The Bulletin Magazine - December 2007

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The Bulletin

Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

December 2007

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Editorial

Contents Regulars

Brian Baker Editor

Chairman’s Report

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Editor’s Report

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Business Manager’s Report

6

Milton Keynes

Letters to the Editor

8

MK3 5BH

New APEA Members

8

52 Milton Grove

News

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Bletchley

tel:

+44 (0) 1908 252332

fax:

+44 (0) 1908 252319

mob:

+44 (0) 7932 785166

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

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Press Releases

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Jamie Thompson Publishing Chairman 70 Wangford Road Reydon

Articles Resin Generated Foam....Tried, Tested and Proven

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Monitoring of Stage 2 Vapour Recovery

36

2007 AGM, Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner

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LCM Environmental Ltd - 20 Years in the Industry

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Southwold Suffolk IP18 6NX Tel/fax: +44 (0) 1502 722999 Mobile: +44 (0) 7770 625851

History of Petrol Stations - Part 4 Early Automobiles and the Corn Hill “Tanker” Fire

50

LPG Payment at the Pump!

57

BEN - Automotive and Petroleum Industry Charity

58

Flooding and Petrol Filling Stations

61

Hurricanes and Storage Tank Systems

65

(including Bulletin Advertising

Interview with Annie Risbridger of Risbridger Ltd

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and Production)

email: jamiethompson@ukonline.co.uk

Jane Mardell Business Manager

PO Box 106 Saffron Walden Branches Branch reports

Essex CB11 3XT 71

United Kingdom Tel/fax: +44 (0) 845 603 5507

Training 2007/2008 course dates and booking details

Mobile: +44 (0) 7815 055514 73

email:

admin@apea.org.uk

Front Cover - Outside a shop in Whitehouse, Alford, Aberdeenshire supplied by Graham Shand

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

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Chairman’s Report

over 300 delegates which is very pleasing.

Business and Pleasure For those of you who were able to attend APEA 2007 a few weeks ago, what did you make of it? Was it time well spent, was it good value for money? If you were not there we would like to know your reasons. It is very important that we meet the needs of as many members as possible and so your feedback is vital. Please take a few minutes to write to me or anyone on council or our event organisers, Downstream, with your valuable feedback, good or bad. We have already identified a number of aspects requiring attention and we will action these for next year.

The conference got off to an impressive start with a very thought provoking keynote speech by Dr Liam Fox MP when he shared his concerns over the UK’s ultimate reliance for its energy supply on potentially fragile economic and political relations with such resource rich nations as Russia and Iran.

Business The AGM was attended by about 35 of the old and young faithful and was rather uneventful in a good way. The highlight was the presentation to David Sommers on becoming an Association Fellow. Congratulations David it is richly deserved. The election of officers and council members was highly predictable and whilst I am delighted to be continuing for a second and final term as Chairman I can only blame you our members for the lack of ‘new blood’.

Re-election of all of last years council is possibly a sign that we are doing a reasonable job, but to ensure we stay in touch and move forward the Association relies on a reasonable amount of turnover. Next year we really would like to see more members volunteering to serve on branch committees and national council.

The Business sessions, the conference and exhibition, attracted

The loose thread running through the conference papers was the factors which determine the successful forecourt retailer. How you and I measure success can be rather subjective but for this observer it comprises engaging and retaining the loyalty of the customer; building attractive as well as safe and functional service stations; offering flexibility in the ways that the customer can shop and pay; having a proactive approach to environment protection and sustainability; and with an eye to the future; understanding the opportunities and the implications of introducing new fuels and controlling their quality. I believe the speakers did an excellent job of addressing these issues. A counterpoint to the retailing theme was given by Group Captain Arnold of the Defence Fuels Group, who described quite graphically the risks and challenges faced during the Gulf War in securing safe and secure fuel supply routes.

I suspect in those circumstances hazardous zones would extend a little more than 4 metres. Our thanks to all our speakers.

The exhibition layout accommodated a generous area for meeting tables that was well used by delegates and

exhibitors alike and it seemed to create the right environment for some very productive business meetings. Whilst I haven’t seen the breakdown of attendance figures yet, I suspect that our members from the regulatory sector were rather thin on the ground.

Successful design, construction and operation of our forecourts still relies very much on a good understanding by regulators of current technologies and service offerings and on strong and effective dialogue between all stakeholders. Our annual event provides an excellent forum to achieve this and we will work even harder during our 50th anniversary year to address this imbalance.

Pleasure The evening Awards Dinner attracted over 600, which is almost 300% up on 2 years ago. I am sure that many arriving for pre dinner drinks would have benefited from making an appearance earlier in the day and I hope that next years table hosts will encourage their guests to register as a conference delegate. It did seem a much more sober affair than previously; or was that just me. What I did notice was that the pre and after dinner entertainment served as an excellent backdrop for good conversation and networking and there was no excuse for not meeting up with industry colleagues.

The Awards were once again very professionally presented and should spur on more entries next year.

In finishing my report of APEA 2007 I would like to thank our sponsors, exhibitors, Awards judges, our event organisers Downstream Events (otherwise known as Emma and Fiona); our very own Jane Mardell and my colleagues on council. And finally my congratulations to our well deserved Awards winners.

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APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Editor’s Report It seems amazing that I am penning my fourth Report as Editor that represents my first full year in this particular “hot seat” and for me it has been an interesting experience that on reflection causes me to remind us all of the function of this Journal. It is a vehicle for debate, to bring news whether they be of a Regulatory nature or new products and services and certainly, we must retain our technical and engineering type nature as main features within each issue’s pages.

As an industry full of professionals we will not always agree and often biased in our opinions. Sometimes an article maybe controversial or perhaps not as accurate as some would like but that is exactly what I am trying to provoke – the debate – and it is not my role to censor articles that may stifle this exchange of views.

The last issue saw an article concerning the use of resin generated foam that alluded to concerns in its use.

In my experience I have to say that the use of “RG” foam has always been a good option that saves time, reduces costs compared to other solutions and PROVIDED the manufacturers instructions are followed, together with the guidance contained in the “Blue Book”, the process is a good one that address many of the safety and environmental issues at stake.

Speaking of the last issue, I felt a sense of pride that we achieved one of the largest issues for sometime with a content of 76 pages and I hope we can maintain that sort of interest from here on in…so keep those news items and technical articles coming … you send them ... I will print them!

This edition comes immediately after our Annual Conference, Exhibition and Dinner so I will leave it to the report feature on the event but what I like about this event is the pleasure in seeing so many people that I have met, worked with and debated a stream of topics over the years. It is guaranteed to be a great atmosphere to stimulate our involvement with the Downstream Industry and a chance to re-new acquaintances.

This is the second year we have used Downstream Events and I think you will

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agree they are doing a tremendous job for the Association. As soon as last year’s event was over we had a de-brief to learn any lessons and where we can improve the event (I think we have) and judging by the pre-event numbers we are exceeding even last year’s magnificent effort. We seem to be getting bigger and better each year.

One point I would add is for any delegate is to try and get to the Conference and listen to the presentations. The topic matter is no accident and mostly reflects what is the current themes in the industry that keeps you, the member, up to date as well as being accredited with Continued Professional Development (5 hours). A useful addition to the career portfolio.

Also I hope you took time out to wander round the exhibition, too often overlooked in my view and from the variety of stands and an ever present army of exhibitors willing to talk, discuss and maybe sell you some decent products. In fact our annual Conference is the place to be as next year promises to be a bit special We are holding our 50th Anniversary event in 2008 and and we hope to spring a few surprises for our membership. Who will be the guest speaker? What subjects are to be covered by the conference? Will we go down memory lane to those days when some of the old ones started and we can remember “sight glasses ” on pumps, bitumastic paint on tanks, petrol was less than 30p a gallon and the PO was something that the devil himself conjured up to be a constant thorn in the sides of Licensees!!!

Well, just wait and see…………………

I am off shortly on another excursion with Gareth Bourhill and Jamie Thompson on behalf of the Association to deliver training to our members in Bapco in Bahrain and an account of this will hopefully appear next time. The APEA’s future, in my view, depends on our ability to take our influence beyond the confines of the UK as basically, we are all on the same side where ever we are in the world.

Part 4 of the “History” is in this issue and I have received some supportive comments from members that spurs me on to research further as believe me

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

much of what has been discovered in my meagre offerings is indeed brand new that takes a lot of reading and making sure they are accurate. One member even suggested a book be produced of all the historical articles.

Who knows, it is feasible!

You will also see in this issue a report of flooding here in the UK that appears to be a growing phenomenon and poses the question, what effect it must have on a Filling Station with the increased prospect of water filtrating its way into fuel systems and installations.

Thanks to Dennis Dobbs over in Gloucestershire for this article, one of the counties badly effected at the time.

The Stage 2 Vapour Recovery issues continue to take the headlines as the majors embark on their installation programmes and there is more on this subject within this issue.

So too the search for alternative fuels where members of the Association have been active in drawing up some guidance on ethanol and an article will appear soon in this journal as the guidance the Association has produced is not quite ready. It is incomplete but it is close to a finished article.

On top of that the Association have published guidance on Man-way Entry which can be obtained as a free download as a member on the Publications page of the APEA website www.apea.org.uk It is time to sign off and it sounds almost ridiculous in mid October to be saying the very best to every one for the forthcoming Festive Season but in all earnest I hope every one enjoys the holiday and see you next year!

Regards Brian 5

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Business Manager’s Report

Bulletin

I hope that all of you that attended the APEA AGM, Conference, Exhibition and Dinner in October enjoyed yourselves. It certainly was an exciting event that we will repeat next year on an even grander scale to celebrate the APEA’s 50th Anniversary.

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 March 2008 issue and I will pass them onto our Editor for approval.

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

2008/2009 Yearbook You should have all received your 2008 Yearbooks at the beginning of October. Please let me know if you have not received your delivery and I will follow this up. All UK deliveries were delivered by recorded delivery.

I will be posting out the 2009 Yearbook registration forms to you in February with the March issue of the Bulletin, so please ensure that you return your form if you wish to be included. Only members registering their details with me will be included in the Yearbook. The form can also be downloaded from the APEA website on the Publications page.

You can also benefit from the following if you wish to advertise in the Yearbook: • All existing ‘Bulletin’ advertisers receive a 50% discount off the 2009 Yearbook rates • Any advertiser taking out a full page advert in the 2009 Yearbook is entitled to a Website banner free of charge for the year 2008 on the APEA Website • All APEA members are eligible for one free entry in the Classified listings and in the Trade Directory, please tick the relevant Trade Directory heading on the booking form If you wish to advertise please contact me for a booking form or you can download one from the Publications page of the APEA website.

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

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

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

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

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

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

We also publish the Code of Practice for Ground floor, multi storey and underground car parks. This can now be downloaded directly from the APEA website.

APEA Members £11.00 Non APEA Members £21.00

2008 Membership

Training

You will find your 2008 renewal notice letter with this copy of the Bulletin, if you have not received it please let me know.

Anyone joining the APEA between October and December 2007 will have their membership extended to include 2008.

I would be grateful if you can make your payments before 1st January as this cuts down the amount of follow up reminder mailings that I do each year.

As usual you can pay via the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk or by cheque or credit card. If you wish to set up a standing order please contact me for the APEA bank details.

Thanks to all of you that have booked on the APEA training courses, the last few months have been busy with bookings. The courses have proved to be very popular this year and in some instances I have had to set up waiting lists.

The 2008 dates are detailed on page 73 of this issue of the Bulletin and are also on the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk where you can book online or download a booking form.

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

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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.

You can book online from the Training page on the APEA website at 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.

Also anyone booking a training course now, that is not an APEA member will automatically receive membership to the APEA. New Members There have been 35 new members joining during July, August and September 2007 and details can be found on page 8.

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

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

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

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

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

Jane

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Letters to the Editor Sir There is an ongoing debate within the forecourt industry as to whether nonconductive or conductive piping is best suited for the transportation of petrol. An article in the December 2006 issue of “The APEA Bulletin” by the UK-based Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration co-authored by myself, Mr. Graham Hearn and Mr. Jeremy Smallwood has been referred to very often in this debate.

However, there are some misleading points which I want to clarify by the following statement: 1. The Editors Comment published immediately before the article states that: “…..this technical paper … confirms that plastic pipework properly installed is safe to use in all fuelling situations”. This statement may be misinterpreted by the reader as the article does not in fact say that; it says “Non-conductive pipework

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properly installed with grounded metal fittings and capped electrofusion coupler terminals should not create electrostatic ignition hazards”.

2. The “Editors Comment” is misleading too because there are applications and situations, especially concerning fuels having a flash point between 0 °C and 10 °C, where conductive fill pipes are preferred in order to eliminate any risk of static discharges. This is because some special fuels create an optimal incendive atmosphere inside the pipe and are, therefore, very ignition sensitive to even small discharges.

3. Non-conductive plastic piping can be used for the safe transportation of normal fuels provided that it is buried and all metal parts in and around the system (including any metal jubilee clips, bolts, welding socket wiring etc.) are properly grounded to earth and/or isolated using plastic caps or similar. Even if this is done properly some static electricity may still build up on the inside of the non-conductive pipe but

the risk of an incendive static electric discharge inside and outside of the pipe is so low that it is acceptable.

4. A conductive system of steel or conductive plastic material that is properly grounded to earth will not build up any static electricity and the risk of an incendive static electric discharge inside or outside the pipe is therefore eliminated.

5. Whether you use a conductive or nonconductive system, any improper installation may create an unacceptable level of safety.

Best regards, Dr. Ulrich von Pidoll, PTB, Section 3.73 Bundesallee 100, 38116 Braunschweig Germany, Note: The previous editor’s comment referred to “properly installed systems”

New APEA Members Detailed below are new members that have recently joined the APEA during July, August and Sept 2007.

July

August

Charles Jesudason Junction 29 Truckstop Ltd 5 Candelan Way, High Legh Knutsford, Cheshire WA16 6TP

Peter Worrall 253c Boxley Road Maidstone, Kent ME14 2AS

James Emerson James Emerson Forecourt Installation & Maintenance, Fairview 15 Cannagola Rd Portadown, Armagh BT62 1RG

Karl Owens AKS Ward One West Smithfield Londo EC1A 9JU

Paschal McKee CMM Electrics Ltd 40a Roguery Road Toomebridge, Antrim BT41 3TJ Northern Ireland Glen Miller 7 Culvers Croft Seer Green, Beaconsfield HP9 2YU Niall Burnell Petrogas Ltd Unit 6 Naas Road Industrial Park Old Naas Road, Dublin 12, Ireland Tony Goode Elveden Farms Ltd Estate Office Elveden, Thetford IP24 3TQ Gavin Kenny East Dunbartonshire Council Trading Standards Omnia Building, Westerhill Road Bishopbriggs G64 2TQ Mark Coles 43 Inskip Road Dagenham, Essex RM8 1TU Jonathan Hughes David Mclean Contractors Limited 28 Parkway Deeside Industrial Park Deeside, Flintshire CH5 2NS Claire Barbour Leicester City Council Pollution Control, A4 New Walk Centre Welford Place Leicester LE1 6ZG Stephen Briggs Far-Side marketing Ltd Lacey House High Street Lavendon Bucks MK46 4HA

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Hannah Shepherd Cambridgeshire County Council Trading Standards Sackville House, Sackville Way Graet Cambourne, Cambs CB23 6HL Robert Newman 5 Orchard Close Ware, Hertfordshire SG12 0PY Kieran Greene Clare Co Council Fire Department New Road, Ennis, Clare, Ireland Antoin Kiely Limerick County Council County Hall, Dooradoyle Co. Limerick, Ireland John Stewart Defence Fuels Group Room 107, Kelly Block Wimborne, Dorset BH21 6QS Niall McMahon Limerick County Council Limerick County Hall Dooradoyle, Limerick, Ireland Gregory Watson Sleater and Watson LLP 26 Westcliff, Preston, Lancashire PR1 8HU Haw Myung Ryong EUST Co., Ltd. Sung chang Bldg 303 Seochon-Dong, Song-Pa Gu, 138-844 Seoul, S. Korea, SEOCHON-DO Alison Fletcher North Somerset Council Trading Standards, Somerset House Oxford Street, Weston-Super-Mare BS23 1TG Peter Nixey 18 Trimnells Colerne, Chippenham, Wiltshire SN14 8EP

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Neil Leyshon 644 Gower Road Upper Killay, Swansea SA2 7EX Jesmond Camilleri Gesu Redentur Ally 12 st Lucy street Naxxar, NXR02, Malta John Reynolds Gwynedd Council Trading Standards Unit Penrallt, Caernarfon LL55 1BW Rachel Hallam Worcestershire Trading Standards Service The Trading Standards Service County Hall, Spetchley Road Worcester, Worcestershire WR5 2NP Stephen Everest Powertest Limited Delta House, Bridge Road Haywards Heath, West Sussex RH16 1UA September Duncan Birrell 21 Blythswood Square Glasgow, Lanarkshire G2 4BL Thomas Delahunt Delahunt Laverty Architects 41-43 Downshire Road Newry Co Down BT341EE Veronica Alexander Braemore Lodge Chopping Knife Lane Marlborough, Wiltshire SN8 2AT Peter Barlow Pound Meadow Bentworth, Alton Hampshire GU34 5RB Chris Arbuckle Tedcastles Oil Products Promenade Road, Dublin Port Dublin, Ireland Clive Williams Vale of Glamorgan Council Trading Standards, Civic Offices Holton Road, Barry CF63 4RU Andrew Watson South Gloucestershire Council Trading Standards 20 Marsh Common Road Pilning BS35 4JX

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News

UK, National Express has pulled out of a plan to run some of its vehicles on biofuels National Express has announced that it is discontinuing a trial that could have led to a number of its coaches running on 30% biodiesel. This announcement should be seen as a reflection of increasing consumer scepticism surrounding many green initiatives, which could lead oil companies to curb their investment in biofuels until the benefits are clearer and consumer support is more widespread National Express, one of the UK´s largest transport groups, stated that, although it remains committed to finding alternative energy initiatives, and that biofuels may play some role in the future, it wants to wait for issues surrounding the sustainability of biofuels to be addressed before committing itself to trials of the product.

National Express´s announcement should be seen as a reflection of the rising scepticism surrounding green alternatives as a whole, and of growing concern about the long-term impact of biofuels.

Biofuels in particular are increasingly coming under the spotlight from critics, who argue that the fuel´s production often involves felling forests, thereby negating any positive effect on the environment that it may otherwise have had. It has also been claimed that biofuels have caused global food prices to increase as maize, sugar cane and rapeseed oil are diverted towards the production of the product.

Another green initiative, carbon offsetting, which involves projects such as planting trees to compensate for greenhouse gas emissions, has also come under scrutiny. Critics argue that the validity of such schemes is often hard to monitor and that taking direct personal action to lower carbon emissions is, in fact, the most effective way to make a difference.

National Express´s decision may prompt fuel retailers to become increasingly reluctant to invest in ´green´ products until the benefits are clearer and support for the product is more widespread. In turn, this may curb the growing number of ´green´ fuelrelated products on the market. One such example is a fuel card offering from UK fuel retailer Rix that not only encourages commercial vehicle fleet

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motorists to purchase biofuels, but also offsets any of their conventional diesel purchases.

In essence, National Express´s decision to pull out of the biofuels trial demonstrates that the large-scale use of biofuels is not a given. It may also serve as a warning to fuel retailers to avoid overexposing themselves in this area.

UK, Post Office Survey on european fuel prices Switzerland offers the cheapest petrol in Europe, at only €1.10 a liter, while the Netherlands is the most expensive European destination, costing €1.50 per liter, according to a survey on current fuel costs in 12 European motoring holiday destinations carried out by the UK Post Office.

Meanwhile, pump prices have dropped in Spain, cutting the cost of fuel by GBP0.09 per liter, making it a close runner-up to Switzerland and the cheapest of seven Eurozone motoring holiday destinations surveyed. At GBP0.78 per liter, unleaded petrol costs GBP0.24 less in Spain than in the Netherlands, the most expensive of the European destinations.

The Post Office survey also revealed that motoring tourists using environmentally-friendly LPG (liquid petroleum gas) can expect to cut their fuel costs dramatically - by two-thirds in the Netherlands, the most expensive country for unleaded petrol but the cheapest for LPG, at just €0.48 per liter.

Belgium displayed the same trend in the Post Office survey. While unleaded petrol costs €1.48 per liter, LPG costs just €0.53. According to the Post Office, this means that UK motorists using LPG can travel 1,000 miles for over €148 less than unleaded petrol. Overall, LPG fuel is cheaper by over 50% in eight of the 11 countries surveyed (Spain was discounted as it is not widely available) and only in Denmark is LPG more expensive than petrol, the Post Office said.

The UK hovers around the middle of both the unleaded petrol and LPG tables. However, while the price per liter for unleaded petrol has been threatening to hit the GB£1 mark in the UK for some time, it has already done so in four of the countries surveyed, namely Denmark, Norway, Belgium and the Netherlands, the Post Office said.

