The Bulletin Magazine - June 2007

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The Bulletin

Journal of the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration

June 2007

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Editorial

Contents Regulars Chairman’s Report

Brian Baker 4

Editor 52 Milton Grove Bletchley

Editor’s Report

5

Milton Keynes MK3 5BH

Letters to the Editor

Business Manager’s Report

5

6

tel:

+44 (0) 1908 252332

fax:

+44 (0) 1908 252319

mob:

+44 (0) 7932 785166

e-mail: brian.baker@miltonNew APEA Members

8

News

9

keynes.gov.uk

Jamie Thompson Publishing Chairman

Press Releases

24

70 Wangford Road Reydon Southwold

Articles

Suffolk IP18 6NX

History of Petrol Filling Stations Part 2 - Some Pioneers of Petrol

28

Interview with Steve Rowe, Outgoing Chairman of SELCOG

36

A look at the race to install Stage 2 Vapour Recovery

37

Severe Flooding at BP garage

38

email:

Block Paving at Petrol Station Forecourts

42

jamiethompson@ukonline.co.uk

An Early Test of Fire: Petrol Storage in Europe

46

Filling Station numbers continue to fall

49

LP Gas Association Issue - Guidance on Cold Burns

49

Business Manager

The History behind the Shell Emblem

50

(including Bulletin Advertising

Tel/fax: +44 (0) 1502 722999 Mobile: +44 (0) 7770 625851

Jane Mardell

and Production) PO Box 106 Saffron Walden Branches Branch reports

Essex CB11 3XT 53

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

Training 2007 course dates and booking details

Mobile: +44 (0) 7815 055514 57

email:

admin@apea.org.uk

Front Cover - Front Cover A hand Pump Site in South Africa courtesy of Pat McKune of Engen Ltd, SA

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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we will be eager to hear Liam’s views on

Chairman’s Report

this

Please, please, please read this issue

matter.

More

details

of

the

conference will emerge in due course.

(I could stop there) mindful of your own wealth of knowledge and experience worthy of being printed in a future publication of the Bulletin.

After the success of last year’s Industry

Awards

we

are

duly

encouraged to repeat them this year and I am pleased to report that

Why not take a few minutes to articulate/craft your thoughts into an article no matter how brief, which I am sure many readers will find both interesting and helpful. Brian’s role as Editor can be tough at times when the flow of articles slows down and it is testament to the hard work of all the publications committee to continually

sponsorship for the awards as well as all aspects of the event has been very forthcoming; a sign that we are hopefully delivering what you as members

want.

The Awards

are

formally launched on the 18th May, which is when you will be able to

my recent experience of attending a well established pan European industry

download

the

entry

forms

and

convention entitled Erpec. It was held

craft issue after issue of high quality

documentation. I look forward again to

material. So please do help them out

facilitating the judging panel session

in my day-job capacity. The short

with your contributions.

which last year showed a high degree

description would be a programme of

of consensus in the decision making

short pre arranged meetings between

As you will no doubt be aware, the

process. Due to some disappointment

service and product suppliers and

APEA 2007 marketing machine is

by members at APEA 2006, this years

buyers/specifiers from oil companies

gathering pace. Putting together an

event is booking up early so please

and other major retail networks; it

attractive conference programme will

don’t leave it too late. The dinner

looked a bit like speed dating in suits.

always be a challenge, ensuring that it

entertainment looks to be very exciting

has a wide appeal to as many of our

and once again it will be the perfect

members as possible. I hope we have

occasion to meet and socialise with

got it right again this year and we are

industry contacts and colleagues.

particularly

pleased

to

have

delivered by the Shadow Secretary of State for Defence, Dr Liam Fox MP who will talk about the security of fuel supply.

Events in the recent past such as the September

2000

fuel

crisis,

the

difficulty of securing safe and reliable sources of petroleum crude have focussed our attention on not only the fragility of the supply chain but also the

My recollection of the event was the sense of community, of common purpose and the desire to share

the European states represented and secondly that the great ideas and

On your national council’s To-Do list

innovations came from all corners of the

at about this time is the planning for our

continent . We could all learn a great

50th Anniversary celebrations due in

deal from each other as long as we

2008. We welcome all ideas you may

make the time and effort to ask the

have about the most appropriate ways

questions and listen with an open mind.

in which we should all mark this

At dinner on the final evening I shared a

significant

table with no less than 7 different

Buncefield fire and the heightened terrorism threat as well as increased

this March in Marbella and I was there

expertise and best practice across all

the

conference keynote speech being

4

Finally, I would like to share with you

event.

No

doubt

the

consumption of alcohol will figure somewhere in our plans, but we would like to hear from those of you who have

nationalities and fortunately for me, the common language was English and the conversation Petrol! Thanks to our overseas

been involved in the petroleum industry

allowances

members for

us

for

making

linguistically

very immediate and damaging impact

for a significant part of the last 50 years

when that supply chain is interrupted.

and who have not only witnessed the

The emergence of non-fossil fuels for

changes but also have played a part in

opportunity

many reasons will provide us with

formulating those changes. For me,

membership overseas so that we can

alternatives, but are unlikely to be

dear

all

abundantly available soon enough. So

important year.

readers,

1958

was

a

very

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

challenged Brits. I hope that our Association continues to embrace the

benefit

of

from

widening

the

richness

experience and knowledge present.

our

of

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Editor’s Report There never is dull moment in the Oil Business and the testimony in the UK came in early March. In the space of a few days, hysteria had set in with reports of contaminated unleaded fuel entering the distribution supply chain starting with the South East and spreading all over the Country.

This sparked literally thousands of complaints and with breakdown reports to Repair Garages and Trading Standards Departments that at one point verged on them both being overwhelmed.

Certainly my colleagues were soon wrapped up in events and they were out at sites carrying out investigations.

However, experience has taught me that the frenzy we encountered meant that many bogus claims were being made of miss fuelling that made the issues even more difficult to deal with.

I used the word ‘frenzy’ and do so deliberately as the National and Local Media found a path to me and I ended up on BBC News 24 giving a live interview, something that was nerve racking with several million viewers tuned in lingering on every word.

Mis-fuelling incidents are not new though I have to admit I had not come across one that had such a wide geographical impact as they are normally localised to a particular area. I recall a few years ago that a major Oil Company admitted to me that they had had over 80 Cross Over deliveries in one year and another knew of over cooking additives occasionally. Add this to the problems of the range of grades on a modern Self Service Forecourt and

I am surprised the problems are not more commonplace than they are. One leading Motoring Organisation conducted research a few years ago and came up with the figure of 40,000 separate incidents involving re-fuelling mistakes every year!

Looking ahead and excitement is building for our Annual Conference that has been overhauled in recent times and now is a must attend event. We have Emma Faure and Fiona Horan of Downstream Events to thank for this who both have the enthusiasm that spreads everywhere.

Updated Conference & Exhibition details are elsewhere in this issue.

Reflecting Government thinking there has been the Climate Change Bill that aims to reduce carbon emissions and the encouragement for us all to use more alternative and “friendly” fuels. I wish it were that simple. It takes time to develop new techniques and the various safety features.

You will see another ‘historical article’ from me that I hope is of interest and please let me have anything of interest you have. The Bulletin is a Technical Journal and whilst I am happy to receive promotional items, our focus on is science and engineering.

At the time of writing, I have just returned from a visit in to Northern Ireland where I was providing some technical support to a Petroleum Licensing Authority there. After years of trouble, anguish and a decline in infrastructure I am pleased to comment that the trend is reversing rapidly with new housing, roads and development areas. In terms of Petrol, Filling Stations there are positive signs of a recovery

with some very ambitious Convenience Shops that are co-branding with major Oil Companies that in turn are benefiting their respective communities.

This should continue for the next few years.

Our Training Service still continues to provide a need judging by the responses so far in 2007 that has seen me personally in Manchester, Ipswich and Portadown and likely a few more places yet. You will also see towards the back of this issue some dates for our new one day course on Vapour Recovery as a direct result of Stage 2 coming into being so we hope you will come along and learn about the new ‘wonder-process’.

The longer evenings are back here in the UK so my pen is going down and in a moment to I will join my good lady in our garden while the sun is shining – time to plant those tomatoes and runner beans I seem to recall – though the rape seed is a way off yet!

Best Wishes

Brian

Letters to the Editor Dear Sir

samaritan" who saved my life; the

direct or via the office, I'm afraid

After four weeks in hospital (including

emergency services; the staff of the

contacting everyone individually just

three in a coma - you can compare that

critical care unit at Frimley Park

was not possible.

with Richard Hammond!) and nine

Hospital;

weeks convalescence I'm now able to

Ringwood and, above all, my family

start back at work, albeit that I have to take things very carefully.

I'd like to take this opportunity to

my

colleagues

here

in

I have been very lucky. You only have to think that in the three months I

I particularly Iook forward to seeing

have been away some 800 people have

many of you at the LPGA AGM in

died in road accidents in the UK to put

Scotland on 16th -18th May.

things into perspective.

thank everyone who has supported me

I hope that you will forgive this round

over the months in so many different

robin but with the literally hundreds of

Jeff Watson

ways, starting with Darren, the "good

good wishes I have received, either

Technical Manager LPGA

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

Best regards

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Business Manager’s Report The last few months have been very busy compiling the 2008 Yearbook and this issue of the Bulletin.

Arrangements are also well under way too for APEA 2007, brief details of which can be found below and in the insert with this issue of the Bulletin. It looks to be a very exciting event.

2008 Yearbook Thanks to all of you that returned your Registration forms for the 2008 Yearbook, the artwork is now at the printers and the Yearbooks will be distributed on 1st October.

If you have not received your copy by the end of October please let me know and I will chase up your delivery. We will be sending all Yearbooks by Royal Mail recorded delivery and by courier so that we can follow up any non deliveries.

2007 AGM, Conference, Exhibition and Awards Dinner Following the success of APEA 2006 we will be repeating the format for APEA 2007.

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

APEA 2007 takes place on 11th October at the Telford International Centre in the UK. The event takes place in a dedicated conference and function centre, boasting top class facilities and onsite hotels. The Telford International Centre is a half hour drive from Birmingham.

The insert with this copy of the Bulletin gives full details of the event.

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

I will be managing the AGM part of the event and information and nomination forms will be posted to all members with the September issue of the Bulletin.

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

Please send me any news items, press releases or articles for the September 2007 issue and I will pass 6

them onto our Editor for approval.

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

Bulletin Advertising Thanks to all of you that renewed your advertising for the 2007 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 2007 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 2007, 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 be purchased directly from our website or by calling me at the office.

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

The 2007 dates are detailed on page 57 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.

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

We can offer discounted rates for these courses if you are able to provide

a venue and catering.

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

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

New Members There have been 38 new members joining during January, February and March 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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New APEA Members Detailed below are new members that have recently joined the APEA during January, February and March 2007 January Gary Davenport Gardner Denver Alton Ltd Waterbrook Estate Waterbrook Road Alton, Hampshire GU34 2UD Jon Kerr Corporate Image Refurbishment Voyager House, 99 Westgate Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 6LE Keren Edward Holloway General Petroleum Installation - Africa PO Box 275 Swartkops, Port Elizabeth 6209 South Africa Colin Ryan Upay System Ltd Tower House, Loughnafulla Thurles, Tipperary Ireland Olugbenga Kogbe Fuelture Ltd 36 North Hanover Street Glasgow G1 3DX Michelle Kent Speedy Hire Direct 155 Watford Road Croxley Green Rickmansworth WD3 3ED Nick Hugh Forecourt Solutions Ltd Newton Ground, Petherton Road North Newton, Somerset TA7 0BD Hugh McAlary H.M.Electrics Ltd 95 Glen Road, Maghera Derry BT465JG

David Egan PetrolWorld ABEC House, Kilbride Industrial Estate Arklow, Wicklow, Ireland Brian Benfiel Defence Fuels Group DFG Inspectorate, West Moors Station West Moors, Dorset BH21 6QS

Nancy Collander WD Partners 7007 Discovery Blvd Dublin, Ohio, 43017 United States Adam Jeskins 1 Rowan Close St. Peter's Park Brackley, Northants NN13 6PB Trevor Gladding Trevor Gladding T/A Electrical Services 7 Downhall Park Way Rayleigh, Essex SS6 9QP Hilary Quinn Whitbybird, 60 Newman St London W1T 3DA Theresa Plenty Wm Morrison Supermarkets plc Petrol Department Hilmore House, Gain Lane Bradford Yorkshire BD3 7DL Luke Wilkinson SLR Consulting Brockhill Court, Brockhill Lane Redditch, Worcestershire B97 6RB

Paul Cooper HTEC Limited Unit H, George Curl Way, Southampton Hampshire SO18 2RX Suzanne Horton Bureau Veritas Parklands, 825A Wilmslow Road Didsbury, Manchester M20 2RE

Peter Lavelle 39 Revington Park North Circular Road Limerick, Ireland

Robin Patterson RSS Limited, 49 Oak Hill Alresford, Hampshire SO24 9JZ

March Howard Mortimer Atkins Limited, Woodcote Grove Ashley Road, Epsom Surrey KT18 5BW Nick Lindley Global Alliance Unit 484, CBX1 Exchange House Midsummer Boulevard Milton Keynes MK9 2EA Alistair Riddell 2 Stuart Wynd Craigmount View Edinburgh, Scotland EH12 8XU

February

Steven Clelland West Midlands Fire Service Coventry Fire Safety Centre Radford Road CoventryCV1 4EL

Shabana Stuart Gilbarco Veeder-Root Crompton Close Basildon, Essex SS14 3BA

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Ron Keeley Firtree Construction Construction House, 152 Amington Road Yardley, Birmingham West Midlands B25 8EL

Allan Jones 2 Innewan Place Main Street, Bankfoot Perth PH1 4AY Howard Burnett Somerset County Council Trading Standards Service County Hall,Taunton TA1 4DY

Julia McColm W.A.Fairhurst & Partners 1 Arngrove Court, Barrack Road Newcastle-upon-Tyne NE4 6DB Martin O'Halloran Health and Safety Authority Metropolitan Building James Joyce Street Dublin 7, Ireland James Plant Leicester City Council Pollution Control Group Block A New Walk Centre Welford Place, Leicester LE1 6ZG Thomas Kelly Thomas Kelly Cherry Valley Construction Cherry Valley, Rathmoylon Enfield Co Meath, Ireland Linda Stinton The Thatched Cottage Church Lane, Stratton St Michael NR15 2QB Julianne Young Metropolitan Police Service 11th floor Empress State Building, Lillie Road London SW6 1TR Dean Bannon Little Electrical Engineers 30-32 Queens Place, Lurgan Armagh BT66 8BY Beverley Mair Essex Trading Standards 2 Beaufort Road New Dukes Way Industrial Park Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6PS Maureen Briggs Craigavon Borough Council Civic Centre Lakeview Road, Craigavon BT64 1AL Jeffrey Terry Essex County Council Trading Standards 2 Beaufort Road, Dukes Park Industrial Estate Chelmsford, Essex CM2 6PS

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News

UK, Keighley. Petrol station evacuated Jan 23 2007 - A petrol station in Keighley Bradford was evacuated and a nearby road closed after reports of leaking propane gas from an installation on the site. The fire service were called to the incident at Brobot Filling Station in Halifax Road and made the area safe until an installation engineer arrived.

