The Bulletin Magazine - September 2006

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The Bulletin

Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

Sept 2006

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Editorial

Contents Regulars Chairman’s Report

Tony Jenner 5

Editor Cameron Forecourt Ltd Platts Common Ind Estate

Editor’s Report

6

Barnsley South Yorkshire

Business Manager’s Report

New APEA Members

9

10

S74 9SE

tel:

01226 742441

fax:

01226 747441

mob:

07715 375140

e-mail:

tonyjenner@cameronforecourt.co.uk

News

12

Press Releases

22

Jamie Thompson Publishing Chairman 70 Wangford Road Reydon

Articles APEA 2006

29

Stage II vapour recovery

39

The local solution to traditional fuel stations

44

Case report on Heene Road service station

47

Drive off at your peril!

48

A day with the inspectors of Orange County, Florida

50

Competent? How do petroleum licensing authorities assess if their PO’s are competent

54

Fairbanks’ Double Celebration!

56

Southwold Suffolk IP18 6NX

Tel/fax:

01502 722999

Mobile:

07770 625851

email: jamiethompson@ukonline.co.uk

Jane Mardell Business Manager (including Bulletin Advertising and Production)

Branches

59

PO Box 106 Saffron Walden Essex CB11 3XT

Training 2006 course dates and booking details

Membership application form

61

62

Tel/fax:

0845 603 5507

Mobile:

07815 055514

email:

admin@apea.org.uk

Front Cover - One of the earliest petrol stations in Malta over 70 years old

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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are gearing up to open two new

Chairman’s Report

overseas branches. Cyprus is most

For the past 30 months I have been

likely to be first, as since our inaugural

the Chairman of our Association and I

visit in 2004 we have developed a great

have to say it has been an outstanding

relationship with our colleagues there

and rewarding experience. I have

and established a discussion forum for

probably been one of the longest

all in the downstream industry. Cyprus

serving Chairmen in the 48 year history

has over 300 sites and is responsible

of the APEA and I have enjoyed it

for the employment of many people

immensely. It has given me the

within the industry. We also hope to re-

opportunity to meet and work with so

establish the Irish Branch of the APEA

many great people and I feel privileged

where we now have a significant

to have enjoyed the support of my many

number

colleagues.

Northern Ireland and Eire. Hopefully we

When I was elected as Chairman it was one of my aims to see the APEA expand its horizons and increase its overseas

activities

membership

service

by

offering

and

benefits

internationally. At that time I could not have known that at the end of my chairmanship

we

would

have

a

presence in Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Cyprus, Malta, Denmark and the USA. All that in a little over 2 years!

Perhaps the pinnacle of my time at the helm was to be invited by the National Institute of Storage Tank Management to deliver a talk at their conference in Orlando, Florida, USA. The subject of my address at their May conference was the Buncefield Fire which took place on the 11th December 2005. This single incident

of

member’s

from

both

shall soon see a flourishing Irish Branch once more.

doing a great job in mobilising everyone for the “must-go” event and I sincerely hope to see and meet many of you there, even if I cannot have a beer with everyone!

I would just like to say a few words about my successor, Bob Conlin. I

By the time this edition of the Bulletin

believe that Bob will make a fine

is published the consultation period for

Chairman and will help to move the

Stage II Vapour Recovery will have

association on in the future. I suppose I

closed as all responses were due by

have known Bob for about 10 years

11th July 2006. Let us hope that we at

now, in fact from the early days when he

last

founded

see

implement

a

sensible this

part

outcome of

the

to UK

Legislation.

his

company,

Fairbanks

Environmental. Bob and his team have been immensely successful and the

On the legal front, the Petroleum

company has become a major player

Enforcement Liaison Group (PELG) is

within our industry, not just in the UK but

now meeting again after the sad loss of

offering a truly international service.

its

Roberts.

Bob is a quiet but very astute individual

Unfortunately I could not make the July

with a sharp eye for detail and I know he

meeting due to my holiday in sunny

will relish the challenges ahead. I am

Greece. (What a great place that

sure you will all join me in wishing him

country is).

the very best for his period of

Secretariat,

Peter

Although there has been a downturn

chairmanship.

in APEA Training, we are still attracting

It just leaves me to thank my

enquiries for many of our courses. We

colleagues on Council for putting up

are planning to introduce a new series

with me over the past 21/2 years, I have

of courses dealing with Vapour Control

appreciated

well received and hopefully enhanced

Emission

Leak

assistance both professionally and

our reputation as being professional in

Investigation Processes. It takes a great

personally. I would also like to offer my

all we do.

deal of time and effort to set up a new

special thanks to Jane who makes all of

Whilst in the USA I took advantage of

course from scratch but we are well on

our voluntary roles that much easier

an invitation from Bill Rodes and Glen

the way with the preparatory work which

with her relentless efficiency and the

Becker of the Environmental Protection

will enable us to present this new

back up she tirelessly gives. So my

Department of Orange County to join

material in the near future.

continues to fire the imagination (no pun intended) and nearly 500 people packed the Conference Hall for my 45 minute presentation, which was very

Systems

and

them for a day carrying out routine site

I would just to like to mention our

inspections. A report of the day I spent

forthcoming Annual Conference &

as their guests is included on page 50

Exhibition which I am sure many of you

of this edition of the Bulletin.

are looking forward to. Our consultants

At the time of writing this report we

Downstream Events Ltd have been

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

their

support

and

friends, farewell and good luck to you all and please accept my sincere thanks for all of the wonderful memories my period of chairmanship has provided.

Brian 5

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Editor’s Report As a result of the change in my personal circumstances following the sad loss of my wife, Vanessa, in April last year I have decided not to stand for re-election to Council, and also to stand down as Honorary Editor. Despite standing down from office I will obviously continue to give my full support to the Association and assistance to whoever succeeds me as Editor.

I have very much enjoyed my time on Council but now feel that the time is right for me to step aside to make way for some fresh blood to help guide the Association into the future. At the time of writing I have no idea if we have any new nominations for Council, but I sincerely hope that my colleagues can look forward to welcoming some fresh faces with good ideas to help the APEA move forward. If you feel that you may have something to offer the Association please do not hesitate to put yourself forward as a prospective Council member. Based on my personal experience I’m sure you will find it both interesting and rewarding.

One of the great benefits of serving on Council is that you get to meet many people from all sectors of the industry. I have made some very good and genuine friends through my involvement with the Association and I

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am extremely grateful for the opportunities that I have been privileged to enjoy.

As I write this report we are still basking in what has been reported as the hottest July ever! Hopefully, when you read this we won’t be experiencing the wettest September ever - but will still be enjoying good weather for some weeks to come. Who knows, it may continue until 2nd November when we hold “APEA 2006” the newly formatted AGM, Conference & Dinner at the Royal Court Hotel in Coventry. I know that the Events Committee together with the organisers, Downstream Events, have put a great deal of effort into promoting and organising this event. The programme looks exciting and I’m sure the whole day will prove to be a resounding success.

It is interesting to note that the Buncefield catastrophe is still very much in the news; we have dedicated two pages of this Bulletin issue to the subject. Of particular interest is the first item you see on page 27 which was reprinted from an APEA Bulletin dated 1985. It seems that whilst the circumstances surrounding both incidents were somewhat different there is still much we need to learn!

Once again I would like to appeal to you all to continue to submit your news and opinions for inclusion in the Bulletin. One of the most difficult jobs associated with being Editor is finding

newsworthy material to include within these pages. As the next issue is likely to be edited by my successor I would like you all to make the transition as easy as possible with plenty of articles to kick off with. Please wherever possible accompany your written work with high quality photographs.

There now remains very little for me say other than to thank my colleagues on Council for their friendship and support over the past few years. As I said earlier in my report, I have very much enjoyed my time working with the Association, it has been a great pleasure and a huge honour to serve and represent a truly professional organisation.

My best wishes to you all and I hope to see you at “APEA 2006” in November.

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Business Manager’s Report I hope you are all having a great summer.

I am moving house and the office at the end of the month and I will be on holiday from 29th August to 8th September. All calls will be redirected and dealt with as normal.

2007 Yearbook The Yearbook will be distributed to all of you at the beginning of October as planned. Thanks to all of you that advertised in the Yearbook and also to those that returned their registration forms for inclusion in the Classified and and Trade Directory sections.

AGM, Conference, Exhibition and Dinner 2006 There is going to be a change to our events this year. We have employed the services of a professional event management team who are putting together an exciting event that we plan to hold on 2nd November and which will include the AGM, Conference, Exhibition and Dinner. Details are shown on page 29.

The event management team will be handling all of the promotion and production of the event and I am sure they will be in touch with you soon.

I will be dealing with the AGM side of the event, you will find enclosed with this issue of the Bulletin, an invitation letter and nomination form to the event.

Please let me know if you wish to attend so that I can pre-register your details. If you wish to nominate for Council please forward the completed form to the Honorary Secretary, Paul Craven, his contact details are on the form.

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

Please send me any news items, press releases or articles for the December 2006 issue and I will pass them onto our Editor for approval.

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

Bulletin Advertising Thanks to all of you that renewed your advertising for the 2006 issues of the Bulletin and thanks to new advertisers too.

Remember that if you book in all four

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

You will also receive a 50% discount on Yearbook advertising too for the 2007 issue.

The advertising rates remain unchanged for 2006 and are listed on our website on the ‘Publications’ page at www.apea.org.uk If you would like to book advertising in the Bulletin for 2006, please call me on 0845 603 5507 or email me at admin@apea.org.uk for a booking form.

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

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

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

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

Course dates for 2006 are listed on page 61 and dates for 2007 will be available shortly. You can view the up to date list on the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk on the ‘Training’ page.

New Members

APEA Members £10.00 plus p+p Non APEA Members £20.00 plus p+p

There have been 26 new members joining during April, May and June and details can be found on page 10.

Training

Website

Thanks to all of you that have booked on our training courses.

It is good to see that bookings are still coming in for the 2006 courses, although they are down slightly on last year.

We are holding a conference in Dublin on 25th September with a view to restructuring the Irish Branch and we are running the Construction, Safety and Environmental Awareness course on 26th and 27th September and the Risk Assessment, Audit and Inspection course on 28th and 29th September.

If you are interested in attending the conference or booking the training courses please do not hesitate to contact me.

Both of the training courses are detailed on the ‘Training’ page of the website if you wish to book.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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

I look forward to hearing from you.

Jane 9

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New APEA Members Detailed below are new members that have recently joined the APEA during April, May and June 2006.

April Robert McArthur D H Morris Group Cumbernauld House Wilderness Brae, Cumbernauld Glasgow North Lanarkshire G67 3JG Peter Narten Union Technik GmbH & Co. KG Paul-Esch-Str. 67-71 Duisburg 47053 Germany Mike Hayton Belcom Cables Ltd Warish Hall Farm Takeley Bishops Stortford Herts CM22 6NZ John Wainewright Environmental Land Solutions Ltd Brookend Business Centre Brookend Farm Kempsey Worcester Worcestershire WR5 3LF Brian Joicey Retail Petroleum Solutions UK Ltd 38 Golds Nurseries Business Park Jenkins Drive, Elsenham Bishops Stortford Herts CM22 6JX Willem de Villiers De Villiers & Khan Inc. PO Box 150 Ottery Cape Town 7808 South Africa Colin Moore Taw Garages Victoria Road Barnstaple EX32 8NP May Francis McNally Tonagh Electrics Ltd 2 Tonagh Heights Draperstown BT45 7DD 10

Iain Morgan 49 Bloomfield Road Bristol BS4 3QA Daniel Simpson A.&G Simpson Scamblesby Garage New Main Road Scamblesby Louth Lincolnshire LN119XQ Glenn Jermy Kent County Council 17 Kings Hill Avenue Kings Hill West Malling Kent ME19 4UL Dolgorsuren Gansukh MPI Consultants Prime Minister Amar Str, Inter-nom building, 4 th floor Ulaanbaatar 976 Mongolia Peter James City & County of Swansea, Environment Department Trading Standards Division Room 318 The Guildhall Swansea City & County of Swansea SA1 4PE David Stefanowicz Electrical Contractors' Association ESCA House 34 Palac Court London WH2 4HY June Edwin Shanks 32B Cline Road Banbridge Down BT32 4PG Stephen Dunlop Babcock Naval Services Health, Safety & Environment Department Building 1281 HMNB Clyde Helensburgh Argyll & Bute G84 8HL

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Chris Savage Gortnaskea Electrics 234 Washingbay Road Aughamullan Dungannon Tyrone BT71 5DS Richard Chattaway Bedfordshire County Council County Hall Cauldwell Street Bedford MK42 9AP Scott Sheppard Bedfordshire Trading Standards Service County Hall Cauldwell Street Bedford MK42 9AP Simon Cockayne Hughes Network Systems Ltd Sunrise Parkway Linford Wood Milton Keynes MK14 6LS David Hooper Flat 3, 29 Barrington Road Altrincham Cheshire WA14 1HP Richard Gould Napit Inspections Ltd Mill 3 Room L4C Pleasley Value Business Park Mansfield NG19 8RL Anton Moldan SA Petroleum Industry Association PO Box 7082 Roggebaai South Africa 8012 Colin Pizey 2 Long Mickle Little Sandhurst Berkshire GU47 8QW Chris Moore Hexeal Composite Engineering Ltd Hexeal House Wymondham Bus Park Chestnut Drive Wymondham Norfolk NR18 9SB John Sheffield Chimney Cottage Ninfield Road Bexhill on Sea East Sussex TN39 5JP

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News

UK, North Wales. Man suffers burns in tank explosion A man who was cutting up an old diesel tank with a blow torch was injured in an explosion at a scrap yard on 12th June 2006.

North Wales Fire Service said the tank at the yard in Garden City on Deeside contained another chemical which ignited and then exploded. The man was taken to the Countess of Chester hospital suffering from burns on his back, head and hands. Crews said the fire was out by the time they got there.

The Health and Safety Executive is investigating. Ian Williams, county operations manager with the fire service, issued a warning about the dangers of cutting up old fuel tanks. He said: "Companies often buy old tanks and they don't know what has been stored in them previously. "We are advising everyone who buys waste scrap materials to seek advice from the fire and rescue service before starting cutting any of them up with blow torches as certain chemicals can react with the heat and the consequences could be devastating."

to simultaneous operations in Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Luton, London and NI. Two petrol tankers and storage tanks were seized along with 30,000 litres of laundered fuel. A fuel laundering plant was dismantled, and a petrol station in Paddington closed. Customs officers said the ring had resulted in a loss to the Exchequer of about £500,000 and that laundered fuel was sold to unsuspecting drivers through a petrol station in Paddington. Jim Caldwell of HM Revenue and Customs said the success of the operation was the result of determined efforts to disrupt and dismantle the illegal supply of fuel. "Organised crime has a detrimental and harmful effect on all our communities as well as a damaging impact on our environment," he said.

