcohol at petrol stations because it is cheaper than in nightclubs. Alcohol is blamed for 46 per cent of road deaths of people under 24 compared with 26 per cent for all age groups.

Some owners said that they would

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face bankruptcy because drink represents about 60 per cent of their non-fuel sales. Michel Benezit, marketing director of Total, the biggest petrol brand, said: “They should be logical. If they ban alcohol sales in service station shops they must apply the measure to the supermarkets that also sell fuel.”

Many European countries are also looking at this issue. In Ireland, supermarkets are being included in a current review of the sale of alcohol backing up Michel Benezit of Total Oil view. We can expect to see a number of countries making changes over the next two years.

Sixty per cent of French fuel is supplied by petrol pumps at hypermarkets and supermarkets.

However, they usually close at 7pm while alcohol may be sold by petrol stations up to 10pm.

Turkey, Maltepe. Blast at Istanbul fireworks factory kills 20

Feb 2008 - Rescuers work at the site after an explosion in Istanbul, Turkey, on February 1st. Seventeen people were killed and 68 others wounded in an explosion in a factory in Turkey's largest city of Istanbul on Thursday, Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler said.

A powerful explosion ripped through an unlicensed fireworks factory in Istanbul on Jan 31st 2007, killing at least 20 people, injuring more than 100 and causing massive destruction. After pulling a 20th body from the rubble of the five-storey building that collapsed under the force of the blast, the leader of the rescue team, Akin Buzkaya, said there were no signs that any more survivors would be found.

The Istanbul Health Directorate said at least eight of the injured were in a serious condition. The disaster in the industrial zone of Davutpasa, on the city's European shore, appeared to result from a chain reaction that started with a small explosion and a fire in a clandestine fireworks plant on the fourth floor of the building, Istanbul Governor Muammer Guler told reporters. The explosion caused the implosion of the building which housed several small industries, including a denim bleacher and paint and yarn manufacturers. The windows of neighbouring buildings were shattered, large chunks of concrete smashed cars parked below and rubble and dust littered the street.

19

News Guler said eight of the dead were onlookers watching the first fire from a nearby parking lot when the second, bigger explosion followed. "The walls of the building began to swell from the pressure inside, then there was a big bang and the building collapsed," Ahmet Unal, a turner at a nearby workshop, told Anatolia news agency.

"Several people were blown out with the impact of the blast and smashed into the walls of neighbouring buildings," he said. "The entire neighbourhood shook," a witness who was not identified told the NTV news channel as he wiped blood from his face. Guler ruled out the possibility of a terrorist attack.

Local business owners blamed the accident on negligence by the authorities, saying they had failed to crack down on clandestine businesses and enforce work safety rules.

"Everything except bombs is being freely manufactured here," a shoemaker said. Murat Aydin, mayor of the Zeytinburnu district where Davutpasa is located, said the authorities were unaware that a fireworks shop was among the building's tenants, Anatolia reported. The denim bleachers had continued to operate despite being shut down by the authorities earlier for failing to meet safety norms, he said. The blast was the third deadly fireworks incident in as many years in Turkey. Six people were killed in a similar explosion in Istanbul in 2005, and another two in the central city of Karaman the following year. Respect for safety regulations is often minimal and accidents are frequent at many smaller work places in Turkey.

USA, AZ, Lake Havasu City. 5,000 gallons of oil spill in tanker rollover

Jan 2008 - An oil tanker spun out of control and rolled over on its side on a remote road north of Lake Havasu City, injuring one person and spilling about 5,000 gallons of oil into an uninhabited patch of desert. The Bureau of Land Management, which owns the land, is still assessing the environmental damage caused by the spill, said Diane Williams, public affairs officer for BLM. More than two hours after the rollover, a pool of the chocolate syrup-like substance could be seen oozing from the tanker. “This was a really heavy, hot 20

oil,” said Mat Espinoza, fire chief of the Desert Hills Fire Department. A separate pool of what appeared to be diesel fuel had collected underneath the truck. Trish Carter, spokeswoman for the Mohave County sheriff’s office, said the truck’s driver Roy Smith, 75, of Tolleson was taken to Havasu Regional Medical Center with a non life-threatening head injury.

Bill Weber, a captain with the Desert Hills Fire Department, said two workers at a nearby asphalt plant had pulled Smith out of the truck through the windshield by the time emergency personnel arrived. Smith told officials he lost control of his 18-wheeler after he swerved to avoid hitting an oncoming car. “Obviously, this incident could have been worse,” Espinoza said. The rollover happened shortly before 9 a.m. off State Route 95 near milepost 192, about three miles north of city limits. Espinoza said the truck, owned

by J & C Transport, apparently was hauling the 5,000-gallon tanker to the asphalt plant, where the oil is mixed with sand to make road-paving oil. An official who answered the phone at J & C Transport declined to comment.

UAE, Self-service petrol filling terminals introduced

Some petrol stations run by the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (Adnoc) have introduced self-service fuel filling terminals called Outdoor Payment Terminals (OPTs). "The self-service terminals (OPTs ) installed on a trial basis accept only prepaid e-cash cards issued by the company," said sources.

"The company has already installed OPTs on a trial basis at about 14 filling stations in Abu Dhabi," the source added.

Customers have been using the selfservice terminals through a prepaid multi purpose card called "Rahal" which can be used for car wash, oil change, purchase of cooking gas (LPG) and shopping at Oasis supermarkets at fuel stations, said an official at an Adnoc filling station.

Many customers say that it is convenient as they do not have to wait for the attendant and for the small change but many others also think it would be a difficult option for motorists especially during the summer.

A petrol station staff said that the sales attendants on duty help the new customers who try the "self-service terminal".

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Ahmad Al Za´abi, an Emirati businessman, said it was a welcome step. "Anybody can easily use it". A.A., another Emirati businessman, said the key advantage is that station attendants will not be exposed to petrol fumes which affect their health. "Also, the prepaid cards will help my monthly budgeting," he said.

Another Emirati said personally he will use it, but converting all filling points to self-service terminals will not be a good move. "Our women drivers may not find it good to come out of the car to fill fuel," said Ali Khalifa Al Wali, Air Traffic Controller at Abu Dhabi Airport.

"Physically challenged people also cannot use it easily".

Filling stations in Dubai have no plans to introduce self-service facilities on the city´s forecourts. Emirates National Oil Company (Enoc), Eppco and Emarat will not be installing Outdoor Payment Terminals (OPTs) in the near future.

Khalid Hadi, Group Brand and Marketing Manager of Enoc, said: "At this stage we have no plans to introduce self-service terminals but it is something we could look into. There is a possibility it may be introduced at a later date but I am certainly not aware of any such scheme at the moment."

Elvin Abude, Site-in-Charge at the Eppco station on Al Wasl Road, said: "It [self-service] sounds like a good idea because everything would be regularised and the customer would benefit. But there are currently no plans to implement such terminals."

Kham Magar, Supervisor at Emarat´s Al Safa Park branch, thinks most customers enjoy the service already offered to them. He said: "I have not heard anything about the self-service plans at Adnoc in Abu Dhabi. It is not something we are planning to introduce at Emarat. I think most customers prefer somebody else filling their vehicles up for them anyway."

Argentinia, Authorities impose sanctions on Shell

Argentina is to impose sanctions against Shell for refusing to reduce the retail price of fuel at the pump, Argentina's Interior Trade Department said. Shell has fines and administrative sanctions for a total of US$22m (Peso 66m) according to government sources.

Argentina claims that Shell has failed to comply with its Supplies Law, and said the state will slap a mortgage-type sanction on a Shell processing plant in

News the locality of Dock Sur, Avellanada, 10 km south of the capital Buenos Aires.

Shell took the decision not to reduce the prices of its fuels to October 2007 levels, contrary to Repsol-YPF, Petrobras and Esso, which did so.

The demand for a price reduction on the total domestic supply was made by the government since January, after the export of liquid fuels by oil companies was prohibited.

The Interior Trade Department, under Argentina's Ministry of Economy and Production, added that the sanctions "are based on (Shell's) non-fulfillment of the supply law."

USA, BP Sells 153 Sites on West Coast

BP West Coast Products, LLC has announced that 155 West Coast retail sites are for sale. Of the 155 sites, 153 are available for franchise and 2 are available as ARCO dealer sites with fuel agreements only.

The offering features sites in Arizona, California, Oregon and Washington and is part of a plan announced by BP in November 2007 to sell its companyowned and operated retail sites to new and existing franchisees and dealers and is in line with BP’s strategic plans to expand and grow the ampm brand to reach more consumers with its products and services.

BP has retained NRC Realty Advisors, LLC (NRC) to coordinate the sale of the 155 sites. “The ampm franchise is very strong,” Fiona MacLeod noted. “The ampm franchise was the only convenience store owned by an integrated oil and gas company to make Entrepreneur’s 2008 ‘Franchise 500,’ where its West of Rockies operations ranked 35th, and the Franchise Times’ Top 200, where its West of Rockies operations ranked 39th.”

USA, Ethanol storage tank west of Harristown explodes; lightning blamed

A 30,000-gallon ethanol storage tank west of Harristown exploded apparently because of a lightning strike that ignited vapours trapped in the vessel after a vent on the top had frozen shut, preventing their escape.

That scenario is a supposition based on evidence at the scene, said Fire

Chief Randy Hiser of the Niantic Fire Protection District. The Niantic department was called out about 3:15 a.m. and worked on the situation until 11:30 a.m., he said.

"It had to be a beautiful show," a tired Hiser said. "It blew the top of the tank upwind 357 feet."

Dozens of fire fighters and emergency response personnel were called to the scene, but there were no injuries. Damage was confined to the ethanol storage tank.

Illinois Environmental Protection Agency personnel were on the scene and inspected the tank, but no leaks were found, Hiser said.

The initial alarm involved fire fighters from Niantic, Harristown, Latham and Blue Mound, while a second alarm brought fire fighters from the Warrensburg, South Wheatland, Mount Zion, Hickory Point and Chestnut departments, Hiser said. A third alarm summoned the Decatur Fire Department's Hazardous Materials Team.

Also on the scene were personnel from the Illinois and Macon County emergency management agencies, Bodine Environmental Services, the Salvation Army and the Norfolk Southern Corp., which has a track nearby.

Three snow ploughs from the Illinois Department of Transportation were used to clear snow and allow fire apparatus to get to a point where the fire could be fought efficiently, Hiser said. "We had to use alcohol resistant foam, and we only have 400 gallons of it, so we didn't want to waste it. Mount Zion brought some additional foam.

We're pretty confident it was a lightning strike. The tank was about two-thirds full, or holding about 22,000 gallons of ethanol."

The ethanol storage tank and a neighbouring 30,000-gallon tank holding bio diesel fuel are owned by Superior Fuels Inc. of Newton. The vessels were constructed last year just south of a gasoline storage terminal operated by Buckeye Partners LP of Hartford.

Buckeye Partners spokesman John Teriet said his company is very concerned with public safety and dispatched employees to the scene shortly after 4 a.m., when a call was received from the Macon County Emergency Management Agency.

"We wanted to make sure our facility was not a risk to the public in this situation," Teriet said. Once that was determined, our employees joined the first responders to give them any aid we could."

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Buckeye supported the fire fighters' order to shut down the gasoline terminal until the situation with the ethanol tank was resolved, Teriet said.

Normally, the terminal operates around the clock.

Malaysia, Palm oil biodiesel in service stations by end of 2008

Malaysian Palm Oil Board chairman Datuk Sabri Ahmad has said in local national newspaper that there are plans to introduce palm oil-blended diesel in the local Malaysian market. If everything goes as planned, Malaysians can expect a third pump to be installed at petrol stations by the end of this year.

Drivers of vehicles powered by diesel engines will have a choice between ordinary diesel and E2. E2 is a blend of regular diesel with two per cent of palm bio-diesel.

Certain sectors, in welcoming this move, describe the move as timely.

Dr Masjuki Hassan, the head of University Malay mechanical engineering department, emphasises that Malaysia has to keep up with the world’s technology in enhancing renewable energy sources, and also act in favour of the environment.

However the price of crude palm oil, riding on an all-time high of 725 per tonne (RM3,300-RM3,400 per tonne), is too expensive to produce bio-diesel profitably. It might be cheaper to use regular diesel than to produce biodiesel, says Masjuki. As such, the only way to save the domestic biofuel industry is through a compulsory blending mechanism.