One pump attended and firefighters surrounded the fixed installation with a hose and stood by in case of an explosion or possible fire. A fire service spokesman said: "We employed strategic safety measures. It was a dangerous situation - there was a large quantity of propane gas involved. "We made the area safe until the arrival of the installation engineer. As soon as he said it was OK the road was opened."

The installation engineer attended at 12.30am. The road was closed for around an hour and a half. A senior officer from the fire service also turned out to the incident, which is now under investigation.

UK, Hell at Shell petrol station: London blockade On the evening of the 24th Feb two Shell petrol stations in north London were blockaded by activists who are concerned over Shell’s aggressive business practices and poor human rights record.

For more details of Shells record see: www.shelltosea.com www.shellfacts.com www.corporatewatch.com www.artnotoil.org.uk.

The non-violent actions took place at Shell stations on Holloway Road and Upper Street in north London. No arrests were made. However some motorists became aggressive, made threats and insulted blockaders. The

police did not over react and one officer made the comment … “I suppose we can look this up on the usual website can we?” Here it is officers. After the last action at the station on Holloway Road one very friendly black cab driver congratulated blockaders and asked for publicity cards to hand out to his passengers.

UK, Hemel Hempstead. Fireball horror of petrol prank boys Jan 25 2007 - An 11-year-old boy was left screaming and tearing the clothes from his body after he caught fire while playing with petrol.

Ronnie Howell, was seen running down the road with his clothes in flames after a can of petrol exploded. The boy is now in a specialist burns unit where his condition is described as stable.

His family is believed to be maintaining a bedside vigil at the hospital in Essex. The incident on sparked a massive police operation when it was initially believed Ronnie and his 13-year-old friend Michael, had been attacked. A large area was cordoned off and police dogs, a helicopter and forensic teams were scrambled while householders were told to stay inside and lock their doors.

However, it later became clear the pair had been playing with a jerry can of petrol that exploded.

Residents near an alleyway off Laidon Square reported a loud bang and a flash that lit up sitting rooms at around 7.30pm. Witnesses saw Ronnie, ripping the clothes from his body and the emergency services were alerted.

Sub officer John Print of Hemel Hempstead fire station said: "We got a call saying there had been an explosion and there was a child with his clothes on fire." Fortunately by the time firefighters got to the scene the flames were out and they immediately administered first aid. Ambulance crews then arrived and put Ronnie on a fluid drip while he was treated for burns and taken to Watford General Hospital.

Ronnie's injuries were described as

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

'serious burns to the body' and he was transferred to a specialist burns unit in Chelmsford where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Michael, whose coat had caught alight, suffered less severe injuries but he was also taken to Watford where he was later discharged.

Police believe the pair came across the can of petrol rather than buying it at a filling station. It is understood that no police action will be taken against the boys. However, in the wake of the incident police hope to launch a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of petrol and other flammable liquids.

Leaflets will be dropped at filling stations warning of the risks around petrol in a can and advising people to properly dispose of unused fuelkeep safe. "If you don't keep safe it can lead to tragedies like this." A spokesman for Herts Fire and Rescue Service said: "Any incident involving children is always terribly upsetting. "This was a very serious incident where two boys were injured following an incident involving a flammable liquid. "We would like to take this opportunity to ask people to store fuel safely and to ensure that youngsters are aware of the dangers of all combustible materials."

UK, Driver killed in petrol station Jan 19 2007 - A man was killed when cladding from a supermarket petrol station canopy worked loose in high winds while he stopped to refuel on his way home.

Martin Hunt, 58, lived in Essex but near Broxbourne, Herts, and stopped at Sainsbury's in Bamber Bridge at Preston, Lancashire. It is understood that a piece of the ‘bull-nose’ canopy became loose, fell to the ground and Mr Hunt, seeing the danger to other users and staff, went to assist in pulling the loose canopy sheet free only to sustain a condition that sadly was to see him die from the experience. Initially it was thought that the piece of canopy struck him but after detailed investigation it became clear that this was not the case.

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News The Dartford Crossing bridge was closed much of the day for safety reasons and police imposed speed limits on roads.

The East of England Ambulance Service received nearly 800 calls during the storms.

Paul Leaman, the service's chief operating officer in Essex, said: "The demand on the service remained high as we continued to deal with the aftermath of the weather.

"We would continue to request that people consider whether dialling 999 is the most appropriate way of getting the care they need."

UK, Norfolk. LPG leak at Thetford petrol station Feb 9 2007 - A Thetford petrol station was closed for more than three hours as a result of a gas leak in the forecourt.

Staff and customers evacuated the Icknield Way Filling Station, in Norwich Road, at about 7.15am following reports of a leak at a Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) pump. Police and firefighters from Thetford were called to cordon off the area and make the scene safe whilst a BP engineer fixed the faulty connection.

Graham Sharp, Thetford fire station watch manager, said: “With LPG, there is possible danger of explosions and other nasty things like that, but in this case it was very unlikely as the gas was isolated. The area was cordoned off to remove the possibility of sparks from cars and we were there as a precaution if anything did ignite.” The BP station was eventually reopened at about 10.30am.

UK, Kettering.

Cambridge fireworks company fined for unsafe display Jan 28 2007 - A company has been fined £18,000 for staging a bonfire night fireworks display in Northants which resulted in serious injuries to two children.

10

Cambridge-based Kimbolton Fireworks admitted discharging fireworks unsafely at the display at Wicksteed Park, Kettering, in 2005. The firm also admitted failing to make a proper assessment of the health risks at Kettering Magistrates Court. Eleven people were injured at the event. One child was badly burnt and another had serious leg injuries in the accident.

Magistrates heard that a Health and Safety Executive investigation found one of the fireworks had exploded too early.The racking system for the fireworks was inadequate and toppled over, propelling one straight towards the 5,000-strong crowd, the court heard.

In a statement the company said: "We are in a business which is dedicated to bringing pleasure to people. The last thing we want to do is hurt anyone. We are confident that the additional measures we have introduced will prevent the accident happening again."

UK, Fuelish driver woman loses control of car at petrol station An elderly lady was feeling a little fuelish after she lost control of her car at a petrol station and destroyed a diesel pump before rolling 360 degrees.

The Lady, 82, was attempting to manoeuvre her Toyota Starlet closer to a pump when she accidentally hit the accelerator instead of the brake.

The car swerved across the forecourt, careered into a diesel pump - knocking it clean off its foundations - and flipped into the air before coming to rest on its side.

Twelve firefighters rushed to the scene and miraculously pulled her from the wreckage with only minor bruising to her leg.

The red-faced Lady said "This is all very embarrassing," she said. "I'm very shaken and most upset. I have driven all my life and I've never had an accident before." "It's all a bit of a blur.

I put my foot down on what I thought was the brake, and suddenly the car raced forward." "I thought I saw a girl in front me and when the car came to rest I was terrified I'd hit someone."

"I didn't have my seat belt on as I

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

manoeuvred and I was thrown into the passenger seat of the car. I'm just glad nobody was hurt."

The accident happened as the Lady was heading to the doctors and pulled up at the Texaco garage near Tewkesbury, Glos., at 10.30am on Sunday morning, 4th November 2006.

After popping in to pick up a sandwich and newspaper a cashier followed her out to help her fill up. She manoeuvred her blue Toyota nearer a pump but the cashier - who was guiding her into position - did not realise the filler cap was on the opposite side of the vehicle.

As the Lady gesticulated to the cashier to try and explain, she accidentally stamped her foot on the accelerator instead of the brake.

The automatic car shot forward, swerved across the forecourt and careered up a four inch concrete plinth on which the diesel pump was standing.

After knocking over the pump, the car tumbled onto its side, onto its roof and then back up onto the opposite side almost completing a full 360-degree roll.

Lucky the Station Manager, hit the emergency fuel cut-off switch before any fuel escaped and called emergency services. He said: "I couldn't believe it.

She'd shot forward, crashed up the plinth and smashed the pump over."

"I'm amazed nobody was hurt.

Thankfully the pumps are designed not to spill in these situations but this one was completely shattered."

"The cashier had gone out to give her a hand filling up. She hadn't parked close enough to the pump and seemed to getting a bit frustrated with herself."

"Suddenly the car raced across the forecourt, hit the pump and she almost did a complete barrel roll."

"The fire crews were here in minutes and were able to pull her out. It took an hour to clean up before we could reopen but the repairs could take weeks."

"The fuel line to the tank is shattered and its going to cost thousands to repair. It's bad news for her insurance company."

"You wouldn't believe it unless you saw the CCTV video."

When fire crews arrived with cutting equipment, the Lady insisted they did not cut her car open to free her - and

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News she was rescued through the sunroof instead. Station manager Lloyd said: "The funniest thing was as the ambulance took her away for a check up all she was worried about was her paper and her sandwich."

A spokesman for Gloucestershire Fire Service said: "It could have been a very different story. We sent two pumps and a special chemical unit who were able to free her and make the area safe."

UK, Bio Fuels can bring savings Carbon savings Virtually all biofuels offer some carbon savings, because the CO2 that is emitted into the atmosphere when they are burned is offset by the amount the crop has absorbed as it grows. In this sense they are different from fossil fuels, which emit into the atmosphere carbon which has been safely locked away under the earth's surface for millions of years.

The carbon savings from biofuels is, however, offset by the energy that is needed for cultivation, harvesting, processing and transportation.

The best biofuels are those which are produced using the least energy (eg low inputs of fertiliser, processed in an energy-efficient way and transported short distances).

The worst biofuels can result in greater lifecycle carbon emissions than fossil fuels (ie more energy is needed to produce them than is saved by using them). As a rule of thumb, most biofuels offer a carbon saving of something like 50 per cent compared to fossil fuels.

So, if we were to achieve five per cent biofuel sales in the UK, we would deliver a carbon saving from road transport of 2.5 per cent - equivalent to about 1 million tonnes of carbon, which is much the same thing (in carbon terms) as taking a million cars off the road.

Diversity of energy supply Biofules get us away from 100 per cent dependency on fossil fuels. In the longer term, it is possible that biofuels might make up as much as 20-30 per cent of total fuel sales, although

estimates of the total global capacity for biofuels vary widely.

Benefits for the rural economy This is why biofuels are so popular in the US, Brazil and much of the rest of the EU. However UK feedstocks generally cost more (especially compared to Brazilian bioethanol), so UK farmers may only benefit when/if cheaper imports become less available owing to growing global demand. Some countries' support is carefully targeted at domestic production.

For a free download version go to; http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft _roads/documents/page/dft_roads_613 859.hcsp

UK, Card cloning scam An international card-cloning scam has stolen thousands of pounds from people in Leigh. Police have noticed a sizeable increase in the number of reports of card fraud in the town in the past few weeks.

People examining their bank statements have found cash withdrawals from ATMs throughout the world, including the Middle East and Europe.

Among the sites police are investigating is the Snax 24 petrol station, in the Fairway, Leigh, where many victims had visited around the time their cards were cloned. Detectives confirmed an investigation was under way.

A spokesman for BP that sells its fuel at the petrol station but does not own it revealed the company had been cooperating with police on an investigation involving the Snax 24 site. He said: "We have been working with the owner and the police to find out what is going on there."

Alison Walker, 35, of Leigh, said her boyfriend had his card cloned in early December, around the time he bought fuel from the Snax 24 petrol station.

He had £300 taken out of his account by someone in Jordan.

Charlotte Newton, 25, of Leigh, had her debit card cancelled by Royal Bank

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of Scotland a couple of days after visiting the garage. She said: "I rang the bank and they said they had a tip-off that someone had copied my card but would not tell me how it knew." No money was stolen from her bank account.

UK, Suffolk. Petrol station evacuated after crash Jan 30 2007 - Motorists had to be evacuated from a petrol station forecourt after a car careered off the road and smashed into the shop wall.

Emergency services were called to Sainsbury's garage, in Bury St Edmunds, to fears of a potential explosion. The woman, who was unhurt as a result of the incident, came to a halt just inches from where drivers were paying for their fuel. The forecourt was made safe before staff and shoppers were allowed back on to the site and the petrol station continued to operate after a brief shut down despite extensive damage to a wall.

UK, London.

Firefighters’ bid to stop petrol tanker explosion March 2007 - Fire-fighters braved a blazing petrol tanker and managed to prevent a huge explosion on the North Circular Road.

Tyres on a Tesco fuel tanker - which was carrying 41,000 litres of unleaded petrol - burst into flames on the A406 just east of Edmonton.

The driver spotted the flames and pulled over to call the emergency services. The fire had spread to the main part of the chassis by the time firefighters arrived. A passing off-duty police officer used his own car to close the road as thick smoke filled the sky.

Firefighters managed to put out the flames before it reached the petrol. The tanker had been on its way from the Vopak petrol terminal in Purfleet to Tesco at Brent Cross, where it was due 11

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Police officers closed the A406 in both directions while firefighters worked. The road re-opened after an hour.