Commenting on the findings of the survey, Kevin McAdam, Post Office head of travel services, advised those planning to take motoring holidays in

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Europe to plan their itineraries carefully in advance, so as to take advantage of those destinations offering the cheapest fuels.

UK, Retailers see profits in petrol forecourts Petrol station forecourts are attracting the attention of retailers as they continue to battle it out for market share and add to their outlets Spar has been cited as contender for the title of leading operator on the forecourt but Tesco, Marks & Spencer, Sainsbury´s and Waitrose are among those that have also moved in or are said to be considering doing so.

One senior Scottish banker, who majors in commercial property investment, said: "It is a whole new area which has blossomed. These forecourts used to be driven by petrol sales but petrol is now a loss-leader. "It is all about cash flow, location, the quality of management and the number of people calling in. The sale of petrol, cigarettes and a few sweeties are not enough these days, and if they get it right the rewards can be high."

Tom Johnston, head of retail in Scotland at Colliers CRE, confirms that forecourts are more and more in demand by retailers looking for outlets.

He says: "They are convenience stores, some open all night, with impulse buying when people pay for their fuel and some are now offering heated meals."

Johnston adds that a motorway service area in Newton Mearns is being put out to tender and will contain a requirement for forecourt retail. A Sainsbury´s outlet is also planned for a Shell forecourt in Woodlands Road in Glasgow.

Agent Christie & Co is particularly busy in what it calls "fuelling forecourt sales". David Higgins, Edinburgh-based retail agent, says Christie is advising on more forecourt transactions than ever before, with a number of significant disposals and valuation assignments recently completed and ongoing. He says: "We have continued to see a significant rise in the number of new and independent retailers keen to gain a foothold in the market place. These include a plethora of experienced convenience retailers, looking to expand and develop their presence in densely populated locations."

Higgins says many independents have opted to join a "symbol group" operator - a group that sells services to 11

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News stores that then work under its banner to maximise sales. He says: "Spar continues to emerge as the UK´s leading symbol group operator on the forecourt and the company is aggressively pursuing this market by offering a tailor-made package for forecourt operators. "Many of the other symbol groups have developed strategies to try to expand into the sector and it will be interesting to see their development throughout the remainder of the year."

He adds that in addition to the symbol groups vying for profile in the forecourt sector, a number of significant convenience retailers such as the Coop Group, United Co-operatives and Somerfield, as well as the large supermarkets, are keen develop their presence on the forecourt. Higgins says: "There are a number of sites which offer excellent opportunities for conversion or redevelopment and will be sold for alternative, non-fuel use.

With improvements in site remediation and the possibility of overcoming any possible environmental issues, these sites are rapidly acquired by property developers looking to build flats, houses, retail or industrial units.

"Interestingly, the preferred redevelopment route of many planning authorities is for residential use, with convenience retailing being much lower down the list. Many operators have significantly increased the size of their estates over the last year, partly by taking franchise agreements with the oil companies. The oil companies continue to move towards three to seven-year franchise arrangements, elongating their divestment process to ensure that they retain their fuel market share for a sustained period."

UK, Petrol Retailers Association highlights petrol station closures critical The UK Petrol Retailers Association has called for action over recent UK forecourt closures, after claiming that there are now less than 9,500 forecourts in the UK, including supermarket filling stations, which is the lowest number of filling stations in the region since 1912.

The Petrol Retailers Association (PRA) said that the situation could become critical if the total number of forecourts continues to drop at the rate it has during recent years. The association cited oil industry body Catalist's figures, which state that 150 12

forecourts have closed this year already.

The PRA said that it believes that government involvement is critical to save the nation's fuel stations, adding that local authorities must extend their support for forecourt retailers by providing business rate relief to allow for maintenance.

Ray Holloway, director of the PRA, commented: "Motorists are now noticing gaps in fuel availability, and if it gets worse as expected, they will certainly be inconvenienced when searching for a forecourt in some areas." Mr Holloway added that the closures are occurring in busy urban areas, as well as in less populated rural regions.

"Oil company outlets are being closed as fast as independents are forced out of business. Strong supermarket outlet growth since the 1990s and resulting squeeze on margin has made motor fuel retailing a very unprofitable business," Mr Holloway revealed.

"The Scottish Executive has a grants scheme available to assist forecourt retailers in Scotland with capital investment. The idea is to preserve businesses, and contribute to the continuation of fuel availability in all areas. Westminster must consider a similar scheme for England and Wales," Mr Holloway concluded.

UK, PRA again calls Government to postpone fuel duty Fuel duty increase - hold off to help petrol retailers 'With both oil prices and interest rates on the rise, the Government must postpone the fuel duty increase scheduled for 1 October, or risk putting undue financial strain on motorists and petrol retailers alike,' according to Ray Holloway, director of the RMI Petrol Retailers Association (PRA).

The upcoming two-pence-per-litre increase was announced in March as part of the Budget, but deferred until the autumn. Duty has already increased twice in the last ten months, with increases that coincided with the PreBudget Report in December 2006, and with the Budget in March 2007.

According to Holloway, the scheduled increase should be deferred indefinitely: 'A third tax increase in ten months will squeeze the tiny margins that petrol retailers work under further still. We already have less filling stations in the UK than in 1912, and it will not take much to push more stations out of business.

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Holloway adds: 'Around 65 per cent of the price at the pump is tax. With oil prices rising, the Treasury will soon receive greater revenues than expected when the increase hits the price at the pump, so the Chancellor will be making more money anyway. Why not allow forecourt traders a little breathing room, so they can stay in business?'

UK, Car seizures are on the plate Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) being used in petrol station forecourts since June has resulted in several arrests and more than 30 seized vehicles Police in South Bucks used the technology after teaming up with the British Oil Security Syndicate (BOSS) to target criminals filling up and those who make off without paying.

Insp Mick Park, the officer who brokered the partnership and who led the operation, said: “The amount of people who drive off without paying for fuel in South Bucks is high compared to the rest of the county and many offenders can be connected to other crimes such as burglary and vehicle crime.

“We will continue using ANPR in South Bucks, particularly targeting petrol stations. If you are thinking of committing crime or making off without payment, remember the police already have your details and you will not get away with it.”

The ANPR camera takes an image of the number plate, then details are fed into a system which checks them against the Police National Computer (PNC), Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA), Local Force Intelligence systems and the motor insurers´ databases.

If a number plate is matched, the ANPR equipment will sound an alert.

UK, Somerfield petrol stations sold for £175m Palmer Capital Partners, the venture capital property group, has agreed to sell a portfolio of 85 petrol stations let to Somerfield for £175m - £25m below the original target price.

Alex Price, a director of PCP, said its £200m price tag had been aspirational with £170m-£180m always considered a more likely figure.

But he said: "We were in the market at the same time that it was going through its spiral of doom in June and

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News July so it did definitely affect the value we received, the offers we received."

The deal, with an anonymous buyer, is expected to complete in the next month. PCP originally bought the assets with Deutsche Bank in April 2005, agreeing a 20-year "reverse sale and leaseback" with Somerfield.

PCP, which has spent £50m expanding the portfolio from 65,000 sq ft to 110,000 sq ft, has made a profit on the initial £70m it paid.

However, the deal reflects a climate where many property sellers are cutting their pricing amid a rapid cool-off in the market - which began even before the crisis in financial markets.

UK, Zero carbon Britain The Centre for Alternative Technology (CAT) has published ‘zerocarbonbritain', a blueprint for Britain to reduce its carbon emissions to zero by 2027 and secure its sustainable energy future. The report draws on consultations with experts in climate science, climate policy and renewable energy technologies. Using only existing and proven technologies, the report maps a potential scenario that could arise from these policies and integrates solutions to the connected issues of climate change, energy security and global equity. Authoritative data from the IPPC regime forms the basis of this work.

Introduction Zerocarbonbritain outlines a framework of policies to drive the transition to a zero carbon economy. It defines a global carbon budget and identifies an equitable portion for Britain. It is a radical yet pragmatic vision of Britain’s energy future, based on a reading of the most recent science and driven by bold new policies.

The report addresses the urgent concerns of oil depletion, climate change and global equity. Limits to energy growth through efficiency measures, and generation from renewable sources have now become commonplace in British energy policy.

However, they have not yet been directly linked to the sheer scale and urgency of the challenges presented by climate and energy scientists. The UK Government’s target of a 60% reduction in emissions by 2050 is well ahead of its peers but is now known to be inadequate.

Nor are Britain's climate change targets fully integrated with the equally urgent requirement for energy security, as global demand for oil and gas

outstrips peak production. In addition, the demand for global equity has never been a more pressing moral concern.

The Strategy The strategy calls for the distribution of personal tradable carbon permits and presents a portfolio of technologies and policies that will support the transition to a nation that is both energy secure and carbon neutral. It demonstrates how Britain can negate the need for nuclear power through increased efficiency and renewable energy and reduce carbon emissions to near zero by 2027.

It takes Britain's current fossil fuel consumption down to zero in 20 years, and powers up renewable energy to meet the emerging demand. Sector by sector it explores the practical implications of this climate safe future: what transport systems will be used, what kind of homes will we live in and how will industry, food and other sectors operate?

The authors call for a reduction in demand for electricity in ‘energy obese Britain’ of 50% by 2027. Incentives would be through an international carbon budget passed down to consumers in the form of carbon ‘credit cards’. Householders would be given their own carbon credits called Tradable Energy Quotas (TEQs). Each year the free allocation would decrease as the country moves towards zero carbon, with the effect that the value of the quotas will go up. Each time consumers use fossil fuels, for example filling their cars up with petrol, they would lose these valuable credits, forcing the move to low carbon alternatives. The resulting market would drive environmental change, providing the economic incentive to produce green products.

The strategy also calls for a shift in transportation fuels away from hydrocarbons such as petrol and diesel, and to be replaced almost entirely by electricity. The idea being that the additional expense of running private vehicles is offset by greatly improved bus and rail services. A change in diet, away from meat and dairy products and towards locally produced cereals, is also critical in reducing energy use.

Nuclear power is dismissed as politically and technologically ‘brittle’ and its place would be taken by a massive increase in off-shore wind power, tidal generation, the use of biomass crops, such as switch grass, the inclusion of solar panels in new buildings, and a mandatory use of the ‘waste’ heat generated when producing electricity.

The variable demand for electricity, which varies from hour-to-hour as well as month-to-month, would be smoothed out through a combination of electrical,

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

and water storage solutions, as well as ‘intelligent appliances’, which shutdown when they detect that the grid is at peak load.

The report concludes that zerocarbonbritain is both scientifically necessary and technically possible.

With TEQs it can also be made socially acceptable. It may entail a challenging period in the country’s history. The necessary rate of change will require rapid decision making and a collective purpose that has not been felt in Britain since World War 2.

What is needed now is the political willpower and cross-party consensus.Copies of the Report can be located on the website at:http://www.zerocarbonbritain.com/im ages/zerocarbonbritain.pdf

UK, PetrolWorld Journal to be published PetrolWorld is to publish a quarterly "PetrolWorld Journal" in print format from January 2008. The quarterly printed publication will focus on petrol retail & fuel distribution around the world with a number of market segments like "alternative fuels, commercial fuels, and logistics covered.

Following the trends within the industry will be an important function of the PetrolWorld Journal with contributors from each continent.

While most of the market news will be left to the web, product and service news will be covered by product sector in the new Journal. Market issues and features concerning the marketing, distribution and retail of fuel around the world will go to print at the end of this year.

Over the coming weeks, you will have the opportunity to register for your first copy by logging onto the "PetrolWorld Global News Services" web site on www.petrolworld.com

UK, Summary of the fatal injury statistics for 2006/07 • The provisional figure for the number of workers fatally injured in 2006/07 is 241, and corresponds to a rate of fatal injury of 0.80 per 100 000 workers. In 2005/06, the finalised figures were 217 and 0.72 respectively; these were the lowest annual figures on record.

• Although a long-term downward trend 13

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News is still clear, the rate of decrease has slowed over the last 15 years and there has been very little change in the overall rate over the last five years.

• Of the main industrial sectors, agriculture and construction have the highest rates of fatal injury. Together these two sectors account for 46% of fatal injuries to workers.

• Falling from a height continues to be the most common kind (type) of accident, accounting for 19% of fatal injuries to workers in 2006/07. Over the last decade there has been steady and significant reduction in fatal injuries due to this type of accident. Being struck by a moving or falling object, and being struck by a moving vehicle, are the next most common kinds of fatal accident.

• There were 90 members of the public fatally injured in 2006/07 (excluding railways-related incidents). The number of member of the public incidents reported has not shown any significant change over time.

Worker fatalities by main industry • In agriculture there were 34 fatalities and the rate of fatal injury was 8.1 deaths per 100 000 workers. The rate of fatal injury to workers has fluctuated in recent years with no statistically significant trend.

• In construction there were 77 fatalities and the rate of fatal injury was 3.7 deaths per 100 000 workers.

Over the last 15 years there has been a statistically significant downward trend in the rate of fatal injury to workers; on average a 3.9% year on year decrease. However, the higher number and rate for 2006/07 changes a pattern consistent with continued reduction up to 2005/06 into one of no change since 2002/03.

• In manufacturing there were 35 fatalities and the rate of fatal injury was 1.1 per 100 000 workers. The rate of fatal injury to workers has fluctuated in recent years with no statistically significant trend.

• In the services sector there were 85 fatalities, and the rate of fatal injury was 0.35 deaths per 100 000 workers. Since 1998/99, the trend in the rate of injury in this sector has remained relatively unchanged.

• Statistics of Fatal Injuries 2006/07 [PDF 150kb] 14

• Latest six month fatal injuries for 2006/07 (1 April 2006 to 30 Sept 2006), as reported to all health and safety enforcing authorities.

UK, ExxonMobil introduces pay at the pump at all Esso ‘On The Run’ sites The latest ‘On the Run’ sites have been designed to meet the refreshment needs of busy customers on the move By the end of 2006, there were some 75 On the Run service stations in the UK, all offering a comfortable café environment in which to enjoy a quality range of hot drinks, freshly prepared snacks and friendly service.

By the end of 2007, all On the Run service stations in the UK will be fitted with ´Pay at the Pump´ technology, which should keep the lines of people waiting at the till to a minimum. This is a key aspect of enhancing Esso´s customer offer. Fuel-only customers can fill up and leave quickly, and instore queues will be reduced for people who want to buy items from the shop. It is also a real bonus to mums and dads who don´t want to leave young children in their cars while they pay inside.

‘Pay at the Pump’ was piloted at four service stations around Surrey in the summer of 2006, and was rolled out to a further ten sites around the south-east in early 2007. Feedback from customers has been positive, and all On the Run sites in the UK will be upgraded throughout 2007. Esso worked closely with its pump supplier who manufactures the units, and the system was changed in response to customer needs a couple of times before it was finalised.

UK, PRA pushes vetting system to prevent fraud A crackdown on crooked petrol station staff looks set to mark the end of petrol station chip-and-pin scams.

Police say the constant stream of temporary cashiers at petrol stations makes the industry an easy target for credit card fraud.

However, the Petrol Retailers’ Association (PRA) is currently trialling a new vetting system, which it believes will make it harder for fraudulent pump attendants to obtain work.

The skimming scam is typically

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carried out by foreign nationals working as cashiers under a false name, according to economic crime specialist Paul Welton of Humberside Police. He explained: “They stay for around six weeks, during which time they fit a special device to the chip-and-pin machine, which reads and copies all the credit card data. A camera is then secretly positioned to capture images of motorists as they enter their PIN numbers into the devices.” The recorded details are then used to create duplicate cards overseas.

PRA chief Ray Holloway is determined to stamp out the problem.

“There’s no register for temporary or permanent forecourt staff at the moment. But we’re working with the British Oil Security Syndicate to change that,” he said.

“We’re looking at ways of putting the details of trusted employees and interviewed candidates all together on a database, which can then be shared among the garage owners.”

UK, Blaze in former fuel site's tank Oct 5 2007 - Fire-fighters spent nearly an hour battling to control a blaze at a disused petrol station.

Crews were called to the fire in the lining of a decommissioned fuel tank at the former Texaco petrol station on Llantrisant Road, Cardiff.

Workmen had been in the process of excavating the disused underground fuel tanks as part of preparatory work to build a Somerfield store on the site.

Andrew Teague, 66, a retired architectural technician, of Llandaff, Cardiff, was on his way to a local shop at the time of the fire. He said: “I was walking along and I could see a pall of thick, black smoke in the sky “I could hear emergency vehicle sirens and there were tailbacks on both sides of Llantrisant Road.” A safety blanket of 600 litres of foam was poured over the fire and the tank was removed by heavy machinery. Firefighters had managed to control the blaze by 5.55pm.

UK, BP Safety Alert, failure of gas cartridge fire extinguisher A fatal injury occurred in Indonesia resulting from the operation of a gas cartridge type dry chemical powder filled fire extinguisher. Upon activating the fire extinguisher, the bottom of the extinguisher body failed. The fire extinguisher propelled upwards and

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News struck the fire extinguisher operator in the neck and chin area resulting in fatal injuries.

There were signs of corrosion on the base of the extinguisher - it is thought that this may have contributed to the fire extinguisher failure. As a precautionary measure it is advised that all cartridge type fire extinguishers (in simple terms those which do not have a pressure gauge attached) should be inspected immediately. Those which show signs of significant corrosion or severe pitting should be removed from service and replaced.

NB: An investigation team is currently working to determining the system causes of the incident and will report in due course. This may result in further recommendations.

ACTIONS To Be Taken Visually inspect all gas cartridge operated fire extinguishers that are located in potentially corrosive environments. Please check for signs of significant corrosion or severe pitting on the body and base of the fire extinguisher. Where there is a sign of corrosion or severe pitting on the extinguisher, take the extinguisher out of service immediately and replace it with a new unit.

During inspection, accessories such as rubber bases or mounting brackets should be removed to ensure a complete visual examination of the unit.

If you are in doubt to the severity of the corrosion, take the extinguisher out of service and have it tested in line with manufacturer’s guidelines. Potentially corrosive environments include: • fire extinguishers stored outside, unprotected from the weather • fire extinguishers stored in wet or damp environments, or in potential standing water • fire extinguishers stored near marine environments, jetties, platforms, shipping any facility located near salt water · fire extinguishers stored on or near chemical processing facilities

UK, London, Specialist firefighter unit tackles pub’s petrol smell Oct 5 2007 - A specialist chemical unit was called to reports of a petrol smell in a pub basement.

Two people had to be evacuated while members of the London Fire

Brigade's chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear team investigated in the Chatterton Arms pub, Chatterton Road, Bromley Common.

Crews from Bromley, Beckenham and Downham and two rescue units and were also at the scene from around 9.30am. Firefighters opened windows and doors to remove the smell before leaving the building at around 1.30pm.

The source of the smell is not yet known but is under investigation by the brigades petroleum inspectorate.

UK, Aylesbury. firefighters called to petrol station Bucks Fire and Rescue Service were called to a petrol evening in the early hours of the Morning of August 18th Smoke was coming from one of the pumps at the Esso Garage in Wendover Road, Aylesbury, at around midnight.

Firefighters gave fire safety advice to staff at the station.

UK, Devon. Petrol tanker fire Aug 8 2007- Several members of the public alerted firefighters to a petrol tanker on fire in Devon the afternoon of August 8th. Calls were received at about 5.45pm to reports of smoke coming from a fuel tanker on the A38 northbound at Haldon Hill, near Exeter.

Three fire engines from Exeter and Bovey Tracey, including a water foam carrier, environmental unit, plus support engine also from Exeter were sent.

Crews dealt with a small fire in the tractor unit of the tanker, which was confined to the engine. Crews used one hose reel jet and small tools to prevent any further damage. No one was injured in the incident.

UK, Hauliers discuss fuel blockcade This week UK Hauliers raised the prospect of a return to the blockades after Gordon Brown slapped the first of three tax rises on fuel that sent the price up to around £1 a litre.

They said lorry drivers were angry at the 2p-a-litre increase and that the further rises - totalling 7p a litre - could trigger a return to the fuel protests of seven years ago.

"There's real anger," said Roger King, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, representing 20,000 firms.

"Although no one's yet manning the

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

barricades, if it continues like this some may be tempted. These rises are unjustified.

It means British businesses are paying 26p a litre more for their fuel than lorries filling up on the Continent.

However the Government dresses it up, Gordon Brown has put Britain back on to the fuel duty escalator which led to the last round of fuel protests.

The increase, announced in this year's Budget, took the average price of a litre of unleaded petrol to around 97.8p, with diesel averaging around 99.77p. A further increase of 2p a litre is due next April and another of 1.84p in April 2009.

UK, South Yorkshire company fined For breaching fire safety laws South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue have successfully prosecuted a company who breached fire safety legislation.

Inspections at petrol filling station in Maltby, owned by Hull-based Road 2 Rail Hire Ltd, found the company failed to ensure the proper storage of petrol.