The PetorlWorld Asia Business Forum being held in Langkawi at the end of June will provide an opportunity to get an update as key players from the fuel wholesale and marketing retail market get together.

Bahrain, BAPCO petrol retail privitisation to be considered

Bahrain's state-owned petrol stations could be privatised as part of a scheme to increase the number of outlets across the country.

23

News A major industry study suggests there is a need for more outlets and one of the options being considered is the privatisation of the Bapco stations.

Company officials have been working with the National Oil and Gas Authority (NOGA), Finance Ministry and the Economic Development Board to explore the issue.

Oil and Gas Minister Dr Abdulhussain Mirza met CRA International vicepresidents Tim Partridge and Paul Rathbone to discuss the findings of their study about the potential privatisation of retail fuel businesses in Bahrain.

CRA International is a leading USbased strategy, finance and economics consulting firm with offices around the world, including Bahrain.

Its work includes a review of the retail fuels industry and benchmarking with other privatisation initiatives in the Middle East and around the world to develop ways to achieve Bahrain's objectives.

The study identified that there was a significant need to expand retail fuels network in Bahrain and an important issue to resolve would be the availability of land for building new stations.

"There is a big gap in the number of petrol stations and the demand for them and we are looking at a number of options which we will put forward in our report around the end of February," said Partridge. "There are 38 petrol stations in the kingdom of which 16 are owned

by Bapco. The government controls the price of fuel and whether that would change with privatisation, would be a matter for its officials”.

Mr Partridge said the CRA International report would offer a full range of options. Once the study is complete its final recommendations will be submitted to NOGA.

China, Nanjing. Fuel station collapse kills four, injures sixteen

Feb 2008 - Four people died and 16 were injured when a snow-laden fuel pump shelter in Nanjing suddenly collapsed on February 5th, according to local sources.

The accident took place around 2:30 pm at the Sinopec Wujiang fuel pump station in Pukou District of Nanjing, the Jiangsu Province capital, when one van, one sedan and six motorbikes were refueling. The station ceiling, with a floor area of 1,430 square meters, suddenly gave way to the thick snow that had accumulated on it over the past 24

few days.

When it hit the ground, it engulfed all the vehicles and people beneath it, said information from the city government. It was not immediately known whether any station service workers were in the accident. The victims were all rescued from the debris and rushed to hospital immediately. Four later died from their injuries. The others were hospitalized.

The accident is under further investigation.

China, Hunan Province. 17 killed as tanker and bus collides

Feb 2008 - At least 17 people were killed and 25 others injured when a bus crashed into a tanker truck and spread flames across a key expressway in central China.

The accident occurred at about 7pm on 20th February on a stretch of the Beijing-Zhuhai Highway, the country's main north-south link, in Hunan Province. The explosion set ablaze three other vehicles that had stopped because of an earlier accident.

The 25 injured, mostly bus passengers suffering from burns from the fire caused in the collision, were in a stable condition, the Chenzhou City publicity office said.

Transport on the north-south lanes of the highway resumed after a 15-hour suspension.

The accident happened when the bus heading north ran into the rear of the tanker carrying about 30 tons of benzene, a highly-flammable liquid used to manufacture chemical products, said an official named Li of Chenzhou's fire control department.

The collision led to the tanker breaking into two, triggering a fire and an explosion. The flaming liquid benzene sprayed around, setting fire to a nearby truck and another bus that had broken down about 20 meters away.

A team of 55 firefighters and eight fire trucks spent more than three hours putting out the blaze. It is believed that most of the victims were migrant workers returning to work in southern coastal cities after spending the traditional Spring Festival with their families.

While the cause of the accident was still under investigation, local traffic police said the highway was affected by rain and foggy weather. The highway linking Beijing and Zhuhai City in

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

southern Guangdong Province has only recently reopened after being closed by freak storms that encrusted it with ice.

The accident underscored the problems of enforcing safety measures when transporting dangerous materials.

A week ago, a tanker carrying 30 tons of sulphuric acid overturned on a highway in Yunnan Province, spilling the corrosive chemical into a drainage ditch that feeds into a river. The long-term environmental impact of the accident was unclear. The spill resulted in "serious pollution" and killed large numbers of fish.

Australia, Queensland. Gas tanker driver averts tragedy

Jan 2008 - A 20 tonne LPG tanker left the road when a smaller truck had a blow out in front of it at the Bruce Highway just after the Buchannen Road turn off before the BP travel centre.

Evasive action by an LPG tanker driver may have caused a traffic jam on the Bruce Highway near the BP but it probably saved a life.

The truck driver had to swerve when a smaller truck had a tyre blow-out beside him and started to drift across the lanes. “The tanker driver pulled to the side and the wheels of the trailer dropped off the bitumen, lost traction on the grass and jack-knifed,” Caboolture Fire and Rescue Station Officer Ross Nunn said. “There was no damage done to the truck but if the driver didn’t take evasive action there could have been an accident and someone could have died.”

Mr Nunn said the two lanes of the Bruce Highway were closed for about 10 minutes as they used the multi gas detector to check for explosive materials. “We found no indication of leaks and the tanker was empty,” Mr Nunn said. “Shortly after we opened one lane south-bound.” The track was transported by Clayton’s Recovery and the driver was not injured.

Phillippines, Manila.

One dead in fuel truck blast

Jan 2008 - One person was killed and several others were injured when a truck loading diesel fuel exploded near the Philippine presidential palace

News overnight on January 24th, police said.

The truck was loading fuel at a Shell Oil depot in the Nagtahan district when it exploded, killing the truck driver and setting fire to several vehicles parked nearby, police said. The cause of the blast was not immediately clear, but police said they have not ruled out foul play, given the proximity to the presidential compound, just a kilometre away.

The palace was not affected by the fire, which was quickly brought under control. President Gloria Arroyo is out of the country, attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.

India, Nagpur. Blast at medical square petrol pump

Jan 2008 - Alert employees at a petrol pump averted a major accident after a blast shook the Medical College Square fuel station. However, one of the employees, Kailash Ninawe, a resident of Kadbi Chowk, sustained minor injuries and was admitted to Government Medical College and Hospital. The incident took place around 6.45 pm on January 14th, when Dhantoli resident Sagar Meshram had gone to the company-owned Indian Oil Corporation Limited petrol pump to fill petrol in his two-wheeler. He was accompanied by his wife and threeyear-old daughter.

Before Ninawe could refuel Meshram's two-wheeler, the two-nozzle pump suddenly exploded. The impact of the explosion was so high that the tin cover from both sides of the pump was blown off. Soon, two alert employees of the pump, Kalmlakar Kedar and Kishore Nikam, used their presence of mind and doused the pump with fire extinguishers, recalled Meshram, while talking to TOI. Although he and his family had a miraculous escape, Ninawe sustained minor injuries after one of the tin covers slammed into his back.

“Two fire tenders reached the spot, but until then, employees of the pump had brought the situation under control”, said Imambada police station's subinspector N S Bondre. Though the reason for the blast was not immediately ascertained, police ruled out use of any mobile phone that might have triggered it.

Nagpur city police's Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad also reached the spot. Senior manager of IOCL, Ramesh

Humne said it is first time in the history of Nagpur that a pump got exploded.

"We would also initiate an inquiry to establish the reason behind the blast," he added. Mohabbat Singh Tuli, president of Nagpur Petrol and Highspeed Diesel Dealers Association, said such incidents are rare and unheard of in the recent past. "We need to see whether it occurred due to electric short-circuit or petrol leakage.

Once we come to know the reason, we shall take up precautionary measures in future."

Jeddah, Truck driver killed from fuel explosion

Feb 2008 - A Pakistani truck driver, 40, died from a fuel tanker explosion in the Briman District. The fuel tanker exploded in Mohammad Nawaz Jaji's face while he was welding it.

Investigations showed the tanker had fuel inside. The force of the explosion killed him instantly and threw his body several meters away. Rescue teams and firefighters came to the scene led

by Jeddah Civil Defense chief Brig.

Gen. Mohammad Al-Ghamdi.

India, MRPL opens first service station

The Mangalore based Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Ltd (MRPL) opened its first retail outlet in India at Maddur in Mandya district on Saturday January 12, 2008.

This heralds a new era of refineries in India entering petrol retail. If all goes well the MRPL will also soon enter the Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) marketing segment according to Mr R. Rajamani, Managing Director of MRPL. Mr. Rajamani told local media at Maddur in Mandya District that the MRPL had to enter the retail segment to lead the petro retail sector in the coming year in its own segment. He said MRPL had plans to open 500 outlets in the country out which 10-12 would be in Karnataka. Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will also have equal numbers and sooner or later the spread will be more wide, he added. The Company has also secured the government approval for 500 outlets Mr. Rajamani said.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Answering queries about exports Mr. Rajamani told the domestic market brings in more profits than the export market and in the prevailing Petroleum pricing index it was better to market petroleum products in the domestic market rather than the export market.

He said exports have come down by 4345 per cent. He said MRPL will market its products in the overseas market only out of the spill over of domestic market.

Press Releases

BP introduces new digital training solution for dealer network For BP’s extensive dealer network, learning about and understanding the importance of key health and safety topics is of paramount importance. So in autumn of last year, BP took the decision to introduce a training package designed specifically for their dealer network.

This package would include the critical aspects of operating a petrol filling station safely, understanding the unique risks associated with a PFS and, most importantly, the details of all emergency procedures.

It needed to be a clear, robust training solution that would last, whilst also offering the flexibility to be updated if necessary. It was also important that the format was economically viable and suitable for delivery to a diverse audience over a wide geographical area.

It was agreed that a digital solution met all these criteria, and BP’s training partner SMTS was called on to develop an interactive CD-ROM that would deliver a full and detailed induction for staff.

Jamie Cliffe from SMTS said “We are delighted with the end product, it has a

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News modern feel, easy to use and most importantly, engaging for the learner” BP Dealer Programmes Co-ordinator, Alison Welham who was responsible for commissioning the CD said, “The CD was delivered on time and to an

extremely high standard. I have received excellent feedback not only internally but also from our customers and the wider industry” This Forecourt H&S Training CDROM replaced the traditional (and somewhat tired) training video format, so common up and down the country.

Thanks to state-of-the-art 3D rendering, 8 interactive tutorial sections present forecourt H&S scenarios, enabling all staff to fully understand the unique environment they operate in. These ‘bite-sized’ modules take approximately 20 minutes each, allowing the learner and operator the flexibility to ensure that an appropriate period of time is allocated. This modular format also means that the course structure and

content can be adapted to build in future legislative changes: another advantage over the traditional route of training books and videos.

The CD-ROM also contains a bank of 100 questions, 40 of which are selected at random once the trainee has completed all 8 modules. And if a printer is on hand, successful candidates are issued automatically with a Certificate of Achievement.

With their Forecourt H&S Training CD-ROM, BP has developed a solution that provides genuine accessibility, cost-effectiveness, adaptability and, vitally, the ability to achieve greater awareness for a notoriously hard to reach group across a dealer network.

It’s no wonder feedback from staff on the front line using this new digital training tool has been so positive.

For an online demo of the BP Forecourt H&S Training Induction simply go to: www.smtstraining.com/BPCD

SSL Stop Diesel Spills

Lothain Buses are at the forefront of protecting the environment by eradicating diesel spillage on UK roads.

They have retrofitted the innovative new Optimum FS non-spill fuelling system to 500 buses.

SSL’s cutting edge design takes fuelling to the next level. The new nozzle design provides automatic cut off and a no-spill dry break. Once filled the receiver unit automatically closes without any manual input.

This radical innovation prevents accidents due to diesel spillage on UK roads and is seen as a major innovation in road safety by the KillSpills campaign. It will also help bus, haulage and council transport leaders save time and money, while meeting their

environmental obligations.

On a recent visit to Lothian Buses, Brian Adam, MSP, saw how the system is helping to eradicate spillage and accidents on the roads. Brian commented: “As well as offering improvements in road safety by reducing diesel spills, this offers fleet operators the chance to reduce costs by reducing losses from a wide variety of sources including spillage as a result of over-filling tanks.”

Bill Devlin, Engineering Director of Lothian Buses commented: “This innovative advancement in fuelling technology will provide added security and safety whilst fuel filling, as well as eliminating spillage.”

Bernie Dyer Marketing Manager www.s-s-l.com Tel: 01698 841888

Steel gives way to UPP Large bore UPP Extra polyethylene fuel pipe from PetroTechnik is being used for pumping 1,800m3 of diesel and petrol per hour 75m uphill from a marine off-loading point into eight storage tanks 650m away at Whale Bay, Iceland.

