Page 806 - Xmo Strata - Bulletin Archive

Health, Safety & Environmental Bulletin No 296

30 March 2012

PANIC BUYING AT FUEL FORECOURTS: ADVICE TO

CREWS

As you will be aware, advice from Government ministers has led to panic-buying of fuel and at some
forecourts there has been excessive queuing, site overcrowding, and in extreme cases public disorder.

The facts are that no strike has been called, talks are continuing, and the union would be required to
give seven days’ notice of any such action. Panic buying of fuel is utterly pointless at this stage but of
course, ministerial announcements and public reactions to them are beyond our control.

However, this does pose potential additional risks on sites and crews are advised to be extremely
diligent, to conduct rigorous risk assessments and exercise sound judgement and initiative should
additional risks be identified.

Be aware in particular of the following:

• Motorists becoming stressed, frustrated and angry if we close lanes or dispensers when there is
already a long queue and a bad atmosphere.

• Angry members of the public moving barriers, forcing access to pumps, and initiating conflict
with crews.

• Already dangerous queues, tailing on to main roads, being lengthened further because we have
closed lanes in order to conduct maintenance work.

The police
It goes without saying that all crews must cooperate comprehensively with any police officers called to
incidents and support the police fully when requested to do so (for example, by finishing work after
safely closing the job down, vacating sites etc). Police officers cannot be expected to be experts on
forecourt health and safety and in some cases, may rely on aspects of your professionalism and
training, and your advice. In giving such advice, safety is the absolute priority.