Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum (DFDF)

- formerly called Downstream Oil Distribution Forum (DODF)

Guidance

The Downstream Fuel Distribution Forum (DFDF) was established in 2012, to provide an on-going forum for the discussion and resolution of issues relating to health & safety and training in the downstream oil industry.

The membership of the DFDF is made up of the major Hauliers, Trade Associations, Government Departments (DfT & DESNZ) and Unions connected with the petroleum product distribution industry.

The Forum changed its name in July 2023, substituting ‘fuel’ for ‘oil’ in line with a wider industry trends and the moves to alternative energy sources and fuels. There will be a period of transition whilst the name DODF is changed to DFDF on all PDP Scheme documentation. Some historical documents will retain the DODF name.

One of the DFDF’s early initiatives was the development of a consistent training standard for petroleum product tanker drivers. The standard is designed to ensure petroleum products are loaded, delivered and unloaded safely and in accordance with approved good practices.

This training standard is additional to ADR and specific to the industry sector and to five industry sub sectors:

Home Heat
Commercial
Aviation
Retail
Marine

Using the training standard as the basis, the DFDF then developed the Petroleum Driver Passport Scheme, launched in 2014. The DFDF retains overall responsibility for the PDP Scheme, which is managed by the Scheme Manager, SQA, in conjunction with the PDP Management Group. The DFDF also addresses other topics relating to the industry and especially health & safety and training.

DFDF has:

Produced a petroleum addendum ‘block’ to LGV Apprenticeship Standard to allow for the training of petroleum product drivers under this standard.
As part of an initiative started by UKPIA, worked with the Trade Associations to develop a generic Terminal Loading Poster under the PDP Scheme logo.
Developed Lone Working Guidance.
Monitored the impact of Brexit on the sector.
Worked with industry and relevant government departments to ensure product is delivered safely during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Supported the development of National Occupational Standards for the transportation of hydrogen.

Going forward the DFDF is:

Liaising with relevant bodies regarding the implementation of the recommendations from the HSE Report on the Review of Petroleum Consolidation Regulations and any implications for petroleum distribution.
Looking at the challenges to all stakeholders of the energy transition and Government targets for decarbonisation of transport modes, providing input to the Government consultation.
Monitoring introduction of/transition to new fuels/powertrains and implications for DODF and PDP Scheme.

DFDF information and guidance

Disclaimer

DFDF guidance documents are shared in order to promote learning and improve safety. You should seek appropriate guidance regarding the relevance, accuracy and completeness of this information to your circumstances prior to implementation.