Installation at the coastal site just north of Reykjavík was undertaken by fuel distribution and service company, Olíudreifing ehf.

When initially designed, steel would have been the natural choice for the underground pipe.

But with Olíudreifing’s experience of UPP pipe and working with PetroTechnik in the past, combined with high costs and long lead times for steel pipe, the obvious option was to choose UPP. Árni Ingimundarson, technical manager at Olíudreifing, said: “We first

UPP pipe from PetroTechnik being laid at Whale Bay, Iceland.

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APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

News used UPP Extra in 1999 when we refurbished the fuel lines at our Patreksfjördur depot. Over the past eight years, we have enjoyed a leakfree and maintenance-free existence.

“With a life expectancy in excess of 50 years, we expect to reap the benefits of non-corroding polyethylene for many years to come.”

PetroTechnik can be contacted on: Tel: + 44 (0)1473 243300 email: info@petrotechnik.com Full details of the UPP system is at www.petrotechnik.com

Energy Institute publishes Retail Marketing Survey

The Energy Institute have recently published their excellent annual publication “UK Retail Marketing Survey” that conveys the very latest statistics for the downstream industry as well as topical papers that reflect the current state of the market generally.

For the last 40 years there has been a gradual decline in the number of Retail Forecourts from its peak of 40,000 in 1967.

In the last calendar year, 2007, the UK saw more closures, these totalled 111 in all bringing the total number of licensed forecourts down to 9,721. This is the smallest number of site closures for some years suggesting that the downturn is slowing down and the market is “bottoming” out.

This relates to a 18.072m tonnes of petroleum sales by the year end, a decline of 72,000 tonnes on the previous year.

Average site throughput at 4,251,193 litres/yr, was a new record level.

Oil Companies remain the largest fuel retail sector of 5,549 Forecourts selling under the seven pre-eminent UK brands with only Shell UK increasing their outlets by 8 more sites. By contrast BP closed 66 sites, Texaco 23, Esso 30, Total 54, Jet 68 and Murco 6.

In the league table of the largest number of sites, BP still continues in first position with 1,146 sites, Texaco 1,018, Esso 880, Shell also 880, Total 855, Jet 428 and Murco 342.

Of the Supermarkets, Tesco leads with 428, followed by Morrison’s with 283, then comes Sainsbury’s with 246, ASDSA has 170, Somerfield with 35, Waitrose with 14 with the rest being small operators with 61. This makes 1,237 Supermarket outlets in all, with fuel sales amounting to over 38 % of total fuel sales.

Calculations of the average number of vehicles per Filling Station amounts to 3,603 with 33,403,000 vehicles being registered in the UK alone.

Branding on Motorway Sites remains pretty much the same with BP having 53 sites, Shell next with 47, Esso has 28, Texaco with 8 and finally Total has 7 making a total of 143 outlets in this category.

Co-branding with Fast Food outlets appears to remain popular with 759 outlets sited next to Forecourts and a further 651 “In Store” outlets with the Wild Bean Café brand having 207 of these.

As for sites retailing Bio-ethanol there were 578 in all, with Tesco leading the way having 300 outlets, a rise from 397 sites in 2006.

Finally according to the Survey’s Nozzle count there were 78,565 Petrol nozzles and 37,583 Diesel nozzles.

Copies of the UK Retail Marketing Survey can be obtained from the Energy Institute who can be contacted on +0044 (0) 20 7467 7100 price £60.00 sterling.

PetroTechnik can be contacted on: Tel: + 44 (0)1473 243300 email: info@petrotechnik.com Full details of the UPP system is at www.petrotechnik.com

PetroTechnik’s UPP polyethylene pipework has been used at a highly environmentally sensitive location in Oman.

The tourist location of R’as Al Hadd is famous for its Turtle Beach where every year about 30,000 turtles come to lay their eggs.

The resort’s first filling station, for fuel company Al Maha, was originally planned to have fully buried fuel storage tanks, but due to the presence of a very high water table, the three 50,000 litre tanks are only semi-buried. This means fuel is pumped into the tanks using a positive displacement pump. The site has three multi-product dispensers and is fitted throughout with UPP Extra pipework and PetroTite containment products.

UPP is an ideal choice for locations where protection of the environment is important. At the heart of the UPP system is a highly efficient electrofusion welding system, which connects pipe and fittings to create a seamless direct burial pipe-work system that is also corrosion-free.

The welding operation, easily and quickly carried out, even in confined spaces and any climatic conditions, uses the UPP system lightweight portable electrofusion welding unit to form the strongest of assemblies.

The BFA invited two representatives of APEA to attend their meeting in Burton-on-Trent on 8 April 2008. Ian Hillier, Scottish Branch and John Brooks, Eastern Branch outlined the Aims and Objectives of APEA and answered a series of questions on the membership and role of the branches.

As a result the BFA agreed to apply for corporate membership of APEA. The BFA membership consists of the leading consumer fireworks importers in the UK and was founded in 2001. Its members already correspond with the Department of Trade and Industry (now part of the Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform), LACORS (the Local Authorities Coordinators of Regulatory Services), HSE (the Health and Safety Executive) and CACFOA (the Chief and Assistant Chief Fire Officers Association).

Membership of APEA will give the BFA an alternative access to Local Authority and Fire Service officers who enforce explosives legislation including the registration and licensing of fireworks stores. Many of these officers also enforce petroleum legislation.

BFA members will now be able to provide intelligence to explosives officers on white van men who sell

UPP helps protect precious environment

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

PetroTechnik’s UPP polythene pipework has been used in an environmentally sensitive area in Oman

The British Fireworks Association (BFA) meets with APEA

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News fireworks to the public through unregistered or unlicensed premises at markets and car boot sales. They also hope to be able to provide an input to the APEA training courses on explosives and fireworks which are held in advance of the fireworks season around 5 November.

Hytek celebrates approved status

Hytek is celebrating its appointment as a Goodyear Authorised Distributor.

The title formally recognises many years of dedication and celebrates Hytek’s longstanding relationship with Goodyear.

Given only to a select group of approved distributors, the position is well recognised as the highest levels of association with Goodyear engineered products.

Andy Seal, Sales Director at Hytek, said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer our clients top quality products from the Goodyear brand alongside our own popular range of fuelling equipment.”

Hytek are keen stockists of the

Goodyear range of PED hose and nozzle products, including an automatic nozzle which is approved for resale and can be used with petrol and diesel.

Stainless steel tips on the nozzle spouts promise long life and the flow is automatically shut off when the vehicle tank is full.

Tested and approved by Sira, National Weights & Measures consider this product suitable for use on all dispensers currently in service in the UK (as of 24th May 2005).

Hytek offer Goodyear stage 2 vapour recovery hoses. This product has machined aluminium inner hose coupling, chrome plated brass swivel coupling and internally expanding end fittings. It is steel braided and has excellent fuel and weather resistance, with high resistance to kinking and low dilation effect. It can take pressure up to 16 bar.Also available is a Goodyear stage 2 vapour recovery nozzle.

Hytek can open trade accounts within the hour, and all goods are available from stock. Next day delivery is free for orders over £300 excl. VAT (subject to conditions) and there is a late cut off time of 4pm for same day dispatch, where possible.

Hytek’s products are only sold through distributors. For a copy of the latest catalogue, contact Hytek on 01279 815600.

London Fire Brigade Headquarters has moved

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APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Articles

E&S host major technical seminar - Microbial Contamination of Fuels & Stage 2 VR Testing

By Andrew Clarke, E&S Environmental Services Ltd Over 40 delegates from all over the UK representing most of the countries leading oil company and hypermarket brands, plus pump manufacturers, biofuel blenders, wetstock management companies, industry associations and others, attended a major technical seminar in Oxfordshire on 19th February 2008, hosted by E&S Environmental Services Ltd. The seminar covered two of the current key topics concerning petroleum retailers with E&S being at the forefront of both in understanding

presentations – Dr. Philip Nathan (advisor on fuel chemistry and bacterial contamination) and Professor Robert Bridges (advisor on leak detection and loss control issues).

Dr. Nathan, a renowned expert in his field, made the presentation on Contamination and Control of Stored Hydrocarbon Fuels, its

Phil Lambeth, Jason McMenamin and Andy Kennedy, all of BP

Delegates

the issues, and offering solutions to customers. Two of the companies’ distinguished Technical Advisors led the

Professor Robert Bridges - CEO of MassTech addressing delegates. Dr. Philip Nathan is in the background.

nozzle currently being evaluated in the causes, effects and US. solutions. Philip is a Besides being treated to two most prominent scientist informative presentations, delegates with specialist took excellent advantage of the resident knowledge of experts during the time devoted to open b i o c h e m i s t r y, discussion, with many questions advises the answered, theories expounded and petroleum industry fresh ideas given. It was indeed a rare on fuel quality issues event for such a diverse gathering of and is a Research the UK oil industry to be able to Fellow at the question such leading professionals in University of their chosen fields, and all agreed it was London. He divides a most worthwhile and rewarding his time between experience.

Europe and the Far The growing use of bio fuels and the East and flew over switching to ethanol based petrol are from Thailand specially to address just two issues that have produced delegates. additional challenges to maintain fuels Professor Bridges, founder and in pristine condition - for both suppliers owner of MassTech and recognised and retailers. The industry, through by the international oil industry as the such a seminar, is increasing its leading authority in his field, led the presentation on i s s u e s surrounding Stage 2 Vapour R e c o v e r y.

S p e c i a l emphasis was placed on the difference over Stage 1b and how the new tests were to be conducted, under what protocols, the fine pressure tolerances involved, and demonstrated a Nobby Clarke (at desk) - Chairman of E&S and Dr. Philip Nathan - Technical new dispensing Advisor on fuel chemistry and microbial growth.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Articles easy removal of free water from storage tanks, plus changes to the tanks design and internal finish. “We will have to consider treating retail fuels in just the same meticulous way as we currently store and maintain aviation fuel” he L to R: Mike Pead (Malthurst) Chris Sherlock (Somerfield) Peter Barlow (PRA) said.

Trevor Mason (PFS) & Mike Mulvana (Morrisons) Peter Barlow of collective knowledge on the causes of the Petrol Retailers Association microbial contamination in fuels, its complemented E&S on its initiative in detrimental effects on quality, and gathering together so many relevant coming up with solutions. people to examine the ‘microbial issue’ Food for thought was provided by and that it was encouraging that the Nobby Clarke, Chairman of E&S, who subject was being openly discussed felt the future design of service stations and solutions shared. would have to change to facilitate the Ewan Alexander of Greenergy

provided an insight on the issue from a blenders perspective; while Phil Lambeth of BP, Pat Treanor of Total and Jeff Simms of Sainsbury’s, among many representing oil and hypermarket majors, also expressed their thanks for what was seen as a valuable contribution to the debate.

Lastly, Nobby Clarke thanked all delegates for attending and re-iterated E&S’s commitment to providing workable and cost effective solutions to fuel storage and dispensing problems.

Contact: Andrew Clarke E&S Environmental Services Ltd Unit 10 Viscount Court Ind Est Brize Norton Oxon OX18 3QQ Tel: 01993 852419 Fax: 01993 852152 Email: Andrew@eandspumps.co.uk Web: www.eandsgroup.co.uk

CDM Principal Contractors Awards, 7th February 2008

By Patrick Howley, Total UK Ltd

Tuesday 5th February saw Total host the second annual awards lunch to recognise the efforts and continued excellent performance of our principal contractors within Retail Engineering.

Network Engineering Manager Patrick Howley hosted the lunch, which was attended by the three companies who have the best safety audit results as well as our independent Health and 1st place, Malcolm Jones Total Managing Director, Mark Orr from Safety consultants, Faithful LCM Environmental and Gould and other to strive for excellence in this area in representatives from Total.

2008.

Health and Safety must remain our priority; we have a duty of care to the Patrick presented on our Public, our Employees, Contractors improvements over the last year and and Sub-Contractors and must continue talked about our plans for 2008, which

3rd place, Richard Chadderton Total Property Services Manager, Andrew Wright and Jack French from MSSR Forecourt Developments

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are to improve on our performance to date and increase our average audit scores. In 2007, contractors were tasked with meeting a target of 90% on all audit scores, this target will be raised to 93% in 2008.

