The Bulletin – January 1979

B U L L

E T I

Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

NUMBER 3

JANUARY 1979

Contents

Bulletin

Published by the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

Talking point ., 57 Notes & News 58 publications

From the B. S . I. .................... 61

Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928 Some Aspects of Administration 63 Legal Proceedings 66 Has the Time Come for Change? 67 On the Forecourt

Doubtful Definitions ............... 69 Correspondence 70 London News 72 Book Review 73 Legal Notes 74 Explosi ves 75 A.G.M. 1978 Birmingham 81

Opinions expressed in this Journal are not necessarily the views of the Association

Talking Point

At the time of Local Government Reorganization in 1974, many Petroleum Officers felt that petroleum administration, which had always been something of a Cinderella amongst municipal functions, would at last be allowed to go to the ball. Alas, in many cases this was not to be. Certainly in many authorities sub standard stores were re-appraised for the first time in many years. and the number of appeals from a refusal to issue a licence rose dramatically, but petroleum administratmr continues to be a largely unrelated function administered alongside other more minor enactments in many cases.

Some Petroleum Officers now look for their salvation to murmirings of further reorganization which might result in petroleum administration going to a district level, but this seems, to this writer at least, to be a forlorn hope.

Rumour, much of it of the informed variety warns of a gradual erosion of the powers of Petroleum Officers as many of our present functions are given to other enforcement bodies, (no need to guess which:) under the Health and Safety at Work Act. The same sources speak of conveyance of petroleum spirit by road being the first area to be annexed.

We may find that the writing is already on the wall.

Honorary Secretary: Mr J. Frid,

Honorary Editor: J.S. Crewe,

Notes and News

IN A VACUUM

Chauffeur Jack lITardle needed some petrol to clean up spilled paint.

Using a vacuum cleaner he siphoned petrol from a car at the Stanton and Staveley works at Ilkeston, Derbyshire, recently.

The petrol burst into flames destroying two cars in a garage at the works.

One was a company car the other belonged to Mr. Wardle, of Mountfield Avenue, Sandiacre.

500 TANKERS CARRY LIQUID GAS

About 500 tankers carrying liquefied gas operate regularly on British roads, said a report sent to MPs recently.

The Chemical Industries Association survey set out safety precautions taken in Britain and reasons why dangerous chemicals have to be moved round the country.

"In ensuring that 'hazardous' materials in transport do not become 'dangerous' there can be no room for complacency or for freezing the development of safe methods and practices at a particular stage of development", said the association.

The association has its own safety code and would be happy to see the Government adopt it as the basis of legislation to pull all operators into the net.

But although the code covers tankers it does not extend to marking of individual barrels of dangerous chemicals. This is now being studied following an incident in East London recently when several people were overcome by fumes after a container fell off a lorry.

The report is a laymen's guide to what the industry has been doing over many years and is designed to reassure the public that stringent safety standartis are being enforced.

Most dangerous chemicals are converted into safe products before they go on the road. Gases are too bulky to be moved at normal pressure and have to be compressed, many are liquified and sent in road-tanker loads, but almost as much goes by rail, in trains under close supervision.

There is no record of an accident yet ,happening in Britain which reptured a tank used by the chemical industry for moving liquified gas.

From the Daily Telepraph 11th August 1978

GANG SOLD PETROL FOR SOp

Business was brisk at a Birmingham filling station offering petrol at SOp a gallon. Rapidly, 1,350 gallons were sold.

But the garage owners had no idea what was going on until a week later, Birmingham magistrates were told recently.

Det. Con. John Hedigan said the garage had been closed for and

a large amount of petrol was brought for the reopening at the end of May. But thieves moved in, reopened the premises early, and sole the petrol one weekend.

A man and a woman said to have had a 'very minor part' in the fiddle were each given a two-year conditional discharge by the magistrates.

Mr James Bailey, the Chairman, told AlIen Michael Broad, 23, and Mrs Catherine Cowley, a mother of three: "Th e persons who set this up have not yet been brought to justice. We feel you were two very foolish innocent parties".

Broad of Capern Grove, Harborne, Birmingham, and Mrs Cowley, of Simcox Gardens, Woodgate Valley Birmingham, both pleaded guilty to stealing 200 gallons of petrol from the garage in Island Road, Handsworth, Birmingham.

For jUst over two hours on Sunday, May 14 Mrs COwley operated the till and Broad "touted" for motorists who stopped at nearby traffic lights telling them about the cheap petrol.

They said that a Pakistani named "Mo" had asked them to help out and they did not realise it was suspicious until later.

Det. Con. Hedigan, of the Serious Crimes Squad, said the people named by the two accused had been interviewed. "They have denied being involved and there is insufficient evidence to proceed against them", he said.

From the Daily Telegraph 9th August 1978

IF IT MOVES ...... BAN IT!

The chemical industry is paying dearly for its past mistakes and accidents. Today it is surrounded by innumerable packs of watchdogs, watching its every move. As a result the industry often has forced on it unnecessary and sometimes absurd restrictions on the use of its products.

One senior executive who holds this view strongly is Norman Mischier, chairman of Hoechst UK, who at a Press dinner recently retailed the following cautionary tale, borrowed we are informed, from an ICI Safety magazine.

"ICI has announced the discovery of a new fire-fighting agent to add to their existing range. Known as WATER (Wonderful And Total Extinguishing Resource), it augments, rather than replaces, existing agents such as dry powder and BCF which have been in use from time imemorial. It is particularly suitable for dealing with fires in buildings, timber yards and warehouses.

Though required in large quantities, it is fairly cheap to produce and it is intended that quantities of about a million gallons should be stored in urban areas and near other installations of high risk ready for immediate use.

BCF and dry powder are usually stored under pressure, but WATER will be stored in open ponds or reservoirs and'conveyed to the scene of the fire by hoses and port ab le pumps.

"ICI's new proposals are already encountering strong oPposition from safety and environmental groups. Professor Connie Barriner has pointed out that, if anyone immersed their head in a bucket of WATER, it would prove fatal in as little as three minutes.

Each of ICI's proposed reservoirs will contain enough WATER to fill half a million two-gallon buckets. Each bucket-full could be used a hundred times so there is enough WATER in one reservoir to kill the entire population of the UK.

Risks of this size, said Professor Barriner, should not be allowed, whatever the gain. If the WATER were to get out of control, the results of Flixborough or Seveso would pale into insignifance by comparison. What use

was a fire-fighting agent that could kill men as well as fire?

A local authority spokesman said that he would strongly oppose planning permissmn for construction of a WATER reservoir in this area the most stringent precautions were followed.

Open ponds were certainly not What would prevent people falling in them? What would prevent the contents from leaking out? At the very least the WATER would need to be contained in a steel pressure vessel surrounded by a leak-proof concrete wall.

A spokesman from the Fire Brigades said he did not see the need for the new agent.

The new agent would bring with it risks, particul!;.,rly to firemen', greater than any possible gain. Did we know what would happen to this new medium if it was exposed to intense heat? It had been reported that WATER was a constituent of beer. Did this mean that firemen would be intoxicated by the fumes?

The Friends of the World said that they had obtained a sample of WATER and found it caused clothes to shrink. If it did this to cotton, what would it do to men?

In the House of Commons recently, the Home Secretary was asked if he would prohibit the manufacture and storage of this lethal new material. The Home Secretary replied that, as it was clearly a major hazard, local authorities would have to take advice from Health and Safety Executive before giving planning permission. A full investigation was needed and the Hazards group would be asked to report".

(FROM CHEMICAL AGE MAGAZINE)

DANGEROUS GOODS ADVISORY GROUP

The Civil Aviation Authority has set up a Dangerous Goods Advisory Group to assist it in reviewing the requirements controlling the carriage of potentially daagerous materials by air, The Group will also assist the Authority in deciding UK policy regarding the international standards relating to the carriage of such goods which are to be produced by the

International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAD).

The Dangerous Goods Advisory Group comprises representatives from:-

Civil Aviation Authority

British Airways British Caledonian Airways Ltd Transmeridian Air Cargo Ltd British Air Line Pilots Assoc. British Shippers' Council Institute of Freight Forwarders Chemical Industries Association PIRA (Packaging Industry) Health and Safety Executive Laboratory of the Government Chemist Department of Transport Department of Trade

The address of the Secretariat for the Group is:-

Civil Aviation Authority Flight Operations 4(b) (Dangerous Goods Section) Rooms 315/316 Aviation House 129, Kingsway London, WC2B 6NN

Telephone number:- 01-405 6922 Exts. 292/293

AN ODD ODE

The following item was related to me by Mr. S. Warner, who is a Petroleum Officer in Co. Antrim, Northern Ireland. I found it a delightful story, and obtained Sam's permission to reproduce it for the benefit of readers. Stuart Crewe.