"We would urge anyone with information on fuel misuse or suspicious activities in their area to contact us in confidence straight away." http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/nort hern_ireland/5014148.stm

UK, Hampshire boys torched at barbie Barbie horror ... Matthew and pals were engulfed by flames A boy of 13 told how he and his two screaming pals were engulfed in flames

UK, May 25 2006.

Customs raid ‘Illegal Fuel Ring’ Laundered fuel was sold to unsuspecting drivers Customs officers have smashed an alleged nationwide fuel laundering ring in a joint operation with the police. One man has been arrested after 11 premises were searched in Northern Ireland and the south of England.

Seven months of undercover work led

UK, London. Petrol station ‘flooding and pollution risk’ April 18 2006 - Protestors wish to stop the development of a new petrol station, which they say could pollute the River Wandle, endanger wildlife and increase the chance of flooding. The Haydons Bridge Residents' Association has said a plan to move a Shell petrol station further along Plough Lane, Wimbledon, would put it into the flood plain. If the river bursts its banks, as it has a one per cent chance of doing each year, the garage could leak oil into the watercourse.

The controversial plan has been recommended for approval by Merton council's planning department, despite the Environment Agency's objections.

The decision is due to be made by the planning committee in Merton Civic Centre shortly.

UK, Norfolk to pioneer green fuel from beet on June 13 when a family barbecue turned into an inferno.

Matthew Betteridge suffered burns to his face and chest as he tried to help Leroy Lawler, 13, and his brother Kyle, six, who had been closer to the fireball. The brothers were “serious but stable” in hospital.

The barbie erupted when petrol was poured on to light it as his pals celebrated their sister Tara’s 18th birthday. Matthew said: “Suddenly

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there was a big wave of flame coming towards me. I ducked. “I saw Kyle’s legs were on fire, then I heard Leroy screaming. “Leroy ran in the house and out into the road. All his clothes were on fire and he didn’t have any hair left.”

Leroy’s burning body ignited curtains in the house in Southampton, Hants.

Partygoers eventually doused the flames. Matthew said: “He was just saying, ‘burning, burning’. You couldn’t recognise his face.” The boys’ mum Janine was with her sons in hospital. A male partygoer was also hurt.

Hampshire Fire Service warned people it was “extremely dangerous” to use petrol on barbecues. Matthew’s mum Leesa said: “Those boys are scarred for life. I’m not angry, but I want people to realise the danger.”

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Britain's first refinery to produce "green" fuel from sugar beet will come on stream in Norfolk in less than two years, said British Sugar.

The £10m plant will be built at Wissington, near Downham Market, on the site of Europe's largest beet sugar factory and will produce 5pc of the nation's green fuel.

It is a major boost for Britain's fledgling biofuels industry, which could create thousands of jobs and help the rural economy.

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News The plant will process 750,000 tonnes of sugar beet to produce 55,000 tonnes of bioethanol.

Mark Hudson, president of the Country Land and Business Association, estimated that using 5pc of bioethanol in petrol could create 10,000 jobs and reduce carbon emissions from vehicles by half.

Peter Williams, British Sugar's development manager, said: "We will be turning sugar beet into alcohol or ethanol by fermenting partially-refined sugar."

The firm submitted a formal application to West Norfolk Council last December but has now placed a contract to design the first bioethanol plant. It will come on stream in the first quarter of 2007.

The Wissington factory, which was built in 1927, processes a quarter of the country's sugar beet - more than two million tonnes. It also produces the right blend of sugar syrups or "thick juice" for fermenting into bioethanol. Up to 5pc of this can be used in all petrol-engine vehicles without any modification.

A national coalition including environment-alists, farmers, car makers and British Sugar called on the Government to force oil companies to increase the volume of biofuels on sale.

They want the so-called renewable transport fuel obligation in the Energy Act 2004 to be implemented.

This would boost home-grown production of biofuels. The backers include Ford, Saab, the Transport and General Workers' Union, Friends of the Earth and leading farming organisations.

Karl Carter, British Sugar's manufacturing director, said: "Bioethanol gives the Government an immediate opportunity to tackle this situation and regain the initiative on climate change.

This is an environmental win-win for the UK." Britain must source 5.75pc of fuel supplies as renewables by 2010 currently it is 0.03pc, mainly by converting waste cooking oil into biodiesel.

Campaigners said using 5pc bioethanol - from sugar beet or wheat would reduce carbon emissions by the equivalent of taking a million cars off Britain's roads.

Britain trails Europe in "green" fuel production; Germany makes 1.5m tonnes of biodiesel from oilseed rape and production is rising by 40pc to 50pc a year.

Even America has 12pc of cars

fuelled by biofuel blends.

With reform proposals for Europe's sugar regime expected on Wednesday, beet growers face major price cuts of more than 35pc, down possibly to less than £20 a tonne.

British Sugar has indicated it will offer a competitive price to secure beet.

Mark Carr, British Sugar's chief executive, said: "Placing the design contract represents a significant step forward and clearly signals our intention to be part of the exciting new industry."

Farmers' leader Tim Bennett, who officially opened the Cereals 2005 event near Royston, Hertfordshire, said: "If we do not get a biofuels industry going in this next 12 months, we will have missed the boat."

UK, Fire safety Guidance Publications to support new fire safety order in the UK’s The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (OPDM) has recently published a series of guidance documents to support the Regulatory Reform Fire Safety Order 2005 (RRFSO) which is to come into effect in the UK from 1st October 2006.

The new RRFS Order calls for employers to undertake a fire risk assessment and to maintain a range of minimal fire safety measures. The 11 new guidance documents are designed to provide assistance not only to employers but also to fire authorities, consultants and designers.

No. 1 Offices & Shops No. 2 Factories No. 3 Sleeping Accommodation No. 4 Residential Care Premises (In preparation) No. 5 Educational Premises No. 6 Small & Medium Size Places of Public Assembly No. 7 Large Places of Public Assembly No. 8 Theatres & Cinemas

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

No. 9 Outdoor Events (In preparation) No.10 Healthcare Premises (In preparation) No. 11 Transport Facilities Guidance documents Numbers 1 and 11 are of specific interest to the domestic UK petroleum industry although it is quite probable that others will also be of interest.

Copies of these guidance in adobe acrobat format can be downloaded free from the OPDM web site on www.odpm.gov.uk/fire

UK, ‘Fuelish’ motorists left stranded out of luck and out of fuel UK men are more likely to put the wrong fuel in their car – and more likely to run out of petrol while on the road.

More than one in ten accident-prone Brits have filled up their car with the WRONG type of fuel according to new research. Half of those caused so much damage to their vehicle it took on average of £125 to repair after the missfuel.

And if we Brits aren’t putting in the wrong type of fuel – we aren’t putting any in at all – almost half of us have run out of petrol or diesel according the survey of 4,000 motorists by roadside rescue expert Green Flag. But it’s not dizzy women drivers to blame for petrol problems it’s MEN who are more likely to put diesel in a petrol car or vice versa. A preoccupied 14 per cent of blokes admitted to putting in the wrong fuel compared to only ten per cent of females. Men are the worst culprits for not filling up in time too – 52 per cent have confessed to breaking down after running out of fuel compared to only 42 per cent of women. An incompetent nine per cent of male drivers have run out of petrol three or four times. And it’s no surprise why, when more than one in twenty Brits use every last drop of fuel in the tank and like to gamble to see how far they can travel with the petrol light on. But at the other end of the scale – a paranoid nine per cent fill up as soon as the petrol gauge reads half a tank, just to be on the safe side.

Two-thirds of women have been left embarrassed on the garage forecourt after struggling to get the petrol cap off, but to combat such problems a third of ladies leave re-fuelling to their other 15

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News half. A third of folk said they would hit the roof if their partner ran out of petrol and 86 per cent said they would be really embarrassed by the mistake.

Nigel Charlesworth of Green Flag said: ‘’It’s surprising so many people are still running out of petrol, when most modern cars have indicators that warn we are running low. "Filling up with the wrong fuel is more common than you would think, as this research shows. It’s a costly mistake so, even if we are in a rush, we should pay attention at the service station." "More than 20,000 Green Flag call outs each year are down to motorists running out of fuel.

UK, East Anglia. Fuel dream collapses June 12 2006 - A businessman's dream of tapping the green oilfields of East Anglia has been shattered by government bureaucracy.

Biodiesel company Global Commodities, based in Shipdham, near Dereham, is being put into liquidation, with chairman Dennis Thouless blaming excessive regulation for crippling production.

Five years ago Mr Thouless ploughed thousands of pounds into setting up Global Commodities and quickly established a network supplying fuel derived from cooking oil across the UK and Germany. His vision appeared to be on track when the company opened a plant in Shipdham last November expanding its production capacity to 350 million litres. But cracks had already started to appear when the company was fined almost £30,000 by the Environment Agency for causing pollution and breaking Environment Agency (EA) operating regulations.

The company released a statement confirming the closure of both its Hull and Shipdham plants and the loss of 13 jobs. Mr Thouless said: “It is with deep regret that I have to announce the closure of Global Commodities. “I am devastated. This is a massive blow to the future of the bio-diesel industry and will have a huge effect on me. “I am 72 years old and I have put the last five years of my life into the company and have ploughed a substantial amount of my money into the business.

He placed the blame for the company's downfall firmly at the feet of draconian regulations by the EA. “This was the first biodiesel plant in the United Kingdom, this was a research and development unit, we had 16

permission to trade 24/7 from Breckland Council. However the bureaucrats at the EA would only allow us to manufacture between 8am and 6pm,” he said. Mr Thouless also said the EA's insistence that he notify them every time the company altered production was not feasible company working in a new field.

“The Environment Agency's attitude has been disgusting,” he said. “It makes it impossible to run a viable business.”

The company has been unsuccessful in attracting new investment over the past six weeks and Ensors Chartered Accountants were asked to begin proceedings to put the company into liquidation. The business is being put up for sale as a going concern.

UK, HSE publishes revamped guidance to simplify risk assessments July 11 2006 - The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) urged businesses to spend less time dotting 'i's and crossing 't's and more time on putting practical actions into effect. To help companies do this HSE has issued a revamped risk assessment guide featuring examples that spell out, in plain English, what is and what is not - expected.

Launching the guidance, HSE's Deputy Chief Executive, Jonathan Rees, said: "We want to save lives, not tie businesses up in red tape - good risk assessment is the way to achieve this.

Risk assessment is at the heart of sensible health and safety. We believe it should be a practical way of protecting people from real harm and suffering, not a bureaucratic back-covering exercise.

On its own paperwork never saved a life, it needs to be a means to an end, resulting in actions that protect people in practice. "I hope that this new, more straightforward guidance will help managers understand what's expected of them and get more focus on the kind of risks that cause real harm and suffering - the ones that killed 220 workers last year and resulted in 35 million working days being lost. This guide takes the user through the process step-by-step with the minimum of fuss to achieve this aim." The guidance Five Steps to Risk Assessment, which was first published in 1993, has been revised and simplified to make it even easier for

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

normal business people, not just health and safety experts, to use. It also places greater emphasis on making sure that decisions are actually put into practice.

The 11-page booklet, which is also available free online at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk, provides advice and tips on five key elements to an effective risk assessment: identifying the hazards; deciding who might be harmed and how; evaluating the risks and deciding on precautions; recording findings and implementing them; and finally ensuring they are reviewed at regular intervals. This is supported by four examples of what a risk assessment might look like. The examples help emphasise that risk assessment need not be difficult and the paperwork need not be long and complicated. For most, bullet points work very well. Copies of Five Steps to Risk Assessment, INDG163(rev2), are available from: HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA Tel: 01787-881165 or Fax: 01787-313995.

Priced publications are also available from good booksellers. Alternatively the leaflet can be downloaded free from the HSE website at: http://www.hse.gov.uk/risk

UK, Southport. Son dies in petrol fireball horror in his back garden June 22 2006 - A DIY enthusiast became a human fire-ball after his cigarette ignited petrol he was using to clean equipment.

Christopher Warrington suffered 90% burns in the accident in his back garden in Hoylake. He had been fitting a kitchen with his father when he decided to use petrol from a lawnmower to clean grease from old cooker parts. But his cigarette sparked a blaze that spread up towards his throat.

He called for an ambulance himself and was rushed to hospital. Mr Warrington, 30, from Proctor Road, was transferred to the specialist burns unit at Whiston hospital and died two days later. Mr Warrington's father, Peter, 49, said: "I'd just gone out for a bit to pick something up from a DIY shop. "When I got back there were ambulances and

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News fire engines everywhere - I didn't know what was going on. "It's just so terrible what has happened to the poor lad. It's unbelievable."

UK, Killspills rally 2006 The biggest ever KillSpills diesel protest rally is predicted by organisers on September 9, 2006 to highlight the danger of diesel to motorcyclists. In 2005, the event attracted over 2500 concerned riders, starting at the Ace cafe in London, and ending at the Houses of Parliament.

The British Motorcycle Federation sponsors the ride, and Metropolitan Police riders will escort procession. A delegation will call at 10 Downing Street to present Prime Minister Tony Blair with an action plan and third-year anniversary card signed by thousands of motorcyclists. The BMF, supported

by Bennett’s insurance, will present a KillSpills achievement award to the company who has done most to reduce the risk of diesel spills from their vehicles. The KillSpills 8-point action plan: • Warning signs should be displayed at service stations informing diesel users of the danger of overfilling diesel tanks or not refitting the filler cap correctly.

• The Highway Code should highlight the dangers of spilt diesel and publicise the penalties of spilling diesel on the public highway.

• The THINK! campaign should be used to get the diesel spill message across: "Thinks! -Diesel Spills Can Kill" • Lobby for European wide resolution to ensure that future generations of commercial vehicles have anti-spill devices fitted as standard.

• Government Departments and Local Authorities to lead by example, ensuring that their drivers are fully briefed about the dangers of overfilling a diesel tank or not refilling the filler cap correctly.

• Introduce a general Road Safety Hotline that the public can use to report diesel spills and other road safety issues.

• Publish statistics on the reasons

prohibition notices are served on commercial vehicles.

• Diesel spills are recognised as a hazard in the Department for Transport network management Duty Guide but there are no home office guidelines to the emergency services relating to treatment of diesel spillage. This should be corrected as part of joined-up Government.

The protect ride also coincides with the 12th Ace Cafe Reunion Weekend.

The ride assembles at 11:00am at the Ace Cafe on Saturday September 9, 2006, to start at 1pm. For more information visit www.killspills.org.uk.

UK, Scotland, Renfrewshire. Lucky to be alive after petrol pump explosion attempt June 15 2006 - A terrified worker was spooked when he saw a man remove a petrol pump nozzle and try to ignite it with a cigarette lighter. Paisley Sheriff Court heard how Mark McDonald’s actions could have had disastrous consequences. Luckily no fumes were ignited to erupt in a fireball. But McDonald's solicitor conceded his client was fortunate that the outcome had not been much more serious. “He could have blown himself up and caused considerable damage,” said defence agent Jonathan Manson, as he struggled to explain his client’s “bizarre conduct.”

