Fuel Storage: A potential disaster ‘waiting to happen’
Health & Safety update 05/04/2012
A woman from York has suffered 40% burns following an incident
in her home where petrol she was decanting from a container into a
glass jug ignited. The incident, during the recent phantom fuel
crisis (which may yet prove to become a real crisis), again
highlighted the dangers of petrol storage in the home or on
business premises. Not only can storing fuel incorrectly have
devastating consequences, but accidents or fires caused by the
illegal storage of petrol could also invalidate insurance cover, so
it’s important for businesses to be aware of both the rules and the
risks.
Two sizes of container are legal for the storage of petrol in a
building attached to a home or public place. The 5 litre plastic
container and the 10 litre metal ‘jerry-can’. However, users must
ensure that any containers they use are of an ‘approved type’ and
it’s also important to remember that the maximum permitted amount
of fuel is not exceeded. If using a plastic 5 litre container, you
are only permitted to store 10 litres in total. If you are using 10
litre metal ‘jerry-cans’, you may only store 20 litres. Anything
more and you must have the approval of your local Petroleum
Licensing Authority. Both styles of container should be marked as
‘Petroleum’ and ‘Highly Inflammable’.
When storing petrol, it is also important to realise that it is
petrol vapour that ignites, NOT the liquid itself, and that petrol
fumes are heavier than air and can travel considerable distances,
often lying in dips and hollows. Extreme caution should be taken at
all times when using, storing or transporting petrol.
Mentor’s Head of Health & Safety Consultancy Support, Jerry
Hill, says, “We understand the anxiety our clients feel when faced
with the possibility of fuel shortages and the resulting impact on
their ability to do business. However, we would strongly advise
against stock-piling fuel in anticipation of strike action. It’s
obviously dangerous, even in trained hands, is potentially illegal
and could invalidate your insurance cover, meaning that it could
have disastrous consequences for years to come.”
“If you are even contemplating the storage of petrol, then we
would offer the following tips and advice, although we would still
strongly recommend against doing so.”
- Containers which have been used for the storage of petrol
should be kept securely closed and stored in a safe place.
- The storage area should be well-ventilated and away from
potential sources of ignition.
- When transporting petrol in a car, it should be carried in the
boot or load area and in a secure position where it cannot be
‘thrown-about’ by the movement of the vehicle.
- If you smell petrol fumes, ventilate the area immediately and
ensure no sources of ignition are brought within the area until the
danger has passed. Remember, even switching on a light could create
a spark that may trigger an explosion. Mobile phones can also
create enough ‘static-electricity’ during normal, everyday
use.
- When using petrol that you have stored, you should always
ensure this is done in the open-air and NOT within a building,
garage or shed.
To review our
previous fuel news update please click here.
For details on
how RBS/NatWestMentor could help
your business in situations like this and many
others, contact
us today. If you already subscribe
to Mentor, please call the Advice
Service.
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