At re-organization of Local Government I 'inherited' a number of Licensed sites from a former Rural District Council, and in due course made a visit of inspection to a remote country area, seeking a Licencee with a 500 gallon installation, apparently a 'private tank' probably a farmer. As there was no postal address shown on the fjle which had come to me, I had perforce to try to trace my rustic client in what we call a "townland" area (a parish in an English county). I eventually found an ancient peasant and addressed him thus" please can you tell me where Mr. lives in this district?" "Indeed and I can, sur" says the old one "down the way your'e going now, a big farm on the left-you couldn't miss it". "Thanl<: says I "and would you say it would be far

now?" "ach, indeed not at all" says he "sure its only about five minni ts walk if you run!". Following my digestion of this intelligence, I continued my quest, like Jason of old, and in due course found the farm that I sought, and upon explaining my business to the elderly proprietor, was conducted to his petrol pump for inspection of the apparatus, such as it was. I say, such as it was because it was, as they say in all the best novels; sinking heart that I viewed, the machinery. The pump was located just within the open door of an old byre, or cowshed to the uneducated in country ways. The pump was early Georgian (V) and manually operated, if, indeed, it operated at all. It was festooned with cobwebs and bits of goodness knows what, and on a nearby rickety shelf stood an old conical shaped fire extinguisher that might well have come out of the Ark. The shelf also held an unbelievable collection of old jamjars, fuil of God-knows-what, oil cans, various old dishes and bits and pieces of tools, and what looked like a selection of veterinary remedies in which James Herriot might have had a passing interest. Anyway, I thought, I might as well have a look at the damned thing, and I stooped down and tentatively inserted by head in amongst the works. I hadn't the foggiest idea what I was looking for _ this was all outside my experience heretofore. With shaking hand I gently fingered what looked like a little tap or valve, and immediately there came the most thunderous explosion'. I almost jumped out of my skin, and as I involuntarily straightened up, my head came into contact with a metal coaming on the pump, and I was almost stunned. As

I reeled back, clasping my head in my hands, I staggered into the underSide of the shelf previously referred to, and the whole cargo of tins, pots and pans, old paintbrushes and evil-smelling contents of ole jam-jars cascaded around and upon me. The fire-extinguisher landed on the business end, and immediately settled my doubts as to whether it was functional -a sea of foam extruded from the spout, adding the finishing touch to the whole performance. I reeled from the cowshed, seeing more stars than Patrick Moore ever dreamt of, and wondered what the H-- I had

..

done to cause this explosion and resulting catastrophe. In the strong light of day, I blinked at the old farmer, who looked at me calmly, a smoking shotgun under his arm, and a large black fowl about the size of a young eagle lying lifeless at his boots.

"Bloody crows!", he observed. "There was one on the roof while you were in byre they eat a man's field. of barley to hell. I shoot everyone of the buggers I see. Did the shot fear ye?"

I concluded my examination and departed, my feelings too deep for words, having adjured Wyatt Earp to replenish his fire extinguisher. Perhaps I should also have instructed him to extend the warning Notice displayed "Petroleum Spirit, Highly Flammable, No Smoking or Naked Lights" to include "or discharge of firearms at any bird or fowl". Well, its all in the days work, I suppose, and who will say that the Petroleum Officer has a humdrum task?

A. G.M. 1979

Would members please note that the A.G.M. of the Association will be held at the West Midland Fire Service H.Q., Birmingham, on Wednesday 25th April 1979. The speaker will be Dr. G.J. Jeacocke, M.Sc., D. Phil., of the H.S.E., who will speak on conveyance.

NEW ADDRESS FOR EDITOR

From 12th January 1979, the Editor's address will be: J.S. Crewe, Editor The Bulletin, clo Personnel Section, Chief Executive and Clerk's Dept., Essex County Council, P.O. Box 11, Coun ty Hall, Che Ims fo: i., CM1 1LX.

NEW PUBLICATIONS FROM THE

Measurement of petroleum liquids and gases

BSI has recently published BS 5579 StandaY'd Y'efeY'ence conditions j"0Y' measuY'ement oj" petY'oleum liquids and gases. This standard, which is bases on the International Standard ISO 5024 sets out conditions, temperature ' pressure and humidity for measurement purposes.

The standard differs from its international counterpart in that it includes the reference condition for humidity in connection with the measurement of gases. This is normal in the DK, but is not accepted in certain other countries and therefore omitted from ISO 5024.

(BS 5579, subscribers' price 54p)

is restricted to 6 mm (approximately! in: which represents the bulk of this type of flooring currently manufactured.

Electrically conducting rubber flooring is used mainly in buildings which house the manufacture of certain explosives in which an important requirement is the provision of a comparatively lowresistance discharge path to earth.

Special measures are then taken to eliminate the possibility of electric shock and fire by placing wiring and controls outside the zone of risk, and the use of portable electric equipment and flexible connections is prohibited. An upper limit is placed on the maximum permitted electrical resistance of the flooring and there is no lower limit.

BS 3187 E [peiY'icaZ L]1

Y'lIbi 'Cl , is a revision of the previous standard, using metric units. The nominal thickness of the rUbber flooring

It is essential that electrically conducting rubber floowing in accordance with this British Standard be used only in those situations where the special precautions mentioned above are taken into account in the design, installation and maintenance of the electrical installation and equipment, so as Virtually to eliminate the possibility

Electrically conducting rubber floorin&

of electric shock and fire. The standard recommends that a warning notice, stating that the floor is electrically conducting, should be displayed in any room fitted with conducting rubber flooring.

(BS 3187, subscribers' price £1.14)

WHAT THE STARS FORETELL

Motorists will soon be assured of obtaining better quality petrol following a major tightening-up of BS 4040 Petrol (gasoline) for motor vehicles. This specification forms the basis of the familiar 'star' system, displayed on pumps to indicate the relative anti-knock qualities of the various grades of petrol on public sale in the UK.

Previously, these gradings have been based entirely on research octane numbers (RON) , which provide an indication of anti-knock performance at low speeds only. Now BSI has revised the standard to include new minimum requirements, based on motor octane numbers (MON) , to counter the much more significant problem of highspeed knock, which can seldom be detected by the consumer yet may give rise to engine damage. Another important innovation is the inclusion of procedures for sampling petrol flUm pumps, based on practical experience. The methods of specifying distillation characteristics and associated test procedures have also been updated, in accordance with current international practice.

UK regulations relating to petrolengined vehicles are subject to continual review as a result of current concern over the quality of exhaust emission and the protection of the environment. Closer control of petrol quality will assist engine designers in meeting emission requirements, and the limit for lead content (0.45g per litre of petrol) quoted in this revision consolidates changes in legislation since the previous (1971) edition, hitherto covered by amendments. This limit is expected to be retained until the end of 1980 and then reduced to 0.40 g/li tre in accordance with EEC Directive 78/611, EEC.

By curtailing quality variations in each grade of fuel the new standard should enable vehicle manufacturers to

produce engines tuned for maximum energy conservation. BS 4040 will not, however, become effective until 1st February 1979 to allow time for retail petrol stocks to be brought into line with the new requirements and for appropriate regulations to be amended. Motorists should, in any case, continue to use the grade of petrol recommended by the vehicle manufacturer.

Copies of BS 4040 may be obtained from BSI Sales Department, 101 Pentonville Road, London NI 9ND. Price £1.90.

NEW BSI CODE FOR EXPLOSIVES

from their mistakes they happen to work To ram home this message BSI has published a new code of practice, BS 5607 Safe use of explosives in the construction industry, which examines the practical implications of working with this invaluable, yet potentially lethal, commOdity.

Hazardous operations are part and parcel of the industry, but the risk element increases sharply when explosives have to be used for tasks such as road construction, tunnelling and demolition. This is due to the repetitive cycle of operations (drilling, blasting, rock-clearing, etc) that is normally used for excavation, unlike quarrying and mining where blasting can be carried out at predetermined times. Allowance must also be made for fume clearance after blasting, extension of rail track , compressed air lines and water pipes, ventilation ducts, lighting cables and occasionally the erection of roof supports. After a time the work settles into a fixed routine, and familiarity can sometimes breed complacency. BS 5607 stresses the need for constant vigilance at all levels to prevent bad working habits and thus ensure the safety of those handling explosives at the blasting site and anyone else likely to be affected, including members of the public. Comprehensive recommendations are given for the safe storage, handling transportation and use of blasting explosives and accessories for tUnnelling, shaft sinking, underwater blasting, land clearance and excavation. A special appendix on demolition is included since this represents one of the main applications for explosives in the construction industry. The code also advises on

-

precautions to be taker- against a variety of common, possihly unsuspected, hazards and lists the legislative requirements at present in force.

Copies of BS 5607, may be ohtained from BSI Sales Department, 101, Pentonville Road, London, NI 9ND. Price £5.60.

BRITISH STANDARDS FOR ENGINE TESTING OF FUELS

BSI has recently implemented three International Standards relating to the engine testing of fuels, as British Standards.

BS 2637 Motor and aviation-type fuels Determination of knock characteristics Motor method (ISO 5163).