The company, and secretary Joseph Wheelhouse, pleaded guilty at Sheffield Magistrates Court, and were fined a total of £11,500, and ordered to pay costs of £1083.53 The fines were applied as the Licensee failed to secure the storage of petroleum spirit (£2,000 fine) and disregarded the Steps set out in an Improvement Notice (£8,000). The Company Secretary was personally fined £1,500 for failing to action these steps.

Paul Salter, Group Manager for the Fire Safety Directorate, said: “South Yorkshire Fire & Rescue will continue to work with individuals and companies in order to maintain a safe community.

However, we take the responsibility given to us by legislation very seriously, and will undertake enforcement action where necessary”.

UK, Gloucestershire.

Pump fumes kill two in flood town July 27 2007 - The men were pronounced dead at the scene. Two men have died trying to pump out flood water from a rugby club in Gloucestershire. Bramwell Lane, 64, and his son Chris were using a petrol powered pump at the club in 15

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News Tewkesbury, where it is thought they may have been overcome by fumes.

Chief fire officer Terry Standing said it was a "tragedy", urging people to think about safety before using pumps.

Tewkesbury was cut off in the flooding, with hundreds of homes left without power.

Mr Standing said: "It is a real tragedy that we have suffered two fatalities in the past 24 hours, which were most likely due to people attempting to remove flood water and we would strongly urge everyone involved in this task to ensure they think about safety first. "If in doubt please call the Fire and Rescue Service who will be happy to help. "We have a team of crews who can pump out properties, so there is no need to take any unnecessary risks, particularly when using either electric or petrol powered pumps. "There are also safety issues where people's electricity supply has been affected by flood water - please do not reconnect power supplies until they have been checked out by a professional electrician. "Our heartfelt sympathies go out to those families of two men who have tragically lost their lives." The coroner has been informed of the deaths.

A Gloucestershire Police spokeswoman said the men were declared dead at the scene, and that the deaths were being treated as unexplained. Officers were alerted to the incident just before 0800 BST after reports that two people had been in the Gander Lane premises pumping out water and could not be raised. Attempts were under way to restore water to 10,000 homes in the town using a temporary supply. Severn Trent Water issued a strict "do not drink" warning for anyone about to be connected to this supply even when it has been boiled, but said the water could be used for baths, showers and flushing toilets.

Some 140,000 households in Gloucestershire remain without water after a treatment plant flooded, and health and sanitation fears persist.

UK, HSE issues response to Buncefield standards task group final report The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has supported recommendations and guidance produced by a joint industry and regulator working group, designed to improve standards at petrol storage sites. The report, which was prepared by the Buncefield Standards Task Group (BSTG), can be found 16

at:http://www.hse.gov.uk/comah/buncefi eld/final.htm HSE believes strongly that implementation of the recommendations outlined in this report will lead to significant improvements in safety standards and the prevention of major accidents. HSE as part of the COMAH Competent Authority (CA) will be monitoring closely progress of operators in adopting these standards.

Kevin Allars, head of HSE's Chemical Industries Division, said: "This report provides clear recommendations on further enhanced standards we now expect at sites storing petrol. Working together the industry and regulator has agreed higher standards to reflect the lessons learnt from Buncefield and a new appreciation of the remote, but real, risk of a vapour cloud explosion from such sites."

Although predominantly aimed at operators of sites storing petrol, parts of the guidance should also be adopted by those operating other major hazard sites. Incidents of the scale of Buncefield are very rare. However, as a result of the new information learned from the investigation, the BSTG has been able to develop enhanced minimum standards of good practice for fuel storage sites. This was done by drawing widely on experience from regulators and industry, including around 70 experts from a wide range of backgrounds. The work was undertaken in parallel but independent of the Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board's (MIIB) investigation into the incident. The BSTG was established as a task and finish group.

As a result, to ensure sustained progress and provide more strategic leadership within the sector, a more permanent Process Safety Leadership Group (PSLG) will be set up, to be chaired by Tony Traynor, Operation Director, Ineos Refining.

UK, Cumbria, Cockermouth. Man badly hurt in petrol accident Sept 9 2007 - A man suffered serious burns after pouring petrol onto a domestic fire at a house near Cockermouth, Cumbria. The man, who has not been named, was taken to Whitehaven's West Cumberland Hospital where he was treated for 35% burns to his body. The house in Dean was not badly damaged during the incident. A Fire Brigade spokesman said the incident highlighted the dangers of using petrol or other

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

accelerants with domestic fires or barbecues.

UK, Hants, Eastleigh.

Child burned in BBQ blaze Sept 10 2007 - A toddler and her dad were badly burned after petrol was poured on a lit barbecue. Flames engulfed the pair as the family got set to eat in their garden.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene in Eastleigh, Hants, and found the 18-month-old girl had burns to both legs and her right arm. Her father, 44, had severe arm burns. Both were taken to hospital. Hampshire Fire service said: "Petrol should not be used on barbecues and children must be kept at a safe distance."

UK, Hertfordshire.

Fuel tanker springs a leak Aug 10 2007 - A tanker containing more than 35,000 litres of aviation fuel sprang a leak, spilling fuel along the A414 .

The tanker was on its way to Luton Airport when a motorist flashed the driver to pull over because it was leaking fuel. The man pulled into the BP Mount Service Station, in Watling Street, St Albans at around 2.30pm on August 10th.

Police cordoned off the area near Park Street roundabout while St Albans fire crews cleaned up the spillout. A St Albans firefighter said the leak could have caused a huge fire, adding that it was fortunate that the garage was equipped with sand, fire extinguishers and interceptor tanks to channel the fuel leak away from the main drains. He said: "We took precautionary measures, prepping the hoses with foam making equipment and putting sand underneath the leak. We also put out absorbent mats to soak up the spillage." It took firefighters around an hour and a half to clean up the fluid. It is believed that the fuel seeped out of an open fuel cap.

UK, Northern Ireland.

Fuel fraud spreads to petrol pump Aug 2007 - Motorists in Northern Ireland are running the gauntlet of contaminated fuel when they buy petrol or diesel from some filling stations.

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News Criminals had been removing a marker dye from red diesel, which attracts a low duty payment, and selling it at a much higher price at the roadside. It is known as laundered diesel and can cause damage to the more sensitive parts of diesel engines. But BBC Newsline programme has discovered that several substances are also being added to adulterate both diesel and petrol. The programme was able to purchase socalled bio diesel from a road front garage that had been raided a few weeks earlier for selling illegal fuel. But the bio diesel turned out to be little more than ordinary or illegal laundered diesel with a substantial amount of kerosene or home heating oil added.

'Stretching' It is also known that some filling stations are "stretching" their diesel by secretly adding heating oil or kerosene to the underground tanks. They do this after taking a delivery of conventional diesel which helps mask the special telltale dyes that are in the heating oil. It is hard to spot in a casual check. The fuel that does the most harm is that contaminated with paraffin, hydraulic oil or even gear oil. Adding paraffin to diesel can cause a diesel engine to breakdown. So the people who make it add the oils as a lubricant. The oils are chosen because they do not produce much smoke when burned and are less likely to give the game away. Some people add substances like surplus white spirits or paint thinners. It is all to do with bulking out the diesel. The crooks can make it for a few pence a litre and sell it at many times that. It is often sold below the price of supermarket diesel. Often the garages who buy the fuel may be unaware that it is illegal. Its thought that one filling station in three sells contaminated fuels. While the bulk of it is contaminated or laundered diesel, the criminals have now turned their attention to petrol. They hope to increase their profits by adding a small amount of paraffin to every litre of petrol. However, increasingly, the more sophisticated petrol engine is rejecting the fuel and it is this that is starting to tip off the authorities.

Security Measures The problem is seen as a threat by legitimate fuel suppliers and one local fuel supplier, Maxol, has set up special security with their retailers to prevent the fraud. "We, as a company, lock all the tanks. We hold the keys and it is only our personnel who can make deliveries. We carry out sporadic and spot checks" says Brian Donaldson of Maxol. It is a difficult problem to solve.

Some of the unbranded diesel

originates across the border in the Republic of Ireland. It is almost impossible for independent retailers to test the fuel beforehand. Motorists can only reduce the chance of buying this fuel by avoiding it if that they think is too cheap to be legal. They can also ask if VAT receipts are available and if credit cards are accepted. Even then there is no guarantee.

account for 5.75% by 2010 and 20% by 2020.

Ireland, Maxol to introduce biofuels across network

After many months of rumour, Forecourt Systems in Ireland has announced the acquisition of Torex Retail's Irish Forecourt Division, formerly Retail Petroleum Systems (RPS).

As part of Forecourt Systems's strategy to provide superior and nationwide support to all Irish forecourt owners they purchased the Irish forecourt division of the international solutions provider, Torex Retail. Under the terms of the settlement, Forecourt Systems has acquired the assets of Torex Retail Ireland's (formerly RPS) forecourt division. And, as part of the agreement all remaining forecourt I.T. and engineering staff from Torex Retail will also join the Forecourt Systems support department.

In August of this year, Brendan Kavanagh, was appointed Managing Director of Forecourt Systems. He has worked in partnership with well known Ulster entrepreneur Ken Campbell to achieve substantial market penetration in the space of a short few months. After opening a new Dublin office at the start of the Summer, the company claim to have signed more than 70% of all independent dealer contracts in Ireland.

In recent weeks major oil companies such as Maxol and Esso joined Texaco, Emo, and Sweeney Oil as exclusive service and maintenance customers of Forecourt Systems.

The growth of Forecourt Systems has also lead to new distribution agreements. Tokheim and Forecourt Systems recently signed a new exclusive agreement, making Forecourt Systems the sole distributor and authorised service agents for Tokheim Products in Ireland.

Brendan Kavanagh, Managing Director of Forecourt Systems, said "We've invested heavily in the new all Ireland structure in this last quarter.

We're delighted with the response of both oil companies and independent dealers. This new deal with Tokheim means that Forecourt Systems will be the only company in the marketplace that can sell and service Tokheim forecourt equipment in Ireland."

And in respect to what the future holds, Kavanagh adds, "We're extremely excited about the new

The Maxol Group has announced that it will replace its regular unleaded petrol with its new E5 fuel - a blend of 95% petrol and 5% locally produced bioethanol - at all 150 Maxol service stations across Ireland in September 2007. The fuel will retail at the same price as standard unleaded petrol.

Maxol said that its E5 fuel has been successfully piloted at over 24 service stations throughout northeast Ireland since September 2006. Following the complete rollout, for the first time throughout Ireland, drivers of standard petrol-powered vehicles will be able to use a biofuel without risk to the car manufacturer's warranty.

The bioethanol fuel in E5 is 100% organic and is currently made from whey, a milk derivative and a bi-product of the Carbery Milk Products Cheese plant in Ballineen, County Cork.

Tom Noonan, chief executive of Maxol, said: "This move towards ethanol use helps Ireland to meet EU targets. It is a win for consumers who benefit from lower emission fuel at no extra cost, a win for agriculture which can now develop interests in ethanol production and a win for the economy in that it could potentially reduce our imports."

"Although 5% may seem at first to be a small percentage, when applied to every liter of petrol that Maxol sells through its 150 service stations in the Republic of Ireland, this adds up to a very significant amount of locally produced, renewable and carbon neutral fuel...I can envisage a time in the not-too-distant future when the only fuels from Maxol service stations will be biofuels," Mr Noonan concluded.

The rollout of the E5 green fuel is another first for Maxol in the Irish fuels market, following the launch of its E85 fuel (85% bioethanol) in September 2005. The initiative is part of Maxol's commitment to renewable fuels and to helping the Irish government meet biofuel consumption targets set out in EU directives, which require biofuels to

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Ireland, Forecourt systems purchase Torex Retail Irish Forecourt Division

19

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News opportunities. We're already nearing the completion of the development of international technology for the local marketplace here. For example we're launching a new fully integrated Outdoor Payment Terminal next quarter.

It will be the first of its kind in Ireland.

We're really happy with the response of the oil companies and dealer network to the changes we've made also. We look forward to providing an excellent service to all our customers in the future."

Ireland, Police call for drink sale ban at petrol stations Petrol stations should be banned from selling alcohol, the head of a Police (Garda) watchdog said. Gordon Holmes, chair of the Garda Síochána Complaints Board (GSCB) and former chair of the Commission on Liquor Licensing, said he thought deregulation in the sale of alcohol was a mistake.

“I don’t think garages should be allowed to sell alcohol, merely on the perception grounds. You are permitting people who are attached to garages where cars go for petrol to sell drink to the people who are driving those cars. I think the perception of that must raise queries in any ordinary person’s mind,” he said.

Mr Holmes said local authorities were clearly not using their powers to object to applications by pubs for opening hour extensions in their local district courts.

He was speaking at the launch of the GSCB 2006 annual report, where Justice Minister Brian Lenihan announced proposals to re-establish the Commission on Liquor Licensing.

Ireland, Topaz to develop motorway station Topaz Energy, the Irish consortium which owns the Statoil and Shell petrol station operations in Ireland, is understood to be planning Ireland’s first motorway services station by the Dublin Port Tunnel .

The estimated €7 million project is being planned in conjunction with the Dublin Port Company and will be operated by Topaz.

It could open as early as October and will include full services to truck and car drivers including forecourt shopping, refuelling, restaurant, parking and washroom areas.

Meanwhile, Topaz has also won back 20

the contract to supply marine gasoil to the Irish Naval Service. The three-year contract is thought to be worth around €8m. Topaz lost the account to Texaco Chevron in 2004.

Northern Ireland, Licensing Authority prosecute for not applying for a Petroleum Licence Craigavon Borough Council successfully laid a prosecution for a company operating a Retail Petrol Station who repeatedly failed to apply for its annual Petroleum Licence.

The Dealer on this occasion was invited on numerous occasions to make application but consistently failed to do so and although an application was received on 25 September 2007 it was too late as the legal process has already commenced.

The Court ruled in favour of the Licensing Authority and the operator was fined £300 for failing to make application in a reasonable time and a further £116 in costs.

Ireland, Fewer service stations for growing number of motor vehicles Irish drivers, already accustomed to long queues at service stations, should prepare for even longer waits as the number of service stations continues to fall.

According to the Irish Petroleum Industry Association (IPIA) there has been a substantial decline in the number of petrol stations operating.

Between 2003 and 2004, while the rest of us were enjoying the economic boom, more than 200 service stations closed down. Not by coincidence, that was the year Tesco entered the petrol retailing market with cut-price fuel, which according to some commentators caused the closure of local filling stations that were unable to compete with the superstore's low prices.

The following year, more than 80 service stations closed, and the year after, another 110 closed.

There are now just 1,147 stations attempting to serve the 2.15 million vehicles on the Republic's roads, compared to more than 2,300 just a decade ago.

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The decline in the aervice station network has been particularly dramatic in Dublin, where property prices have rocketed. Estate agent Savills Hamilton Osbourne King recently sold a former filling station on Merrion Road in south Dublin for "well in excess" of the €8 million asking price. A clearly less attractive filling station in Ballinteer still fetched €2.5 million.

Neither site had planning permission something that does not deter developers. "Their supreme locations and the fact that most are already zoned 'mixed use', means these sites are prime for developing," explained the agent's spokesman.

According to a spokesman for the IPIA, while fuel volumes are increasing, margins are getting tighter and this is having a dramatic impact on the number of viable outlets. He added that while volumes are increasing, margins are getting tighter and this is having a dramatic impact on the number of viable outlets. The problem is compounded not only by Tesco's pricing policy, but also from the tight margins to which all fuel retailers are subject.

Figures are hard to come by, due in no small part to the work of the Competition Authority, which has made petrol retailers reticent about discussing anything to do with pricing. Declan McAndrew, Texaco Ireland's country chairman, said margins are so tight at present that the money made from selling fuel is not enough on its own to support a forecourt business.

With such minuscule margins, many have left the industry, especially in urban centres where property prices have tempted some to sell their land to property developers.

Texaco is reviewing its Irish retail operations, and is paying particular attention to its sites in the capital and other large urban areas where it is closing smaller stations and developing those with significant passing trade and large sites that can accommodate convenience stores as well as multipump forecourts. As McAndrew says, selling fuel is no longer the name of the game: "We need petrol to increase footfall into the shop where the highmargin products are sold."

Despite this, the company is attracting new franchise holders - 20 in the past two years - and is still looking for additional retailers.

But these are not new entrants to the market, simply existing petrol stations switching allegiance.

This rethink by the big players has led to some significant changes to the petrol retailing landscape over the past two years. Esso reduced the number of its outlets, and now does not operate away from the heavily populated east

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News coast.

Two other major multinationals - Shell and Statoil - opted to go one step further and abandoned the Irish market altogether. The retail operations of both were taken on by the newly formed Topaz, which still sells fuel under the Shell brand name in 145 outlets across the island.

Earlier this year, in a move that signals a more upbeat feeling, Topaz merged the Statoil and Shell operations to bring together the 335 service stations it either owns or licenses to independent franchise operators. Both Topaz and Texaco are still looking at opportunities to open new service stations.

According to the Energy Institute in London, Ireland is now going through the same pattern that Britain experienced over the past 20 years, where the number of standalone service stations there also declined by almost one-half.

Finland, Credit card copying has spread to automated petrol stations The illegal copying of magnetic strip credit cards seems to have shifted from bank cash machines to automatic filling stations.

The Central Criminal Police of Finland is investigating incidents that have taken place at fully automated gas stations, so-called "cold stations". The bank card details of those buying fuel from these unmanned stations have been copied with devices attached to the automats.

The police have become aware of incidents at certain unmanned filling stations in eastern and central Finland.

The exact locations of these stations have not been disclosed.

Finns first became widely aware of the illegal copying of bank card details towards the end of the 1990s, when an authentic-looking addition had been attached to a kerbside bank ATM in Aleksanterinkatu in Helsinki. With the information they obtained by reading the card, the criminals manufactured new cards, which they then used to withdraw money from dozens of people’s bank accounts.

There have been other attempts as well. For example, a couple of years ago in the eastern city of Joensuu even a hidden video camera was used to film people’s pin numbers. The trails of these crimes have led back to Russia and Eastern Europe.

According to the Central Criminal Police, some information obtained in the gas station fraud has been misused.

Because of the ongoing investigation no further details have been released. So far, nobody has been arrested, and there is no information of how widespread the activity has been.

The weak point of the otherwise clever crime is that the person who then uses the fraudulent card at a cash point may have his face filmed by the everpresent security cameras.

Greece, EKO Retail Marketing has successful year Hellenic Petroleum reported this week that Q2 consolidated net income increased 24% to €127m and H1 2007 Net Income grew 4% to €181m.

The petrol retail and marketing business EKO increased its sales volume by 3% to almost 2m tonnes, as the increased sales of gasoline, bunkers and aviation in 2Q more than offset the weather-driven lower heating oil volumes of 1Q. Network rationalisation continues, via the “Calypso” project, delivering tangible results; a further 6 companyowned petrol stations were added to the retail network in 2Q, bringing the total number of company controlled petrol stations to 249 (20% of total network).

International Marketing continues to benefit from network expansion with 11 petrol stations added to the network in 2Q, volume increases, market share gains and margin improvements; 1H EBITDA grew 24%, on a 21% year on year increase in retail network sites.

Nigeria, Road tanker accident destroys shops & motor vehicles Last week at Sagamu junction on the Benin-Sagamu expressway, a petroleum tanker lost control and burst into flames. There were no fatalities but 27 motor vehicles were destroyed and some shops.

It is understood through local media that the tanker was fully loaded with petrol after it had left the Mosinmi depot of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), and was said to be heading for Ondo State before the incident occurred.

The governor of Ogun State, Chief

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Gbenga Daniel, immediately visited the scene of the incident and said that the state government would ensure proper re-planning of the affected area.

Governor Daniel pointed out that a modern shopping complex would be built at both sides of the junction for the people who lost their kiosks and shops.

He added that men and officers of the state fire service department should be commended for their prompt response to the incident and for averting what could have been a major disaster considering the fact that a petrol station was near the scene of the incident.

Czech Republic, Jet filling stations now operated by Lukoil CR Lukoil Czech Republic started to operate a network of Jet filling stations as of July this year, the company informed.

Lukoil bought the Jet filling stations from ConocoPhillips Czech Republic at the end of last year.

Nazim Suleymanov is CEO of the new company and also supervises activities of the Russian multinational company Lukoil in central and eastern Europe.

The face of the filling stations and their name will change in two years, said Suleymanov.

The Czech Republic has 44 Jet filling stations. Lukoil CR is owned by Russia´s Lukoil, and ConocoPhillips of the USA has a 20-percent share in Lukoil.

ConocoPhillips also sold filling stations in Belgium, Finland, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia to Lukoil.

A total of 2,223 filling stations were registered in the Czech Republic at the end of last year. Benzina is the leader on the Czech market with roughly 311 filling stations, followed by OMV (219 filling stations), Cepro (197), Shell (164). Agip operated 78 filling stations, Esso and Jet 44 filling stations each.

Slovnaft had 30 filling stations.

