THE STORAGE OF PETROL

Hokitika Guardian, 17 August 1929, Page 6

THE STORAGE OF PETROL

LESSONS OF RECENT FIRE

RECOMMENDATIONS OF EXPERTS

WELLINGTON, August 15

The recent disastrous petrol store fire in Christchurch prompted the H on P* A. de la Perrelle, Minister of Internal Affairs, to have a thorough investigation made into its cause, with the object of deciding what could be done to prevent a similar happening in future.

. The Minister arranged for the sueprintendents of Fire Brigades to meet the Deputy Chief Inspector of Explosives (Mr H. Girling-Butcher) in Christchurch while the petrol fire was still in progress. At the conference were present the superintendents of the different brigades, Messrs Warner (Christchurch), Creeke (Wellington), Nelson (Auckland), Williams (Wanghnui), Salmon (Dunedin) and Simpson (Invercargill), in' whose districts most of the largest petrol stores were situated. The superintendents were asked to advice whether, in view of the Christchurch fire, amendments to the present regulations controlling the storage of dangerous goods are needed in the light of the experience gained in the fighting of the fire.

RECOMMENDATIONS OF .■''■CONFERENCE;-;

The Minister has received the reporf from tlie experts, who state that they inspected the recent pertol store fire in Christchurch, also the outer wholesale petrol stores in that city. “We have carefully considered the circumstances of the fire,” they state, “and with respect to the matters referred to in your memorandum desire to comment as follows:

SAFEGUARDS SUGGESTED. “ (1) We are of opinion that where a plentiful supply of water is available this can, in some cases, be used With advantage in- dealing, with a petrol store fire. In order to minimise t 1

risk of an .outflow of burning petrol when water is used, we recommend ’ that petrol stores be fitted with a device which will permit the discharge, under control, of water from the base of the store during a fire, should this be found necessary. We also recommend that the base of all petrol stores be of reinforced concrete, and that, wherever possible, the whole store be of this type of construction.

“ (2) With regard to the situation of petrol stores, we consider that the isolation, distances prescribed-in the present regulations are satisfactory for ;.„e storage of quantities not excc

5000 cases (40,000 gallons). Where it is desired to store larger quantities, We recommend that the store he sub-divid-ed into compartments,;, each, .containing nbt more than 40,000 gallons. The dividing walls should have the same section as the main walls, and not less than 3ft 6in roof parapet. The roof should be of asbestos slates or similar material, but not galvanised iron.

SOME OF THE DANGERS. ' “ (3) We are of opinion that the storage of cases and drums in the same store increases both the difficulty and the danger of dealing with a petrol fire, and recommend thatlthe regulations be amended to provide for the storage of drums apart from cases, either -in a store of standard construction or in an earthen compound, as prescribed by the regulations, but secured against access by unauthorised persons. “ (4) With regard to the storage of petrol in city areas, we. consider that, in view of recent developments in the distribution of petrol in bulk, and subject to the restrictions as to quantity of petrol stored in cases and drums referred to in Paragraph 2 above, petrol depots can be operated in city areaswith a reasonable possibility of protection by Fire Brigades.” PROPOSED AMENDMENTS. ' Mr de la Perrelle stated that it was proposed to prepare amendments to the regulations to provide for the construction of petrol stores in accordance with these recommendations, also to prohibit the storage of cases and drums in the same store. The question of limitation of quantity of petrol to be kept in a store is being given further consideration; as it was thought that the conditions existing in different towns varied so greatly that the matter might be more satisfactorily dealt with by the local authority issuing the license. The Minister said that the Christchurch fire was of very considerable technical interest, and the brigade superintendents, in making their report, had expressed their appreciation of the opportunity offered by the conference of inspecting the fire and of discussing together the best method of handling oil fires. “It is interesting to note,” added the Minister, “that, despite the fact that the store in question was very heavily stocked, and cases were stacked right up into the roof of the the building, the brigade had been able to protect surrounding'property, and the only damage was the blistering of paint work and the breaking of a few windows. This w r as the first case in New Zealand of a fire involving such large quantities of petrol in which water had been effectively used to extinguish the fire. It would be noted that provision was being made t"o safeguard the use of water in case of future fires. I propose submitting the features of the whole case to, the Government for review and consideration.”