The Bulletin Magazine - September 2003

The Bulletin Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

September 2003

Thanks to Bryan Catcheside who took the photograph on the front cover in Silverton, Colorado

Editorial

Contents Regulars Editor’s Letter Chairman’s Report Business Manager’s Report New APEA Members Letters to the Editor

News

3 5 6 6 9

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Press Releases Texaco Ireland cement relationship with Fairbanks Environmental Fairbanks awarded Britain’s most coveted commercial prize

28 29 35 36 38 40 41 44 47 51 52

Branch News Branch reports Branch Representative contact details

55 55

Training News 2003/2004 course dates Course sponsors The Northern Ireland Adventure BTEC Professional Certificate Review

tel: fax: mob: e-mail:

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Articles Obituary - Bob Holdaway Petrol Pumping Systems Tank Remedial Modification - Part Three Implications of DSEAR on autogas Installations Innovative Pressure/Vacuum Vent Valves Spotlight on Statoil Ireland Ltd Petroleum Licensing and DSEAR Doing the right thing through Internal Tank Maintenance APEA AGM 2003 Spot checks show illegal petrol sales at 85% of forecourts SUPERVAULTMH solves environmental problem

Andy Berry Editor London Fire Brigade Room 810 Hampton House 20, Albert Embankment London SE1 7SD

56 56 57 59 60

020 7587 6386 020 7587 6377 07879 607890 andy.berry@londonfire.gov.uk

Jamie Thompson Publishing Chairman 70 Wangford Road Reydon Southwold Suffolk IP18 6NX Tel/fax: Mobile: email:

01502 722999 07770 625851

jamiethompson@ukonline.co.uk

Jane Mardell Business Manager (including Bulletin Advertising and Production) PO Box 106 Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3XT Tel/fax: Mobile: email:

01799 502929 07815 055514 admin@apea.org.uk

Editor’s letter Welcome to my first Bulletin as Editor, although in fairness much of the preparation of this edition had been carried out by Jane and Rob prior to my taking on the responsibility, so I would like to begin by recording my thanks and gratitude to them both.

coming in by sending them to either Jane or myself.

One realisation that has hit me is that I will no longer experience the thrill of picking up my Bulletin from the door mat and flipping through the pages to see what subjects are being covered by the articles!

We are once again going through changing times within our industry with new regulations, increased environmental awareness, significant reductions in the number of petrol retail outlets and greater cooperation between regulators and industry. In my view the Bulletin is the premier method for disseminating news and information to all of our colleagues who need to be kept abreast of the changes.

The articles within this issue cover a range of topics, as you would expect from an association that draws its membership from right across the industry. Thank you to all those who have contributed articles, news items or letters - please keep them

It is my intention that we are able to maintain the standard of informing, educating and provoking thought - in order to do this we need contributions from every reader who feels that they can contribute to the shared benefit of the membership.

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 is with great pride that I begin my second year as Chairman of this association, and I thank all of you for having the confidence to bestow this honour upon me once again.

Being so soon after the AGM, my report for this Bulletin issue is very brief, but I trust it will be sufficient to keep you up to date with what is happening within the organisation.

Our first council meeting turned out to be a tumultuous affair, which regretfully resulted in the resignation of one of our newly elected Council members, Jeannie O'Beirne! It is difficult to explain in a few words the course of events which led to her resignation, but the issue centred on a possibility of a conflict of interest in Jeannie serving with the Training Committee. For my part, I possibly didn't handle the meeting or situation very well, being wrong-footed by the vociferous content of some of the debate! Please, in reading this account, do not consider for one second that Jeannie acted improperly in any way or that her personal or professional integrity should be questioned. The whole situation is regrettable, but I am pleased to say that I have spoken with Jeannie at length and we both feel confident that valuable lessons can be learnt from such situations. Jeannie has been encouraged to reconsider her decision to resign from Council, although for reasons of her own feels disinclined to do so.

I feel sure you will all join me in welcoming our other newly elected council member, Geoff Oldham, who is to work with the Technical Committee. Our new honorary secretary Paul Craven takes over from Andy Berry who has now relieved Rob Tunnicliff as Honorary Editor. I look forward to working closely with all of my council colleagues over the coming months.

Council has many plans for the coming year, not the least of which is to revisit the aims and objectives of the APEA. Whilst generally we have confidence that the original aims still hold good, we feel that it may be necessary to carry out a little "tweaking" in order to fully satisfy the needs of the wider membership. We are all aware of our obligations as an industry to protect the environment, and it is in areas like this where we feel some changes may be necessary. If your branch (or you as an individual member) feels there are issues which should be addressed, please let us know - we always want fresh ideas.

For those of you who do not adapt easily to change, I would like to add the comforting note that it is not the intention of council to mess with the association to any great extent, but to recognise where changes are required and if possible effect those changes. After all, it has only been by being adaptable that the APEA has survived into the 21st Century, and if we want to remain at the forefront of our industry we must retain the flexibility to react to a changing world.

At a recent Events Committee meeting options for the events programme for the coming year were discussed. Whilst no final agreement was reached the committee were united in their opinion that it would be foolhardy, and tantamount to committing financial Hari-Kari to try and stage a full blown exhibition such as those previously held at Telford, London & Birmingham. What did find favour amongst most was the concept of holding the APEA Annual Dinner, which would be

supported by a lively and informative conference programme.

The possibility of inviting manufacturers and suppliers to support the event with a relatively low key exhibition was also discussed. Those of you who can remember the distant days when we met at Dunstable will be familiar with the concept!

As you read this Jane is looking into suitable venues for the event (in the Midlands you'll doubtless be pleased to know)! Future Bulletin editions will bring you more news as our plans unfold.

Generally, Council was pleased with the AGM and felt that the venue was good and the speakers interesting and informative. On behalf of the Council I would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the speakers for giving their time freely in preparing and presenting their excellent material. We understand that some visitors felt that the buffet luncheon was a little overpriced and somewhat sparse! Please be assured that we do listen to our members and will try and feed you all a little heartier next year!

Under Brian Baker's chairmanship, the Training Committee continues to develop and expand its activities, with the courses offered being well structured, extremely popular and profitable. Jane Mardell has stepped in to help Brian with the abundance of administration and groundwork which goes to make each course run smoothly and efficiently. I am pleased to report that Jane is undertaking this new task with her usual calm efficiency, and I am confident that the association can only benefit from her efforts.

It is interesting to note that we are now receiving enquiries from overseas countries to provide bespoke training courses.

This must be a clear indication that the APEA is truly an international organisation with a reputation for offering high quality training and support within this specialised industry.

Before closing, I would just like to mention our lifeblood - the branches! Some of our branches are extremely successful, holding regular meetings and attracting lively and interesting speakers, whilst others appear to be struggling - in some cases to maintain their very existence! I would like to ask you all to support your local branch and make a point of attending meetings. Not only does active participation at branch level allow us to understand and discuss developing industry trends but it also provides us with the opportunity to meet with friends and colleagues from within the industry. Please find out when your next branch meeting is, note it in your diary and make sure you attend - I am sure you will find it a worthwhile and enjoyable experience.

I conclusion, I would like to thank you all once again for your support and say how much I look forward to working with you all in the months to come.

Tony Jenner (Chairman) 5

Business Manager’s Report It’s been a busy time since my last report with the AGM in May and the Yearbook deadline looming. I have also recently taken on some additional responsibilities for the APEA related to Training and I have detailed these below.

It was good to meet many of you at the recent AGM in May and you will find a full report of the AGM in this issue of The Bulletin.

Membership To date there are 971 APEA members with June being a busy few months with 33 new members joining during April, May and June. You can find details of new members below.

I would like to try and update the membership database with everyone’s email address to aid better communication.

Please can you email me with your details to admin@apea.org.uk. In the long term this should help save money for the association which can be used for your benefit.

Should you also have any other changes to your contact details please email me on admin@apea.org.uk.This will also ensure that your correspondence gets delivered to the correct address.

AGM The APEA AGM was held on 12th May at the Marriott in Northampton and was well attended with around 90 people. It was good to put faces to names and I hope you all enjoyed the event.

We hope to hold next year’s AGM around the same time of year and hopefully at Northampton again, as this appeared to be a

popular venue. The full report is on page 47.

Website Please let me know if you have any interesting news items that you would like to include on the site. As I have mentioned in previous issues these can be submitted directly to the website from the ‘News’ page which then come through to me for authorisation.

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

Since the AGM a new Editor has been appointed, for The Bulletin, Andy Berry from the London Fire Brigade, I’m sure he would appreciate your support in his new role.

Please send through any news items or articles for the December issue to Andy and he will forward them onto me if they are suitable. His contact details are listed on page 3 of this issue.

As usual any advertising issues should be sent to me.

Yearbook The Yearbook is progressing well and should be at the printers very soon. Most of the information has now been updated and I am just waiting on a few things before I can finalise the artwork.

Thank you to all of you that placed advertising for 2004, this support goes along way to helping us produce this useful guide each year.

The Yearbook should be sent out early November this year, but, if possible, I will try and make it earlier, as I know alot of you are keen to receive it in October.

Training As with the last issue there is a booking form enclosed with this issue of The Bulletin

to make it easier for those of you interested in booking APEA Training Courses. Course dates are listed on page 59.

Since my last report I have taken on responsibility for coordinating the bookings for the APEA training courses, so please call me with any queries or booking requirements. Brian Baker will still design and schedule the courses but has handed over the administration side to me, hopefully now he will be able to focus more time on his full-time job!

If you need to check the training course dates at any time, these are detailed on our website www.apea.org.uk on the Training page.

General Assistance Finally if any of you need any assistance with industry matters, please do not hesitate to contact me on 01799 502929 and I will endeavor to help.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jane

New APEA Members Detailed below are new members that have recently joined the APEA. April 2003 Denise Amesbury 12 Woodpecker Drive Packmoor Stoke on Trent Staffs ST7 4GJ Grame Warnell 68 Hartland Avenue Tattenhoe Milton Keynes Bucks MK4 3BW Maxine Godfrey Coteba Limited 26-28 Hammersmith Grove London W6 7HA Christopher Kim Williams 5 East Street Uffculme Devon EX14 3AL

Brian Stoddart G & E Murgatroyd

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James Hall & Co (Southport) Ltd 88/91 Blackpool Road Ribbleton Preston Lancs PR2 6DY Alexander Klyonov.

Henriques & Henriques S.A. Apartado 3, 2436-909 Caxarias, Ourem, Portugal Patrick Smith 26 Lowestoft Road Gorleston Great Yarmouth Norfolk NR31 6LY Alan Hickinbotham West Midlands Fire Service Hay Mills Fire Safety Service Speedwell Road Hay Mills Birmingham B25 8HH Z. Pezelja Zavisa Klobas TTS d.o.o.

16Kostrena HR-51221, Croatia

May 2003 Howell Griffiths Ambisol Signage & Lighting Ltd Unit C Goodridge Avenue Gloucester GL2 5AE Derek Hoskins 2 Dalecote Avenue Solihull B92 9QR Andrew Leaper 10 Meadowlands Scholes, Cleckheaton West Yorkshire BD19 6HB Gerry McCann 10 Parkmore Road Magherafelt Derry BT45 6PF John McMail 10 Maple Road Abronhill Cumbernauld Glasgow G67 3NH David Duckworth DjayD Consultancy 3 Hawridge Lane Bellingdon Chesham Buckinghamshire HP5 2XX

Mike Blomstrom J K Pajarinen & Co Veneetekijantie 6 Helsinki 210 Finland

Roger Edmunds 21 High Street Llanelli Carmarthenshire SA15 2RF

Liron Shalev Nadir Marketing Ltd 11 Teena Street Rosh Haayin POB 4792 48571 Israel

Jon Hancock 39 Oulton Avenue Belmont, Hereford Herefordshire HR2 7YX

Terry Pack NICEIC Vintage House 37 Albert Embankment London SE1 7UJ June 2003 Darren Bolton 8 Holmes Park Crescent Kilmarnock Ayrshire KA1 1RL S M Byrne GB Forecourts Ltd Lea View House Station Lane Witney Oxon OX28 4LD William Davies 104 Bromborough Village Road Bromborough Wirral CH62 7EX

D G James Manteg Llangyndeyrn Kidwelly Carmarthenshire SA17 5EN Martin Jenkins 2 New Road Dafen, Llanelli Carmarthenshire SA14 8LS D G Kington 3 The Elms Maidenhead Road Stratford-upon-Avon CV37 6YB C T Phillips 21 Llys Westfa Fennfdel Llanelli Carmarthenshire SA14 8DG Richard Thomas 9 Station Road Highley

Bridgnorth Shropshire WV16 6NP Hayley Willis Small Trees The Bridleway Howe Green Chelmsford Essex CM2 7RL Bryan Edgar Ballymoney Borough Council Health & Environmental Services Riada House, 14 Charles Street Ballymoney Co Antrim BT53 6DZ Ireland Roy Moore Hygiene World Ltd Argylle House 29 Chapel Street Badsey Worcestershire WR1 7HA Ronald Winwoo Sure Electrical Services Lincoln Farm Kenilworth Road Hampton-in-Arden Solihull West Midlands B92 0LS Ertum Tufekci Tora Petrol Baglar Mah. Yalcin Kores Cad. No. 24 Gunesli Instanbul 34570 Turkey

Letters to the Editor Sir, When starting my marketing career in the petroleum equipment industry in 1989, one of my first projects completed for my German employer was to look after a stand at the Forecourt Show in Birmingham. The market for retail petroleum equipment had become more and more international and in addition to the traditional automechanika exhibition in Frankfurt, the show in Birmingham became a must for companies operating internationally.

Over the last few years the picture has changed a lot. The size of the IFFE show has become smaller and smaller and even if the name reads "International Forecourt and Fuel Equipment", the exhibition no longer has international relevance. We did not see many buyers from outside the UK and Ireland. And to be honest, it was hard to find new and innovative products for the international market other than those already presented at automechanika'02 in Frankfurt six months ago.

My conclusion is that one - and only one - biennial pan-European retail petroleum equipment fair which is the automechanika - would be sufficient for the market. This would reflect the innovation cycle of the products and correspond to the tight marketing budgets

in this industry sector. For on-going communication between buyers and suppliers and for market information purposes, there are others, much more economic and efficient options available today than trade fairs.

The IFFE is a valuable event for everyone targeting oil companies based in the UK and the dealer market in UK and Ireland, but it is not a pan-European trade fair Bruno Boroewitsch Managing Director com.A.tec (host of PetrolPlaza.com)

Sir, In the June 2003 edition of The Bulletin, you published a letter regarding contractors undertaking electrical work in petrol filling stations and mention was made of the new NICEIC's Hazardous Areas scheme.

On behalf of the NICEIC, I would like to respond the that letter in attempt to clarify the NICEIC's viewpoint on the issues raised.

The first comment about the NICEIC states that Engineers are not competent to work or test on petrol filling station sites without CompEx 07 & 08. This is not correct. However, it is true that to be

approved under the new NICEIC Hazardous Area scheme it is a requirement for a contractor's Qualified Supervisor to have a nationally recognised qualification, this currently being Comp'Ex 07 and 08 for those working in petrol filling stations.

Although a contractor would not be eligible to join the NICEIC if their Qualified Supervisor didn't have these Comp'Ex qualifications, that does not necessarily mean that their engineers are not competent. It is of course a requirement of Regulation 16 of the Electricity at Work Regulations that persons carrying out this work are considered to be competent to do so.

The second point made about the purchasing of NICEIC certificates and reports is also incorrect. Any electrical contractor is able to purchase green (uncontrolled) certificates from the NICEIC for reporting the results of the inspection and testing of electrical work undertaken in petrol filling stations. It is true, however, that only contractors that have been assessed and approved for this work can obtain red (controlled) versions of these certificates.

Please note that it is a requirement of the APEA/IP Guide (the Blue Book) for contractors undertaking electrical work in petrol filling stations to issue the appropriate certificates and reports based

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Letters on the models given. These do not however need to be those developed by the NICEIC and other forms that are no less comprehensive than the models given can be used.

The NICEIC certificate/report for use in petrol filling stations is contained in a single document of 6 pages and is intended to satisfy the requirements detailed in the Blue Book.

The three types of certificate that were mentioned in the letter, namely the NICEIC 'visual', 'close' and 'detailed' are intended for general hazardous areas in accordance with BS EN 60079 and have not been designed for use when certifying or reporting on electrical work carried out in petrol filling stations.

It should be noted that the Blue Book has been developed by the industry for the industry with the encouragement and support of the Health and Safety Executive.

It is therefore very disappointing that some organisations are now attempting to undermine the requirements that have been developed by the industry and are prepared to issue (and accept) inferior certificates that do not satisfy the requirements.

For those contractors who decide to issue these inferior certificates would do well to remember their responsibilities under the Electricity at Work Regulations as such certificates or reports may provide the only effective evidence for the contractor or person(s) responsible for the safety of an electrical installation should either or both be prosecuted under the provisions of those statutory regulations.

In the near future the NICEIC is considering a national campaign to explain the requirements to Enforcing Officers as to what they should be receiving from electrical contractors who have carried out an inspection and test of an electrical installation in a petrol filling station Finally it is very important for your readers to be aware that the NICEIC is a consumer safety body and a registered charity that has been operating for nearly fifty years with the aim of protecting consumers from unsafe and unsound electrical installations. The NICEIC is not a trade association and the requirements of the new scheme have been developed to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that a contractor approved for this type of work will carry out an installation competently.

