CPA Bulletin

www.cpa.uk.net CPA Bulletin > November 2021 21 TECHNICAL & SAFETY: 1 Technical & SAFETY Petrol to Ethanol Ratio (E10) IncreasE As many members will now be aware, the standard 95 octane petrol grade has changed from E5 to E10. 95 grade petrol in the UK did contain up to 5% ethanol, known as E5, whilst E10 petrol contains up to 10% ethanol, which helps to reduce carbon dioxide (Co2) emissions associated with petrol- powered vehicles and machinery and helps tackle climate change. These changes do not apply to diesel fuel. However, some petrol-powered industrial equipment such as hand tools, small generators, water pumps, etc. may not be compatible with E10 fuel. It appears that any stored/unused E10 fuel - suggested within 4 weeks - can ‘thicken’ and therefore causing potential fuel filter or carburettor jet blockages. Petrol containing ethanol absorbs water - usually through condensation - and once saturated, the ethanol and water can separate from the petrol. The result is that the water can settle in a fuel tank, carburettor or fuel injection system and cause both blockages and internal corrosion. Ethanol is a solvent and may additionally cause corrosion of materials such as aluminium, brass, copper as well as potentially causing rapid deterioration of seals, gaskets and fuel lines. It is further alleged that an increased ratio of ethanol may alter the air/fuel ratio, causing an engine to run leaner due to the oxygen content in ethanol. E10 fuel has been available in many European countries for quite a while so more modern equipment should not be affected by the change. However, equipment owners and suppliers are recommended to consult with the equipment manufacturer to check the compatibility of their equipment with E10 fuels. Some manufacturers are further suggesting that all fuel is emptied from the machine when not being used for a long period, whilst others recommend additives which stabilises the fuel and prevents petrol from deteriorating. E5 fuel will still be available with 97 or above octane petrol and obtainable from petrol suppliers for the foreseeable future. Petrol fuel pumps will be clearly labelled as either 95 RON E10 or 97 (or above) RON E5. More information can be found at https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ e10-petrol-explained The CPA, as well as other trade associations connected with lifting operations, have been in long dialogue with the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regarding intended and sweeping changes to the notification of the use of cranes within the country. Radical proposals intending to be introduced during 2020 were delayed as the CAA underestimated the number of lifting operations that happen on a weekly basis and the effects of their intended changes. The CAA have now adopted a phased approach with trials and undertook an initial evaluation with crane owners, construction contractors and others. They then subsequently proceeded with a second trial with a small number of invited crane users to test and assess the notification process to the CAA of all cranes higher that 10m or that of the surrounding structures or trees, irrespective of distance from aerodromes/airfields. This trial was to test the ability of the CAA to handle the notifications. However, from September 2021, crane users needed to notify the CAA of any crane that is above 100m above ground level regardless of proximity to aerodromes or height of surrounding structures or trees with notifications being sent to the CAA by a specific email address using a dedicated form. This requires notification of the crane’s precise location, an accurate maximum height and the start and completion dates. In addition, users need to comply with the existing requirement and notify where a crane is to be used within 6 km of an aerodrome/airfield and its height exceeds 10m or that of surrounding structures or trees, if higher. The notification should be sent to the aerodrome/airfield safeguarding team. The final version of the amended CAP 1096 is scheduled to go live from April 2022, from which the supporting CPA TIN 039 will be updated accordingly. Information on current notification requirements can be viewed at https://www.caa.co.uk/Commercial-industry/Airspace/Event- and-obstacle-notification/Crane-notification/ CAA CAP1096 Update