Before addressing some of the specific issues relating to the safe storage of petrol and any current legislation in respect of it, it is worth reminding everyone of the potential risks and some general advice on the matter.
We’re sure the vast majority of people out there are very aware of the dangers associated with petrol and the potential consequences if it is not handled in the right way.
Petrol in the workplace, and at home, needs to stored very carefully, and while most of us are familiar with the risks of petrol, how many of you are aware of the amounts that can be stored in specific situations such workplace premises, non-workplace premises and at home?
Petrol is a dangerous substance; it is a highly flammable liquid that gives off vapour which can easily be set on fire, and when not handled safely has the potential to cause a serious fire and/or explosion.
This means there is the risk of serious personal injury if petrol is stored or used in an unsafe way in addition to potential destruction of property and possibly the loss, be it temporary or permanent, of your business or organisation and the potential impact that has on your livelihood.
Because of these risks legislation is in place in respect of storing petrol safely, namely the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014; and this legislation applies to you if you store petrol at home, or in circumstances where it may be used at premises such as a club or association where you might take part in leisure activities.
Following some basic advice can eliminate, or significantly reduce, any risks associated with the storage and use of this potentially dangerous and volatile substance:
- Don’t store petrol unless you have to.
- If you do have to store petrol STORE IT SAFELY!
- Do not take petrol into any house, flat or anywhere where people live.
- Keep it out of the reach of children.
- Keep it out of direct sunlight.
- Keep it away from sources of ignition such as naked flames and anything that has the potential to cause or a spark.
Remember, an empty container that has previously held petrol may also be unsafe because of the fumes which can remain in the container. Keep the cap of the container securely fastened and follow the same advice as for storing petrol.
At the petrol filling station
Follow petrol station safety instructions whenever you are filling your petrol tank or portable container. Containers must be placed on the ground when filling.
Always dismount from your motorbike before filling the petrol tank
Gardening activities
Make sure your petrol fuelled lawn mower has cooled down before refilling it with petrol. And only fill the tanks of lawn mowers or any other machines in the open air away from buildings.
Lighting BBQs or bonfires
DO NOT use petrol as an accelerant to light fires.
The content on this page contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.
Please note that any images forming part of this advice article are for illustrative purposes only and may not be indicative of colours, labelling or markings relating to any country specific legislation, guidelines or standards. Written information and guidance relate to the United Kingdom and specifically to information provided by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and other UK public sector bodies.
Information herein is primarily provided for the purposes of managing fire risk. However, in order to give the reader a more complete understanding of the storage and handling of toxic and flammable substances in drums and cylinders, we have provided additional information. If you need specific advice or information on matters not directly related to fire risk management, you should consult an expert with the appropriate knowledge and/or the supplier or manufacturer.
Disclaimer: INFORMATION PROVIDED ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE TREATED AS PROFESSIONAL ADVICE AND SHOULD NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES BE USED AS A SUBSTITUTE FOR PROFESSIONAL ADVICE. ALWAYS CONSULT A FIRE PROFESSIONAL, OR OTHER RELEVANT PROFESSIONAL, FOR ADVICE ON YOUR PARTICULAR CIRCUMSTANCES AND REQUIREMENTS.
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