I hope this clarifies the NICEIC position on the issues raised.

H. G. Reid Senior Engineer (Hazardous Areas) NICEIC

Email received by our Training Chairman Brian Baker regarding a recent Wet Stock Course in Stoke on Trent

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Brian, Just a quick note thanking you for yesterdays course.

I found it very interesting and worthwhile.

Just for your info - Bob was excellent in pitching the course and very clear in his tutoring. The location was good and more importantly the food excellent.

With there been only 6 on the course we could look at the aspects of the course from different angles and bounce around queries and problems that arose.

Many thanks Mark Weaver Powys County Council

Sir, Re: Public Liability Insurance For many contractors it is that time of year again when the insurance policies come up for renewal. Anyone in business is aware that the cost of insurance, especially public liability, has escalated in leaps and bounds over the last few years.

Contractors working in any industry must have suitable insurance covering the activities being carried out. However clients, if necessary in association with loss adjustors, are responsible for deciding on the realistic amount of cover required. Just because the cover required was £2 million last year and prices have gone up this does not necessarily mean that the requirement should become £5 million this year and perhaps £10 million next year.

In addition clients have a duty to confirm that contractors have insurance that is suitable for the work that they are being asked to carry out.

Giving our situation as an example. For many years we have a £5 million public liability policy (in addition to all the other types of insurances required), which could be economically increased to £10 million for specific projects. This year the cost of £2 million cover is twice that of the previous years £5 million, for a Company our size this is a significant sum.

Our broker, who has been in the business for many years, has only been able to find one underwriter prepared to give the 3 over 2 cover to increase the policy to £5 million but at an additional premium of nearly £10,000 per year. For 8 over 2 cover (to increase the value to £10 million) the additional premium is £20,000. Either of these policies only come into force, subject to certain restrictions, if the original claim exceeds £2 million.

We realise that, especially for an outsider, a company working with flammable gases, on forecourts, limited hot work and carrying out work inside confined spaces the risk looks higher than average. However we had an in depth audit in 2002 by Royal Sun Alliance and all was acceptable with no

recommendations for changes in operations or procedures.

However if this continues then we have two options. Either withdraw from the work that we do or operate with insurance that is nominally to the required value but does not truly cover our activities.

Richard Wigfull John Wigfull & Co Ltd

Sir, I note with interest the 'Stop Press' article on page 64 of the June issue of 'The Bulletin.' This referred to the Safety Passport Scheme for contractors working on Forecourts and is recognised by UKPIA. PTF Training Limited currently have accreditation with the Safety Pass Alliance to provide the training required for the issue of the passport.

Since APEA are considering adding the scheme to their current portfolio of training courses we must point out that it is NOT a competency based qualification as confirmed to us by one of the SPA Directors.

Alec O'Beirne Managing Directort PTF Training Limited Sir, WHAT FLORIDA DID NOT TELL YOU IN THEIR LAST ARTICLE ABOUT FLEXIBLE PIPING !

The article "The State of Florida's experiences with thermoplastic flexible piping by Marshall T. Mott-Smith", published in The Bulletin of June 2003, left us, together with many of our customers and partners, in disbelief and shock.

The question "What is the article's objective; Informing The Bulletin readers or hurting the flexible piping industry in general and TCI activities in particular?" was raised many times during the last months.

Assuming the article was meant to inform the readers, they need to know that, while attempting to bring to light issues regarding underground fuel delivery systems, the author draws conclusions that are not substantiated by any analysis or are simply incorrect. With this letter we want to set the story straight and correct any incorrect statements made by the author and the editors of The Bulletin.

The Pictures: The Mississippi web site shows 50, clearly categorized, pictures illustrating field problems; 19 pictures (38%) involve TCI pipes and other components.

The Bulletin article shows 13 pictures of which 9 pictures (69%) involve TCI products!

Moreover, 2 of the 9 TCI pictures

Letters shown are of pre-September 1994 pipe generation that was subject to microbial fungal attack and subsequently were replaced.

Why does the author rehash old information that is well documented in the industry and resolved?

Why does the author illustrate its article with essentially TCI pictures?

Why does The Bulletin publish 6 TCI pictures (page 55) adjacent to TCI's fullpage advert for its FORTRONâ lined pipes?

The data: The author reports and categorizes 61 incidents.

The information that is not included in the article is the number of stations in Florida that have thermoplastic flexible pipe. Earnest Roggelin (State inspector and member of the UL Technical Committee) stated in a recent presentation that there are over 10,000 flexible pipe (8500 are TCI) installations in Florida. It means that the 61 incidents equates to 0,6% !

The article also claims there are no problems reported with pipe marketed by UPP or NUPI, and one company has been approved for four years.

Again, what the article fails to mention is the number of stations installed in Florida by these two companies; they are easy to count on your hands!

The article also wants the reader to believe that there are problems everywhere in the US; several states are listed where problems were alleged to have occurred.

What is the percentage of sites with issues compared to the total number of installed sites?

Why does the author fail to mention the total number of sites, to put in proper perspective the percentage of incidents?

The problem The author says that the problem is material related; that PE outer pipe covers or jackets swell when in contact with fuel.

What the author doesn't mention is that all current pipes (rigid, semi-flexible and flexible pipes) were NOT designed for long term external exposure and immersion in fuels.

And this is even consistent with the State of Florida's requirements for monthly visual inspections and reporting of any fuel presence in the secondary, and immediate removal of this fuel.

Evaluation of the photographs shows that the majority of sumps contained fuel and the damaged pipe shown indicates long term exposure to fuels. (the Mississippi web site shows 33 of the 50 pictures of immersed pipe).

It certainly appears that, the periodic inspections and maintenance regulations were not followed!

Rubber bulkheads/boots are implied to be a flexible piping problem in the article,

yet the same type boots are utilized by fiberglass pipe and steel pipe!

The NUPI and UPP pipes mentioned in the article are using the same materials (nylons and PE) indicated as the culprits with flexible pipes!

Why does the author exclude fiberglass pipe failure data, while Florida's State interim report to the Federal EPA details about fifty one sites with fiberglass pipe problems?

Where is the root-cause analysis of the problems? Are all of these issues related to the piping materials? Are some related to poor installation, lack of maintenance, etc?

The manufacturers The author, in a separate paragraph, claims not to mention manufacturers names (other than in the background information) and that it isn't its intention to make comparisons between different manufacturers or to discourage or to promote the use of any type of piping.

Knowing the article is for publication in The Bulletin, why is the author already in the introduction qualifying the NUPI and UPP pipes?

The author and the editors of The Bulletin knew that the article addresses a small, international community of specialists (customers, regulators, competitors etc.. ) which knows and easily identifies the different pipe products. Consequently, by publishing the color pictures, de facto the manufacturers names were printed!

The editorial comment The article starts with a short comment saying, among other things, that we ("we" means the editors of the The Bulletin) are not aware of similar problems in Europe.

If this is the case, why devote 6 pages, including 13 pictures, to problems unlikely to occur in Europe?

This is unprecedented for The Bulletin and must be serving other objectives than just informing the industry!

Conclusions It seems that, although against all official regulations, one has to accept that in the USA and some other countries in the world, significant amounts of standing fuel in secondary containment systems for extended periods of time is far from exceptional. Only tougher inspection and maintenance regulations will avoid this.

The article is wrong when stating that external exposure to fuels causes problems only with thermoplastic piping systems because of the use of polyethylene as a cover or jacket.

All pipes, semi-rigid PE pipes and fiberglass pipes, are affected!

TCI thoroughly supports UL's move to enhance the existing standards for fiberglass and thermoplastic piping systems. We have products ready that meet the new proposed requirements.

However, regulators must support the

change for all types of piping systems.

The article's goal of promoting fuel delivery systems that minimize the exposure of fuel contaminating the environment is consistent with the objectives of every piping manufacturer in the industry. The lack of root cause analysis makes the article lack credibility, but the fact that the author stated that the flexible pipe problems were incidents and did not cause a release into the environment provides us with only one conclusion: Flexible pipes and their secondary containment systems work!

Total Containment's credo since the introduction of Enviroflex in the late eighties has always been: •

Install pipe systems without underground joints!

-Specify continuous pipe runs, whatever the pipe diameter and the application (suction or pressure product lines, vent & vapour recovery lines, 4'' remote fill lines) -Every joint (even an electro-fused one) is man made and a possible leak source; most of the PE fittings (elbows & T's) are not even lined and are prone to swelling and expansion in permanent contact with fuels.

•

All underground flammable fluid conveying pipes (pressure & suction) should be secondarily contained with retractable primary pipe.

-The concept offers max. flexibility at marginal cost -Retractability is the least expensive environmental & operational insurance you can buy!

•

Specify primary pipes with the most advanced inner liner material -TCI, in its efforts to use the best polymers available on the market, introduced FORTRON as internal liner for its primary pipes.

FORTRON is the most advanced polymer currently on the market, used in the automobile industry to cast engine fuel distribution parts.

Total Containment Inc. is leading specialist of thermoplastic flexible piping systems for the petroleum retail industry.

TCI Environment nv, is a 100% subsidiary of TCI, operating out of Antwerp (Bel) and covering Europe, Middle East and Africa.

François Meersseman Managing Director TCI Environment nv Kontichsesteenweg 57, Unit II B-2630 Aartselaar, Belgium T: +32 (0)3 4598076 F: +32 (0)3 4598082 M: +32 (0)475 267052 E: francois.meersseman@tci-e.com

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News

UK: Westminster, May 21 2003. Woman had blacked out before crashing into propane tank A mother-of-five died after being enveloped in freezing liquid propane when she blacked out at the wheel of her car and smashed into a four-ton storage tank.

Wendy Moore, 56, a children's helper from Rickmansworth, suffered horrific cold burns to her legs at the Shell petrol station on Stirling Corner as her white Metro was engulfed in the freezing gas last November, Westminster Coroner's Court heard last week. With only seconds left to try to save her life, firefighter Grant Waldron snatched her from the car, suffering freeze burns in the process.

Other motorists had desperately tried to reach her but feared the evaporating gas could be ignited by a spark at any moment. Mrs Moore was taken to Chelsea & Westminster burns unit by

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helicopter, but died a month later.

Recording a verdict of accidental death, Coroner Dr Paul Knapman said: "The whole thing is a freak accident.

She died in very difficult and unpleasant circumstances."

Mrs Moore had been on her way to her mother's house in Burnt Oak when she was believed to have suffered a diabetic seizure or a minor heart attack as she drove around the roundabout.

Motorist Jonathan Lawler, from Gospel Oak, described how Mrs Moore's car missed his own by inches before careering into the propane tank. "I looked behind to see the Metro cross the station forecourt, go past a man and a boy washing their car, and collide with a gas tank in a metal cage. "We tried to get the boot open but it was locked and we thought about smashing the back window but we were not sure whether that would make a spark," he said.

UK: Croydon, May 21 2003. Youths play with near Tanker Youths who pretended to set a fuel tanker alight as its owner filled up at a petrol station in Norbury last week could have caused a catastrophe, police have warned.

The youths, who were sparking a cigarette lighter next to the lorry, smashed the vehicle's owner over the head with a bottle after he pushed them off the forecourt.

The incident started at the Jet garage on London Road, in between Thornton Heath and Norbury, last Tuesday (May 13) at around 7.15pm. After the pair were pushed away from the highly flammable fuel tanker they returned moments later with a bottle, which they used to attack the driver before running off.

The pair's foolish actions have prompted police appeal for witnesses. A Croydon Police spokesman said: "The stupidity of these people is astounding.

They repeatedly flicked a cigarette lighter next to a fuel tanker on the forecourt of a petrol station. This was during rush hour on a busy road. If it had caught alight, it would have been catastrophic. " To top it off they then attacked the lorry driver with a bottle after he pushed them away from the vehicle. He is recovering in hospital.

He added the driver's injuries were not life threatening. The victim, a lorry driver in his 20s from Essex, was taken to Mayday Hospital where he was treated for a deep gash to his forehead.

Police have described the suspects, aged in their late teens/early 20s, as a

white male and a black male.

UK: Cheshire, May 22 2003. Thefts fuel security fears Staff at Stanlow have raised security fears after the theft of two loaded fuel tankers from the refinery in five weeks.

On April 15 a vehicle containing 36,000 litres of diesel was stolen from the Oil Sites Road depot and found later at a nearby motorway junction minus most of its load. And on May 3 another tanker containing 35,000 litres of diesel was stolen. First the cab, then the trailer were later found in Manchester.

Details of the thefts came in a phone call to the Pioneer from a Stanlow employee, who wished to remain anonymous. He criticised security at the Oil Sites Road depot and described the thefts as”'an ideal opportunity for a terrorist attack.” He said: 'My colleagues and I are very concerned about what has happened. We thought the first incident was an opportunist theft, but when the second one happened the alarm bells started ringing. I don't think these fears are groundless, because the FBI has warned our Government to be aware of al-Queda stealing fuel tankers in this country for terrorism purposes.” He added: “The security is poor at the depot and the full fuel capacity of one of the tankers being used in a terrorist attack would be catastrophic. We are all very concerned about what happened.”

However, Edward Brady, Shell's public affairs manager, was keen to dismiss the terrorism theory and believes the theft of the fuel was for resale purposes. He said: 'We can confirm the theft of two road tankers from our distribution terminal on Oil Sites Road. The first theft occurred on April 15 when a vehicle containing 36,000 litres of diesel was stolen in the early hours of the morning. It was found abandoned under Junction 7 of the M53 several hours later with 2,600 litres of product remaining in the tank.' Mr Brady added: 'The second incident took place on May 3 when a vehicle containing 35,000 litres of diesel was removed from the terminal. The cab was recovered from the Manchester area five days later and, subsequently, the trailer was also found. 'New measures have now been put in place to ensure there are no further crimes of this nature.'

A Cheshire police spokeswoman confirmed both incidents are currently being investigated.

News

UK: BP’s green fuel plan sparks alarm in London BP'S bid to open the country's first green hydrogen service station at their Connect Garage on the A127 has been branded dangerous and irresponsible.

They want to store up to 45,000 litres of highly explosive hydrogen in a tank, most of which would be underground at the modified station. The proposals are part of a European project promoting fuel cells that burn clean hydrogen to generate electricity with only water as a waste product.

Nearby Hornchurch residents and councillors expressed their concerns about the petrol giant's plans at last Thursday's meeting of the Regulatory Services Committee, at Romford Town Hall. Mike Dyer said: "This would be the first of its type in the UK and we don't know much about it at all other than we used to make bombs out of this stuff. "There are massive health and safety implications when you consider this is on a garage forecourt. That stretch of road is already very dangerous as a result of the filling station being built. There have been 29 personal injury accidents because you don't see the garage until you are on top of it. "It is being built in a very deep underground vault and that worries me.

Everyone living nearby is opposed to these plans." A number of people expressed concerns about the filling station, saying its entrance was hidden and that it should never have been approved. A council officer explained that it had been passed by a government minister on appeal. He added that the Health and Safety Executive had recommended that no more than 50 deliveries of hydrogen be made a year to the site.

Cllr Steven Kelly was not impressed: "How can the Health and Safety Executive say that? Either it is safe or it isn't. I have grave doubts about us being the pioneers of something like this. My feelings are rather strong on this. I think it must be dangerous." BP has submitted plans for a facility building, underground vault and vessel, access and turning area, fuelling area and canopy.

Councillors voted unanimously in favour of a site visit to the filling station before making a decision.

UK: Sainsbury to expand Shell link Supermarket giant Sainsbury is to

create 2,000 jobs with the opening of 100 convenience stores at Shell petrol stations. The move follows a successful trial at six sites in the South East combining Shell's branded forecourts and Sainsbury's local store format.

The pair expect the 100 new outlets to be open within three years, although no details of where they will be situated have been announced. The new stores will feature the usual convenience store items, as well as Shell's car care and lubricant products.

Sainsbury's began trialling the format in October 2000. Chief executive Sir Peter Davis said: "We believe our convenience store offer is the best in the UK and by working with Shell we can bring Sainsbury's quality, convenience shopping into new areas."

UK: Coventry, Nuneaton, June 12 2003. Man saved from underground ‘tomb’ A man was fighting for his life today after being found inside an underground petrol storage tank at the back of his Nuneaton home.

It is thought he may have been unconscious inside the tank for up to 15 hours before being discovered. Steve Sewell’s body temperature had dropped dramatically by the time firefighters prised him out of what threatened to become an underground ‘tomb’. He is now in the intensive care unit at Nuneaton’s George Eliot Hospital, where his condition today was said to be “stable.”

Worried colleagues at Howden’s Joinery, on the Albion Industrial Estate, off Endermere Road, Coventry, where Mr Sewell is the manager, became concerned when he failed to turn up for work yesterday. One of them went to his home in Queens Road, Nuneaton, and found the kitchen door open - but no sign of Mr Sewell. The police were called and they eventually found him in the disused storage tank, which is concealed beneath a trap door in an outbuilding at the back of his home. He had a dustpan and brush, and it is thought he may have been cleaning the inside of the tank.

The tank is thought to be a remnant of when a garage stood near the site of Mr Sewell’s home about 40 years ago. It is believed he was overcome by fumes still lingering in the tank. Fire and rescue crews from Nuneaton and Bedworth, together with the Incident Support Unit from Coleshill, were sent to the house at 10.30am yesterday for

the tricky rescue operation. Leading firefighter Andy Wilson said: “He had a dustpan and brush down there so we think he was clearing it out for something. It’s thought he could have been there since 7.30pm the previous night, and just got over-come by the smell of petrol fumes. It was a very tight space and we basically had to manhandle him out.”