BS 2638 Motor fuels Determination of knock characteristics Research method(ISO 5164).

B8 5580 Diesel fuels Determination of ignition quality Cetane method (ISO 5165)

The first two are revisions of the standards published during 1956 and the other is new. They reproduce the International Standards together with national forewords and make reference to the corresponding test methods published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). The ASTM methods have been recognised as de facto International Standards by the publication of ISO 5163-5 and the details of the methods are not reproduced.

These standards, price £1.40 each, may be obtained from BSI Sales Department 101, Pentonville Road, London NI 9ND.

PETROLEUM (CONSOLIDATION) ACT, SOME ASPECTS OF ADMINISTRATION 1928

A TALK GIVEN BY MR. KAY TO THE CONFERENCE ON ADMINISTRATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF THE LICENSING PROVISIONf OF THE PETROLEUM (CONSOLIDATION) ACT 1928, HELD BY THE H.S.E. IN LONDON ON 14th APRIL 1978.

In recent years, two major changes have taken place in the way that the licensing provisions of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, 1928 are administered and enforced. The first change resulted from the reorganisation of local government in the Local Government Acts of 1972 and 1973, which gave the responsibility for licensing to the first-tier local authori ties, and this was followed the introduction of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act, 1974 to which the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act became scheduled. One of the requirements of the HSW Act is that scheduled should be progressively replaced by health and safety regulations and so the Executive is committed to replacing the 1928 Act in a few years time. If one looks back at the vast quantities of petroleum spirit which have been

R.W. Kay Health and Safety Executive.

stored, bought and sold over the past fifty years we have now reached the stage where a grandmother can drive into an unattended self-service station and operate the pump then it would appear that the 1928 Act has worked fairly well.

One of the difficulties which has faced the Executive in these new responsibilities is that, in the policy branch in London, we are somewhat remote from the storage problems which face licensing authorities in the field. There has been a need for better contact at local level and a Factory Inspector in each area office has now been appointed to liaise with the licensing authorities in his area. It is hoped that this arrangement will produce some mutual benefit in the discussion of local problems. The scheme only came into operation in the Autumn but already there is evidence that useful co-operation is taking place.

Before the reorganisation of local government there were about 1,700 licensing authorities, mainly district councils, and the Home Office as the responsible government ministry had the task of ensuring that uniform standards of licensing were applied throughout the country. This resulted finally in the preparation of the Model Codes of Principles of Construction and Licensing Conditions which gave advice on these standards. The present position, with the replacement of the large number of district councils by sixty-six first-tier local authorities, has given a new opportunity for the achievement of consistent standards. However our contacts with licensing authorities over the past two years have shown that there is still some variation in approach, particularly with regard to the older type of premises, and that there are problems in other areas of licensing which are of particular concern to certain authorities but which have been resolved by others. These variations are to some extent reflected in the number and origin of the appeals which are being determined by the Secretary of State. It is hoped that a conference of this type will give use a better appreciation of these problems.

In all the recent changes which have taken place, there is one group of licensing authorities, the harbour authorities, who have continued with the 'same responsibilities. It is probably because of their longer experience of licensing matters that there have been fewer contacts between the harbours and the Executive.

The result of the twin effects of new licensing authorities and amalgamation with the Health and Safety at Work Act has been to concentrate the work of the Executive in certain areas.

ENFORCEMENT

The 1928 Act, while appointing authorities for the purpose of licensing, is silent as to who should enforce the storage provisions of the Act. This omission did not present many problems in the past. Inspection of premises was achieved,as part of the normal licensing work and any prosecution could be instituted by an officer and continued under the genenU powers of the Local Government Acts. With the introduction of the Health

and Safety at Work Act, the position changed since, in England and Wales, proceedings for an offence could be instituted by an inspector appo1nted by an enforcing authority, (or by or with consent of the Director of Public Prosecutions). It was necessary to find an interim solution to this problem and the Executive appointed one or two officers in each of the relevant authorities as inspectors with powers to institute and conduct proceedings.

A more permanent solution is being sought and it is hoped that this can be achieved by means of health and safety regulations which would make licensing authorities the enforcing authorities for the storage provisions of the 1928 Act.

Authorities would then be able to appoint their own officers as Inspectors with the necessary powers under the Health and Safety at Work Act.

APPEALS

When the Executive assumed responsibility for the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act, appeals against decisions of licensing authorities had been running at about 5-8 per year, but as the following table indicates, there has been a marked increase over the past three years.

With one exception, the appeals have been heard by an inspector of the Executive but the final determination of the appeal rests with the Secretary of State.

There are several aspects of the increase in the number of appeals on which we would like to comment. The new licenSing authorities were faced with the problems of setting standards over large areas of the country and they inherited a large number of older premises, including garages, some of which had been licensed for almost half a century. When some of these premises were compared with the recommended standards of the Model Code it appeard that there were areas

where these premises were sub-standard. However, the Model Code takes care to stress that its requirements should not be applied rigidly to existing installations. Each installation must be looked at with regard to its own particular set of circumstances and

there are many petroleum storages up and down the country which do not fully comply with the letter of the Model Code but which have been operated quite safely over many years.

Since the beginning of 1975, we have received 109 notices of appeal and of these 31, or about one in three, have been later withdrawn, in some cases because the appe llan t decided not to proceed with his case but in others because further discussions between the licensing authority and the appellant had been able to produce a solution which was satisfactory to both. In addi tion to the appeals which have been withdrawn, there are another 14 notices of appeal which have been postponed at the present time and, if these also lead to withdrawal, we are approaching a situation where almost half the notices of appeal have been settled in some other way. It would seem a much more satisfactory approach if these problemE could be tackled by more extensive negotiations between the two parties and the question of an appeal considered only in the last resort. The approach of one licensing authority will be the subject of one of the papers at this conference.

Another trend which has become obvious this year is that there has been a considerable increase in the proportion of appeals which are allowed. This would again suggest that the standards for refusing a licence should be the subject of close scrutiny. There is no question that the Executive is required to arrange to hear appeals on behalf of the Secretary of State, whatever their number, and there will always be the. really sub-standard installations which should not be allowed to continue, but we feel that the process of negotiation and persuasion which is used by most authorities should always be the first approach.

There is another problem concerning appeals which may confront us in the next few years. Some new authorities have set time limits, e.g. 3 or 5 years or longer, for the attainment of certain across-the-board standards. Typical conditions might relate to across the pavement filling or underground storage tanks inside buildings.

Again, Wf.. consider that· other avenues should be explored before these conditions become the subject of appeals. In this connection, the Executive has received a number of complaints from the occupiers of premises about the proposed standards and also the effect they could have on the sale of their business in the interim period. In the opinion of our legal department, the imposition of any such condition can constitute grounds for an immediate appeal and the first appeal of this type is in process of being arranged.

Nearly all the appeals relate to storage problems at old garages and in particular to the position of petrol dispensing units and underground storage tanks. The particular problems of licensing garages will be dealt with in another paper at the conference. However it might be useful to comment on the information on accidents causing personal injury or death in garages which have been reported to the Executive in 1975 and 1976. Under the 1928 Act, these accidents are required to be reported directly to the Executive by the occupier, and, while it is realised that the present system of reporting is unsatisfactory, the accidents do give an indication of the main sources of danger.

In 1975, six injuries were reported and five of these involved emp10yers/ employees who snlashed petrol on their clothes during filling and then

attempted to dry them at a fire or some other source of ignition. The other accident involved a minor explosion at a defective, attendantoperated pump which injured a customer.

In 1976, there were again six such accidents reported and three of these involved spillage of petrol onto the trousers of forecourt attendants followed by ignition. One of these accidents was fatal. The other three cases were caused by a blowback during a petrol filling operation, the splashing of petrol from a parted hosepipe, and horseplay on a forecourt when a match was thrown during a filling operation. We would be grateful if petroleum officers could draw the attention of garage owners to the need for adequate precautions to be taken during the drying of petrol-soaked clothing.

FEES FOR PETROLEUM LICENCES

Following discussions with licensing authorities, draft regulations have been prepared to grant an increase in the cost of licences which is more in line with the true cost of issuing the licence. It is the policy of the Executive that no charge should be made for the enforcement of the licence. The draft regulations have gone through the consultation process and it is hoped that the proposed increases will be payable sometime in the new year. In order to simplify the present system of fee collection, the number of bands for licensing fees has been considerably reduced.

