Committee Reports > List of Committees > Dáil > 1978 > Committee of Public Accounts > Interim and Final Report - Appropriation Accounts 1975

APPENDIX 11

PUBLIC WORKS AND BUILDINGS—CONTROL OF OIL STOCKS

An Cléireach,

An Coiste um Chuntais Poiblí.

Dáil Éireann.

At the proceedings of the Committee on 9th March 1978 I undertook to supply information regarding the systems used in the Office of Public Works to control stocks of oils. The information is contained in the attached statement.

S. MacCÁRTHAIGH,

Oifigeach Cúntasaíochta,

Oifig na nOibreacha Poibli.

26ú Bealtaine, 1978.

Control of Oil Stocks.

1. Fuel Oil (other than heating oil).

The quantity of fuel oil to be delivered to a works centre is determined by the Officer-in-Charge. Before taking delivery of a supply the Storekeeper checks the amount of fuel oil in the centres tank by means of the flotation gauge or by using a calibrated dip-stick. After delivery has been effected, the amount of fuel oil in the tank is checked again. In this way the actual quantity delivered is established, and that amount is taken on store charge. Fuel oil is stored in locked tanks, and only the Storekeeper has access to it. The Storekeeper issues fuel oil on foot of a duly signed and counter-signed Requisition Form which he retains as his receipt for the corresponding reduction in the amount on store charge. The quantity issued is measured on the tank flowmeter or, in the case of smaller tanks, by means of a 5 gallon measure.

2. Lubricating, etc., oils.

The quantities of lubricating, etc., oils to be delivered to a works centre are likewise determined by the Officer-in-Charge. These oils are delivered in drums fitted with locking taps and are taken on store charge. The drums are retained in the Store. Lubricating, etc., oils are similarly issued by the Storekeeper i.e. on foot of a duly signed and counter-signed Requisition Form which he also retains as his receipt for the corresponding reduction in the amount on store charge. The quantity issued is measured by means of a standard oil measure.

3. All Requisition Forms come under the scrutiny of the Officer-in-Charge. In addition the amount of fuel oil and lubricating, etc., oil issued to each machine or vehicle is entered on the relevant Plant Maintenance Record Form or Vehicle Log-Book. Thus the Officer-in-Charge is in a position to review the quantities of oils issued to an item of plant or a vehicle in relation to the hours of usage, or mileage covered, as the case might be.

4. Heating Oils.

The type and amount of heating oil to be delivered to a centre is determined by the Electrical and Heating Section of this Office. The method used to establish the quantity of such oil delivered is the same as that described above for fuel oils.

5. The amount of heating oil used at each installation is monitored by the Fuel and Light Section of the Office in conjunction with the Electrical and Heating Section.

6. The Stores Audit Section of the Office is charged with the task of ensuring that these systems are operated properly. Any apparent divergence disclosed at one of their inspections is immediately brought to the attention of the Officer-in-Charge for explanation and correction, if necessary.

7. Flowmeters, dip-sticks and other measuring devices in use are at present in the process of being converted to metric measurement.