Mr Sewell, who is in his mid 30s, was stabilised at the scene by paramedics before being taken to hospital. He was suffering from hypothermia and his body temperature was down to 26 degrees - about 10 degrees lower than normal.

UK: Environment Agency issues reminder about oil storage deadline The Environment Agency has issued a reminder that anyone storing oil at industrial or commercial premises should be aware that the next phase of the regulations affecting above ground oil storage comes into force on 1 September 2003.

The Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001 came into effect in March 2002 since when new oil stores had to meet minimum standards to prevent pollution and provide better protection to the environment. The Regulations will eventually affect all existing oil stores, but oil storage in "high risk areas" (defined as within 10 metres of a watercourse or 50 metres of a well or borehole) must comply by 1 September 2003.

The Regulations apply in England where oil is stored in containers of more than 200 litres outside and above ground at industrial, commercial or institutional sites. The Regulations apply, for example, to factories, shops, offices, hotels, schools, public sector buildings and hospitals. Failure to comply with the Regulations is a criminal offence, which can result in prosecution and a fine of up to £20,000.

All types of oil - with the exception of waste mineral oil - are covered by the Regulations, including petrol, diesel, vegetable, synthetic and mineral oils.

Oil is a significant pollutant and is toxic to both plants and animals.

According to the Environment Agency, in 2002 over 14 oil pollution incidents occurred every day in England and Wales due to the poor handling or storage of oil. During 2001, oil pollution accounted for 16% of all pollution incidents in England and Wales, and 17

News 12% of the most serious incidents.

UK: Contaminated petrol threatens UK motorists Contaminated petrol which causes cars to cut out at high speed has been on sale in Runcorn. Motorists in the borough reported major problems after filling up at some of the affected filling stations which had received a delivery of the rogue fuel, which blocks engines and causes cars to lose power.

Derek Owens, of Halton Brook, Runcorn, said his car broke down immediately after filling it with contaminated petrol in Runcorn last week. 'As I drove it home, it broke down three times, and it would take 10 or 15 minutes to get it started again,' he explained. 'A couple of days later, my son was having exactly the same problems, I then spoke to a neighbour and it had also happened to him, that's when we worked out that the petrol was the common denominator.'

Another motorist, Chris McEwan, from Castlefields, said his car cut out as he was driving around a severe bend. “I was driving at normal speed when the car suddenly cut out as though there was a fuel shortage to the engine,” he said. “It had stopped on a busy corner, so when I got out to try and find out what was wrong, it was really dangerous because I had all these cars bombing past me.”

A huge increase in fuel-related breakdowns across Halton and the North West prompted an investigation

by Trading Standards and motoring organisations, who found the problem originated from a batch of contaminated petrol. Tests on the 95 octane unleaded petrol found that although the fuel looked normal, it contained fine strands of glass fibre, which was causing the blockages in the fuel delivery system.

The RAC, said affected cars would need to have their fuel lines and tanks drained so that a full examination of the fuel system can be carried out.

UK: Revolutionary petrol engine could replace conventional batteries Scientists have built the smallest petrol engine - tiny enough to power a watch.

The mini-motor, which runs for two years on a single squirt of lighter fuel, is set to revolutionise world technology. It 18

produces 700 times more energy than a conventional battery despite being less than a centimetre long - not even half an inch. It could be used to operate laptops and mobile phones for months on end - doing away with the need for recharging. Experts believe it could be phasing out batteries in such items within just six years. The engine, minute enough to be balanced on a fingertip, has been produced by engineers at the University of Birmingham. Dr Kyle Jiang, lead investigator from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, said: "We are looking at an industrial revolution happening in peoples' pockets. The breakthrough is an enormous step forward. Devices which need re- charging or new batteries are a problem but in six years will be a thing of the past." At present, charging an ordinary battery to deliver one unit of energy involves putting 2,000 units into it. The little engine, because energy is produced locally, is far more effective.

One of the main problems faced by engineers who have tried to produce micro motors in the past has been the levels of heat produced. The engines got so hot they burned themselves out and could not be re-used. The Birmingham team overcame this by using heat-resistant materials such as ceramic and silicon carbide. Professor Graham Davies, head of the university's engineering school, said: "We've brought together all the engineering disciplines, both materials, chemical engineering, civil engineering, and mechanical engineering."

UK: June 12 2003 Man allegedly showered in petrol sues Esso A Fetcham man who claims he was sprayed with petrol from a pump at an Ashtead garage is suing Esso. David Fowler, 58, of Ridgelands, said that he feared that the fuel would ignite or explode. A writ has been issued at London's High Court following the incident at Ashtead in October 1998. A spokesman for the petroleum company said on Tuesday: "Mr Fowler commenced an action against us in the county court in 2001 and this has now been moved to the High Court on the request of Esso Petroleum. As this matter is in litigation it is inappropriate for us to comment further."

UK: June 5 2003.

Draft transport of

dangerous goods regulations pulibshed The Health and Safety Commission (HSC) has published a consultation document (CD 188) on proposals for the new Carriage of Dangerous Goods and Use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations including draft legislation. The development of these Regulations has mainly been driven by requirements for Member States to align their domestic legislation with international agreements on the carriage of dangerous goods by road and rail, ie the Regulations concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Rail (RID) and the European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR). The new Regulations will also complete the implementation of the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (99/36/EC). The consultation document sets out regulatory proposals to implement European directives relating to the carriage of dangerous goods and contains background to these proposals including in relation to the RID Framework Directive (2003/29/EC) and the ADR Framework Directive (94/55/EC). The paper also describes the changes from UN-based requirements to RID and ADR as well as those relating to limited quantities, load thresholds and packaging issues.

Other changes relate to: •

explosives not subject to RID or ADR

•

diesel oil

•

small containment systems (bowsers)

•

vehicle and wagon marking

• •

reporting requirements tanks and pressure receptacles with regard to the RID and ADR; the Transportable Pressure Equipment Directive (TPED); and old tanks and pressure receptacles derogations, multilateral agreements and certificates of exemptions fees and petroleum related issues.

•

•

A regulatory impact assessment is also included with the consultation document. The consultation ends on 2 September 2003 and can be accessed at www.hse.gov.uk/consult/condocs/cd188.htm

News

UK: Wales - 'Faulty' petrol halts drivers Motorists across north Wales have been brought to a standstill by what appears to be a batch of faulty petrol.

Scores of car owners have been towed to local garages saying they have broken down after filling up with petrol from supermarket fuel stations.

The problem has been reported across the north of the country from Anglesey and over the English border to Cheshire and the Wirral.

Garages say they have had to empty fuel tanks and give pipes a thorough clean at a cost of up to £200 per customer.

North Wales Recovery Service in Llandudno Junction said they had dealt with up to 30 incidents in the last week.

Owner Silvester Wilson said: "We have taken samples from cars and it seems there is some sort of matter in the fuel that forms a film over the fuel filter.

"When left overnight it dries, blocking the filter and stopping fuel from getting to the engine."

Colleen Park, who lives in Pont y Pant near Betws y Coed, was taking an elderly patient on an outing from Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor when her car broke down. "At first I thought someone had spiked the petrol, because of the war," she said. “The car had been catching and juddering over the Ogwen pass on my way to the hospital. After picking up my 78-year-old passenger we headed to Anglesey but on the Britannia Bridge the car jerked then came to a stop. I have kept a sample of the fuel and the damaged filter and will probably put in a claim," she added.

Arwel Edwards from Pandy Motors garage in Tregarth near Bangor has treated four cars which had "died" after filling up at local stations.

He said the contaminated petrol looked and felt the same as normal petrol but did not have the same distinctive smell.

Local authority trading standards officers have received scores of complaints which they are investigating.

John Reynolds from Gwynedd Trading Standards said there was no clear evidence as to the cause of the problem.

He advised motorists who were affected to keep a sample of the faulty petrol if they wished to make a complaint and to contact their local trading standards office.

Common denominator An AA spokeswoman said they had

dealt with more than 90 incidents over the weekend which is a vast increase in the normal number of call-outs they receive.

"We are yet to get to the bottom of the problem but fuel seems to be the common denominator for all the cases," she said, adding people should hold on to their receipts when buying fuel and fixing their cars.

A spokesman for Tesco - one of the supermarkets affected - said: "Naturally we are concerned about it. We have commissioned independent tests on the petrol. Those so far have been all clear.

We are now testing some cars that have been affected."

Stanlow oil refinery is the biggest fuel distributor to north Wales but a spokesman for owners Shell UK said: "We have carried out an investigation and we are 100% sure it hasn't emanated from Stanlow."

UK: Wales April 23 2003. Petrol contamination: Now it’s Safeway’s turn Food giant Safeway has become the latest superstore to be caught up in the saga of rogue petrol, which has left drivers across North Wales stranded.

Trading standards say dozens of motorists hit by mystery breakdowns have filled up at its filling station in Denbigh. Last night the company said an expert was dealing with claims from drivers, and denied selling contaminated fuel. A spokesman said each of its petrol stations in North Wales and Chester had been independently tested for petrol contamination and all the results were clear.

Despite six weeks of examination and analysis nobody is any nearer to solving the mystery of the "sludge' that has choked up car filters causing loss of power and breakdown. It has affected scores of drivers from the region who have bought fuel from Tesco, Asda and now Safeway. Yesterday civil servant John Nutley from Denbigh told how Safeway staff refused to acknowledge his complaint after his Honda Concerto broke down on the way to work. The garage repair bill came to more than £200. He sent Safeway a letter of complaint and asked for compensation.

"Safeway passed it onto their insurance representatives who sent me a solicitor's letter. It's taken a lot of my time but I think I have all the necessary proof," said Mr Nutley. Denbigh Trading Standards Principal Public Protection

Officer, Geoff Price, said: "In our area we have had about a dozen fuel-related breakdowns and the vast majority of motorists said they had bought at Safeway. We have sent samples of the fuel away for analysis - as have all the other Trading Standards offices - and they come back clear. " The firm that does the analysis is probably the best in the UK. They are the Harley Street of petrol health - and they still cannot find anything wrong".

Denbigh garage owner Mike Lewis said he had repaired five cars in one week. Every owner said they had bought at Safeway. Safeway said it had appointed a specialist consultancy to advise customers.

Scotland: Asda in court over toxic spill A supermarket giant is facing court action over allegations of a chemical spillage at its flagship Glasgow store.

The Asda branch in Govan was investigated by council health and safety officials over claims that an industrial dishwasher in the customers' restaurant had leaked hazardous chemicals.

Members of staff at the Helen Street store reportedly had to be treated for foot burns following the alleged incident. Now Asda is facing prosecution at Glasgow Sheriff Court under two health and safety acts.

Glasgow City Council submitted a report to the procurator-fiscal after its officials visited the store to investigate the alleged incident. The offences are alleged to have taken place in June 2001.

Former part-time shop assistant Donna Hendry, from Drumoyne, is said to have had to undergo treatment at the Southern General Hospital for foot injuries. Two other female workers were also allegedly hurt. Donna, who was 16 at the time of the alleged incident, stopped working for Asda last August.

Health and safety investigators from the city's environmental protection department were called in to investigate the alleged spillage. Today a city spokeswoman confirmed: "We deemed the appropriate action was to refer the action to the procurator-fiscal's office."

Asda would only confirm that it would be defending the case. Its spokesman added: "The health and safety of all our colleagues is paramount. Staff at every Asda store complete a health and safety training programme."

Sheriff Court officials confirmed a trial date had been set for Tuesday. They said the supermarket was charged under the 1974 Health and Safety at 21

News Work Act and the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Act 1999.

Asda is owned by US retail giant WalMart. Its Govan store opened in 1997 and was the first 24-hour supermarket in Scotland. There are plans to refurbish and expand it.

G-8 heads to push fuel cell progress Leaders of the Group of Eight major industrialized nations agreed at their summit in Evian, France, to work with the private sector in developing nextgeneration power sources, especially fuel cells.

The G-8 leaders identified during the summit, environmental problems, including greenhouse gas emissions, support work on developing universal standards for fuel cells, and to build the infrastructure the power generation devices will require.

Unlike conventional cars, which run on gasoline or diesel fuel and emit carbon dioxide and nitrogen oxides, vehicles powered by fuel cells use hydrogen as a fuel and only emit water.

Fuel cells generate electricity from a reaction between hydrogen and oxygen. Sources said the summit will result in agreements among the leaders to loosen restrictions on the establishment of hydrogen supply facilities, and to standardize fuel cell specifications, purity of their hydrogen fuel and methods to measure their efficiency.

Major automakers in Japan, the United States and Europe are currently in a race to develop advanced fuel cell vehicles for mass production.

EURO: Biofuels Directive deadline set as 2004 The Biofuels Directive will soon become law, when it is formally signed by the President of the European Parliament.

Member States will then have until 31 December 2004 to transpose the Directive into national law. The new legislation to promote the use of "green" transport fuels, as alternatives to petrol and diesel, lays down targets for the progressive introduction of biofuels, ie fuels derived from agricultural, forestry and organic waste products, between now and 2010.

22

These targets will have to be based on benchmarks set by the Directive, ie a 2% market share by December 2005 and a 5.75% market share by December 2010.

Member States must announce by July 2004 the first biofuel targets to be achieved by December 2005.

The European Commission will undertake an evaluation of the implementation of the Directive before the end of 2006 and will then decide whether further legislative proposal are required. The Directive is seen as playing a dual role in improving the security of Europe's energy supplies since biofuels can be produced by European farmers and industry, as well as helping to reduce European greenhouse gas emissions, as agreed in the Kyoto Protocol.

Germany: Re-imaging of German BP petrol stations network starting in Berlin biggest rebranding campaign in Germany’s petrol station history BP and the affiliate ARAL have started in the city of Berlin the reimaging of 650 petrol stations under the motto 'ARAL comes - BP remains'. The operation is scheduled to be completed before year's end. After the re-imaging is performed, BP will operate under the blue-white brand ARAL. The merged network will consist of 2.600 retail stations reaching a marketshare of nearly 22%. ARAL will therefore continue to be the marketleader in the third most important petrol retailing market in the world. The cost of the reimaging will amount to nearly 50 million Euro and will take 10 to 14 days per station. In order to keep the trademark BP protected. a few stations of the network will continue to operate under the BP image.

UAE and Egypt to set up chain of fuel stations The UAE and Egypt will form a company to set up a chain of fuel stations in Egypt, it was announced.

The agreement for the Dh300 million company was signed recently in Cairo

to establish 69 filling stations across the country, said Abdullah Mohammed Hussein, Egypt Commercial Attache, at a press conference which was held to announce the Egyptian product fair.

Hussein informed that the UAE's investments in Egypt amounted to 1.351 billion Egyptian pounds (around Dh800 million). "There are 101 projects totally owned by UAE businessmen in the country. Of these, 11 projects are in free zone areas. They include industrial, agricultural, tourist, service and finance companies.

France: Shell to sell most French petrol stations Oil giant Royal Dutch/Shell plans to sell around two thirds of its 950 petrol stations in France over two years due to hard competition from supermarket retailers, is reported.

"Our objective is to have no more than 345 service stations by the end of 2005," a newspaper quoted Shell's French retail network director Laurent Sancier. "There is one major reason for this drastic decision: supermarkets have 56 percent of the market and continue to treat petrol as a way of attracting customers by selling it at cost price," he was quoted as saying.

Shell France was not immediately available for comment. Oil firms also blame France's relatively high taxation for choking the domestic petrol market, which is dominated by supermarket groups such as Carrefour and Casino as well as privately owned store chains.

The report comes weeks after French rival TotalFinaElf said it would give Shell seven of its stations in France as part of a cross-border swap in which Total would get 133 stations in Germany from a Shell subsidiary.

Casino, France's second-largest listed retailer, said on April 8 it had agreed to buy and manage the 59 petrol stations owned by Shell that are located on its supermarket sites.

Spain: Shell España to open 37 more petrol stations Shell Espana, the Spanish branch of UK-Dutch petroleum group Shell, plans to open 37 new petrol stations. Shell, which currently has 320 service stations in Spain, has the fourth largest share of the Spanish market, after Repsol, Cepsa and BP.

News

India: Shell petrol pumps back after 3 decades The government has decided to allow Shell India Private Limited (SIPL), a subsidiary of the Shell group of companies, to market transportation fuel in India. Shell will now be able to set up its petrol pumps all over India after three decades.

Shell was nationalised in 1972 and became Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited. The authorisation is, however, subject to the company furnishing a Rs 500 crore bank guarantee to the government. This will go towards fulfilling its commitment of investing Rs 2,000 crore in building infrastructure in the hydrocarbon sector. SIPL will also have to stick to the yearly investment target set by the government. The company will also be required to set up 11 per cent of its retail outlets in farflung areas, according to an official press release issued here today.

SIPL plans to set up around 2,000 retail outlets across the country. The company informed the government that it would prefer to source its supplies from domestic refineries. It also plans to make use the installations and depots of public sector oil companies in the country. "This decision goes a long way towards fulfilling the government's goal of bringing in more players in the marketing of transportation fuel so that consumers have a wider choice of quality products and services. At the same time, the new entrant in the lucrative marketing segment of the Indian petroleum sector has to commit investment for creating more infrastructure in the country," the press release said.

