News

NEW – Safe Loading Pass scheme

The scheme has been revised by a cross-industry team, comprising representatives of UKPIA, the Tank Storage Association (TSA) and the Freight Transport Association (FTA).
Since the original scheme was established in 1989 the industry has changed significantly;  the majority of oil companies now contract out their fuel distribution to specialist hauliers, with several specialist tank storage companies now also operating fuel distribution terminals.
“It was felt that the previous scheme needed to be reviewed and updated to take account of these changes,” said Sally Thornley, FTA’s director of standards, audit and accreditation.  “This newly launched SLPS builds on the previous scheme and is extended to cover all participating UK fuel distribution terminals.”
The new scheme ensures that common standards are in place for workshops and technicians carrying out inspections on road fuel tankers prior to terminals’ entry. In addition, it provides a new web-based portal for the registration of inspections and a mechanism for terminals to query vehicles’ passes electronically.
The scheme is a requisite for entry into all fuel terminals operated by members of UKPIA and the TSA. The FTA manages the scheme on behalf of UKPIA.
“The redevelopment of the scheme is a credit to all involved,” said  Peter Davidson, director safety, commercial & projects.
“The SLPS now well reflects the changes in our industry and it’s more widely adopted by downstream oil distribution terminals. It also sets higher standards, thus providing confidence to terminal operators that road tankers entering their terminals to load fuel are safe to do so.”
www.ukpia.com
www.tankstorage.org.uk
www.fta.co.uk