Oil Deliveries - a guide to checking that YOU receive what YOU pay for.

In all trades the vast majority of sales go without problems; buyer and seller are well satisfied. But things do go wrong occasionally - either due to a technical hitch or perhaps because someone is being less than honest. The oil business is no exception. And oil is strange stuff - when you think about it, you never actually see it - so how can you know you actually received the correct quantity?

Trading Standards Officers who are responsible for enforcing quantity and the oil trade are concerned to ensure you receive the quantity, quality and the service you are entitled to, have therefore produced this guide explaining how oil deliveries are made and giving tips on how you can safeguard yourself - remember prevention (making sure you get the right quantity) is better than cure (not knowing whether it is correct, or worrying what to do about a short measure delivery).

How is Oil Measured

Central heating oil, derv (diesel) and paraffin in bulk, are measured in one of two ways - by Meter or by Dipstick. Bulk petrol deliveries are always measured by dipstick. (Your purchases of petrol or diesel from a garage forecourt are made by means of pumps and meters tested and sealed by Trading Standards Officers for accuracy and are outside the scope of this leaflet).

Meter Deliveries

Oil is pumped from a compartment on the delivery tanker through a meter which has been tested for accuracy and sealed. From there the oil flows to your tank. Before the oil reaches the meter, air is separated from it by a device which also stops the meter recording when the tanker compartment is empty. Each meter is also fitted with a ticket printer.

Dipstick Deliveries

Every compartment on the tanker has a number (eg 1 at the front, 5 at the back) and its own numbered dipstick marked with graduations and quantities checked for accuracy by Trading Standards Officers.

Measurement is made by 'dipping' the compartment before your delivery and noting how much oil is in the compartment, 'dipping' again afterwards, seeing how much remains, and working out how much you have received.

How Can I Check?

Good question - because tankers can be complicated and confusing things. Very often your own storage tank provides the best means of giving yourself peace of mind. Get to know your own tank. If you have a standard rectangular tank - which most are - it is usually possible to calculate, from the increase in level of fuel in your tank, how much you have received. Your tank may have a 'sight tube' to help with this - if not you can produce your own dipstick for your tank and note the height increase, or even mark on the stick with actual quantities. Producing the stick is not time consuming - and only needs doing once! However your tank may not be that simple - and anyway it does no harm to double check. So here are some tips:-

* Politely ask the driver to make sure he has coupled up to the correct compartment and intends delivering the type of fuel you need: a tank full of the wrong oil would be very inconvenient and costly to deal with!! And - do you know your tank has enough empty space to take the quantity you have ordered?

* Wherever possible be present at the tanker at the beginning and throughout the delivery. This might not always be possible - or pleasant in bad weather - but remember that time literally can be money. Also consider the elderly or infirm who may be unable to go to the tanker, and help them if you can.

What You Looking For:

* If your delivery is by meter the driver must give you a delivery ticket with the quantity on it. The quantity is calculated by subtracting one printed quantity number from another printed quantity number on the ticket, and the delivery quantity is then written on the ticket.

* Before the delivery to your tank commences, make sure you see your ticket put into the meter for printing, and that it remains in the meter until it is printed again when your delivery is completed.

* When you have seen your ticket inserted into the meter, check that the meter itself indicates zero before your delivery starts. At the end of the delivery check that the quantity indicated on the meter equals the quantity calculated on your ticket.

And Finally

Having made sure you got what you paid for, make sure you keep it and you use it - fit security devices to your storage tank and access points to your tank wherever possible.

Remember

* You are entitled to a bona fide delivery ticket as described in this leaflet - always get one, and always check it.

* Beware of anyone unexpectedly calling and offering you oil, especially if they do not want to give you a proper ticket. That oil might belong to someone else!

* If you have any doubts, contact your local Trading Standards Department for advice.

Please Note

This leaflet is not an authoritative interpretation of the law and is intended only for guidance.

For further information please contact your local Trading Standards office.