Match the invoice with the lorry, check the seals, let it settle 10 minutes and earth it. Dip every compartment against its calibration certificate and check for water. Check each compartment's density at 15 °C is within ±3.0 kg/m³ of the invoice. Draw samples, stop sales from the tank, decant, then dispense 50 litres and record the composite density.
1. When the lorry arrives (clause 1.1)
Match the invoice with what is in front of you:
- Tank lorry number
- Seal or security lock numbers
- Number of compartments and the product and quantity in each
- The time the lorry left the supply point
- The density at 15 °C printed on the invoice
- The dip rod and its calibration certificate
The MDG also asks the dealer to follow the lorry on the vehicle tracking link and to tell the supply location of any deviation before accepting it.
2. Make it safe (clause 1.2 i)
- Park on level ground and let it settle for 10 minutes.
- Earth and bond the lorry before touching it.
- Keep a DCP fire extinguisher nearby.
- Use proper discharge hoses, never plastic or PVC pipe.
3. Check seals and lines (1.2 ii, iii)
Check the seals on the delivery manifold and manhole covers against the invoice. Release the master valve levers so product fills the pipelines: lorries are calibrated with lines full.
4. Dip and water (1.2 v to vii)
- Ask the driver for the calibration certificate, which gives each compartment’s product level and proof level.
- Check the Weights and Measures markings on the dip rod.
- Dip every compartment and compare with the certificate.
- Check each compartment for water with water-finding paste, and a paste suitable for ethanol-blended petrol.
- Stop sales from the underground tank you will fill.
5. Quality (1.2 iv, viii, ix, x)
- Drain about 20 litres from each compartment’s manifold into a clear glass container.
- Check density and temperature of each and record them.
- Each compartment’s density at 15 °C must be within ±3.0 kg/m³ of the invoice. Use the density variation calculator.
- In any doubt, call the supply location or area officer.
- Draw bottom samples and follow the three-tier sampling procedure.
6. Make up any shortage (1.2 xi)
A short dip, or water removed, is made up to the correct level from the lorry through the dispensing unit and recorded on the back of all invoice copies, compartment by compartment. Dealer and driver both sign.
7. Decant (1.2 xi to xiii)
- Decant each product into the correct underground tank. Check the space in the tank first.
- Make sure the lorry is fully empty before releasing it.
- Update the stock register and display board.
8. After decanting (1.2 xiv)
Dispense at least 50 litres through the pump to clear the line, then sample from the nozzle. Record this composite density at 15 °C in the density register. It is the tank’s reference density until the next morning.
Then take the dip after unloading and check what the tank received with the tanker unloading calculator.
Figures here are for reference. Your oil company’s certified calibration chart, approved instruments and the Marketing Discipline Guidelines always prevail.
Questions
What if a compartment's dip is short?
The shortage, including any water removed, is made up by filling to the correct level from the lorry through the dispensing pump, and the quantity is written on the back of every invoice copy. The dealer and the driver both sign it (clause 1.2 xi).
Can I sell from the tank while it is being filled?
No. Clause 1.2 (vii) asks that sales from the tank being filled stop until decantation is complete.
What do I check on the dip rod?
The Weights and Measures markings at the bottom and at the proof level. As a further check, compare the rod with a standard measuring tape (clause 1.2 vi).