UK, Darlington. Firefighters called to blaze at petrol station March 2004 - Fire-fighters were called to a blaze at a petrol station in County Durham. Crews were called to the BP garage on the A167 at Thinford in Spennymoor . An electric board in an oil store-room had caught fire.

A Durham Police spokesman said: "There was a small fire in the petrol station at Thinford. "As a precaution the A167 from the Thinford roundabout was closed and traffic diverted because of gas cylinders near to the fire. "The petrol pumps were not alight." A Durham fire service spokeswoman said: "We moved cylinders away from the building involved, which is adjacent to an underground vent which holds pipes for diesel and petrol tanks." The fire was brought under control and the road reopened by 10pm.

UK, Ipswich. Smoker lights up as cigarette ignites fuel March 2007 - Pouring petrol into a can while smoking a cigarette is not the most sensible thing to do, as a St Neots man discovered.

The man, from Naseby Gardens, St Neots, was in an outbuilding when the petrol fumes caught light, engulfing him in flames and causing an explosion.

Amazingly, he emerged unscathed.

Fire crews arrived to find the building engulfed in flames which spread to the house, threatening the mains gas and electricity supply. The outhouse and its contents, including a motorbike and garden furniture, were destroyed.

Firefighters said they were amazed by the man's lucky escape and warned people never to smoke while handling petrol.

12

Vernon Payne, watch manager at St Neots, said: "To smoke while handling petrol is extremely dangerous. It is nothing short of miraculous that this man managed to escape without sustaining any injuries. "He received no burns whatsoever after being engulfed by flames. "He is a very lucky man indeed. "This should serve as a warning about the dangers of handling a cigarette or any other naked flame around petrol."

UK, Motorway open after diesel spill Jan 2007 - A Lancashire motorway has reopened after a six-hour closure, which caused delays across the county.

The M61 at Chorley was shut when diesel from a lorry's fuel tank spilled onto the carriageway. Police believe an object was blown underneath the northbound lorry, rupturing its fuel tank as it neared the M61 and M6 intersection at Blacow. The motorway reopened overnight after an operation to clear the fuel from the road, police said. Several cars were involved in minor collisions after driving through the diesel spill, but no injuries were reported.

UK, Development control around large scale petrol sites The HSE recently issued a consultative document for which the closing date was May 22nd , setting out revised policies on the advice it gives to Local Planning Authorities (LPAs) on development control in the vicinity of large-scale petrol storage sites, in light of the explosion and fire at the Buncefield Depot. The proposals are aimed at operators of large-scale petrol storage sites, local authority planners, the emergency services, surveyors, and property developers.

The document briefly described the background to the land use planning system around major hazards sites and then considers the Buncefield incident and its implications for land use planning.

The first question asks whether the

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HSE's land use planning objectives and principles remain a sound basis for advice. The subsequent questions asks for consideration of whether the HSE should extend the area in which land use planning advice is applied and whether assumptions about the vulnerability of individuals who are likely to be affected should be changed.

Options Views were invited on which option best balances the risks to individuals with social and economic development.

The possible options include combinations of changes to the consultation distances (CDs), zone boundaries and the advice given within them. The options are: • no change to land use planning (LUP) advice • change size of CD and zones, based on hazard • change size of CD (as option 2) and development sensitivity levels • change size of CD informed by risk, and adopt new development proximity zone to give more restrictive advice.

In particular, views were sought on options three and four, which both represent significant change from the current approach but which differ in where they place the balance between public protection and new development.

The results of the consultation and any amendments are likely to be published later this year.

UK, Yorkshire.

Business man and company fined £40,000 over unsafe firework storage March 2007 - A businessman and his company have been fined £20,000 each for storing fireworks illegally in an unlicensed unit on an industrial estate.

Men Shun Fireworks imported the fireworks in question into the UK from

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News China for onward distribution. A check on 6 September 2004 found that 100 tonnes of fireworks containing 25 tonnes of explosives were temporarily being stored, because of a problem with the distribution, in a unit on an industrial estate in Wetherby. The premises had not been licensed for such storage and would never have been for that amount.

In addition, some fire doors were padlocked, three of the five fire exits were blocked by pallets, the only two fire extinguishers in the building did not work and the distance to the nearest available exit exceeded the distance allowed. The fireworks were being stored temporarily because mistakes by the company who handled the distribution of the fireworks in the UK, Global Logistics Ltd, led to the company having more fireworks than its licensed premises had capacity for.

Men Shun Fireworks and its owner, Run Guang Tan, were each fined £20,000 and ordered to pay a total of £50,000 costs because ultimate responsibility for health and safety regarding the fireworks belonged to Men Shun and its owner. The company admitted to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Tan admitted one offence. Since the incident Global Logistics has gone into liquidation so it was not fined. However, if it had not been in liquidation, the judge said, it would have been prosecuted too as Men Shun had delegated responsibility for the fireworks to it for distribution. The judge did acknowledge that the fireworks involved were at the lowest level of hazard, and the risk of ignition was minimal.

Jeremy Barnett, for Tan and the company, said they had trusted Global to handle its logistic work efficiently. If you want to store or manufacture explosives you need a licence or to register with your local licensing authority. You also need to comply with the Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2005, which came into force on 26 April 2005. The main requirements of the Regulations are: • anyone manufacturing or storing explosives must take appropriate measures to prevent fire or explosion;

to limit the extent of any fire or explosion should one occur; and protect persons in the event of a fire or explosion. These are the key requirements of the Regulations and are backed up by extensive guidance in the Approved Code of Practice; • in most cases a separation distance must be maintained between the explosives building and neighbouring habited buildings. This is intended to ensure that risks to those living or working in the area are kept to an acceptable level. If there is development in this separation zone then the quantity that may be kept must be reduced; • with certain exceptions a licence is required for the manufacture or storage of explosives. The HSE licenses manufacturing activities because of the greater risks involved.

The HSE also licenses larger explosives storage facilities. In most cases, stores holding less than two tonnes of explosives are either licensed or registered by the local authority or the police; the HSE may not grant a licence for a manufacturing facility or, in most cases, store until the local authority has given its assent (normally following a public hearing). This is an important safeguard in the present system that is to be retained.

UK, Oil/Fuel Sites Safety and environmental reviews A report on the findings of the Oil/Fuel Depot Safety and Environmental Reviews has been published by the HSE, the Environment Agency and the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA). It details the results of further analysis of the responses to the Safety Review of COMAH oil/fuel storage sites in February 2006 and the analysis of the Environment Review of similar sites. The report is based on a ‘snapshot’ of the sites at the time of the

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reviews.

The further analysis of the Safety Review findings in this report revealed that:· • 1% of issues reviewed were below good practice • 9% of issues reviewed gave rise to minor concern • 90% of issues satisfactory.

reviewed

were

Analysis of the Environmental Review revealed that: • 22% of sites were below good practice • 66% of sites gave rise to minor concern • 12% were satisfactory. It is noted that the proximity of sites to sensitive environmental locations affected the relative ratings of sites.

Sites have undertaken work to improve standards since the reviews were undertaken. The COMAH Competent Authority (CA) began following up these findings in the last quarter of 2006 and work is on-going to enhance both safety and environmental standards at sites. The CA consists of the HSE, the Environment Agency and the SEPA, who are acting jointly to enforce the Control of Major Accident Hazards Regulations 1999 (COMAH).

It is anticipated that the information in this report will be of great value to the COMAH CA in developing its response to the recently published Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board’s report: ‘Recommendations on the design and operation of fuel storage sites’.

COMAH requirements The COMAH Regulations require an operator of a major hazard establishment to take all necessary measures to prevent major accidents and limit their consequences to persons and to the environment. Operators have to undertake a suitable and sufficient risk assessment to determine the measures necessary to ensure that 15

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News risks to health, safety and the environment are adequately controlled.

As a minimum, the control measures adopted must achieve the standard of recognised good practice for the industry. The regulatory approach of the COMAH Competent Authority is to ensure that the operator of a COMAH site can justify the selection of the control measure provided and the CA will take enforcement action where the standard of compliance falls significantly below accepted good practice.The annexes of this report contain the results of the CA’s work, namely: • HSE report on additional safety issues for England & Wales. Analysis of the safety issues that were covered in the safety alert review for 47 sites in England & Wales (annex 1) • HSE/SEPA report on safety and environmental issues for Scotland. In Scotland, HSE and SEPA took a joint holistic approach towards both safety and environmental matters. As a result, the analysis of safety and environmental issues for 9 sites in Scotland is best viewed together (annex 2).

• Environment Agency report on environmental issues for England & Wales. Analysis of the results of the environment issues covered in their survey of containment for 86 sites in England and Wales (annex 3).

The full report is available from the Environment Agency website a t : h t t p : / / w w w. e n v i r o n m e n t agency.gov.uk/commondata/acrobat/sa fety_1734005.pdf

UK, Buncefield - 5th Report The Buncefield Major Incident Investigation Board (MIIB) has published its fifth report, as required under the terms of reference of the investigation into the Buncefield incident on 11 December 2005.

The report sets out recommendations to improve safety design and operation 16

at fuel storage sites.

The Board’s initial report, published in July 2006, identified four main workstreams that would form the basis of its continuing work and developing recommendations. These are: • design and operation of storage sites • emergency preparedness for, and response to, incidents • advice to planning authorities • examination of the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE’s) and the Environment Agency’s roles in regulating the activities on the Buncefield site.

This report focuses on the first of these workstreams; future reports will cover the remaining three. It builds on the conclusions made in the initial report.

Draft Proposals for a European Directive on the Protection of the Environment through Criminal Law – Brussels Proposals have been drafted for a European Directive on the Protection of the Environment through the use of Criminal Law to reduce the increasing amount of pollution that has been talking place throughout the Member States.

The Member States have adopted numerous acts of legislation aimed at protecting the environment but to date, do not appear sufficient. By the implementation of criminal sanctions it demonstrates social disapproval. It also recognises that financial penalties alone maybe insufficient and the need to resort to prison penalties may have a greater effect. The added issue of criminal investigation and prosecution have more powerful tools and therefore likely to be more effective.

The Directive will be made under Article 174 (2) of the Treaty of Rome

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and the offences discharge, emission or introduction of materials or ionising radiation into air, soil or water that causes death or serious injury. The draft directive includes offences relating to the unlawful treatment of hazardous waste and the unlawful operation of Plant & Equipment that may cause any of the offences.

It is expected that the final document will be published for consultation within 3 months from now and it will be reported on in this Journal.

UK, Review of the Oil Spill Treatment Products Approval Scheme Consultation The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has published a consultation on the review of the UK's Oil Spill Treatment Products Approval Scheme ('the Scheme'). The last review was undertaken following the Braer oil spill in 1995. This consultation aims to help Defra formulate the right approach for the future so that the Scheme meets the needs of the oil spill response industry (both in the UK and internationally) and encourages the development of innovative new products of benefit to oil spill response and marine environmental protection.

Background A threat to commercial, environmental or amenity interests in the UK as a result of an oil spill at sea requires the most appropriate solution for dealing with the problem. UK waters are often turbulent which renders mechanical oil recovery and the use of booms inappropriate. Nevertheless, the turbulence does promote natural dispersion and can aid chemically assisted dispersion, so one way to deal with an oil spill in UK waters is to use an oil spill treatment product.

The Food and Environment Protection Act 1985 and the Deposits in the Sea (Exemptions) Order 1985 specify that oil spill treatment products (dispersants, sorbents, surface

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News cleaners and bioremediation products) may only be used in UK waters if they have been formally approved for this purpose by the relevant licensing authority. The current approval process requires that products undergo relevant efficacy and toxicity tests. The current efficacy and toxicity protocols plus list of approved products and the explanatory booklet about the scheme can be found at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/environment/w ater/marine/uk/oilspill/index.htm Conclusion This consultation seeks views on Defra's proposals to amend the Oil Spill Treatment Products Approval Scheme as part of the UK Government's commitment to protection of the marine environment.

The aim is to ensure that the best scientific evidence is used in the assessment of oil spill treatment products and response/clean-up options. The document can be located in full on the Defra website at:http://www.defra.gov.uk/corporate/co nsult/oilspill-treatment/consultation.pdf

UK, Crawley, West Sussex; Station Operator fined after serious contraventions found On 6 June 2006 officers from West Sussex Trading Standards Service visited Crawley Autopoint, a small independently run petrol filling station in urban Crawley, West Sussex. A full inspection of the premises was undertaken, including a check on the documentation relating to the site.

On this occasion several issues relating to the safe running and operation of the site were found to be wanting including • No functioning public address system • Petrol pumps difficult to switch off in an emergency • One hose seriously damaged • Holes in the forecourt surface that

could have led to leaking fuel getting into the ground • Forecourt gulleys and drains blocked • Fuel had been spilt in several manholes on site.

The court was told that the operator of the site S Suthakaran, trading as Karan Service Ltd had only taken over sole operation of the site at the end of May 2006 and that he did not realise how difficult the site was to operate.

Most of the work required had now been corrected.

Magistrates said they had taken account of the work being carried out.

However, they had to balance this against the potential danger to employees and neighbours.

Several charges were laid under the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 and the company were fined £22,000 with £3,695 costs awarded to the Service.

Any enquiries to be addressed to Ray Nicholson, Principal Trading Standards Officer, West Sussex Trading Standards Service. Tel: 01903 839716 E-mail: ray.nicholson’westsussex.gov.uk.

Malta, Petrol stations fail safety rules March 2007 - A number of Maltese petrol stations have inadequate storage vessels, while others require an upgrade of their fire response equipment.

This emerges from an audit carried out by the Malta Resources Authority on 84 licensed petrol stations and kerbside pumps. The audit was carried out by the Association for Petroleum and Explosives Administration (UK) on behalf of the Malta Resources Authority, and used internationally recognised guidelines for the ‘Design, Construction, Modification, Maintenance and Decommissioning of Filling Stations’ as benchmarks for inspection.

According to MRA chief executive Antoine Riolo, both the owners and their representative union, the GRTU, gave their full co-operation in this exercise. A report on the condition of each petrol

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station and kerbside pump was drawn up, and the results have been forwarded to its licensee.