China, Lukoil considers developing petrol station network Lukoil and China National Petroleum Corp (CNPC) have signed an agreement in Beijing to further their cooperation in existing projects as well as extraction, development and refining projects in third world, according to a statement released at the week-end.

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News considering developing a network of 100 petrol stations in North China.

Their cooperation covers current projects in Kazakhstan, where leaders of China and Kazakhstan agreed to finance and build a network of pipelines to supply China oil and gas from the Caspian Sea region to meet the increasing energy demand supporting growing China economy.

Under the agreement, Lukoil and CNPC will jointly jointly explore the equally co-owned Kumkol oil field and a Norhern Buzachi field in Kazakhstan, in which CNPC holds 50% stake and Lukoil holds 25% stake.

Malta, San Gwann, Saturday morning mechanics’ pose greater risk than a new petrol station WSC Oct 2 2007 - The Malta Water Services Corporation does not consider the newly approved petrol station in Rabat, which has drawn sharp criticism from environmentalist lobby groups, to be any riskier than other potential sources of contamination such as amateur mechanics and scrap yards.

Asked whether the WSC is equipped to detect any seepage and take immediate action if hydrocarbons – a carcinogenic chemical found in petrol stations – seep into its boreholes, WSC’s PRO Stephen Zerafa replied that “this is ahypothetical question and as such, any remedies would obviously have to respond to the particular circumstances of the case.”

The site of the new petrol station lies on the Mean Sea Level Aquifer, Malta’s most important source of drinking water and is surrounded by WSC’s potable water boreholes just to the north and east of the site, with the galleries of the Ta’ Qali Pumping Station to the east. “If we were to be concerned about possible seepage of hydrocarbons we would worry much more about the hundreds of yards spread around the Maltese islands where thousands of trucks, cars and other heavy equipment are parked and repaired,” Stephen Zerafa said. “This is not to mention the tens of thousands of ‘Saturday morning mechanics’ who use kerosene to wash engines or engine parts. Many of these simply dispose of used oil and kerosene on the nearest patch of wasteland,” Zerafa said According to the WSC’s PRO, most if not all of these yards, with their attendant kerosene, petrol and 24

diesel, are situated on our aquifers. “Yet we have never experienced infiltration of hydrocarbons,”. While refusing to comment on the new petrol station at Buqana, Zerafa made it clear that the WSC is “less worried about potential seepage from a newly-built petrol station, since this would be built according to strict anti-leak criteria.”

The installation will be built according to European standards and the Association for Petroleum & Explosives Administration guidance The Blue Book.

According to the project’s EIS report, any potential leaks from underground pipes will be conducted into the tank farm which will have a hydrocarbon detector unit to denote the presence of any leaks. “It is highly unlikely that fuels could leave the area undetected and reach the groundwater aquifer,” the report states.

At present the WSC carries only 50 tests per year for hydrocarbons on the water from consumers’ taps from more than 130 groundwater production sources. This implies that WSC carries out less than one test a year for every two of its production sources. Moreover the tests are made on water from consumers’ taps and not at the production wells, which suggests that, in the event of a contaminant reaching the aquifer, the consumer may have been supplied contaminated water weeks before detection by WSC. But according to Zerafa, the WSC has never found any contamination from hydro-carbons in tap water.In a statement issued last week, Flimkien Ghall-Ambjent Ahjar warned that with the development of the Buqana petrol station “carcinogenic hydrocarbons and vehicle emissions may end up in rainwater runoff that refills the aquifer, or directly into the aquifer in the event of a leak or major spill.” Louis Cassar, the MEPA board resident environmental expert who voted against the project along with Labour’s representative Joe Brincat, said he was not convinced fuel would not run off down the road to Chadwick Lakes in the event of a major fuel leak.

Malta, Fuel deregulation started on Monday 1st October Enemalta will be losing its monopoly on the importation of all fuel products on 1st October as the government liberalises the importation, storage and distribution services connected to the

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importation of fuel. The question now is to see whether the government will issue new fuel import/distribution licence.

A government source said that "all measures have now been put in place to ensure that liberalisation in this area will take place. The only thing left to do is place the actual notice in the Government Gazette."

This measure, demanded by the European Commission, will bring about competition in the fuel market in all sectors of commercial fuels , high street retail, aviation and marine. The Maltese took the decision to change last February.

The government established a new energy market policy, which stipulated that fuel liberalisation would take place by the third quarter of this year. We are now in a position to do so and the EU was also informed of our plans."

Malta was bound by the EU Accession Treaty to lift Enemalta's monopoly by the beginning of last year and the European Commission has raised questions about the repeated delays.

The EU executive decided last June to step up its pressure on Malta and presented it with a reasoned opinion, the second stage of its legal proceedings, threatening that the issue would end up in court if Malta did not fall in line immediately.

Algeria, Total Oil to develop service station network Total Oil plans to set up a network of around 200 petrol stations in Algeria, to be operational by 2008, but has no plans for now to invest in refineries, a senior Total official said.

"We are in talks with various ministries but we are waiting for a law to pass in the autumn, defining the price structure of the products," Paolo Fiaschi, deputy manager for downstream in Africa and Middle East told media.

He said there were currently some 2,000 petrol stations in Algeria, so Total was aiming for a 10 percent share of that market. Total has between 3,000 and 4,000 petrol stations in Africa.

Asked whether Total had refining plans in Algeria, Fiaschi said: "Not right now... we were interested in investing in a refinery project in central Algeria (Tjaret) but we gave up because there was no access to the sea." However Total remains keen on refining projects in Algeria in the right circumstances "Algeria is our main asset for a good

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News refining tool that would have access to condensates and would have access to the diesel market in the Mediterranean region," he added.

Cyprus, Preparing cash and coin machines for the Euro With the Euro set to become the island’s new currency on January 1 next year, how will consumers pay for the things that are taken for granted on a daily basis in the days immediately after the changeover?

Will citizens need to rush out immediately and obtain the new notes and coins if they want to fill cars with petrol or park on a metre? What if they simply want a nice, cold drink from the nearest vending machine?

The Finance Ministry explained that companies must be ready for the conversion by January 1. “There will be a period of one month where we will see dual circulation,” a spokeswoman explained. “However, by law, things such as parking metres and vending machines must be converted to accept euros immediately, as the Cyprus pound will no longer be the legal currency.

If companies expect consumers to look at them in a favourable light and want to keep up good brand recognition, they must be ready by January 1,” a source close to the Minister said.

Spokesman for the Association of Petrol Station Owners, Pambinos Charalambous, said that all petrol stations will have machines in place by January 1 that would be able to accept euros.

“Some will also accept the Cyprus pound for a one-month period,” he said.

Akis Lefkaritis, Director of the Petrolina chain, informed that the company had already installed certain software and hardware into their machines in preparation for the changeover. “We have also replaced some older machines with new ones utilising the latest technology,” he said.

The whole project has cost the company approximately £100,000. “We are ready,” Lefkaritis said.

Lanitis Bros. who distribute CocaCola, Sprite, Fanta, Schweppes, Heineken and Amstel on the island, also said there would be no delay. Vending Machine Supervisor Christos Vasiliou explained that a meeting had been held with the Central Bank in order to discuss the particulars. “We operate around 400 vending machines across the island and we will be implementing

a slight technological change in order for them to accept euros,” he said.

Nicosia Municipality are in charge of 430 parking metres in the capital. The Treasurer said the metres would be able to accept euros straight away on January 1 and would no longer accept the Cyprus pound. “Parking metres will have a mechanism changed whereas pay and display machines in car parks will be changed all together,” he said.

“The total cost of the project is over £100,000.”

Jenni Fernando, marketing manager of the Hermes Group, the Consortium running the island’s airports, explained that the new car parking payment machines recently installed at Larnaca were chosen with conversion to the euro in mind. “At midnight on December 31, the machines will be converted to accept euros,” she said. “This is a very simple process, which just requires replacing one microchip in the machines, and restocking them with euros. Once converted, the machines will no longer accept the Cyprus pound.”

According to the Bank of Cyprus Organisation and Methods Manager Dimitris Loucaides, from 6pm on December 31, the bank’s ATM machines will only be dispensing euros.

“In order to do this, the ATMs will need to be recalibrated with a change to their software. Additionally, the cassettes where currency is loaded into will need to be set to accept a new dimension of notes.” He added that people underestimate the massive operation that the banks will have to take on successfully to carry out the change from the Cypriot pound to the euro.

“This really is a huge operation, there are so many things that need to be done. Bank systems have to be altered.

Some counting machines for bank notes and coins have to be changed, others that are older will be replaced altogether. Something else that will be incredibly costly is the transportation of money to branches,” he said.

Loucaides explained the gravity of the operation by saying that 10,000 euros in coins weighed 150 kilos, while a total of 1.8 million in coins will be taken to Bank of Cyprus branches. This operation will require special attention, especially in relation to security and insurance issues.

“This is not all, there is also the cost of using both currencies for a period of about a month, as well as taking into account the issue of the old Cypriot coins that will have to be removed from the market. We will have to remove all coins and take them to the Central Bank where they will be destroyed,” he added.

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Despite what seems to be an increasingly costly and time-consuming project, the island’s longest serving bank does not believe that it will be affected too much from the loss of income from the introduction of the euro.

Everybody seems to be ready then.

Only time will tell whether the conversion will be as smooth as predicted.

New Zealand, BP using new technology to fight fuel thieves The big petrol companies are finding new ways to fight petrol thieves The number of petrol station driveoffs is on the rise and now BP has introduced a new policy, where all drivers and their cars are viewed and approved by staff before they can start pumping. “When you pull up to a pump you lift up the pump nozzle as normal…a sound beeps inside and the operator looks out the window to the pump where the beep has come from,” says BP Spokeswoman Diana Stretch.

That gives the attendant an opportunity to make sure the car has licence plates.

BP says drive-offs happen more often than most people realise, and the practice of removing licence plates is becoming more common. While BP would not give figures, it says the new system has already made a huge difference. BP is the only company in the country to use the system full time – Shell has a similar system but it only uses it occasionally.

“We´re aware that our customers don’t like prepay – having to come in and pay before being able to pump – so we think this is a great compromise to cutting down the drive-off issue and still keeping customers happy,” Ms Stretch says.

The new system is also aimed at improving safety. “Obviously smoking is prohibited on the forecourt and also the use of cell phones. So as well as just ensuring there is a licence plate, we´re also checking for those safety items.”

Other companies say they are looking at new measures to stop drive-offs; so far the most common is switching to a pre-paid system at night.

New Zealand launches first biofuels New Zealand launched its first commercially available biofuel in August 2007.

27

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News The fuel is made up of 90 per cent petrol and 10 percent bioethanol made from cows' milk.

Prime Minister Helen Clark, who has previously said New Zealand should aim to be the world's first greenhouse gas-neutral nation, said the launch was a step towards the country achieving energy sustainability. "The transport sector accounts for 40 per cent of our carbon dioxide emissions," Clark said.

The government has ruled that oil companies' sales will have to be made up of at least 0.2 per cent biofuels by next year and 3.4 per cent by 2012. The new fuel will be sold by Gull, a small chain of 30 petrol stations operating in the country's North Island.

Bahrain, Fuel tanker ban in residential areas Fuel road tankers could soon be banned from using roads in residential areas and other internal routes following a proposal submitted to Parliament this week.

Parliament chairman Khalifa Al Dhahrani, who is spearheading the proposal, also wants the government to restrict the road tankers carrying hazardous substances to specific timings to supply petrol stations or fuel deliveries to commercial sites.

His proposal stipulates that the government would be responsible for allocating specific main roads to be used by the tankers, which must not pass through residential areas or through internal routes to prevent any harm or disaster from occurring.

Mr Al Dhahrani said that Bahrain had the infrastructure to implement such a ban. The proposal will be referred to the public utilities and environment affairs committee, before it is voted on when parliament reconvenes its session next month following the summer break.

Brazil's President says ethanol boom won't affect amazon rainforest President Lula da Silva said that Brazil’s booming ethanol business won’t hurt the Amazon rain forest, dismissing criticism that the alternate fuel could cause deforestation.

Lula da Silva, referring to concerns raised during his European visit last week, said it is unjustified to think that increased production of sugar cane for 28

ethanol could prompt more jungle clearing.

He said that Amazon weather conditions aren’t favourable for the sugar cane used to produce ethanol and suggested unnamed enemies are trying to prevent Brazil from advancing economically by taking advantage of rising demand for biofuels.

While there are few sugarcaneethanol plantations in the Amazon, environmentalists have voiced concerns that a global ethanol boom could accelerate rain forest destruction if trees are cleared to make room for crops.

Some soy plantations in central Brazil are being transformed to sugarcane ethanol operations and environmentalists say that could lead soy farmers to move into the Amazon for their crop, which is also in high demand worldwide, particularly from China.

Brazilian ethanol makers produced 17 billion liters last year, and exported 3.4 billion liters. Billions of dollars are pouring into the nation to increase production.

Brazil is the world’s No. 1 sugar producer and exporter, and the leading exporter of ethanol made from sugarcane. It also is the world’s secondlargest ethanol producer, trailing the United States, and is ramping up production of soybean-based biodiesel.

Eight of every 10 new cars in Brazil are ‘‘flex-fuel’’ models that can run on ethanol, gasoline or any combination of the two. Ethanol is about half the price of gasoline in Brazil.

Lula da Silva also criticized US and European tariffs on Brazilian ethanol, suggesting the United States and Europe won’t be able to wean themselves from dependency on oil unless the trade barriers are lifted.

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Kenya, Shell sells petrol stations to the national oil company Kenya Shell has sold 13 filling stations to National Oil Corporation of Kenya, an oil marketer fully owned by the government.

The government pushed through the sale as a condition for it to allow Shell Petroleum Company to buy out its partner BP Kenya. Shell and BP had been operating on a 50/50 ownership under the management of Kenya Shell.

Early last year Shell had announced its intention to acquire assets of BP in a deal involving the purchase of 65

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service stations. However, in May 2006 the government rejected the takeover of BP by Shell citing infringement of monopolies rules.

Shell and BP together had 130 service stations across the country.

Of the 13 stations sold to Nock, four are in Nairobi, according to the agreement between Shell/BP and the government. The remaining stations are in Mombasa and Central province.

Consequently, Nock´s network expands from 28 to 41 filling stations.

Nock acting Managing Director Mwendia Nyaga said the deal was a great milestone in achieving the corporation´s vision. "This is almost 50 per cent growth in our network and for the first time we will have a retail outlet in Mombasa," Mr Nyaga said after signing the sale agreement at Nairobi´s Grand Regency Hotel.

He said that his company´s objective is to expand its distribution channels in the country. "The newly acquired stations will ultimately take on the National Oil branding as soon as the handing over process is concluded," Mr Nyaga added.

Kenya Shell managing director Patrick Obath said he was happy that the deal was concluded within the shortest time. "The sale will enable us now to focus on the re-branding of the BP sites across the country and to consolidate the strength of the Shell brand in Kenya," he added.

Mr Obath said Shell would enlarge its network in Western Kenya, after it closed its services stations in the area few years ago due to dumping of export fuel. He said Kenya Revenue Authority has contained dumping of fuel destined for export in the region. There was a time some filling stations in the region were as much as Sh12 a litre lower than other filling stations in the country.

USA, Service stations offer discounts for cash payments Growing numbers of service stations in North America are offering discounts of 3 to 15 cents per gallon to customers who pay with cash instead of by credit card.

"Over a year's time, you save quite a bit," customer Craig Hummel of Newport Beach, Calif., said at a Valero Energy Corp. station in Costa Mesa, Calif. The gas stations offer the discounts -- or, as critics argue, charge a premium for credit-card purchases -because credit-card companies charge fees for each purchase.

Credit card fees have doubled since

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News 2001. Fees vary, but on a typical credit card sale, a Southern California gas station may pay 10 cents plus 2 percent of the gallon purchase price to the credit card company, the newspaper said. In 2006, motorists paid an average of 4.2 cents a gallon more because of credit card fees, whether they used cash, credit or debit cards.

USA, Warning - Static safety at the gas pump As the Sioux Center explosion shows any type of spark around gasoline can turn dangerous. Static electricity can also be a fire danger at the gas pump.

It´s something people do everyday, fill up their car with gas, but it can also be a dangerous routine. Jim Sideras with the Sioux Falls Fire Department says, "The potential is that vapour, that gasoline vapour, could ignite."

Many gas stations post warning signs of the dangers that come with static electricity at the gas pump. And fire officials say drivers should make sure to get rid of any potential for a spark before they put the pump in their vehicle.

Sideras says, "Before they fill up with gas when they get out of their car just touch bare metal with your finger and that will take out the static charge out of your body. And one thing you should not do at the gas pump when you are filling up is get back into your car, because 50 percent of the fires caused by static electricity at gas stations happen this way."

Sideras says, "The moving across of the seats, the moving of your clothing material on the material of the seats can build up static electricity very quickly."

Drivers should also not smoke or talk on their cell phones because any bit of static or any small spark can make the routine task of filling up with gas, dangerous. Fire officials say fires at gas stations have happened in 35 states after being sparked by static electricity.

Barbados, Green light for more petrol stations The Government plans to lift the moratorium on new gas stations, paving the way for new outlets to be established.

Twenty-one applications are currently before government.

Speaking at the opening of the Sol Fresh ´n´ Fast convenience store at 30

Redman´s Village, St Thomas, Minister of Energy and the Environment Elizabeth Thompson said: "clearly we are going to have to give some approvals . . . . we are reviewing that policy to determine how many we are going to approve, and at what locations." She also said her ministry was already looking at the best location for gas stations.

Town Planning assistance would also be needed to "review where new developments are coming". As major developments were scheduled for St Lucy, especially in terms of housing, Thompson surmised that project proposals for that area would necessitate "gas stations located in that new development".

Also under review is the "retro fitting" of stations to accommodate proposed changes in the types of fuel available in Barbados. "No gas stations are currently equipped to either carry alternative tanks for low grade gas or low sulphur diesel."

These initiatives were all part of Government´s energy plan and to make Barbados greener, and to follow Kyoto protocol Thompson stated.

There are now 41 gas stations on the island.

South Africa, Petrol station swipe & drive BP South Africa rolls out it's "Swipa" debit card payment service this week that enables customers to use debit cards to pay for filling up.

The service is basically a new portable hand-held device called Swipa, which allows you to swipe any debit card from any bank for your fuel purchase.

BP has invested R20-million in the new infrastructure and operational technology at its 450 petrol stations. All you do is swipe, enter your Pin and pay, from your vehicle.

But garages have been slow to move on to the card-transaction bandwagon because of regulations in the fuel industry. At issue was confusion over who would be responsible for the merchant fee. This remains a problem, but BP has elected to absorb the costs for the time being.

In the recent past, only debit cards from selected banks could be used.

In addition, customers had to get out of their cars to input their Pin and only a limited number of service stations were offering the service.

The Swipa means that the petrol attendant doesn’t have to process the transaction in the pay area, away from your car. The whole transaction

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happens with you safely ensconced, with your card, in the driver’s seat.

Besides the time-saving aspect of this technology, there is the obvious issue of safety — you don’t have to carry around large amounts of cash, said Sipho Maseko, BP’s chief operating officer.

This removes the threat of criminal attacks in forecourts and makes customers feel safer. “Customers don’t have to withdraw cash from an ATM. They have greater control over their budgets as their debit cards have direct access to their accounts,” said Maseko.

“Tourists will be able to use their debit cards in the run-up to 2010, there is a reduced risk of fraud as Maestro and Visa Electron Debit cards are Pin-based and those transactions, therefore, are more secure.

“The Swipa terminals are portable so that means the customer has full view of the transaction and his/her card and, finally, forecourt traffic congestion is reduced,” he added.

Having piloted the technology over the past few months, Maseko said that “customers love being able to pay for fuel in such a safe, convenient way”.

James Clarke, Visa International’s head of marketing for Sub-Saharan Africa, agrees that cards are safer than cash. “Unlike cash, if you lose your card, you can notify your bank and there should be no financial loss.

“Allowing debit cards to be used for fuel purchases is a hugely democratic move by BP. Far more people have debit cards than garage cards, so these safety benefits will benefit more consumers.

“The move also benefits both local card holders and tourists, and is a major step towards modernising the industry.”

Engen, meanwhile, is piloting the use of debit cards in its Quickshops.

Engen CEO Rashid Yusof said that the use of new technology was a positive move. “Yes, this is a good way of bringing added convenience to customers.

“Debit cards will reduce the amount of cash going through the forecourts, thus alleviating safety/security issues around handling cash.”

Sasol was reluctant to comment because of the issue of regulation in the industry. The debit-card transaction is cheaper than a garage card, but Standard Bank spokesman Ross Linstrom said the Maestro service was limited to BP garages “so it’s too early to gauge acceptance and the impact on garage cards”.

The garage card can be used at any petrol station that accepts cards, so it offers more convenience and, being linked to a variety of banking accounts, offers more utility, he added.

“Prices do vary per bank account and

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News the garage-card fee compares well with the other transaction fees a typical garage card account holder would pay.