In addition to the 20,000 retail outlets run by the public sector, the government has granted marketing rights to the Reliance group (5,849 outlets), Essar Oil (1,700) ONGC (600) and Numaligarh Refinery (510). These entities would also have to fulfill the government's condition of investing in infrastructure in the hydrocarbon sector.

Iraq: 7 Dead in petrol station blast At least seven people have been burned to death at a petrol station in an impoverished Baghdad neighbourhood after a spark turned the site into a raging inferno. Another 20 were badly hurt, and rescue workers and US soldiers said more bodies remained trapped inside.

The station was still burning hours after it was set alight, trapping helpless people who had been queuing to buy petrol. The fire did not appear to be a criminal or terrorist act, but the cause was not immediately clear today.

Local firemen were overwhelmed by the size of the blaze and residents risked their lives to try to rescue those inside, drenching themselves in water before racing into the roaring flames.

"There are still charred bodies littering the ground, but we can't get to them," said Hassan al-Awani, 18, one of the civilian volunteers. "They are scattered all over in tiny pieces so there's no way to tell how many more there are." Iyad Hashem, an official at Karameh hospital, said that at least seven people had been killed and 20 others badly burned, most of them in critical condition. "There may be more wounded because some were taken to other hospitals. Eighteen people are in critical condition, burned over 70 to 90 per cent of their bodies."

He pointed to the hospital's list of dead, which was blank. "I can't give you any names. They have been burnt beyond all recognition." The stench of burned flesh was thick in the air around the site, in the city's poor Alawi quarter.

Firefighters gave up hope of putting out the blaze and asked US troops to bring a bulldozer to dig up earth to cover the station. Witnesses said dozens of people were waiting to buy petrol, one of the most coveted commodities in post-war Baghdad, where many are still without electricity and running water. The streets of the city are lined with men and children selling petrol out of makeshift containers, and some witnesses said they thought a spark from someone dragging his purchase along the ground had set off the blaze. Gunfire was also heard in the area just before the fire erupted. Most residents said this was in celebration of electricity briefly returning to the neighbourhood, but it was unclear if shots hit the station.

Baghdad residents have taken to firing in the air any time electricity is turned back. Witness Ishab Fajr, 19, said: "The fire spread so fast that people's shirts caught fire as they were running away." US troops quickly arrived on the scene after noticing the tower of smoke in the sky. "There was very little we could do," said one of the soldiers, who asked that his name not be used.

After US troops cordonned off the area, relatives and neighbours became angry that they could not get into the site to continue the search for remains.

"Why won't you let us through?" one

woman shouted as US soldiers kept back the crowd. "We want to get at our loved ones." One American soldier embraced a young boy who was weeping on the pavement. The child said his father was missing.

South Africa: warning - your cell phone could cause fire Answering a cell phone while filling up at a petrol station might prove disastrous. This warning, issued by the South African Retail Motor Industry (RMI), follows reports of ringing cell phones causing fires at fuel stations overseas. It is believed that sparks from the phones ignited petrol fumes.

According to the RMI, using a cell phone while filling up is not a high-risk activity. South African Bureau of Standards managing director of test laboratories Thembani Bukula said it was highly unlikely that a ringing cell phone could cause either enough heat or electromagnetic energy to ignite petrol fumes.

"Tests at our laboratories have indicated that cell phones tend to heat up after conversations longer than 10 minutes, causing discomfort to users, but certainly not generating enough heat to set off a fire," he said.

Cobus Roux, an engineer at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, said that in extreme circumstances a loose battery in a cell phone might cause a spark.

Mobile Phones Again!

Reports have resurfaced on the Internet rumor that cell phones could cause a fire if they ring while you are refueling your vehicle at the gas station.

This rumor is making the e-mail rounds again in the guise of a warning that could save your life. This rumor has been proclaimed an urban legend by the Web site, Urbanlegends.about.com.

Likewise by snopes.com, another Web site that specializes in myth busting.

But, perhaps the most authentic information about cell phones at gas stations comes from the Petroleum Institute of America (PEI). According to PEI, although there has been a documented increase in automotive refueling fires, there is no evidence that any of them were caused by a cell phone.

PEI brought Motorola, a leading cell phone manufacturer, into the picture.

Motorola agreed with PEI that there is no evidence to suggest that cell phones pose any hazard at gas stations. (It's 25

News the cell phone users that create the hazards. One could walk out in front of you on his way to pay for his gas and if you're busily talking on your cell phone, you could run over him.)

Because of the increase in refueling fires, PEI began to document the incidents that could not be attributed to a running engine or cigarette smoking, both known to be causes of fires at the gas pump. In its investigation, it found fewer than 150 fires that appeared to be caused by static electricity discharges.

But, don't start carrying a portable fire extinguisher with you when you pump your gasoline. PEI notes that Americans pump gas into their vehicles between 11 billion and 12 billion times a year without incident. So, you have a better chance of winning the lottery than of catching on fire at the gas station from static electricity. In its research, PEI did uncover some interesting information about static fires. Since May of 2000, it received 146 reports of fires from 39 states and Washington, D.C. (It should be noted that some states such as New Jersey require the gas station attendants to pump gas for their customers.)

Static-sparked fires occurred with both conventional gas nozzles and vapor recovery nozzles.

None occurred with balance system nozzles. PEI found that the static fires occurred on all types of gas station lot surfaces: concrete, asphalt, stone, crushed rock and dirt. Most of the victims of these fires were women and at least 70 of the fires occurred when the refueler had reentered her vehicle during the refueling process. There were five such fires recorded in Illinois and eight in Missouri. The victims in the fires sustained varying degrees of injuries, ranging from singed hair to third-degree burns and one death was recorded due to a gas pump fire caused by static electricity. Some vehicles were destroyed by the fires and others were damaged minimally to extensively.

PEI and the American Petroleum Institute both assure that static electricity caused fires are extremely rare, but nevertheless offer words of advice to prevent such an occurrence.

First and foremost, is to remain outside the vehicle during the entire refueling process. If you must re-enter your vehicle for some unavoidable reason, be sure to discharge any static electricity by touching the metal on your car door before you go to the gas tank and touch the gas nozzle. If all else fails and a flash fire should occur, PEI advises that you leave the nozzle in the fill pipe of your vehicle and back away from the vehicle as quickly as you can.

Notify the gas station attendants 26

immediately who will take charge at that point.

Press Releases Texaco, Ireland further cement their relationship with Fairbanks Environmental Fairbanks Environmental who already monitor a number of Texaco sites in Ireland are delighted to announce that Texaco have now awarded them a contract to provide wetstock management services to its company owned dealer operated network.

John Prendeville, Texaco's Retail Engineer said, "Following implementation the Fairbanks wetstock monitoring should lead to improved operational performance."

No site will need to update or purchase any equipment as Fairbanks will use different methods to retrieve all the reconciliation data required for their Statistical Trend Analysis.

All parts of the sites petroleum system are monitored, including tanks, lines and offset fills and all unacceptable wetstock variances are investigated by the Fairbanks team of analysts.

Over a period of four weeks comprehensive site inspections have been carried out by Fairbanks' senior auditor and they have employed Texaco's Pump Maintenance contractor, Forecourt Systems to carry out pump meter audits on all the sites.

Fairbanks has been monitoring Chevron/Texaco's UK network for a number of years and their Director, Bob Conlin commented, "We are very pleased to further extend our service to Texaco's sites in Southern Ireland and we are confident of not only providing a first class risk management service but also facilitating major cost savings."

commercial prize Fairbanks Environmental Ltd the Wetstock Monitoring & Management Specialists (based in Skelmersdale, Lancashire) have been awarded the highest honour that can be bestowed on a UK business, The Queens Award for Enterprise.

Winners are selected under strict judging procedures with Fairbanks winning through against significant competition. Fairbanks, only one of fifty winners in the Innovation category, gained the Award for the development of their IT based systems for the early detection of leaks at petrol filling stations which in turn reduces the risk of pollution and protects the environment.

The judging criteria included continuous development, resulting in substantial improvement in business performance and commercial success sustained over a period of not less than five years.

Steve Jones, co founder and Director of the company commented “We are absolutely delighted to have been judged to be among the best of UK companies and to receive such an endorsement of the company’s achievements. What is really pleasing is that the award is given to the company as a whole and therefore recognises the contribution made by our employees.

We are confident Fairbanks will continue to grow and we are looking forward to expanding our service to new customers and industries throughout the UK and Europe.”

For more information please contact: Brian Reed Sales & Marketing Co-ordinator Fairbanks Environmental Tel: 01695 - 51775 brianreed@fairbanks.co

Fairbanks awarded Britain’s most coveted

Steve Jones (right) and fellow Director Bob Conlin (left)

News

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News

Obituary: Bob Holdaway

By Jamie Thompson Bob Holdaway died on 10 June 2003 aged 88.

It is with regret that we announce Bob's death, and below a close colleague and retired member of the APEA John Corfield provides a personal tribute to Bob and his work in both Petroleum and Trading Standards.

To the APEA he will always be remembered as one of a small group of founders who in 1958 decided to create this association and for many years served on the Council. He was chairman in 1973 and prior to that held the post of Editor.

He started training sessions for petroleum inspectors and in 1966 as a young inspector I remember attended one he had arranged in Shrewsbury at Attingham Park. He managed to get many people from all walks of industry to give their time to impart knowledge to those eager 50 participants, in such wonderful surroundings. He often spoke of the early visits the Association made to Germany in the 1960's when deciding upon the merits of permitting self-service at petrol stations and the fun they had when the work was done.

When Bob retired he was made an Honorary Life Member of the APEA. He then became a professional critic and supporter of the APEA, attending many of our conferences and exhibitions and whenever I spoke to him wanted to know what was going on. In my time as editor he often phoned me with words of encouragement, criticism and suggestion and I will miss those phone calls.

Bob was presented with a Special Achievement award for a lifetime of work for the APEA at the annual dinner marking the 40th anniversary of the Association.

Jamie Thompson A Personal View of Robert Primmer Holdaway 1915 - 2003 by John Corfield Bob was Chief Inspector of Weights and Measures in Shrewsbury and recruited this naive country lad to be his junior assistant in 1951. This was the start of my professional career and I have always been grateful for the start he gave me over half a century ago.

28

Over the years Bob always treated me like a son, and sometimes still his junior assistant!

Bob was always full of life and up to only a few weeks before his death, had strong interests and opinions about many aspects of life. He was always keen to chat on any subject you care to mention from antique scales, social issues, and politics to sport, cricket and soccer being his particular favourites. He enjoyed life to the full, meeting people, history, working in his garden maturing gladioli to perfection, browsing antique shops and centres for that bargain to join his wonderful collection of Bob Holdaway receiving a special award from Chairman John Boudry antique scales.

A unique collection that at our 40th anniversary dinner in Telford. was started by Bob's town of Berwick upon Tweed. grandfather over 110 years ago in Winchester, no surprise to learn that From 1941 to 1946 Bob served in the Bob was a member of the International RAF working on camouflage and decoy Society of Antique Collectors attending sites. He then served as an inspector conferences in this country and the for Kent and Shropshire in the USA. He was a member of the immediate years after the war. For the Shropshire Antique Collectors a past next 25 years he served as Chief member of the Shropshire Antique Inspector for Weights and Measures, Society and a member of the National Petroleum and Explosives for Trust doing stints every season at Shrewsbury Borough Council.

Attingham Hall.

He never seemed to be idle and up to three months ago took two to three mile walks around the fields and streets of Bayston Hill every day no matter what the weather.

Bob was immensely proud of his family professional tradition his father uncle and grandfather all served as chiefs of weights and measures inspectors in Stoke Crewe, Winchester, Southampton and Devon. Bob was born on 19 January 1915 later attending Crewe Technical College where he obtained a national certificate in Engineering. He joined the weights and measures department in Crewe as a junior assistant in 1933 and six years later was appointed chief inspector of weights, measures and petroleum in the

Bob was a life member of the Trading Standards Institute.

In 1958 Bob was one of the founders of the Association for Petroleum Acts Administration and held the post of Editor for some years. He was an Honorary Life Member of the Association.

Bob a family man married the late Vera in Crewe in 1940. Condolences go to his sons, Richard and Alex, grandchildren Scott and Heidi and four great grandchildren. Hadleigh, Emily, Sophie and Alice in their loss.

They lost a lovely father and grandfather, I and many others lost a good friend and an encyclopaedia on weights and measures history.

Bob we will all miss you.

Articles

Petrol Pumping Systems - The Drive for Change Examining the trend towards installing pressure systems in Europe

By Jamie Thompson Development of the Service Station in Europe Historically the first distribution of petrol in the early 1900's was by the 2-gallon can, which was poured into the vehicle via a funnel; there were not enough vehicles on the road to warrant the installation of any thing larger. As the motorcar sales grew the need for an improved distribution system brought about the first underground tanks and pumps. These tanks were quite small with the pump usually immediately above the tank and were hand-operated pumps based on a suction system, with a foot valve situated in the base of the draw off pipe in the tank. Many of these sites were kerb side sites with the pump being situated on the side of the road where the car could pull up and be filled.

Later service stations "off the road" were developed but these were still very small in size and as sales and technology developed the first electric driven suction pumps were introduced which assisted the operator to deliver petrol to the customers car.

In those early days the petrol filling stations developed as an addition to an existing business providing added benefit for existing customers, they were generally quite small and there were many such premises. With the introduction of self-service filling stations in the 1960's the design of the petrol station layout became more important, the tanks were moved away from the dispensers, road tankers could fill without disturbing sales and for the first time engineers had to become more aware of the limitations of the suction pump which had been the preferred system for distributing petrol in Europe.

Physics and Economics are Driving Change When we examine the changes within the industry in Europe at present we see an increase use of the pressure pumping systems that had traditionally favoured the suction system and there are good practical, economic and indeed environmental reasons for this gradual change.

The physical limitations of the suction system can be calculated and depend upon a number of critical factors and more importantly in recent years the chemical nature of fuels we are now using are reducing those limitations further.

• The maximum length of run for a suction pipe to operate successfully would be approximately 60m after which pumping problems will occur • These limitations are based on calculations at sea level and with installations at higher altitudes the limitations are much lower • The changing specification of the fuels that we now use has also contributed to a worsening situation regarding suction systems.

• More unleaded, higher octane fuels with increasingly more additives are making it more difficult to use suction pumps within the limits described above

• The more gaseous nature of the fuels cause cavitation on a suction pump and causes vapour lock when the whole systems stops • The problems are exacerbated in the summer when warm weather heats up both the product and lines, again causing vapour lock and the subsequent dispensing problems Service Station Design In all European countries the drive of the oil industry is for larger more efficient sites with the smaller sites closing and the larger sites with other profit centres being developed to serve the changing customer needs. This change of design ensures that the road tanker stand is situated well away from the dispensing in order to allow petrol deliveries to take place

Let us examine these limitations • The suction pump situated at the dispenser has limitations of pull to a depth of approx 4m, which is measured from the bottom of the tank to the level of the suction pump. With larger tanks being installed of up to 3m diameter, there is not much room to play with tanks being installed 1m below ground 29

Articles without interfering with pump sales. The size of the sites is increasing with car parking provided for the customer who also visits for non-petroleum sales.

The European engineer traditionally used to the suction system, now has to examine the option of using submersible pumps if wishing to retain flexibility in the design of the site.

Although this move towards pressure systems has been driven by the physical nature of the site and the limitations described above, the more enlightened engineers are also praising the economic virtues of using submersible pumps in this cost conscious environment.

Cost Comparison Perhaps the best way to examine the cost advantages of using a pressure system is to compare the construction of a new service station using the different systems.

You will see from the layout on page 29 that the amount of pipe and equipment used in a suction system far exceeds that in a pressure system.

Environmental Considerations

Pumping units and piping runs Suction System 12 pumps 12 motors 12 air eliminators 12 pumping units 12 pulleys/ belts

Pressure system 3 pumps 3 motors 3 air eliminators 3 pumping units 0 pulleys / belts

Suction System 1 pipe run per unit 12 units= 12 piping runs

Pressure system 1 pipe run per grade 3 grades 3 piping runs

You will see from the above tables that there is a clear economic advantage in building service stations using a pressure system with 75% less piping delivering the same product to the customer. There is sufficient saving in the

On Going Savings in Maintenance

30

dispensing equipment alone to be equivalent to the cost of three dispensers!

There is also clear evidence that the savings do not stop there with even greater savings being made on the maintenance of equipment. Using pressure technology means there are less motor/pumping systems working at the station.

Less moving parts to break down means lower maintenance costs. Experience has shown that failure of submersible pumps is extremely rare. They have a proven track record with excellent reliability and reduced down time, one of the reasons for this is that they operate inside the tank in ideal conditions, submersed in fuel, which cools and lubricates the motor. There is the added bonus of reduced energy costs, which also contributes to increased profits.

As an ex regulator I had concerns as to the past performance of pressure systems in an environment where leaks frequently occurred, and with the that in mind the industry has certainly responded over the years to meet those challenges offering both new materials and technology to reduce this risk considerably.

The use of unprotected single wall steel pipe work, which historically caused such horrific leak problems for service stations all over the world, is thankfully a thing of the past. Engineers constructing service stations using pressurised systems at this present time have such a wide choice of non-metallic pipe work suitable for operating at high pressure often secondarily contained with built in leak detection devices.