According to Riolo, the condition of the stations varied from one to the other, and the required upgrading ranges from infrastructural and operational changes, to issues of public safety and environmental protection.

“Recommendations for improvement obviously varied from station to station.

Some were major, such as the replacement of inadequate storage vessels. Other recommendations, though no less important, can be implemented more easily, such as upgrading of fire response equipment.”

Individual owners have already agreed to timeframes for the implementation of modifications; the timeframes themselves depend on the magnitude of the modifications required. It was agreed to set longer timeframes in cases where a larger capital outlay, as well as permits and approval from other authorities, were involved.

The intention of the Malta Resources Authority is to guide owners and operators of all existing petroleum filling stations to upgrade their equipment and operations to conform to internationally accepted levels of quality. A training course on operational methods and safety was also offered to petrol station owners.

Italy, Milan. Italy’s antitrust authority calls for removal of petrol station restrictions Jan 19 2007 - The antitrust authority said legislative restrictions on the opening and running of petrol stations in Italy should be removed to reduce the price of petrol at the pump.

In a recommendation sent to national and local governments and parliament, the antitrust authority said that moves to date to restructure the country's petrol distribution system had failed to stop Italian pump prices remaining above the average of 15 EU countries. According to the antitrust body, the number of petrol stations in Italy has fallen from 19

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News 39,000 in 1980 to 25,000, but this is still a very high number. It said large retailers such as hypermarkets should be allowed to sell petrol, opening hours should be liberalized and advertising should be increased to enhance transparency of pricing.

Germany, German Minister awards 'Plagiarius' trophy for product piracy of ZVA nozzle Just like in the General Industry, manufacturers of petrol station equipment are affected by Chinese product copies Practically everything that is successful is copied - mostly without compliance to European technical and quality standards, and without adherence to rules for a fair trade.

China´s legal protection for intellectual property is still in its infancy.

The European Union increasingly taking a strong position against product piracy.

A European directive provides for the sequestration and destruction of slavish imitations by the customs authorities.

The German minister of justice, Mrs. Brigitte Zypries now also announced to promote further steps for the protection of intellectual property, and against product piracy. During the design exhibition "Ambiente" in Frankfurt / Germany, Zypries promised to bring forward international initiatives. As a signal, the minister handed over the socalled "Plagiarius" trophy on February 9.

Annually, companies are ´rewarded´ with the feared black "Plagiarius Dwarf" with golden nose, for unapologetic copies and falsifications.

This year´s special prize went to the Chinese company Zhejiang Baotai Machine Factory (´Great Wall´) for the slavish imitation of ELAFLEX petrol station nozzles, in conjunction with brand piracy (use of the original brand names).

The original manufacturer ELAFLEX published Information leaflets about the copies of their nozzles ZVA Slimline und 20

ZVA 200 GR. The leaflets can be requested from the manufacturer.

Denmark, Shell’s unmanned Denmark strategy makes sense Feb 22 2007 - Shell is to rename the 70 unmanned Metax petrol stations in Denmark Shell Express, committing itself to its automatic site format. This could prove a shrewd move as not only do unmanned sites significantly reduce the time it takes customers to fill their vehicle, but they provide an efficient alternative for over four in 10 of European motorists who visit petrol stations shops but only buy fuel.

Shell has announced that it plans to rename its Metax petrol stations in Denmark to the Shell Express brand.

Shell has 227 stations in Denmark operating under the Shell name and another 70 under Metax. The change of name is part of a global initiative to use the Shell Express branding.

The Metax stations, which have been a subsidiary of Shell since 1979, are all wholly unmanned. The Danish market has the third highest proportion of unmanned sites in Europe after Switzerland and Sweden. At the beginning of 2006, there were 1,050 unmanned sites in Denmark for the use of the public, comprising 51% of the country´s total service station network.

The move signals efforts by Shell to streamline its Danish operations, especially as Metax has historically operated as a separate entity. It is reported that 15 of Metax´s 30 staff will be made redundant. It also represents Shell´s continued commitment to the unmanned, low-cost ´express´ format.

Shell has stated that it takes just three minutes to fill a vehicle at a Shell Express station, compared to an average of six minutes in a traditional retail station, benefiting both the customer and the retailer that wants to increase the amount of traffic it can serve. There are further benefits of giving customers the choice between a basic, often lowcost, option for purchasing fuel and a service station format which will satisfy their demands

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for shop products, car washing and so on. When fewer sites in a network have a shop, the number and value of purchases made is significantly higher, suggesting that customers are driven to the site that will best serve their purposes. Sweden, Switzerland and Denmark, all markets with a high proportion of unmanned sites, have a strikingly positive forecourt shop performance. At those Danish service stations which have a shop, over six in every 10 customers purchase at least one non-fuel item, and in Sweden and Switzerland the figure is over seven in every 10 customers.

Across Europe the average number of shop visitors making shop purchases is around five in every 10. More pertinently, the value of shop items in the average customer basket is higher in Denmark, at Euro 5.00, and in Sweden, at Euro 5.50. The European average is around Euro 4.00 and is the same in markets such as the UK and Spain where customers have little choice but to use service stations that also offer non-fuel products. This creates a strong case for efficiency enhancements through low-cost unmanned sites such as Shell Express, or at least through investment in automated payment facilities to cater for the demands of the 46% of European motorists who visit forecourt shops but drive away with a full tank and no additional purchases.

USA, Who sells petrol in the United States?

Convenience stores sell the majority of the petrol purchased in the United States, and despite canopies that promote a specific brand, very few of these stores – less than 3 percent – are owned an operated by one of the integrated, major oil companies.

It is much more likely that the business is owned by an independent entrepreneur who lives in the community.

Of the 110,895 convenience stores selling fuel in the United States in 2004, a whopping 55 percent (61,148 stores) were one-store operations, compared to only 13 percent (14,612 stores) that were

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News operated by a company having 500 or more stores.

Convenience stores sell more than three-quarters of the country's petrol Convenience stores in 2004 sold an estimated 79 percent of all petrol purchased in the U.S. – a sharp increase from as recent as 1997 when convenience stores sold an estimated 59 percent of the country's fuel.

Overall, 80.2 percent of convenience stores sell motor fuels (petrol and diesel fuel) sales account for 66.5 percent of the convenience store industry's total sales. (However, low gross margins on fuel – 6.9 percent in 2004 – mean that motor fuels sales contributed only about one-third of total store gross margins dollars – 36.6 percent.)

Contrast this to 1971, when only 6.8 percent of convenience stores – a total of only 1,401 stores nationwide – sold petrol. What happened?

Following the 1973 OPEC oil embargo, more states began allowing self-service gasoline (New Jersey and Oregon still prohibit it), so the number of convenience store petrol outlets grew.

By 1976, stores selling petrol were profitable and the numbers were growing. There was a competitive battle in fuel retailing as seen by the number of stores offering petrol – the average margin dropped, while the average gallons sold per store went up. As the major oil companies withdrew from certain locations, convenience stores became more and more significant as a source of petrol sales.

"Hypermarkets" increasingly are selling petrol Besides convenience stores, a growing percentage of petrol sales in the U.S. are from "hypermarkets" – the term collectively refers to the group of mass retailers that includes supermarkets, discount retailers and warehouse clubs. According to Energy Analysts International (EAI), as of July 2005, 3,860 hypermarket store sites sold motor fuels, but that figure continues to grow. Hypermarkets comprise approximately 2-3 percent of the motor fuels retailing outlets, but capture 7.7 percent of total fuels sales.

Wal-Mart has approximately 1,300

petrol retailing sites inclusive of WalMart sites (Optima, Murphy and Mirastar), Neighborhood Stores and Sam's Clubs, EAI estimates.

One particular area of growth for fuels sales are supermarkets. In 2003, only 18 percent of new supermarkets had petrol pumps. But almost 62 percent of grocery stores that were scheduled to be constructed in 2004 included fueling in their blueprints, according to the Food Marketing Institute.

Fuel-only stations on the decline The rest of the petrol purchased in the United States is sold at traditional service stations, but those that depend on petrol sales alone are disappearing due to low and declining fuel margins.

An annual survey by the trade publication NPN, which tracks all retail outlets where the public can purchase petrol (including very-low volume outlets such as marinas) bears that out.

In 1995, NPN counted 195,455 fueling outlets. In 2005, that number dropped to 168,987 outlets.

Most stores are 'branded,' but few are operated by major oil NPN also looks at the branded retail outlets by company. These were the top branded outlets in 2004: • • • • •

Shell Oil Products U.S. (15,821 sites) BP America Inc. (14,200 sites) Citgo Petroleum Corp. (13,694 sites) ConocoPhillips (13,300 sites) ExxonMobil (12,119 sites)

Also of note were Chevron Products (9,023 sites), Sunoco (4,700 sites) and Getty (2,055 sites.)

These figures include all petrol retailers, not just convenience stores; cumulatively they represent more than half of the country's fueling outlets.

One of the biggest areas of confusion today relates to major oil branded petrol stations and oil profits. Most consumers assume that the strong profits announced by the major oil companies, which are derived from exploration and production and refining operations, are also enjoyed by the station selling a specific brand of fuel. Nothing could be further from the truth.

While most of the 110,895 convenience stores selling petrol sell a

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branded fuel, very few are owned and operated by the major oil companies.

According to TDLinx, an ACNielsen brand that develops an industry store count endorsed by NACS, as of August 2005 only 2,886 convenience stores selling fuel were owned and operated by one of the five major integrated oil companies – or 2.6 percent.

Here is the breakdown: • • • • •

BP North America: 1,243 stores Exxon Mobil Corp.: 882 stores ChevronTexaco Corp: 363 stores Shell Oil Products US: 243 ConocoPhillips Inc.: 155 stores

The confusion largely comes from the fact that the majority of neighborhood petrol stations typically get marketing support from an oil company in exchange for carrying that brand of fuel.

This includes exterior signage, such as canopies, that lead some to believe that the store is owned by the oil company producing that specific fuel brand.

However, the reality is that there is no link beyond an agreement to sell a specific fuel. The arrangement is similar to arrangements inside the store, where a store may choose to dispense a specific brand of soft drink and receive branded dispensers and other signage.

But the business arrangement ends there.

USA, Gas station explosion kills four in West Virginia Jan 30 2007 - GHENT, West Virginia (AP) - A fuel tank exploded at a gas station near a ski resort, shattering the building into a pile of debris and killing at least four people, authorities said. At least five other people were seriously hurt at the Flat Top Little General Store, where little remained except twisted metal and a sign showing the price of gasoline. The blast was felt at least a mile away at a store selling skiing gear.

“I thought we got struck by lightning.

The whole building shook. The power went off,'' said Ben Monast, manager of the Ski Shop.

23

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News Authorities suspect the explosion happened in a propane tank just as a fire truck was pulling into the station in response to a reported leak.

A firefighter and a paramedic were among those killed, said Celeste Hinzman, spokeswoman for the state Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. State Fire Marshal Sterling Lewis said an aboveground tank capable of holding 500 pounds of propane was being worked on at the time of the blast.

“It is our initial thought that the fumes entered into the building and had to have an ignition point,'' Lewis said.

Keli Akers said she was driving to her house about a mile from the gas station when she began to smell propane.

When she got home, she saw debris falling into her yard. Akers said her mother “felt a huge jolt'' at the time of the blast.

Akers tried to drive to the scene, but she could get no further than a nearby elementary school because roads were closed. The school was also damaged.

“I know people there,'' she said. “But it's not just the people who work there.

Everyone goes there. Anyone could have been there.''

The gas station was about 70 miles southeast of Charleston.

South Africa, Lorry crashes into filling station Eight people were injured when a truck collided with several vehicles and crashed into a BP garage on the corner of Old Pretoria and Alexander roads in Midrand recently , paramedics said.

Spokesperson Nick Dollman said a large horse and trailer truck, carrying 20 tons of sand, travelled down Church Street and smashed through a palisade fence.

"The truck collided with four mini bus taxis, it then crashed through a wall and dropped from the car park into the garage station below and collided with several vehicles and dragged a Honda Ballade sideways into the Forecourt shop," Dollman said.

Eight people were injured and taken

24

to nearby Tembisa and Carstenhof hospitals.

Dollman said a woman who was working in the Forecourt Coffee Shop was treated for shock and taken home by her relative.

"All staff were accounted for but nobody knew if there were any patrons under all the rubble."

He said the shop was completely destroyed. - Saparred in Midrand, South Africa.

Press Releases London Fire Brigade chooses Gilbarco Veeder-Root for turnkey installation

Planning Authority (LFEPA) recognised the environmental risks of continuing to use underground tanks and equipment, many of which were 20 to 30 years old.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root specified OFTEC Standard OFS T200 steel tanks, advising LFEPA to take the opportunity to address the anticipated Environment Agency’s PPG2 Guidelines.

Steve

Gain,

Commercial

Sales

Manager at GVR, worked closely on the tender with the Consultants Scott Wilson and LFEPA ensuring the best possible equipment was specified at a competitive price. He was particularly pleased the GVR GAP Commercial Pump was specified: “The Gilbarco Veeder-Root GAP pump provides high performance, reliability and an excellent integral Fuel Management System; it’s also supported by our nationwide service contract providing complete

Gilbarco Veeder-Root Commercial Fuelling Solutions has won a major contract from the London Fire Brigade to decommission 94 underground tanks and install new pumps, tanks and fuel monitoring systems on 37 rationalised sites. Worth over £900,000 the contract includes the specification of the Gilbarco Veeder-Root commercial GAP pump with integral management system.

The project specifies a demanding time frame with completion due within just six months.

The London Fire Emergency

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peace of mind for all our customers”.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root Commercial Fuelling

Solutions

is

providing

a

comprehensive turnkey solution to the London Fire Brigade. It is this ability to handle

all

their

fuelling

site

requirements which made the GVR option a winning one.

Gilbarco Veeder-Root is a leading, global

supplier

of

fuel

dispense

equipment and associated services for the commercial and retail markets. The company is part of the Danaher Corporation and operates in over 100

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News

Working Together Is ‘Best Practice’ A joint working initiative for inspecting petrol stations devised by Mid Beds District Council has been recognised as Best Practice by LACORS (Local Authority Coordinators of Regulatory Services).