The results of the 2007 Principal Contractors awards were as follows: 1st 2nd 3rd

LCM Environmental Limited Complete Shopfitting Limited MSSR Forecourt Developments Limited

The awards were presented by Richard Chadderton, Marc Dagniaux and Malcolm Jones, pictured in the photographs below. A presentation was then given by winners, LCM, on their safety culture and practices.

2nd place, Marc Dagniaux Total Director of Retail, Elwyn Jones, Adam Williams and Paul McNicholas from CSL shopfitters

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Articles

23rd October Telford International Centre, UK APEA 2008 is returning to the Telford International Centre, which has been chosen for the second year running to play host to the annual Exhibition, Conference and Awards. The purpose-built exhibition and conference venue with onsite accommodation for 300, and just 45 minutes from Birmingham City centre, has proved to be a top class venue, bringing together people from all over the UK and beyond: oil companies, retailers, supermarkets, consultants, contractors, regulators and suppliers are all due to take part in this year’s prestigious industry event.

take a stand…

We’ve set aside more time for the exhibition this year to give exhibitors even better value for money and provide visitors with the chance to maximise networking opportunities throughout the day.

The two booth options represent fantastic value for money and a guaranteed exposure to the industry. Both include electric socket, table and two chairs, and two day-delegate places, which include the conference and lunch.

The costs are: 3x2m booth (display area only) - £715 +VAT 3x2m booth with half-height shell scheme - £805 + VAT To book your space: call +44 20 8932 4505, or email annabel@downstream-events.com

event program (may be subject to change) 0915 1000 1115 1130 1230 1600 1930

Registration, exhibition opens Conference part one Break Conference part two Light working lunch Exhibition closes Pre-dinner drinks , sponsored by

2015 Awards dinner with entertainment 1400 (APEA AGM – The Wenlock Suite)

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Exhibiting Companies Abfad Adler & Allan Car Wash UK D Berry & Co. David McLean Contractors David Plumb & Co. Durapipe E&S Environmental Services EFS (UK) Elaflex Eurotank Environmental Fafnir Fairbanks Environmental Gilbarco Veeder-Root Global MSI Graphite (UK) Hytek King Tanktechnic LCM Environmental Neston Tank Cleaners OAMPS UK Petroman Environmental Services PetroTechnik Purfleet Forecourt Services Risbridger Safety Tank Control Norway Suresite Tanknology The Premier Group Tokheim (UK) Torex Toureen Mangan Veyance Technologies Europe 37

Articles

the awards...

The 2008 event will see the third year of the prestigious APEA Industry Awards which coincide with the APEA’s 50th anniversary. To mark this, the APEA will be sponsoring a new award recognising Small Enterprises. Other companies lending their names to this widely recognised Awards program are Toureen Mangan for Innovation, Torex for Customer Care, Shell for Health, Safety and Environment, Coteba for Quality, and Elaflex for Personal Contribution to Industry.

and how to enter...

Nominations for the awards are now open; entry forms and full details on the judging criteria can be obtained from Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk. Please specify which award you wish to enter, so that the appropriate form can be emailed to you.

the conference...

The theme of the conference will be “Looking Forward” and will feature an in-depth examination of fuels for the future by Andrew Pincott of specialist consultants Accenture. Ross Shute will give a fascinating insight into the construction of California’s first award-winning green service station, commenting on the challenges of such an adventurous project. Lorri Grainawi from the USA talking on the effect of biofuels on tank storage system.

Industry leader, Gilbarco Veeder Root is proud to be lending its name as sponsor of the 50th Anniversary Conference.

the entertainment...

A multi-award winning line-up of comedians with an impressive clutch of TV and film credits to their names will be our entertainment at The Awards Dinner, which is sponsored by PetroTechnik.

A Comedy Club-style evening featuring a consummate stand-up with acid wit, an Aussie with multiple personalities, an ex-championship boxer and the son of an East End villain should provide a hugely enjoyable and memorable evening. Individual places are available at £80 per person + VAT – or tables of 10 or 12.

where to stay...

Over 600 rooms of varying budget ranges have been reserved for APEA delegates within a 10minute drive of the conference centre. Early booking is advisable. Contact Event Links on 01952 281 560 quoting APEA.

To book your place at the conference or Awards dinner call +44 20 8932 4505 or email annabel@downstream-events.com 38

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

The 2008 UK Petroleum Retailing Industry Awards The APEA is once again offering its members from every discipline a way of demonstrating and celebrating their commitment to Customer Service, Health, Safety and the Environment, Innovation, Quality, Personal Contribution to the Industry and a new award for Small Enterprises.

One of the best ways to raise standards is to recognise and reward those organisations, teams and individuals who lead the field and to encourage others to follow their good example.

The results of the Awards will be announced and trophies presented to the winners at the APEA 2008 Awards Dinner on 23rd October at the International Conference Centre, Telford.

The Awards Categories Nominations are sought from individual or corporate members who may enter under their organisation or work group, or as an individual for each of the six categories.

The APEA Innovation Award is presented for the innovation which will have the most significant impact on our industry sector.

Sponsored by Toureen Mangan The APEA Health, Safety and Environment Award is presented to the organisation with the best managed Health and Safety or Environmental programme or system Sponsored by Shell The APEA Customer Service Award is open to those organisations or individuals who have put the customer first and demonstrated excellence in service provision.

Sponsored by Torex The APEA Quality Award recognises excellence in the development and management of quality improvement initiatives or systems Sponsored by Coteba The APEA Personal Contribution to the Industry Award will be presented to the individual who has shown the greatest dedication and drive to improve standards, engineering practices or operational procedures Sponsored by Elaflex The APEA Small Enterprise Award acknowledges the contributions made by sole traders and businesses with less than 10 employees within the petroleum retailing sector often without the resources and infrastructure of the larger organisations Sponsored by APEA Please contact Jane Mardell at admin@apea.org.uk for an entry form, please specify which award you wish to enter so that the appropriate form can be emailed to you, before the deadline of 12th September 2008 39

Interview with Ray Blake, Head of Petroleum London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority

Articles

By Brian Baker

Heading the largest UK petroleum Licensing Authority is no easy task as the risks in the London area are in some cases very high. As a colleague I was recently able to speak to Ray Blake as the Head of the Petroleum Section within the London Fire Brigade and talk about some of the issues he and the Inspection Team face there.

Ray, I was pleased to hear you were recently appointed as the Head of the Petroleum Section when did this happen and what made you apply for this most important role?

It is well known throughout the ‘petroleum community’ that my predecessor, followed shortly by another well respected Petroleum Inspector resigned from their posts having been made offers they couldn’t refuse. I was asked to act into the role from 1st May 2006, I think, because I was the longest serving Petroleum Inspector in London and had the greyest hair. I had never aspired to be anything more than a Petroleum Inspector, but I realised that if somebody didn’t take a firm grip of the reigns, the Petroleum Section of the London Fire Brigade as I knew it would not last very long. I convinced the management that changes were needed if the Section was going to function efficiently and correctly. The changes took until 1st October 2007 to implement. The position of Head of Petroleum went through competitive selection, and having put in a great deal of work, and being able to see that there was a future for the Section, I applied, was successful, and I was appointed from 1st November 2007. My appointment was quickly followed by the filling of the new position of Team Leader Petroleum (Deputy Head of Petroleum) by Brian Humm, and the appointment of a new Petroleum Inspector Peter Roll who had shown us all up by completing his training including a BTEC qualification in record time.

The London area is home to some 12 million people that increases everyday with people commuting into the capital to work. How many petroleum licensed sites do you have and how many are Retail Petrol Stations and how many are workplaces?

After many years of the number of petrol filling stations in London reducing year on year, (there were about 3000

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when I started as a Petroleum Inspector), the number of licensed petrol filling stations in Greater London has arrived at a plateau of around 650.

There is evidence that the fall will continue again, however it is now being recognised that we are near to the minimum number of petrol stations that will allow London to function. Indeed a number of London Boroughs are refusing to give planning permission for petrol filling stations to be anything but petrol filling stations. Of the 650 I estimate that around 10% are non-retail sites, and this is the area of growth in enforcement by Petroleum Licensing Authorities (PLA’s) for the whole country not just London. The growth is in the use of small above ground tanks at ‘end of life’ vehicle sites, workplaces where they need petrol to power machinery or vehicles such as golf courses and large school playing fields, marinas etc.. In recent times short term licences have been granted for individual sporting events involving motor racing at the new Wembley Stadium and the London ExCel, and we have already been approached for the Olympics.

I know you have a lot of Boroughs and the 2 cities in London. What problems does this cause you and the team?

Vapour Recovery issues and Planning seem to be the moist obvious ones The biggest problem is the logistics of covering the 610 square miles of Greater London with a compliment of five and a half Petroleum Inspectors, (Brian Humm is the half, as the Team Leader has half an area on top of their management duties). The Inspectors are responsible for a number of Boroughs each, with an average of 130 sites each. The problem is the travelling between the inspections. There are many days when an inspector spends more time travelling than inspecting, and this is exacerbated when deputising for a colleague. We aren’t talking about vast distances, just very congested roads.

Throughout the country the impact of the implementation of Stage II Vapour Recovery is being seen, London is no exception. With the knock on effect of the site operators decisions to carry out other major works on sites, ‘as they are being dug up anyway’, proportionally, we have never been busier. We all know that this has a couple of years to run.

Building petrol filling stations in areas where space is at a premium such as city centres has always been a problem

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and continues to throw up interesting and sometimes unique engineered solutions.

A further issue that is having an impact on the work of the team is the illegal storage of large quantities of petrol at domestic premises. This seems to be a growing problem with each case involving a number of different agencies and usually resulting in the Authority having to seize the petrol and pay for safe disposal.

OK who are your Inspectors that try and cover the patches so to speak and what Boroughs do they cover?

This table shows the Inspectors that cover Greater London, their phone numbers and the London Boroughs over which they have responsibility.

We have spoken on incidents you receive before, are you able to share a few of these with us and the risks involved? .

In the last month, the failure of a whole tank farm of double skin steel tanks has been discovered. These were installed in 1991. The outer skins failed, these tanks were constructed and installed in the very early days of double skin steel tanks and were not polyurethane coated, only painted. I actually look upon this as a success of the requirement for double skin tanks, (although there are lessons to be learned), as no fuel left the installation. I have known 15 year old (or even less) single skin tanks to fail in the 1980’s and 1990’s resulting in both a risk of fire and explosion, as well as ground contamination. If we had continued to accept single skin tanks (and steel pipework), I have no doubt that we would all be seeing a continuation of the situation I found when I became an inspector, with leaks being an almost weekly occurrence.

Articles In my years as a Petroleum Inspector, I have experienced three occasions where I actually feared the possible consequences of petroleum related incidents I was involved in.

The first was during my training in 1980 when I witnessed petrol being literally bucketed out of a drainage sump of the London underground railway system. This has stayed with me, and motivated many decisions I have and continue to make regarding petrol filling stations adjacent to the London Underground system.

The second was in 1995 when I attended the first delivery of fuel into a site where everything except the tanks had been replaced. To cut a long story short, the tank vents had been connected to old suction pipe positions on the tank lids which still had the tank internals in place. After a few minutes of the delivery (one compartment petrol, one compartment diesel), we experienced pressure vacuum valves blowing on both the tank vents and the tanker, fuel returning to the tanker via the vapour return line and tank access chamber lids rattling where the chambers were being pressurised through leaks on the tank lids. When everything finally calmed down, contaminated fuel was found in every tank on site, even those which weren’t being delivered into, and all compartments of the tanker contained a mix of petrol and diesel.

The third incident was in 2000. A fully loaded petrol tanker on a major road system in south London had lost both axles from the trailer unit, it was stranded on a hill outside a large block of flats with the axles still under the trailer but no longer attached to the chassis and with air brake lines severed.

After considering many options over many hours, including decanting the fuel, lifting the trailer onto a tank transporter, evacuating the area and many more, the axles were connected to the chassis with steel hawsers and the tanker was driven at walking pace the wrong way around another traffic system. The trailer did not follow the tractor unit in the normal way; it squealed along with tyres smoking trying to turn left and spin the whole thing around until it arrived outside a petrol station from where it was able to deliver its whole load through a number of joined hoses from the roadway into the underground tanks. The empty tanker was then moved to a relatively safe spot from where it was later removed by a military tank transporter.

How do things tie up with the Operational side of the Brigade?