In court, McDonald, who has never been in trouble before, admitted he had been suffering from depression at the time and drinking to excess. His solicitor said he had now realised something had to be done and he was hopeful for a reconciliation with his partner, whom he had also put through a terrifying experience around the same time.

McDonald pleaded guilty to conducting himself in a disorderly manner in a house at Unsted Avenue, Paisley, on January 5 and he also admitted culpably and recklessly attempting to set fire to a petrol pump and contents at the Benston Service Station in Beith Road, Johnstone, the following day, exposing others to danger.

The court was told that a second incident a short time later caused an employee at the filling station to press

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

the panic button when she saw what McDonald was trying to do after she spoke to him around 12.20am on January 6. “She was working at a serving hatch when the accused approached and asked her to contact police,” said the fiscal. McDonald then asked if the CCTV cameras were working before going over to a petrol pump, removing a nozzle from its holster and attempting to set it on fire.

“He was holding his cigarette lighter beside the nozzle,” she said, “and when the employee saw the flame, she immediately activated the panic alarm.

“When the pump did not ignite, he replaced the nozzle.” His lawyer said he could give no real explanation for his client’s bizarre behaviour other than to say that the relationship was under strain at the time and he had been depressed and drinking heavily. “He could have blown himself up and caused considerable damage.”

The lawyer said that the accused was now appalled by his actions, had cooperated with police and was in full-time employment. After confirming that the accused was a first offender who seemed to have got his life back on the rails, Sheriff Alastair Thornton said he agreed that the episode could well be described at “bizarre” in character. He told McDonald he would benefit from a one-year probation period where alcohol consumption issues could be examined, and ordered him to carry out 175 hours of community service.

UK, Brierley. Petrol pumps fuel peacocks sex drive June 17 2006 - A peacock is ruffling some feathers with its repeated attempts to mate with petrol pumps it has mistaken for a peahen.

Mr P, an eight-year-old peacock, spends his waking hours displaying, strutting and calling to four petrol pumps at a service station in Brierley in the Forest of Dean and has become something of a local celebrity, with motorists stopping off to take photographs. His owner Shirley Horsman, 54, said the noise made each time the petrol pumps are used has caused the bird's bizarre behaviour because it sounds like an amorous peahen in breeding season.

Service Station manager Julie Milner said: "He's dicing with death a bit because he likes to strut down the centre of the road, which is unfortunate 17

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News as it's normally really busy."

Mr P's erratic behaviour started last year after the peahens he lived with were eaten by a fox. Since then he has spent the last two breeding seasons courting the petrol pumps. I know a few PO’s who spend a lot of time with petrol pumps!

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significant scope for combining the skills and best practices of each of Statoil Ireland and Topaz. We are committed to growing the combined business and to offering exciting opportunities for employees as we work together to take Statoil Ireland to the next stage of its development and enhance its market leading position.”

UK, Ireland, Dublin.

Sale of Statoil retail network to Topaz Energy Group

Europe, Cyprus.

Petrol stations deny diluting fuel

June 22 2006 - Statoil announces that it has reached agreement on the terms of the sale of Statoil Ireland, its Irish downstream Retail and Commercial & Industrial business, to Topaz, a financial consortium lead by Ion Equity. The two businesses are complementary with a strong strategic fit which will enhance service and value for customers.

Statoil will retain a presence on the island of Ireland through Statoil Exploration Limited. In addition, Statoil will retain its 50% interest in LSS Limited, its joint venture in Derry, Northern Ireland and expects to continue to supply fuel to Statoil Ireland through Dublin and Derry. Topaz is an established national forecourt retailer headquartered in Dublin, having acquired the Shell Ireland service station network in 2005. Topaz operates a network of over 150 service stations under the Shell brand and has a logistics business covering the whole of Ireland, including six oil importation terminals. Ion Equity is a leading Irish private equity and corporate finance firm.

Completion of the sale is conditional upon approval by the Irish Competition Authority and is expected in Q3 2006.

Jacob Schram, senior vice president of Statoil Retail Europe said: "Our retail operations in Ireland have been very successful since 1992.

We are delighted to have reached agreement on attractive terms with Topaz. Given our strategic commitment to other markets, we believe Topaz is better placed to fulfil the potential of Statoil Ireland under new ownership.

We are grateful for all the loyalty shown

by Statoil Ireland’s employees during our ownership and wish them well for the future.” Danny Murray, CEO of Topaz said: “We are delighted to have reached agreement with Statoil on this transaction. We believe Statoil Ireland has a bright future and believe there is

The Association of petrol station owners vehemently denied suggestions that water was being added to petrol, after a mechanic claimed he had seen over 30 cars damaged by adulterated fuel.

Association chairman Pambinos Charalambous said “There is absolutely no truth in this whatsoever. Where is the proof?” He also said that the government randomly checked petrol products using a special liquid which changes colour if water is present, “with anybody caught of deliberately adding water in big trouble.” Akis Lefkaritis, Director of Petrolina, one of the island’s biggest petrol companies, said: “There is no way anybody would add water”, attributing the discovery of trace amounts of water in petrol to “corrosion and humidity”. He added that diluting petrol was illegal. Car mechanic and agent for Syneco Oils, Andreas Constantinou, said that damage can amount to as much as £2,000, with the whole fuel system affected, as well as the catalytic converter and the fuel filters.

“Sometimes the engine will cut out and the car will not start again, but it depends on the specific case,” he said, adding that it was impossible to tell on the forecourt whether water was present in petrol. Fellow mechanic Spyros Nicolaides, who runs a garage in Strovolos, explained that the problem sometimes arises through wear and tear.

“Corrosion affects older pumps meaning water can get in and seep into the petrol,” he said. “Every six or seven years, older petrol stations should replace their pumps in order to stop this from happening.” However, he did admit to hearing of rumours that some petrol stations deliberately added water to their petrol mixture for financial gain. He advised people to keep their petrol receipts safe to use as proof just in case a problem developed which damaged

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

their car. Eleni Savvides said she noticed something was wrong after filling up with petrol. “After pulling out of my driveway the following day, I noticed the car started jerking upon acceleration and had lost all its power. A minute later the engine cut out. I managed to restart it, but it kept cutting out and I had to take it to my mechanic, who confirmed that the problem had been caused by petrol with too much water in it. “The same thing happened to my daughter’s car six months ago.”

USA, Minn, St Paul.

Washing machines and gasoline don't mix well A Minnesota man who says he used gasoline over the years to clean grease from clothing, has decided to stop that practice after a close call.

Glenn Johnson says he added a couple cups of gasoline and detergent to the washer on Saturday June 7 because his clothing was grease stained. The St. Paul Fire Department believes gas vapours found an ignition source.

Glenn Johnson: "I seen a ball of fire come up from the sink. You know I made it towards the door. It blew me out of the laundry room and onto the steps."

The fire department says Johnson suffered second degree burns on his legs. Beyond the laundry room, none of the apartments in the building were damaged.

Firefighters say Johnson is very lucky. Using gasoline in a clothes washer could have been deadly.

USA - Oklahoma, Glenpool. Lightning strikes fire at tank farm - gasoline in flames near Glenpool On June 14 flames and smoke rise above a storage tank containing unleaded gasoline in Glenpool after a lightning strike ignited it. Eleven hours after the huge fire ignited, emergency officials deemed it to be under control.

Lightning struck a petroleum tank containing thousands of gallons of unleaded gasoline sending massive

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plumes of black smoke into the sky and endangering a surrounding tank farm.

Eleven hours after the huge fire ignited, emergency officials deemed it to be "effectively out" and under control after fire-fighters used a blanket of foam to smother the blaze, Tulsa Fire Capt.

Larry Bowles said.

Fire crews planned to monitor the remains overnight for any flare-ups of the 87-octane fuel from beneath the foam layer. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire, which was caused by a bolt of lightning that struck just after 9 a.m. at Explorer Pipeline's Glenpool terminal, officials said. Members of five families evacuated their homes just east of U.S. 75 between 121st and 131st streets, as a precautionary measure, officials said.

Travis Meyer, meteorologist for KOTV, channel 6, was looking out the window at his Glenpool ranch, lamenting the lack of rain, when the bolt of lightning pounded a tank less than one-eighth of a mile away. "It was one of those that kind of blinds you," said Meyer, who evacuated his family of six to a hotel. "One minute I'm looking at a (petroleum) tank, the next minute I'm looking at a

fire." He later returned to retrieve some personal items and commented that "the heat coming off this fire is incredible."

The Glenpool facility is part of a network of Explorer tank farms that send petroleum products from the Texas Gulf Coast to the Chicago area, said John Godfrey, the company's pipeline integrity administrator. The blaze initially burned straight upward through the coneshaped steel roof of the tank.

But the fiery drama heightened about 11 a.m., when an upper portion of the tank's north side buckled, allowing for some of the gasoline to spill out into a huge dike surrounding the tank and ignite there. The flames greatly intensified, shooting up to 200 feet and more in the air as emergency officials scrambled to move fire fighters and others from near the fire scene. The fire did not spread, however, even as winds grew stronger and rain fell on multiple occasions at the site, where Explorer can store about 3 million barrels of oil in more than 30 tanks.

Three unmanned fire hoses installed at the facility shot water at the sides of the tank, cooling it in an effort to maintain the tank's structural integrity and avoid further collapse. Fire fighters from Glenpool, Jenks, Bixby and Tulsa battled the blaze, as well as workers from Sun Refinery and Williams Fire Control of Beaumont, Texas, in the foam effort. For Meyer, the scene was eerily reminiscent of the April 2003 Conoco-Phillips Co. tank farm fire, a site adjacent to Explorer's, where static electricity caused fires that burned for more than 20 hours near his home and he was forced to evacuate. "After last time, I don't trust it, and I said, 'Let's get out of here,' " he said of his voluntary move.

The earthen dam worked as

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

designed, Godfrey said, containing the overflow from the 48-foot tall tank, which was nearly full with about 125,000 barrels of liquid. The dike for this tank is capable of holding up to 230,000 barrels, Godfrey said. "If it was going to happen, this was the tank for it," added Bowles, stressing that this dike contained one tank, while others at the facility held up to three tanks.

Explorer's pipeline was shut down for a couple of hours as a precaution, Godfrey said, but petroleum began flowing again after the wall collapse.

Explorer began pumping out fuel - from the tank's bottom, below the blaze - at a rate of 30,000 barrels an hour, with about 19,000 barrels reportedly moving through the pipeline and bound for the St. Louis area. The other 11,000 barrels were being transferred to another tank at the facility, Godfrey said, lowering the fuel level below the collapsed area.

About 30,000 barrels of petroleum remained inside when the transfer stopped, officials said.

The temperature of the fuel rose as the fire line lowered in the tank, Godfrey said, forcing the stoppage and mandating the foam extinguishment.

Swirling, gusting winds pushed the smoke plume in every direction during the day, offending those with upper respiratory issues throughout south Tulsa County. For much of the morning, a smoky rainbow formed over U.S. 75, where the tank farm is located on the east side of the highway at about 126th Street. Highway traffic moved slowly throughout the day as smoke billowed thousands of feet into the air. Motorists gawked at the sight and swerved to road shoulders between 121st and 131st streets to record the event with video cameras. Smoke could be seen up to 20 miles away from the site.

Fireballs were visible on U.S. 75 from eight miles away. Susan Todd was standing outside a home in the Coal Creek Landing addition, about a halfmile north of the tank farm, when she saw a bolt of lightning strike the tank.

"There was this big 'boom' and flames shot out, and I said 'uh-oh,' " Todd said.

Hours later, she was not concerned about the fire, of which she had a brilliant and frightening view. The smoke, however, was a different matter.

"The worst damage, other than for the people who own the tank, is for the birds and people who have to breathe that in," she said of the odour. "I might leave and go stay with family until this is 21

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News all done, because I don't want to breathe this in all night long." Buddy Lindsey was on his way to a class at Tulsa Community College when he saw the initial explosion from U.S. 75, describing it as a mushroom cloud filled with flames. Lindsey said the explosion sounded like a "hollow clap of thunder."

Glenpool officials went door-to-door near the tank farm, notifying residents of the fire conditions, City Manager John Rogers said. The American Red Cross set up at Glenpool High School, serving food to a couple of affected families and about 120 emergency workers, spokeswoman Nellie Kelly of the Tulsa chapter said. Explorer Pipeline officials had made no estimate on the company's losses, Godfrey said.

As for the nearby residents, "Explorer is going to take care of the people affected by this," Godfrey said. "We're going to do the right thing for the community." http://www.tulsaworld.com/NewsStor y.asp?ID=060613_Ne_A1_Light75563

Press Releases Premier Group announces agreement with FAFNIR The Premier Group of Companies is pleased to announce that an Agreement has now been reached with the innovative German manufacturer, FAFNIR, for the sale and distribution of their forecourt related product range in the UK. FAFNIR is a Sensor Manufacturer, who has been developing and producing products for the Oil, C h e m i c a l , Pharmaceutical and Food Industries for over 40 years.

The FAFNIR range of equipment includes a foolproof electronic overfill prevention system which can be combined with a “nomix” function to avoid mis-fuelling and Product Cocktails on site. In addition to a number of environmental Sensors FAFNIR is now providing a 22

reliable high quality Oil Separator Alarm System to help the Industry avoid possible environmental accidents. The System is able to communicate with a Site Management System or directly with a Service Provider.

Whilst these products will be impressive performers in the UK for FAFNIR and for The Premier Group, it is the FAFNIR “VISY” Automatic Tank Gauge which has excited the Management Team most. Utilising magnetostrictive technology this gauge is extremely reliable and links to most modern POS and management systems.

A comprehensive communications ability and a range of usage options have convinced the Premier Group to select this product rather than the recently launched Acusonic Gauge which attracted considerable interest at the IFFE. Ken Owen, Group Managing Director, commented, “It might be a little embarrassing to be seen to change allegiance at this late stage, but the technical performance and flexibility of this gauge, coupled with a competitive price, made this decision impossible to avoid.”

Capable of supporting up to 16 tanks with one VISY controller and already able to handle the very latest advances in fuel grades and additives, without the need for probe alterations, this is an attractive and viable alternative for the Forecourt market. More and more Major Oil Companies and Independent Fuel Distributors rely on FAFNIR’s VISY System to improve their Logistics and to reduce fuel losses.

Steve Devine, General Manager of Roncol Services and a Director of the Group, said, “I think that the cooperation with FAFNIR will assist the Premier Group to strengthen the

relationship with their clients. The latest FAFNIR VISY development, to communicate wirelessly with the Management System, will enable the Retail and Commercial Fuel Industries to roll out electronic Tank Gauging to all their Sites, including the ones without underground wiring.”

Pictured are Ken Owen and Steve Devine with Wolfgang Pein and a representation of the Dragon Fafnir (from Nordic mythology).