The legislation for regulating air pollution from industry has changed and permits are now required under the Pollution Prevention and Control Act 1999 (PPC). Mid Beds District Council is

responsible

for

monitoring

air

pollution in the district and requires petrol stations to have appropriate countries.

Commercial Fuelling Solutions is the commercial arm of the company in the UK providing complete turnkey solutions to commercial fuelling sites.

The key products and services offered are fuel dispense equipment, automatic tank gauging and environmental monitoring systems, FMS, PPG2 compliant bunded tanks to OFTEC OFS T200 specification, environmental, legislative and HSE site compliance surveys. The company is also uniquely positioned to provide comprehensive, nationwide installation and maintenance services plus expert project management.

For all Commercial enquiries contact Jacky Baker T: 0870 010 1136 E:jacky.baker@gilbarco.com F: 0870 010 1137.

Authority concerned decided to pursue

Environmental Management Systems

these contraventions where petrol had

before we will grant them a permit.

been dispensed to persons under age

Recent changes in legislation have

of 16 years. They argued that action

led to the introduction of the Dangerous

should be taken under Section 33 (1)

Substances and Explosive Atmosphere

(c) of the Health & Safety at Work etc

Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), which

Act

Petroleum

places the emphasis on the licensee to

(Consolidation) Act 1928 being a

regularly assess the risks associated

1974,

the

relevant statutory provision of that Act. The Council’s Solicitor was unsure as he could not see an offence had been committed

and

viewed

that

the

Petroleum (Consolidation) Act is not a Regulation under the Health & Safety at

with their operations and ensure that areas for improvement are actioned to the satisfaction of Trading Standards officers.

Mid Beds has agreed that, provided this risk assessment for DSEAR covers air pollution issues, it could count as an

Work etc Act 1974.The Health & Safety

Environmental Management System for

Executive were called on for a legal

a Mid Beds PPC permit.

ruling and this is what they said “A

Mid Beds’ Pollution, Prevention and

contravention of a petroleum-spirit

Control Officer, Claire Bell, said: ‘With

licence condition is an offence by virtue

all the recent changes in legislation, this

Regulators News

of section 1 (3) of the petroleum

seemed

(Consolidation) Act 1928. That Act does

investigate partnership working with

not make any provision as to penalties

Bedfordshire County Council Trading

though. This is when section 33 (3) of

Standards Service. Richard Chattaway

A Question of Legal Interpretation – Under age sales of petrol

the HASAW Act applies. It provides the

(Petroleum

penalties for, amongst other maters, “an offence under any of the existing statutory, being an offence for which no other penalty is specified”

an

appropriate

Officer)

time

and

I

to

have

undertaken joint inspections over the last eighteen months, which have successfully minimised disruption for station operators, reduced costs and improved

consistency.

We

have

Recently, a Petroleum Licensing

So, in this case, there is an offence by

Authority sought legal guidance for

virtue of section 1 (3) of the PCA for

station operators, and improvements in

enforcement following a campaign on

which the penalty is provided by section

compliance

under age sales for petrol. After visiting

33 (3) of the HASAW (read in relation to

requirements of both Local Authorities

12 sites, 7 authorised to minors where

section 33 (4) which makes specific

and in the completion of any necessary

at least 2 litres was dispense. The

provision for a conviction on indictment

works raised from the inspections within

in relation to licence conditions.

the deadlines we set.’

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

received positive feedback from petrol in

meeting

the

27

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Articles

History of Petrol Filling Stations Part 2 – Some Pioneers of Petrol

By Brian Baker It is 1859 – Drake had drilled the first

set up the first

Oil Well in the USA for the world’s first

major

oil

Oil Company, The Pennsylvania Rock

refinery

for

Oil Company that triggered a rush for

distillation and

the “Black Gold” across North West

distribution

America that in turn saw a phenomenal

depot

growth of oil derricks spreading across

mineral oils in

the region in search for the new rival to

the UK as the

Kerosene, Whale Oil and other oils

demand for the

used for lighting at the time.

cheaper

In England, Whale Oil was used for

the

for

and more

lighting on a very wide scale before

r e l i a b l e

petroleum

“petroleum

spirit

was

eventually

discovered as it was found to be less

spirit”

smoky and dirty once ignited and had a

rapidly.

better degree of light than Whale Oil.

successfully

Prior to this, in the 1850’s Crude Oil was

negotiated the

used for lighting but it was regarded as

lease of a plot

dangerous

was

of land that had

eventually produced as a by product of

a barn from a

Crude Oil. Kerosene was also being

Pork

produced from Shale.

named Stephen

until

Kerosene

In London in 1859, an ageing

grew He Figure 2 Anglo American Oil Company exported Petroleum to Britain

Butcher

Dawson at No.5

Chemist known as Eugene Carless

White

(Figure 1) was acquiring property in

Lane. The total

Post

White Post Lane in Hackney, London to

cost was £65 p e r year and

Figure 3 Dockside Storage of Wooden Petrol Barrels (Puncheons)

it is here he was to go on and build

the

famous

Hope

Chemical Works, the first purpose built Oil Refinery and Distribution Depot.

Carless

was

an

outstanding chemist but a poor salesman so he sought those skills which initially came in the form of William George Blagdon and they became Partners in the business. Carless also had a powerful

friend

in

Sir

Thomas Boverton Redwood, a Government Minister at the time who was to have an Figure 1 Eugene Careless founder of Hope Chemical works

28

influence

on

the

Company’s

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expansion plans some years later, especially when the automobile as we know

it

made

its

appearance.

(Redwood was also instrumental in persuading Sir Winston Churchill to change the Royal Navy’s use of coal to oil in 1914).

By 1860, Towns Mains Gas was being developed and was slowly being introduced across London as an illuminate and by 1865 there were some 13 Gas Companies in London alone and the rival demand for “petrol” saw imports coming into the UK from the USA from the Anglo American Oil Company who were using the docks in the major cities of England by 1864. At this time, oil was transported in wooden

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Articles oak barrels known as “Puncheons” that were up to 90 gallons in capacity.

(Figure 3) Oils were being produced by a number of ways. Whale Oil was very popular

as

not

only

were

large

quantities available but other products could

be

used

for

soap,

pharmaceuticals and other fats such margarine. At this time, a Kerosene Lamp had been invented in by Ignacy Lukasiewicz, a Polish inventor in 1853 that

worked

on the “wick” principle (Figure 4) Some quite brilliant work was

taking

place

by

a

y o u n g Scottish C h e m i s t known

as

J a m e s “Paraffin” Young

from

the

early

1850’s Figure 4 Kerosene Lamp

by

obtaining

paraffin from bituminous Shale Rocks by slow distillation, later to become known as Shale Naptha that was also a chemical used in Dry Cleaning and Flare Lamps. It also interesting to note the close relationship to the terms of the day as the organic material within the sedimentary shale rocks is known as Kerogen!

It was 1856 that Sir William Perkin discovered his mauve dye and this necessitated the rectification on a large scale of ‘Benzole’ for the manufacture of aniline, another derivative from oil.

This ‘dye’ went on to become a standard ingredient of petrol. This was the lightest product distilled from CoalTar (distillation of coal that can produce gas as a by-product) and the value at that time was not realised until more than 30 years later when the motor car effectively made its appearance and the need to distinguish the later brands of petrol from a colourless liquid.

Back to London and the Hope 30

Metal can filling

Chemical Works which holds two

company with Carless without any

interesting archives that showed their

given

links to Churches. The first document is

replacement investor into the business

a circular letter to Clergymen dated

in the form of George Bligh Capel (an

1865 and was accompanied by a leaflet

industrialist) and by 1872 a third partner

that shows that Carless Blagdon & Co

joined the company known as John

had produced a spirit known as .680

Hare Leonard who came from a Bristol

(specific gravity) that they called

business family, both of these men had

“Carburine” that almost certainly meant

the flair and vision to take Carless,

that they had within their use a form of

Capel & Leonard to new heights and

carburettor that they claimed the

rapid expansion of the business.

reason

but

he

found

a

Church of St Paul’s at Stratford, London

In 1890, a young German engineer

had been using for lighting fuel for a

named Frederick Simms came to

year and that it burns most brightly than

England with the intention of introducing

any of its rivals.

motor launches onto the Country’s

Another leaflet within the company

canals. Simms was a close friend of

archives refers to “Magic Cleaning

Gottlieb Daimler, the Car Maker. At the

Spirit” that is “The most rapid and

time, Daimler’s firm was interested in

effectual remover of solvent and grease

gas-oil engines for motor launches

and can remove any other impurity

(boats) and it was these engines,

including fabrics used in drapes and

imported from Germany that Simms

carpets and that after a few minutes

fitted to his early launches. England had

when it has evaporated it leaves no

no cars with internal combustion

smell, even Ostrich Feathers can be

engines,

cleaned!” This was often referred to as

Amendment Act 1878 (Red Flag Act),

Benzene and Camphine.

so no suitable fuel was available for use

The decline of petroleum imports

due

to

the

Locomotive

with carburettors.

began at the outset of the American

Simms consulted with Carless, Capel

Civil War in 1864 so other means of

& Leonard who were by now leaders in

extraction and supply was sought but

the English oil distillation trade. By 1891

little did they know that the discovery of

the Company was supplying “Launch

electricity was 20 odd years away and

Fuel” – a deodorised petroleum spirit

combined with the continued spread of

which was suitable for Simm’s engines.

Towns Mains Gas, the demand for

The Company itself were also to go on

petroleum based lighting spirit started to

and forge close links with Frederick

diminish but an interest into mechanical

Henry Royce who with Charles Rolls

machines (engines) started to develop

formed the Rolls Royce Car Company

in 1860.

in 1906. Carless, Capel & Leonard

By

1870,

Blagdon

had

parted

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Articles more suitable for these heavier engines and resulted in greater demand for motor fuels. This in turn caused the method of fuel delivery to be changed from cans to bulk tank supply and the appearance of the first petrol pumps in the early 1920’s By 1914 engine design had progressed to the extent that the value of adding “Benzole” to petrol had been realised and that such quantities of fuel were now being supplied to the armed forces during the First World War. The dawn of the Motor Car as we know it had arrived and the first purpose built Petrol Stations started to appear in London and far beyond Jamie MOVRIL the wonder fuel

Principal

Thompson,

Petroleum

former

Inspector

of

became their preferred supplier of the

today). Standard Spirit superseded

London Fire Brigade and now a leading

time.

“MOVRIL”

Consultant recalls inspecting the Hope

after

a

few

years.

Chemical Works. He says

In 1893 Frederick Simms suggested

Coincidentally, the size of 2 gallons was

that the spirit should be renamed

based on the early petrol tanks fitted to

“I visited and inspected the Carless

PETROL, a name that was adopted by

the prototype cars in the years leading

Capel and Leonard premises in the

Carless, Capel & Leonard who believed

up to the turn of the 19th century

heavily industrial area of East London,

it would become a commercial asset to

“MOVRIL” proved to be popular with

first in the 1966 when as a young

their company. Therefore a new word

motorists but involved its makers in

inspector I was taken around the

had been introduced into the English

some

laboratories to see the distillation

language and used ever since.

Proprietors of BOVRIL Ltd whose name

processes-

curious

litigation

with

the

a

must

for

all

new

improved

was also registered as a trade mark on

inspectors, and later as a senior

carburettors and more powerful engines

the grounds that it would cause

inspector when the premises were

was having its effect. In 1906, Carless,

confusion with their product – a meat

beginning to close in 1984.

Capel & Leonard brought out a motor

essence!

The

introduction

of

At that period in its history Carless

spirit suitable for these improved

Despite this, the registrar of Trade

were not really a petrol supplier but had

engines which they called “MOVRIL”

Marks upheld the MOVRIL mark. An

moved to supplying industrial solvents,

and registered the name as a trade

appeal by BOVRIL Ltd against this

(petroleum spirits and mixtures) to

mark.

decision to the Board of Trade in 1907

many of the local industries. They had

This fuel was not as volatile as their

was defeated. The strange name of

also a distribution terminal with loading

standard petrol which had a specific

MOVRIL had been derived from the

gantries and road tankers, which were

gravity of 0.7 but it was cheaper to buy.

word “vril” that had been taken from

inspected annually and indeed, had the

In London, “MOVRIL” was sold for 4p a

Lord Lytton’s novel “The Coming Race”

oldest underground tanks in London,

gallon as against 11p for the standard

to describe an imaginary force that

which had dated back to the 1890’s.

grade. Both types of fuel were sent out

annihilated time and space to which the

The tanks had been installed in

in round tapered cans (often in wooden

prefix “Mo” was added to denote

“puddled clay”. The business eventually

crates) but to avoid confusion between

movement. It was hoped that the new

moved to Harwich.”

the two grades, those containing

word would convey the idea of a vital

“MOVRIL” were painted red while the

force for a motor car!

other was blue.

Bibliography – Pioneers of Petrol – A

By 1910 horse drawn omnibuses and

Centenary History of Carless, Capel &

In 1908 the firm introduced square 2

charabancs were being replaced by

Leonard Edward Lvieing,(H.F. & G

gallon metal tins for both brands

petrol driven passenger vehicles. The

Witherby Ltd) 1959

although

cans

following year (1911) a spirit known as

Free Wikepedia Encyclopedia (various)

continued to be used (and still around

“CARBUS” was produced which was

BP Archives, University of Warwick

the

old

2

gallon

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

35

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Articles

Interview with Steve Rowe, Outgoing Chairman of SELCOG

By Brian Baker Tell me Steve, how long have you been in the industry as a Regulator?

13 years.

I guess you have seen some changes over that time. What are the main changes you have seen since as a Regulator employed by a Local Authority?

Without doubt the biggest change has been a less prescriptive enforcement regime. The industry is regulated far more by risk assessment than by the old licence conditions that used to be a P.O’s (Petroleum Officers) first point of reference.

To reflect these changes Petroleum Licensing authorities have reduced resources substantially. Officers are far more multi purpose these days and specialists in petroleum are becoming a rare breed.

You were quite instrumental in getting on board as a Lead Authority Partner.