The Petroleum Inspection Team are non-operational Inspecting Officers, we can only be called to petroleum related

Brian Humm Team Leader 07818 097141

Lambeth Lewisham Southwark

Jack Brinkhurst 07818 097144

Sutton Kingston Richmond Merton Wandsworth

Peter Roll 07795 542437

Brent Hillingdon Harrow Barnet Hounslow

Jean Fincken 07818 097142

Barking & Dagenham Bexley Bromley Croydon Greenwich

Audrey Hazelton 07917 072515

Islington City Ealing Hammersmith & Fulham Kensington & Chelsea Westminster Camden Tower Hamlets Newham

Terry Chapman 07879 607895

Haringey Enfield Waltham Forest Redbridge Havering Hackney

incidents during normal working hours.

Out of hours, the Duty Senior Fire Safety Officers are called to this type of incident, and pass the details of the incident on to us when we are next on duty for any follow up action that may be necessary. My line manager is an operational Deputy Assistant Commissioner / Area Manager. When the petroleum enforcement function was transferred to the London Fire Brigade from the Greater London Council, the Petroleum Inspectors were an anomaly within the London Fire Brigade. This was because the London Fire Brigade received a non-uniform, non-operational group of inspectors to manage within their traditionally uniformed, operational regime. It took many years for the two cultures to work in harmony.

As you are a Fire Authority, I understand you carry out multi-task inspections. Can you explain how this works?

For all of the premises that we inspect, we are responsible for all of the Fire Safety Legislation Enforced by the Authority at the parts of the premises which form part of the licensed petrol filling station. We don’t deal with supermarkets where there are petrol stations in the car park, or hotels which have petrol stations under them.

However in a convenience store we will cover all fire safety related matters covered by the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005, and liaise on Liquor Licences with the Local Authority. We

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also have contracts with 17 London Boroughs to carry out their Stage 1b Vapour Recovery inspections.

I also remember some years ago London introduced a Priority Risk Assessment that point scored your sites to determine the frequency of your inspections. Do you still conduct your inspection programme that way?

Yes, we do, we have been operating this system for over ten years. It has recently allowed us to target the highest risk sites (including ‘tunnel cases) with the of aim of ‘Diving Down Risk through Enforcement’. We have been using this initiative for just over a year and to date; we have reduced our requirement for inspecting these sites by 40% by either negotiating or requiring significant improvements.

Ok let’s have it – How long have you been involved with petroleum inspections?

I was appointed as a Trainee Petroleum Inspector in March 1980, and became a fully fledged Petroleum inspector in September 1980. So I am in my 28th year as a Petroleum Inspector.

Of course the Petroleum Section has not always been located within the London Fire Brigade. Can you tell us how you have evolved over the years?

There will be a number of APEA Members who can either confirm or dispute this, but as I understand it Petroleum Licensing within Greater London came under the London County Council and Urban District Councils until the formation of the Greater London Council in 1965. When the GLC was abolished in 1986, the responsibility passed to the London Fire Brigade.

With Old Father (the River Thames) flowing through the Capital, have you any marine type petroleum storage sites?

There were floating petrol filling stations on the Thames which were Licensed by the Port of London Authority, but by the time the London Fire Brigade took over the responsibility in 2003, they had all changed to diesel storage only. However, last year we licensed a floating petrol station for a trial that the Royal National Lifeboat Institute were running for their rescue craft on the Thames. As I understand the situation, the trial was a success, and we are soon to receive a proposal for a permanent floating (if floating can be permanent) petrol filling station on the Thames.

Then of course you have the London Underground. How do you deal with sites close to these locations? Are they treated any differently?

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Articles As previously mentioned, the cases close to tunnels (they aren’t all London Underground tunnels), and basements are usually risk assessed as high or very high risk, and therefore have short periods between inspections (six monthly or quarterly). We started 2007 with 38 ‘tunnel cases’ we now have 34.

For the remainder, we have to date achieved a number of risk reducing improvements and as a consequence of this our requirement to inspect these cases has fallen by 14%. At one nonretail ‘tunnel case’ which is having its 51 year old tanks double skin lined as I write, the lining installers tell me that they can feel the trains go by when they are in the tanks. During the preparation works, the tanks were found to have quite extensive corrosion in the area which is usually above the liquid level.

Nearly there, over your career what are the good points and what would you say are the bad ones in respect of petroleum enforcement?

The aspect of the job which I enjoyed most whilst being a Petroleum Inspector, and continue to enjoy in my new position, is dealing with a wide variety of people face to face. To be motivated, I need to believe that I am achieving something, and it is very difficult to quantify the achievements of an enforcing officer or body. However interestingly, I, along with a number of people in the industry have recently had a meeting with a delegation from Japan who are looking at our ways of controlling leaks from underground petrol installations. From what they told us, they are where we were when I started as an Inspector in 1980, with numerous leaks from single skin steel tanks and pipe-work. This highlighted how far we have moved on in this country over the past 25 years, a great achievement for the UK petrol retailing industry and enforcers as a whole.

My worst days of actual enforcement were those when I had been instructed in no uncertain terms to visit railway arches where it was suspected that petroleum mixture was being used and stored (illegal spraying). I drew a huge

42

sigh of relief when we lost that responsibility. Boy, do they grow big dogs in railway arches!

London has traditionally been the Licensing Authority that has taken the lead on many technical issues. Is this still the case do you think?

I believe that although we are vastly reduced in numbers, there were 32 Petroleum Inspectors plus Senior Inspectors and New London Fire Brigade Headquarters Head and Deputy Head of Petroleum when I started, country. London also hosts the South London probably still holds the greatest East Licensing Coordinating Group. concentration of knowledge of petroleum enforcement and technical Just remind us of who you are issues in the country. Fortunately we partnered with? How do you feel these were able to re-employ an ex colleague partnerships work? who we have been using as our mentor.

(You will see his name on the list). I think We have Lead Authority Partnerships that it is still difficult for Petroleum with; Total, Tesco, Sainsbury’s and Licensing Authorities (PLA’s) to keep up Shell. I honestly believe that having with the new technology that is used on petrol filling stations. London does not taken over on a firm foundation, the now have anybody whose principle role partnerships are now going from is to analyse the suitability of strength to strength. I hope the partners equipment, and yet there are still many feel the same, and that we will be well occasions where proposals do not fit placed for when or if they turn into within national guidance or European something else under the Better Standards. When this happens, a PLA Regulation Executive proposals. May I has to satisfy itself that the proposal is take this opportunity to remind the PLA’s acceptable, fortunately we have a great that they should contact me if they are deal of knowledge and experience in considering any enforcement action house, and if we don’t have the answers, against any of the partners? I may be we have the contacts in the industry to whom we can refer. Through our Lead able to save them time and effort; the Authority Partnerships, we are often partnerships are set up to make the lives forewarned of new developments in of both the site operators and all PLA’s technology. We receive many phone easier. calls from Petroleum Inspectors around the country that have come across So when you are not working for the something new to them, and hope that LFEPA, what are your interests or and we may be able to help them out. We will how do you relax? always do our best to help, and encourage as much contact as possible My family come first, but they aren’t between PLA’s. The holes in my seeing as much of me since I took on knowledge sometimes surprise me, but I this role although worryingly, there am quite happy to show my ignorance and question those who do know the haven’t been too many complaints. I am answers. a ‘Petrol Head’ in more ways than one, having always been nuts about cars. I What bodies or committees are you am joint owner of a 41 year old Alfa involved with nowadays?

Romeo which is now used mainly for track days. I also have my own project in I currently represent London the garage, a 49 year old Austin which on the HSE/Petroleum should have, but doesn’t have, a roof.

Enforcement Liaison Group, We have just finished all of the plans we through which I am sitting on a had for our house when we bought it 22 couple of Sub-Committees. years ago, so decorating is next on the Very recently, I attended the inaugural meeting of the Chief agenda. Relax? We do go to a lovely Fire Officer Association Greek Island when time and money Petroleum and Explosives allows, so not this year.

Working Group. This looks as if it is going to be another good Ray, thanks for talking to me and I will way to promote consistency of no doubt run into you again sometime in enforcement throughout the the future.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Encore 500G – Dispensing More Than Just Fuel

Articles

By Charndeep Khattar, Marketing Director, EMEA, Gilbarco Veeder-Root The changing retail environment The retail environment is shifting: consumer tastes and needs are evolving, more businesses are targeting the same market segments competing for more custom, doing their utmost to attract higher value customers through a variety of loyalty schemes, special offers, and bundle programmes.

Technology continues to advance at a pace and is a key catalyst and enabler of this change. Obvious examples of this are the prevalence of self-serve systems whether making purchases at a supermarket or checking in at an airport, not to mention the pervasiveness of wireless, internet technologies and applications. Why have these technologies been adopted so successfully? One of the principal motivators that helps to answer this question and encapsulates what is helping businesses to be successful in such a challenging environment is convenience and focus on improving the customer experience to what is a more technology-savvy population.

Certainly an observation that would appear to support this assertion from a petroleum retailer’s perspective is the take-up of payment at the pump.

Anecdotal evidence indicates that, perhaps contrary to popular belief, payment at the pump does impact positively on site profitability. On the one hand it satisfies customers who do not wish to walk into stores and queue to pay for their fuel purchase; and on the other hand allows more customers into the forecourts thereby increasing the overall number of customers wanting to make fuel, and hence non-fuel purchases in-store.

Redefining the User Experience Equipment suppliers to the petroleum retail industry are recognising these trends and adapting their products and services accordingly. The Encore 500G from Gilbarco Veeder-Root is a new generation of dispenser combining the best technologies available today with a user-friendly interface designed to redefine the user experience and differentiate retail sites by offering a distinctive style. It is a full colour payment-enabled product that is focused on what matters most – improving the end user experience and driving loyalty through communications

targeted at customers according to their purchase patterns to encourage high value, repeat business.

The potential applications are far reaching, from the seamless integration of the Gilbarco CRINDTM (Card Reader in Dispenser) and merchandising applications that allow vouchers to be redeemed, to barcode scanning and advertising at the pump.

Standardising on Leading Technology The Encore 500G, however, is founded on more than just new technology, it is rather the deployment of the right technology at the right time.

The Encore 500G is designed to cater for 4 grades of fuel, and uses global

Gilbarco Veeder-Root's Encore 500G

The Encore 500G with 360 degree easy service access

components that have undergone rigorous testing to ensure high quality performance.

The Encore 500G has a compact hydraulic layout to meet accessibility requirements for the disabled prescribed by the American Disability Association (ADA). Whilst this is not a

legal obligation in Europe, there is a greater recognition amongst site owners that access to equipment by the disabled population needs to be improved. In practice this means that the core components of the CRIND that require to be accessed, such as the card reader, printer and keypad must be circa1250mm from the ground. This height limitation is also instrumental in giving the Encore 500G its familiar ATM-style look and feel when packaged with the Gilbarco ‘SPOT’ CRIND. Such familiarity can also encourage increased usage of payment at the pump.

As well as being compact from a

Gilbarco Veeder-Root's field proven Ecometer

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Articles height perspective, the Encore 500G is a very slim dispenser with the hydraulic area being just over 1200mm wide and just over 600mm deep. This enables it to fit into the design scheme of a variety of site layouts allowing site owners to make the most of valuable space on their forecourts. This attractive framework plus a slim yet robust hose column ensures that visibility around the forecourt remains high.

Designed to deliver value to customers for the life of the product, the Encore 500G is built with the renowned low drift EcometerTM and has the flexibility to support bio/ethanol fuels.

With around 100,000 Ecometers already installed in Gilbarco pumps in Europe, and as a result of its unique fine tolerance design with significantly fewer moving parts than traditional piston meters, it is an inherently more accurate metering system proven to reduce fuel losses. With industry leading and proven low drift Ecometer, customers stand to make significant savings both from reduced fuel losses and reduced recalibration costs, especially on high throughput sites.

The Encore 500G also comes fully equipped with Vapour Recovery and Gilbarco Veeder-Root’s own automatic Vapour Recovery Monitoring system

Gilbarco Veeder-Root's field proven, compact Vapour Recovery Monitoring flowmeter

consisting of a flowmeter and electronic control board. The flowmeter is a robust field-proven device, unique in that it directly measures the actual volume of vapour recovered. It is therefore neither sensitive to liquid ingress nor prone to generating false service alarms.

Automatic regulation comes as standard, thus maximising mean time between service calls.