Irishman, Brendan Kavanagh, appointed Head of Torex Retail's Worldwide Petroleum and Convenience Division The Board of Torex PLC, Europe’s leading supplier of technical solutions and services to the petroleum and convenience industry, has appointed Brendan Kavanagh as Head of its Petroleum & Convenience Division Worldwide Brendan has over 22 years of experience internationally in this specific area; working not only in the private sector with the Retail Petroleum Solutions Group of companies acquired

by Torex Retail last August, but also in the corporate sector with companies such as Schlumberger PLC & Tokheim Corporation.

Brendan takes responsibility for the development of Petroleum & Convenience unique offer to major oil companies, hypermarkets and dealers alike.

Shell International Petroleum Company and Franklin Fueling Systems sign global supply agreement Franklin Fueling Systems announces that it has been selected by Shell International Petroleum Company as the exclusive provider of submersible pumping systems for Shell locations globally Under the agreement, Franklin Fueling Systems will fulfill Shell’s global requirements for the next three years with FE Petro submersible pumping

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News products. This extends the previous three year exclusive agreement between the companies for submersible pumping products. “We are fortunate to have a partnership with a progressive marketer like Shell International.

Franklin Fueling Systems has worked hard to bring leading technology to the marketplace, as well as building a strong global distribution and service network. This agreement is evidence that our strong commitment to products and services is recognised by Shell International, and we are excited to continue as their global submersible pumping products supplier,” said Don Kenney, President and COO for Franklin Fueling Systems.

Suresite expands management team Suresite Limited has recently appointed Keith Gater as Business Development Manager.

Keith has 20 years experience in the forecourt industry mainly with ConocoPhillips (Jet) where he had roles ranging from site management to dealer support services.

Suresite M.D. Geoff Oldham says, “Keith’s appointment represents the start of extensive plans which will see Suresite maintain it pre-eminent position in the risk management arena and expand into new markets”.

Ian Taylor says fond farewell to Hytek Hytek founding partner, Ian Taylor has officially announced his retirement from the business.

Ian and joint managing director, Kevin Arnold, founded Elsenham based Hytek, which recently celebrated 20 years in business, on 1st August 1985.

The firm has grown from just two staff in 1985 to 28 in 2006. Hytek launched with just one product; a commercial fuel pump called the 109 which was used in the haulage industry. Hytek now supplies a wide range of fuel and lubrication equipment throughout the oil heating and fuel industries.

Ian has always been an active member of our industry and has many notable achievements to his name. He has been involved with the APEA since 1993, serving two consecutive years as Chairman, Ian is also a Fellow of the organisation. He has also been a serving member of several European committees, taking part in agreeing the various standards for petroleum storage and dispensing systems.

Ian says: “During my thoroughly enjoyable 20 years with Hytek I have seen a great deal of change within the industry, including the introduction of lead-free petrol, alternative fuels and more computerisation. With every one, Hytek also had to change as a company to adopt and maximize on these developments.

Looking forward to his retirement, Ian says he plans to do “as much of nothing as possible.” Although the inside word is that he has a lot to keep him occupied with an old manor house. Ian says: “Word has it that it was once owned by Capability Brown, although he did not do as much to the garden as you might expect, so I will have plenty to keep me busy!”

Following Ian’s retirement, Kevin Arnold continues in his role of managing director, assuming full responsibility for the day to day running of the business.

He will be supported by sales director Andy Seal, who himself has been with Hytek for 18 years and was made a director of the business in January 2005.

Kevin Arnold says: “I would like to take the opportunity to wish Ian a very happy retirement f r o m everyone at Hytek.

He deserves it!

Hytek will of course stay true to its values and continue to build a team who are committed to

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

our customers. I am now looking forward to the next 20 years of successful trading in the industry.”

Hytek can be found online at www.hytekgb.com Editors Note: I am sure you will all join me in wishing Ian a long and healthy retirement.

Hytek ups UPP product range to 32mm Fuel equipment specialist, Hytek, has launched a new range of 32mm semi flexible UPP pipe which brings the quality of UPP to brand new markets.

This new range of pipes and fittings has been designed especially for the Fuel Oil Generator Systems (FOGS) and heating oil transfer markets.

Products include new 32mm UPP Extra and 32mm UPP Co-axial Secondary Containment systems.

UPP secondary contained pipework system is ideal for carrying diesel, gasoil and petrol in underground applications.

The pipework is lightweight, flexible, non metallic and has a 15 year manufacturers guarantee. Electrofusion welding of pipes and fittings creates a pipe system that is strong, flexible and easy to install.

As recommended in the Control of Pollution (Oil Storage) (England) Regulations 2001, the Secondary Containment (S/C) system features a coaxial sleeve pipe which is pre-fitted over UPP extra primary pipe enabling all fuel and oil lines to be installed with an uninterrupted interstitial space between each end of the pipe with leak detection connections if required. This pipe is ideal for use where

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News environmental security is paramount.

Typical installations would be: emergency generator feeds, commercial boilers feeds, storage tank fill and suction and pressure pipes.

UPP extra lined is the primary pipe used in the UPP S/C system and features a tough, specially bonded nylon liner. It is produced in either straight lengths or coils. This pipe is typically used for suction and fill lines or on applications where environmental security is not paramount.

All UPP pipework is tested to Institute of Petroleum, UL and OFTEC approvals and exceeds current legislation and standards. Over 6 million metres of UPP pipe has been successfully installed worldwide over the past 24 years with not one reported product failure.

A full range of fittings is available for both 32mm UPP Extra and 32mm Secondary Contained pipe systems.

These include welding couplers, elbows, tees, reducers and end caps.

Termination options for UPP Extra primary include a union flange adaptor, a stub flange assembly and 1” male bspt threaded compression termination which does not require a welder for installation.

Hytek offer full system design facilities, free system installation training and technical support.

Hytek can be found online at www.hytekgb.com

E&S Environmental Services Ltd purchases PSL (Yorks) Ltd E&S, the Oxfordshire based specialists in diagnostic tank testing, has completed the purchase of PSL (Yorks) Ltd of Selby as a step in its planned expansion into the Road Tanker Vehicle Testing market.

The contracts were signed late on Friday 14th July 2006 with the former field based technicians of PSL transferring, together with the company’s assets, goodwill and customer list. The Selby office is closed with the business moved to E&S’s Brize Norton base.

Customers can be assured of E&S’s commitment to providing a first class service through the same skilled and experienced technicians and using the same testing protocols and 26

documentation. The company take a pro-active approach to customer needs with a positive ‘can do’ attitude that has brought success to its core business of tank, line and VR testing.

A full vehicle test will be provided at clients premises covering The Carriage of Dangerous Goods and use of Transportable Pressure Equipment Regulations (CDG 2004), the new name for what was know as Reg. 11, to include a ‘leakproofness’ test. Under new regulations only independent companies who have applied for or have received UKAS accreditation will be allowed to undertake such testing.

Nobby Clarke said “these are exciting times for our company which has expanded successfully over recent years. The acquisition of PSL has accelerated our planned entry into the road tanker vehicle testing market, which is a natural extension to our core business. We are delighted to welcome their former technicians into the business and to provide fleet operators with a first class service backed by our strong management team.”

Contact: Nobby or Andrew Clarke E&S Environmental Services Ltd Unit 14, Viscount Court Ind Est Brize Norton, Oxon. OX18 3QQ Tel: 01993 852419 Fax: 01993 852152 Email: nobby@eandspumps.co.uk

FPS welcomes suspension of duty rise on red diesel FPS welcomes the Treasury’s recent announcement that all fuel duty increases due to come into effect on 1 September have been put on hold. In previous duty suspensions, red diesel has been excluded and so the duty it carries has increased disproportionably.

FPS has been a lone voice in its campaign to prevent any further excessive rises in duty on red diesel.

These rises impact particularly harshly on the agricultural community and on rural communities in general, where there is no access to the natural gas network, as well as plant hire and construction companies.

Since July 1997, duty on red diesel has risen by a massive 150% compared with a rise on road diesel duty over the same period of only 2fi%.

The

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

September increase, had it not been suspended, would have taken the rise in red diesel duty since 1997 to a mammoth 198%.

FPS is convinced that this disproportionate rise is because the Chancellor views it as an easy target and unlikely to result in public protests, even though the amount of revenue it raises is minuscule compared with revenue from road fuels.

Susan Hancock, Chief Executive of the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers, said, “We are delighted that the Chancellor has listened to our pleas for no further pressure on red diesel users.

However, the Federation of Petroleum Suppliers will be continuing its campaign for future red diesel duty increases to revert to the same percentage as those on road fuels.

“High crude prices have already increased prices of red diesel to end users, to the point where it will affect the economy of rural communities and niche industry markets that use the fuel and, in terms of the Government’s pollution reduction targets, red diesel consumption is insignificant compared with road fuels and so has minimal overall environmental impact."

NOTES Note 1 The duty on red diesel has increased from 2.58p per litre in July 1997 to 6.44p per litre in December 2005. The March 2006 Budget announced a further increase to 7.69p from 1 September 2006, which has now been suspended.

Note 2 In addition to excise duty, VAT is charged on red diesel. VAT is also charged on the excise duty element.

Note 3 Red diesel, also termed ‘gas oil’, is a vital fuel for the agricultural industry. It is also used in industry, construction and commerce and powers diesel rail traffic. DTI’s provisional figure for UK inland consumption of red diesel for 2005 is 6.427 million tonnes, compared with 38.167 million tonnes of road fuel.

Media enquiries to: Federation of Petroleum Suppliers Ltd Rod Prowse, Media Representative Office 01295 264544, Mobile 07770 575940 Email rodprowse@tiscali.co.uk.

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Buncefield Reports UK, Fire at Buncefield (Re-printed from APEA Bulletin Volume 23 Issue No:1 Dated January 1985) Hemel Hempstead Magistrates Court heard the permit to work certificate used by a major oil company at one of its large petroleum installations described as “not worth the paper it was written on”!

The Court was hearing evidence from a Senior Chemical Inspector of the HSE in a case brought against the Mobil Oil Company by Hertfordshire County Council following a fire that occurred in the Buncefield Oil Terminal. He continued that the hot-work certificates used were not even in accordance with the industry’s own standard, as laid down in the IP Marketing Safety Code.

The company faced four charges of failure to comply with licensing conditions.

In June 1984, whilst contractors were inside a bund at the terminal carrying out alterations to pipework, there was a spillage of petrol in the bund followed by a fire. Prompt response and action by the fire brigade controlled the fire within 13 minutes, preventing a major disaster.

Investigation revealed that although for this work one item of hot-work had been authorised in a comparatively safe area, this had not been carried out in the area specified. Furthermore, other, un-permitted hot-work had been carried out within the bund in the immediate area of two petrol pipelines. The pipework under alteration, although supposedly dry, contained petrol leaking via a valve on the tank. This had spilled into the bund from a loosely bolted flange and an open drain connection. Vapour was also issuing from an open flange. The bund area had been wetted with water prior to the work, allowing the spilled petrol to float on top.

The fire brigade found that although the generator of an arc welding set was outside the bund, the leads from it were lying inside, close to the fire area.

Evidence was received that the leads were lying “apart” (on wet ground) with the generator running prior to the fire.

While it was not possible to ascertain the actual source if ignition, it was considered that the most likely cause was an arc from these live leads.

The four counts the company faced were – failing to maintain the main tank valve, failing to take due precautions to prevent fire and explosion, failing to maintain a safe area after issuing a hot-

work permit and failing to give notice in writing of intention to make alterations.

On all but the last count the company pleaded not guilty, claiming that there was no evidence to prove that the valve was defective or not maintained, that the company had taken reasonable precautions and the hot-work certificates were not a requirement of licence but a “permissive” condition which could not be breached in law.

During the case, the court heard that for the alteration work there was little effective liaison between the company and the contractors, safety matters being handled purely in verbal discussions. No explosiometers were used on site, the man detailed to issue the hot-work certificates had no training or experience in this work and the company’s own safety regulations were only vaguely understood and were not followed.

The court found all the cases proved and imposed fines totalling £5,500 with £500 towards costs.

UK, Buncefield major incident investigation board publishes its initial report July 13 2006 - The Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board (MIIB) has published its Initial Report. This report summarises information from three previously published progress reports on the continuing investigation into the explosions and fires at the Buncefield Oil Depot in Hemel Hempstead, on 11 December 2005. More importantly, it draws broad conclusions about the need for action in three key areas.

The Health and Safety Commission and the Board of the Environment Agency have received this report and endorsed its publication. Lord Newton, the Chairman of the Buncefield Investigation Board said: "Though knowledge of this major incident is still incomplete, the Board is in a position to identify three main issues arising from it. These are the design and operation of fuel and oil storage depots; the emergency response to incidents; and advice to planning authorities on developments round such sites. We believe these areas, together with our examination of the HSE's and the Environment Agency's roles in regulating the activities on the Buncefield site, will form the main scope of our further work." In relation to the

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

design and operation of storage sites, the Buncefield incident involved failures to contain fuel at three levels. The paramount need is to ensure the integrity of the primary means of containment, ie confining the fuel to the tanks, pipes and vessels designed to hold it. This does not however lessen the need for effective secondary and tertiary containment (mainly bunds and drains) that prevent pollutants, especially fuel and the water used for fire fighting, from escaping the site and contaminating the environment.

Overall, the Board were very impressed with the emergency response to the incident, highlighting the importance of effective emergency arrangements. There are a number of reviews into the effectiveness of the emergency response to Buncefield being carried out by the agencies concerned and this provides an important opportunity to learn lessons and bring about improvements in emergency preparedness of countrywide resilience groups.

The Buncefield incident has posed fundamental questions about residential and commercial developments around sites like Buncefield. Continuing uncertainty in this area creates serious problems for local communities, particularly those directly affected by the Buncefield incident. This is a complex issue requiring a balance to be made between the risks and benefits of development. The Board intends to address these issues more fully once the preliminary conclusions of the HSE's current review of its advice to planning authorities are known.

Lord Newton, the Chairman of the Buncefield Major Investigation Board continued: "The Board will continue to ensure that information on the on-going investigation is made publicly available, either through its own reports or via the HSE and Environment Agency, where it is necessary to ensure continued safety. At the same time we must preserve the integrity of any future criminal proceedings that might be brought by the relevant enforcing authorities."

Taf Powell, the Investigation Manager said: "Work on the investigation continues to ensure that all reasonable lines of enquiry are followed. Evidence continues to be gathered from different sources and the emerging information contributes to a greater understanding of the underlying root causes. This allows the investigation team to refine its enquiries further and to bring into 27

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News focus elements such as wider management systems and organisational factors. He continued: "Almost all the plant and equipment required for forensic examination has been recovered from the Buncefield site, which will allow the operators to demolish buildings, tanks and bunds.

However, further investigation work will be carried out on the integrity of the floors of the bunds together with environmental monitoring of the ground underneath, in particular where tanks were located."