Tell me how has that gone and do you feel there are real benefits in these partnerships?

Those people that know me well understand how passionate I am about relationships.

Lead Authority Partnerships are fundamentally about building good productive sustainable working relationships.

I believe the relationship forged with Esso has been very successful, and I would like to think if asked that they would agree with this statement.

Both parties are committed to the agreement and deliver on any action points as well as listening to each other’s views even when opinions differ substantially.

The benefits are varied but it demonstrates that Petroleum Licensing Authorities can act strategically and allows for the 190 odd other PLA’s to use Surrey as conduit for any issue or enquiry they may have with the company. This in turns allows for continuity and consistency of enforcement and trends on varying issues can be identified at an early stage.

The results include the introduction on a new concept of monitoring pumps via CCTV, which allows a vision of the whole pump prior to authorisation. This technological advance was recognised

by H.S.E who amended their guidance to PLA’s (Petroleum Licensing Authorities) to reflect this.

36

I know I have seen you at many a SELCOG (South East Licensing Coordinating Group) meetings but how long has it been since you took over the Chair?

Since a certain Jamie Thompson pushed me into the role and then retired!! So about 8 years! Thanks Jamie. Seriously I have thoroughly enjoyed the role and just hope that I have not over stayed my welcome?

What particular achievements do you think you managed since taking this role over?

That is an extremely difficult question and possibly best answered by some of 32 PLA’s who are members of SELCOG. If I were to pick out one achievement it would be that the group has become more accessible to all members and has real influence on national policy decisions.

It is important to note that none of this would have been possible had it not been for the London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority (LFEPA) who has resourced the meetings including the position of Secretary and allowed the use of their meeting rooms to house such a large group.

It is the same old story of this type on interviews but what do you think has been the highpoint of your career?

For me it is not about status, positions held or money (Good job too!!) it is about a time in your career when you are taxed and are able to cope and then reflect on how the hell you managed!

This time for me was when on top of the positions I held and the total responsibility for petrol policy/ enforcement licensing etc in my authority, I took an accredited MBA and passed and in the same year my first son was born.

As you can imagine this was a challenging couple of years!

It follows has there been a low one?

Yes of course, unfortunately the total lack of recognition of the responsibility held coupled with a growing uncertainty to what my role is has led to my decision to move to pastures new.

Tell me, you are leaving the country altogether, are you staying in the “Petroleum” business?

As some of you are aware I am leaving to live in Cape Town South Africa where we have set up two businesses organising tours and weddings to this

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

beautiful country. We really want to put something back into South Africa by employing local people and showing people parts of the ‘real’ South Africa.

I have met so many fantastic people in the industry it is with a heavy heart that I am leaving. I do hope to remain within the industry but have no current idea how the South African down stream petroleum industry works so I will be investigating any potential opportunities.

So having been around for some years, what is your prediction for the future of the UK Petrol Filling Station Market?

I believe we are nearly at the end of the cycle of closures and as an eternal optimist I see the resurgence of the independent PFS but one that is able to combine retail, volume and any added value item.

This can be as simple as excellent and consistent customer service!!. People will come back if they are treated well.

(If you ever come to South Africa and drive it is a real experience, you sit back whilst your car is filled with fuel the oil checked and the windscreen washed and all with a smile and exquisite manners and half the price of U.K) I see a few more independents coming into the industry or buying their site off their current supplier. With tank lining becoming more popular it is quite possible to buy an older site and with vision hard work and the right location turn it into a very sophisticated and much larger version of the old village shop.

As you have been kind enough to interview me I would just like to allow me to say a huge thank you to all those wonderful people I have met within the industry and hope to see you again sometime.

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Articles

“Countdown to Compliance” A look at the race to install Stage 2 Vapour Recovery

By Bryan Fotheringham, Customer Support Manager of Dresser Wayne Pignone Time is running out for installing Stage 2 Vapour Recovery argues Bryan Fotheringham following his though provoking presentation at the Forecourt Equipment Federation’s Seminar earlier this year that suggest demand for site works will outstrip available supply of contractor. Here he argues the pressing need to commence with out delay.

As most of us are already aware, Stage 2 Vapour Recovery (Petrol Vapour Recovery II –PVR II as it being referred to in the industry), became law in the UK on 1st October last year as Statutory Instrument 2006: No 2311 refers.

The main points from the new legislation is that by 31st December 2009 ALL existing sites having an petrol throughput of above 3.5 million litres of fuel in any 12 months period will require PVR II to be retrofitted to existing pumps or included in new pumps installed.

The new legislation will also require any new development on petrol stations after 1st January 2010 that are likely to have a petrol throughput of 500,000 litres or more in any 12 months period will also need to have PVR II fitted.

Market Size To help us understand the scale of the task regarding the retrofitting of PVR II we must first try and understand the size of our market in the UK. The table shown (taken form the Catalist Market Survey report in July 2006) indicates that there are approximately 9,626 petrol stations currently operating in the UK. Of these 9,626 sites there are approximately 4,259 sites that sell 3.5 million litres or more of petrol in any 12 months period with 5,367 petrol stations with less than 3.5 million litres throughput.

It is important that you keep these figures in mind for as few moments as I go on to discuss specific issues.

Another important statistic regarding market size is that there were approximately 10,152 petrol stations in the UK in 2005. Based on this survey, this is telling us that there has been a 5.2% reduction of sites in the UK year on year.

If site closures were continue at the 5.2% reduction rate, then by the end of 2009 we could be looking at a market size of approximately 8,000 sites in the UK. Again these figures are based on the table from Figure 1

Average MF Volume per site (kl pa.a)

Number of Open Sites

Total

1223

4787

414

11372

923

4570

994

4230

1086

2899

274

10899

1140

2555

243

11630

165

9237

533

2665

357

1606

1819

less than 1000

142

1467

137

1375

62

2784

91

1697

23

4283

9626

4259

Sites above 3.5m litres

5367

Sites less than 3.5m litres

Figure 1 Taken from Catalist Market Summary UK V2 July 2006 However, it would probably not be the large volume sites that could possibly close, but more likely the smaller volume sites. Therefore, of the 8,000 sites that would be left in the UK by the end of 2009; we could probably assume that at least half of these 4,000 sites will already have PVR II fitted, but not many. Therefore, for calculation purposes (and I stress that these are for calculation purposes only) lets use 4,000 sites as a GUIDE for the purpose of this paper.

Projected Work Related Time Scales The thoughts of the Forecourt Equipment Federation (FEF) members is that we reckon that it will take 2 qualified and competent installers approximately 5 – 7 days to retrofit PVR

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II onto an average site (6 x pumps) selling more than 3.5 million litres of petrol.

If PVR II pipe work is not already fitted, then the retrofit will take much longer and you are looking at probably site shutdown, or the site could still remain open providing there are no Health & Safety issues relating to any zoning restrictions within the hazardous environment.

In practice it is best to close a site where practicable to avoid any unnecessary accidents. Rather than a retrofit solution there is always the option to replace old pumps with new, however that may not work out any quicker. But this will be a business decision for the site operator.

Again, for calculation purposes let us 37

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Articles use the scale of 1 week for retrofitting PVR 11 but even that is optimistic and does not include for inclement weather, supply delays or approvals.

Over less than 3 years, before the legislation deadline, there will be 110 weeks (based on 45 working weeks per year). Considering the 4,000 sites that would need TO BE updated to PVR II, you are then looking at a retrofit rate of approximately 30 sites per week calculated from 1st January 2007.

Maybe we do have the required number of contractors having the correct skill levels to update all of these sites before 31st December 2009 deadline.

BUT, consider this We are now at the end of May 2007, therefore around 20 weeks have passed where possibly 600 sites have not been updated or very few have! We must also remember that there are currently a limited number of trained and competent installers in the UK who can undertake this work to achieve compliance.

If the majority of site owners wait until next year, or indeed the year after, before deciding to upgrade their sites then the answer for our market is a definite NO, we probably do not have the people available.

Therefore, what should operators do?

The Forecourt Equipment Federation (FEF) recommends that you should be discussing your PVR II requirements with competent contractors NOW, do not delay.

The Operator need to be asking the right questions to gather the information that will help in assessing your specific site requirements. For instance, you need to determine what is required for the site such as; • Is there a PVR II solution available to update your particular pump model?

• Do you need PVR II pipe work installed?

• What tanks need to be modified to link the PVRT pipe work?

• When is the best time to upgrade your site taking into account the business needs or can any upgrade be done in phases?

• What is to be the total cost of the specific solution and can a budget be found accordingly?

Compliance Certificate Once PVR II is fitted it will need to have the required ”Compliance Certificate” to be issued that covers; Part A - Equipment and Work Details Part B - PVR II Efficiency Calibration Part C - PVR II Installation Inspection In support of this, the Forecourt Equipment Federation Code of Practice that is available in CD-ROM format to assist you but the certificate records who has updated the equipment, the components used and recording the results of the calibration including results of efficiency.

Legislation under the Pollution, Prevention & Control Regulations 2000 Here will come the legal requirement to comply supported by a Process Guidance Note PG 1/14 that was published in October 2006 that sets out Control for Stage 2.

As the deadline approached and the risk of non-compliance increases and little prospect of appointing contractors, there is the distinct possibility that as1st January 2010 arrives, then contravention’s and possibly prosecutions may occur leading to site closures, or even the service of a 28 day notice imposed by the Enforcers.

In other words ACT NOW and be READY, definitely do not be LATE The Clock is ticking, don’t delay – ACT NOW

Severe Flooding at BP Garage

By Terry Jenkins, Senior Environmental Health Officer, Milton Keynes Council “Sometimes straight forward enforcement for unacceptable conditions can be achieved a different way. As a Unitary Authority an improvement notice on a site’s flooding conditions with some help form the Area EHO. Here is viewpoint” .

On the 18th January 2007 Brian Baker the Petroleum Officer for the Council reported that the forecourt of a large Filling Station was flooded and the health and safety of the site’s employees and members of the public were at risk. I attended the site and observed severe flooding throughout the site mainly affecting the ingress and egress areas.

On closer inspection I found all interceptor access covers were submerged and was told by the 38

Manager that during one bout of heavy rain recently, the pressure of the water had dislodged one access cover

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revealing a 4.5 metre deep interceptor chamber resulting in a sheer drop. The manager stated he was worried that a

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Articles member of the public could walk through the water and fall into the chamber.

In my opinion the conditions at the site was totally unacceptable due to an absence of an effective drainage system. The pooling of water increases the risk of slip and trip accidents and possible vehicle collisions as they try to avoid driving through pooling water. I was also concerned about the possibility of a tanker spill because in effect the garage had no interceptor capacity as the interceptor tanks were completely filled with surface water.

I also found that this was not a ‘one off’ event but the site floods every time during heavy rain. I asked the manager b)

To serve an improvement Notice.

On balance I decided on the (b) option on the condition that the interceptor tanks were pumped out forthwith and during heavy rain. I thus served an Improvement Notice on 19th January requiring the Company to install an effective drainage system.

Under Health and Safety legislation the only defence is “so far as is reasonably practicable”. In this case the Company could not appeal my notice, as they cannot demonstrate that they had done every thing reasonably practicable to prevent forecourt flooding. for copies of maintenance reports that had been reported to head office. On examination I found drainage problems have been reported every year going back to 2004. He also stated that there were problems going back to 1999. He couldn’t access the records as they had been archived.

have effective drainage.

In dealing with the situation I had two options. a) To serve a Health and Safety prohibition Notice; or

After the service of the Notice the Oil Company voluntarily shut the site until they had re-designed and re-installed a workable drainage system.

Having discussed enforcement options with the Petroleum Officer I decided I had no choice but to take immediate action under Health and safety legislation.

Regulation 12 of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) regulations states: …….the floor, or surface of the traffic route, shall have no hole or slope, or be uneven or slippery…………. every such floor shall have effective means of drainage.

A traffic route is defined in the regulations as a route for pedestrian traffic, vehicles or both. Thus a garage forecourt is a traffic route and must

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Block Paving at Petrol Station Forecourts

By By Eur. Ing. John Emery BA (Hons) C.Eng. MICE. FIHT Experience has shown that block paving has the following properties:

Introduction In 1993, the author together with Prof.

John Knapton of the University of Newcastle upon Tyne wrote an article entitled “Pavers on Forecourts – are they safe?”, which was published in ‘The Bulletin’ Volume 31 No. 2. Now, after 14 years it is perhaps appropriate to discuss the continuing use of block paving on petrol station forecourts and in particular to comment on the important issue of sealing the blocks and the need to ensure that the correct sealer is used.

• Durability • Surface stability • Good skid resistance • Good riding surface • Capability of rapid removal of surface water • Ease of maintenance • Resistance to thermal movement and thermal shock

Historical background Although perceived as a relatively modem form of surfacing, block paving has in fact emerged from an ancient tradition. Evidence of the use of small element paving for roads by ancient Greeks and Romans suggests that rather than being a modem innovative method of surfacing it may arguably be seen as a case of ‘history repeating itself’.

Modern block paving makes use of the attributes of rigid concrete with those of flexible asphaltic materials and synthesizes them into a surfacing having high strength, durability and aesthetic appeal.

The technology of this versatile form of paving has enabled it to be used for a wide range of applications such as at airports; tourist attractions and, of particular interest to members of APEA,

Figure 2 Tourist attraction - The Falkirk wheel

at petrol station forecourts (see Figures 1, 2 & 3).

A major benefit of block paving is that each individual unit is manufactured in a factory environment where quality control ensures that specified dimensional tolerances, strength, resistance to abrasion, durability and colours are carefully monitored. Unlike asphalt and in situ concrete surfaces block paving may be put into immediate use after construction and can be laid in poor weather conditions. The superior strength of the blocks (typically in excess of 3.6 MPa) makes them suitable for pavements subject to heavy industrial applications.

• Resistance to fuel, oils etc.

• Resistance to jet blast Sealing blocks at petrol station forecourts As a block paving surface comprises 95% solid concrete and 5% joints, there can be problems due to ingress of water and fuels through joints leading to contamination risks and to the erosion of jointing sand which can, in turn, lead to loss of interlock, deformation and disintegration of the pavement surface.