FUTURE LEGISLATION FOR THE STORAGE OF PETROLEUM SPIRIT

At the start of this paper, it was mentioned that one of the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act relates to the progressive replacement of scheduled Acts by Health and Safety regulations. The Health and Safety Commission has already given approval to outline proposals zor the control of flammable gases and liquids by means of three sets of regulations; for the storage and use of fuel gases, the use of highly flammable liquids :he storage of highly flammable 11qu1ds. It is this third set of regulations which will eventually replace the 1928 Act and also other relevant leg· 1 . 1S at10n e.g. provisions

Flammable Liquids and 1qu1f1ed Petrol 1972. eum Gases Regulations F were made under the actor1es Act. One of the qUest10ns which will have to be reso1v d . 1. e 1S the extent to which 1CenS1ng should be used for the control of th substan e storage of flammable of cont ce 1 s At present, this form ro 1S only spirit used for petroleum and not f of other h. or the large number whO h 19h1y flammable liquids

1C are COvered b legislat. y health and safety will ha 10n. Another question which ve to be c . in Which ons1dered is the way enforced regulations will be ment res· e allocation of enforcetake· ponsibilities will have to 1nto account of the st the nature and size orage Th . have to b . ere w1ll obviously e an exten process bef S1ve consultation ore any storage of h' regu1at10ns for the can be fin flammable liquidS a 1sed. -

LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

G.L.C.

Conveyance

by Hoad

At Havering Magistrates' Court a Kent transport firm was fined £100 for each of six contraventions of No. 12(2) of the Petr01eum Spirit (Conveyance by Regulations (filling openings insecurely closed) and £200 for an infringement of Regulation 11 in that the carrying tank was not JTla:i.ntainp.d

in good Condition C awarded t . osts of £75 were o the Council.

The Offences were wagon was detected when the tank 1nvolved d it was noticed th 1n an accident an a part of th at petrol was leaking from Signs of tank which showed

SUFFOLKConveyance by Road

On 29th September 1978 at Edmunds M . , ag1strates Court , Bury st. B.P. Oil Ltd.

.. ..

and Mr. R.W. Smith (Tanker driver), of Ipswich, both pleaded guilty to charges of failing to lock a filling opening in a manhole on a road tank wagon, contrary to Regulation 12(2) of the Petroleum Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations 1957.

The charges resulted from a routine roadside check when a 5 compartment (8,800 litre capacity) rigid road tank wagon was examined. The vehicle was, at the time, carrying 1,800 litres of petroleum spirit in No. 3 compartment, the others being empty, although numbers 2, 4 and 5 had earlier contained a total of 5,000 litres of diesel oil.

Examination of the manlids showed that number 4 was in the open position and could not be closed, and numbers 3 and 5 could be opened, but could be locked closed.

The prosecution, brought by SUffolk County Trading Standards Department,

resulted in the Company being fined £100 \Vi th £15 cos ts, and the driver being given a conditional discharge.

Kent Conveyance by Road

Sidney Glover (Fuel Oils) Ltd., of Leeds was fined £320.00 with £20.00 costs at Dartford Magistrates Court on 16th August 1978 for a number of of the Petroleum-Spirit (Conveyance by Road) Regulations 1957.

A faulty fire shield brought a fine of £100.00 as did the fact that the tractor unit had not been approved by a government inspector. The failure to keep the manlids closed and the carrying of a key for the manlids each brought £50.00 fines. A £20.00 fine was imposed in respect of the to furnish the driver of the vehicle with a copy of the Regulations.

HAS THE TIME COME FOR CHANGE?

W.A. ATHERTON, STATION OFFICER, BUCKINGHAMSHIRE FIRE BRIGADE

The writer wishes to express that this is his own personal view upon the subject and in no way reflects the view of any enforcing Authority. The object of the essay is to promote discussion and debate upon the subject of problems that arise and have arisen with licensed petroleum installations.

Question:-

Is the standard being adopted nationally by nearly all enforcing Authorities too high, and we being over cautious, or do we stay the same and remain unchanged in the light of today's experiences, when we are becoming accustomed to having and controlling some very dangerous materials and processes.

The last model code to be written on the standards to pe adopted for petroleum installation was 1968, perhaps the time has now come to update the standards of such installations in the light of experiences gained since 1974, when County Councils took over the responsibilities for licensing. I

propose to deal only with that part of the code which deals with the storage of petroleum spirit in underground tanks, and pumps as found on retail garage forecourts and farms, etc. The seperate code which deals with major installatioffi is another story.

I think it is important at this stage to make distinction between existing installations and installations under construction. Let us take first of all the installations under construction and examine them in parts. The prime factor when siting tanks and ancillary equipment is, of course, public safety, but of course one has to look at part No. 2.1.2 of the code together with part 2.2.3 to see how the majority of Licensing Authorities arrive at the safety distance of 14'.

I will deal with the distances later on when talking about other safety factors. I think it is well accepted, and good practice, to design the construction of the site as laid down, that is, to prevent leakage and corrosion. However, when talking of

the actual tank, is it really necessary for Licensing Authorities to stipulate that the tank should be made of steel?

It has been proved by recent tests that other materials, for example G.R.P stands up better in fire situations than steel and, providing the material used was protected from mechanical and corrosive damage, why not use one made from plastic? I understand that some forward looking manufacturers did at one time construct petrol storage tanks and associated equipment made from plastic, but due to lack of customers, they ceased production. It would be easier to handle when being installed and cheaper cost wise, and of course would not be subject to corrosion by condensation etc., as steel tanks are. Therefore, it would have a longer life expectancy, and alleviate some of the problems that arise when a tank gets older, or is subject to corrosion.

Now, when it comes to the testing of tanks prior to them going underground, there have been all sorts of suggestions and thoughts as to what is the best way to achieve the results of such tests. Of course there is more than one method described of testing tanks other than pressure testing. Now surely if a manufacturer could and would give a certificate of guarantee as to the standard that the tank had been constructed to, surely the tank would not need to be subject to further tests. When companies and persons give the Fire Authorities certificates stating that complicated and dangerous pieces of equipment are satisfactory, surely then it would follow that someone such as a tank manufacturer would come into the same category.

To the best of my knowledge nobody yet has approved any other type of material, other than steel, for vent pipes and fittings but for years now water and gas undertakings have been passing liquids and gasses through concrete and plastic pipes with no leaks and, providing they were suitably protected from machanical damage, surely it would be more advantageous to use a material that is not subject to corrosion as steel pipework is, and the problems that arise when a leak is found on pipework and the pipe has to be excavated.

The Siting of Pumps

Recent tests have proved that when one is discharging a product from a nozzle

into a vehicle tank, the area away from the actual filling point is the only area liable to explosion. If one takes the situation that arises frequently on retail forecourts, that is the parking of vehicles on top of petrol storage tanks, or two vehicles stationary and filling up with petrol, when the car in the rear starts up its engine the safety factor for the electrical equipment of the vehicle does, of course, not apply. Therefore it would appear to make a farce of the division 2 area. Obviously pumps should be sited in such a position as to protect public safety, however, if one takes the distance of 14' (which has already been reduced from 20') from any boundary or occupied buildings, and asks the question why l4'? Well, it arises from the distance that is considered the danger areas when talking about division 1 and 2 areas and, as we know, this area starts from the centre and top of the pumps and starts to taper off at 10', downwards to the ground, and finishes at 14'. With modern pumps fitted with no rigid dispensing arms and 14' flexible hose, which when removed from the housed position as one does when filling a vehicle, where does one start measuring the 14' from? If the code is followed then the position of the nozzle makes a nonsense of 14'. So, surely it would be better to make the danger area smaller in circumference of the greater distance of the flexible discharge pipe, providing one kept the dividion 1 and 2 areas around the pumps and nozzle.

EXisting Installations

Of course, after four years of dealiLg with the problems associated with existing installations, it is with some hindsight that we can now look back and see the answers to the problems that have arisen over what we call 'sub standard installations', that is, those that do not conform with the model code in some way or another.

Well, of course, as we all know, the preface to the code says that it should be used on new installations, therefore, it is not really fair to expect that installations of, say 20 25 years old can be brought up to the present standards. Perhaps it would be better if they were treated with a completely new set of guidelines.

Let me take first of all tanks. During

a recent fire in the U.S.A., which involved a distribution depot, at the rear of the premises, and a retail outlet at the front of the premises, the underground tanks were subjected to intense heat from the above-ground which were ruptured, at the rear of the premises, and after all the fire had been extinguished, it was discovered that not one ounce of petrol in the underground tanks had been destroyed during the intense hear of the fire. So when one gets a situation of tanks that are in a dangerous area, or within a building, what are the objections to sealing up the existing inlets and openings into the tank, and filling the tank manholes with sand, fitting offset fills and hydro-static guages rather than, perhaps, closing the premises down or subjecting the occupier to large expense or redevelopment.

When tanks that are rather old and, perhaps, due to acidity in the soil are more to leakage than perhaps ones which have been set in sulphate resistant concrete, it is perhaps wise not to take any chances on its reliability. But why not first of all check by physical means, that is ullage tests, that the tank itself is quite sound. After all, at today's prices who can afford to keep losing petrol? If there is then some doubts about its reliability then a pressure test can be arranged, but as we know 10 lbs. p.s.i. can, in fact, act upon the flaking that occurs within a tank and these flakes can seal up any leakage. Perhaps a reduced pressure would achieve the same objective.