To view the 'Initial Report' visit the Buncefield Investigation website at: http://www.buncefieldinvestigation.gov.uk

UK, Safety alert to operators of “Comah” oil/fuel storage sites & others storing hazardous substances in large tanks The following Safety Alert is primarily for the attention of those companies operating oil/fuel storage facilities.

However, it may also be relevant to other sites storing hazardous substances in large tanks where level gauges are used. The investigation into the fire and explosion at the Buncefield oil terminal depot on 11 December 2005 is continuing. Enquiries into the workings of the high level safety system to prevent tank overfill have indicated that certain aspects of its installation and testing are critical in ensuring that it works properly. Operators of similar establishments are therefore advised to carry out immediate checks where TAV level switches manufactured by Cynergy3 Components Limited and supplied by them, their predecessor companies or others, are fitted to their storage tanks. Operators should check TAV level switches fitted with change over (double throw) reed switches.

These switches are normally used in 'de-energise' mode to maintain alarm/trip circuits in 'normal' status. The switches are tested by using a lever or plate fitted to the head of the switch, which can be raised to simulate a high level of liquid in the tank. If the switch is working, then alarms and trips connected to the switch should operate.

However, it is critical that after carrying out this test that the lever or plate is returned to the correct position and locked into place, using a special 28

padlock supplied by the manufacturer, and in accordance with the manufacturers instructions. Failure to do this can lead to the switch being inoperative in normal operating mode even though it gives the appearance of functioning normally when tested.

There are a number of this type of switch fitted at tank installations in GB and worldwide. HSE has taken urgent action to bring these details to the attention of operators of similar sites through relevant industry bodies across GB, Europe, the USA, and Canada.

Operators should now: 1 Check immediately whether they have such switches fitted, and if so: 2 Ensure they have all relevant manufacturer's information concerning installation and testing and maintenance, 3 Ensure they have records of correct installation, testing and maintenance, 4 Ensure they are currently installed in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions, with the locking device properly fitted, and 5 Complete these checks as soon as possible. [http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/alerts/t avcheclist.htm Where operators cannot confirm that the switches are working correctly then other temporary measures may be adopted, until the defects can be remedied, to ensure safe operations.

For example; close supervision and dipping.

The manufacturer/supplier will be contacting known users and installers of these switches to alert them to this issue and will be providing revised instructions on the safe use, setting, cleaning and maintenance of these switches.

HSE has served Improvement Notices on Cynergy3 Components Limited requiring it to carry out this work.

UK, London. Gauge blamed for UK tank blaze May 11 2006 - A broken tank gauge was the cause of Europe's biggest peacetime fire, according to an inspectors' report.

For more than two hours, the gauge

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

recorded no change in the volume of fuel in one of Buncefield terminal's storage tanks, while unleaded petrol was being pumped in at a rate of 550 cu m an hour. Eventually it filled the tank, and 300 tonnes of it spilled out to form a lethal vapour cloud, which resulted in a series of explosions on December 11, injuring 43 people and forcing the evacuation of thousands more. Toxic chemicals used to put out the Buncefield fire have polluted the water below ground, prompting the water inspectorate to alter the definition of what constitutes safe drinking water.

The inspectorate has accepted scientific advice that water is safe to drink if it contains no more than three micrograms per litre of a toxic substance known as PFOS, which was previously considered to be so dangerous that the Government was preparing legislation to make it illegal to import it. Since the fire, inspectors have taken almost 400 water samples from rivers, boreholes and lagoons that have turned up traces of PFOS, but at a safe level.

UK, Safety inspectors uncover hazards at UK fuel depots June 15 2006 - Safety inspections ordered after the huge fire at the Buncefield fuel storage depot have revealed faults at five similar sites. The Health and Safety Executive visited more than 100 depots in England, Scotland and Wales during the last four months. One of the most serious discoveries was inadequate maintenance of fire-fighting equipment at an unnamed site. No enforcement action was taken as the operator agreed to rectify the situation.

The Buncefield fire in December 2005, which was caused by leaking fuel, was extremely rare but still prompted safety checks at all 108 similar sites across the country. A report from the HSE says there was good compliance at the majority of them, but significant issues were found at five.

One site owned by Esso, has been ordered to improve bunding, which is the space around the tanks to deal with spillage. A further two other sites, one owned by Highland Fuels and the other

by BP, were ordered to review their risk assessment procedures. Former Shell manager and UKPIA president Ken Rivers will chair the group. He said: "The downstream oil industry is determined that Buncefield remains a one-off incident."

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APEA 2006 Conference, Exhibition and Inaugural Awards Positive Reception from Industry to New Look APEA Event The annual APEA event, which takes place on 2nd November at The Royal Court Hotel, Coventry, is set to be one of the most well supported APEA events in recent years. A first-rate, topical conference programme, the introduction of industry achievement awards, more display areas and a venue exclusive to the APEA have all contributed to the huge reception to the new plans.

Says Bob Conlin, Chairman of the Events committee of the APEA, “ We are delighted with the response to the new plans; it seems there is tremendous support and a real need for this type of event and it looks set to be one of the best yet.”

APEA 2006 – Recognition of Industry Achievement…

Event Programme at a Glance

The APEA 2006 Inaugural UK Petroleum

1000

Registration & exhibition opening

Retail Industry Awards will be the highlight of

1030

AGM (members only)

of 2nd November. This new

1130

Conference Part One

initiative is aimed at recognizing achievement in

1300

Exhibition & Lunch

awards categories are: Health, Safety and

1430

Conference Part Two

Environment (sponsored by Shell), Quality

1600

Exhibition

1900

Pre-Dinner Drinks

2000

Awards Dinner with Entertainment

the Association’s dinner which takes place on the evening

and contribution to the industry. The four

(sponsored by Torex Retail), Customer Service (sponsored

by

Total)

and

(sponsored by Toureen Mangan).

Innovation

By launching these prestigious Awards, the APEA is offering its members from every discipline a way of demonstrating and celebrating their commitment to Health, Safety and the Environment, Quality, Customer Service and Innovation. The APEA believes that one of the best ways to raise standards is to recognise and reward those organisations, teams and individuals who lead the field and to encourage others to follow their good example.

A Word from the Sponsors…

“Innovation may be described as the development of new and exciting ideas in order to bring about improvements to tried and tested practices. At Toureen Mangan we recognise that our business success has been built on providing our clients with innovative solutions and we are proud to be associated with the APEA 2006 Innovation Award.”

“Shell is delighted to be able to

sponsor the inaugural APEA Health, Safety and Environment award.

In everything we do, HSE is the top priority at Shell. Shell has three Golden Rules that provide a framework for how staff and contractors must all behave all of the time, in every operation and activity, for Shell to achieve further improvement in HSE performance.”

“Customer service is at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re proud to sponsor the Customer Service Awards for

APEA 2006. We believe in trying harder for our customers, whether it’s with a welcoming smile or clean and tidy forecourt and services. We’re putting the service back into service station.”

“Torex Retail is delighted to be supporting the APEA annual dinner and conference. Our sponsorship of the Quality Award reinforces our determination to provide top quality products and services but at a cost that will appeal to the convenience and petroleum industry.”

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STOP PRESS It's still not too late to get your entry in for the APEA 2006 Awards.

Download your entry form from www.apea.org.uk and return it by Friday 8th September.

Conference Preview ....

This year’s first class conference will be opened by keynote speaker John Mumford OBE and Vice President of BP UK who will give a short overview of the industry covering the challenges that are faced in the UK fuels market He will focus on the issues of tighter safety standards, workforce skills requirements, the impact of high oil prices and the changes that are likely to be brought in by alternative fuels.

Stage II....

The importance of Stage II Vapour Recovery cannot be overlooked and will be a focus of the conference sessions provided

by Stefan Kunter of Fafnir GmbH and Phil Lambeth of BP Global Fuels Technology. Stefan will focus on the regulations, facts, benefits and technology of the European

experience of Stage II Vapor Recovery Monitoring, whilst Phil will focus on the UK and the BP experience. BP has been installing Stage 2 vapour recovery on all new build sites in the UK since 2000.

With over 150 sites now operating this presentation reviews the experience and shares the lessons for the remaining sites which need to be fitted before 2010.

Buncefield overview....

Following the largest fire seen in peacetime Europe and an explosion that measured 2.4 on the Richter scale, the APEA is delighted to welcome Mark Yates of Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service to speak on Buncefield at the conference. His presentation will give an overview of the scale and complexity of the Buncefield incident and an explanation of how the Fire Service successfully and safely extinguished the fire.

Providing the independent perspective, Fraser Duffin from Malthurst Ltd will speak about how the ownership and operation of petrol filling stations in the UK has changed substantially over the last 5 years with oil companies reverting back towards simply supplying fuel and more independents and supermarkets controlling the retail operation. Fraser will focus on their different style of operation along with their investment decisions and how they view the increasing burden of legislation.

Says Gilbarco Veeder-Root, conference sponsors: “Gilbarco Veeder-Root is pleased to be sponsoring the APEA 2006 conference, during which a strong panel of speakers will share with you their insights into various industry issues ranging from legislation, innovation, health & safety and environment.”

APEA 2006 Speaker Line-Up Includes….

30

John Mumford, OBE, BP

Stefan Kunter, Fafnir GmbH

Steve Rowe, Surrey County Council

Mark Yates, Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue

Fraser Duffin, Malthurst Ltd

Phil Lambeth, BP Global Fuels Technology

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Articles The awards judging panel comprises industry leaders from a cross section of the UK petroleum retailing

Increase Your CPD Allocation…

industry and will include representatives from the four Delegates attending the APEA 2006 Conference will

sponsoring organisations.

Winners will be announced at the awards dinner on the 2 November which has places for some 400 people from

be awarded 5 Continued Professional Development Hours.

across the industry. There is a limited number of dinner places left (at £55.00 per person)

- please contact

info@downstream-events to book your place. Guests will also be party to some exciting pre and post dinner entertainment which is sponsored by PetroTechnik.

Conference Delegate places are just £20 and include event documentation, a working lunch, exhibition and free car parking.

To reserve your place, contact

info@downstream-events.com

Conference Timetable – sponsored by (* please note there may be changes to the programme and timings)

Time

Conference Item

Speaker

1130 - 1135

Opening Remarks

Bob Conlin, Fairbanks Environmental.

Chair

1135 - 1155

Keynote Presentation: Overview of the Challenges facing the UK Fuels Market

John Mumford OBE, Vice President, BP Oil UK Ltd

1155 - 1215

E85 Ethanol

Phil Maud, Petroleum Manager, Wm Morrisons Ltd

1215 - 1235

Forecourt Retailing: an independent’s view

Fraser Duffin, Property Manager, Malthurst Ltd

Conference

• Differences of style between oil companies and independents • Responding to the increasing levels of legislation 1235 - 1255

Questions and Answers

Chaired by Bob Conlin

1300 - 1430

Lunch and Exhibition

1430 - 1450

Stage II Vapour Recovery: The UK Experience

Phil Lambeth, European Retail Fuel Systems, BP Global Fuels Technology

1450 - 1510

Stage II Vapour Recovery: the European Experience

Stefan Kunter, Managing Director, FAFNIR

1510 - 1530

Lead Authority Partnership Schemes and how to make them work

Steve Rowe, Standards

1530 - 1550

Buncefield: a firefighter’s view

Mark Yates, Deputy CFO, Hertfordshire Fire & Rescue Service

1550

Questions and Answers

Chaired by Bob Conlin

1600

Closing Remarks

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Surrey

County

Council

Trading

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Exhibition Preview Over 30 Companies Showcase their Products…

Over 30 companies will be exhibiting at APEA 2006 - one of the most comprehensive gatherings of petrol retail equipment in the UK. Products as wide ranging as retail systems, web based maintenance solutions, tank cleaning, risk assessment , signage and HSE training courses will be on show for the market.

See the latest from Berry & Co on stand 3

Urgent Technology (UTL) will be demonstrating the benefits of its custom built web based solutions for the oil industry.

Its eMaintenance system was developed in 2003 as a pilot system for the petrol retail market, to provide a transparent way of tracking maintenance of BP petrol stations across the UK. This multilingual system has now been rolled out to BP sites in the UK, US and nine European countries; and is due to be launched in Germany during 2006.

Fairbanks as SIR based wetstock management specialists, monitoring over 9000 tanks in the UK, Fairbanks will be focusing on real time reconciliation data processing along with the range of enhanced services which this technology offers and also their DSEAR Risk Assessment tool and service.

PetroTechnik showcases sumpto-sump system…

PetroTechnik supplies and

distributes the UPP System, a complete leak tight sump-to-sump system that lasts the lifetime of any site, ensuring cost-efficient fuel delivery and complete protection for the surrounding environment. The company will be joined at the event by its subsidiary, Cookson & Zinn, the market leading in designing double skinned steel underground storage tanks. Both companies look forward to meeting you at APEA 2006. Petrotechnik is also delighted to be sponsoring the evening entertainment.

Health & Safety Consultancy Services…

A full range of Health and Safety Consultant services ranging from health and safety risk assessment, compilation and development of health and safety policy, to fully certificated health and safety training courses, clothing and equipment will be available on the Best Safety Solutions stand.

Pipex Ltd will be on hand to provide information on its design and build services to the construction industry. It boasts the highest safety, quality and environmental standards for the construction of bespoke pipe systems and structures in corrosion resistant thermoplastic and composite materials. Pipex will be displaying its Penstock Valve Chambers and Electrical/Communication Draw Pits.

Pentstock Chamber from Pipex Ltd

Blueline N.I. Ltd, the international subsidiary of California based Blueline Technologies LLC., will be displaying its extensive line of repair and new installation pipe and conduit fittings for the petroleum market. The company offers its customers an extensive range of sump and fitting repair products New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

including its unique line of split repair fittings that mean that leaking pipe and electrical fittings can be quickly and easily repaired in under an hour LCM and Tanknology to promote Petroscope at APEA 2006

LCM and Tanknology UK last year joined forces to promote and operate Petroscope throughout the UK. Petroscope is a unique remote camera system that enables the inspection of underground storage tanks without the cost and danger involved in man entry.

At the ‘new look’ APEA conference and exhibition LCM and Tanknology will highlight the quality of image available from Petroscope and the scope of the report to the client. In addition, LCM will have full details of their extensive range of specialist service to the fuel industry that include 24hr Emergency Spill Response, Remediation, Tank replacement and installation, Tank Lining Systems, Terminal Cleaning and Maintenance, Interceptor Cleaning and Maintenance and Tanknology will advise customers of their expertise in leak investigation services.

Torex shows Clean Air Stage II In line with delivering deliver new and innovative products Torex will be promoting its CleanAir stage II recovery system that gives the unique advantage of a pay back from refined fuel to the operator.

CleanAir system can either be incorporated in new pump or dispensers or is available on a stand-alone version.

