Hi everyone,
I would like a bit of info regarding petrol storage. I have been to a shopping centre site where they need to store a max of 15 litres of petrol for a lawnmower and leaf clearing machine. Normally only 5 litres is stored at any one time.
It is currenlty stored in a locked garage away from the envelope of any buildings, is vented at high level by permament opened vents and is sprinklered. They are storing the max of 15 litres in a metal jerican in a corner of the garage.
However, there is one electrical fluorescent tube light installed to the garage and they also have a battery charger and cleaning machine at the other end of the garage approx 5 metres away. The battery charger is kept up on a shelf out the way.
I am to recomend that the jerican be kept in a currently empty metal dustbin with lid, which was also already kept in the garage. The idea being to hold any leaks etc.
Do you think the storage of the jerican in the metal dustbin suffices or should I be asking them to store it elsewhere due to the battery charger and electric light.
Any comments welcome. Rocha
This from H&S guidance:-
Storage
What is the limit of the amount of petrol I can store for domestic use?
The Petroleum Spirit (Motor Vehicles etc.) Regulations 1929 and the Petroleum Spirit (Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982 limit the amount of petrol that can be kept in a domestic garage or within six metres of a building (e.g. most domestic driveways). The limit is a maximum of two suitable metal containers each of a maximum capacity of ten litres or two plastic containers (which have to be of an approved design) each of a maximum capacity of five litres. These limits also apply to any containers kept in a vehicle parked in the garage or on the driveway (but not to the internal fuel tank of the vehicle). Under no circumstances should the petrol containers be stored in the home itself.
Anyone who wishes to store larger quantities than this, or use larger containers, is required to notify the local Petroleum Licensing Authority (PLA) and to store the petrol in a prescribed manner set out in the 1929 Regulations mentioned above - enquirers who want further details should contact their local PLA. Storage of more than 275 litres (60 gallons) of petrol requires a petrol licence - again, contact the local PLA.
What are the restrictions on the amount of petrol I can store at my workplace?
With the introduction of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR), there are no longer any specific controls over the storage of petrol at workplace sites other than filling stations. However, site operators will need to follow the requirements of DSEAR as petrol is a 'dangerous substance.' But as of 9 December 2002 they no longer require licences to keep petrol and no longer need to comply with the 1929 and 1982 regulations mentioned above about containers.
If the petrol is being stored in a place which is also a workroom for instance, then no more than 50 litres of highly flammable liquids should be stored. If the storage area is not a workroom, then DSEAR also requires, as far as is reasonably practicable, risks from dangerous substances are controlled and to mitigate the effects of any fire or explosion arising from dangerous substances. This should be done by performing a risk assessment, identifying means to reduce risks to a minimum. You should look at the storage area to ensure that:
It does not have any sources of ignition and none should be bought into the area,
It should be properly ventilated,
It should be secure,
Refilling of equipment should preferably take place in the open air and away from sources of ignition,
Care is taken to avoid spills and the consequences of a leak or spill is assessed
Containers should be kept closed when not in use.