The sophistication of mechanical and electronic line leak detection systems supplied with the submersible pumping system enable lines to be automatically tested for substantial leaks (12 litres per hour) operating each time the pump stops and the delivery cycle ends. In more sensitive environments lines can be checked to a finer test (0.38 litres per hour), at predetermined intervals. These tests only form part of the whole systems, often secondarily contained, and designed to keep the pressure pumping system operating safely and efficiently in any environment.

Articles

Tank Remedial Modification Part Three

By Ray King, Director of King Tanktechnic Ltd

To line or not to line Continuing on from part two "The virtues of tank lining against replacement" onto "Which system is right for me?" and how to select the system and the specialist installation contractor.

Leaking Perforated Tanks In the event of a leaking perforated tank the selection of the remedial lining shall be made in full agreement with the Petroleum Enforcement Officer (P.O.) There are over 100 different authorities throughout the UK interpreting the rules of guidance and some will only accept a Double Skin system given the failsafe properties of this system with its continuous leak detection control.

Others will accept a Single Skin system which relies totally on the integrity of the finished lining. This acceptance would only be given after documented proof is available on the structural strength of the lining system prior to undertaking the remediation.

The full risk assessment, inspection and report on the donor tank is all part of the build up of documentation required before any lining, Single or Double, can be carried out.

Perforations due to dipstick erosion. Note striker plate not affording any protection

Selection Single Skin systems are the most cost effective way of upgrading tanks and extending their life without major infrastructure modification. In Canada and the USA many thousands of tanks have been lined using Single Skin systems.

Double Skin systems are the only systems which incorporate continuous monitoring of the interstitial space, giving a visual and audible alarm in the event of leaks to the secondary containment lining or the donor tank body.

Both Single and Double skin systems use a standard procedure in that the donor tank is blasted, repaired and lined using the materials the selected system has approval for. The exception to this is the

Perforations due to dipstick erosion. Note striker plate not affording any protection

Bladder inliner which is not a structural system and is fabricated from soft material and can only be inserted into tanks which are classed as tight or have had a remedial Sin le Skin lining installed. A vacuum is required to hold the Bladder inliner to the donor tanks wall. This vacuum is pulled as part of the system control.

Approvals All systems shall be fully approved by an independent European test house or, if the technology is imported from America, by the U.L. (Underwriters of America or Canada).

Any leak detection control apparatus shall have both visual and audible alarms and give continuous monitoring 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and shall be approved to a European Norm (EN) standard.

Within the above approvals lining materials shall be tested to confirm suitability to given chemical resistance to all present and future fuels. It is essential that future fuels are taken in account due to the ever changing composition of these fuels using Toluene, Methane, Iso-octane and Iso-butane etc., and the lining shall have full electrostatic protection to avoid static build up.

The P.O. shall consider all approvals and also take into account the lining installers work procedure protocol, which shall include quality control measures undertaken and recorded. The P.O. would issue a letter of approval or a letter of 'no objection' to use the system prior to work starting.

The Directors of King Tanktechnic Ltd (KTL) have installed most of the available lining systems.

Firstly undertaking linings using Polyester systems on crude oil storage tanks in Saudi Arabia in 1983 and have progressed through to Vinyl-esters and Bladder inliners before finally selecting the "ADISM' solvent free epoxy system and gaining an exclusive installation contract for the UK and Ireland. The final decision was based on the installation safety factors of the system in relation to the Control Of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulation 1994 (COSHH) and the

Approved Code Of Practices (ACOPs) and the extensive research development and approvals of the system. ADISA selected KTI, because of our experience and availability of in-house equipment and personnel trained in lining applications.

The ADISA-KTI, tank lining systems have been used for over 20 years in Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, Spain, France Austria, Italy and the Middle East and are continuing to contain many millions of litres of stored petroleum and chemical products. The expected life span of the lining is in excess of 25 years.

The system can be used on large flat bottom tanks, (see main photo) underground cylindrical storage tanks and has a full European approval. In addition, KTI, have further tested the Single Skin system to destruction to prove the structural qualities for remediating perforated leaking tanks. The documented proof of this test recorded a pressure to burst the lining through 1mm diameter perforations was 300 bar and through 10mm diameter perforations was 50 bar which equated to 3060mt head of water to 510mt head of water. The maximum Hydrostatic external pressure on an average underground petrol tank with groundwater to the top would be 0.5 bar.

The structure of the lining is more than capable of withstanding any external pressure exerted to it.

Selection of your specialist contractor It is essential that your lining contractor is able to prove to you with documented evidence that he has the capability to perform the works with experienced and certified personnel. He shall have all the specialist plant and equipment, have a completed lining reference list for referral and the system he proposes shall have independent approvals to demonstrate that the lining has the chemical resistance compatible to the intended fuel storage, including future fuels. The expertise of the lining contractor and his quality control protocol procedure is the only way to ensure your capital investment will not fail due to bad workmanship.

Beware of 'professional amateurs' who can only talk a good job!

Raymond King Director of King Tanktechnic Ltd Tel: 0161 371 5333 Mr King has over 40 years experience working as an engineer on tankage projects in the UK, Europe and the Far and Middle East on both downstream and upstream operations.

35

Articles

Implications of DSEAR on Autogas Installations

By Richard Wigfull, John Wigfull & Co. Ltd Richard Wigfull is a Chartered Engineer working for the family run business of John Wigfull & Co. Ltd., near Leicester.

The Company specialise in the handling of flammable liquids and gases. In addition Richard is associated with the technical management Committee of the LPGA (Liquefied Petroleum Gas Association) and is one of the presenters of the APEA LPG courses. This is a personal view by Richard Wigfull (wigfullr@btopenworld.com) on how the new Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmosphere Regulations (DSEAR) affect both existing and new LPG installations.

Introduction Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 impose requirements for the purpose of eliminating or reducing risks to safety from fire, explosion or other events arising from the hazardous properties of a "dangerous substance" in connection with work.

The requirement of the Regulations are for employers and the self employed to: ·

Carry out risk assessment of any work activities involving dangerous substances

·

Provide technical and organisational measures to eliminate or reduce as far as reasonably practicable the identified risks

·

Provide equipment and procedures to deal with accidents and emergencies

·

Provide information and training to employees

The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) apply to all LPG installations.

LPG installations have one significant advantage over most other fuels. They are already designed to operate under pressure and therefore are basically closed systems.

For installations prepared and installed to all current Regulations there should be no significant changes.

Zoned (classified) areas A lot of emphasis has been placed on formalisation of the electrical part of any installation and this is based around the probability of there being a flammable atmosphere. Hazardous areas are classified in terms of zones on the basis of the frequency and duration of the occurrence of an explosive atmosphere.

Zone 0, Zone 1, Zone 2 unclassified/safe.

Zone 0 A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is present continuously or for long periods or frequently.

Zone 1 A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is likely to occur in normal operation occasionally.

36

Zone 2 A place in which an explosive atmosphere consisting of a mixture with air of dangerous substances in the form of gas, vapour or mist is not likely to occur in normal operation but, if it does occur, will persist for a short period only.

By implication, an area that is not classified Zone 0, 1 or 2 is deemed to be a non-hazardous or safe area in respect to the selection of apparatus. Ø BSEN 60079-10, Classification of Hazardous Areas, provides detailed considerations on the types of protection that may be necessary to achieve safety.

Under normal operations at Autogas installations there are only three sources of release of LPG. The first two are under the control of the tanker driver when he delivers into the bulk storage vessel.

The third source is on completion of filling the vehicle when the user releases the nozzle latch.

By using standard methodology it can be proved that the zoned areas are very limited. This can be compared with the generic distances used in the current Codes. However continuing to use the generic zones would not be practical because; a) they are not true zones and b) blanket designation of zone 1 would restrict the activities allowed in that area.

Zoned areas should not be confused with separation distances, which are distances from major components to specified features and are primarily to protect the components from external affects. e.g. fire.

Electrical installations The APEA Blue Book has some information on wiring for Autogas installations and there is a revision started for the electrical requirements for alternative fuels. The LPGA has prepared Technical Memorandum 76 to cover electrical installations for non-forecourt installations. In addition EEUMA have published their useful publication No. 186; "A practitioner's handbook - Electrical installations in potentially explosive atmospheres."

Display of EX sign Because the LPG releases are small and the likelihood of ignition extremely low provided that appropriate precautions are taken the EX sign need not be displayed.

The precautions include posting and observance of appropriate warning notices, operations and selection of appropriate equipment, also users are aware of the flammable nature of products and the risk associated with the activity is low However the Regulations cover a much wider range of topics than zoning and electrical equipment.

Non-electrical equipment One major difference from existing Regulations is the requirement that in zone 0 & 1 areas, non-electrical equipment must be assessed for the potential to generate an ignition source. e.g. due to the rotation of a pump.

Documentation and training Current Regulations, (e.g Pressure Systems Safety

Articles Regulations and the Provision of Work Equipment Regulations) already require the provision of instructions and procedures to ensure that the installation can be operated safely. This requirement has now been reinforced in DSEAR with Regulation 8 accidents, incidents and emergencies and Regulation 9 information, instruction and training.

Risk assessment and reduction of risk The Regulations require risk assessments not only for the employees on the site but also "- any other person, whether at work or not, who may be affected by the work carried out by the employer,- " Good designs and good installation practice should reduce the risks and also protect the site/users against abnormal situations, which could otherwise result in leakage.

As a Company we had already considered this in our designs and some of the features included are; Protection against release in the event of a vehicle driving away whilst still connected by the fitting of a hose pull-away connection. Whilst there is a variety of information on the types of pullaway fittings there was little information on hose strengths. Tests were carried out on a rig in our yard to confirm hose strengths both for tanker and dispenser hoses.

Shear Valves

Dispenser Shut off

Operation of the forecourt emergency shut down system or a fire in the dispenser would close these valves.

The connections on the 4t vessels we have designed have actuated isolation valves

Hose Test Rig

Protection against loss of product in the event of impact of a vehicle on the dispenser by the correct installation of shear valves on the flow & return pipework.

Installation of suitable remotely operated isolation valves at each end of both the flow and return underground pipework.

To protect the dispenser valves from damage to the dispenser due to fire or impact these isolation valves are in a chamber separate from the dispenser.

4t vessel and pump

operated from the same supply as the pipework valves.

In addition the excess flow valve before this valve is mechanicallyseparated from the isolation valve so that in the event of mechanical damage the excess flow valve should not be affected. The drain is a compact valve and all other connections into the vessel have internal pipework ending in 37

Articles the vapour space with manual valves that are easily accessible.

requirements; Schedule 1 of the Regulations now amplifies these.

The above design features assist the installation to conform to the requirement in the Regulations that "in the event of the operation of the emergency shut down system any accumulated energy must be dissipated as quickly as possible or isolated so it no longer constitutes a hazard."

Shared ownership Many installations have shared ownership. e.g. the vessels being owned by the gas supply company and the remainder of the installation being owned by the operator. Regulation 11 now puts the responsibility for the implementation of the regulations onto the employer on the site.

Training of contractors DSEAR reinforces the requirements of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations, which requires "every employer to ensure that where work equipment is likely to involve a specific risk, the use of that equipment is restricted to those persons given the task of using it and repairs, modifications maintenance or servicing that work equipment is restricted to specifically designated persons whom the employer must ensure have received adequate related training."

Maintenance Under the existing Pressure Systems Safety Regulations, there are already m a i n t e n a n c e LPG with nitrogen

Transitional arrangements There are transitional provisions but these do not apply to the complete Regulations.

Regulations 15(2) Fire Certificates and similar regulations plus repealing of certain regulations came into force on 5th May. Regulation 5(4) (c) Risk assessment for five or more employees to include zoning, 7 Classification of zones, 11 Duty of co-ordination, and 17 (1) to (3) transitional arrangements come into force on the 30th June 2003.

The transitional arrangements only apply to regulations 7 (Places where explosive atmospheres may occur) & 11 (Duty of co-ordination) for installations, which are in use before 30th June 2003 when the requirements have to be met no later than 30th June 2006. In the event of any modifications then the modifications have to comply fully with the Regulations and also be risk assessed before being carried out.

Additional information Over the next few months the HSE will be issuing Approved Codes Of Practices (ACOPs) plus the LPGA will issue revisions to their relevant Codes.

Innovative Pressure/Vacuum Vent Valves

By Mr Grahame H Platt, Managing Director, Envirotech Products Limited Envirotech Products Limited has developed a range of Pressure/Vacuum vent valves for road tanker and forecourt tank use (see Figs. 1&2). These valves are extremely accurate in operation, making use of magnets mounted in the valve plunger to control the opening pressure (Fig. 3). A European Patent has been granted in respect of a feature of the Road Tanker Valve, and applications are being processed for other features of the Valve systems.

The essence of the operating principle is that the closer a magnet is to an attracting surface, the greater the force experienced by the magnet. In the case of the Fig. 1 Forecourt Valve Envirotech valve therefore, the pressure trying to open the valve is opposed by the magnetic force holding it closed until these two forces are in balance, after which a tiny increase in pressure will cause the valve to open. By carefully 38

setting the gap between the magnet and the attractive surface, it is therefore possible to simply but accurately set the pressure at which the valve relieves. One particular benefit of the use of magnets is that as the valve begins to move open, the attracting magnetic force starts to reduce and so the valve accelerates to a wide open position to permit rapid release of the vapours causing the Fig. 2 Road Tanker Valve pressure increase. As the valve moves from closed to wide open over a very small pressure range, this means that the relief pressure can be set at the high end of any permissible range thus preventing the slow release of vapours over a wide range of pressures.

Articles One solution to these problems has been to provide a second line of protection for the forecourt by installing a further vent valve on the road tanker vapour recovery system, but set to relieve at the lower forecourt relief pressure of 35 mbar.

Envirotech has developed such a valve - The Interlocked Coaming Dump Valve. (See Fig. 6)

Fig. 3 Valve Plunger and Magnets

As time has gone on, the valve systems have undergone a programme of continuous development. One such major development has been the ability to test the valve for Pressure and Vacuum relief setting whilst the valve remains in place, and in the case of the road tanker valve, to also check the effectiveness of the overturn seal.

A further benefit of the fittings developed to permit testing of the road tanker valve in-situ is that by means of the same fittings, leakproofness and pressure testing of the complete road tanker compartment can be carried out much more quickly and in full compliance with the higher test pressures required following the anticipated introduction of ADR 2003. (See Fig. 4) A further development of the road tanker valve has resulted in a fitting that enables the fuel to be drained from the vehicle in the event of an overturn and without any spillage, thereby reducing the pollution risk. This is achieved by draining through the body of the valve. (See Fig. 5) Over a period of time, following the introduction of vapour recovery, a number of incidents have been recorded which have taken place during the delivery of fuel at the One possible Fig. 4 Road Tanker Valve with Test forecourt.

Fittings common denominator of some of these incidents has been the fact that the vapour pressure in the tanker being potentially much higher than that on the forecourt, can give rise to an overpressurising of the forecourt system when that system also has other faults (Tanker pressure relief settings are nominally 100 mbar whereas the forecourt relief pressure is 35 mbar). Incidents of this nature were described at an Institute of Petroleum Conference in Wolverhampton in September 2001 (Reference 1). Further details can also be found on the Institute of Fig. 5 Roll-Over Drain Off System Petroleum website.

The core of this valve is the valve plunger assembly from the Envirotech Forecourt Pressure Vacuum Vent Valve.

T h e pressure r e l i e f element is set a 35 mbar as the Forecourt Valve, but the vacuum relief is set at -20 mbar Fig. 6 The Interlocked Coaming Dump Valve as is the t a n k e r compartment P/V valve (not -2 mbar as the forecourt valve).

The vacuum relief via the Coaming Dump Valve is available at all times, but the pressure relief element is locked shut at all times except when the tanker is discharging product at the forecourt. This interlock is pneumatically operated from the vehicle systems. Two reference signals are required to indicate the tanker condition. One of these will be a signal from the tanker vapour recovery adapter to indicate that the vapour recovery hose is connected. However this will arise whether the tanker is loading or unloading. A second signal is therefore required indicating that the tanker is loading and that will probably be a pneumatic signal from the Overfill Protection System.

The circuits are so arranged that with a pneumatic signal from the vapour recovery adaptor plus a pneumatic signal from the Overfill system, the vehicle is obviously loading and there is no signal to the coaming dump valve which remains locked out preventing any release of V.O.C.'s on the loading gantry.

On the garage forecourt, these is only a signal from the vapour recovery adapter which is fed to the Coaming Dump Valve interlock which then withdraws. The pressure relief element of the valve is now free to relieve any excess pressures above 35 mbar when the driver opens the vapour recovery vents from the compartments to the tanker coaming and if for any reason they are not relieved by the forecourt systems.

Whilst the Coaming Dump Valve will help minimise the risk of incidents during vapour recovery, it should not be regarded as a substitute for good maintenance and regular testing of forecourt systems.

Ref. 1 Improving Safety in Petroleum Distribution Learning Lessons from Vapour Recovery Incidents by Alec O'Beirne PTF Training Limited.

39

Articles

Spotlight on Statoil Ireland Limited

By Brian Baker Of Norwegian origin, Statoil ASA, founded in 1972, is one of the world's largest oil companies and a significant supplier of natural gas to Europe.

Currently active in 25 countries, Statoil is renowned for innovation, quality and high standards in both its products and service to customers while protecting the environment and nurturing relationships with local communities.