“We welcome the move towards the general acceptance of Maestro and Visa Electron debit cards on garage forecourts and would support the further expansion of the service.”

South Africa, BP invests in portable payment device at petrol stations Petrochemical company BP is investing approximately R20-million in a new portable payment terminal called Swipa to reduce cash on its forecourts nationally Swipa is a convenient way for customers to pay at BP forecourts with their debit card for fuel purchases "without them getting out of their car, nor leaving the card out of their sight", said Sipho Maseko, BP´s chief operating officer.

He said BP plans to offer the new hitech device to over 450 BP national service stations.

New hi-tech device "Because of the regulated fuel price in SA, debit card transactions on forecourts have been an issue in the past because of the merchant fee, typical to these transactions," said Maseko in a statement.

He added that BP has recognised that "crime continues to be a major concern" and that forecourts have elected to absorb the associated costs for now with a view to reduce the risks associated with handling cash on site.

In the past, SA motorists have had to pay for fuel by cash, garage or fleet cards. With Swipa, they can purchase fuel with any debit card without having to transact at a till point or draw money from an ATM. No cash involved Maseko explained that when customers fill up at a BP service station, the attendant will hand the customer the Swipa through which the fuel is to be paid and then allow that customer to conclude the transaction by inputting in his or her pin number when paying with a debit card.

"This method of payment will significantly reduce transaction time and at the same time provide the customer with total transaction visibility, and it’s safer because there is no cash involved," he added.

The new portable payment system will complement the existing payment

methods already offered at BP service stations and customers can use either their Maestro® or Visa Electron debit card; garage or fleet card, or the FuelMaster Express and fleet tags for payment.

Regulator News UK, Government launched public consultation on the detail of sustainability under the renewable transport fuel obligation The UK Government has launched a public consultation on the detail of sustainability reporting will operate under the RFTO (Renewable Transport Fuel Obligation) which is a legal requirement on fuel suppliers to ensure 5% of all UK fuel comes from a renewable source by 2010. Details of the public consultation are available at ; www.dft.gov.uk/consultations/open/rtforeporting In addition, the government has announced a package of measures on the sustainability of bio-fuels, as set out in a Written Ministerial Statement to Parliament which can be viewed at; www.dft.gov.uk/press/speeachewsstate ments/statements/rtfostatement

UK, Corporate manslaughter & corporate homicide Act 2007 The Offence An applicable organisation is guilty of an offence if the way in which its activities are managed or organised causes a person’s death, and amounts to a gross breach of a relevant duty of care owed by the organisation to the deceased (section 1(1)).

The organisations to which section 1 applies are: • a corporation • a department or other body listed in Schedule 1 • a police force

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• a partnership, or a trade union or employers’ association, that is an employer.

An organisation is guilty of an offence under section 1 only if the way in which its activities are managed or organised by its senior management is a substantial element in the breach referred to in subsection (1).

The Act defines ‘senior management’ in relation to an organisation as the persons who play significant roles in: • the making of decisions about how the whole or a substantial part of its activities are to be managed or organised • the actual managing or organising of the whole or a substantial part of those activities.

The offence under section 1 is called corporate manslaughter in England and Wales or Northern Ireland and corporate homicide in Scotland.

An organisation that is guilty of corporate manslaughter or corporate homicide is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine.

Relevant duty of care is defined, in relation to an organisation, as any of the following duties owed by it under the law of negligence: • a duty owed to its employees or to other persons working for the organisation or performing services for it • a duty owed as occupier of premises • a duty owed in connection with: (i) the supply by the organisation of goods or services (whether for consideration or not), (ii) the carrying on by the organisation of any construction or maintenance operations, (iii) the carrying on by the organisation of any other activity on a commercial basis, or (iv) the use or keeping by the organisation of any plant, vehicle or other thing • a duty owed to a person who, by reason of being a person within subsection (2), is someone for whose safety the organisation is responsible.

Publicising the Offence A court before which an organisation is convicted of corporate manslaughter or corporate homicide may make an order (a ‘publicity order’) requiring that the organisation publicise: • the fact that it has been convicted of the offence 31

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News • specified particulars of the offence • the amount of any fine imposed · the terms of any remedial order made.

Particular Organisations Details are given as to the application of the Act to the following: • crown bodies • armed forces • police forces The Act is available at: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2007/u kpga_20070019_en.pdf

Press Releases Hytek expands Its comprehensive road tanker range Fuelling and equipment specialist Hytek has expanded its already comprehensive range of road tanker

said: “If a driver decants the wrong fuel by mistake it would be extremely costly to correct, so the fuel oil nozzle could potentially save distributor’s money.” A spare swivel and side glass is available as a retrofit.

Another handy product is the new road tanker spill kit (refill). The kit is available in 20 litre or 40 litre options and allows drivers to soak up fuel quickly and efficiently in the unfortunate event of a spillage, preventing pollution.

From hose keys and threaded lugged hose adapters, to API deep throat adapters and heavy duty Part B cam arms, Hytek is a one stop shop for fuel distributors.

Clever product sourcing means that Hytek can pass savings on to their customers. Several fittings that were already competitively priced have actually gone down in cost since last year. There is no minimum order charge and trade accounts are opened within the hour, with all goods available from stock. Next day delivery is free for orders over £300 excl. VAT (subject to conditions) and there is a late cut off time of 4pm for same day dispatch, where possible.

Products are sold only through distributors. For a copy of the latest distributor catalogue or for more information, contact Hytek on 01279 815600.

Hytek can be found at www.hytekgb.co.uk

Floating the perfect solution to marina refuelling

fittings to help make life easier for distributors.

Amongst a range of new and existing products, an innovative fuel oil delivery nozzle hosts a built-in site glass to help prevent driver error when distributing fuel. Hytek sales director Andy Seal

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When a Jersey based marine engineering company needed an unusual bespoke solution to their refuelling needs, Cameron Forecourt offered the ideal solution.

Whilst Cameron Forecourt’s main line of business is to install, service and maintain refuelling systems on dry land they have had considerable experience in marine fuelling facilities and so relished the opportunity to create a complete craft refuelling system on a pontoon at Victoria Pier, St Helier.

As well as all the usual considerations surrounding supply and installation, Cameron Forecourt and the client, Premier Service Marine Engineering Ltd, had to overcome other concernsincluding

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tidal movements.

The water based fuel system includes above ground petrol and storage tanks, pontoon based fuel pumps and protected flexible fuel lines. Cameron Forecourt’s part in the project started in April, as that month offered the lowest tides, and took six weeks to complete.

For Premier Service Marine

The flexible systems connection point on the pontoon.

Engineering Ltd, the project took two years from planning to completion. It was critical that the work was carried out in a very short space of time over the day and night low tides.

Director Steve Huelin explains: “The work included dredging and laying 200 tons of reinforced concrete to form a flat base on which the 44 metre long pontoon would rest during low tides.

The base acts as a foundation for the 4 pylons (spuds) which support the pontoon on the rise and fall of tides. If this foundation work had not been completed during April and May - at the lowest tides of the year - the work would have had to be put on hold until the next very low tides, so the fuel berth would not have been operational this year.”

The system includes three fuel storage tanks located in a purpose built recessed bund on the quay wall walkway. All the double skinned tanks have a 15,000l capacity. Two are for diesel and the third stores unleaded. All three are designed, constructed and installed to meet petroleum and environmental regulations. There are lockable filling point cabinets containing all necessary equipment such as gauges, alarms and tank fills. The alarms are linked to the harbour control centre. A petrol uploading pump is installed for fuelling of the unleaded tank. Each fuel tank has an in-tank submersible pump, with built-in leak detection facilities, to pump the fuels

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News control and telecommunications equipment. A complex structure of ladders and platforms offers access from the pontoon to the top of the quay wall whatever the tide.

The set up of the complex electrical installation for the fuelling system ensures safety at all times and leak detection devices offer added reassurance and the integrity of the pressurised fuel section at all times. Safety cut-off points can be activated from the fuelling pontoons and Fuel Storage Tanks being installed on top of the quay wall at quay tank filling point should the Victoria Pier. need ever arise. This device from the tank farm area over the quay automatically notifies the harbour safety wall to the pontoon based fuelling monitoring facility as well as activating a dispensers. beacon and siren on the quayside.

Extra consideration had to be given to Mr Huelin said: “Cameron Forecourt the unusually large tidal range of up to were chosen for this project for their 12 metres. The new system uses flexible delivery pipes, protected within an articulated carrier and formed into a hanging loop.

This allows the fuel lines free movement to cater for the pontoon rise and fall, and also offers essential protection from mechanical damage.

Where the lines end at the fuelling pontoon there are swivel joints and specialist dry break The 44 metre long Fuelling berth at the base of the quay wall (low tide). couplings to offer further protection from adverse expertise and on recommendation. We weather and tidal conditions. went for this particular type of There are four sections to the installation as the fuel storage tanks are pontoon with electronic dispensers landside and are not floating storage providing 10 refuelling nozzle positions. tanks. This made things more Two of the sections can be detached complicated, but a lot safer during the winter and so special environmentally. Cameron Forecourt coupling arrangements for the fuel lines came up trumps with their design and and electrical services enable this to be installation. done safely and easily.

“The engineers from Cameron A cabin on the pontoon filling station Forecourt solved many problems is for use by an attendant and contains between them, which made the whole

Individual pontoon sections being fitted out on the quayside prior to being floated into position.

installation successful.

Special thanks to them, and all concerned at Cameron Forecourt.

Cameron Forecourt Operations Manager Terry Smith said: “This particular application had its own set of engineering difficulties to overcome, not least the very large tidal range, within which the fuel and electrical services have to safely operate. This, together with the exposed position

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environmentally, was quite a challenge.

“Techniques used on sea based oil platforms for safety and environmental protection were employed. This was together with a range of specific features, which ensure a tough and reliable system to meet the strict guidelines of the Jersey Harbour Authority and the Petroleum Fire Safety Inspectorate.”

Cameron Forecourt Ltd offer a turnkey package for the supply, installation and maintenance of retail and commercial forecourt systems.

They can be contacted on 01226 742441.

“Often within the Industry we are asked to resolve a particular problem or to find a solution to a difficult issue that will be acceptable to the Petroleum Licensing Authority. This article demonstrates that where a bespoke installation satisfied all parties concerned. Being an island and having a considerable inland waterway system, perhaps we should cover the Marine industry more a often” - Editor For further information please contact Karen Rowley at Happy Media on 01493 751031 or email Karen@happymedia.co.uk.

Issued on behalf of Cameron Forecourt Ltd, Chambers Road, Platts Common Industrial Estate, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S74 9SE. Tel: 01226 742441

Triscan announce acquisition of business and certain assets of VBi Ltd Triscan Systems Limited is pleased to announce the acquisition of the business and certain assets of VBi Limited.

This transaction was completed on 19th September 2007.

Through this acquisition Triscan Systems takes a market position within the fuel management sector and remote payment technologies market. The Triscan name has been synonymous with quality and innovation within its core markets and Triscan Systems is very keen to continue to build upon this reputation through continuous improvement to its support services.

Key attributes to Triscan Systems acquisition is the strategy to develop the Triscan product offering particularly the data services capability of the business and the ongoing development of its support services with the backup of a strong brand name and a very capable and loyal workforce.

The acquisition was completed with 33

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News funding provided by Symphony Equity Investment Syndicate (SEIS) who will be involved in the strategic development of the business. Gary Strange, Service Delivery Director of Triscan Systems said “We see the vast installation base of Triscan equipment as an opportunity to assist our customers in obtaining critical information regarding their fleet and fuel usage. Triscan Systems Limited has a dedicated service delivery team to ensure that the support of Triscan equipment and software is second to none. Through the introduction of our data services programme we can provide Triscan customers with tremendous opportunities to improve the operational efficiency of their fleet, and for many, the opportunity to ensure the collection of clean data to support duty rebate claims. The future of Triscan as an innovative and influential company looks very bright indeed and we are very excited about the opportunities we have in front of us”.

Rod Mathers, on behalf of SEIS commented “we are very pleased to have secured the acquisition of Triscan Systems against a backdrop of competitive tendering from a number of its competitors.

We are very optimistic and excited about the future strategy of Triscan”.

If anyone has any questions with regards this announcement, please contact : Barry McLeod – 0870 445 2951 or info@triscansystems.com Rod Mathers – 0141 352 9966 or RodM@symphonycorp.co.uk

MURCO Aaard fuel management service contract to Fairbanks Fairbanks Environmental is delighted to announce that Murco has awarded them the contract for the provision of Fuel Management Services to a number of their UK retail outlets.

Fairbanks will provide a wetstock management service, including both their SIR (Statistical Inventory Reconciliation) service and their new generation real time “ibank” service.

The contract was awarded on completion of trials of different monitoring systems and fuel management services, which were carried out on a number of pilot sites.

The Fairbanks service will provide early leak detection and reduce instances of over dispensing meters while at the same time providing Murco with total control and intelligence about their operations.

Peter Nottingham, Network Manager for Murco said “I was impressed with Fairbanks’ professionalism at all levels in their organization. They have proven their ability to be both flexible and effective in their operation of wetstock management and I am sure that they will provide a cost-effective level of risk management and loss control on our sites”.

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

Fairbanks Director, Steve Jones commented: “We look forward to providing Murco with our full Wetstock Management Service and we will be using our years of experience to achieve our aim of providing environmental protection and helping the company minimise fuel losses across their network”.

Wm Morrison supermarkets selects Dresser Wayne to implement vapour recovery stage II program EDINBURGH, UK (26 September 2007) – In a comprehensive agreement, Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc has selected Dresser Wayne to implement a Stage II Vapour Recovery (VRS II) program at each of its petrol filling stations. This is in order to meet the upcoming December 31, 2009 deadline for adherence to strict new air quality regulations and affects both newly constructed stores as well as upgrades to existing stations.

“There is a great deal at stake because compliance violations can be costly, but equally important is that

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Morrison leads the way in meeting air quality emissions standards and so upholds our responsibility to environmental quality issues, ” says Phil Maud, Director of Petrol Filling Stations for Wm Morrison. “We need a resource with longevity and experience in Stage II implementation. As a global industry leader with proven experience, the people and the innovation, Dresser Wayne was a natural choice to execute our VRS II upgrade program.”

Dresser Wayne has installed tens of thousands of VRS II solutions around the world. As a leading supplier to the UK for petrol station products and services, the company has a large team based in the UK to help implement VR Stage II. “We are delighted to be awarded this program and are already hard at work to implement 25 stations for Morrison by the end of 2007,” says Dresser Wayne Managing Director, UK & Ireland, Paul de la Port. “The program includes project management, supply and installation of fuel dispensers, and the related civil/electrical work at over 270 locations across the UK. We are committed to ensuring full compliance for Morrison by December 31, 2009.”

The Dresser Wayne Global Star™ dispenser will be the first product installed as part of the agreement. Apart from being equipped with full VR Stage II it also includes the latest technology such as the Dresser Wayne Vapourgate™ VRS II monitoring and Xflo™ metering technology which virtually eliminates meter drift and the need to recalibrate. For stores that provide pay-at-the-pump functionality, Dresser Wayne has integrated htec’s HydraOPT, Chip ‘n Pin payment solution.

Dresser Wayne’s exceptional product upgradeability was another factor in Wm Morrison’s decision. “We want to employ systems that not only meet our needs today, but also have the potential to develop and evolve with the changing market,” states Mr. Maud.

Additionally, Wm Morrison plans to evaluate Dresser Wayne’s soon to be launched Global Ovation iX fuel dispenser that features innovative multimedia customer interaction and marketing functionality.

“The relationship with Wm Morrison goes beyond simply a supplier and customer arrangement,” de la Port says. “It is a strategic partnership that will help bring the latest advances in retail fuelling technologies to the market.”

Dresser Wayne EMEA is the European division of Dresser Wayne, the retail fuelling business of Dresser, Inc.

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Resin Generated Foam .... .....Tried, Tested and Proven

By John and Gaynor Cole, Resin Generated Foam In reply to "article" by Messrs Plumb & Williams printed in the September issue of The Bulletin, pages 65 and 66.

We have been in the Petroleum Industry for some 35 years and are aware that some people may be reluctant to take on new innovations, but we feel that if progress is to be made then new innovations should be tried tested and in this case we believe well proven as a sound technology recognized by industry and recommended as a safe method of making tanks safe, recorded in the Blue Book which has HSE endorsement.

We believe the article is a direct insult

to the Licensing Authorities and Petroleum Officers, and the oil companies who have taken the time to try, test and verify the safe use of Bacel Hardfoam over the past 15 years (see Editors' Notes). As with all approved work practices, the operation has to be undertaken in the subscribed manner by fully competent staff. We at RGF pride ourselves on following the Manufacturers, the Licensing Authorities and the Clients instructions in all our applications.

There never was any claim that Bacel Hardfoam can be broken down with water (as suggested in the article) .... neither by ourselves or the manufacturers (Aqua Resin Technologies .... Formerly Verheijen Resins bv. ) .....

In reply to the concerns regarding the disposal of the foam when decommissioning or re-instating tanks, there has never been a problem with Registered Land Fill sites having refused to accept the foam .... providing they have been given the correct information regarding the properties of the waste and the relevant Safety Data Sheets .... and providing that the decommissioning has been carried out

following the accepted Safety Method Statements for both foam application and foam removal- we can supply copies of this to any interested party- .

Once they are aware of the beneficial properties of the foam, Land-fill Site Managers tend to prefer to use the foam when topping off a site, to be mixed within the top-soil to help root growth following seeding, and to speed up the composting process as per

a r t i c l e following trials b y Wageningen University.

Should any Contractor experience difficulties regarding the disposal of foam, there will be a facility - centrally based and fully Licensed - to collect and safely re-cycle any foam removed from redundant tanks. Once this facility is operational, all details will be circulated

to all Licensing Authorities and prospective Clients. This will result in RGF having a "Cradle-toGrave" facility.

Despite the insinuations in the article, Bacel Hardfoam is still much lighter than even foamed concrete, and indeed is the preferred method adopted by industry in making tanks safe and enabling them to be easily removed should the need arise at a later date.

Clients should be assured that the application is being carried out with the correct equipment, the picture in the offending article was NOT a recognised foam injection pump.

Regarding the comments about formaldehyde ... yes, formaldehyde is used in the preparation of the resin, and sensible care should be taken when handling the foam. However, the amounts that might be present during demolition even by the unsubstantiated LCM "test", gives a hazard level which equates to sitting in a smoking room at the club ..... not

good, but how foolish would you feel, sitting at the bar wearing a fully protective all-over bodysuit and breathing apparatus The Petroleum Industry now accepts that Bacel Hardfoam is safer to use as the lid does not have to be removed exposing operatives to hazardous vapour and more economic than both concrete slurry and foamed concrete ...but does so much more.

1. The greatest hazard when filling, abandoning and demolishing redundant petroleum fuel installations, is the presence of Hydrocarbons ..... now here you are looking at real hazards. We feel sure that both our American cousins and our Canadian friends will have plenty of data regarding the hazards of Hydrocarbons, both within a vessel and released into the atmosphere.

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Articles 2. Concrete will only displace both product and vapours, whereas Bacel Hardfoam absorbs both and renders them safe. Even should the foam shrink a little, and providing that the vessel was completely empty prior to the injection - the foam will absorb any free vapour and render the tank safe.

Our Safety Data Sheet clearly states that the foam may cause a "light irritation" and realistic care should be taken when handling the product ...don't open a tank and push your head in it ... but follow realistic procedures and take sensible precautions - in the

same way that one would when taking Asprin.

Anyone wanting guidance for the safe demolition and disposal of the foam, please contact ourselves, when we would be pleased for forward you a copy of our Safety Method Statement.

We feel that it would be appropriate to mention that our operatives have been with us for up to ten years, mixing, transporting and applying the foam and carrying out many works involving fuel installations and have never suffered any ill effects. They are justifiably proud of their reputation for safe and effective application of the Bacel System, and are equally surprised by the comments

in the article All RGF Operators consistently follow the Safety Method Statements for all applications, and are fully aware of those precautions to be taken relating to the Safety Data Sheets for all components of the foam.

All RGF Operators carry valid Passports to Work on Fuel Installations, A.D.R. Licenses, Confined Space Licenses in addition to First Aid qualifications.

In summary, we would advise any readers of the offending article to see it for what it is, and rest assured that RESIN GENERATED FOAM IS TRIED, TESTED AND PROVEN.

Monitoring of Stage 2 Vapour Recovery

By Rodney Carter, Petroman Environmental Services Ltd Stage 2 is here and waiting to be monitored!

This depends on how well and how much you want to know about what is going on. There is a case for saying that too much information is a bad thing, but on the other hand, useful information can only be good and cost effective.

For those that are not aware of our work, we specialise in managing petrol vapour by improving the efficiency of stage 1b systems to Stage 2 System increase the profitability of filling stations.

With the introduction of Stage 2 we see a further opportunity to increase this profitability even more. This is why we are making large investments into Stage 2 systems and vapour management to offer our clients, not only a way of meeting the substantial cost of Stage 2 installations, but turning that cost into an investment together with off setting the operational costs.