From an installation and service perspective, the suction inlets are laid out to allow legacy pumps to be replaced without major civil works saving customers significant operational costs and enabling sites to be opened and generating sales more 46

quickly. The hydraulics are uniquely laid out to provide 360 degree service access for quicker, easier and safer servicing with the ultimate gain of reducing dispenser downtime.

Standardisation does not apply just to the hydraulic components however. The electronic design and hardware has also been standardised and offers significant benefits to be gained as a result. Such standardisation of components across a range of products can deliver operational benefits in their own right that can be derived from such things as: - Lower cost of stocking spare parts as the same spare parts can be used for a range of dispensers Dilnot,President of Gilbarco Veeder-Root, EMEA and - Speedier resolution of Peter Steve Richards UK Sales Director Gilbarco Veeder-Root at problems by service APEA 2007 companies through better technology is that it is not dependent on training and familiarity of the external coatings that may be damaged technology or even over-painted during the service

- Improved time to market for new developments or software upgrades in the sense that a change necessary for one product can be applied automatically to other products with minimal additional design effort.

One novel aspect of the calculator is its ability to separate feature functions from metrological functions thus reducing future re-sealing upgrade costs. The dispenser has both UK National and MID approvals.

With the global electronics set come a number of protocols as standard including Gilbarco 2 Wire, IFSF, ATCL for the Nordic markets and Pumalan for Italy.

The design of the Encore 500G recognises that the technical requirements for plastic composite parts are now more demanding in Europe. This, plus anecdotal evidence that static induced vapour flares may be increasing, has lead to an innovative development of compounds used for the external mouldings. Specially developed integral conductive layers are bonded to the dispenser frame providing best in class compliance. One of the advantages of this Gilbarco

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life of the product.

Taking Forecourts into the Future With the lifecycle of dispensers typically spanning around ten years, it is important to ensure the investment is able to provide value to customers for the full duration. The Encore 500G offers multiple payment options from secure EMV integrated card payment and cash payment to contactless RFID and barcode reader. The combination of these together with a 15” colour screen enables targeted advertising and merchandising allowing vouchers to be redeemed either at the pump or instore, making transactions faster and more secure.

The Encore 500G is ready for the future both in style and capability. The door has been carefully designed to package these future technologies and to ensure they are deliverable in such a way that enhances the customer experience with particular attention paid to ease of use and convenience. With open platform technology, the electronics and door is upgradeable to support larger screen sizes and more powerful functionality such as POS at the pump. This combined with reduced operational costs will contribute to improved profits for site owners.

For enquiries, contact 0870 389 1245 or email: UKsales@gilbarco.com

History of Petrol Filling Stations Part 6 The Findings of Churchill’s 1910 Committee - Section 2

Articles

By Brian Baker

Last time we covered the formation of Sir Winston Churchill’s Committee that was set up specifically to look at the growing numbers of fires and explosions occurring as a result of an increasing use of petroleum spirit.

Clearly reports of these incidents were from Harbours, Ports and Dockside Storage, Domestic use for lighting, use as a Cleaning Solvent and last but not least, the coming of the Motor Car as we know it.

The Final Report was dated 11 February 1913 by the Secretary, Major T.H. Crozier on behalf of the Committee. It summarised all the finding and evidence that had been compiled over 5 years that embraced legal controls on Conveyance by Road Tank Wagon (Tankers), the setting up and regulatory divestment of Powers to Harbour Authorities and Controls for Ocean Steamers in Harbour or Docks.

The Committee then set out a range of recommended Licensing Controls bearing in mind that the original Petroleum Act of 1871 was still current, as was the Petroleum (Hawkers) Act of 1881.

Conveyance by Road Evidence heard by the Committee caused a change in acceptance of the Mechanised Road Tanker as distinct from the use of Horses or Steam Driven Vehicles. Captain Davidson of the Royal Engineers and Secretary of the

War Office on Mechanical Transport had concluded that there was a necessity to convert to the m o d e r n mechanical vehicles from a war exigencies point of view and that Mr ShrapnellS m i t h ’ s design specification be accepted as the standard to be adopted thereafter. In the 2 years from 1911 to 1913, the date of the Final Report, the use of Motor Vehicles as a means of Transport had increased substantially. ShrapnellSmith saw this as he was also on the Petrol Committee of the Royal Automobile Club (RAC),and that there was an increasing need for bulk deliveries.

Use of the mechanised Road tanker centred on nine fundamental requirements for acceptance; (i)

The type of engine to be used

(ii)

The screening of the driver’s seat and engine supply tank from the main tank

(iii)

The character and position of the exhaust

(iv)

The provision of lamps of proper construction

(v)

The method of ignition

(vi)

The protection of all manholes and valves in the main tank

(vii)

The elimination of inflammable material in the construction of the wagon

(viii)

The sub-division of the main tank into compartments

(ix)

The method of filling and emptying the tank

With regard to the speed of MotorTank Wagons it was pointed out that if the axle weight of a Tank Wagon filled exceeded 6 tons, the speed of such a tank wagon would be by the Heavy Motor Car Order of 1904 limited to 8 miles per hour and smaller tank wagons coming within the provisions of the aforementioned Order the speed be limited to 12 miles per hour and that these speeds should not be exceed!! (imagine how that would sit within today’s market!)

Powers of Harbour Authorities It became apparent through the enquiry that the Harbour Authorities had limited powers to make Bye Laws to deal with the export of petroleum spirit, or to enforce precautions on ships prior to landing, therefore further recommendations were made in the final report that such Harbour Authorities became Licensing

Horse drawn petrol wagon

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Articles

and replaced with District Councils in England thereby making all Local Authorities uniform for petroleum responsibility across the country.

Authorities for the areas known to be within their jurisdiction.

Ocean Tank Steamers in Harbours and Docks The Port of London Authority were another contributor to the enquiry and they recommended control so that no Tank Steamer had access to the River Thames but could licence barges and similar craft of a certain propelled nature. The Committee noted that certain ports ocean tank steamers could enter and come alongside a Wharf and discharge its load via pipe lines. The Committee concluded that special controls were necessary but that the Port of London were being unreasonable in their attitude to such things.

4.

That there should be a definite obligation placed upon Local Authority to Early steel barrel appoint Officers whose duty it shall be to enforce the provisions of the (Petroleum) Acts.

5.

Recommendations 1. Central Authority That provision be made for the direct Government control by way of (a) general rules – going onto become Licensing Conditions and (b) the appointment of officers to undertake inspections, commonly now known as Petroleum Officers!

2.

Conveyance of Petroleum Spirit by Road That all Tank Wagons conform to a standard specification with additional allowances for Horse Drawn Wagons. Special Lamps are to be used when operating in Towns and that the Secretary of State has powers to regulate the Conveyance of Petroleum Spirit by Road.

(Eventually the Petroleum (Conveyance by Road Regulations) 1958 came in to being).

3.

Excessive Decentralisation of Local Authorities Those County Councils be revised

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Absence of any Obligation upon Local Authorities to Enforce the Law

6.

Inadequate Powers of Local Authority Officers The Committee are of the opinion that the powers of Local Authority Officers are insufficient but they do consider that they should be given greater powers than those conferred upon an officer of the Local Authority under the Explosives Act 1875.

petrol into that place including into Schools! (d) Use by hairdressers – That this use of petroleum spirit as a hair wash in hairdressing establishments should be prohibited and it should be made illegal for any Hairdresser to use petroleum spirit or mixtures containing petroleum spirit on the hair of the “living subject”!

7.

Power of Harbour Authorities – That these are enlarged and the definition of a Harbour altered as suggested in the report.

8.

Railway and Canal Premises – That such bye-law making power is advisable.

9.

Absence of Definite Penalty for Breach of Licence – That it should be made possible to proceed against a licensee for a breach of any conditions of his licence and a penalty for such a breach be fixed (It was fixed at £10!)

Manufacture and Use of Petroleum Spirit

(a) Manufacture - That it is unnecessary to recommend further restrictions (b) Use for Purposes of Trade – That when any quantity of petroleum spirit is used for “trade” purposes it should be considered as “kept” so as to apply the present Law to all cases of trade – which means the location should be licensed. (c) Domestic Use – That Section 6 of the Petroleum Act 1871 should be amended to prescribe different labels, one for large storage vessels which cannot be brought into a house and the other for portable vessels. The exact wording being prescribed so that general members of the public and education can take

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10. Discharge of Petroleum Spirit into Drains or Sewers – That it should be made illegal to allow any petroleum spirit to escape into any inlet or drain communicating with a sewer 11. Empty Vessels which Contained Petroleum Spirit – Which it should

Articles be possible to regulate the place of storage of empty vessels which have contained petroleum spirit in the same manner as full ones and every such vessel should be securely closed immediately after removal of all or any of the contents.

Local Authority and that it should a regulation that it is compulsory to keep a supply of dry sand or a suitable substitute in every storehouse or garage and the presence of larger vessels shall not be allowed.

12. Question of Rules of Universal Application – That it should be the duty of the Central Authority, if appointed; to issue such general rules and that power should be given by any future Act for the Secretary of State to do so.

(Petroleum Enforcement Liaison Group?)

14. Petroleum (Hawkers) Act 1881 – That this Act should be repealed and the regulations for conveyance be prescribed together with any conditions necessary and the hawking of petroleum spirit which are not opened be abolished.

13. Keeping of Petroleum Spirit for use in Motor Vehicles – No great change is necessary in present regulations but that Section 5 of the Locomotives on Highways Act 1896 should be repealed so far as it relates to petroleum spirit and that powers should be taken by which the Secretary of State should make them under the Petroleum Acts.

Also that Section 7 is amended to allow two spare tins being carried on the vehicle without notification to the

That, although the two-gallon can is on the whole a satisfactory vessel, greater precautions for the maintenance of the cans in a proper state are necessary and a form of cap incapable of being unscrewed by using the bottom edge of another can should be devised. (This was soon after devised and became the standard rectangular petrol can in1914) That Wooden Barrels need not be prohibited but that the use of Steel Barrels should be fostered where possible and the use of wooden barrels discouraged.

15. Safety Devices – That although a suitable device may be useful and desirable in certain cases such devices should not be made compulsory except in the case of motor boats plying for hire which should be fitted with a gauze protected vent pipe or other safety device of some approved description (Suggesting here that purpose built petrol stations are not born yet!)

So our legislation in the UK was born and evolved towards what we now know as our petroleum Licence. Many accidents and fatalities had occurred before this Committee met and agreed their terms of reference. Their findings were to evolve further in the coming 90 years but the basis had been laid by their vision.

16. Vessels at present in use for the Conveyance of Petroleum Spirit –

Next time – The early pioneering petrol stations.

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APEA attend Petroforum 2008 in Oman

Articles

By Brian Humm, Chairman of Training Committee Following the APEA Council meeting in January it was decided that the Association would send a delegate to the Petroforum event to be held in Oman - the object being to promote the Association in a region where we are less well known with some of the local oil companies being unaware of our presence.

Petroforum 2008 is a 3 - day event organised by Downstream Events and brings together suppliers to the forecourt industry with their customers the owners and operators of filling stations. In this case the event was being held at the Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort and Spa outside Muscat.

Turnout was excellent and representatives of 34 oil companies were to attend mainly from the Middle East, Africa and India including, ADNOC Distribution from the United Arab Emirates, Bapco from Bahrain, Bharat Petroleum from India, Engen Petroleum from South Africa, Gulf Energy from Kenya, Uganda and Congo, Hellenic Petroleum from Greece, Idemitsu Kosan from Japan, Libya Oil Corporation, National Oil Corporation Kenya, Saudi Fuel Company, BP International and Shell.

The conference started with the welcome from Downstream Events followed by the opening remarks from the conference Chair, Mark Hawtin Vice President of Knowledge Support Systems Ltd who outlined the 2 days of the conference topics to be led from leading international experts.

The first presentation was from Arthur Hanna, who is a partner in Global energy practice, Accenture, this presentation was regarding the future for energy- with a specific focus on

2000 meetings in 3 days

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alternative fuels, a very interesting topic and very well received, Next to present was Mansoor H. Khan, who is a retail network manager for Shell, Pakistan and Oman, his presentation outlined the market for alternative fuels with a particular attention to CNG, I found this presentation extremely interesting and informative as did many of the delegates that I later talked to.

After refreshment breaks the conference continued, the next presentation was from Kalim Siddiqui, who is the Executive director, retail, of Pakistan State Oil. The presentation centred on the rapidly expanding market of petroleum and related products within Pakistan.