Statoil in Ireland Statoil's operations in Ireland comprise Statoil Ireland Ltd and Statoil Exploration (Ireland) Ltd while the company is increasingly involved in marketing natural gas. The Statoil Group headquarters is in Dublin.

The retail and marketing company, Statoil Ireland, has been in the Republic of Ireland since 1992 when it acquired BP's service station network. Four years later it strengthened its position with the acquisition of Conoco JET retail and commercial operations.

sending 17 delegates and Dublin City Fire Brigade sending two.

To deliver this course, a certain amount of research was necessary to understand the Retail Petrol Filling Station market in the Republic of Ireland as well as establishing the technical aspects of building and operating sites.

Across several telephone and e-mails, I was able to 'interview' Michael Nyland, Project Engineer with Statoil and here are the results; (BB) Michael, in Ireland, how many retail petrol stations are there?

(MN) The l a t e s t information from Mintel (UK) is that there were 3,185 sites in 2000 that serves a population of around 4 million people.

(BB) many does

How sites Statoil

have?

(MN) 280 of which 66 are Company Owned-Company Operated (CoCo)

of storage tank to a maximum of 40,000 litres. Do Statoil comply with this?

(MN) Yes we do.

(BB) Are any of your sites Driver Controlled Delivery types?

(MN) In Statoil we have none; all are Licensee Delivery Controlled, however we are looking at this option.

(BB) Do you have any LPG (Autogas) on your sites?

(MN) There are none on CoCo sites but there are some on dealer sites (BB) In percentage terms, are any sites still using dip sticks to measure stocks?

(MN) On CoCo sites there are none but there may be a few dealer sites.

(BB) Do Statoil favour pressure or suction pumping systems?

(MN) About 10% of our CoCo sites operate pressure systems.

(BB) Do Statoil operate Remote Stock Monitoring of sites?

(MN) No, not at present, but we are reviewing this option presently.

(BB) In Ireland, how often are Petroleum Licences issued to petrol filling stations?

(MN) Most authorities issue 3 year licences. However some authorities issue a one year licence depending on the conditions attached to the licence.

(BB) In Ireland, the principal legislation controlling petrol filling stations is

(BB) How many new or raise/rebuild sites have Statoil carried out in the last 2 years?

Statutory Instrument 311, of 1979, known as The Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) Regulations 1979, that requires each site to be licensed. It also limits the size

(CC) In the last two years Statoil have carried out 10 raise & rebuilds in the CoCo network with numerous shop developments. We have also carried out various minor forecourt

Today, Statoil is the leader in petrol retail, home heating oil and commercial fuels markets. Statoil Ireland now employs over 1,200 people in the Republic, and has a strong community presence through its 300-strong Statoil service station network and its innovative Fareplay forecourt convenience stores.

Statoil has achieved its position as No.1 in the fuel retail market through innovation and competitive pricing and now is the most popular brand with motorists, home-owners and industrial users in Ireland.

Statoil carried out a major rebranding programme of the service stations that it acquired in 1992, setting standards in forecourt design.

In April 2003, the APEA ran a course on Wet Stock Monitoring in Dublin. This was supported by Statoil Ireland Limited 40

Articles improvement works, to complement sites that do not warrant full raise/rebuild works.

(BB) On new sites, do you install observation or monitoring wells for your tank farms?

(MN) Some local authorities are

(BB) What safe working capacity do Statoil operate for your tanks?

(MN) S.I. 311 calls for 95% and that is what we operate to.

would also test tanks and lines on suspected leaks when all other avenues of variance analysis have been exhausted.

(BB) Do Statoil operate 'Competent Persons' training for receiving

(BB) What is the current status of the FIVE Part Draft Code of Practice dated April 1999?

(MN) Currently in a draft form.

(BB) What is the principal planning law in Ireland under which permission is required to build a retail petrol filling station?

(MN) The Planning Act 2000, SI 600 of 2000 (BB) Is the APEA/IP Blue Book Guide applied by Statoil?

(MN) Yes, always.

now specifying at planning stage the inclusion of such wells and this is now becoming the norm.

(BB) How many leaks or major spillages have occurred in Ireland in the last 2 years?

(MN) Thanks Brian, great question!

On our CoCo sites - none but we did have an incident at Statoil's facility in Leeside Oil Terminal in Galway in September 2002. The incident involved the leaking of a quantity of home heating oil (Gas Oil). No environmental damage was caused.

deliveries?

(MN) Yes. It is called Schedule 4 which is the Fourth Schedule of the 1979 Regulations. In other words, it is legal requirement.

(BB) Do you refresh this training?

(MN) Yes, it is carried out every two years (BB) When is tank & line testing carried out and under what circumstances?

(MN) Tank and line testing is carried out at installation stage. It is also carried out on tanks over 10 years and at every licence application thereafter.

We

(BB) Who issues Vapour Recovery Authorisations in Ireland under the 'Petroleum Vapour Emission Regulations 1997'?

(MN) In Dublin and some local authorities it is the Fire Officer, and in others it is the Environmental Department of the local authority. It very much depends on the local authority.

Thanks Michael. It has been very useful and interesting. I hope the course goes well and we meet up again when I come over next time.

Acknowledgements also go to Martina Byrne (Manager-Public Relations) and Seamus Flynn (Health & Safety Manager) of Statoil (Ireland) Ltd in providing information for this Article.

Petroleum Licensing and DSEAR

By Andy Berry - Senior Petroleum Officer, London Fire Brigade The aim of this article is to take a look at the two sets of legislation that are enforced by Petroleum Licensing Authorities (PLAs) aimed at preventing fire and explosion on petrol forecourts.

Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 The PCA states that a licence is required for the keeping of more than 3 gallons (15 litres) of petroleum spirit, this was extended to petroleum mixtures by the Petroleum Mixtures Order 1929.

The PCA is an enabling act allowing the enforcing authority to set whatever conditions it deemed fit. Lacots standard conditions were introduced in 1991 and applied by most PLAs, thus

bringing about a level of consistency in licensing. A majority of the conditions are prescriptive in that they tell the licensee how to operate the site, the effect being that the petroleum officer took a level of responsibility for the safe operating of the site.

The PCA originally comprised 26 Sections, of which 16 have since been repealed and 3 of the remaining have been amended. Since 9 December 2002 the Petroleum Mixtures Order no longer applies to workplaces, and the PCA just refers to petrol dispensing activities (both retail and non-retail) and to non-workplace and domestic storage.

Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulation 2002 DSEAR came into force in December 2002 as an implementation of the safety aspects of the Chemical Agents Directive and most of the ATEX 137 Directive concerning the protection of workers from explosive atmospheres.

DSEAR is based on modern Health & Safety legislation and requires a riskbased approach to safety. The onus to conform is placed upon the employer and requires risk assessments to be carried out and regularly reviewed.

Unlike the PCA, DSEAR is nonprescriptive in approach and allows the site operator to make his/her own 41

Articles decisions on how best to run the site, provided that it can be demonstrated by a risk assessment to be a safe method of working.

Which legislation do we enforce?

Both the PCA and DSEAR are enforced by the PLAs with regard to petrol filling stations. There is clearly great potential here for conflict between the two regimes with the old-fashioned prescriptive approach of the PCA and the modern risk-based approach of DSEAR. Conflict is likely to arise in situations where an employer has carried out a risk assessment suggesting an approach which is not in accord with licence conditions. This leaves the petroleum officer with the decision of which piece of legislation to enforce, which could easily result in a series of appeals to the HSE against the ruling of the PO. There are likely to be some PLAs preferring to rely on licensing, with which they are experienced and comfortable, and other authorities who choose to take the approach of enforcing the more modern legislation, seeing it as taking precedence as it is new legislation, as opposed to a 75 year old Act.

The West Yorkshire approach As of 1 April 2003 the West Yorkshire Fire and Civil Defence Authority has chosen the latter route by reducing all licences to just seven conditions. The remaining conditions, which all formed a part of the original licence, refer largely to the notification of changes and of incidents. They have also retained the condition preventing sales of fuel to those under the age of 16 years. (Draft licence included).

Operational matters on the forecourt are now enforced by DSEAR, giving full responsibility for the safe running of the filling station to the site operator in line with other health and safety and fire legislation. Guidance to site operators on risk management has been made available on the West Yorks website at http://fp.wyfcda.f9.co.uk/fs_web/petrole um/petidx.htm.

The HSE are due to be issuing a general ACOP on DSEAR by the end of June which should also give advice to employers, although it is not going to be petrol filling station specific.

What next?

The introduction of DSEAR saw the completion of Phase 1 of the HSE's programme to modernise petrol

legislation. The aim of Phase 2 is to replace licensing, possibly by a consent regime, which probably require a consent to operate a filling station and a consent to build or make material alterations to a filling station. Phase 3 would be looking at new legislation to cover domestic and non-workplace storage of petrol.

It could quite easily be argued that the position taken by West Yorkshire negates any need for Phase 2 as it effectively achieves the required objective, with the licence performing the same role that a consent would.

Conclusion In my opinion, as a regulator, it would seem that the reduction of licence conditions to a minimum and the enforcement of the operational aspects of a forecourt by DSEAR, is the direction that would lead to greater consistency and the least confusion for industry. In the meantime there is sure to be uncertainty, both amongst operators and enforcers, over the right approach while the industry is subject to two very different pieces of legislation.

West Yorkshire Fire Authority Licence to keep Petroleum-Spirit

FSG5074 (REV 04/03) PETROLEUM LICENCE NO: 123456 FILE REFERENCE NO: 65/4321/E28

The above-named Authority, in pursuance of the provisions of the Petroleum (Regulation) Acts 1928 and 1936, and all other powers in that behalf.

DOES HEREBY LICENCE ACME FILLING STATIONS PLC ACME HOUSE HIGH STREET ANYTOWN ANYWHERE AN1 4XY To keep Petroleum-Spirit of an amount not exceeding 149,950 Litres on premises comprising wholly or partly a 'petrol filling station' situate at ACME FILLING STATION WEST STREET HIGHTOWN NOWHERE HT1 2AB for the period from 1 April 2003 to 31 March 2004 and no longer.

This licence is granted subject to the attached conditions set out below:

42

Articles Alterations, Adaptations and Replacements i

No alterations shall be made to the licensed premises that affect the 'approved arrangements'(1) unless the written consent of the Licensing Authority has been given. The licensed premises shall be maintained such that all 'approved arrangements', including all safety related features, function properly.

ii

Before any alterations, adaptations or replacements are made to the 'approved arrangements' the licensee or his authorised representative shall give to the Licensing Authority at least 10 days notice of his intention to do so and shall deposit with the Licensing Authority such plans to show the proposed alterations, adaptations or replacements as may be appropriate and no such alterations, adaptations or replacements shall be made without the written consent of the Licensing Authority.

Cessation of Storage iii

Where the Licensee ceases to store spirit at the licensed premises he shall give at least 28 days notice of his intention to do so to the Licensing Authority and shall take such steps as to render any receptacle immune from fire or explosion. This condition shall not apply where the use of the storage tank(s) is discontinued temporarily for the purpose of cleaning but the licensee shall notify the Licensing Authority in writing of the temporary disuse. Repairs or cleaning to any tank(s) on the licensed premises shall not be carried out without giving prior notification to the Licensing Authority.

Notice of Leakages, Accidents, Fire or Explosion iv

The Licensee or his authorised representative shall immediately inform the Licensing Authority of any loss, actual or suspected leakage, accident, fire or explosion involving petroleum-spirit.

Dispensing into Containers v

Except when a petrol pump is being tested for accuracy or in repairing the installation of any part thereof, petroleum-spirit shall be dispensed only be means of approved equipment into the fuel tanks of internal combustion engines or into 'approved portable containers'(2).

Unauthorised Access to Petroleum-Spirit vi

The Licensee or his authorised representative shall prevent unauthorised persons and persons apparently under the age of 16 years from having access to, or operating any equipment associated with petroleum-spirit.

Transfer of Licence vii

The Licence may be transferred to some other person (the transferee) upon application to the Licensing Authority at the address detailed below and the statutory fee is paid(3). At least 28 days notice in writing of a proposed transfer shall be given to the Licensing Authority. Such transfer shall not be complete until the Licensing Authority has received an application from the transferee, made on form FSG5065.

Definitions (1) 'Approved Arrangements' means: those arrangements on the licensed premises which accord with those shown on the deposited plans and related correspondence and includes buildings, installations, equipment and the operation of the licensed premises.

(2) 'Approved Portable Container' means: • • •

a metal container of a capacity not exceeding 23 litres permanently labelled 'Petroleum-Spirit - Highly Flammable' with a secure leak proof cap; a plastic container not exceeding 5 litres capacity which complies with the requirements of the Petroleum-Spirit (Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982; or a detachable plastic fuel tank not exceeding 27 litres capacity, for use on a small water craft (Recreational Craft Directive 94/25/EC).

(3) Petroleum (Transfer of Licences) Act 1936.

WEST YORKSHIRE FIRE AUTHORITY OAKROYD HALL BIRKENSHAW WEST YORKSHIREB D11 2DY SIGNED

P C Toase Chief Executive/Chief Fire Officer DATED 1 April 2003

Note: It is drawn to the attention of the licensee (site operator) that breaches of the Licensing Conditions are breaches of section 1(3) of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 (section 33 (1)(c) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974) and as such are punishable as criminal offences.

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Articles

Doing the Right Thing through Internal Tank Maintenance

By Wayne Geyer Operation and maintenance have quickly become the new buzzwords in regulatory circles. Ask any inspector about underground storage tank compliance issues and the inspector will quickly cite leak detection, cathodic protection testing, piping, sumps and under-dispenser boxes as primary concerns.

Water has this nasty habit of getting into places where it does not belong.

This includes sumps, dispenser boxes, basements and even tanks. Water can enter tanks by way of the infrastructure, which includes pipelines, barges or trucks. But it can also enter an underground storage tank (UST) in-situ - by condensation, fill boxes or tank sumps. Of course, a tank at a retail service station is the last place an owner-operator wants to find water.

That water needs to be removed before it gets sucked into a motor vehicle's fuel tank, which can lead to irate motorists.

A number of organizations have developed recommended practices and standards to monitor water in tanks and provide for its removal. Before the days of automatic electronic liquid-sensing and inventory devices, some operators daily used a special paste on a gauge stick to determine if water had entered the tank. American Petroleum Institute included procedures within their recommended practices with the goal to minimize the water content and maximize fuel quality. See API 1621, "Bulk Liquid Stock Control at Retail Stations," and API 2610, "Design, Construction, Operation, Maintenance, and Inspection of Terminal & Tank Facilities."

Steel Tank Institute recommends that water be removed from steel storage tanks on a regular basis within their tank installation and maintenance practices.

Petroleum Equipment Institute's RP 100-2000, "Recommended Practices for Installation of Underground Liquid Storage Systems," states, "Install tanks to facilitate water removal."

For example, a tank can be sloped so that water collects at one end for easier removal. By removing the water, the life of the fuel filter and other dispensingsystem components will be extended.

More importantly, the gas-buying customer is assured of a quality fuel 44

product.

The question of how to address water in UST systems has taken on added urgency during the last two decades as America's quest for cleaner air has led to new fuel blends featuring oxygenates.

California is the largest state to ban the oxygenate MTBE. Major oil companies in California have already begun using ethanol and taken the necessary steps with their UST systems to ensure a smooth transition. With the replacement of MTBE by ethanol throughout America likely to take place during the next few years, the need to keep water out of tanks is an even more important task than ever before, as ethanol blends are very sensitive to water.

The operation and maintenance issues reach critical mass when ethanol combines with water and microscopic matter.

Various microorganisms are carried in air and water. Tanks with poor housekeeping are likely to see a buildup of sludge in conjunction with the water. The sludge serves as a breeding ground as the microorganisms multiply and form a potentially hazardous microbial colony, regardless of the type of tank material storing the fuel. Filters can be clogged frequently, product flow to the vehicle slows down, and the quality of fuel diminishes when such microbes begin to feed and grow in the water layer trapped at the tank bottom.

In the case of steel, the microbes, or bugs, can create a corrosive environment. In the case of plastic tanks where a high alcohol content has led to phase separation at the tank bottom, the plastic is subject to softening and can experience a reduction in its strength properties.

Tank-cleaning experts report that maintenance for far too many tanks has been ignored over the years. Proper tank system maintenance and operation has surfaced as a critical concern - and not just for the steel or plastic tank, but for all of the elastomeric, metallic and non-metallic materials that form the system.

Now this development may arouse the curiosity of readers. Why is there a greater emphasis on the inside of tanks today? Are tanks failing? No, they are

not. But substantial evidence has emerged and led to the recent STI decision: •

Striker plates have been required by STI for more than 15 years and continue to guard tanks from erosion corrosion under the drop tube. Without question, this design requirement has been a major success formula for steel tank producers.

•

Based on third-party insurance statistics, the number of internal corrosion failures continues to be insignificant, with a documented claim rate below 0.05 percent.

•

Protected steel tanks first went into the ground in the late 1960s.

Since the mid-1980s, more than a quarter million protected steel tanks have been built and installed - providing documented excellence in performance.