Pumps

The old fashioned over the pavement or

public highway swing arm type pump has caused no end of problems to present day Licensing Authorities. Some of the objections being somewhat emotive. The point concerning danger areas has, perhaps, been elaborated upon and whilst one accepts that the licensee cannot control the public highway, for many years now over the pavement fills have been operating with no mishaps. Whilst not trying to remove any of the obvious dangers and hazards associated with petroleum spirit, are we not, perhaps, seeing too many skeletons in the closets? After all, when a vehicle pulls up to fill its tank with petrol, no control is placed upon the standards of safety of that vehicle and an explosion or fire can just as easily be started by a vehicle as it can by anything else that we find on petroleum forecourts. Therefore, perhaps the siting of pumps with all the strict distances that are laid down, can be nullified by a vehicle that has, perhaps, a defective electrical system.

When we find a manual petrol pump sited within a barn which, perhaps, has a dual role, that is, it is used to garage a tractor or piece of farm machinery and providing the nozzle can be terminated outside the barn, is it really necessary to ask the licensee to resite his pump because it is within a building.

In conclusion, I accept that it is perhaps difficult to assess every situation with a different set of standards but perhaps the time has.come when all the interested parties should get around the table and talk as to what and which way we should proceed in the future, in the light of the experiences which have been gained over the recent years.

C ORRESPONDENCE

16a Latchmore Fo rest Grove, Cowplain,

Portsmouth, P08 8XG. 12th September 1978

fill arrangement'. The old adag e ' the re is nothing new under the sun' springs to mind.

Hq n orary Edi tor, The Bulletin.

Dear Sir,

I read with interest your write up on Mr. Ellis's 'modified form of offset

Mr. Ron Hardy of Gilbarco and I devised a similar arrangement in 1969, which was installed on an Esso service station in Portsmouth in that year and has been in use ever since. OUr installation differs from Mr. Ellis's in that it is not enclosed, but is protected from impact by vehicles by tubular steel crash barriers. Any appreciable spillage is trapped as the

G v U DISTR18UTION

complete forecourt is via falls and gullies to an interceptor.

W . der that this arrangement offers e consl. 'd ble advantages over Consl. era al underground manhole conventl.on chambers _ there is no reserVOl.r to collect disused grade/number plates/ padlocks/fill capS/water the ffice r can readl.ly see that l.nspectl.ng 0 the fill pipes are locked and numbered, and lastly, but by no means least, the

tanker driver can connect his hoses without undue bending.

Similar installations are currently in use at an industrial site and a Conoco station, both in Portsmouth.

Yours faithfully, Derek Ridde tt, Petroleum Officer ' B' Divi,sion , Hampshire Fi r e Brigade

LONDON NEWS

Unfortunate coincidence

A teenager died after being bad13' burned when petrol vapour was ignited by a cooker in the kitchen of a two-storey dwelling. The lad misplaced the screw top of a petrol can after filling the fuel tank of a motor mower while mowing a lawn. He went into the house to ask his friend if he had seen the screw top of the can, taking the can with him. He left the can on the kitchen floor while he went into another room to see his friend. The ignition of petrol vapour unfortunately coincided with his return to the kitchen.

Unsafe equipment

As part of a toluene extraction process at a chemical factory an organic base material is partly stripped of toluene by steam before being taken in a laGged vessel to be heated by gas. The residual toluene is then condensed for collection in a glass receiver. An employee operating the condensation part of the process suffered burns to his hands, face and neck as a result of a fire involving the toluene.

It is conjectured that after turning off the gas supply the operator dropped the glass receiver when removing it. Condensate was spilled and vapour from it was ignited by the hot combustion chamber. The fire was extinguished by an automatic C02 system.

Exothermic reaction

A fire occurred in an Organo-Tin plant at a chemical factory when the plant was re-used following a few weeks shut down. To enable one of the process vessels to be repaired the paint had to be steamed out. In course of this water unbeknown entered the underground cyclo-hexane storage tank.

the plant was re-started, water instead of cyclo-hexane was pumped into the process vessels. The presence of water instead of cyclo-hexane in the

plant caused' an exothermic reaction and raised the temperature within the plant to about 200 degrees C - well in excess of the auto ignition temperature of one of the solvents, di-ethyl-ether.

The fire was confined to the plant with slight damage to a nearby timber building

Defective sealing ring

Engineers checking a submerged pump installation at a petrol filling station found a substantial quantity of petrol in the chamber housing the pump. The pump head was dismantled and a defective sealing ring was discovered. Being upstream of the leak detector valve the leak was not detected. Examination of the licensee's stock records showed a book loss of about 6,000 gallons of petrol over a three months period.

Pit trouble

At a vehicle engine plant petrol is pumped by means of an air-operated pump to a header tank on the outside wall of the factory building from whence it is piped to an engine testing area inside the building.

When the senior petroleum inspector for the district was notified that petrol had leaked from the system into the factory he found an un-used pit 4 feet deep and measuring 5m x 7m in area beneath the factory floor and adjacent to the header tank position. Offices for senior management have been provided over the pit. He found about 9 inches of liquid in the pit, the top half inch of which was petrol.

The cause of the leak was the failure of a diaphragm of an air-operated valve on the pipeline immediately before the header tank and petrol had leaked through the defeCtive wall of the valve chamber into the pit. The atmosphere both in the pit and the manhole chamber in excess of 100% LEL so the lnspector immediately stopped repair work until breathing apparatus had been provided.

Reproduced below are items frow the London Fire Brigade Petroleum Branch Information

The liquid in the pit, which included about 100 gallons of petroleum spirit, was removed with a vaccuum pump after detergent had been added. The pit was finally pronounced clear after it had been washed out ventilated and dried with an air line. The valve manhole chamber has now been repaired.

Tank problems

Two French engineers were invited by Total Oil G.B. Ltd to witness the installation of a new petrol tank at a Greenwich filling station. They were favourably impressed with the method of installation which is different from that used in France.

There was an exchange of views and it emerged that local authority control in France does not exist to the same extent as here. Modern French tanks are of double skin construction, each skin being 6 mm thick and the 4 mm gap between each skin is filled with an anti-freeze solution fed from a fixed reservoir. The reservoir is checked daily and is connected to an audible leak detector alarm. The tanks are tested at 1.0b and are not surrounded by concrete. Sometimes cathodic protection is provided.

A spiritual union with Solomon

And it came to pass that on the sixth day a man who was called Shop Steward and was a toiler at a money printers said unto his master that his servants were sore afraid lest the host of empty vessels in the place named petroleum store should fall upon their heads. Verily they would not henceforth enter into that place of darkness.

Now the master was greatly troubled and in sore distress and he cried out in a loud voice saying Help me! Help me! For I know not what to do.

And 10 there came unto him from afar a wise man called Petroleum Inspector who straightway spoke unto the master, the Father of the Chapel and divers conveners when they were all assembled together to hear his teaching. And he commandeth that the vRssels be brim-filled with water from the well and placed without the store walls, and that the law of the land be not breached.

Astonished at his wisdom they spoke one with another saying Verily it was a judgemen t of Solomon, and they went their way rejoicing and giving thanks for their del i verance

BOOK REVIEW

Book Review

Continuing a consideration of past publications-which may have been missed the first time round.

Hazardous Materials

This manual of United States origin was published here in 1976 by Von Nostrand Reinholt Company at £8.10. It attempts to combine the viewpoints of chemistry, fire fighting, manufacture, storage and distribution of hazardous materials. In many respects it succeeds. Not surprisingly, the authors, Leroy Schieler and Denis Pauze are a chemist and a firefighter respectively

BY BOOKWORM

The very clear layout in 37 self contained units each ending with self assessment questions is very much in the American College tradition. This may be annoying to some, as may be the spelling, but I must admit to enjoying its novelty.

Basic science and combustion behaviour is covered empirically, before going on to deal with each class of hazardous material. The final unit covers the official regulations for transport. It is interesting to note that the U.S regulations control the carriage of flammable solids, flammable and nonflammable gases, poisons and irritants in addition to the substances covered by U.K. legislation.

LEGAL NOTES

Criminal Law Act 1977

As from 17th July 1978 a further set of the provisions of the Criminal Law Act 1977 have been in force. They were brought into effect by the Criminal Law Act 1977 (Commencement No. 5) Order 1978 which was made on 16th May 1978. The following matters may affect petroleum and explosive officers.

Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928

By virtue of Section 31 (5) and (6) of the Criminal Law Act 1977 certain increases in penalty are specified in respect of enactments which were made before 1949. In cases where the penalties have remained unchanged since the end of 1948 new penalties are given.

Section 17 (5) of the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 falls into this category and the penalty is increased to £50. The section deals with obstruction and failure to give samples of petroleuffi.