OAMPS 20th Anniversary…

In its 20 years of providing insurance and support services to companies in the petrochemical/high hazard sector, OAMPS has built up a wealth of experience and knowledge that our 35

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Articles clients continue to benefit from.

OAMPS have been consistently providing cover and support services to this important and specialised area of industry.

Product Focus from Overseas…

3 companies from Germany will be participating this year – Fafnir GmbH, Duerr Technik GmbH and Union Technik GmbH. All bring with them to the event innovative products and services from Europe.

Oilfree vacuum pumps of Dürr-Technik

Recovery Systems Phase mounted in the dispensers.

II

Elaflex showcases nozzles & hoses…

Elaflex will be promoting its ZVA Slimline, ZVAX 200 GR Stage II VR nozzle, ergonomically designed with the motorist in mind as well as its lightweight petrolpump hoses.

All its hoses and couplings are suitable for LPG, AdBlue, BioFuels, Ethanol and more.

Fafnir’s Vaporix Master

Fafnir will be showing the automatic monitoring system VAPORIX which supplies information on the functional state of the active vapour recovery. As an automatic monitoring system for the active vapour recovery it serves as protection for people and environment.

VAPORIX is especially designed for the application in gas stations. Due to its modular structure it can be applied in all known active vapour recovery systems and dispensers.

Union Technik is a leading contractor for the petroleum and petrochemical sector. Currently Union Technik is organising the national roll-out for the EVR (enhanced vapour recovery or monitoring) project for more than 3.500 petrol stations in Germany. They have extensive knowledge of the German market and are looking to expand its services to the UK and other European countries. Come and meet them at APEA 2006!

Dürr Technik, the manufacturer of oilfree compressors and vacuum pumps, will be at APEA 2006 to promote its piston pump MEX, especially developed for Vapour 36

Elaflex hoses & nozzles

Product Innovation from Risbridger…

Along with their comprehensive range of petrol forecourt valves and fittings including vapour recovery equipment, Risbridger will be exhibiting its new range of flanged fittings at this year’s APEA event.

This latest product innovation from

one of the industry’s leading manufacturers is designed to eliminate large threaded joints and minimise the total number of connections inside the man chamber. The compact design of the RIS-FLANGE systems components allows maximum flexibility and choice for tank lid layouts to suit both suction & pressure delivery systems. The swivel joint at the base of each tank lid allows easy rotation through 360 degrees and alignment with any containment entry face.

ABB - Managing the Demolition and Remediation of Petrol Stations…

ABB provides a managing contractor service for both the maintenance and repair and the demolition and remediation of petrol stations. It is currently the managing contractor for Esso for the demolition and environmental remediation of petrol filling stations in the UK and Ireland. The organization has extensive environmental expertise and, working in conjunction with the Environmental Consultants, this has enabled value improvement opportunities to be realized. ABB looks forward to meeting you at APEA 2006.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root will be displaying the latest technology and products with emphasis on its range of solutions to help manage the impact of the upcoming vapour recovery legislation. You can find Gilbarco Veeder-Root in the entrance foyer.

Adler and Allan Limited (A&A), the nationwide oil and environmental services group, will be exhibiting with its subsidiary company Industrial Water Jetting

Adler and Allan at the Buncefield stie

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Articles for the petrol forecourt and vehicle workshop sectors. Its services are aimed at providing businesses with the necessary controls to manage operating risks.

Systems Limited (IWJS) at APEA 2006. The group’s core activities now include:

fuel distribution,

product uplifts, tank installation, tank cleaning, spill response, land remediation,

environmental

auditing, tank and line testing, tankering, jetting

high-pressure

and

water

drain/sewer/tunnel

cleaning.

Suresite Limited – ‘managing business risk’ Suresite will be promoting its range of unique and affordable services

Find out about the latest in GLOBAL-MSI’s design of canopy, carwash and 'system build' shop structures.

Global-MSI offers design, construction and installation services to the petroleum retail sector.

Exhibitors

Fafnir GmbH

PetroTechnik

ABB

Fairbanks Environmental

Petroman

Adler & Allan

Global Retail Petroleum Solutions

Purfleet Forecourt Solutions

BP Bovis

Global MSI

Risbridger

Berry & Co

Gilbarco Veeder Root

Suresite

Best Safety Solutions

Goodyear

Tokheim

Blueline Technologies

Ledbury Welding

Torex Retail

Duerr Technik GmbH

Liquid Cargo Management

Total

Elaflex

OAMPS

Toureen Mangan

Environ

OPW UK

Union Technik GmbH

Eurotank

Pipex

Urgent Technology

With Thanks to the Sponsors of APEA 2006

Sponsor of the Conference

Sponsor of the APEA Award for Customer Service

Sponsor of Innovation

the

APEA Award

for

Sponsor of the Pre-Dinner Drinks

Sponsor of the Evening Entertainment Pre, Post and During Dinner

Sponsor of the APEA Award for Health, Safety & Environment Sponsor of the APEA Award for Quality

To Participate….

To reserve your conference or dinner place please email Emma or Fiona at Downstream Events Ltd at info@downstream-events.com or call on 020 8932 4505.

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Articles

Stage II vapour recovery

By Anton Martiniussen, Elaflex The UK Government consultation paper in respect of Stage II Petrol Vapour Recovery stated a deadline for compliance with Stage II controls by January 1st 2010. The paper posed a number of questions offering several threshold options, with the Governments preference being 3.5 million litres, although there was a view that a threshold below that figure should be considered given the current concerns regarding controlling VOC’s.

All new build or significant site upgrades would have to convert to Stage II as part of the programme. There was also reference to introduce measures to ensure that Vapour Recovery systems are working correctly. The VR controls would be covered under the existing Pollution Prevention and Control Act of 2000 and enforcement would be through the offices of local authorities.This requirement may come into effect during 2006.

Stage II is a means to capture evaporative emissions which are normally displaced to atmosphere during the process of refuelling a petrol engined motor vehicle. The vapours are sucked back into the underground storage tank (UST) by a vacuum pump fitted inside the dispenser. The dispenser is fitted with a vapour recovery nozzle such as the ZVA 200 GR which has a vapour annulus on the spout through which the vapours pass.

A coaxial hose is connected to the n o z z l e where the inner hose carries the v a p o u r back to dedicated pipe work within the dispenser; this in turn i s connected to a vapour return line b e l o w g r o u n d level on the forecourt.

It’s a prerequisite for Stage II that the site has an operational Stage IB

system in place and that the necessary vapour return lines have been preinstalled. The proposed regulations do not apply to diesel.

T h e technology surrounding dispensers equipped with Stage II vapour recovery is mature.

Approved Stage II equipment has been

in use in many European countries for years, indeed in some countries laws dating back to the early nineties exist.

The main component’s for the dispenser is the nozzle, hose, vacuum pump, regulation devices with miscellaneous valves and fittings.

Increasingly systems with integral monitoring facilities are being installed.

The general view of the industry appears to be that these existing proven and approved systems should be used

in the UK, thereby minimising the regulatory cost.

Assuming that installing Stage II will now become mandatory in the UK a number of questions are posed in order to meet the deadline for full compliance of 1st January 2010: • What equipment to use?

What monitoring has to be undertaken whilst the equipment is operational (automatic checking or manual checking)?

• How to test the system?

• Is it necessary to install new dispensers or can existing equipment be upgraded or retrofitted?

• Have contractors/ service engineers undergone the necessary training?

Etc.

Vapour Control Systems

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Articles unwieldy to use. The European market preferred the “Open Active” system and this is what is in use today. As there is no need to achieve a seal, the handling of the nozzle is exactly the same as it is for standard nozzles in use today. They also fit into existing dispenser nozzle booths.

Work has also been done by the vehicle manufactures over the years to optimise the design of the vehicle filler neck interface.

Development history of Vapour Recovery California introduced vapour Recovery Stage II in1972. It first came to Europe in the late 1980s, first in Sweden and then in Switzerland. Stage II was not initially adopted or enforced by national laws but by local governments in the Swedish cities of Gothenburg, Malmö and Stockholm. In the German cities of Munich, Stuttgart and Bremen, the initiative to introduce Stage II also came from the local authorities. When politicians became aware of this development some quickly decided to adopt the requirements nationally. This has been a growing trend and laws requiring Stage II Vapour Recovery have now existed in most European countries since the early nineties. The UK is late in this regard but will have the benefit of installing equipment which has been tested and approved and has been proven to give reliable service in the field. In the UK one should look at what was done in other European countries and learn from their experiences.

System Types In 1990 there was considerable discussion on the pro’s and cons of “balanced systems” (with a market share of more than 90% in the United States) as opposed to the Open Active systems (which was favoured in Europe). This discussion is over.

Today only Open Active systems are used in Europe. The American balanced systems required a tight seal with the car filler neck, rubber bellows fitted to the nozzle spout were used to achieve this, but the equipment was largely considered too difficult and 40

Control systems The heart of the vapour recovery system is a device used to control the volume of vapour recovered relative to the liquid dispensed. For new pumps, electronic control devices are most often used. Special valves interfaced to the pumps electronics to ensure that vapour is only sucked back when the nozzle is in use and is in proportion to the amount of fuel dispensed.

According to most laws the volumetric return rate should be between 95-105%. If the recovery rate is more than 105% or lower than 95% the system is considered to be not working correctly. For test purposes, the volumetric return of vapour is measured with a special joint in the vapour recovery line connected to a gas meter. The gas meter is connected to a “socket” which is slipped over the entrance of the vapour return line of the nozzle.

Instead of vapour (hydrocarbons) air is sucked in.

There are also mechanical and electronic proportional devices.

Electronic controls have the great advantage that the systems can easily be calibrated during dispenser manufacture and later on site as part of a routine check using an electronic hand set. This is done by simulating the pulses from the flow meter and sucking in air, this so-called “Dry Test” eliminates the necessity to draw test measures from the dispensers.

Mechanical flow controlled systems are mainly used for retrofitting of pumps where the installation of electrical controls is cost prohibitive. As an example the ZVA 200 GRVP nozzle as opposed to the ZVA 200GR nozzle has an integrated proportional valve in the nozzle which is easily adjustable.

The GRVP nozzle can also be fitted to new pumps as a lower cost option Efficiency test According to European law a “type approval” test of the vapour recovery system applies. The type approval efficiency test sets all the

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

parameters to which the equipment must comply. In Germany, to allow for product innovation and development, the law says that the systems must operate according to the current “state of the art.” There is in place a recognised test and approving scheme for vapour recovery equipment by independent test authorities This is the so called 30 vehicle test, now revised as design criteria has significantly improved. In Germany TUV Rheinland, SP in Sweden and EMPA in Switzerland have adopted this test system The TUV certification is considered to be the main reference point and has published substantial test research and reference documents as well as certifying equipment.

Dry Test (Field Test) A test performed on site where a gas meter is used to measure AIR flow back to the tank on a simulated delivery.

Used for calibration and checking of the VR system. This test method checks the volumetric recovery rate of vapours without dispensing any fuel. Only the measured air volume recovered is calculated. The routine tests are normally carried out as volumetric tests with air sucked in (“Dry Test”). Service companies may test the systems on a periodical basis or as required by the service station operator. The system simulates the fuel flow at 40 l/min +/5% by reading the electronic data from the dispenser using a type-approved handset. If the test shows the system is outside of this tolerance the error can generally be corrected by pushing a few buttons on the handset. As the viscosity of air is different from hydrocarbon vapour, a so-called correction factor (Kfactor) must be established. This

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method is now used in most of the countries where vapour recovery systems are in operation. With full electronic control systems the method provides benefits and reduces costs and workload and also reduces exposure to fuel vapours for the tester.

It is only necessary to test one nozzle per side of the dispenser which means you do not have to test every single nozzle on the dispenser. The regulations for routine tests vary from country to country although generally these are conducted as part of the routine maintenance programme.

Some main components : The ZVA 200 GR active vapour recovery nozzle The ZVA 200 Is a modular designed Automatic Nozzle designed to control the flow of fuel into a vehicle tank. The nozzle closes against the flow to give a soft shockless shut off and enables the so called “to the penny dispensing”. It also incorporates safety devises. The venturi effect on the sensing port cuts off the fuel once the tank is full and prevents overfilling. The attitude device in the nozzle body stops the liquid flow if the nozzle if held upright. An integral safety break coupling protects the dispenser in the event of a drive off.

Within the vapour recovery nozzle body is cast a dedicated vapour channel. A special valve prevents any vapour return without liquid flow. As with all ZVA’s the nozzle is fully ATEX approved and certified by third party Notified Body with product audit. All ZVA’s can be completely rebuilt and serviced.

Vapour Recovery Hose A vapour recovery hose is a hose within a hose and is known as a “coax hose”. The vapour is sucked back through a small bore inner hose. The design aspect of a coax hose is important. It needs to be customer friendly, lightweight and flexible and practically needs to be suitable for modern MPD’s as well as the more traditional high hose dispensers. There are different inner hose constructions available. Some are of the traditional construction with rubber compounds and others with wire braiding and plastic

type inner tubes. It is important to avoid kinking as this impairs the efficiency of the system. From experience the traditional textile construction is preferable (Slimline 21 COAX). The design of the Elaflex VR hoses is today well proven. A good indicator is to see what is being used in the market place.

Another important aspect to ensure long service life of the hose in the field and reduce maintenance cost is to fit anti kinking sleeves. Coloured sleeves can also be added to show grade identification which assist in reducing misfuellings. Tests have proved that the hose lifetime may be prolonged by at least a third. For modern MPD’s with internal hose retractors the low temperature flexibility of the hose is of special importance for oil companies and customers when writing specifications. Practical experience has shown that the traditional rubber compounds do not offer sufficient flexibility when used with internal hose retraction systems, from -15ºC and below. You could with much effort get the hose out of the retractor system, then have difficulty getting it to go back in!

Monitoring The implementation of vapour recovery in the UK may require that systems installed without Automatic Monitoring systems are manually checked on a regular basis, and records kept in the site logbook. Generally the more sophisticated the monitoring system, the less manual checking and recording. Basic forms of Vapour Recovery fault detection also exist.

These may simply turn on an error indicator in the event of electronics controlling the Vapour Recovery system not seeing information from the dispenser main calculator, or not seeing the Vapour Recovery motor turn on during a petrol sale transaction. Another is a handheld harmonica functionality checking device (Elaflex Quick tester QT 92). This is not regarded as “monitoring systems” but is a low cost device to check whether there is suction or not.

Note that such systems will still require operators to regularly check the

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

equipment to ensure that there are no error indications, and to ensure that the equipment is repaired within seven days should an error be detected.

Generally the more sophisticated the monitoring system, the less manual checking and recording required.

More advanced monitoring systems may incorporate a kiosk control unit that communicates with the vapour recovery systems in the dispensers, and provide a single point from which the status of all dispensers can be determined. Such systems may provide a continuous log that records dates and times on which vapour recovery systems were working correctly, and when there were faults, thus reducing the need for any manual logbooks.

