There are very clear ETCI wiring rules for potentially explosive environments. (Check
www.etci.ie and click on publications for more details)
I'm not 100% sure who the relevant authority responsible for safety at a petrol station is.. however, I've a feeling it's the local authority i.e. city/county council.
I don't know if you or your boss is in a position to report it. But, if it's a public safety hazard you really ought to.
I would suggest that you try calling the Department of the Environment and Local Government for annoymous advice on how to go about getting the site inspected without putting your job / relationship with client on the line.
www.environ.ie or call 1890 20 20 21
There is pretty specific legislation and numerous statutory instruments that deal with the handling of petrol/oil/lpg including filling stations.
They could at least give you info!
Alternatively call the local city or county council and ask to speak to the fire prevention officer.
A fire officer has pretty serious powers to inspect any business premisis / public building.
http://oasis.gov.ie/public_utilities/fire_services.html (That gives you info on the fire services and their powers)
Going to get a bit longwinded here but anyway...
Petrol Stations in the Republic of Ireland are governed by the DANGEROUS SUBSTANCES (RETAIL AND PRIVATE PETROLEUM STORES) REGULATIONS, 1979. (and ammendments [there are quite a few])
Part II section 24 of which covers electrical safety in the broadest possible terms, but would pretty much have this station owner hung out to dry!
24. (1) Subject to Regulation 23 of these Regulations and to any conditions attached to a licence, all practicable steps shall be taken by the licensee of a retail store or private store to ensure that—
( a ) electrical apparatus is designed, installed, protected, worked and maintained so as to prevent risk or injury so far as is reasonably practicable;
( b ) electrical apparatus likely to ignite vapours of petroleum Class I is not located in a hazardous area unless the apparatus is so constructed and protected and such special precautions are taken so as adequately to prevent danger by ignition, fire or explosion or otherwise through exposure or use.
(2) All practicable steps shall be taken by a licensee or carrier to prevent any generation, accumulation or discharge of static electricity where a dangerous concentration of vapours from petroleum Class I may reasonably be expected to be present.
(3) Subject to any conditions attached to a licence, a licensee shall make, and secure the effective carrying out of, arrangements for the inspection and testing at intervals not exceeding three years by a competent person of all electrical apparatus located in a hazardous area and of all parts of every circuit of such apparatus, including—
( a ) the verification of polarity,
( b ) the effectiveness of the earth loop impedence,
( c ) the conductance of the earth conductor and earth plate or earth rods,
( d ) the effectiveness of every earth-leakage circuit breaker,
( e ) the insulation resistance of every circuit, and
( f ) the suitability, effectiveness and condition of all cables, switches, fuses, plugs and socket outlets having due regard to the other provisions of this Regulation, and
a certificate, in such form as may be approved by the licensing authority, of the results of every such inspection and test and shall be kept available by a licensee for inspection by the licensing authority.
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I assume the penalty would be loosing your licence to sell petrol and/or prosecution.
Did a little further reading. The Local Authority (City/County Council) seems to be the licencing authority. They can send an inspector who can, without warrant, demand access to any part of the premisis, inspect anything, demand documents. If they don't cooperate he/she can be assisted by police.
It's pretty serious stuff!!
[This message has been edited by djk (edited 12-14-2005).]