Explosives Act 1875

Section 28 (2) of the Criminal Law Act 1977 effectively increases the penalties in respect of certain offences which are "triable either way" i.e. either on indictment or summarily. Sections 30 and 32 of the Explosives Act are triable either way by virtue of Section 91 of that Act. The penalty is therefore increased for each offence to £1,000 from the £2 previously operative. Section 30 deals with the hawking, selling or exposing for sale of explosives in a highway, street or public place, whilst Section 32 creates the offence of failing to keep explosives in a substantial, properly labelled receptacle when sold or exposed for sale.

Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974

Section 33 (5) of this Act is specificruly affected by Section 15 and 30 of the Criminal Law Act. Section 30 increased the penalties for a continuing contravention of an improvement notice, a prohibition notice or a court order. The previous £50 per day has now become £101 day By Section 15, these

By E. Furniss ASSistant County Consumer Protection Officer, Kent County Council.

continuing offences may now be tried only summarily, instead of being triable either summarily or on indictment.

The penalty specified in Section 33 (3) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 has been increased under the general provisions of Section 28 (2). For a summary conviction this now becomes £1,000 (for offences committed after 17.7.78). Even this new penalty of £1,000 may be increased further (to take into account the changes in money values) by an order under Section 61 (1) of the Criminal Law Act 1977.

A minor amendment is made to Section 15 (6) (d) of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 by Schedule 12 of the Criminal Law Act. Section 15 (6) (d) now reads "may restrict the punishments (other than the maximum fine on conviction of indictment) which can be imposed in respect of any Such offence as is mentioned in paragraph (c) above".

A major change is made in the procedure to determine how offences which are triable either way (which most and explosives offences caught by Section 33 (3) of the Health and Safety Act are) should be heard. Previously it was a matter on which the prosecution could elect. Now by virtue of Section 20 of the Criminal Law Act 1977 first the prosecution and then the accused must be given the opportunit t " y to make representa lons as to the mode of trial. The court must then deCide having to the following cri teria:-

(1) the nature of the case (2) whether the offence is of a serious charater (3) whether the punishment which the magistrates could inflict WOuld be adequate (4) any other Circumstances.

If the court decides on a summary trial as being more suitable the accUsed may consent to being so tried, or he may still opt for trial by jury. (Section 21)

EXPLOSIVES

Defini tion

A mechanical or chemical arrangement by means of which a predetermined and reasonably controled amount of work may be carried out using the force applied by the rapid expension of gases.

The two distinctive types of chemical explosive are known as deflagrating and detonating.

A deflagrating explosive such as gunpowder (black powder) and nitro compound are known as low explOSives giving fast burning with low pressures and need to be confined in an enclosed space in order to be effective, i.e. a gun breech and barrel or tightly packed in a drilled hole as in quarrYing,

A detonating explosive such as dynamite, gelignite, nitro glycerine and many other types of modern blasting explosives do not always require Such confinement to give rapid decomposition and extreme pressures.

A mechanical explosive Would be compressed air or steam both of which are regularly used in circumstances where a strictly effort is required, such as d1scharging naval torpedoes, catapulting aircraft st , ar starting high powered internal Comb engines. ustlon

Explosives may also be Used in sec' C f b "· d . tt· p lal ases or r1ve lng Using explosive rivets, impact weldl'n . g and large die presS1ngs.

Quali ties

An explosive must have:1. chemical stability

sensitivity to ignition

sensitivity to detonation

velocity of detonation

explosiNe strength

History

PrObably the first known appll'C t. Of a 10n Cht an explosive material was by the nese in the 10th century, this

E.W. DEAN, SENIOR OFFICER HUMBERSIDE COUNTY COUNCIL

material may have been a crude mixture of nitrates, sulphur and charcoal, and although some historians have reported that attempts were made to discharge stones from a crude bamboo muzzle loading gun, it is believed that the main application was in the use of 'stink bombs' which were wicker baskets containing burning sulphurous material which were thrown by means of catapults and slings into an enemy emplacement or ship to terrify them. It may also have been used for signals, rockets or fireworks.

In 1:32 AD the Chinese are believed to have used rocket propelled arrows against the invading Mongols.

Roger Bacon is reputed to have discovered gunpowder in the Western Himisphere in 1242 AD although this was written in latin and may have been translated from Arabic.

The Paduans in 1379 and the Venetians in 1380 are reported to have used rockets extensively in war.

Black powder is reported to have been used in mining in Germany in 1613 and in Schemnitz Hungary in 1627.

Nitro glycerine was discovered by an Italian chemist, Ascario Sobrero, in 1846 but it was found to be so unstable f it found (only by being kept rozen was to be safe) that it was merely a laboratory curiosity.

In 1867, Nobel, a Swedish . t d dynamite by absorb1ng n1tro 1nven e . . th k1'eselguhr and glycer1ne 1n e Id ' the result into sticks of mou 1ng . . before drying. Th1S varying S1zes . 1 more stable and could be mater1a was handled a lot safer but it was He then used wood pulp expens1ve. . . th . d f k1'eselguhr and th1s 1S e lnstea 0 method used today.

Another form was to dissolve cotton in . f nitriC and sulphuric acid a m1xture 0 -cotton. Gun-cotton to make gun forms a dissolved in nitro glycerlne jelly producing gelignite.

Black powder is manufactured 10 12 tons at a time by mixing the sulphur 15% and the charcoal 10% in a paste with water in a ball mill, and whilst still wet adding the potassium nitrate 75%. The resulting paste was dried in trays, granulated and graded, then packed in boxes or bags of 10 kilos each.

"Ampho" commonly used in quarrying is a mixture of ammonium nitrate and diesel oil, this is mixed on the site as a rule, and strict Health and Safety Executive licenses are required to carry this out and use it.

NOTE The mixing of any explosives is the critical period, as the materials mix together so the stability may be reduced.

and 9rotection against lighting and fire, with remote control used where possib le.

Closed circuit television can be used but NOT for electric detonators.

Accidents and incidents

In 1956 a dock labourer in Hull docks noticed some sticks of explosives in coal being loaded in bulk into a ship bound for a foreign port. He collected them (12) out them in his lunch bag and carried them in a public transport. and handed them in at the Police Station. Some of them were weeping (pure nitro glycerine), they were carefully placed in a bucket of sand, carried to the nearest open space and guarded until the disposal officers arrived from the Army Barracks at York and exploded them in a nearby open space.

The manufacture of all explosives is strictly controlled and licensed by the Health and Safety Executive. Rigid and exacting tests are applied throughout. At all stages of manufacture regular samples are tested and reports entered in a register. All imported explosives are sampled and tested at every batch. Tests include hammer (impact) tests, spinning disc, electrical stability, speed of ignition (6 miles.per Ability to withstand deterloratlon ln reasonable storage conditions.

All detonators are manufactured in highly sophisticated plants where every effort is made to combine ease and safety of the processes and the safety of the staff involved. Small 'factories' surrounded by banks of earth, soft roof, strict control of personnel numbers rigidly enforced,

Explosives in Coal

Reported Occurrences reported 1967 4 1966 9 12 1962 12 10 1960 15 13 1974 13 2 2

killed killed killed injured, but in cases only was explosives proved 1972: Coaster and its cargo contaminated with nitro glycerine whilst carrying 100 tons of explosives, further handling was deemed unsafe. It was towed out into deep water and blown up. 1949: Raining, and a man returning already armed charges into a store, (illegal) and must have dropped them, 500 lbs plus,

Thefts of Attempts Successful Successful explosives believerl for criminal purposes

Stolen Recovered 1969 38 35 27 440lb (350) 1970 30 29 21 1300 (850) 1971 31 28 23 1300 (180) 1972 30 28 17 220 (130) 1973 35 32 15 427 (294) 1974 14 9 5

As well as detonators and fuse.

exploded causing damage up to 1,000 yards.

1934: Spraying weeds with potassium chlorate, the spray covered his clothes and later in the house when dry, it was ignited by a match cigaratte (fatal).

1921: Mannheim, silo in fertiliser factory containing 4,500 tons of double salt ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulphate which sets hard in silo and the practice is to blow it down with explosive. By mistake an ammonium nitrate explosive was used and the whole exploded killing 600 people, injuring 500. Obliterating the town.

1974: An attempt made to enter steel explosive store using oxyecetylene when the whole store exploded. Railway waggon entered and five cases removed but all recovered intact. Attempt through the roof of a magazine failed.

Safety

Moqt explosives deteriorate if exposed to moisture, gunpowder and nitropropellants become weak and ineffective.

explosives, however, become highly unstable and will exude a sticky liquid nitro glycerine and become extremely dangerous to handle.

Detonators are usually small cooper or silver coloured items about the size of an elongated .22 cartridge case and in the case of electric detonators there are two coloured wires attached. Do not handle them roughly, don't pull on the wires, if you have to handle

ACQUISITION

Order in Council No 12

Order in CounCi 1 No 13

them hold them by the wires only, the heat of the hand can exploda them and they can deftly remove fingers and eyes.

DO NOT USE a transmitter (radio) within 50 yards of a detonator store.