•

A reduced tolerance for water in the fuel-distribution system has developed; ethanol-blended fuels are among the reasons. At the same time, the industry has learned more about microorganisms and how these bugs can foul a fueling system, regardless of tank material. The biocide market and tankcleaning markets have blossomed. Specialists in the fueling industry and in NACE International now have expertise in this subject. See the Fred Passman article in LUSTLine Bulletin 39 on Microbes and Fuel Systems. Also, ASTM D6469, Guide for Microbial Contamination in Fuels and Fuel Systems, was published in 1999.

Foremost among the reasons for the attention given to internal tank maintenance is the dedication of steel tank manufacturers to providing products and maintenance practices that protect the environment. We like to think of it as doing the right thing - using proven technology - to ensure no leaks.

Articles

APEA AGM 12th May 2003 This year's AGM was held on Monday 12th May at the Marriott Hotel in Northampton. The relocation to Northampton was following the unsuccessful experiment of 2002 when we held the AGM at the ExCeL Centre in London to coincide with the exhibition and seminar.

The return to Northampton was obviously welcome as 87 members were in attendance.

The business meeting was dealt with, including the election of a new Council for the next twelve months. This was followed by four speakers from different areas within the industry giving presentations on topical subjects of interest to the membership.

Rory Hennessy of Tesco talked about a series of vapour ignitions that had occurred on his forecourts around the country over the last year. He detailed the investigation into the causes and highlighted the potential problem caused by several factors combining, perhaps the most significant being the tanker being connected to the vapour recovery point whilst diesel was being delivered.

John Hazeldean of the Health & Safety Executive gave a presentation on the new Approved Code of Practice for Road Tanker Deliveries. He highlighted some of the duties placed upon the site operator and the tanker driver as well as the reasons for introducing the ACOP. Following a buffet lunch Andy Berry of the London Fire Brigade spoke about the potential conflict between the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act and the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations. There is an article on this issue elsewhere within this Bulletin.

Bob Chappell of Cogent and John Browning of BP gave a joint presentation on Cogent's approach to electronic training within the industry, particularly with regard to forecourt staff.

Minutes of the Annual General Meeting Held at the Mariott Northampton 12th May 2003 1. Welcome The Chairman, Tony Jenner, welcomed members to the meeting.

2. Apologies Apologies received Gareth Bourhill, Richard Quarmby, Geoff Oldham, Richard Wigfull, Ian Taylor, Ted Etty County Pumps, Anna Rodda County Pumps, CSW Lee, Teresa Brown, Ruth Sutherland, WH Barnett Assoc of Liquid Gas and equipment distributors, David Thompson, Phil Whitehead, Tom Armstrong.

On behalf of the attendees at the AGM, the Chairman wished Ian Taylor a speedy recovery from his recent illness.

3. Minutes of previous meeting J Thompson noted that his names was incorrectly spelt in section 12 of the previous minutes, the error to be amended.

It was agreed that the minutes of the 17th April 2002 were correct.

4. Matters Arising from Minutes 16th December There were no matters arising.

5. Correspondence No correspondence had been received.

6. Chairman's Report The Chairman, Tony Jenner, thanked everyone for attending the AGM and hoped they would find the day constructive and enjoyable.

The Chairman also thanked the speakers that were due to speak, for taking time out of their work schedules to talk at the AGM. T Jenner explained that the day would be split into sessions with the Business session first, followed by two speakers, lunch and a further two speakers.

The Chairman explained that there was going to be a voting session for the 6 candidates nominated to Council.

However, since two of the candidates,

Phil Monger and Ian Taylor, had both been re-elected as Branch Representatives at their own Branch AGM's they automatically became Council Members. Therefore, as only 4 candidates remained with 4 vacancies on the Council it was not necessary to proceed with the vote.

Administration T Jenner thanked fellow Council members for their support to the APEA received during the last year especially during the difficult period when the APEA were without a full-time administrator. T Jenner noted that he had spoken to Brian Taylor recently and that he was progressing well, he wished Brian Taylor best wishes from everyone at the AGM. The Chairman discussed the new appointment of Jane Mardell as Business Manager describing the additional tasks that Jane had undertaken including production and advertising for both The Bulletin and Yearbook which were now back on schedule. The Chairman thanked Jane for assistance in providing a professional and efficient service to the APEA. He also encouraged everyone to submit articles to the Editor or Jane for inclusion into The Bulletin.

Training The Chairman thanked Brian Baker and his team for their enthusiasm contributed to the Training courses for the APEA. The Chairman noted that he was impressed by the enthusiasm of the lecturers and the contents of each course and also noted that Brian Baker is currently expanding on the current syllabus.

Branches The Chairman described the Branches as the life-blood of the APEA organisation, noting that some Branches were more active than others.

He suggested that the Branches encourage greater attendance from members at Branch meetings by being inventive with their locations and speakers.

IFFE The Chairman noted that the Council had taken on board the criticism expressed by members about the exhibition held last year at ExCel in London and, in consequence, made the decision to work with William Reed Exhibitions to exhibit at the NEC in March 2003, especially as this seemed to be a popular location. The Chairman noted that if the APEA had not worked 47

Articles with William Reed Exhibitions the APEA would not have been able to afford the costs involved with exhibiting at such an exhibition. The Chairman said that that following a conversation with Dominic Roberjot from William Reed, the exhibition had attracted over 2500 visitors to the Equipment hall plus others from the Convenience section of the show.

The Chairman noted that no decision had been made about future events, but this matter was to be discussed at the next Council Meeting at the end of May. APEA Dinner The Chairman thanked all the companies that had hosted tables at the APEA Dinner at the Hilton Metropole in March, describing the event as a memorable occasion.

Publications Chairman The Chairman reviewed the contribution made by Jamie Thompson to the APEA over the last 20 years and thanked him for his hard work as both Technical and Publications Chairman of the APEA and also for his 'forthright and forward approach to situations!' He informed the meeting that Jamie was now stepping down as Honorary Editor and presented Jamie with a pen to commerate his contribution to the APEA. Jamie thanked the Chairman and members for his gift.

Secretary from today.

The Secretary raised the issue of the change of name of the APEA, an issue currently under review at Council and Branch level. The Council wished to keep the same company initials but aim to change the name to reflect environmental issues. The Secretary noted that Branch representatives were due to report back to Jane Mardell with their views form their Branches. He welcomed comments from all members which should also be directed to Jane.

8. Treasurers's Report Mike Silmon thanked everyone for their support with the accounts. The Treasurer highlighted that the APEA had made a loss of £30,000 attributed to last years events, although over 5 to 6 years the Events had made a profit of £30,000. He noted that this situation had now been addressed.

He also commented on the increased payments made to Directors included in the accounts. This was due to an increased number of Trainers contributing to APEA Training courses and the need to utilise their experience.

9. Editor's Report Rob Tunnicliff thanked the committee for articles that had been sent in for The Bulletin and also thanked the Chairman and Brian Baker for their support. The Editor hoped that to be able to help the new Editor, Andy Berry, in his new role as the incoming Editor.

The Editor informed the meeting that he had enjoyed his role of Editor and thanked Jamie Thompson for his help and contributions and also Jane Mardell for her professional approach to the production of The Bulletin.

Tony Jenner presenting Jamie Thompson with a commerative pen

The Chairman concluded his report by thanking everyone for attending the AGM. 7. Secretary's Report Andy Berry reported that this would be his last Secretary's report as he was stepping down from this post as from today to take up the position of Editor.

The Secretary thanked, Dave Bucknall, the Chairman, Brian Taylor and Barbara for their support over the years. He also thanked Chris Knight for his contribution to the Events committee.

The Secretary informed the meeting that Paul Craven from Suffolk County Council was taking over the post of 48

10. Motions The Following motions were submitted by Council and approved by the AGM: i.

The payment of £300(net) Honoraria to the Secretary, Treasurer, Editor and Events Chairman. Proposed

by Robbie Robson, seconded by Rob Tunnicliff. ii. Accept the Company accounts as prepared and distributed. Proposed

by Mike Silmon, seconded by Robbie Robson. iii. The Directors recommendation not to declare a dividend for the year ending 31 December 2002 be accepted. Proposed by Mike Silmon, seconded by Tony Jenner. iv. Ensors of Cardinal House, 46 St Nicholas Street, Ipswich, Suffolk be elected as the Association's auditors in accordance with S384 of the

Company's Act 1985. Proposed by Robbie Robson, seconded by Barry Jenner.

11. Election of Officers The following were unopposed for office: Chairman Vice Chairman Hon Secretary Hon Treasurer Hon Editor

Mr Mr Mr Mr Mr

nominated

Tony Jenner Brian Baker Paul Craven Mike Silmon Andy Berry

12. Election of Council members The following were nominated unopposed for office: Mr Rob Tunnicliff Mr Bob Conlin Mrs Jeannie O'Bierne Mr Jamie Thompson Mr Ian Taylor and Mr Phil Monger previously elected to Council as Branch Representatives.

13. Any other Business None The Chairman concluded the Business session and introduced the following speakers: Rory Hennessey (Tesco) 'Vapour ignitions at diesel fill points' John Hazledean (Health & Safety Executive) 'Introducing the Approved Code of Practice For Road Tanker Deliveries' including, reason for change, schedule/approved code of practice, duties of road tanker operator duties of the site operator, duties of tanker driver, split deliveries, pumped deliveries Andy Berry (London Fire Brigade) 'The future of licensing alongside DSEAR' Talking about the possible conflict between the enforcement of DSEAR and Petroleum Licensing and the possible resolution of the conflict by amending licence conditions.

John Browning(BP)/Bob Chappell(Cogent) 'Electronic Training - The Cogent Way'. Cogent is the Sector Skills Council for the upstream oil and gas petroleum and chemicals industries. It was established in April 2002 out of three former National Training Organisations including Pimto. It is working in conjunction with BP and other major retail forecourt companies to develop and introduce an induction programme for sales assistance to be delivered by e-learning.

Articles

Spot checks show illegal petrol sales at 85 per cent of forecourts Roger Hopkins, Assistant County Trading Standards Officer, Suffolk County Council Undercover spot checks at petrol stations across Suffolk have revealed shocking lapses in safety with 85 per cent of sites selling petrol in unapproved containers, which is both against the law and dangerous.

Petroleum inspectors from Suffolk County Council's Trading Standards carried out the tests, aware that at this time of year many people are starting to fill up lawnmowers. These people may unwittingly buy petrol in unsafe and illegal containers.

During the random checks 20 sites were visited, of which 17 failed (85 per cent), At each stage of the visit the undercover officer made his actions as open and obvious as possible to the cashier, watching to see at what point the sale would be stopped.

At each site he walked onto the

forecourt carrying a black bin bag with a tin can inside. He then tried to buy petrol illegally from the most obvious pump - often the one right in front of the cashier. At this point the cashier should have refused to authorise the delivery of petrol. After the sale was authorised he then bought the minimum amount of petrol (two litres) and paid for it.

The officer was even able to buy petrol illegally at an attended site where the attendant filled the can himself! In each case the garage owner was informed of the failure and warned that if it happened again they could face legal action.

Peter Monk, member of the county council's executive committee, said: "The high failure rate is shocking and unacceptable. These breaches of safety put the public in serious danger and are illegal. Garages and petrol stations should check that all staff working on site are familiar with the regulations and what they cover. We've

approved containers which are available from petrol stations or motoring shops.

•

No other type of container is permissible for buying and storing petrol.

Contacts: Roger Hopkins, Asst County Trading Standards Officer Tel: 01473 584282 followed up these failures with the garages concerned and written to the head offices to inform them of our findings.

"At this time of year people are starting to think about filling up lawnmowers or getting boats ready for the spring and summer. Its likely that garages will be approached by members of the public trying to fill up old cans they've had in the garage for years. Be warned though, it could just as easily be an undercover officer and garages risk facing prosecution for it."

He went on to warn the public: "If you buy fuel in an unsuitable container it is more likely to leak or spill. With something as dangerous and volatile as petrol you risk losing your life, or home, and probably invalidating your home insurance too."

Suffolk County Council regulates and enforces safety laws but also provides help and advice for both the public and traders. There are strict controls on the sale of petrol and it is an important licence condition for all garages that they adhere to them. Anyone unsure of the legal limits or correct containers for buying petrol should call the Trading Standards Advice Line on 01473 584358 for further information.

Buying and Storing Petrol for Domestic Purposes:

Saraid Cann Trading standards press and communication officer Tel: 01473 584309 or mobile: 07802 825755 Peter Monk Member of the county council's executive committee and portfolio holder for public protection Tel: 01394 411373 or 07850 843055, email: peter.monk@councillors.suffolkcc.gov.uk Jane Hore Leader of the county council and portfolio holder for external relations Tel: 01502 587569 email: jane.hore@councillors.suffolkcc.gov.uk Ron Ward, Conservative spokesman for trading standards Tel: 01728 452952 email: ron.ward@councillors.suffolkcc.gov.uk NB. 1.Sites visited during the random checks were in Ipswich (seven sites) , Bury St Edmunds (seven sites), Lowestoft (six sites).

2. All sites where petrol is supplied to the public in Suffolk must be licensed by the trading standards service and comply with certain licence conditions.

•

The legal limit for domestic petrol storage is 20 litres, in 2 x 10 litre metal containers marked with the words 'petroleum spirit' and 'highly flammable'.

Issued by the Communications Unit St Helen's Court County Hall Ipswich Suffolk IP4 2JS

•

Additionally 2 x 5 litre approved plastic containers may be used.

•

It is advisable to only carry in a vehicle the above amounts in the

Tel: (01473) 584000 Fax: (01473) 250424 e-mail: communications@suffolkcc.gov.uk 51

Articles

SUPERVAULTMH solves environmental problem Marcus Williams, Ledbury Welding & Engineering When Tesco selected the SUPERVAULTMH above ground petrol storage tank for installation at their new Ramsgate, Kent retail development a significant breakthrough was achieved in relation to environmentally sound, safe and accessible storage.

Four units of 45,000 litres capacity,

including one with twin compartments were ordered from Herefordshire based bunded fuel storage tank specialist Ledbury Welding & Engineering to overcome an especially difficult environmental problem.

With the proposed location being in close proximity to an aquifer it was clear that P l a n n i n g Consent for the use of traditional below ground tanks could not be granted due to the untenable environmental risk posed.

Although tanks installed below ground are nowadays almost invariably double skinned, once in the ground monitoring of their condition is reliant upon a leak detection system, the activation of which will not necessarily imply loss of product into the ground but nevertheless indicates the need for expensive, disruptive remedial action.

This inherent problem can be exacerbated further by inadequately installed pipework.

SuperVaultMH was developed in the USA following a spate of serious ground pollution incidents arising from below ground installations and disastrous fires arising from subsequent attempts to store petrol above ground in conventional storage tanks.

SuperVault MH offers true secondary 52

containment in concentric rectangular or cylindrical steel tanks with the wide interstitial space filled with a specially formulated, lightweight concrete based insulation. It is the first tank to pass the s t r i n g e n t requirements of the US Uniform Fire Code Standard A11-F1 and the South W e s t Research Institute Standards 95-03 and 95-01, achieving both multihazard and 4-hour fire rating.

This award followed an extremely strict testing regime commencing with four hours fire exposure at 2000 F, followed in close succession by water jet exposure, projectile resistance, simulated vehicle impact, leakage testing at 5psig and finally re-exposure to fire for two hours.

At the end of this sequence S u p e r Va u l t M H remained leak tight.

T h e introduction to the European market by Ledbury Welding of this safe, cost e f f e c t i v e alternative to below ground storage has been widely welcomed by Environmental Officers, Fire Authorities and Petroleum Officers for whom visibility and accessibility are major considerations.

Following thorough evaluation, the unique characteristics of SuperVault

MH certainly impressed Rory Hennessy of Tesco, who commented, "Only the SuperVaultMH offered both the safety and capacities we wanted. The SwRI

95-03 certification, particularly the 4hour fire rating, meant we were totally comfortable about installing above ground petrol tanks in a superstore location".

T h e importance of the 4hour fire rating is that in the event of a fire on site the fire crew can concentrate on tackling the source of the outbreak without immediate concerns regarding the storage tank.

Since acquiring the sole European license to manufacture and market the SuperVaultMH Ledbury Welding had already supplied eighteen units in capacities up to 65,000 litres for commercial operations. However, the Tesco, Ramsgate order represents the first European retail application for this unique design, which is a well-

established feature on US forecourts.

In addition to its superb technical features SuperVault MH is aesthetically pleasing and can be uplifted and relocated should future circumstances demand. Being relatively lightweight units up to 70,000 litres capacity are readily transportable, fully exploiting Ledbury Welding's close proximity to the UK's motor network and enabling most areas of the UK, including the ports, to be accessed.

With this groundbreaking retail filling station now open, and ongoing negotiations with other retailers in progress, expect to see many more SuperVaultMH tanks appearing on forecourts across the country as more operators realise the unique benefits that aboveground storage offers.

For further information please contact Ledbury Welding & Engineering on 01531 632222

Branches Eastern The Eastern Branch is seeking company's prepared to put up speakers to come and talk at our regular branch meetings to talk about their products or technology. So please contact me to expand the profile of your business or to talk about issues of concern.

The Eastern Branch meetings provide a good venue for meeting people from industry, trading standards, PO's, regulators and environmental officers.

Many of the good practices that exist today has evolved by industry and regulators talking to each other.

The industry continues to evolve with a constant stream of new regulations, standards and technology that may impart on your business or activity. So to have your voice and opinions heard or to talk about your product or practices here is an outlet.