This making Stage 1b a very relevant part of the complete package to achieve this.

Germany. This company is well known for its repairs and recalibration of pump head equipment as well as Stage 2 monitoring systems. Their systems although very advanced are also very versatile, offering a complete range of controls over the stage 2 operation. Due its compact and tidy installation Vapour Flow

To this end we are working with pump and quality component manufacturers of all Stage 2 equipment. Having considered a number of options we are pleased to announce an alliance between ourselves and TST of Hagen 36

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Flow Meter with Piezzo Sensor

makes it a very good system for all makes and ages of petrol pumps albeit for complete retro-fits or just monitoring.

The principle of stage 2 is basically 1/litre of product delivered into the vehicle and 1/litre of vapour out via the Stage 2 system. If only it were that easy.

efficiency of a system flowing at 35 litres/per/min does not mean that it will be as efficient at 10 litres/per/min or even 20 litres/per/min and this is where the TST system can offer such an advantage with is proportional control.

Faster flows promoted higher turbulence hence the greater the vortices.

This system can be used with any other form of Stage 2 vapour recovery with the add advantage of being so compact, neither is it affected by density, temperature or pressure fluctuations.

Being very robust and durable for use in heavy environments yet giving long term stability with accurate data.

Containing no thermal elements or

This continued adjustment of the vapour air ratio over the complete range of the Stage 2 operation ensuring its working to optimum, irrespective of the type of vehicle being filled. This is very important for operators that are looking to the controlling the vapour as part of their management towards off setting the costs against installation and maintenance.

As you can see it all looks very straight forward, but you have to consider that the delivered product to the vehicle is not the same, it will vary from the type of vehicle to vehicle and from client to client, so every delivery will be different, in flow rate, volume due to the vehicle design and the way the client can manage the nozzle. For example small motor cycles will not have the filling characteristics as a large car.

All of these variations have to be taken into consideration with Stage 2 systems having to operate efficiently over this wide range of differing conditions. Therefore measuring the

Pump internal

Pump internal

moving parts and is ATEX, EX Zone, TUF and NEL certified.

T h e operation is based on the Karmann V o r t e x principles which can b e dramatically seen when standing down stream side on a bridge and the vortices are formed as the water exits the b r i d g e .

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The reaction caused by these vortices is measured with the Piezzo Sensor which registers the changes and controls the proportional valve relative to those changes. This is not interfered with even if liquid in the system.

The added advantage of this is that it m a k e s testing of the system far m o r e accurate by reducing the tolerance f a c t o r s between the t e s t i n g equipment and the system There are two methods f o r monitoring t h e performance of this system, one using warning dual coloured diode lamps which have to be checked daily and test yearly the other a fully remote system that is monitoring continually and can be accessed via the monitoring computer thus ensuring the site never has cause to goes down. This also allows data to be recorded and therefore testing is only carried out every three years supported with operational data.

Now another situation arises and that is the compatibility of the stage 2 system with stage 1. This will ensure that the operator will be getting maximum return on their investments which will be explained in the next issue.

Petroman Environmental Services Ltd Tel: 01782 200750 41

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APEA 2007 AGM, Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner

By Brian Baker • The date was 11 October 2007 • The venue was the Telford International Centre • The event was the APEA Annual Conference, AGM, Exhibition and Awards Dinner The Association this year decided to build on the success of 2006 and reappointed Downstream Events, professional conference organisers, to manage the whole event and for the second year running, held the prestigious Awards Ceremony as part of the evening’s proceedings. Principles of Downstream Events, Emma Faure and Fiona Horan this year increased the number of Exhibitors to 45 with all space taken and we saw nearly 350 persons attending most of which took in some, if not all the Conference papers.

A few delegates came in from the USA and Europe and the dinner was attended by a massive 600 people!

Many attended this part of the event for the first time in several years. Again we saw excellent networking opportunities with some interesting presentations, exceedingly good sponsorship and an amazing dinner, the biggest for years, where everyone had a thoroughly great evening.

At the time of writing this report it is only a few days after the event but there has been a lot of positive feedback as we prepare for the big one next year – our 50th Anniversary which already we are turning our attention to.

Gilbarco Veeder Root sponsored the Conference and Peter Dilnot introduced his company to the extensive audience ands spoke of the challenges ahead including that of Stage 2 Vapour Recovery. Peter was followed by the Dr Liam Fox MP, Shadow Defence Secretary as the Keynote Speaker and he poignantly presented the case for the defence and security of fuel supplies, the risks and threats faced by the Western World and what we should all be thinking about for the future as we develop new and alternative fuels.

Arthur Renshaw of Catalist was next 42

to explain about where our market is and where it is going?

A fascinating insight into futuristic Forecourt was given by David Davis of Minale Tattersfield. This talk was found very thought provoking.

To conclude the morning session we had Martin Kammler of Scheidt & Bachmann speaking on ‘Unattended Self Service, customer convenience or an opportunity lost?’

After a hearty lunch we were straight back for a talk by Stephen Moule from Gilbarco Veeder-Root on ‘The Environment and our Industry’. Who spoke about how demands for greater environmental stewardship require industry to embrace change in the drive to create long term sustainability for the benefit of all stakeholders An unusual but nevertheless interesting talk was given by Captain Nigel Arnold of the Defence Fuels Group, based at West Moors in Dorset (UK) who talked about ‘Fuelling Defence – managing safety in an unsafe world’.

Our Conference ended with a personal recount of fuel contamination that entered the distribution chain in early 2007. This was delivered by Martin Williams of Kent Trading Standards who was able to share first hand the frantic media frenzy and panic that set in for consumers.

As Editor I hope to publish some of these papers in forthcoming issues of the Bulletin to keep the membership abreast of new developments.

Turning to the Awards and we were delighted not only to welcome back last years sponsors but in addition add another Award to make five in all. After all the applications were received and judged by a selection of well-known members across the industry spectrum, the winners were announced as follows:

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HSE Award - Sponsored by Shell UK Winner – Eurotank Environmental Ltd Presented by Michael Hunt and accepted by Chris Ramshaw.

Quality Award Sponsored by Torex Retail Winner – Eurotank Environmental Ltd Presented by Steve Watts and accepted by Chris Ramshaw.

Innovation Award Sponsored by Toureen Mangan Winner – Fairbanks Environmental Ltd Presented by Daniel Nolan and accepted by Steve Jones.

Customer Care Award Sponsored by Total UK Winner – Adler and Allan Ltd Presented by Patrick Howley and accepted by Henry Simpson.

Personal Contribution to the Industry Sponsored by Elaflex Ltd Winner – Nobby Clarke Presented by Anton Martiniussen and accepted by Nobby Clarke.

Our pre-dinner drinks were sponsored by Eurotank Environmental and the entertainment for the evening sponsored by PetroTechnik which came in the form of Graham Jolley an extremely amusing mind reading act followed by Pink Champagne, a three piece girl band with some quite outstanding harmonies. The relaxed atmosphere carried on well into the night and the small hours.

One highlight of the evening was our charity which this year was cancer Research in memory of Paul Craven, our much loved Hon Secretary for which the wonderful sum of £2,151.10 was raised on the night.

It remains for me to give our warmest and sincere thanks to Emma and Fiona, ably assisted by Roz on the night for a quite memorable day and evening to bring so many of us together to produce yet again an event not to be missed – what ever you do in the industry.

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Dr Liam Fox MP and Brian Baker from the APEA

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Eric ‘Nobby’ Clarke accepting the Personal Contribution to Industry Award from Anton Martiniussen from Elaflex

Chris Ramshaw from Eurotank Environmental accepting the HSE Award from Michael Hunt from Shell

Henry Simpson from Adler and Allan accepting the Customer Care Award from Patrick Howley from Total

Steve Watts from Torex Retail

Chris Ramshaw from Eurotank Environmental accepting the Quality Award from Steve Watts from Torex Retail

Steve Jones from Fairbanks Environmental accepting the Innovation Award from Daniel Nolan from Toureen Mangan

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LCM Environmental Limited - 20 Years in the industry

By Lloyd Burnard, LCM Environmental Ltd On 30th September 1987, Captain John Frewer formed Liquid Cargo Management Limited (LCM Ltd); its sole aim was the cleaning of terminal tanks and providing advice on the management of fuel movements within the UK. The company was a success and eventually expanded into new markets including tank inspections and cleaning, forecourt decommissioning, foam filling and industrial land remediation.

company.

The new management team realized that if LCM was going to remain competitive and a market leader, things had to be stepped up a gear. On 1st January 2007 the company name changed to LCM Environmental to represent the changing nature of its product portfolio, t h e The lads get ready to enter the tank to clean and certify gas free markets it before removal. Late 1980’s Playing Place, Truro, Cornwall. currently broader range of services now serves and the ones it available. will enter in the coming years.

‘LCM Environmental will be maintaining its current working relationships that have developed through Liquid Cargo Management and will expanding them by offering a broader LCM started in 1987 with the first job being a Terminal Clean at Plymouth range of products to Docks – This is Willie beside the first ever LCM van. existing clients.

Under John’s careful navigation, LCM However we will also be looking at new changed considerably building to over areas to expand into within the 40 employees working from a number Environmental Services, Oil and Fuel of operating bases throughout the UK. industry. It is a very exciting time for us It had also built an enviable reputation with all our staff working together to for safety, the comprehensive training of assist any companies that maybe its staff and for innovation in procedures struggling with environmental issues and products. As such it had become a and offering them services and advice market leader. that will help them to over come those problems.’ - Bob Burnard, Managing Director T o incorporate the new name the distinctive LCM logo has been updated and a new corporate i m a g e introduced to reflect the change in LCM’s first ever Tank Clean and Removal in the late 1980’s at Playing c orporate Place Truro Cornwall, which is now a Shell Garage. s t r a t e g y.

This has In 2006, John Frewer handed the been accompanied by a reigns over to Operations Director, Bob new company brochure and Burnard who with Mark Orr and updated Statement of Stephen Shaw completed a Capabilities designed to Management Buy Out of the entire highlight the new and 48

Getting ready for the clean – Willie (right), Malcolm (left) and Founder and Managing Director John Frewer (behind Malcolm). Plymouth Docks October 1987.

Along with the new services and livery LCM Environmental has invested in a new website (www.lcmenvironmental.com) offering visitors to the site a full and descriptive briefing on all of the company’s

LCM’s first project with the Ministry of Defence. LCMs relationship with the MOD has grown and developed since the early 1990’s and has resulted in many projects being undertaken by LCM since.

Pictured far right is Captain John Frewer founder and at the time of the photo Managing Director of LCM.

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Articles Two of the new services now offered by LCM Environmental are OFTEC Tank Care and Incident Management.

Even after LCM developed new services in the mid 1990’s for its ever-expanding clientele, it still carried out Terminal Cleaning, which in the Mid 90’s was it’s bread and butter.

OFTEC Tank Care offers comprehensive support to clients with smaller storage tanks, such as those used to heat an industrial unit that may need to be brought into or maintained in compliance with the Control of Pollution Regulations now strictly enforced by The Environment Agency.

products. It also gives visitors the chance to view certificates and awards for the company.

The website can also help visitors decide whether their fuel storage facilities are r e g u l a t i o n compliant. Dr. Tank, an interactive service, found under OFTEC Tank Services on the LCM Environmental website, will diagnose whether

LCM Environmental are continually updating their service portfolio and in 2006 introduced Petroscope Tank inspections in association with Tanknology UK.

‘This service has proved to be very popular with LCM Environmental’s current client base and is being taken on board with many new clients’ seeking comprehensive support and external expertise to support their disaster management and recovery plans.’– Mark Orr, Corporate Development Director With its expanding product portfolio and its experienced staff working in an increasing number of industrial sectors, LCM Environmental is looking forward to the next 20 years with confidence whilst still in touch with the values that have been the foundation of its success to date; safety, training, good management of its staff, innovation and high levels of customer service.

One of LCM’s first Incident Response and Management call outs, Early 1990’s.

Our Incident Management service offers prompt assistance, usually within 4 hours of an incident, to clients anywhere on the UK mainland, when faced with an oil/fuel spillage.

This is provided through our UK Spill Accredited 24/7 Emergency Spill Response teams

If you would like to receive LCM Environmental’s Statement of Capabilities and Company Brochure please contact our head office on, Tel: 01884 841 387 Email: info@lcmenvironmental.com Or alternatively visit their website, www.lcmenvironmental.com, and download the Statement of Capabilities from the home page.

In 2007 LCM changed its name to LCM Environmental to reflect their ever-expanding service portfolio. But although the name changed the ethos did not. Removal of three 250,000 litre tanks for the MOD and Local Council, Newquay Airport early 2007

facilities are compliant and if not offer advise on what needs to be done to bring the facilities up to date.

The website also includes a Tank Capacity Calculator, which will calculate the capacity of round and square storage tank facilities. This enables visitors to the site to work out whether they need to comply with the regulations.

strategically l o c a t e d throughout the UK. They are ready for immediate response to contain and commence the mitigation of any fuel/oil spill.

To increase the services available to their client base, LCM Environmental have became OFTEC Certified and are now qualified to inspect, maintain, install and replace any type of above ground storage tank.

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History of Petrol Stations –Part 4 Early Automobiles and the Corn Hill “Tanker” Fire

By Brian Baker Our story continues in London, the capital of the United Kingdom around the turn of the 20th Century. Electricity had now been discovered and was fast becoming a basic commodity throughout Britain. The use of towns mains gas had now overtaken petrol and oils as the lighting medium of the day. Demands for public transport were growing with buses and trams appearing in the major Cities and larger towns.

By now, the railways had spread across the country and many parts of the western world had a rail infrastructure in place. It is around this time that the early aviators were too experimenting with flight. And then of course there was the automobile that was to go on and see phenomenal expansion over the next 10 years or more. Quite a lot of evolvement for a city like London housing nearly 4.5 million people at the time

to various British Laws on experiments.

Butler made his invention at the Engineering Works owned by Frank Shuttleworth, of Erith, himself a pioneer in the early fuel driven vehicles. In 1890, Butler finalised his design to operate on “Benzoline”, a petroleum product, following the invention of the carburettor by Frederick Simms a few years earlier.

At the time speed limits were restricted to 2 mph in the cities and 4 mph in the country. Butler’s cycle could achieve a top speed of 10 mph, making

did have contemporaries in Gottlieb Daimler and William Maybach but it is Benz who is credited with designing the first gasoline powered car.

He patented the first designed internal combustion engine in 1878. It was however in 1885 that he created the Motorwagen that was powered by a four stroke gasoline engine that was granted its own patent in 1886. The automobile had three wheels, steered by the front wheel with the passengers and the engine being supported by the two wheels in the rear – referred to as the Tri-Car.

Figure 2 A model of Butler’s prototype

Like with any revolution, there are the prototypes or various claims on who has been the very first. One of those stakeholders was a man called Edward Butler who invented his three-wheeled petrol-cycle in 1884.

it the fastest vehicle invented so far but unpopular with the Authorities.

This lack of interest dissuaded Figure 4 First design of Tri-Car Butler from going on and when the cycle itself broke in 1896 he simply Not only did Benz achieve this early pulled it apart for scrap and the patent design but he went onto design the sold to a Mr H Lawson who was to Victoria Model that introduced axle successfully make engines from the pivoted steering that could be sold at a original designs for small water pleasure craft.

Perhaps the real father of the motor car as we know it came in the form of Karl Friedrich Benz (1844 – 1929), from Karlsruhe Germany. He

Figure 1 Edward Butler on his 3 wheeled cycle

The invention never went into production and the claim to be the very first petrol driven vehicle was rivalled by Henry Knight’s Cycle of the same year.

Butler had displayed his design at the Stanley Cycle Show in London (UK) but by the time he did patent his cycle in 1887, many copies had been made due 50

Figure 5 The Tri-Car

fFigure 3 Karl Benz

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lower cost to encourage mass production.

His work also involved his own inventions of the accelerator (known as the speed regulator), the use of spark plugs in the ignition system using

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Articles sparks from a battery, a clutch, the gear shift and the water radiator which together with his own form of carburettor, he simply built the first motor car as we know it.

The boom in car ownership then commenced as models throughout the 1900’s started to appear, particularly in the urban areas. The next question was how are we going to refuel this vehicle, petrol (amongst other brand names using hydrocarbons) being the most popular.

The need to self fill by way of a funnel called for a change in the design of the tapered petrol container itself to a metal square, rectangular shape in 1906, introduced by the first Distribution Depot by Carless, Capel and Leonard at Hackney, East London.

It is then that existing hardware and cycle s h o p s starting stocking Figure 6 Wolsey car

Figure 9 Filling square petrol cans

As the demand grew, so did petrol deliveries and given the lack of real safety measures, it was inevitable that soon, a major incident would happen in London.

Figure 7 Austin car

petrol (under licence being the Petroleum Act of 1871 – still in force) and a routine delivery system using horse drawn “Tankers” came in to effect and a little later, steam driven tankers.

In those days the most favoured method of storing and conveyance was in wooden crates housing one gallon tapered metal cans However, as early car design became more complex, the need for bigger petrol cans became essential as vehicle storage tanks reached the 2 gallon capacity.

Figure 10 Petrol car filling by using a funnel

London, like several cities had its own laws and in this case, the City of London Fire Inquests Act 1888 (passed on 28th June 1888) where any fire that had (has) serious consequences or issues, the Coroner of the City of London could call and open an inquest (whether there are fatalities or not) into any such incident and the coroner could also swear in a jury to hear any case he warranted appropriate (including the County of Middlesex) and consider any report of

fire received by the Commissioner of Police, the Chief Fire Officer of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade and the coroner had such powers as that of the Lord Mayor of London and the Lord Chief Justice. Any loss or injury by fire within the City of London could therefore be subject to an inquest and recommendation made after establishing the finding of such an enquiry.

In 1905, London was a bustling city and streets were quite close and heavily populated. Trams and buses ferried people about the area and much of the transport was from a service delivery prospect was either by horse drawn carts or steam driven lorries as still, the automobile had not ventured in to the heavier type of vehicle. It would be inevitable that a fire incident of magnitude w o u l d o c c u r causing the Coroner to hold an Inquest.

On the 1 6 t h Figure 11 Fire Inquest Act1888 October 1905 it was a bright morning though the mist was clearing rapidly. George Dean, who lived at the Hack Road, Tidal Basin, East London, was an Engineer, was driving his steam powered petrol tanker towards Corn Hill in the centre of London, He was assisted by a mate called Shauford in loading the vehicle and he was accompanied that day by his “Van Boy” – Finch whose job as to see that no-one came near the vehicle in transit and when parked..

The vehicle he George Dean drove ran on coke fuel with he, Shauford and Finch all employed by the Anglo American Oil Company of Billiter Street, East London. Dean had been working for the company for the last 19 months.

In his deposition to the court, he stated that he was a non-smoker, nor did his “boy” Finch.

That day he had collected his load of petrol containers and had on his round collected a number of empty petrol cans

Figure 8 Early horse drawn tanker

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Articles from the various outlets know selling petrol in central London and on board was a mixture of full, half full and empty cans that amounted to 780 in all. Many of them marked “Pratt’s Motor Spirit” “Highly Flammable”.

The vehicle had a steam boiler at the front with a chimney with the coke fuel supply under the Driver’s seat. Apart from the mechanised part, the wagon was made of wood with a canvas covering for weather protection and for lighting, two “Davey“ type lamps were carried to illuminate the vehicle in the hours of darkness, fired by “Colga Oil – a product near to paraffin) one at the front and one at the rear.

Dean and Finch in their tanker came along Lillie Road and then onto Fulham Road. They went onto Shaftsbury Avenue, Oxford Street, Holborn Viaduct, through Cheapside and onto Corn Hill. It was not quite dusk at 6 o’ clock and on heading through Corn Hill towards Leadenhall Street they came to a stop near the Royal Exchange Building for 2 or 3 minutes to allow traffic to pass in front of them when an explosion was heard (though not loud as Dean put it).

Secretary of the governing Liberal Party, Sir Winston Churchill decided to set up a special Departmental Committee to report direct to him on their findings, evidence and recommendations with a view of further legislating.

Figure 13 Steam Wagon after Corn Hill Tanker Fire

leaking from cans in wagon proceeding along Corn Hill, such spirit becoming ignited by the use of an improper (tail) lamp” Jury’s Rider, “The Jury consider that the carriage of Petroleum through the streets should be regulated by the Petroleum Acts or an amendment of the Law”.

Figure 15 Steam Wagon after Corn Hill Tanker Fire

the London Fire Brigade continued to campaign for better tanker design and he was to achieve this goal with Ernest Shrapnell-Smith’s where the introduction of a single storage tank on a vehicle with a fire shield protecting the cab from the good carriage section came about and with the developing role of the combustion engine into heavier vehicles, the use of Horse Drawn and Steam Driven Petrol Delivery Wagons were banned in favour of the new mode of transport.