The successful and safe use of any explosives can only be assured by the meticulour care and attention to detail cleanliness and sure and expert training.

Large quantities may be acquired, usually for use in one single operation, but if required to be kept for more than a short period must be kept in a safe place, safe from entry, and the local authority 1nformed with the possibility of registry. (Registered premises Section 22).

NOTE: In the above cases there is no authority for inspection by an explosives inspector, unless he that explosives are being kept for an excessive period.

REGISTRATION BY LOCAL AUTHORITY

Order in Council No 16

REGISTRATION

MODE A

60lb explosive and detonators or 2001b gunpowder. Kept in a substantial building, wholly detached from any dwelling house. A safe distance being not less than 15 yards from any public place or thoroughfare.

Private Use

10lb Blasting Explosive or 30lb gunpowder, 100 detonators, Police Certificate necessary to purchase (Control of Explosives Order) (1953/SI No. 1598)

It is not necessary for Police Certificate for purchase of Nitro Compound for use in cartridges exclusively for small arms.

Order in Council No 28

Irrunedi a te Use

Explosives other Ni tro Compound. purchase only.

than gunpowder, or Valid for one

REGISTRATION MODE B

l5lb explosives and detonators or 50lb gunpowder, kept in a substantial cupboard, box or drawer.

Only gunpowder may by kept in a fireproof safe. All detonators stored separately.

Each of these modes may include 500lbs powder contained in ammunition of 1st Div Class 6 provided it is in secure storage, i.e. steel cabinet or box. Note: 500lb in 35 grain units would represent 100,000 cartridges.

MAGAZINES (Defining a store containing more than 4,0001b of explosives)

Controlled by Home Office and licensed by them. Any quantity, as laid down by requirements of H.M. Explosives Inspectors. Not inspected by local authority only by police for security.

STORE CONSTRUCTION

Brick, stone or concrete block walls are not now acceptable for new stores. Existing stores so constructed only permitted to continue if sound and fitted with sophisticated alarm system, and must be provided with further outer skin of not less than 5 inches of reinforced concrete, so that it overlaps the roof and is tied in with the roof.

Walls of brick or stone at least 9 inches thick and provided wjth alarm. Or at least 14 inches including the 5 inches of reinforced concrete if without the alarm. Single brick walls must include a minimum of 10 inches reinforced concrete.

Fenced, if in the open and so required by local authority.

Steel stores manufactured to strict specification as laid down by the Heal th and Safety Executive.

VENTILATION

Staggered openings. Bolted guards.

OVERHEAD ELECTRIC CABLES

A break in the cable must not allow it to fall across the store.

LOANING A STORE

Only the licensee may have a key and all material must be compatable.

STEEL STORES

See drawing in Nobel's handbook. All stores must have separate compartments for detonators and explosives and all modifications to Home Office requirements completed. Note the 9 ineh distance between detonator store and explosives store.

LIGHTNING CONDUCTORS

Div. C.D.E.

Pole not less than 6 feet from store and the store must be within 60 0 from the top of the pole.

SECURITY

Any person who enters without permission trespasses upon, Factory: Magazine, Store or the land adjoining, is guilty of an'offence and may be removed by Constable, occupier or agent or servant duly authorised.

Occupier must take all to prevent accidents due to flre or explOSion, and for preventing the access of unauthorised persons.

STORAGE OF EXPLOSIVES

Store

Distance from Distance from Quantity Protected Class 1 Class 2 Work

Di vision A 150lb & detonators

Division B 300lb & detonators

Division C 1000lb & detonators

75 ft 85 feet

75 ft 130 feet

146 ft 292 feet

Division D 2000lb & detonators 230 ft 460 feet

Di vi si on E 40001b & detonators 352 ft 704 feet

STORES INSPECTION

Division, quantity, and warning notice on inside of door.

Keys must be in the hands of a responsible person, kept in a safe place, not at home, not under a brick and the number of keys an absolute minimum.

All locks secure, lock plate welding intact, outside welded lock guard intact and secure. Check all welded joints round the roof.

No damage to door or fittings, all door stiffeners intact, and securely welded, all hinges covered with plastic tape.

Walls, floor, door and ceiling covered with wood and with no protruding iron nai Is.

Floor clean and dry.

Nothing to be kept in the store other than the explosives and any non-ferrous tools necessary for use in the store.

Class 1

Dwellinghouse Shop

Room of any kind

Workshop of any kind Mineral or private Railway

Furnace, Kiln or fire

Magazine for explosives Store for explosives

Registered premises Highway, public footpath, promenade or open place

Open to public or for persons engaged in trade or business

Canal or navigatable waters

No rags or cleaning cloths of any kind in the store.

Vegatation around the store to be kept down and clear from the sides.

Lightning conductor where required to be complete. Check where the strip enters the ground, the pole sound, and the top complete and not damaged by tree branches.

Check detonator store as for main store see that horizontal and vertical flanges provided in the attachment to the main store are secure but note the air space must not be boxed in;

In the case of an attached detonator store the maximum number of detonators permitted is 1,000.

Check the normal use of detonators to ensure that an abnormal number are not being carried. (see Shotfirer's Record Book) _

Bear in mind that the main requirement of subversive elements is the detonator particularly the electric type.

Class 2

Dwe 11 inghouse Shop

In occupation of licensee or wi th consent

in writing of occupier

Store Registered premises Factory of any kind

Without the consent of the occupier

,

79

Building in care of ministry of works

Place of public worship

Educational establishment Hospital or similar Court of justice Theatre, cinema, market where the public assemble Government or Local GI vernment building

Check the explosive register, is it up to date? Do the deliveries and quantities used tally. Does it record what is left in the stores accurately?

FILLING SHOTGUN CARTRIDGES

Whilst it was never envisaged that commercial loading of cartridges would be carried out otherwise than in a registered and licensed factory, nevertheless this section covers such a contingency.

Only a maximum of 5lb of propellant is permitted at any time in the filling room. The remainder must be kept (maximum 200 lb) in a fireproof safe in a separate building securely locked.

All filled cartridges to be kept in a securely locked store separate from the filling room.

No rifles or shotguns to be kept in this store.

The floor of wood in the filling room must be complete and with no protruding iron nails.

The floor must be kept clean at all times. All shelves, tables and lamps to be kept free from dust.

No work whatever may be carried out in the filling room unconnected with the actual filling of cartridges unless all propellant and filled cartridges are removed and the place washed down.

No smoking, no matches or lighters, no nails in boots"

OTHER STORAGE

Fireworks and Cartridges in Shops

Fireworks are to be kept in metal,

wood, or glass containers so that although they may be seen by a customer the customers cannot handle them and there must be no smoking in the shop.

Cartridges must be kept in locked cupboards and at night kept in locked steel cabinets, unless the buildings are suitably wired for alarms and secure.

Multiple Registered Premises at Collieries and Quarries

A maximum of 60 lb of explosives is allowed in each cupboard. All explosives to be carried in the leather bags provided, all detonators in a separate bag and all booked out to the shotfirer and any returned, hooked in, strict records to be kept.

The store itself to be of an approved type laid down by the Health and Safety Executive Explosives Division.

SALE OF EXPLOSIVES

No sale of any explosive (other than ni tro compound propellant) unless the buyer possesses a police certificate to purchase.

Complete records are kept of all transactions, type, quantity, etc. name and address of purchaser.

Any "FOUND" explosive material or device must be treated with extreme suspicion. DO NOT TOUCH IT. It can only be dealt with by explosives experts usually from the Army Bomb Disposal Section whO are contacted by the police and authorised to deal with it "NO HEROICS", :::z:::

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

MINUTES OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING HELD AT THE WEST MIDLANDS FIRE SERVICE, HEADQUARTERS, BIRMINGHAM, ON WEeNESDAY 19TH APRIL, 1978

The meeting was opened by Mr. T. Lister, M.I. Fire E., Chief Fire Officer of the West Midlands Fire Service who welcomed the 56 members and 9 visitors present:-

Apologies

The Honorary Secretary reported the receipt of 39 apologies from members who were unable to attend the meeting.

Minutes

The minutes of the 1977 Annual General Meeting (previously circulated) were put to the meeting. It was proposed by Mr. J. Thompson, seconded by Mr. B. Lowe that they be accepted, this was agreed by the meeting.

Matters Arising

There were no matters arising.

Chairman's Report

The Chairman Mr. B. T. A. Collins in his address added his welcome to that of Mr. Lister and thanked members for their continuing support as demonstrated by their presence that morning, he said:-

"During my year of office I have not had the privilege to attend meetings of branches due to the continuing need to stabilise our income and continue the reduced level of expenditure. I am certain that you will shortly hear from the Treasurer that these efforts have borne fruit and that in the future the Association will move into an era of normality. It was regrettable that there was no further encouragement, at least not in tangible form, which local authorities are giving to the Association in recognition of the part which branches have played in promoting technical education in the petroleum field.