Next up was the presentation of Greg Hodge who is a retail analyst from Planet retail, his presentation centred on the non-fuel side of retailing, particularly the Supermarket and Oil Company collaborations that now exist, and was very educational.

The next presentation was probably the most talked about during the day, it was a joint presentation by Geoff Upham and Anita Cox

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from Costa Coffee and Jason McNally of Simply Coffee, the presentations showed the different style and approach of both companies to the supply of coffee to the shop area of the forecourt business, it was very interesting.

The time had come for my presentation and I explained the APEA’s history and origins, its aims and objectives, training regime, technical committee, blue book, membership benefits. There was interest in both membership and our training courses.

The 10 minutes that was allocated, and actually turned into 20, flew by and a host of questions followed until I handed over to Bruno Boroewitsch of Com-a-tec GmbH for an update on Petrol plaza The conference chair, Mark Hawtin, then closed the day and thanked everyone for attending.

The evening was spent at a beach BBQ hosted by Oman Oil and was a brilliant event, a great place to talk to many interesting people, discuss the Association and its aims and generally answer the many questions from all delegates that were forthcoming, all were intrigued as to the Associations existence and complimentary of our presentation.

As you can see the oil company representation was large but factor into that the number of delegates from the vendors market which was in excess of 100 and they represented companies from all over the world.

Articles

Conference

The second and third days continued with pre-arranged, intensive, one-to-one business meetings and a well organised social networking program.

The 200 highly qualified delegates came from oil company engineering, automation and retail development teams from Asia, Africa & The Middle East, as well as from suppliers of petroleum equipment, systems and convenience services around the world.

By the close of the event, just under 2000 formal business meetings between oil companies and suppliers had taken place, alongside many informal networking sessions I set up the APEA stand opposite the registration desk and had Bulletins, diaries, a sample blue book and other

literature on show, also the APEA laptop was on hand running looped information regarding training offered by the Association.

The morning session was a whirl of

activity and I must say that the interest shown in the stand was at times overwhelming; at the end of the day I had given out all the bulletins and diaries from the stall, and must have spoken to at least 100 people about the Association.

That afternoon, after close of the meetings, the delegates were invited to the beach where team activities were enjoyed and were suitably cheered on by a local Oman band dressed in traditional costume.

A final thought of the event is that the trip was a worthwhile venture for the Association to have undertaken, in my opinion it has broadened our membership potential and has shown what the APEA stands for to a whole new region.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

57

Branches North West The AGM and March technical meeting was held at the NFU offices in Skelmersdale on 6th March, the meeting was well attended with 40 members in attendance, The day started with the branch AGM, Steve Devine welcomed all to the meeting and presented his Chairman’s report, John Bruce was introduced as the new Branch Secretary and National Committee Representative, Steve Devine announced that he will be standing down as Branch Chairman, due to other work commitments, thanks to Steve for all his works in his role.

The Election of Officers was formalised with Bob Conlin being voted in as Branch Chairman, John Bruce as Branch secretary and Steve Jones reelected as Branch Treasurer.

Committee members were also confirmed as Joanne Bradley, Sadie Clarke, Sean Stanhope and Martin Lucas.

John Bruce outlined the options for the NW Branch 50th Anniversary and a vote was taken regarding the venue, it is proposed to arrange a visit to the Jaguar factory in Halewood Merseyside, further details will be circulated to members.

The branch welcomed Tom Hocking to the meeting, Tom gave a brief update on the North Wales, Yorkshire and Humber Branches which are currently inactive.

The technical sessions followed with topics presented including: Ethanol Fuels drainage considerations Jo Bradley, Principal Officer Environment Agency Joanne described the characteristics of ethanol which make it incompatible with current forecourt drainage systems and oil separators. These are soluble in water, will not be separated out by a conventional separator and they contain other soluble pollutants – MTBE. They cannot be absorbed by a bespoke absorbent material and may not be acceptable into the foul sewer because of the creation of explosive atmospheres and they will corrode a standard GRP separator.

Joanne accepted that the solutions to these problems may be costly, but they do need to be thought through! She offered some possible solutions.

During deliveries, drainage must be diverted to some form of safe containment. This may be a dedicated dump tank or the oil separator.

However, most oil separators on forecourts in the UK are made from 58

GRP which is not ethanol resistant and would therefore be unsuitable.

Any dedicated dump tank must have all the control measures of a fuel storage vessel.

Wetstock management using real time analysis –

by Bob Conlin Bob also kindly stepped in to give a short presentation on the Fairbanks ibank, real time analysis service.

With many systems now in place across the UK, Bob shared with the audience some examples of recent actual loss investigations where the ibank system pinpointed the cause of loss; reducing otherwise protracted investigations to as little as a few hours.

Examples included theft during overnight quiet periods; leaks to suction lines, malfunctioning under-pump valves; over- dispensing meters and a pump fault causing significant fuel giveaway. Bob concluded by asking the meeting attendees whether they considered that minimum standards for wetstock control were being applied and enforced. The general view was that much more needs to be done to raise standards of HS & Environmental protection.

Fibrelite presentation by Ashley Pardoe Our thanks to Ashley, who stepped in at the last moment to deliver an excellent presentation on a new service which Fibrelite are offering in the UK to replace existing deformed circular manhole covers.

After highlighting the problems which

retailers have with these covers including pooling of water with the associated slip hazard, he described their innovative system for the safe and

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efficient removal of the existing frame using a hydraulically powered circular saw and installation of new fibrelite frame.

The process can accommodate 3 to 4 covers per day and the area can be opened to vehicles within 12 hours. For more information contact Fibrelite, details available on the APEA website.

Eurotank Environmental Ltd, Impact of Change With Stage 2 Vapour Recovery and the Introduction of Bio fuels into the UK market, we are now required to change our working practices to encompass, new technology, and new maintenance regimes.

Mr Edward Wheeler presented to the audience a very thought provoking insight into the problems that Eurotank had experienced in this year.

Additional build up of Vapour pressure within Underground storage tank manholes and tanks.

Additional build up of condensation within the vent Stage 1b system, viewed by the Endoscope camera.

Tanker delivery p r o b l e m s encountered due to this additional condensation and pressurization of the storage system.

Bio Fuel, B5 fuel quality issues that cause maintenance problems like blocking filters, pumps running slow etc, the makeup of the new product and the way it reacts with water, temperature, and separation of FAME (Fatty Acid Methyl Eathers)

Branches With Video footage and graphic photographs of the Impacts these changes are having on our Forecourts, the above topics raised some lively debate and discussions among the attendees.

was Ray Blake of the LFEPA, who gave an enlightened member’s profile, covering his education, career history and hobbies.

Last, but by no means least, was Tony Jenner of Cameron Forecourt, who gave an extremely interesting talk on the competency of contractors.

Tony realistically pointed out that at one time, health and safety measures

Forecourt Design – The Basis, The options, The future. By John Bruce David Mclean Contractors John presented to the meeting a brief trip through Forecourt Design with the aid of slides. The talk outlined the essential ingredients for the make up of the forecourt from underground tanks to the sales building. He ran through an actual real site reconstruction with the aid of photos, this demonstrated the major work elements including main forecourt dig, tank delivery and installation, pipework system, forecourt construction, canopy erection, through to project completion. He also presented a number of options on the future of the Forecourt, including some rather radical approaches in Design terms.

The days events concluded with a buffet lunch and light refreshments where all attendees took the opportunity to discuss matters further and renew acquaintances.

Dan Wilton

highlighting and minimizing risks associated with major works within agreed timescales.

Health and safety involves everyone on site, in both identifying problems and introducing/implementing suitable countermeasures.

HSSE monitoring involves regular regular on-site checks with audits of site systems, with or without the contractor being present.

Ed Wheeler of Eurotank Environmental then gave a presentation on a contractor’s viewpoint of health and safety.

John Bruce Branch Secretary Southern APEA Southern Branch Meeting.

Tuesday 15th April 2008.

The spring meeting of the Southern branch was held on Tuesday 15th April 2008 at BEN, Ascot, with 22 members in attendance.

The branch Chairman, Barry Jenner, gave an opening address; Alfred Friday of BEN then thanked the branch for supporting BEN and showed a brief film on the good work that they do.

The AGM was then held, which was followed by the first speaker of the day, Dan Wilton of WS Atkins on managing projects for clients, from a health and safety aspect.

Dan stressed the importance of maintaining high standards, whilst

Meeting delegates

Edward Wheeler

Ed mentioned that in some instances, working areas on live sites can be restricted due to accommodating customer’s requirements of maintaining sales; however, at no time is work carried out that would jeopardize the safety of all involved.

Ed also advised that additional costs are being experienced due to increased safety requirements, such as using mobile safety platforms for working at height.

His presentation showed various control measures used to isolate working areas and equipment used to protect employees whilst working above and below ground.

A roast beef lunch was enjoyed by all, except Alison, who was catered for with a veggie surprise!

The first speaker of the afternoon

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Ray Blake

were seen as a nuisance, with little attention being paid in that area.

More recently, it has become much more apparent of the benefits of improved welfare standards and safer working methods.

A lot of responsibility is placed on the employer to conform to all current health and safety requirements, but it is the duty of all employees to play their part by adhering to work methods etc. and communicating any problems, especially near misses.

The meeting ended at 3.00 p.m. with Barry Jenner thanking everyone for their attendance, and to all the speakers for taking time out of their busy schedules.

Bookings are now being taken for the special summer 50th anniversary celebratory meeting at Beaulieu; programmes will be issued shortly, and

Tony Jenner

61

Branches members from other branches are welcome to attend, at a cost of £55 each (Southern branch members will pay the usual cost of £15) Please contact Sue Meadowcroft on 07795 841891 or at sue@high-cross.com if you would like to reserve a place.

Sue Meadowcroft Branch Secretary Ireland Minutes of AGM 7th February 2008 Chairman Tom Daly made a welcome address outlining the mission/vision of the APEA Irish Branch/relevance in an era of technical and administrative change in Oil Industry in Ireland.

The reports of the Secretary, Branch Representative and Treasurer were circulated for perusal and taken as read.

Mark Elmore announced his retirement as Treasurer and was thanked for his interim service and his commitment to a smooth hand over of responsibilities.

An incoming Committee for the year 2008/2009 was elected as follows: Tom Daly -Dublin Fire Brigade Chairman, 2nd Term Kevin Wright - Pumps &Fuel Vice Chairman, 2nd Term Michael O’Kane - MOK+A Secretary, 2nd Term Oliver Lupton -Forecourt Bureau Treasurer, 1st Term Phil Bonny -Suresite Branch Rep, 2nd, Term Clive Kyle -Ballymena Council Committee member, 2nd Term Alan Pollock -Maxol Oil Ltd Committee member, 2nd Term Maureen Briggs -Craigavon Council Committee member, 1st Term Kilian Tallon - Topaz Energy Committee member, 1st Term John Ledden - Tesco Irl Ltd Committee member, 1st Term As planned speakers had been unable to make the meeting, Clive Kyle and Tom Daly volunteered to make presentations.

Clive gave an ad hoc account of the administration system in Northern 62

Ireland, covering approximately 550 petrol filling stations, centred around the role of Licensing Officers and their extensive workload, stretching their capacity to properly enforce Petroleum Regulations and similarities were drawn with the Republic of Ireland.

Tom gave an overview of various technical issues of relevance to the Retail Oil Industry in the Republic of Ireland, backed up by an comprehensive slide show, he later distributed copies of slides and copies of an APEA/UK paper on Biofuels.

There was lively discussion on points raised by Tom during and after his presentation which related to:• DSA Review Study – ongoing – by Arup Consultants • Relevance of the Blue Book as a Technical Reference under Irish Legislation • The uneven nature of enforcement of existing DSA Regulations by various L.A.’s across the country • The possibility of relying on Risk Assessments to support DSA applications to facilitate administration/enforcement of DSA Regulations • The issue of illegal Fuel Trading which is in open season in an environment with deficiencies in Regulation/Enforcement • Biofuels and the Arup Study – the delivery exercise – the operation of Interceptor Traps – the need to use alcohol resistant foam for firefighting • IPIA representation to Arup calling for better implementation of existing DSA Regulations • The requirement for site testing of u/g Double Skin Tanks • Proposals for the introduction of Stage 2 Vapour Recovery Considering the lowish turnout and the loss of planned speakers on the day, the active participation of attendees in the above discussions indicated good interest.