The boy (Finch) leapt from the wagon and noticed flames and shouted “She’s afire” and eventually the whole of the topside of the wagon (tanker) was engulfed. The fire brigade arrived a few minutes later and between them and Dean put sand down as well as using water sprays to prevent the fire spreading.

During the events leading up to the fire, Dean said he saw two double decked buses go past.

In itself, a near miss could be recorded but the potential for a major fire and explosion that could have killed dozens provoked the Jury to return a verdict of; “Fire was caused by motor spirit

Figure 12 Steam Wagon after Corn Hill Tanker Fire

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Captain Thompson, the Chief Fire officer of

Figure 14 Steam Wagon after Corn Hill Tanker Fire

T h e publicity that followed was considerable and by 1908, coupled with a stream of accidents involving petroleum spirit, the then Home

This single event was to see a change in tanker design that in itself was to accelerate the need for purpose built petrol stations where petrol could be conveyed to each site and delivered in bulk to a storage tank.

Figure 16 Shrapnell-Smith’s new petrol tanker

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LPG Payment at the Pump!

By Richard Wigfull and Andrew Mottram During the Spring of 2007 prepared the mechanical equipment for what is thought to be the first fully operational credit card operated autogas dispensing equipment installation in the UK. Power Management (UK) Ltd (PML) is an international project management consultancy that also promotes its own projects in a variety of industries including production/use of alternative fuels.

In mid 2005 PML identified a gap in the market for retail sales of autogas; the number of LPG vehicles on the road has increased significantly over the last five years. Although there has generally been an increase in autogas being available at filling stations, the demise of the small stations coupled with, in many areas, the supermarkets not including Autogas has resulted in many areas outside towns not having a readily accessible supply of Autogas.

With this in mind PML developed the concept of a “pay at pump” modular based system that could be positioned on almost any site where there was power and communications available.

At present the LPGA Code of Practice only allows complete self service on sites where there are no staff under specific conditions. The system, now being marketed as Gas-Genie, is designed to go onto sites where there are personnel available, although not directly involved with the sale of Autogas. The design is such that the dispensing and payment for autogas does not disrupt the existing business although personnel are on hand should customers require assistance.

The basic concept was discussed with a select number of LPG equipment manufacturers. John Wigfull & Co (JWC) was selected on the basis of their technical expertise plus willingness to assist in a project which was slightly different from the usual vessel and dispenser configuration. It

also required innovative thinking to conform to the LGPA Codes of Practice.

The initial design incorporated failsafe operational and safety features.

This along with the associated risk assessments were discussed with the relevant Local Authority before the installation was installed on site in the Spring of 2007.

The prototype consisted of two 1t nominal capacity vessels on galvanised steel frames fitted with a Pumptronics dispenser and associated pipework.

The use of the rigid frame allowed prefabrication and initial testing to be carried out in the workshop with only final leak testing of the connecting pipework and the checking of the dispenser for measure being carried out after installation on site.

A regenerative turbine pump was selected both for the quiet operation and the ability to run at a differential pressure of 7 bar without overloading the pump motor. It is considered that the speed of fill of this pump is equivalent to that of a petrol dispenser – a welcome change for those used to the (often) slow LPG dispense rate.

Safety features included pneumatically operated Remotely Operated Shut Off Valves on the vessel outlets, shear couplings on dispenser inlet/return connections and an Elaflex ARK19-2 pullaway coupling between the hoses and the nozzle. The air pressure is from a dedicated compressor; loss of pressure (e.g. due to fire, loss of power, operation of the emergency system etc.) will result in the firesafe valves on the pipework from each vessel closing.

An emergency shutdown button is also incorporated into the system and located local to the dispenser and within easy reach of the customer.

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In order to make the operation practical it was considered necessary to have the have the payment system automated so only Credit or Debit cards would be accepted. Now that new Vbi integrated systems with CHIP and PIN are available, these have been incorporated into the Gas-Genie so operators have a reliable method of verifying cardholders that will free them from the worry of being liable for fraud carried out with stolen cards. The payment system may be accessed via the internet at any time to receive real time data on sales which can be downloaded in database format. The system can also be interrogated locally and produce paper printouts of pump usage Instructions are given both on local signs and also on the touch screen of the credit card reader. Associated with the installation, outside the separation distance, is a control centre which controls power, communications and compressed air. Here there is also a fire extinguisher station plus a preprogrammed telephone to enable a user to contact the site operator for advice or the emergency services.

The communications link also allows the installation of a security camera which can be viewed from any computer and allows the operator to operate the camera remotely.

With the information from the initial months of operation PML & JWC are working together to prepare additional units both for operation by Power Management (under the name of GasGenie) and by other operators.

Post-note September.

The prototype installation has now been in service for more than 6 months; however due to minor software difficulties we will not be offering future units until the equipment supplier can resolve the reliability problems.

Contact details are: Power Management (UK) Ltd. Andrew Mottram a.mottram@ntlworld.com John Wigfull & Co. Ltd. Richard Wigfull wigfullr@btopenworld.com 57

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BEN - Automotive and Petroleum Industry Charity

By Alfred Friday, BEN BEN is the Automotive Industry’s own charity and has been helping men, women & children connected to all the allied trades for over a Century now.

Employees past & present and their immediate family can turn to BEN in times of need & crisis.

Sometime ago the APEA adopted Ben as its national Charity and have been ambassadors for promoting its work and financially supportive when it is able to carry out fund raising activities. We do hope that some of you, as members, might know something of the help & support BEN offers, but do you have all the facts?

BEN’s National Welfare Team is currently helping over 15,000 people in the community, 55% of whom are of working age. This often means that the help offered to an individual has an impact on an entire family, improving their quality of life. Help is provided in many ways including financial grants in times of hardship, advice and guidance regarding benefits and of course support and befriending during times of personal or family distress. There is also a confidential National Helpline (01344 876770), which individuals can call in a crisis.

In addition, BEN has four residential and nursing centres, providing a home to over 350 people of differing needs & ages. These Centres offer a variety of types of accommodation for the elderly ranging from sheltered housing, residential care, 24 hour nursing care and in some instances, dementure and end of life care. Also, Town Thorns, the residential centre in the Midlands additionally houses a Young Disabled Person’s Wing.

Currently BEN is providing help and support to over 100 beneficiaries in the petroleum industry and in some cases we are providing financial assistance.

However, it is not just about providing financial support: it can simply be about offering advice and friendship.

However, caring for and supporting all of BEN’s beneficiaries requires funding of over £11 million a year, that’s a staggering £200,000 a week, all of which is raised from within our industry.

BEN receives no Government nor Lottery Commission funding and relies on the support of the industry to ensure we can continue to help our colleagues and their dependents in times of need.

The support BEN offers can really make a difference to the lives of people 58

and often it is the practical assistance that makes all the difference, as Stephen’s story shows.

Stephen was a fit and healthy young man working for a major motor manufacturer; happily married with two beautiful sons and another on the way – in fact life seemed pretty complete. Then suddenly in April 2000, Stephen’s life was turned upside down when he contracted meningitis and was placed on a life support machine. At the same time his wife Donna was giving birth to the couple’s third son at a hospital not far away. Against all the odds Stephen survived, but the lasting effects of the illness meant that he was unable to return to work and his career was effectively ended.

Linda with Neil, Victoria and Amanda

Stephen and his children

BEN was able to help financially by providing a grant to help them with their mortgage payments and towards a respite break to help the family over the trauma, and of course provided moral support throughout. We continue to keep in touch with the family to ensure should they need further assistance that we will be on hand.

Linda’s husband and father to her three children, Stuart, had a car spares business. Then during the recession in the late nineteen eighties the business became less and less viable and so in 1992 Stuart took the difficult decision to liquidate the company. The stresses of this burden became too much and the day after liquidating the business he went to the office and committed suicide. Obviously this devastated the family but thankfully a friend who worked for the ADF (Automotive Distribution Federation) referred them

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to BEN. The family were not entitled to any insurance monies and were truly left high and dry both emotionally and financially. Since then we have helped the family with occasional bills, household items, school uniforms and car repairs.

In 1995 Neil, who was then 14, and Victoria, 10, were invited to the BEN summer camp, they had a high old time and many years on remember it fondly.

At the time the youngest child Amanda was just 4 and far too young for an adventure holiday so she was over the moon in 2005 when she was old enough to enjoy the Centenary Summer camp. Amanda was a boon to the group and really added to the fun. The experience for these children was priceless and in fact, Amanda is still in touch with some of the others she made friends with.

The kids are all much older now and they don’t need as much help as in the early days but we still offer occasional financial assistance and friendship to Linda and the family. When you ask Linda about the help she has received from BEN she will tell you it’s been invaluable. Thanks to the support we receive we will never lose contact with the Saunders’.

To find out more about the work of BEN or if you would like to get involved and help raise much needed funds, please visit our website www.ben.org.uk or contact Alfred Friday, Assistant Director of Fundraising, on tel: 01344 294717.

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Flooding and Petrol Filling Stations

By By Dennis Dobbs, Trading Standards Enforcement Officer, Gloucestershire County Council Towards the end of July 2007 Gloucestershire and the surrounding counties were hit by torrential rainstorms, which led to extreme flooding over a wide area. These floodwaters disabled a major water pumping facility and a minor electricity

Tewkesbury is situated where the River Avon meets the Severn and local flood plains normally absorb the overflow, but

Gloucestershire was one of the worst hit areas like Tewkesbury

these could not cope with the deluge. The Morrisons’ supermarket forecourt was completely submerged, but was s a v e d f r o m

systems, and the shop. An inspection revealed that the tanks did not take in water and there were no apparent escape of hydrocarbons. The shop building has been stripped back to the

Surface Flooding but raised Dispenser Plinths prevented serious damage

substation was also caught in the deluge. A major substation had to be defended by a task force of emergency services and the army and navy and still came within a whisker of being overrun, which would have caused electricity supplies to 500 000 people to be cut off.

Amongst the numerous business victims in Gloucestershire were seven petrol filling stations whose forecourts became inundated. The worst affected areas were in Gloucester and Tewkesbury, the latter town was almost cut off by floodwater, and two Cotswold towns were also hit by flash flooding.

significant damage as the dispenser electrics were kept above the water because the dispensers were on raised plinths. As soon as the water subsided, drainage, pump, and other contractor’s were immediately called in to carry out inspection and remediation programmes.

However a nearby

Gloucestershire – Most of the Forecourt is affected

Flash Flooding can accumulate vast quantities of water very quickly

Surface Flooding of a few millimetres can enter Forecourt Shops

independent site was not so lucky, and some dispensers were submerged in several feet of water, which caused widespread damage to equipment, electrical

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walls and a substantial repair programme is underway which involves replacement dispensers, electrical systems, tank gauging, and ancillary equipment. The owners are looking to reopen in mid September. Three sites in the Gloucester area were flooded but in all cases, although this involved 61

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Articles forecourt immersion, there was only minimal shop intrusion. As with a previous instance the raised plinths

Flooding extends beyond the Forecourt

electrics, but the site reopened towards the end of August 2007.

getting out. It may become a r i s k assessment factor when new sites are proposed especially if there is an increased flood risk sensitivity for a particular area.

T h e Environment Agency may well become an essential point of reference for approval matters in this instance.

Someone had a sense of humour

kept the dispenser electrics safe, and the sites were able to reactivate shortly after with only a limited amount of clean up work. At one site ingress of water was detected in two tanks, probably from the offset fill points, and they were bottomed out. Both cases in the Cotswolds have to be considered very unusual as each site is situated on the limestone plateau, and not directly near any significant watercourses. None was stranger than at Moreton In Marsh where the high street was turned into a river, and an overspill from it covered the forecourt of an Esso filling station.

Once again the dispensers remained safe and minimal disruption occurred.

However the local independent at Winchcombe was no so lucky and being on a low point received water coming in all directions from the hillside and adjacent roads which caused extensive flooding. The damage caused has necessitated a replacement shop interior, dispensers, cables, and

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In all instances the filling station operators reacted unilaterally to the flood situation by immediately calling in contractors to check their sites for damage.

Where appropriate there appeared to be an rapid response by i n s u r a n c e companies and this helped the two worst affected sites to begin e x t e n s i v e remediation programmes.

Several questions arise out of these unexpected events: • Is there any way that sites can be altered to provide protection from what well become more frequent events if weather patterns begin to change?

I suspect at existing installations this may not be possible for on site layouts, although increased local flood protection may have an impact.

It is important that sites have good infrastructure maintenance to prevent water getting in and fuel

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• Should a site have an site emergency plan to deal with these contingencies? This might provide a

documentary point of reference for site operators, but it has to be said that in practice even without this information appropriate action took place when the emergency occurred.

• Can government and other agencies learn any lessons?

The local authority activities were restricted for a short time whilst emergency services, the armed forces and The Environment Agency took centre stage carrying out critical response activities to protect essential supplies and the population. It may be prudent however for petroleum licensing authorities to establish contact and develop policies with a wider range of partners such as the Police, Fire Service, The Environment Agency, to obtain as much detail as quickly as possible, to avoid potential delays in identifying the affected sites.

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Hurricanes and Storage Tank Systems: Effects, Issues, and Lessons Learned

By Marshall T. Mott-Smith, Administrator Storage Tank Regulation Section, Bureau of Petroleum Storage Systems, Florida Department of Environmental Protection Background In the summer of 2 0 0 4 , Hurricane Ivan c a u s e d significant damage and adversely affected fuel availability for consumers, government, and commerce in the state of Florida. Along with Charley, Frances, and Jeanne, Hurricane Ivan was one of several storms in Florida that year that destroyed and damaged bridges, large aboveground tank storage and distribution facilities, and underground storage tank facility infrastructure.

Electric power in some areas was out for several weeks.

In the following year, Florida experienced similar problems with the

subsequently caused significant disruption of petroleum distribution in Florida.

In October, 2005, Hurricane Wilma was projected to hit southwest Florida as a Category Three near Naples and exit the east coast as a Category One. The projections were inaccurate, for Wilma retained her Category Three status all the way across the state into the Florida canopy and dispenser damage from Hurricane Wilman Atlantic Ocean. Once again, Florida faced serious problems Effects on Storage Tank Systems with interruption of electric power and fuel availability. Some facilities were Storage Tank System regulatory without power for nearly two weeks, but officials are involved in pre-storm most had power within one week.

Although Florida has endured many devastating storms in its history, many of the current eighteen million Florida residents had never experienced anything like this before.

Nearly 1,000 new residents move to Florida every day, and many of these people come from areas of the country where “hurricane” is a word that is not commonly heard. In addition, Florida had experienced a relatively long Catastrophic damage from Hurricane Katrina winds and “dry-spell” from major storm surge at this Mississippi retail facility hurricane activity since Hurricane Andrew struck preparation and post-storm response southeast Florida in 1992.

Typical canopy and dispenser damage from hurricane winds and damage assessment. We have Consequently, the hurricanes of personally observed the aftermath of the landfall of Hurricane Dennis. The storm 2004-2005 brought many difficult destructive forces of hurricanes on surge from Dennis in July, 2005, caused challenges to both the new and old numerous facilities that are caught in the severe flooding and structural damage in residents of the Sunshine State. paths of these storms. The following is a the Florida Panhandle. In August and However, the State Emergency brief explanation of these observations, Response Team in September, 2005, Hurricane Katrina (in along with photos Florida’s Division of Mississippi and Louisiana) and taken from Hurricane Rita (in Texas and Louisiana) E m e r g e n c y several different Management has crippled one third of the fuel refining inspectors. hundreds of capacity in the United States, and

Flying debris struct the tank and damaged the valve, opening the tank to drain 150,000 gallons of jet fuel into the dike-field. A recently installed dikefield liner prevented groundwater contamination

e x p e r i e n c e d The main personnel involved in threats to life and statewide pre-and property from post-hurricane hurricanes are response, and high winds, storm effectively manages surge (increased these difficult Total devastation from Hurricane Katrina storm sea levels from challenges. Florida’s surge and winds wind, tides, and disaster response is low pressure), well managed and professional. flooding from rains, and tornadoes.

Florida hurricanes will be the focus of Different components of underground this paper, but mention will also be given storage tank systems (USTs) are to recent hurricanes in Mississippi, affected in different ways by these Texas, and Louisiana. threats. While high winds or tornadoes

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Articles tanks was missing. The missing tank was found later five miles away in the Everglades. Aboveground piping connected to shop-fabricated ASTs is also broken or damaged by floating debris or when the tanks are moved off of their foundations.

Field-erected aboveground tanks are especially vulnerable to harm from hurricanes. Several of the photos show how storm surge can move and float improperly ballasted tanks off of their foundations and even over the surrounding dike-field Petroleum discharge from an underground tank that was damaged by Hurricane Katrina (bund) walls. They are also bigger “targets” for flying debris, and many usually have little effect on underground have been holed or dented. storage tanks and piping, they can In all of these situations, the potential cause serious damage to dispensers for surface water and groundwater and canopies. Storm surge often arrives contamination from USTs and ASTs is a as a “wall” of water with strong wave common occurrence during hurricanes, action on top.

This can cause with discharges in the hundreds of catastrophic damage to structures, thousands of gallons from the larger tank canopy supports, and dispensers, and systems. can knock down vent lines as well. Vent Post hurricane damage assessment lines broken off at ground level provide and cleanup has its own set of problems. an opening for water to enter tanks and Post-storm damage assessment can be impeded because there are no longer any landmarks or road signs, and the roads are strewn with debris. All supplies, food, water, drinks, temporary electric power and living arrangements have to be transported into the affected areas. Heat, insects, and fatigue are also factors. Heavy equipment such as backhoes and front-end loaders can damage fill port covers and dispenser islands.

Cell phone towers are down, and Two field-erected above ground tanks were moved off their foundations by a twenty-seven foot high storm surge in cell phones do not always work.

Mississippi from Hurricane Katrina. One floated over the The lack of power often requires dike-wall the use of paper forms to capture assessment data since computer displace the fuel within the tanks. The networks and systems are down as well. displaced fuels enter the environment around the broken vent lines. Flood waters from excessive hurricane rains can also enter tanks from fill pipes that are not properly sealed or from damaged vent lines.

UST piping that is aboveground at marina docks, piers, or wharves is often damaged by storm surge, particularly if the piping is rigid fiberglass or steel. Semi-rigid and flexible piping has a better chance of surviving the storm.

Aboveground storage tank systems (ASTs) are subject to all of the problems associated with high winds, storm surge, flooding from rains, and tornadoes.

More canopy and dispenser damage. National Guard troops keeping watch Smaller shop-fabricated tanks have floated off of their saddles or support structures in high water situations, have Effects on Fuel Availability been washed away completely by storm Predicting the landfall of hurricanes is surge, or have been damaged by much more reliable with today’s floating debris. Hurricane force winds advanced weather forecasting, have blown tanks over and off of their hurricane track prediction models, supports as well. During Hurricane satellite imagery, and improved Andrew in 1992, one tank owner went to communications. Federal, State and his facility (with three horizontal tanks Local Government officials are much that were supported by saddles) after more prepared than ever before. the storm and discovered that one of his

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Nevertheless, before hurricanes strike the coast, several realities continue to factor into recurring problems.

The consumers’ demand for fuel is at its peak before the storm. Newscasters encourage their viewers to “top off their gas tanks” before they evacuate. If the hurricane is larger than a Category One Storm (winds in excess of 95 miles per hour), most people will try to leave the low-lying coastal areas for higher ground in inland shelters. However, regardless

Four field-erected above ground tanks were moved off their foundations by a twenty foot storm surge in Pensacola Bay from Hurricane Ivan. The loading dock was also destroyed and the dike-wall breached

of whether they are staying or leaving, the local citizens, businesses, and governments try to fill their vehicles, as well as any portable or stationary containers or tanks that they have. This creates a huge demand for fuel from bulk petroleum storage and wholesalers, at the very time when ocean vessels, barges, and tankers are unable to deliver fuel to the ports because of the impending storm. In addition, the large field-erected bulk storage ASTs must maintain the maximum levels of fuel in their tanks to ballast and prevent floatation.

After the hurricane passes, a similar situation with petroleum demand occurs, but the problem is exacerbated by the lack of electric power and damage to infrastructure. Petroleum barges and tankers can not always enter the ports because of damaged or sunken vessels, or because of shifted sediments and debris in the channels. Petroleum storage and retail facilities are damaged and must be assessed, repaired, and refilled. Fallen trees, debris, and damaged bridges cause problems with access and the transportation network. Long lines of thirsty, hot, and impatient residents wait their turn in line at those retail stores that can provide petroleum and other special needs such as ice, food, and drinks.

Fortunately, Florida’s Emergency Response Program is experienced, well funded and managed, and the state responds quickly and efficiently to these problems. They manage the pre-storm positioning of fuel tankers for First Responders and other emergency response personnel, and help to match up critical-need facilities such as nursing

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This underground tank was exposed by storm surge that scoured out soil and backfill from behind a sea wall at the marina

homes, assisted living facilities, and hospitals with petroleum distributors.

