Fuel Storage

The storing and use of petrol and diesel either at home, in a vehicle or the workplace presents a potential hazard. Petroleum and petrol vapour in particular is extremely flammable and must be treated with caution.

The guidelines below outline the law on the storage of petrol as well giving some practical tips on reducing risks.

Law

Storage of fuel at home or the workplace (unless specifically licensed) is restricted by law to either metal containers with a maximum capacity of 10 litres (2 gallons) be fitted with a secure leak-proof cap and be permanently labelled "Petroleum Spirit - Highly Flammable", or approved plastic containers of a maximum 5 litres capacity. These containers should be designed for the purpose and must be fitted with a screw-cap or closure to prevent leakage of liquid or vapour, and should comply with the Petroleum Spirit (Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982.

Petrol Stations

Petrol filling stations operate under strict license conditions, which do not allow drivers to dispense fuel into other types of container.

At Home

At home, fuel containers must not be stored in living accommodation such as kitchens, living rooms and bedrooms or under staircases. Any storage place should be well away from living areas in case of fire and it should be secure, to protect against the possibility of vandalism or arson.

Decanting

When decanting or transferring fuel from a container follow these simple steps to safe

• No smoking and no naked lights in the vicinity
• Decant in the open air - not inside the garage
• Use a pouring spout or funnel
• If clothing is splashed with fuel, change it immediately. 

Petroleum vapour can cause irritation of the nose, eyes and throat, and exposure to high concentrations, particularly in confined spaces, can cause dizziness and unconsciousness. Most importantly, do not swallow petrol or diesel or attempt to use the mouth to siphon it, under any circumstances. This can result in it entering the lungs or stomach, which can be fatal.

Filling up
Take care when filling your vehicle's fuel tank or appropriate approved container. Spillages or leaks pose a number of hazards, so do not overfill your tank and make sure that the filler cap is securely in place and not leaking. Fuel expands and vapour can build up in hot weather, so avoid filling to the brim. Equally, approved containers should not be overfilled and should be securely fastened during transit to prevent them falling over and leaking.

Petrol should only be used as a motor fuel. Never use it as a cleaning agent or to light fires.