Attendees enjoyed a buffet lunch to sustain them on going back to work or their return journeys.

Michael O’Kane Branch Secretary Scotland On Thursday 17th April the Scottish Branch held their AGM in Forth Valley College in Stirling.

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Branch Chairman, Gareth Bourhill welcomed just under thirty members to the meeting and suggested that the AGM would be held at the end of the meeting to allow the scheduled speakers to deliver their presentations without having to wait until the afternoon. This was agreed and the meeting commenced.

The first presentation was by Donald McSporran from the AA’s latest venture “AA Fuel Assist”.

Donald gave a very interesting presentation on the subject of vehicle misfuelling and stated there were about 150,000 instances each year of drivers filling their vehicle with the incorrect fuel type. This leads to about 7.5 million gallons of contaminated fuel requiring disposal and costs motorists about £50 million.

The AA has developed a new service open to everyone not just members, whereby they can drain the erroneously drawn fuel from the tank and replace with the correct fuel. This can all be done at the roadside or on the filling station forecourt dispensing with the need for expensive recovery and repair.

They have a fleet of bespoke vehicles kitted out to conduct such operations with a huge emphasis on safety. All equipment meets the relevant legislative and technical requirements and the technicians are hand picked and undertake a 6 week training course.

After the presentation the delegates were treated to an inspection of the vehicles and systems of operation.

The second presentation was undertaken by two officers from the Scottish Environment Protection Agency.

Duncan Roebuck and Ian Halliday gave a refresher on their involvement with Stages 1 and 2 Petroleum Vapour Recovery.

They apprised delegates of SEPA’s role with regard to Stage 1 but stated that Scotland has still to decide implementation dates for Stage 2 unlike England which will enforce this as of 2009.

After a productive question and answer session, Gareth thanked all the speakers for their participation.

Then it was down to the business of the AGM. Gareth opened the AGM with a repeated welcome to all attendees and thanked them for attending Apologies were read out and a brief recap of the previous meeting held in Arbroath.

Gareth then addressed the members and informed them of the matters he had been working on since the last meeting.

He had been working on technical guidance for the new range of Biofuels.

Branches Gareth stated that the industry was busy promoting all aspects of the new high blend ethanol fuels without there being in place proper and thorough technical guidance. There are lots of implications for both Enforcers and the Industry but feels that Industry has to do more and accept their responsibilities with regard to safety.

Gareth also encouraged delegates to book for the Annual Conference in October as it is the 50th Year Anniversary of APEA. He also sought petroleum “memorabilia” from Scotland for a display at the Conference.

His main concern was membership and was discussing with the committee, ways to seek and obtain more members. This was seen as a high priority and will be worked on over the coming year.

The Secretary, Paul Devine, gave his brief report and correspondence matters and this was followed by the Treasurer’s report.

The Treasurer, Peter Lennon, reported on items of expenditure over the past year and the current account balance stands at just under £800.

The Branch Representative, Ian Hillier reported that there were concerns about “corporate” membership and alluded to this being problematic as there could be a lack of continuity with regard to attendees.

He has also met with the British Fireworks Association who are about to join APEA. They will also be willing to attend meetings and give advice/talks as required. This was welcomed by all delegates.

Office Bearers There followed the voting into office of office bearers and committee members.

The results were as follows.

Chairman - Gareth Bourhill Secretary - Paul Devine Treasurer - Peter Lennon Branch Rep - Ian Hillier Committee Members John G Lafferty Allan Hamilton Jim Haston Upon completion of the election of office bearers the meeting was closed

by Gareth who thanked all for their support and attendance.

Eastern Eastern Branch Meeting - please make a note in your diary.

The APEA Eastern Branch AGM and 50th year Celebratory Branch meeting: 12th June 2008: Hintlesham Hall Hotel, Hintlesham, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP8 3NS The “Eastern Branch Committee” met on March 19th to prepare for its next 64

meeting. We have agreed to hold this on June 12th 2008 at Hintlesham Hall near Ipswich Suffolk together with our AGM and importantly celebrate the APEA 50th anniversary with a two course lunch in recognition of this special and memorable event with Eastern Branch members enjoying a very special rate.

Contact us now for information. Just the place for clearing your mind or that bit of blue sky thinking, you will feel inspired. We hope to see many of you there.

Speakers will include Ray Holloway from the PRA, Jamie Thompson, Paul Brettel of Graphite UK who will talking on relining and decommissioning of storage tanks, followed by lunch after which a factory visit will be made to tank manufacturer Cookson & Zinn.

Contact us immediately if you would like to reserve a seat, available on a first come basis. You can pay in advance by credit card. Call 01992 452 915 reference APEA June 12th.

The APEA is here to serve all those who have an interest in the forecourt industry. It’s an excellent forum for networking and keeping yourself up to speed on current issues. Do come along and support the Branch, we are counting on you! If you haven’t been before or haven’t been for a while you will find it worthwhile. If you are one of

the many stalwarts, thank you for your continued commitment. We look forward to seeing you.

General agenda for the meeting on Thursday 12th June 2008.

Agenda 10.00 Registration/Tea and coffee 10.30 Welcome & Introduction & Reports 10.45 AGM and Election of Officers Election of : Chairman - John Boudry Vice-Chairman - Jacquie Holt Secretary - Anton Martiniussen Treasurer - Anton Martiniussen Branch Rep - Adrian Holyomes Auditors - Mike Alston Nominations Alex Boudry Adrian Holyomes Jean Finken John Brooks Jacquie Holt The Secretary will be pleased to accept nominations for the election of all Branch Officers by post or email or SMS for submission to the AGM. Nominations must be made known to

Post

Current

Interest

Chairman

John Boudry

Yes

Vice Chairman

Jamie Thompson

No

Branch Rep

Ian Taylor

No

Sec/Treasurer

Anton Martiniussen

Yes

Committee Members

John Brooks

Yes

Committee Member

Mike Alston

Yes

Committee Member

Jamie Thompson

Yes

Committee Member

tbc

Yes

Auditors

Mike Alston

Yes

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Branches the Secretary in writing by Thursday 12th June at the latest on the day. In the absence of sufficient advance nominations the AGM Branch Secretary is able to accept nominations from the floor of the meeting.

At the current time the members detailed on the previous page have indicated that they are willing to stand for election.

11.10 Ray Holloway - “Now and Then” The forecourt Industry.

Ray Holloway Is Director of the RMI and Petrol Retailers association (PRA) he will be known to many of you as expressing opinions on TV and Radio related to petrol and forecourt issues.

Ray spent 28 years with BP, a career that included a variety of European management positions associated with the oil business.

Jamie Thompson - “Now and Then” – The influence of regulation over the years.

There is not to much to be written about Jamie Thompson that is not already known. His opinions and views are often sought nationally and internationally. His contribution over the years to our industry is immeasurable

Midlands Nothing to report at present North East Nothing to report at present

Branch Representative and Secretary Contact Details Eastern Ian Taylor - Rep Fenstanton Manor, Cambridge Road Fenstanton, Cambridge PE28 9HS Tel: 01480 463 739 Mob: 07768 552072 iantaylor@enterprise.net Anton Martiniussen - Sec ELAFLEX Ltd Riverside House, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0PA Tel: 01992 452 950 Mob: 07831 595620 email: elaflex@aol.com

12.45 Lunch

Midlands

14.45 Factory Tour - Cookson & Zinn (CZ) design and manufacture above and below ground storage tanks and pressure vessels, in both carbon and stainless steel for a number of industries: petro-chem, pharmaceutical, water, food and power generation

Tom Hocking - Rep D Berry & Co (PFS) Ltd Unit 130 Middlemore Ind Estate Kentish Road, Birmingham B21 0AY Tel: 0121 558 4411 email: enquiries@dberryandco.co.uk

16.30 - 17.00 Close of business

North East

To assist the organisation of the event please confirm your attendance after reading this notice. Phone, email, fax or letter. This helps to keep the branch’s running costs down.

Attending the Eastern Branch may qualify for CPD hours for time spent on technical subjects. The CPD is accredited by the Association of Building Engineers (ABE) of which the APEA is an Affiliate member. Members attending may enquire on the day to receive certification of the hours attended.

If you have received this notice in the post and would in future prefer to receive it by email then email me at elaflex@aol.com Kind regards

Mike Silmon - Rep and Sec W O Silmon Ltd Industry Road, Heaton Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne & Wear NE6 5XB. Tel: 0191 224 0777 Fax: 0191 224 0707 email: associationtreasurer@apea.org.uk

Anton Martiniussen Branch Secretary

Scotland Ian Hillier - Rep North Ayrshire Council Bridgegate House Irvine KA12 8BD Tel: 01294 324969 email: ian.hiller@north-ayrshire.gov.uk 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 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.monger@ukonline.co.uk Sue Meadowcroft - Sec 1 Rock Cottage, South Cornelly Bridgend CF33 4RN Tel: 07795 841891 email: sue@high-cross.com Ireland Michael O’Kane - Irish Sec Michael O'Kane Associates Gransha Beg, 27a Gilford Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel: +44 353 87 2671675 Mob: +44 (0) 7718 146033 email: mokplusa@eircom.net Thomas Daly - Sec Dubin Fire Brigade HQ, 165-169 Townsend Street Dublin 2 Ireland Tel: +353 1673 4059 email: thomas.daly@dublincity.ie

North West

Cyprus

John Bruce - Branch Rep and Sec David McLean Contractors Ltd 28 Parkway Deesside Industrial Park, Deeside Deeside, Flintshire CH5 2NS Tel: 01244285815 email: john.bruce@davidmclean.co.uk

George Gregoras - Rep and Sec Hellenic Petroleum Cyprus Ltd 1st Erecthiou Str., 2413, Engomi Nicosia, Cyprus Tel: +357 22 477000 Fax: +357 22 453792 email: ggregoras@hellenic-petroleum.gr

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

65

Training

2008 Course Dates Petrol Filling Stations Construction, Safety and Environmental Protection 18/19th June Luton

Electrical Installations An Awareness 11th June

Wetstock Management 17th June

Manchester

23rd Sept

Southampton

Luton

LPG Installations

15/16th September Dublin

30 Oct

17/18th November Glasgow

11th June

Cardiff

9th July

Sheffield

10th Sept

Glasgow

6 hours Continued Professional Development 8 Sept Luton

15th Oct

Newcastle

22 Sept

Manchester

4/5 June Sheffield

12th Nov

Luton

20 Oct

Southampton

25/26 June Manchester

3rd Dec

Manchester

27 Oct

Derby

17/18 September Dublin

4 Sept

Newcastle

10 Nov

Cardiff

11 Sept

Manchester

24 Nov

Birmingham

24 Sept

Luton

8 Dec

Swindon

25 Sept

Cardiff

15 Dec

York

8/9th December Manchester Petrol Filling Stations Risk Assessment, Audit and Inspection

22/23 October Glasgow 26/27 November Newcastle

York

DSEAR

New For 2008 Petrol Filling Stations – Enforcement Procedures An Awareness (One day)

Explosives and Fireworks

Courses will be designed around the new TCB Document, Guidance for Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations.

Please contact the APEA Business Manager on 0845 603 5507 or at admin@apea.org.uk if you wish to find out about purchasing a copy. APEA Members can purchase the guide at the discounted rate of £40 (non member rate £120).

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.

Bespoke courses can be made available provided the minimum number of Delegates is 8. This offers a discount.

For details of this and any other training enquiry, please contact: Jane Mardell - Training Coordinator, (contact details on page 3) or Brian Humm, Training Chairman 84 Dunblane Road, Eltham, London SE9 6RT Mobile: 07818 097141 e-mail: brian.humm@london-fire.gov.uk

APEA Training Team Jamie Thompson Independent Consultant Brian Humm Deputy Head of Petroleum LFEPA Brian Baker Fire Safety & Petroleum Officer Milton Keynes Council Gareth Bourhill Principal Training Consultant 66

Electrical Safety Forth Valley College of Further and Higher Education

Bob Conlin Director Fairbanks Environmental

Richard Wigfull Consulting Engineer J. Wigfull & Son

Tom Armstrong Senior Project Engineer

Phil Lambeth Senior Engineer BP Global Alliance

Joe Maerz Operational Manager Rural & Public Protection Team Essex Trading Standards

Kim Bennett, Senior Environmental Health Officer Milton Keynes Council

Jean Fincken Petroleum Inspector LFEPA

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507