PETROL-STORAGE RISKS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 744, 17 August 1929, Page 9

PETROL-STORAGE RISKS

EXPERTS REPORT ON FIRE HAZARDS INCREASING SAFEGUARDS

(The SUN’S Parliamentary Reporter) PARLIAMENT BLDGS, Friday. The storage of petrol and the fire hazards involved are dealt with exhaustively in the report made by fire brigade superintendents and other experts who investigated the recent fires in Christchurch. The report also deals with the methods of firefighting.

The report says: “We have to report that we have inspected the site of the recent petrol store fire at Christchurch, and also other wholesale petrol stores in that city. We have carefully considered the circumstances of the fire and with respect to the matters referred to in your memorandum we desire to comment as follow:

“(I) 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 the risk of an outflow of burning petrol when w’ater 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. PRECAUTIONS IN STORAGE “(2) With regard to the situation of petrol stores, we Consider that the isolation distances prescribed in the present regulations are satisfactory for the storage of quantities not exceeding 5,000 cases (40,000 gallons). Where it is desired to store larger quantities, we recommend that the store be subdivided into compartments, each containing not more than 40,000 gallons. The dividing wall 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. “(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 that the regulations be amended to provide for the storage of drums apart from cases, either in a store of standard construction or in an earthern compound, as prescribed in 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 the recent developments in the distribution of petrol in bulk, and subject to restrictions as to the quantity of petrol stored in cases aqd drums referred to in paragraph 2 above, petrol depots can be operated in city areas with reasonable possibility of protection by fire brigades.” Mr. de la Perrelle stated it was proposed to prepare amendments to 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 limiting the quantity of petrol to be kept in a store was being given further consideration, as it was thought that conditions existing in different towns varied so greatly that the matter might be more satisfactorily dealt with by the local authority issuing the licence. “This is the first case in New Zealand of a fire involving such large quantities of petrol in which water has been effectively used to extinguish the fire. It will be noted that provision is being made to safeguard the use of water in the case of future fires, I propose submitting the features of the whole case to the Government for review and consideration.