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection even works with petroleum refiners to redirect offshore tankers to ports in need of additional fuel. Nevertheless, there is usually a period of hardship and inconvenience for the local residents after the storm.

available to consumers in Florida and the rest of the Southeastern United States. In addition, some terminal facilities do not always top off their bulk storage tanks before a hurricane arrives.

Hurricanes do not have to strike land to cause supply and distribution problems. Ports may have to close for a day or two until the storm passes; however, demand steadily increases due to preparations and evacuations.

Bottlenecks in the distribution infrastructure contribute significantly to fuel availability issues. Retail stations are typically on a 2-3 day resupply schedule. When demand spikes prior to a storm, there are not enough haulers to increase the frequency of resupply.

Some retailers temporarily run out and place bags over the pumps. Citizens become anxious and fuel up more frequently… feeding a downward cycle.

In addition, many residents purchased generators after experiencing storms in

Lessons Learned Storage Tank Systems Before the hurricane arrives, owners of ASTs should determine the minimum level of fuel needed in the tank for ballast to prevent floatation for the projected height of the storm surge, and not allow any distribution of product that would reduce the level below the minimum.

Owners of USTs should also ensure that their tanks are not empty, because if a tank is not properly anchored and if flooding occurs, the tank could “float” out of the ground because of its buoyancy. If the need for post-storm operations is critical, tank owners should have their facilities pre-wired to receive emergency generators so they can still operate if there is no electrical power. Owners of larger facilities with bulk storage should have emergency generators on site that are sited and designed to survive hurricane conditions.

Facility compliance, operation, and maintenance records should be protected from water damage or moved to a safer location.

Fuel Availability Petroleum companies often manage their inventory using a sophisticated “Just-In-Time” system to minimize the capital tied up in excess inventory. This works fine when petroleum companies are able to predict demand. The 2004 hurricane season brought this problem to light, and the companies were better prepared in 2005 as most supply disruptions tended to be due to power outages, not fuel storage.

However, as previously mentioned, damage to the petroleum refining areas in the central gulf coast states in Texas and Louisiana significantly increased the costs and decreased the amount of fuel

Long lines for people waiting for gasoline

2004 and therefore created a greater demand for fuel prior to landfall.

There are a number of post-storm lessons-learned. Mass evacuations and reentry cause supply and distribution challenges, and power outages at retail stations and poor road conditions disrupt distribution. Users with “Spot market” contracts with their fuel haulers aren’t able to access fuel during statewide shortages. Many brand name retail stations aren’t actually owned by the parent brand, and many petroleum companies have been divesting in retail over the years. This makes it more difficult to work with distribution after the storm. Finally, local governments and businesses should get firm contracts in place with petroleum haulers, and emergency response personnel should establish agreements with hauling companies in advance of season to provide fuel tenders as needed for first responders.

Legislative Response The Florida Legislature has responded to these recent problems with fuel availability for consumers. In 2007, they passed a new law requiring retail petroleum stations

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

along hurricane evacuation routes to be pre-wired to receive generators, depending on the number of fueling positions and the size of the county where the facility is located.

For example, in large counties with greater than 300,000 people, retail outlets with 16 or more fueling positions located within a half-mile of an interstate highway or state or federally designated evacuation route were required to have generators.

The new law requires each corporation that owns 10 or more motor fuel retail outlets within a single county, regardless of the county population or distance from an evacuation route, to maintain at least one portable alternate generated power source for every 10 outlets owned. Each portable alternate generated power source must be available for use in an affected location within 24 hours following a major disaster.

The Florida Legislature also required that terminal and wholesale facilities are capable of accessing an alternate generated power source for back-up power no later than 36 hours following a disaster. These facilities must have a transfer switch installed and be capable of operating the loading racks with an alternate generated power source for a minimum of 72 hours.

Conclusion Florida is frequently in the path of approaching hurricanes, and the state’s long experiences with hurricanes has taught important lessons that local and state governments must be the first responders, and that all Florida citizens share a responsibility in preparing for and responding to hurricanes. The owners of the 20,000 Florida facilities with underground and

Hurricanes cause other hardships as well......

aboveground storage tanks have an important role in providing fuel for preand post-storm response. Problems associated with underground and aboveground storage tank systems can never be eliminated, but minimizing their effects requires pre-storm planning, intergovernmental cooperation, flexibility in post-hurricane actions, and personal responsibility for everyone involved.

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Interview with Annie Risbridger Hind of Risbridger Ltd

By Brian Baker Within the UK, several companies have been around for a great deal of time and have become very staunch supporters of the Association. One such company is Risbridger Ltd, a name that is instantly recognisable by both the public and private sectors. Ahead of the 2007 conference, I managed to catch up with their Managing Director, Annie Risbridger Hind and chose the opportunity to find out about this company.

Annie, since my time in this industry, the name Risbridger has been synonymous as a major supplier for component equipment for a range of fittings called for. Tell us, exactly how and when did the company start?

The company has been in existence since 1922, we found early accounts from that date when we moved into our new premises three years ago. The turnover was about £8 12s 6d for that year.

My Grandfather William Risbridger originally started the company, and my father and uncle followed in his footsteps. William Risbridger was a completely self taught engineer, who also had building companies and an airfield installation company. During WW2 the factory was part of the consortium of engineering companies that produced machine tools, as well as working 24 hours a day making munitions components. Over the years my grandfather designed many products including petrol pumps and flow meters, nozzles and valves.

What was the market like in those days?

I believe (as I am only 50 you understand!) that there were about 137 manufacturers of petrol dispensers in those days. I would imagine that the market was fairly fragmented. During the war my Grandfather had rescued a gentleman who was adrift in a barrage balloon and they became lifelong friends. This relationship led to Risbridger’s getting a contract to modify imported Wayne Pumps to British Board of Trade Standards. This contract meant a doubling in size of their existing premises, so William set about designing and building it to his own design. It took four weeks, using horse and cart to collect materials and no cement mixers or other modern machinery – quite a feat. The roof structure was way ahead of it’s time and still robust when we demolished the factory in 2004. The old timber packing 70

cases with ‘Fort Wayne’ stencilled on them were utilised in the building!

Has the company always been located in Redhill?

No, we relocated in March 2004, to a much larger premises in Redhill. We have a large machine shop and assembly shop and stores, where we produce our Forecourt Products and our Aircraft Ground Servicing Equipment.

Exactly what do you supply the industry and is it just a UK market or beyond?

We supply our own range of Forecourt Products, which includes Overfill Prevention Valves, Stage 1b and Stage 2 vapour recovery valves and our latest Flanged Tanklid System, which is designed to cope with the additional technical problems encountered on Vapour Recovery enabled sites, as well as being flexible and easy to fit either in the tank factory or on site. We export products, from all our ranges, worldwide.

I guess there have been times when our industry has had to elevate itself to meet changing demand, the most latest being the development and introduction of Vapour Recovery. How has Risbridger evolved to meet the new demands imposed – can you tell us a little of the extensive research and development that has to come about to meet these new demands?

Risbridger design has always been based on sound and simple engineering principles, and we have always worked closely with oil companies and installers alike to help improve standards in our industry. After all petrol is just as dangerous as gas, but it seems to me that sometimes it is treated with less respect.

In order to produce our products we have a brilliant Design Engineering team in Graham Stuart and Phil Davy.

We also spend a lot of time and

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

resources in getting the design and specification right in order to produce a quality product, to solve the engineering problems in our industry.

Although we are a small company compared to fellow members of the Forecourt Equipment Federation, we have a good deal of experience, expertise and enthusiasm to offer. We always try to contribute to industry discussions and consultations, both with FEF, APEA and Energy Institute, as well as our customers.

So what is exactly is your key market?

Obviously we work hard to cater for the UK Forecourt market with it’s slightly special (and we believe safer) requirements in terms of regulation. We have also concentrated on European standards and other overseas markets too in the last ten years, which has resulted in our latest ranges of products. I believe our overfill valves are the best, testable in situ and failsafe as well as with realistic flow operating ranges.

Where do you see Risbridger Ltd in say 5 - 10 years? Is there any further scope in the market in areas such as the newer fuels we are seeing being introduced into the downstream industry?

I hope that we will always be able to react to new trends and be proactive in the markets in which we operate. We certainly have ongoing projects and product development ideas. We also have a number of other markets we are beginning to work in with some exciting potential. Just one of these is the putt360 - a practice putting target conceived and developed by our IT/Finance Manager and Factory Foreman, which we make for them.

So when you are not guiding the company and are able to switch off and relax, what do you do? Do you have any loves beyond the factory!

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Articles I’m not really a switching off type, and have many interests! I love building and interior design, which has come in very handy as we recently built a new house for my father, Gerry, on the old factory site. My husband and I are nearing the end of three years renovating a 1907 granite built house in Scotland, which hadn’t been lived in since 1946! Apart from that I love gardening, art and music, I paint in watercolour and am learning to sing and play the piano.

If you were to send a message to the petroleum industry, what would it be?

I think the main thing would be to emphasise that quality goods with a sound engineering pedigree generally have a better life cost and that these issues should really be considered. As a nation generally we are complaining that we no longer have the

manufacturing industry we once had – but we are all still looking for cheaper and cheaper goods that don’t work very well, don’t last and still use up the world’s resources and land fill space!

Thanks Annie, as always a pleasure to talk to you and may you continue to be successful now and for many years to come.

Branches Eastern Notes on the Eastern Branch Meeting held October 25th at the Limes Hotel, Needham Market The APEA Eastern Branch met on Thursday October 25th. John Boudry this years Chairman was in the chair and welcomed guests and speakers.

Apologies were received from five members. The Branch Secretary Anton Martiniussen reviewed the minutes and briefed members of the committee meeting that took place on July 11th at the offices of PetroTechnik Ltd. The Branch has discussed ways and means to improve contact with members and to encourage more members to attend and participate in Branch activities. A report will be prepared soon. The Branch also agreed to make available on request CPD certification for those attending meetings. We discussed future speakers, topics, venues of interest for future meetings.

Dates have been agreed for the next meetings. Please make a note of these in your diary. Contact me immediately if you want to attend. Other Branch members are welcome too.

Friday December 14th - Early Christmas lunch – The Eastern Branch’s popular event.

This will be held at IWM Duxford, near Cambridge just off the M11.

Duxford is Europe's premier aviation museum - as well as having one of the finest collections of tanks, military

vehicles and naval exhibits in the country.

Thursday April 17th, 2008. Spring meeting and AGM will be held at the premises of Cookson & Zinn and will be a special event to commemorate the association 50 year anniversaries.

Members were reminded of the association’s 50th Anniversary celebration in 2008. Brian Baker would like to have ideas from members how to celebrate this. Please contact Brian directly on brian.baker@miltonkeynes.gov.uk Despite some changes to the posted agenda there was great interest and discussion in the topics. Members enjoyed the discussion as well as enjoying the company and the food provided.

Brian Baker covered regulatory matters. This is always an excellent briefing, well worth all authorities sending their responsible person to be briefed on important issues of the day such as PELG. Awareness was raised about a new type of “plastic bag” type container being offered for the carrying of petroleum spirit.

Rodney Carter of Petroman is known to many for his flair for innovation and finding practical solutions with his speciality in looking after vapour. He talked about the Vareco monitoring

Maerz, Mike Alston, John Brooks of Essex County Council had put together a short briefing with video clips on fireworks and some of the concerns associated with the storage and handling of fireworks as November 5th draws nearer with practical experiences.

Claire Merrick, BP Project Manager and Karl.Meakins of Bovis Lend Lease

Claire Merrick

Rodney Carter

Brian Baker

Joe Maerz

system and the issues relating to monitoring of Stage II vapour recovery and demonstrating live monitoring by linking into a forecourt in Germany. Joe

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

talked about new forecourt marketing opportunities with the introduction of BP TV. A media program intend to inform their customers with news, weather and goods on offer. Claire has carried out extensive research on the use of BP TV both in the UK and the USA. Karl gave a comprehensive overview of the ATEX & DSEAR and safety aspect considered during installation of the equipment.

Jamie Thompson gave an overview on the APEA E 85 draft in preparation guidance paper for the storage and dispensing of high blend ethanol fuels (HBEF). Soon to be published.

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Branches

Jamie Thompson

Do contact us if you would like to come and give a short presentation about your products or specialities.

The comments in these notes does not endorse any products or comments made. Nor do they in anyway reflect the view or opinions of the APEA. They are merely intended as a note for general interest.

Anton Martiniussen Secretary/Treasurer APEA Eastern Branch c/o ELAFLEX Ltd, Hoddesdon 01992 452 950. fax 01992 452 911 Mobile 07831 595 620 Email. elaflex@aol.com Scotland The branch held its latest meeting on Thursday 20th September at Chatelherault Country Park Hamilton.

There were 24 members present.

Chairman Gareth Bourhill welcomed everyone and thanked them for attending.

Gareth outlined proposals for the 50th anniversary celebrations and sought views on ways we could contribute to them; suggestions included providing stories, photos or old equipment.

Discussions also took place regarding producing a separate anniversary publication or possible inclusion of material into a special edition of the Bulletin.

We then had a presentation from Alistair Gardner Scottish Water (Trade Effluent team) on their role relating to pollution control. Alistair gave an overview of his teams work and then focussed on the potential for pollution from petrol stations affecting their network. He spoke of the importance attached to “establishing lines of communication” between the various enforcement agencies that have a responsibility for petrol stations.

Michael Black from The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) provided us with an insight into the work of SEPA in relation to vapour recovery; however he was unable to go into real depth regarding stage II as the officer who had agreed to do the presentation was off sick. Again he 72

touched on the importance of joined up enforcement.

After lunch Geoff Oldham from Suresite Ltd. gave an enlightening view from a contractor’s non enforcement role of working at filling stations. His presentation tilted “Can we always see the wood from the trees“ was food for thought for the audience. It was refreshing to hear that the same result of a safe working environment could be achieved without a heavy handed enforcement threat.

Finally Frank McCafferty North Lanarkshire Council Trading Standards provided us with an insight into the problems they faced when they had to dispose of 10 tonnes of fireworks seized by them on routine inspection.

A “short” film was shown of the 5 hours it took to dispose of them!

Thankfully Frank had edited the footage to cover the highlights.

Paul Devine Branch Secretary North West It is proposed that the next branch meeting be held in February/March 2008.

To all my fellow members in the northwest branch.

It is with regret that I must resign from my position as your Branch Secretary and Branch Representative due to a change in my working life.

I am transferring to the RSK Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates) office.

I'll still be heavily involved with the oil and gas sector however so I will remain a member of the APEA. I have enjoyed my time on the Branch committee and I would like to thank all of my fellow committee members for their assistance over the years.

A big "thank you" is due to all you north-west members. I've really enjoyed my time with the branch and it is the members that have been responsible for this.

I wish all the success for the future of the branch and don't forget.......it's the 50th Anniversary next year so it's going to be a very interesting time.

You never know. We may end up with a branch in Abu Dhabi.

Best regards David Sutch Brancy Secretary Southern The next Southern branch meeting will be on Tuesday 15th January at Marlborough Golf Club.

Sue Meadowcroft Branch Secretary

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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

Branch Representative and Secretary Contact Details Eastern Ian Taylor - Rep Fenstanton Manor, Cambridge Road Fenstanton, Cambridge PE28 9HS Tel: 01480 463 739 Mob: 07768 552072 iantaylor@enterprise.net Anton Martiniussen - Sec ELAFLEX Ltd Riverside House, Hoddesdon, Herts EN11 0PA Tel: 01992 452 950 Mob: 07831 595620 email: elaflex@aol.com Midlands Tom Hocking - Rep D Berry & Co (PFS) Ltd Unit 130 Middlemore Ind Estate Kentish Road, Birmingham B21 0AY Tel: 0121 558 4411 email: enquiries@dberryandco.co.uk Tom Wigfull - Sec John Wigfull and Co Ltd First Hangings, Blaby Road, Enderby, Leicester LE19 4AQ Tel:0116 2862287 email: wigfullfamily@btinternet.com North East Mike Silmon - Rep and Sec W O Silmon Ltd Industry Road, Heaton Newcastle upon Tyne Tyne & Wear NE6 5XB. Tel: 0191 224 0777 Fax: 0191 224 0707 email: associationtreasurer@apea.org.uk

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North West David Sutch - Rep and Secretary RSK Group plc Black Lion Court, High Street Congleton, Cheshire, CW12 4AB Tel: 01260 299495 email: dsutch@rsk.co.uk Scotland Ian Hillier - Rep Inverclyde Council Municipal Buildings, Clyde Square, Greenock PA15 1LY Tel: 01475 717171 Fax: 01475 712747 email: ian.hiller@inverclyde.gov.uk Paul Devine - Sec South Lanarkshire Council Consumer and Trading Standards North Stand, Cadzow Avenue Hamilton ML3 0LU Tel: 01698 476170 Fax: 01698 476180

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Mobile: 07795 090903 email: paul.devine@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Southern

Ireland Philip Bonny - Rep 205 Dundrum Road Newcastle, Co Down, BT33 0LW email: phil.bonny@suresite.co.uk

Philip Monger - Rep Petrol Retailers Association Meadowside, West End, Sherbourne St John, Basingstoke, Hants.

RG24 9LE. Tel: 01256 850164 Fax: 01256 851273 email: phil.monger@ukonline.co.uk

Michael O’Kane - Irish Sec Michael O'Kane Associates Gransha Beg, 27a Gilford Park, Sandymount, Dublin 4, Ireland Tel: +44 353 87 2671675 Mob: +44 (0) 7718 146033 email: mokplusa@eircom.net

Sue Meadowcroft - Sec 1 Rock Cottage, South Cornelly Bridgend CF33 4RN Tel: 07795 841891 email: sue@high-cross.com

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

30 April & 1 May Cardiff

LPG Installations 30 April

Bexleyheath

21/22 May Luton

21 May

Derby

30 Oct

York

Cyprus

Training

2007/2008 Course Dates Petrol Filling Stations Construction, Safety and Environmental Protection 12/13 Dec 2007 Manchester 2008 2/3rd April Manchester 14/15th May Exeter 18/19th June Luton 15/16th September Dublin 17/18th November Glasgow 8/9th December Manchester

Petrol Filling Stations Risk Assessment, Audit and Inspection 9/10 April Southampton

4/5 June Sheffield

Wetstock Management

25/26 June Manchester 17/18 September Dublin

22nd April

Luton

17th June

Manchester

23rd Sept

Southampton

DSEAR 22/23 October Glasgow 26/27 November Newcastle Electrical Installations An Awareness 13th Feb

16th April

Manchester

7th May

Bexleyheath (Kent)

11th June

Cardiff

9th July

Sheffield

10th Sept

Glasgow

15th Oct

Newcastle

12th Nov

Luton

3rd Dec

Manchester

Luton

12th Mar

Manchester

23rd April

Southampton

21st May

Cardiff

11th June

Derby

APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Explosives and Fireworks Dates to be confirmed 73

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Training Vapour Recovery - In preparation

throughout the UK that will be;

Bespoke courses – if your company

Manchester, Glasgow, Luton,

or organisation has 6 delegates or

It is hoped to have this one day

Southampton, Derby, Cardiff, Ipswich

more, and can provide a training

course ready sometime in 2008 so if

and Exeter. Please note that places

venue then substantial savings can

you are interested please register

on each course are restricted.

be made.

the first to learn about these new

All courses are being run in close

Please contact the APEA business

legal requirements. Course will

proximity of major airports to facilitate

manager or the training chairman for

initially be held in key locations

overseas delegates.

a quote.

ready late 2008

your intention to attend and be one of

APEA launch new one day course on Vapour Recovery After some delays, the Government have now committed a date for compliance to the EEC Emissions Directive and in particular, the thresholds for sites that are required to install Vapour Recovery Stage 2 equipment. Consequently work has now been finalised for this new Course to be available Suitable for all Regulators, Petrol Retailers, Contractors, Designers and Consultants, the course covers the legal aspects of European & British Law, Content for Vapour Recovery Permits, a detailed explanation of Stage 1a, 1b and Stage 2 including the various components involved and their function. The course also includes a visit to a site having both Stage 1b & 2 systems More dates are to be released in 2008 so if you are interested, book now to avoid disappointment and be one of the first to

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

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

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

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

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

For details of this and any other training enquiry, please contact: Jane Mardell - Training Coordinator, (contact details on page 3) or Brian Humm, Training Chairman 84 Dunblane Road, Eltham, London SE9 6RT Mobile: 07818 097141 e-mail: brian.humm@london-fire.gov.uk Sir, I have just completed your Risk Assessment, Audit & Inspection course, held at the Bewleys Hotel, Manchester Airport on 26th & 27th September 2007.

The course was excellent, very interesting, informative, and professionally presented.

Our two trainers were Brian Humm & Jean Fincken.

(Could you please pass on my thanks to them both).

The hotel was above my expectations, the food and service was excellent.

I would recommend this course to anyone who has any involvement in our industry to anyone, and will do.

Thank you Delegates from the recent Risk Assessment, Audit and Inspection course for Welcome Break at Charnock Richard

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APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Paul Gillespie CMIOSH Fuel / Safety Officer Transport Services