Investigations at Newcastle University into the erosion of jointing sand by Knapton and Emery revealed that these problems were overcome by sealing the blocks. If a solvented liquid urethane pre-polymer sealer was applied to the blocks and allowed to penetrate the joints, on polymerization, the jointing sand was not only stabilised but also ingress of fuels and water through joints and into the underlying pavement structure was reduced to a negligible level.

Furthermore, a specifically formulated sealer retained its elastomeric properties with time, thus making it ideal for use in maintaining interlock in block paving.

The benefits of this sealer may be summarized as follows: • Stabilises sand in joints

Figure 1 Airport - Luton Airport (still in use after 25 years)

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Figure 3 Texaco Forecourt Peterborough – Extension opened March 2007

• Strengthens pavements

tested, i.e. Avgas, petrol and diesel to an insignificant level.

• Withstands vacuum sweeping • Inhibits water/fuel ingress • Inhibits weed growth in joints • Long performance life • Inhibits contamination risks Following the research made by Knapton and Emery, the sealer tested was approved by APEA as being appropriate for use on block paving used at forecourts. A summary of the main conclusions made after this research is given below: 1. Providing joints are correctly sealed, forecourts surfaced with blocks are as safe as those surfaced with traditional concrete slabs.

2 Those block-paved forecourts which have not been sealed may give rise to unacceptably high Lower Explosive Level (LEL) readings. In such cases the areas should be sealed retrospectively.

3. Sealing of blocks with the liquid prepolymer reduces the infiltration of spillages of the three fuels

4. Sealing of blocks renders the surface virtually impermeable to water.

5. Skid resistance value and slipresistance of blocks is satisfactory after sealing.

6. The equipment used for laboratory determination of infiltration rates is suitable for in-situ testing at forecourts.

7. The recommended maximum permitted infiltration rates are: Water

0.05 ml/sec

Petrol

0.02 ml/sec

Avgas

0.02 ml/sec

Diesel

0.02 ml/sec

Concluding comments Block paving has successively been in use at petrol station forecourts for some thirty years. The versatility and aesthetic appeal of this form of surfacing is recognised and used by the main fuel companies at their forecourts.

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It must be recognised that there are many block paving sealers now available which are not suitable for use at petrol station forecourts. The sealer researched was specifically developed for use on aircraft pavements and for use on forecourts, therefore, consultants and contractors should ensure that they are specifying/using the correct sealer. The research work mentioned above does not apply to ‘solvent-free’ sealers used for other block paving applications. Generally speaking, these sealers are not sufficiently elastomeric, durable and their resistance to infiltration of fuels and water is unproven.

For further technical information, sealer suppliers and companies specializing in the application of the sealers which meet the exacting standards required by APEA contact the writer of this article at john@johnemery.co.uk.

Acknowledgment.

To Interpave – The Precast Concrete Kerb Association for the Photograph given in Figure 2.

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An Early Test of Fire: Petrol Storage in Europe

By Jamie Thompson When petrol was first used for the motor car, storage was in one-gallon cans. Eventually, as demand grew, bulk delivery and storage became the norm.

However, there was some debate about the method of storage as the industry developed.

During training, fire officers are typically shown horrific newsreels of unprotected aboveground gasoline tanks that catch fire and shoot off like rockets into the air. Although watching a 700-gallon storage tank fly is spectacular, it immediately gives us a

correct that we examine all options.

Our predecessors, however, did not have that wealth of experience or the technology available to them. At the turn of the last century they had already concluded that underground storage of petrol was the safest option. History showed they had a fight from the “marketers” of the day. It was, after all, more expensive to put tanks below ground than to leave them above ground. I would like to relate how a little piece if history in Europe helped those fire officers to prove a point.

politicians of all persuasions have been working very hard for peace.I recently came across an old petrol pump brochure which took me back to the origins of those “troubles” in Ireland where an underground petrol tank and a Bowser pump emerged successfully from a fire in Dublin. The brochure referred to the Easter Rising against British rule and the burning of the Post Office in 1916.

These early experiences gave the industry and fire officers of the day satisfaction in being able to point to the successful storage of petrol even in those extreme situations and to be part of such an important moment in history as well.

The wording below is from The Autocar, July 1, 1916

Under this debris, a 700-gallon Bowser petrol tank lies

The 1916 Irish experience For many years in northern Ireland, very good reason to put petrol storage t a n k s underground where they are safe in a fire situation and where they cannot harm the fire fighter or the public.Today, we have the technology to p r o v i d e s u i t a b l y protected tanks above the ground and, with concerns over environmental issues, it is The petrol tank is removed undamaged with its contents intact 46

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Bowser Installation which Emerged Successfully from an Ordeal by Fire in Dublin It is not so very many years ago that the safety from fire of the Bowser system of underground petrol storage was put to an unparalleled test. It was reported that in the district immediately affected by the earthquakes and fire at San Francisco there were 118 of such installations each of which it was stated came through the ordeal unscathed.Though hardly as severe a test as that just alluded to, a similar proof was the occasion of the recent Irish rebellion. It appears that the premises of Messrs Bewley, Sons and Co. at 18 Henry Street Dublin (just to the rear of the Post Office), were destroyed by fire during the disturbances, a mass of flaming wood, red-hot bricks and molten glass falling to the ground floor as the roof and upper storeys collapsed. Below the ground floor was a 700 gallon Bowser tank, containing 300 gallons of petrol; of the building and property this tank and its contents alone were untouched! One week after the fire the fuel was recovered intact.How intense the heat during the time of trial must be gauged from the fact that all the brass parts were actually melted away. The accompanying illustrations show the ruins of the building before the debris was removed, and the petrol being drawn off after the ruins were cleared.

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Filling Station numbers continue to fall

By Jamie Thompson 2006 has seen another fall in filling

The total number of petrol nozzles in

share of fuel sales has shifted over the

station numbers with a further 380

the UK is 74,625 (84,343) and 39,252

years and Tesco has moved to number

closing during the year making the

(43,418) diesel nozzles for each site,

2 in the sales league behind BP who

number at the year-end 9,382 still

which shows a slight drop on last year’s

are considered the market leader in the

operating.

figures that are in brackets.

UK with Esso and Shell coming up in

It is interesting to note that 360 of these filling stations are still attendant

third and fourth place.

The

number

of

sites

retaining

Many

of

the

major

oils

have

operated with the remainder self

Autogas (LPG) has dropped slightly

disinvested in sites and have far fewer

service, and almost complete reversal

from 619 to 592 with BP and Shell the

remaining with some of these sites

of the situation in percentage terms to

big players accounting for over half the

moving to the dealer market that has

40 years ago.

sites.

grown in strength.

New bio fuels such as bio-diesel and The sales of fuel generally has

E85 are entering the market and with at

For more information and a copy of

increased and with fewer sites the

least one hydrogen filling station

the detailed marketing survey you can

average throughput has increased to

already operational, environmentally

contact the Energy Institute and request

approx 4 million litres per site, with

friendly fuels will be a topic for some

the UK Retail Marketing Survey 2007

petrol sales accounting for just over half

years to come.

either

this figure, showing that diesel sales have increased by around 8%.

through

their

web

site

www.energyinst.org.uk or by e mail to Catalist has estimated that the market

info@energyinst.org.uk

LP Gas Association Issue Guidance on Cold Burns – Information Sheet No. 17 – February 2007 Introduction Cold Burns can occur from skin contact with very cold objects or when unprotected skin is exposed to liquid propane. In this case the liquid then evaporates withdrawing a large amount of heat from this area causing tissue damage. The severe cold can desensitise the affected area and the casualty may not feel any pain at the time Has a Person suffered a Cold Burn?

Cold Burns are not always immediately obvious, they can take some time to become evident, by then treatment is more difficult and not so effective.

Adopt the “precautionary principle” If a person reports that LPG has come into contact with them or their clothes you must assume that they have suffered a cold burn, even if they do not report discomfort at the time If they report a “tingling” feeling they may have received a cold burn.

First Aid What to do: In severe cases (obvious injury, freezing of the skin or clothing, red “patch” larger than a thumb nail or reported “tingling”), medical help must be sought immediately (call 999). Due to the potential for shock to set in the casualty must not drive anywhere before receiving medical treatment.

The medical services procedures for cold burns should be as for hot burns.

In all cases: 1. Immerse in or flush area with TEPID water (not hot), for at least 10 minutes. (Delays in this treatment can result in more damage to the affected area of tissue so the more prompt action the better the chance of success).

2. Loosen any clothing that may restrict blood flow 3. Thaw out any frozen clothing with tepid water but DO NOT remove.

4. Keep contaminated clothing away

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from ignition sources as some gas may be given off during thawing 5. Loosely cover affected area with a clean dry dressing 6. Do not allow smoking or drinking of alcohol: these reduce the blood flow to any affected area.

7. If medical help has not been summoned, recommend the person contacts their GP or Hospital A & E department for a check up as soon as possible Do not alarm the person: stress that medical attention is a wise precaution and that all injuries or potential injuries are treated in the same way.

Reporting Like any other incident cold burns or potential cold burns must be reported and investigated in accordance with Company Health and Safety Procedures References Emergency Action for Burns: HSE Books ISBN 0 7176 1444 49

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The History Behind the Shell Emblem

By Michael Hunt, Shell For more than 100 years the word ‘Shell’, our “Pecten” emblem and our distinctive red and yellow colours have identified the Shell brand and promoted our corporate reputation. These symbols have stood not only for the quality of our products and services, but also as very visible representations of our professionalism and values in all of our business activities, and to all of our stakeholders, around the world. We hope you find this short history helpful and interesting.

The word ‘Shell’ first appeared in 1891, as the trade mark for kerosene being shipped to the Far East by Marcus Samuel and Company. This small London business dealt originally in antiques, curios and oriental seashells. These became so popular – the Victorians used them to decorate trinket boxes in particular – that soon they formed the basis of the company’s profitable import and export trade with the Far East.

The word was elevated to corporate status in 1897, when Samuel formed The “Shell” Transport and Trading Company. The first logo (1901) was a mussel shell, but by 1904 a scallop shell or ‘Pecten” emblem had been introduced to give a visual manifestation to the corporate and brand name.

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Exploring the origins The choice of a shell as an emblem was not surprising, as it was the company name. Also, each of Samuel’s tankers carrying kerosene to the Far East had been named after a different seashell. But why specifically was the scallop or Pecten chosen as the company’s symbol in 1904. It was certainly not the simplest shape to reproduce in printed form.

Both the word “Shell” and the Pecten symbol may have been suggested to Samuel and Co. by another interested party. A Mr Graham, who imported Samuel’s kerosene into India and sold it as ‘Graham’s Oil’, subscribed capital to, and became a director of, The “Shell” Transport and Trading Company.

There is some evidence that the Shell emblem was taken from his family coat of arms. The ‘St James’s Shell’ had been adopted by the Graham family after their ancestors made the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella in Spain.

Whatever its origins, the original design was a reasonably faithful reproduction of the Pecten or scallop shell.

When the Royal Dutch Petroleum Company and “Shell” Transport and Trading merged in 1907 it was the latter’s brand name and symbol which then became the short form name (“Shell”) and the visible emblem (the “Pecten”) of the new Royal Dutch/Shell

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Group. And so it has remained ever since. The form of the Shell emblem has changed gradually over the years in line with trends in graphic design. The current emblem was created by the great designer Raymond Loewy and introduced in 1971. Thirty years on it stands the test of time as one of the world’s most recognised symbols.

Why red and yellow?

The exact origins of the Shell red and yellow are hard to define. True, Samuel and Company first shipped kerosene to the Far East in tin containers painted red. But the link, once again, could be with Spain.

In 1915, when the Shell Company of California first built service stations, they had to compete against other companies.

Bright colours were the solution, but colours that would not offend the Californians. Because of the state’s strong Spanish connections, the red and yellow of Spain were chosen.

As with the Pecten, the actual colours have been modified over the years, most notably in 1995 when a bright, fresh and very consumer friendly new Shell Red and Shell Yellow were introduced to launch Shell’s new retail visual identity.

The Shell emblem - or Pecten remains one of the greatest brand symbols going into the 21st Century.

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Branches Cyprus Minutes of the first meeting of the Steering Committee of the future Cyprus Branch of the APEA. The first meeting of the Steering Committee of the future Cyprus Branch of the APEA took place on Thursday 21st September 2006, 5.00 pm at the Head Office of Hellenic Petroleum Cyprus Ltd. Attendees: Glafkos Theodotou Antonis Kikas Yiotis Tserkezos Michalis Adamides George Ioannides George Gregoras The following were agreed: 1. To send the Articles of Association to Hellenic Petroleum´s lawyers for comments and a translation into Greek.

2. To send the Greek copy of the Articles of Association to all Steering Committee members for their comments.

3. To submit the Articles of Association to the Director of Associations for approval.

4. To arrange for a stamp, logo and address etc for the Cyprus Branch.

5. The members of the Steering Committee will continue until the appointment of the committee for the Cyprus Branch.

6. To arrange an official opening of the Cyprus Branch, where possible themes could be Fire fighting, Vapour Recovery Units, the Cyprus Energy Centre and Biofuels.

Ireland The Irish Branch is planning a Seminar for the benefit of members [existing and prospective] to be held on Tuesday 22nd May 2207 in the Red Cow Hotel, Dublin.

This is the same venue as the inaugural meeting of the reformed branch held in October 2006 and is

located adjacent to the Red Cow roundabout on the M50.

Speakers are confirmed as Jamie Thompson, Geoff Oldham and Martin McTague We have also invited the current APEA Chairman, Bob Conlin, to attend, and he will no doubt take the opportunity to say a few words in his official capacity.

A notice has been posted to most branch members [those whose e-mail address was available] and already steady interest is clear – maximum numbers attending need to be confined to 50 places so early confirmations of intentions has been recommended.

The branch has a broad cross section profile including representatives of the private sectors [operators/service suppliers] and the public sectors [fire officer regulators] from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland We are all looking forward to meeting old friends and making new ones and hope that our day out will be both informative and enjoyable.

