Yes, if you store petrol, then you are subject to the legislation that covers its safe storage.
The specific UK legislation relating to storing petrol safely are dealt with in the following laws and regulations:
- The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 (PCR)
- Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR)
The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 (PCR)
This legislation came into force on 1 October 2014 and includes the following:
- Introduction and general prohibition on the keeping of petrol
- Storage of petrol on dispensing premises
- Storage of petrol in domestic or other relevant premises
- Miscellaneous provisions
The full text of the legislation can be found can clicking on this The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 (PCR) link but in summary some of the areas it covers are:
- General prohibition on the keeping of petrol
- Storage of petrol on dispensing premises under certificate
- Application and grant of storage certificates
- General prohibitions on dispensing and supply of petrol
- Storage of petrol in domestic or other relevant premises
- Licences for storage in domestic or other relevant premises
- Enforcing authorities
- Manufacture etc. of portable petrol storage container
- Repairs of vessels or containers that have contained petrol
- Prohibition on direct filling of fuel tanks from road tankers
Authorities known as ‘Petroleum Enforcement Authorities’ (PEAs) are responsible for enforcing the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014.
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR)
The DEAR regulations cover more than just petrol and apply more generally to dangerous substances in the workplace that, if not properly controlled, have the potential to cause harm to people as a result of a fire or explosion or corrosion of metal. These might include some of the following and are found in many workplaces:
- solvents,
- paints,
- varnishes,
- flammable gases,
- dusts from machining and sanding operations,
- dusts from foodstuffs,
- pressurised gases and
- substances corrosive to metal.
The DSEAR regulations place duties on employers and the self-employed to protect people from these risks to their safety in the workplace includes members of the public who may be put at risk by work activity.
The Health & Safety Executive have provided useful information on the regulations which you can access by following the link to ‘A Quick Guide to DSEAR’.
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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