The petroleum Adept- A Comprehensive Guide For Frontline Staff

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Author- Simbarashe McNorris Hakata

 Cover design by- Wilhelmine Antonette Wachter who blogs on
The write monkey and Le heart and zi mind

 Pages- 155

The Petroleum Adept focuses on the downstream retail sector of the petroleum industry. It is mainly targeted at frontline staff and first-line managers in the petroleum retail sector, however it has sufficient depth of information to assist even entrepreneurs looking at investing in the petroleum industry. It can also be used by anyone seeking to gain knowledge of the petroleum retail sector in Zimbabwe and other African countries.

The book has been written to equip frontline staff and first-line managers in the Petroleum retail sector with the knowledge they need in conducting their duties. This being done in a safe and secure environment and also in a way that positively contributes to the overall customer experience. This will greatly impact on the profitability of the business through efficiency of resources utilisation and the establishment of a broader customer base. 

Key Issues addressed in the book include;

Safety- safety is crucial when handling petroleum products and safety standards need to be upheld all the time by oil companies and individuals in the petroleum industry. This will reduce the number of accidents associated with petroleum products and also ensure a healthier work force which ultimately contributes to economic growth. Safety goes beyond the activities of oil companies and affects the communities in which oil companies operate, for example if a fire breaks out at a facility that retails or store petroleum products, the fire and fumes are going to affect the communities around them.

 Product knowledge- In many cases of petroleum accidents that have been recorded around the country, the accidents were caused by a lack of knowledge of petroleum products and their properties. If one possesses adequate product knowledge such as contained in this book they will be able to handle different petroleum products with the care and caution they deserve. This will also increase service quality at fuel service stations and reduce incidences of vehicle contamination which can be very costly to oil companies.

Environmental protection- there has never been greater urgency such as exists today for economies all over the world to protect their environments especially in the developing world. Natural resources which we direly need for economic growth and development are fast depleting and this book seeks to educate people on the need to handle petroleum products with greater care and avoid spilling these products into the environment where they damage the soil and destroy plant, animal and human life. Oil spilled into the environment will alter the chemical composition of soils and even put our water table at risk in the long run. Protection of our natural environments will also encourage tourism and a healthier work force for industrial development which will also get its raw materials from these natural environments and agriculture.

Air pollution will also be reduced leading to a reduction in greenhouse gasses which will affect power generation, agricultural activity and ultimately all economic activity.

Compliance- the book encourages compliance by oil companies and individuals in the petroleum industry with government regulations and laws that should be observed when Procuring, producing, wholesaling or retailing petroleum products. 

Among other topics in the book such as the work environment, first aid, customer service etc., The Petroleum Adept also has a section for emergency numbers in Zimbabwe and in selected African countries to assist in emergency situations be it a fire, a medical emergency or even a robbery. 

Overall the benefits of this resource will not only be enjoyed by oil companies but also the economy as a whole. The book seeks to conscientize oil companies and the general public on the need to grow sustainable eco-friendly businesses.

  It can be used as a training tool or as a pocket guide for front-line staff in the petroleum industry. 

The questions at the end of each chapter are meant to help one recap on what they would have learnt in the chapters and also help one to think in a critical way about the issues addressed in those chapters. It also includes practical activities in selected chapters as well as case studies to give a more practical approach and emphasis of the lessons one needs to appreciate in the downstream petroleum industry especially those on safety.