Yes, in short, the legislation permits you to store petrol in the following containers subject to specific requirements that are expanded upon further below:
- plastic containers storing up to 10 litres
- metal containers storing up to 20 litres
- demountable fuel tank up to 30 litres
The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 (PCR) at Schedule 2, para 6, and in Schedule 3, are that:
It is a “suitable portable container” if it
- is in a good state of repair, secure from leaking, has not degraded from exposure to chemicals or light and is not unsteady when placed on a level surface; and
- A portable petrol storage container must have a nominal capacity no greater than 10 litres if made of plastic; and no greater than 20 litres if made of metal;
- have a total capacity between 10% and 15% more than the nominal capacity;
- be made of either metal or plastic that is suitable and safe for the purpose and will not significantly degrade due to exposure to petrol or naturally occurring ultra-violet radiation;
- be designed and constructed so that:
- it is reasonably robust and not liable to break under the normal conditions of use;
- the escape of liquid or vapour is prevented;
- petrol can be poured safely from it; and, it is not unsteady when placed on a flat surface;
- be marked or labelled in a legible and indelible form with:
- the words “PETROL” and “HIGHLY FLAMMABLE”;
- an appropriate hazard warning sign;
- the nominal capacity in litres; and
- the manufacturer’s name and the date and month of manufacture.
“Nominal capacity” mentioned means the maximum volume of liquid that the container is intended to hold at 20°C;
“Total capacity” mentioned means the maximum volume of liquid that the container would hold if filled to the brim.
The above information is only a summary of some of the requirements of The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 (PCR) and we strongly recommend you make yourself familiar and/or take appropriate professional and legal advice with regards to the PCR.
The Health & Safety Executive (HSE) provide more information which can be accessed at portable petrol storage containers.
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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