Southern

issue that has been causing contention within the industry for some time. John is well known to many as a major contributor to the guidance on electrical installations on filling stations, and is renowned as an expert in this field.

Barrie Morris of Energy Services Direct came next with a presentation entitled “Saving Energy for your Profit, an Assessment of Forecourt Lighting and Control.” Barrie showed members how huge savings are possible using new generation lighting units and lamps coupled with automatic switching systems. Interest free loans available from the carbon trust makes this scheme a cost effective and painless way of saving money and the planet!

After another first class lunch Alfred Friday from BEN thanked the APEA and the Southern Branch in particular for the support given to the work of BEN. Gary Edwards of Industrial Apparatus Consultants Limited then took to the floor with a fascinating practical demonstration of Imbiber Beads®. This is an exciting product that can have huge benefits for those involved with the handling of petrol and other flammables or chemicals. The risk from a spillage is virtually eliminated by the manner in which the beads absorb the fuel.

Bill Bower of Torex Retail closed the day with an insight into how they can help businesses save money and energy with a wide range of energy control measures on the forecourt and beyond. Bill was able to show that their system that incorporates switching controlled by light and motion sensors can make major savings. This gives the

The AGM and April meeting of the Southern Branch was held on the 17th April at the BEN home in Ascot. The meeting looked at environmental and electrical and energy saving issues at Petrol Filling Stations.

The day started with the branch AGM. Both Geoff Wheeler the current chairman and David Sommers the branch secretary are standing down after 6 years service. The good wishes and thanks of the branch were expressed to both of them and a presentation was made to David. They will remain on the committee for the next 12 months coopted to assist the new chairman Barry Jenner and Sue Meadowcroft the new secretary. Both Barry and Sue are well known faces in the APEA who will work to continue the success of the branch.

Speakers for the day included John Dallimore of J Dallimore & Partners Gary Edwards of Industrial Apparatus Consultants Limited turns the meeting who discussed site room into a laboratory to show how Imbiber Beads® really can reduce the electrical testing. An Risk!

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Branches site operator the ability to save energy without having to rely on staff to switch off lights, or adversely impacting the site users.

The summer meeting will be another Southern branch spectacular at an exciting and relevant venue. Keep in touch for further details.

David Sommers Ex Southern Branch Secretary North West The North West branch held their AGM at the new venue of The Court House in Worsley on 15th March.

Together with representatives from the Yorkshire branch (which has temporarily amalgamated with the North West branch), all enjoyed a successful meeting that included the first technical sessions of the year.

The meeting was opened by Branch Secretary, and APEA council Chairman, Bob Conlin who welcomed everyone and thanked all present for attending.

The Chairman’s report was presented

by Steve Devine who reported on another successful year for the APEA. Bob Conlin presented his Branch Secretary’s report including a brief description of his involvement with national council as both Chairman and as a member of the events committee.

His report ended with the promotion of the 2007 APEA Conference and Dinner as being likely to be “bigger and better” than the 2006 event. Bob stood down as Branch Secretary due to his commitments with the national council.

Our Branch Representative, Geoff Oldham, presented his report that included a job description for the role of Branch Representative that has been finalised by our national Council. He reported that discussions have been held with regards the 2007 APEA Conference and Dinner and that the 2006 event has been considered to be one of our most successful. Geoff stood down as Branch Representative due to his other commitments with national council.

Steve Jones presented his Branch Treasurer’s report and pointed out that whilst National Council support the local branches, efforts should be made to ‘pay our own way’. Fairbanks has, again, sponsored the administration costs for the year.

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The Election of Officers then commenced with Steve Devine of Roncol Ltd continuing as Branch Chairman. David Sutch of the RSK Group PLC being elected as Secretary and Branch Representative. Steve Jones of Fairbanks Environmental Ltd continues as Treasurer. Joanne Bradley of the Environment Agency, Bob Conlin of Fairbanks, and Clive Drake of LIS (NW) Ltd were re-elected as Committee Member’s. Geoff Oldham has been coopted onto the committee following his inadvertent omission from the electoral proceedings.

The technical sessions then followed with the topics presented including: Tank Cleaning in Depth by Clive Drake, LIS (NW) Ltd Clive presented an interesting subject and introduced all to the history of tank cleaning and the potentially lethal Health and Safety risks associated with the works if undertaken incorrectly. He similarly explained the potential environmental consequences of disposing of the waste materials generated if done so in an unprofessional manner, highlighting the need to have such works undertaken by reputable companies. The audience all learnt the new expression for the disposal of waste illegally; “gob it into the stream”.

Fuel Management by Sadie Clarke, Drillsafe Sadie introduced the topic and then handed the presentation over to her colleague, Steven Tait who continued to provide an interesting update regarding the monitoring of fuel. The financial benefit of undertaking fuel management for fleets was presented and a secure fuel delivery system that requires card access was described. The analysis of the figures generated by the system allow accountability for the fuel and an assessment to be made of the fuelefficiency of the vehicles used and thereby minimise running costs through maintenance and better driving habits.

The Manufacture and Storage of Explosives Regulations 2003 by Dr. Colin Hutchinson, H.S.E. The ‘E’ in APEA is sometimes overlooked and to rectify this, Dr. Hutchinson gave an interesting update to the Explosives Regulations and the problems associated with the storage of explosives. It was surprising to some of

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the audience that the legislation had its origins in The Explosives Act 1875 and that some of the Act was still in effect to the present day. He summarised all the differing pieces of legislation that are in place and explained how some of them overlap. The following question and answer session was lively with interesting problems regarding interpretation being raised.

When the Inspector Calls – A Legal Perspective by Derek Millard-Smith, Pannone LLP Derek presented an interesting subject from the perspective of the individual on the receiving end of an inspector’s visit. The legal complexities surrounding enforcement by the regulatory authorities means that a Solicitor is often an individual’s first point of call in the event of a problem.

He presented some of the relevant case law that has developed following, amongst other things, the introduction of DEAR. The following buffet lunch gave the attendees an opportunity to discuss the day’s topics and renew acquaintances.

David Sutch Branch Secretary Midlands Minutes of Meeting and AGM – 15th March 2007 The meeting was held at the premises of Calor at their main Midlands depot at Stoney Stanton, Leicestershire AGM Minutes were distributed.

The financial report was presented by Rex Wheeler. It showed a satisfactory balance, due to the few meetings held.

The report was accepted.

The secretary reported that efforts were being made to contact as many people electronically as possible, to reduce administration costs. However, this was hampered by recent experience with the latest database provided by the Association, which included a high number of inaccuracies.

This would be taken up outside the meeting Election of Officers – Chairman Hylton Reid and Alec O’Beirne were formally proposed and seconded

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Branches

Midlands Branch committee members

Alec O’Beirne was elected Secretary It was reported that Kathy Withers of MIS was willing to stand, which was unopposed. However, this turned out to be a misunderstanding, and Tom Wigfull agreed to remain in post.

Branch Representative Tom Hocking was formally proposed and seconded and was duly elected Committee Members Keith Gater, Jeannie O’Beirne, Rob Tunnicliffe and Hylton Reid as retiring chairman were formally proposed and seconded and duly elected.

It was formally proposed that the APEA Council promote the Association more widely, since the interest appears to be dwindling, particularly from the enforcement side Technical Meeting and Visit An outline of the history of Calor was given by Mr A Lee, the Plant Manager.

Calor is now part of the Dutch SHV group. There has been a constant evolution of the patterns of LPG usage so that this year, with the mild winter and the increased demand for leisure uses such as patio heaters, demand will be almost level throughout the year.

When the site has a heavy demand, up to 1 x 23t load of LPG per hour at peak demand is required. A general tour followed, which demonstrated bottle filling, tanker off-loading and some of the different types of cylinders and bulk vessels in use.

Following the talk on Calor, Mr R

Wigfull gave a talk on what is going on in the LPG industry. One of the most concerning developments is the insistence of the Competition Commission that domestic bulk LPG contracts should only run for 2 years and that at the end of that period, should the customer wish to change suppliers, there should be a simple method of transferring ownership of the vessel to the new suppliers. The existing situation is that contracts run for longer to cover the installation costs.

Tanks are exchanged when contracts are changed. The complication is that different tanks are of different manufacturing quality, different companies have different maintenance regimes, and individual tanks are at a different stage in their maintenance cycle. At one extreme, a company may be installing new tanks to the highest standard, only to have them taken over in 2 years by a company with a policy to only acquire tanks through contract change without any capital expenditure.

In the afternoon, a fascinating but cold tour of the installation was given, which demonstrated the range of bottles used, the bottling plant, the storage facility and the wide range of storage tanks used.

meetings well attended despite the distances some members had to travel.

The meeting was held in Arbroath and was well represented by members from more northerly locations. Gareth complimented Ian Hillier on his work for the Branch involving much of his spare time and travelling widely to represent the Branch. Gareth reported that APEA was increasing it’s influence with overseas branches and encouraged members to attend the national AGM and conference. Gareth reported that he had accepted the post of ViceChairman of APEA nationally and he hoped to contribute to this success.

Peter Lennon gave his final report as secretary having held the post for three years. He thought that three years was enough and that fresh ideas were essential for the branch to maintain progress and interest for the members.

Peter identified the changes that had taken place during his tenure of the post as improving communications with the members, consulting widely with members on a number of subjects and introducing CPD certificates as some members depended on the instructional parts of the meetings for training purposes.

Peter also gave the treasurer’s report which was fairly short. The funds in the branch were fairly stable and the account stood at £715 a minimum amount for running the Branch.

Ian Hillier gave his report as Branch Rep with a resume of the duties involved. Ian expanded on his involvement with the supermarket crisis with poor quality fuel affecting some cars. Ian is also the Trading Standards Institute lead officer for petroleum issues and was therefore widely involved in liaison with the press during that period of which he slept very little!

National Council funds available for grant were discussed. Members were keen to apply for funding for two purposes; a laptop computer with multimedia projector and a training budget for members or for attendance at national events.

Scotland The Scottish branch held it’s AGM at Angus Business Centre in Arbroath on 24th April.

After a brief welcome from the Chair, the meeting commenced with approval of the minutes of the last AGM. Gareth Bourhill then gave his report to the meeting as Chairman highlighting the relative success of the Branch with

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

The new committee was then elected as follows: Chairman – Gareth Bourhill Secretary – Paul Devine Treasurer – Peter Lennon Branch Rep – Ian Hillier Ordinary Members – Allan Hamilton, Jim Haston and John Lafferty.

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Branches Peter Lennon introduced the first speaker who had filled in for Shona Robison MSP, a man of many parts our own APEA Vice-Chair and Branch Chair – Gareth Bourhill! Gareth gave a presentation called Testing Times Ahead on electrical installations. The main thrust of his presentation was that inspections by the site operators were not entirely geared towards safety.

Gareth’s experience was that these inspections were not carried out effectively and electrical contractors were uncovering many faults that were potentially disastrous.

The next presentation was given by Gordon Robb, Principal TSO with Highland Council on the subject of the new model licensing conditions and electrical certification of licences sites.

This is a topic concerning many enforcement officers and Gordon’s presentation stimulated much debate.

Gordon stated that the new conditions were less prescriptive but more flexible with increased onus on the operators.

The conditions required that the physical site not present unacceptable hazards and the legislation controls the management of the site. Gordon focused on competency of electrical contractors as being of primary importance for Petroleum Officers considering the status of electrical certification. The presentation was well received and Gareth thanked Gordon on behalf of the members.

The third speaker was Garry McLachlan of BP UK. Garry’s subject was on the risk assessment of the sites visited by BP’s drivers to ensure safety for the drivers, the site operators or managers and the public. Garry’s unit had developed a scheme through which the drivers were aware of any site specific hazards and a system for the drivers to report any developing dangers and failures in maintenance which could potentially compromise safety. The members were very interested in the risk assessment process at the delivery points and were keen for more information. Gareth thanked Garry for his efforts and closed the meeting.

Eastern Nothing to report at present North East Nothing to report at present 56

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

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 Mobile: 07795 090903 email: paul.devine@southlanarkshire.gov.uk Southern Philip Monger - Rep Petrol Retailers Association Meadowside, West End, Sherbourne St John, Basingstoke, Hants.

RG24 9LE. Tel: 01256 850164 Fax: 01256 851273 email: phil.monger@ukonline.co.uk Sue Meadowcroft - Sec 1 Rock Cottage, South Cornelly Bridgend CF33 4RN Tel: 07795 841891 email: sue@high-cross.com Ireland Philip Bonny - Rep 205 Dundrum Road Newcastle, Co Down, BT33 0LW email: phil.bonny@suresite.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 Cyprus

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

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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

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Training

2007 Course Dates Petrol Filling Stations Construction, Safety and Environmental Protection

20/21 June

Luton

10/11 Sept

Dublin

14/15 Nov

Luton

5/6 Dec

Manchester

Wetstock Management

31 Oct Glasgow 26 Sept Luton Electrical Installations An Awareness

6 June Glasgow 10 Oct Luton

Petrol Filling Stations Risk Assessment, Audit and Inspection

6/7 June

Glasgow

12/13 Sept

Dublion Manchester

12/13 Dec

Luton

4 day course combining both the above courses to be held in Dublin on 10th to 13th September inclusive, please go to the Training page on the APEA website at www.apea.org.uk for more details

17 Oct Manchester

Vapour Recovery

30 Oct Luton 27 Nov Manchester

DSEAR

13 June Luton 5 Sept Manchester

26/27 Sept

Fireworks and Explosives

16 Nov Luton

LPG Installations

All courses are being run in close proximity of major airports to facilitate overseas delegates.

Bespoke courses – if your company or organisation has 6 delegates or more, and can provide a training venue then substantial savings can be made.

30 May Luton 7 Nov

Cardiff

Please contact the APEA business manager or the training chairman for a quote

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 learn about this new legal requirement. Please note that places on each course are restricted.

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

New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507

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Training

Delegates from the recent Risk Assessment, Audit & Inspection Course in Manchester

Delegates from Suffolk County Council who attended the recent Risk Assessment Audit & Inspection Course in Ipswich

Delegates from the recent Construction, Safety and Environmental Protection course in Manchester

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New APEA tel/fax 0845 603 5507