Fuel sampling program
The sampling of fuels under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 (the Act) is undertaken across all areas of the national fuel supply chain. Samples are regularly taken from importers, refineries, distributors and service station forecourts.&
There are procedures for taking fuel samples at service stations.
The sampling program is structured to ensure a broad range of sites and locations are sampled. Specific emphasis is given to sampling fuel from fuel suppliers who have been the subject of a consumer complaint.
It is not possible to test the entire quantity of a product, so some representative part, the sample, must be drawn for testing. The sample must be representative of:
- The whole contents of the tank or container at time of sampling; or
- A spot in the pipeline during ship discharge or pipeline transfer.
Inspectors
Trained personnel who are appointed as inspectors under the Act undertake all fuel sampling. These inspectors have certain powers and specific expertise in drawing fuel samples. After the sample is taken, the inspector transfers it to a laboratory. The laboratory then tests the sample against the fuel determination and reports the results to the Department of the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts.
The Fuel Standard (Petrol) Determination 2001 (Petrol Determination), Fuel Standard (Diesel) Determination 2001 (Diesel Determination), Fuel Standard (Biodiesel) Determination 2003 and Fuel Standard (Autogas) Determination 2003 have been made under the Act. Standards for other fuels are being considered and the current standards will be refined and tightened as required.