More sophisticated monitoring systems may provide data communication facilities. Such systems may allow a company with several sites to remotely monitor the vapour recovery status of all their sites, possibly via the internet. Such systems may also automatically send alerts to a service/repair company when a vapour recovery system failure is detected, ensuring that the equipment is repaired within the seven day period.

In conclusion companies should discuss their requirements for Stage II systems with their equipment suppliers / service contractors and plan ahead. As a word of caution, do not leave it to the last moment - this may mean that there is insufficient time or service contractors available to do the necessary work. It is also wise to look at equipment which has been in use on European forecourts for many years providing years of reliable service. For more information please contact below.

Anton Martiniussen ELAFLEX Ltd Hoddesdon Herts EN 11 0PA Tel : 01992 452 950 Fax: 01992 452 911 Mobile: 07831 505 620 email: elaflex@aol.com www.elaflex.co.uk 43

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The Local Solution to Traditional Fuel Stations

By Terence Barker, Terence Barker Ltd I can well remember the first oil storage tank our Company, well, me actually, manufactured; it was approximately 250 gallons capacity. I welded it up on a Saturday morning in a small building of about 1300 square feet of floor space, this was shared with a steam engine enthusiast who kept his small traction engine there when he was not showing it at rallies. After making the first tank I had to get home quickly to wash and change in order to catch a train up to White Hart Lane to watch Spurs play their first home game of the season. That was in August 1962 and we have, of course, been making tanks of every shape and size since.

Today we are based in Haverhill, Suffolk and no longer have to share our workshop with a traction engine!

In the autumn of 2003 we were granted a license to manufacture the ConVault aboveground protected tank in the UK, and it’s the ConVault tank which is at the heart of our portable fuel station which you can review here.

Petrol stations, as I am sure most people are aware, have been closing down for several decades now, for example: In 1976 there were 30,383 petrol stations in the UK and 17.3 million registered vehicles, at year end 2004 there were just 10,351 petrol stations left serving a staggering 31.9 million registered vehicles, this trend continues. As a result of all these closures people living in rural areas must travel sometimes many miles to buy fuel, and then if it is the wrong time of day, sit in a queue for 10 minutes or more before they reach the pump. The only western European market not to have experienced a decline in the number of petrol station over the last 5 years are Finland and the southern European markets of Spain, Greece and Portugal. In Finland, new petrol stations are generally low-investment unmanned sites, while in Spain and Portugal relatively new market entrants such as Italy’s AGIP and supermarkets are responsible for many of the new builds. ** Our modular unmanned, self service fuel station could answer many of the problems that people living in rural areas are now faced with. These units can be erected on an owner's prepared base in a matter of hours; there will be no civil engineering works involved and no underground tanks to possibly pollute the soil and groundwater. They are free standing, debit / credit card operated, 44

can hold up to 3 products and allow 4 vehicles to fill simultaneously.

But how safe is an aboveground protected ConVault tank?

The History In 1986, a businessman trying to meet the growing requirements of the environmental and fire protection regulations for storing petroleum products in California designed and introduced the first protected aboveground storage tank (AST) system under the brand name of ConVault. The result was to provide a safe durable means of storing flammable and combustible liquids (specifically petroleum products) aboveground within close proximity to buildings and property lines that met the requirements of all regulators.

ConVault has proved its structural design and its operational superiority for the past 20 years. Over 30,000 ConVault ASTs are currently in service at extremely diverse locations in at least 24 countries including every state of the US, every province of Canada and every state and province of Australia.

The list of owners includes all levels of US and Canadian government (including the White House, all branches of the military and several embassies), Coca Cola, AnheuserBusch, Pepsi, AT & T, Sprint, Prudential and many more.

Over 60 of the Fortune 100 companies h a v e purchased ConVault ASTs. Design The steel primary tank is contained within a HDPE (high density polyethylene) wrap and 150mm of reinforce concrete for fire and impact protection. The high-strength monolithic concrete shell protects both

the steel primary tank and built in secondary containment from fire and vehicle impact, as well as making them bullet proof. Additionally it provides a heat/cold barrier that keeps the temperature of the fuel stable resulting in less fuel loss through vaporisation, and less water condensation in the tank.

Performance The ConVault AST is an extremely safe means for the storage of volatile liquids (we consider it is the safest) both from the environmental and fire resistant view. They have survived many disasters, structural fires, forest fires, natural-gas pipe-line fires, floods, hurricanes, lightening strikes and tornados with winds exceeding 261 miles per hour. ConVault have been shot at (a terrorist attack at a Russian embassy) and run into by vehicles. In August 1988 lightening started a natural gas pipeline fire in Florida. Duel towers of flames reportedly reached about 600 feet in the air and hundreds of feet horizontally from each side of the pipe.

One observer said it was like being under the Challenger space shuttle at lift-off. The fire burned for over 7 hours and temperatures were estimated to have reached 3,000 – 4,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

Taken after the fire had been burning for approximately 5 hours. The location and size of the ConVault AST (middle far left of the photo) put the magnitude and impact of the fire into perspective.

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Articles The foundation that the ConVault AST was sitting on contained a metal building that was used as a welding shop. Although the largest piece left of the building was the fire extinguisher holder, the ConVault AST remained in tact, containing and protecting its contents.

Quality Assurance ConVault ASTs are shop fabricated under strict quality controls in accordance with UL standard 2085 for protected tanks. All C o n V a u l t manufacturing plants are inspected by ConVault International engineering staff on a periodic basis as well Taken after the fire had been burning for approximately 5 hours. The location and size of the ConVault AST (middle far left of the photo) put the magnitude and impact of the fire into perspective. as by UL inspectors.

Each plant’s facilities, Phoenix Road Haverhill Business Park from 2,000 – 45, 000 litre capacities in policies, procedures, employee training single or multi-compartments.

Haverhill Suffolk CB9 7AE and product are inspected according to a comprehensive procedure design For more information contact Terence over the years by ConVault staff. All ** UK Retail Marketing Survey (March Barker 01440 712905 ConVault ASTs come with either a 20 or 30 year guarantee and are available Terence Barker Limited Barker House 2006)

Case report on Heene Road Service Station

By Ray Nicholson, West Sussex County Council, Trading Standards Service On 11 January 2006 Petroleum Officers from West Sussex Trading Standards Service visited Heene Road Service Station in Worthing, West Sussex. A colleague from the same service had visited the site the day before to carry out a verification of some of the petrol pumps on site under requirements of the Weights and Measures Act 1985 and was concerned at some aspects of safety on site.

The site had a history of noncompliance but had generally put its house in order after involvement of our staff.

On this occasion several issues covered by the conditions of the site’s petroleum storage licence and DSEAR (The Dangerous substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002) where found to be wanting.

These included · Blocked view lines · Damaged hoses

· Two for selling milk after the expiry

· Blocked drains and gullies · Unlocked fill points and vapour recovery point

date. · Two for failing to maintain the view

· Fire extinguishers out of calibration · Falsified fire certificate

extinguisher

test

lines to petrol pumps from the console operator’s position. · One for failing to clear blocked

· Falsified certificate

interceptor

cleaning

· Inappropriate storage in hazardous areas There were other non-petroleum related offences as well.

drainage gullies. · Two for failing to keep all fuel storage tanks and associated equipment adequately secured. · One for having a forged Chubb fire

In the end after plea bargaining on the day the licensee and owner of the business Apputhurai Sakathevan, pleaded guilty to a total of 13 summonses: · Four for fuel pumps that did not bear a stamp indicating they had been passed by a weights and measures officer.

certificate calculated to deceive. · One for having two forged Biffa Waste Services certificates.

After mitigation fines totalling £2,350 were ordered to be paid and full costs of £2,949 were awarded..

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Drive off at your peril!

By Roger Marris, Snr Petroleum Inspector, West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service The latest innovation in forecourt

attendant suspects that a driver will

remote control panel at the console.

security has been developed by a West

leave the site without paying for the fuel

Pressing this button will sound an

Midlands company. The device known as ‘Drivestop’, tackles the growing

dispensed, he/she will activate the ‘Drivestop’ by pressing a button on the

audible warning to alert the suspect (and any other customers on site) of the risk of tyre deflation if a vehicle is driven over the

device

in

an

attempt to leave the site. At the same time the traffic lights will change from green to red

and

the

pneumatically operated

‘stinger’

mechanism is charged with air. sequence

The final of

the

operation, when the stinger lifts from its housing, is activated

crime of vehicles driving off the forecourt without paying

for

the

fuel;

commonly known as ‘drive-off’ or ‘bilking’, by the retail industry.

The system acts as both a passive deterrent by

the

conspicuous

signs and traffic lights warning of its presence and

a

mechanism

reactive that

will

immobilise any vehicle leaving the site should the attendant activate the device. When an

48

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Regulations 2002 or the licensees’

deflated within

notification

a

of

petroleum licensing conditions. A risk

the

assessment will, however, have to be

mile

leaving

obligations

under

the

carried out by the site operator in order

site.

As the tyre

to comply with his duties under the

d e f l a t o r

Management of Health & Safety at

mechanism

Work Regulations 1999.

(‘stinger’), traffic

lights,

Drivestop™ has been installed at sites

in

West

Midlands

(Dudley,

a u d i b l e

Sedgley,

w a r n i n g

Birmingham)

announcer

(Sheffield),

and

Cambridgeshire (Ely) and Leicester. In

other

Wolverhampton

areas,

South Essex

the

and

Yorkshire (Witchford),

ancillary

these

installation

of

equipment are

‘Drivestop’ has been welcomed by the

l o c a t e d

local police as an initiative in crime

outside

reduction.

when the front wheels of a vehicle leaving the site crosses the plate stinger

housing

the

mechanism.

Only the rear wheels are deflated so as not to put other motorists at risk from a vehicle being

driven

with

deflating front tyres.

Any vehicle driving over the stinger will have its (rear) tyres

the

‘hazardous

More detailed technical information

areas’, there

on the component parts, method of

are

no

installation, operation and safety related

implications

features of ‘Drivestop’ can be found on

under

the

the website www.drivestop.com. For up

Dangerous

to date information please email

Substances &

info@drivestop.com to request a full

Explosive

information pack and a demonstration

Atmospheres

CD ROM on how the system works.

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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A Day with the Inspectors of Orange County, Florida

By Brian Baker, APEA Chairman The outgoing Chairman, Brian Baker was invited to give a presentation on the Buncefield Fire to the National Institute of Storage Tank Management in May 2006. Whilst there he took advantage of joining two Orange County Inspectors for the day to see how things are differ between the UK and the United States.

Here is a short resume of the time Brian spent with them.

I suppose the first thing I should comment on is the Florida weather! This was certainly significantly different to that in the UK, and on the day I spent in Orlando with Bill Rhodes and Glen Becker of the Environmental Protection

Division of the State Dept of Florida it reached a sweltering 94 degree Fahrenheit.

Both Bill & Glen have been in the industry for a long time and know t h e i r business.

"Marathon" Branded Site In Orlando

The first difference I became aware of is that Above Ground Storage Tank facilities (AST’s) are inspected as well as Underground Storage Tanks (UST’s). It seems that in the United States they regulate an installation as opposed to the product stored, distinctly different to the practice adopted in the United Kingdom and much of Europe.

The first site we visited was an “AST” site that was privately owned and known as the Aircraft Service International Group, the installation comprised of 7 tanks and was located in the shadow of Orlando International Airport.

Inspectors Bill Rhodes and Glen Becker- State Dept of Florida

Citgo Site (Venezuelan) Competition from other countries is like the rest of Europe

50

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

I met the Depot Manager, Clint Lonon, a very knowledgeable gentleman who within minutes demonstrated a vast working knowledge of his site, as he was quizzed by Bill and Glen as part of their audit procedure. Curiously, their approach was not dissimilar to my own as they set about going through records of the Site Register and beyond, including print outs, waste transfer documents, electrical certificates, training records and emergency action plans.

Our site visit lasted almost 3 hours, during which time we carried out a physical inspection of all tanks, bunds, pipe work, off loading and loading areas as well as the fixed fire fighting equipment.

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Articles that the Veeder Root TLS 350 could not actually be working.

As our visit drew to a close, Glen Becker produced his report accompanied by digital photographs before getting the Manager (Operator) to sign acknowledging receipt of the report.

Bill Rhodes examining Tank Tops

That visit concluded the morning’s business, and after a quick visit to a Cracker Barrel Restaurant we then carried out an inspection of a “Marathon” branded site operated by a Filipino dealer, close to Orlando city centre.

In the US, contraventions of licence conditions are known as “Violations”. As

It was here that a degree of amazement came from my “new-found” colleagues when I mentioned that “Regulators” in the UK actually have the power to serve Improvement and Prohibition Notices. A literal gasp was heard when I explained that sites have been closed on the spot for extreme contraventions. It appears that such measures are never enforced in Florida;

The physical layout of the site was pretty much as you would expect to find in most European countries but with several notable exceptions. The most striking difference being that the site had no containment drainage. It appears that many areas of the USA take deliberate steps to isolate fuel installations from any public drainage system. When I mentioned that a major leak from a Tanker Delivery would flow out onto the adjacent busy main road the general reaction was “So what”?

Addressing the NISTM Conference. Some 500 delegates attended

My Host, Marshall Mott-Smith of the US National Storage Tank Institute, being presented with a Mayor's Plaque of Milton Keynes Council

I looked around the site I was in my element, finding perished hoses, leaking n o z z l e s , dispensers loose on their mountings, evidence of collision damage and finally as I tripped over a box containing a brand new leak detection probe in the shop, this confirmed to me

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this is apparently due to protracted procedures which need to be adhered to before resorting to such draconian measures!

It had been a tiring but fascinating day and one that I wouldn’t have missed for anything. I did run into my hosts again at the Conference where they presented me with 2 full disks of photos which have given me a greater understanding of how the audit and inspection procedures work in Florida.

One thing I did learn however was just how alike we all are in the pursuit of a safe environment. My sincere thanks go to both Glen & Bill for their hospitality and patience.

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Competent? How do petroleum licensing authorities assess if their PO’s are competent

By Steve Rowe, Surrey County Council I was recently asked to carry out a ‘Succession Planning’ exercise and put in place a process that would leave my authority less vulnerable should I be knocked down by a bus or ‘dare I say it’ leave! (After 13 years of being responsible for Surrey’s petroleum function I hear those of you who know me saying yes please, when!).

As part of putting this process together I had to ensure my authority could provide a ‘Competent Petroleum Officer’.

So my initial interpretation of a competent P.O was: A very nice organised person who is able to apply their skill and knowledge to differing scenarios’ in order for them to perform as expected!!

So the main question was: how would you define a competent Petroleum Officer?

Laudable I am sure but I still felt none the wiser? And was beginning to regret having agreed to this ‘simple’ task!

My first port of call was to look at the Health & Safety Commissions Guidance to Local Authorities. Section 18 of this guidance has the title: Provision of a Trained and Competent Inspectorate.