Our meetings are well attended although we are would always like to see some more. If you haven't been before do come along, you will not be disappointed.

The next branch meetings is scheduled for September (date and venue to be confirmed) For more information please contact me at my office on: Tel: 01992 452950 Fax 01992 452911 or email to: Eastern Branch c/o ELAFLEX ltd Riverside House Plumpton Road Hoddesdon Herts EN11 0PA e-mail elaflex@aol.com Anton Martiniussen Eastern Branch Secretary Midlands Nothing to report at present North East Nothing to report at present North West Nothing to report at present Scotland There have been no further meetings of the Scottish Branch since the Scottish AGM. A meeting of the branch executive was called for 30th June at Clydebank when the programme for the meetings up to the next AGM will be finalised.

Ian Hillier Chairman and Branch Representative

Southern On the 6th May, the Southern branch held its Annual General Meeting at Cholderton, which was well attended and supported by branch members.

The agenda for the day included the AGM and several speakers presenting on a number of interesting subjects.

The following members were elected to office: Geoffrey Wheeler (chairman) Robbie Robson (Vice Chairman) David Sommers (Secretary) Jack Brinkhurst ( Treasurer ) Phil Monger (Branch Representative to Council ) Barry Jenner, Annie Risbridger, Ian Farmer (committee members) Ray Blake and Simon White were re-elected as branch auditors.

The next branch meeting of Southern branch will be held on the 3rd July and will take place at the Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset. Not surprisingly the theme for the day will be underground storage tanks and will feature the following speakers and subjects: Graham Platt (Innovations in valves) Martin Mctague (tank corrosion) Ray King (Alternative Interstitial Monitoring) Steve Barke (Cathodic Protection) Phil Monger BranchRepresentive Yorkshire & Humberside The Yorkshire & Humberside Branch had its AGM on Thursday 22nd May 2003. The meeting was held at the Ainsty Hotel, Boroughbridge Road, York. This was the first time the meeting had been held at this venue and it appeared to meet with the approval of those who attended.

13 members attended with 10 apologies received out of a branch membership of 90. The election of officers took place and, as no nominations were received it was proposed that the current Chairman, Secretary, Treasurer, Branch Representative and Honorary Auditor remain in post for another year. This was agreed and the same were duly elected.

Harold Ross from Ross Environmental Services Limited gave a presentation on the benefits of using 'Oil Sponge' for the clean up of oil and petrol spillages. The second speaker we had booked unfortunately cancelled at the last minute.

We have arranged for our next meeting to be held at the same venue on Thursday 2nd October 2003. All members are welcome to attend.

David Buffey Branch Secretary Please visiti the Branches page on our website www.apea.org.uk for the latest information regarding past and future meetings.

Branch Representative Contact Details Ian Taylor - Eastern Hytek (GB) Ltd, Delta House, Green Street, Elsenham, Bishops Stortford, Herts CM22 6DS Tel: 01279 815600 Fax: 01279 812978 iantaylor@hytekgb.com Richard Quarmby - Midlands 28 Franklin Way Whestone Leicester LE8 6QY Tel: 01787 220730 Fax: 01878 220044 rjq@quarmby.com Mike Silmon - North East W O Silmon Ltd Industry Road, Heaton, Newcastle upon Tyne, Tyne & Wear. NE6 5XB. Tel: 0191 224 0777 Fax: 0191 224 0707 associationtreasurer@apea.org.uk Geoff Oldham - North West Suresite Ltd, Slaters Barn, Whittingham Lane, Goosnargh, Preston. PR3 2JJ Tel: 01772 861400 Fax: 01772 861600 geoff.oldham@suresite.co.uk Ian Hillier - Scottish Inverclyde Council Inverclyde Council Trading Standards, 40 West Stewart Street, Greenock, Renfrewshire, PA15 1YA. Tel: 01475 714200 Fax: 01475 714221 ian.hiller@inverclyde.gov.uk Philip Monger - Southern Petrol Retailers Association Meadowside, West End, Sherbourne St John, Basingstoke, Hants. RG24 9LE. Tel: 01256 850164 Fax: 01256 851273 philmongerpra@ukonline.co.uk Clive Evers Yorkshire & Humberside City of York Council Trading Standards Service, Exhibition Square, York. YO1 7EH. Tel: 01904 613161 Fax: 01904 551511 clive.evers@york.gov.uk 55

Training

News

By Brian Baker Chair - Training Committee It seems just a few weeks ago that I was writing about APEA Training Courses and here we are again. I can report, since I last wrote, that we have taken APEA Training abroad!

In May, we ran two PFS Construction & Environmental Awareness Courses at Portadown in Northern Ireland, a report of which is on the next page of this issue.

Both courses proved successful and we followed this up with four more 'bespoke' type courses. In June, West Midlands Fire Service were our hosts for our popular LPG Installations Course that was delivered by Phil Lambeth and John Hills from BP's Global Alliance that was received by 14

delegates. My thanks go to Phil and John as well as Steve Rowe of West Midlands Fire Service for allowing us to use their training centre.

Another course that at the time of writing this short article is about to take place is another PFS Construction & Environmental Awareness Course in Deeside, North Wales for 14 Project Engineers from David McLean's, Shell UK's Main Contractors.

Thanks to Peter Richmond and Joyce Bullock for co-ordinating this courses and the use of McLean's facilities. Here we welcomed Tom Armstrong into the Training Team as his first course. Some of you in the UK and Europe may remember Tom from his former Esso and BP days as a Senior Project Engineer himself Moving slightly northwards, on 1 - 4 July 2003, two 2 x day course on Construction and Audit & Inspection Courses were hosted by Greater Manchester Fire Service at the Brigade's Training Centre and my thanks go to Mark Cox for his support in seeing this ago ahead.

To date, we have increased our

Course dates 2003/2004 PFS; Construction & Environmental Awareness

If you have not been on one of our courses, give it try. The comments we receive during each course and after are very pleasing and the general impression I have is that we have the right recipe and balance to meet what I believe is an essential service to the downstream Retail Filling Station industry.

Finally, due to the immense activity I have given APEA Training over the last 18 months, a cry for help went up and at the end of May, Jane Mardell, our very able Business Manager jumped in and took much of the training administration off me. What a relief and as I close this report you will see that Jane now deals with all bookings leaving me to concentrate on promoting what we have and the introduction of new courses.

More news next time.

Brian

Electrical Installations An Awareness 25 Sep 2003

Kegworth

23 Oct 2003

Cardiff

29 Jan 2004

Newcastle

23 Sep 2003 to 24 Sep 2003

Bournemouth

4 Nov 2003 to 5 Nov 2003

Ipswich

12 Feb 2004

Birmingham

18 Nov 2003 to 19 Nov 2003

Crawley

25 Mar 2004

Dundee

9 Dec 2003 to 10 Dec 2003

Dundee

13 Jan 2004 to 14 Jan 2004

Birmingham

LPG Installations (Autogas)

18 Feb 2004 to 19 Feb 2004

Dundee

8 Sep 2003

Kegworth

9 Mar 2004 to 10 Mar 2004

Southampton

29 Sep 2003

Crawley

1 Dec 2003

Portadown (NI)

PFS; Audit and Inspection

56

training activity on 2002 with over 280 delegates attending our courses this year and there is a prospect of us taking it overseas as I have received a few enquiries recently.

7 Oct 2003 to 8 Oct 2003

Portadown(NI)

19 Jan 2004

Dundee

9 Oct 2003 to 10 Oct 2003

Portadown (NI)

2 Feb 2004

Southampton

21 Oct 2003 to 22 Oct 2003

Dundee

15 Mar 2004

Birmingham

25 Nov 2003 to 26 Nov 2003

Bournemouth

9 Dec 2003 to 10 Dec 2003

Stoke on Trent

27 Jan 2004 to 28 Jan 2004

Dublin

25 Feb 2004 to 26 Feb 2004 30 Mar 2004 to 31 Mar 2004

Wet Stock Monitoring 1 Sep 2003

Durham

Location to follow

13 Oct 2003

Portsmouth

Birmingham

20 Jan 2004

Birmingham

Training 3 Feb 2004

Derby

16 Mar 2004

Newcastle

Explosives and Fireworks 28 Aug 2003

Cardiff

4 Sept 2003

Bournemouth

17 Sept 2003

Milton Keynes

18 Sept 2003

Sheffield

25 Sept 2003

Durham

30 Sept 2003

Manchester

2 Oct 2003

Crawley

7 Oct 2003

Dundee

9 Oct 2003

Birmingham

Please note: Courses will be designed around the new TCB Document, Design and Construction of Service Stations.

Non-members can purchase copies through either the APEA Business Manager or at course venues at £90.00 each or £30.00 each to APEA members. It is strongly recommended that attendees have access to this document during courses.

Jane Mardell - Training Coordinator (contact details on page 3) or Brian Baker, Training Chairman 1 Brookside, Hodge Lea, Milton Keynes MK12 6JW Tel: 01908 252332/ Mobile: 07932 785 166 Fax: 01908 252319/e-mail: brian@bpbaker.fsnet.co.uk Training Course Sponsors The APEA would like to thank the following companies that have added to the ever growing list by choosing to send delegates to APEA training courses: UK unless otherwise stated; Birmingham City Council Blackburn & Darwen Borough Council Carrickfergus District Council (Northern Ireland) Cornwall County Fire Brigade David McLean's Ltd East Sussex Fire & Rescue Service Gloucestershire County Council Greater Manchester County Fire Service Leicestershire County Council Limavady Borough Council (Northern Ireland) Lotus Engineering Ltd Michael O'Kane Associates (Dublin, Rep of Ireland) Northamptonshire Fire & Rescue Service Petrol Express Ltd Power Plan Ltd (Malta) Statoil Ltd (Ireland) Suffolk County Council Warwickshire County Council West Midlands Fire Service

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

This makes 162 Organisations that have sponsored APEA Training since April 2002.

For details of this and any other training enquiry, please contact:

To all our sponsors, thank you for your support without which it could not have been possible.

Delegates from the recent Petrol Filling Stations: Construction and Environmental Awareness course at Kegworth

57

Training

The Northern Ireland Adventure

By Brian Baker, Chairman Training Committee For the first time in its 46 year history, the APEA ran courses outside of mainland UK which took place at Portadown in Northern Ireland from 2023 May 2003. The course title was Petrol Filling Stations; Construction & Environmental Awareness that each of the two courses planned, ran for 2 days.

It was several months (if not years) in coming and much depended on my friend, Tom Duke, Senior Petroleum Officer of Castlereagh Borough Council, who is close to Belfast and has excellent links with colleagues.

Tom was very instrumental in getting most of the 26 Petroleum Licensing Authorities interested, as it had been many years since any formal training had been conducted for Petroleum Officers, most of which (though not all) reside in Building Control Departments and provide multi-skills along with Entertainment Licensing. Thanks Tom! So it was down to Jamie Thompson and I to come up with the goods.

We set off from London Stansted and felt quite honoured as on that flight was Pat Jennings, the former Spurs and Northern Ireland Goalkeeper whom I had to admit I saw play when I was I nipper nearly 40 years ago.

Well, we landed at Belfast International to be greeted with what turned out to be heavy rain for most of our time spent in the Province. We set off in the pre-arranged hire car and managed to get lost about 500 metres from the airport (Good start I thought) Finally we picked up our bearings and found our way to our destination, The Carngrove Hotel in Portadown.

this market town.

The next morning it was up and hit the ground running as we prepared the training room. We had 16 delegates to greet and as each one arrived we are able to have a chat with each one briefly, quickly discovering that in Northern Ireland, the legislation compared to the rest of the UK is slightly different and laws appear to come a year or two after hours.

For example it is the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1929 as opposed to 1928, the Health & Safety at Work etc Act 1978 as opposed to 1974 and the Carriage of Dangerous Substances by Road 1998 as opposed to 1996. Get the picture. It became even more bizarre as we related to Building Regulations as the lettered Approved Documents are different. Never mind, we got by OK. The next 2 days were tough for both tutors and delegates but by the end of the first course we had a few delegates interested in founding a new Branch in Northern Ireland and some pleasing end of course review comments. And still it rained!!!

On the first course that was to be held over the next 2 days was George Farrugia, a Project Consultant from Malta whom we met shortly after arriving. Yes, you have guessed it, we ended up talking about petrol stations in Malta.

Late in the afternoon, Tom Duke of Castlereagh Borough Council and over a couple of beers talked about how things are in Northern Ireland and the mounting prospect of returning to conduct more courses. It was a pleasure to meet Tom after several months of telephone calls and e-mails.

One of the delights of Portadown turned out to be McConville's, a typical old traditional pub that probably has not changed much since it opened its doors 100 years ago. Friendly locals with wonderful tales about this great part of

The next course arrived the following day and we did the whole thing all over again. I did see "Mr T" wilting by the fourth day and have to say I was too.

Again, more interested delegates to found a Branch, new members and

more pleasing comments.

Eventually Jamie and I were able to get out on our last evening to take in some of the truly beautiful countryside and as we made our way back into the

opposite side of Portadown we came across Lavary's Filling Station a delightful site that boasted a Fish & Chip Shop on one side of the Forecourt and the sale of coal, stacked 2metres high between the Dispensers. You guessed 'David' Thompson Bailey, quick as a flash had his camera out snapping like fury. You can see he had 'Front Cover of the Bulletin' all over his face.

A productive few days was spent in Northern Ireland.

Yes we saw signs of tension between the communities and even met a former Dealer saying that he gave up after 17 years having seen his Forecourt Shop blown up 5 times.

Thankfully the locals are saying that the troubles of conflict have reduced significantly over the past year or so.

Let us hope it continues Believe me, Northern Ireland is a wonderful place and we were made very welcome and looked after by everyone we met. For me it was my first time there and I am left with the thought of when I can return, for business or pleasure.

59

Training

Portadown, Northern Ireland delegates, May 2003 Brian Baker (APEA Trainer) Alan Reid (Carrickfergus District council) Raymond Lowry (Dungannon & South Tyrone District Council) Johnny Vance (Coleraine Borough Council) Reggie Dallas (Coleraine Borough Council) Kevin Devlin (Newry & Mourne District Council) Dawn Phillips (Ards Borough Council) Bob Wilson (Ards Borough Council) Malcolm Sloane (Armagh & District Council) Wesley McKenzie (Dungannon & South Tyrone District Council) Seated: Michael O'Kane (Michael O'Kane Associates - Dublin) Norman McMullan (Magherafelt District Council) Gerry McGann (Magherafelt District Council) Finton Quinn (Newry & mourne District Council) Not in Shot: Jamie Thompson (APEA Trainer)

BTEC Professional Certificate Review

By Gordon Robb, Principal Trading Standards Officer, Highlands Council Being the first candidate to complete the BTEC Professional Certificate in Petroleum Regulation, I have been asked to submit this short article giving my views on the course and experience of it so here goes.

I have been involved in Petroleum and Explosives Regulation for about 13 years and was also lead officer for my authority in relation to Health & Safety Enforcement for a year or so following the last Local Government reorganisation. Perhaps more as a result of this latter experience, I was probably more aware of the influences of the HSC Section 18 mandatory guidance on Petroleum Enforcement work than many others working in this field who come from a Trading Standards background.

Influenced by this awareness, I had been concerned for some time that in many cases Licensing Authorities, although taking the competency of their enforcement staff seriously, would have difficulty in producing evidence that they were complying fully with the current Section 18 Guidance from the HSC on the officer competency issue.

In the BTEC Professional Certificate and Diploma in Petroleum Regulation, I feel that we have found such a mechanism.

Most Local Authorities make use of the excellent short courses run by APEA and the TSI on the various aspects of Petroleum Regulation, but 60

with the best will in the world, an officer's attendance at a course lasting a few days, even where a candidate assessment is included, is no substitute for the rigorous assessment undertaken over the length of an SVQ based qualification.

That is not to say that such courses are no longer necessary, in fact I think the contrary is true. For to succeed in the BTEC courses, in my view, it is essential that candidates have been given the opportunity to acquire the basic knowledge through attendance at training courses, like those described above, and have accumulated sufficient supervised experience in the field. The BTEC Certificate and Diploma can then provide the mechanism by which an officer's competence can be demonstrated.

In my own case, like many others who have been doing the job for a number of years, my initial tendency was to claim "grandfather rights" and send others on the course, but in order to determine the usefulness of the qualification I decided to use myself as a guinea pig.

My experience of the Certificate course was that it comprehensively covered all the essential legal, administrative and practical aspects of a Petroleum Officer's job in relation to the audit and inspection role. I understand that the yet to be finalised Diploma course will pick up on the

remaining site development control aspects of the job as well as other relevant matters.

In my view the structure of the course demands that the candidate can demonstrate an understanding of what needs to be done and why, as well as how to do it. The Internet based support facility also allows candidates to be briefed on, and hence incorporate into their assessment answers, real-time changes in the law e.g. DSEAR. I also found that the candidate support mechanisms, which are also provided electronically via e-mail, were quick and efficient.

I suppose the acid test in any such qualification is whether a manager can have confidence that those who have completed the course are competent to undertake the job.

Having now completed the course, my answer to that is yes and I have now had the Certificate formally recognised by my authority for career grade progression purposes and enrolled three of my staff in the course as a result.

I would however also warn anyone considering putting their staff on these courses. My warning arises from the question, which may be put to managers by successful candidates, i.e. "Is my Authority doing enough to comply with other aspects of its responsibilities resulting from HSC demands?"