As a result of informal discussions with members I am quite sure that you are fully aware of the need to broaden still further the base of Gur membership.

Although the year has been one of retrenchment it has still required a considerable amount of thought, time and effort from the officers of the Association as will respective reports. indeed to have this

be seen in their I am very pleased opportunity to pay warm tribute to these officers for all their hard work on our behalf and especially to the Honorary Secretary for his work at National level dealing with petroleum and explosives matters which to enhance the reputation of the Association".

Honorary Secretary's Report

Mr. J. Frid commenced his report by reviewing the membership situation which he said had reduced slightly during the past year. It was most important he said, for all members to keep the pressure on and take every opportunity that came to recruit new members for only by doing this could we continue to operate as a viable body. He gave the membership totals as:

Members 158 Associates 114 Bul./Subscribers 39

The Honorary Secretary went on to review the past year which he said had again been inhibited due to the need for continuing economy, a situation which he hoped the Honorary Treasurer would have better news about in his report. There had been a considerable volume of both telephone and written enquiries from members and other concerning petroleum metters during the year, and it was obvious from these that the Association still fulfills an important and necessary role in this field.

The Honorary Secretary further reported that there had been no meetings of the Council during the year, again due to the need for economy, but that the Associations' business had been satisfactorily conducted by telephone and correspondence. He had attended three meetings with officers of the Health and Safety Executive during the

year to discuss matters pertaining to future legislation which he said would be touched upon by our speaker later in the day. '!he Secretary has also been asked to prepare a paper for a one day conference that the Health and Safety Executive proposed to hold later that ____ _ _

Finally, the Honorary Secretary spoke of the various Branch activities that were going on, and stressed that this was the life blood of the Association. During the year meetings of the London and South Eastern, Yorkshire and Eastern branches had been held to the benefit of all who had attended. It was with regret, therefore, that he reported on the resignation of the Chairman of the Midlands Branch, and the lack of activity from that branch which he had, in company with others of the Association's Officers, helped to inaugurate after the reorganisation of Local Government.

In ·conclusion the Honorary Secretary thanked the Officers and Members of the Association for their help and support during the year.

Honorary Treasurer's Report

The Honorary Treasurer reported that the Association was in a much better financial position by the end of the year in spite of the increase in price of postage, stationary, telephoning etc., The present method of printing had proved to be satisfactory and was much less expensive. All expenses had been cut to the minimum so that the previous year's deficit had been cleared and a reasonable credit balance remained.

He thanked the Chairman, the Hon. Secretary and the Hon. Editor for their support throughout the year and for their co-operation in keeping costs at the lowest possible level.

After giving his formal report the Honorary Treasurer was congratulated by members for his efforts in steering the Association's finances into qUieter waters during the year so enabling the current balances to take on a healthier look. The question of capitation fees to Branches was raised again, the considerable discussion followed. The Association's Rules were quoted, and finally Branch Secretary's were advised to submit any claims for such fees direct to the Honorary Treasurer and accompany such claims with their current Branch membership lists for verification

Honorary Editor's Report

The Honorary Editor, Mr. J.S. Crewe reported that since his last annual report to the Association, three issues of "The Bulletin" had been printed and distributed. This was one less than had been hoped, and because of the "slippage" of the due publishing dates, the gaps between issues had been enlarged. It was hoped to tighten up the publishing schedule to avoid this problem in 1978/1979.

Some new contributors had emerged, the editor revealed, due in part to his appeal for articles at the 1977 A.G.M. and at Branch meetings, and some of the new material in the pipeline was in the form of humourous items which he thought members would find refreshing. He alsO commented that this made the task of proof reading more enjoyable. A number of contributors had preferred the use of a nom-de-plume to the use of their own names, and the editor wondered if there was a sinister inference to be drawn from this!

More items were still needed to swell the pages of "The Bulletin", particularly on the subjects of Explosives and Working Practice, and Mr. Crewe asked those present for suggestions of other items which members would find useful. He also asked Branch Secretary's to ensure that copies of Minutes were forwarded to him for publication.

In closing, the Honorary Editor said that he confidently expected a return to a quarterly format in the coming year, and he thanked contributors, members and officers of the Association for their help and support during the past twelve months.

Election of Chairman

Mr. George Bailey (Bedfordshire Consumer Protection Department) was nominated and elected Chairman for the ensuing year. The new· Chairman thanked the members for the honour of his election and looked forward to an interesting year. He said "My first contact with Petroleum legislation and its enforcement was in 1931 when I joined the Portsmouth Testing Department, and until 1938 I was actively engaged with the enforcement of Petroleum legislation with particular emphasiS on installations varying from one small tank to bulk storage installations designed for the rapid discharge of sea-going tankers.

Then as now, though today we have the Health and Safety Executive, enforcement lay squarely on the sholders of the Local Authorities through their Petroleum Officers by whatever name they were called.

As I look back, I realise there has been but little change. We have Liaison Officers appointed by the Health and Safety Executive and maybe in the years to come they will be more effective than they seem today.

There has always been good liaison between the Officers of both Central and Local Authorities but this does not make up for the lack of positive unequivocal legislation which would enable us to sustain a uniform standard of enforcement throughout the country.

Such legislation should take the form of clear concise Regulations made under • he Health and Safety at Work etc., Act 21d be kept abreast of changing condi tions.

I am conscious that re-organisation struct the Association a grevious blow but fortunately it was not mortal.

There are indications that the Associat10n has picked itself up, dusted itself down and is now poised for a revi val. I trust this is so and that the Association will again go from strength to strength but this will depend on our own efforts.

I therefore commend the Association to each and everyone of you and urge you all to do whatever you can to ensure that it is soon the force it once was. I in my turn will do whatever I can".

Vice Chairman

This appointment was left for the Executive Committee to fill later.

Honorary Secretary

Mr. J.W. Frid (County Safety Officer, Cambridgeshire County Council) was nominated and elected to this office for the ensuing year.

Honorary Treasurer

Mr. C.T. Peacock (Yorkshire) was nominated and elected to this office for the ensuing year.

Honorary Editor

Mr. J.S. Crewe (Petroleum Officer, Bedfordshire County Council) was nominated and elected to this office for the ensuing year.

Honorary Liaison Officer

There was no nomination. It was agreed that this office together with that of the Honorary Legal Adviser, should be left open.

Honorary Auditor

Mr. A. Foster (Yorkshire) was nominated and elected to this office for the ensuing year.

Election of Council

The Honorary Secretary reported that he had received nominations for membership of the Council of the Association. The meeting agreed that the following should be elected: Mr. F. Knowles (Buckinghamshire County Council Fire Service), Mr. B.O. Lowe (Bedfordshire County Council), Mr. C.W. Brudenell (Humberside County Council), Mr. R.G. Kitching (Humberside County Council), Mr. D . Riley (West Glamorgan C.C.) and Mr. B.J. Thompson (G.L.C).

Notice of Motion No. 1 Submitted by the Honorary Treasurer seconded by the Honorary secretary.'

"That, if, in the opinion of the Officers of the Association, it becomes necessary to increase membership subscriptions in 1979, an increase of £1.00 on all such subscriptions shall be implemented from January 1979".

The Honorary Treasurer in introducing motion spoke of the possible need to 1ntroduce a rise in the subscription rates in view of possible price and lowered membership. He that at the present time such an 1ncrease was not necessary. If the need did arise, and no provision was made for such eventuality, nothing could be done until the next Annual General Meeting, and even if the need for a rise was accepted, then it would have effect until January 1980. He felt that in the present uncertain financial climate the Association should accept the motion in order to protect itself from possible financial embarrassment.

After considerable discussion the motion was carried but was modified as follows. The work "Officers" in the first line of the motion was substituted by the work "Council" and the words "up to" were inserted between the wo-rd "of" and "£1.00" on the third line of the motion.

Any Other Business

Under this item the subject of training courses was raised. Some members felt that the Association should again enter this sphere of activity in order to assist those who had a need for further training. Many members spoke on the subject and some drew attention to the fact that the Institute of Trading Standards Administration was currently involved in providing such courses. At the conclusion of the discussion it was felt that to duplicate such courses could only result in reduced support for each. It was suggested finally that the Hon. Secretary be instructed to make approaches to the I.T.S.A. with the view to possible participation by the Association in their courses and to keep members informed as to any progress. This was agreed by the meeting.

The meeting adjourned for lunch at 12.40 p.m.

In the afternoon the Chairman welcomed Dr. Cecil Johnson, H.M. Inspector of Expolsives from the Health and Safety Executive. Dr. Johnson spoke to members about the general subject of petroleum administration with particular reference to the appeals procedure. His talk was extremely interesting, and in the question period that followed Dr. Johnsor was able to expand his talk in reference to more specific problems that members put to him. At the conclusion of his session Dr. Johnson was thanked for giving up so much of his valuable time by attending the meeting, and members present showed their warm appreciation in the appropriate way.

The Chairman closed business at 4.00 p.m.