It further states it is the duty of L.A’s to act in accordance with this guidance.

I plodded on and found reference to the essential elements of competence based on those developed for the National/Scottish Vocational Qualification (N/SVQ).

Having patted myself on the back for finding out this information and starting the laborious task of reading and interpreting the guidance, I discovered that the definition of Local Authority under the Enforcing Authority Regulations did not include County Councils or Metropolitan Fire Brigades?!

However, I decided that it would be prudent to ensure my authority acted in the ‘spirit’ of this guidance. The realisation that if we did not meet our legal obligations under section 18, the Secretary of State could ultimately transfer my authority’s enforcement functions to the H.S.E (Health & safety Executive) meaning I get the sack and my authority cringes with embarrassment!!

After reading the Guidance I discovered a definition ‘Competence’.

At last I thought, this task should not take me long now? Wrong, the definition given is as follows:Competence means the ability to perform all the activities required in a particular occupation to the levels of performance expected. It includes the ability to apply skill and knowledge to new situations Perplexed by this definition I read on: In relation encompasses 54

planning of the work of undertaking enforcement action in accordance with legal procedures and the interpersonal skills necessary to deal with colleagues and the public.

to inspectors, it organisation and

However, this guidance was issued in 2002 and I was sceptical as to how practicable this would be, especially when I saw one of the units refer to managing time effectively to ensure the efficient use of resources.

This is surely a pre-requisite of any job?

After all this I felt no further forward but was conscious that my authority needed to comply with the ‘spirit’ of S.18 guidance.

Having spent years listening to people talking in another language about ‘innovation’, synergy and ‘blue sky thinking’ (my own fault for doing an MBA!) I decided on a new approach.

This approach manifested itself via the South East Licensing Authority Coordinating group comprising of 31 authorities and which I have chaired for the last 8 years (despite numerous attempts to de-Chair me, I have survived like any good dictator).

I set a clear agenda for the meeting, namely ‘Competency of Inspectorate’ with no other topics accepted! And as Chairman I posed direct questions to each authority, bullying them into submission until I had received an opinion on the questions listed below.

2 Do you provide a paper trail or quality measurement to evidence competency?

3 What on-going training does your authority provide to ensure that your inspectorate remains ‘competent’?

4 If challenged, do you think at you could convince a court of your competence?

This proved a marvellous source of information and finally set my ‘Competency Model’ alive.

I decided on a two-pronged approach of qualifications and experience, detailing the various components required in both.

The only item that I had not completed satisfactorily was a definition of Competent Person. As with most things in life the answer was right in front of me. The definition given to a ‘Competent Person’ as defined in our petroleum licence conditions very succinctly met my requirements.

A person with enough practical and theoretical training, knowledge and actual experience to carry out a particular task safely and effectively.

Having now completed this task to mine and my authorities satisfaction, my advice to those who may get asked or told to carry out a similar task is to get some one to do it for you!

Please feel free to comment or plagiarise.

How do PLAs decide if inspectors are competent?

1 How do you think your authority complies?

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Steve Rowe

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Fairbanks’ Double Celebration!

By Jean Algie, Fairbanks Environmental Ltd Fairbanks Environmental is one of the Best Companies to work for - IT’S OFFICIAL!

In was

addition

Fairbanks

awarded

Companies

a

“Best

One

Star

yearly Communications Meeting when the company’s first long service awards were presented.

Accreditation” which was presented to Bob Conlin Fairbanks Environmental recently

(pictured) at the Berkley Hotel, London.

opposition from the Women Drivers in

had cause for a double celebration. Not only has the company been in the

The staff of Fairbanks Environmental

the company but the ladies had to

business for 10 years they were

celebrated with a go-karting away day

concede the Quickest Lap prize to

delighted to be voted one of the top 100

which followed on from a recent twice

Aidan Whitehall of the IT department.

Best Companies to work for (SME Category) the

Sunday

in

Times

Awards 2006 especially as this was the first time the company had been entered.

They scored

highly on Team Working, Leadership

and

Well

Being. Director Steve Jones commented “It is pleasing

to

be

recognised in this way but we will not be resting on our laurels we are always looking for ways to improve.”

56

The male staff met with strong

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Branches North West The NW Branch held their AGM on 18th May at the NFU building in Skelmersdale The meeting, which included the first of two technical sessions for the year, enjoyed an attendance of 33.

The meeting was opened by Bob Conlin, Branch Secretary who thanked all present for attending the meeting.

Steve Devine presented his Chairman’s Report commenting that the industry has an exciting future ahead of it with different challenging goals which will give rise to different problems and solutions.

Bob Conlin presented his Branch Secretary’s report ending by mentioning that future meetings may include members from other branches and as this could swell the numbers attending the venue for the meetings may be moved to Manchester. He also took the opportunity to promote our APEA 2006 event in November.

Steve Jones presented his Branch Treasurer’s reported and stated that the branch was just keeping it’s head above water, but that the capitation fees paid from National Council were scarcely enough to cover the venue costs Fairbanks will, once again, sponsor the administration costs for last year.

The meeting proceeded to the Election of Officers with Steve Devine of Roncol Ltd continuing as Branch Chairman. Bob Conlin of Fairbanks Environmental Ltd continuing as Secretary and Steve Jones of Fairbanks Environmental Ltd continuing as Treasurer. Joanne Bradley of the Environment Agency was re-elected Committee Member as was David Sutch of RSK ENSR Ltd., Clive Drake of LIS (NW) Ltd was elected as a new Committee Member. The Branch representative is, once again, Geoff Oldham of Suresite Ltd. who, although unable to attend this meeting, confirmed his agreement to continue as our branch representative for another year.

An interesting technical session followed the AGM.

presentation which was largely based on the article published in the June 2006 Bulletin. He brought the audience up to date with the significant events affecting the measurement of fuel quantities from 1984 to present. He then described the merits of temperature compensation (ATC) at the pump explaining that in Belgium this will be compulsory for new sites from 2008 and that the equipment will become available in the UK next year.

E&S Fuel Improvement Systems by James Davies, E&S Fuel Improvement Systems Ltd Following on from the article in the March 2006 Bulletin, James visited the NW Branch meeting to introduce E&S Fuel Improvement Systems Ltd, which is a subsidiary of E&S Pumps and are an appointed UK and Ireland distributor of the Algae-X system.

They provide a “fuel recovery” service which restores derogated fuel to its original combustibility. Units and systems provide optimum fuel quality at all times.

The service can also: • Remove water, sludge and any microorganisms from the fuel; • Re-condition and stabilise stored fuel; • Include mobile tank cleaning; • Restore fuel to pristine condition The system uses a catalyst plus additives which are soluble in the fuel.

Machinery siphons off sediment which

is taken away. Some sludge is restored into fuel components. Prices compare favorably as the system “saves” the fuel.

Stage II VR, Monitoring Systems for VR on Forecourts, the German Experience by Stefan Kunter & Thomas Schneider , Fafnir GMBH Stefan and Thomas’s presentation was based on the article by Stefan which was published in the March 2006 Bulletin – Vapour Recovery in Europe Stefan discussed the benefits of Vapour Recovery (VR) I & II and emissions control within Germany and encouraged the UK to take advantage of lessons learned during the implementation process in Germany.

He then summarised the requirements and the implications of the UK regulatory changes to Stage II Vapour Recovery which will be a legal requirement by 2010 and will require a monitoring system.

Fafnir’s VR system provides automatic monitoring showing the flow of recovered vapour with each fuel dispensation.

System faults are recorded when vapour/petrol ratio (v/p) falls below 85% or exceeds 115% for 10 consecutive filling operations. Operators have one week to repair any faults with the VR or automatic shut down of the pump occurs.

A lively general discussion was followed by a buffet lunch.

Bob Conlin Branch Secretary

Topics presented were:Automatic Temperature Compensation for Petrol Retailers

by Peter Barlow, PRA Peter

gave

an

interesting

Stefan Kunter, Fafnir GMBH

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Branches Southern The Southern Branch recently held an excellent meeting at the Museum of Army Flying at Middle Wallop in Hampshire.

Speakers for the day included Bob Higgs speaking about Innovative Petrotec pumps & temperature compensation and Kevin Honner of Crowcon who discussed the impact of the ATEX Directive on using explosimeters in hazardous areas.

Emma Faure and Fiona Horan of Downstream Events gave details of the new look APEA conference and Darrin Francis & Mark Orr of Tanknology and LCM wrapped up the official part of the meeting with a presentation on internal tank inspections using the Petroscope.

All the speakers were well received by the members and thanked for their interesting and relevant presentations.

The venue was terrific, with an excellent lunch and a guided tour in the afternoon led by the museum Chief Executive Brigadier Edward Tait. The Museum of Army Flying is home to a unique collection of aviation history, with gliders, aeroplanes and helicopters on display. The Museum has over 35 fixed wing and rotary aircraft on display along with detailed dioramas, battle trophies, artifacts and models. Their website www.flying-museum.org.uk gives more information but a visit is to be recommended!

Future meetings are planned for the 26th September in the East of the region with another meeting scheduled for January.

We usually get about 45-50 members attending branch meetings. This means a couple of hundred branch members are missing out on interesting and useful meetings with the chance to network with others involved with petroleum in the south. If this rings true for you, I urge you to come along to a meeting and give us a try, further details available from the branch secretary on: Mobile: 07718 146033 email: david.sommers@hants.gov.uk.

David Sommers Branch Secretary Eastern APEA Eastern Branch Committee comprising, John Boudry, Jamie Thompson, Paul Craven, John Brooks and Anton Martiniussen met at Ipswich 5th July, 2006 60

1 To set the agenda for the coming year under the Chairmanship of John Boudry.

2 To decide on venues.

3 Decide on speakers.

One of the main issues is the need to attract increased membership. The view is that Local authorities and companies need to encourage more members to attend the Eastern branch meetings.

The Branch provides an important forum, source of information and is a great place to network.

The next Eastern Branch meeting has been set for October 18th under the heading Health and Safety in Hazardous Areas. Venue to be advised.

Early Christmas Lunch and Branch meeting will be in December. Dates and venue to be confirmed. I f you haven’t been before then let me know early of your interest to avoid disappointment.

The branch AGM and Meeting will be in March / April. Dates to be advised.

Enjoy the summer.

Branch Secretary Anton Martiniussen Scotland The next meeting of the Scottish Branch will be on Thursday the 13th September at Chatelherault Country Park near Hamilton. This venue was used for the AGM and it was found to be ideal with a 50 seat lecture theatre and decent catering. Members can take advantage of the displays in the old hunting lodge or have a relaxing walk round the park.

Ian McKay of the HSE has kindly agreed to join us again to provide his expertise on explosives storage. We hope to have more guests on the subject of fireworks and petroleum.

We are aware that Hamilton is a long way from the northern parts of Scotland but we hope to provide a programme that will make it worthwhile to attend.

The meetings cost very little to attend to offset any travelling related costs. The chairman, Gareth Bourhill has gathered opinions and the branch is considering how it might make meeting more accessible to all the members.

Midlands Nothing to report at present North East Nothing to report at present Yorkshire & Humberside Nothing to report at present

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Branch Representative Contact Details Ian Taylor - Eastern Fenstanton Manor, Cambridge Road Fenstanton, Cambridge PE28 9HS Tel: 01480 463 739 Mob: 07768 552072 iantaylor@enterprise.net Tom Hocking - Midlands D Berry & Co (PFS) Ltd Unit 130 Middlemore Ind Estate Kentish Road, Birmingham B21 0AY Tel: 0121 558 4411 Fax: 0121 555 5546 enquiries@dberryandco.co.uk 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 3 Eastway Business Village Olivers Place, Fulwood Preston Lancashire PR2 9WT Tel: 01772 790901 Fax: 01772 790902 jgo@suresite.co.uk Ian Hillier - Scottish Inverclyde Council Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock PA15 1LY Tel: 01475 717171 Fax: 01475 712747 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 phil.monger@ukonline.co.uk TBC - Yorkshire & Humberside

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Training

2006 Course Dates Petrol Filling Stations Construction, Safety and Environmental Awareness

28/29th Sept

Dublin

DSEAR 9 Nov

Canterbury

Wetstock Management 26/27th Sept

Dublin

LPG Installations 16 Nov

Canterbury 5 Oct

18/19 Oct

Luton

Luton Fireworks and Explosives

Petrol Filling Stations Risk Assessment, Audit and Inspection

Electrical Installations An Awareness

27/28 Sept

2 November

Luton

20 Sept

Luton

27 Sept

Birmingham

Leeds

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

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

It is strongly recommended that attendees have access to this document during courses.

All courses can be booked online at www.apea.org.uk on the ‘Training’ page.

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

For details of this and any other training enquiry, please contact: Jane Mardell - Training Coordinator, (contact details on page 3) or Brian Humm, Training Chairman 84 Dunblane Road, Eltham, London SE9 6RT

APEA Training Team

Mobile: 07818 097141

e-mail: brian.humm@london-fire.gov.uk

Gareth Bourhill

Phil Lambeth

Senior Incorporated Electrical

Senior Engineer

Jamie Thompson Independent Consultant

Engineer The DH Morris Group

Paul Craven

Bob Conlin Director

Petroleum Officer Suffolk County Council

BP Global Alliance

John Dallimore

Fairbanks Environmental

Independent Consulting Engineer Brian Humm Petroleum Officer

John Dallimore &Partners

Tom Armstrong Senior Project Engineer

LFEPA Richard Wigfull Brian Baker Fire Safety & Petroleum Officer Milton Keynes Council

Eddie Furniss

Consulting Engineer

Independent Trading Standards

J. Wigfull & Son

Consultant

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Membership To join the APEA simply complete the form below and forward to the APEA office with a cheque or your credit card details completed below or fax on +44 (0) 845 603 5507 or complete the online application form at www.apea.org.uk APEA, PO Box 106, Saffron Walden, Essex. CB11 3XT. United Kingdom Membership Types Individual membership: £30.00 includes one copy of the Bulletin per quarter and one copy of Yearbook Corporate membership: £130.00 includes five copies of the Bulletin per quarter and five copies of Yearbook (one representative per company) Full Name Company/Authority Position Membership type

Individual £30.00 pa

Corporate £130.00 pa

Send correspondance to

Company address

Personal Address

Branch Membership

Eastern

Overseas

Midlands

Scottish

North East

Southern

North West

Yorkshire and Humberside

Ireland Do you wish to offer your expertise in any particular area

Comments

Company or Authority

Personal

Address

Address

Town/City

Town/City

County

County

Postcode

Postcode

Country

Country

Telephone

Telephone

Fax

Fax

email

email

Web site

Web site

I wish to apply for membership of the APEA by cheque (attached)/credit card (delete as applicable) Type of card *issue no - switch only Name on card Card no.

Expiry Date 62

*Switch / Access / Visa / Barclaycard / Delta / Connect (NOT AMEX / DINERS)