Petrol and Petrol Filling Stations: Vapour Even at Very Low Temperatures. When This Vapour Is

PETROL AND PETROL FILLING
STATIONS
(See also: COSHH(19); Carcinogens(12)) PETROL AND
PETROL
INTRODUCTION FILLING
STATIONS
Petrol is a highly flammable liquid and gives off flammable PETROL AND
vapour even at very low temperatures. When this vapour is PETROL
mixed with air in proportions between 1% and 8% a risk of fire
FILLING
or explosion exists. Petrol vapour is heavier than air and does
not disperse easily in still conditions. It tends to sink to the STATIONS
lowest possible level of its surroundings and may accumulate in
tanks, cavities, drains, pits or other depressions. Flammable
atmospheres may also exist where clothing or other absorbent
material or substances are contaminated with petrol.
Petrol vapour can have acute or chronic effects if inhaled and
therefore should be considered in the assessment required
under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health
Regulations 2002(COSHH).
PETROLEUM LICENSING - PETROL FILLING STATIONS

The petroleum licensing authority is Warwickshire County
Council (Trading Standards Dept.) who are responsible for
ensuring safety at sites where petrol is stored in underground
containers and dispensed in to motor vehicles.
The keeping of petrol at these sites must be in accordance with

conditions attached to a licence issued under the Petroleum
(Consolidation) Act 1928. When an Inspector appointed by the
licensing authority visits a petrol filling station the aim is to
ensure the observance, maintenance and, where necessary, the
improvement of safety standards. Such officers work to, and are
able to give advice on, nationally produced guidance such as:
HS(G) 146 - Dispensing petrol. Assessing and controlling the

risk of fire and explosion at sites where petrol is
stored and dispensed as a fuel.
The petroleum licensing authority contact address is:

Warwickshire County Council,
Trading Standards Department,
160 Old Budbrooke Road,
Warwick, CV35 7DP
Tel: (01926) 414072
THE STORAGE OF PETROL

Ref: 60
Where petrol is stored at a premises but not dispensed into May 2003
motor vehicles other safety-related legislation is enforced by
district councils or the HSE, dependent on the main activity at
the premises concerned. Ref: 60
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE: October 1997 ISSUE No: 4 RFN ISSUE DATE: May2003
May 2003
SECTION: Petrol & Petrol Filling Stations PAGE No. 1 of 5
The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
(DSEAR) apply at most workplaces where a dangerous substance is
present or could be present, this includes petrol.
The main requirements of DSEAR are that employers must:

Carry out a risk assessment of any work activities involving dangerous
substances;
Provide measures to eliminate or reduce risks as far as is reasonably
practicable ;
Provide equipment and procedures to deal with accidents and
emergencies;
Provide information and training to employees;
Classify places where explosive atmospheres may occur into zones and
mark the zones where necessary (for workplaces already in use
before July 2003 this requirement must be met by July 2006).
OTHER HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
In addition to the general duties established under the Health and

Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (s.2, 3, 4, 7 & 8) the following legislation
(covered in other elements in this manual) may also be of relevance in
premises visited by local authority health and safety inspectors:
(i) Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
(Risk assessment, appointment of competent persons etc.)
(ii) COSHH 2002 (assessment and control of risks arising from
substances hazardous to health).
(iii) Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences
Regulations 1995 (RIDDOR)
(iv) Electricity at Work Regulations 1989
(v) Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.
PETROL AND COSHH 2002
Aspiration is the entry of liquid into the lungs following swallowing and
subsequent vomiting. Petrol is classified as 'Harmful by ingestion'
owing to this aspiration hazard i.e. the risk of chemical pneumonitis,
and not because of its acute toxicity i.e. poisoning, properties. Petrol
is also classified as a skin irritant, due to its potential to cause
dermatitis. The presence of up to 5% benzene means that petrol is
classified as Carcinogenic, Category 2 (See element on 'Carcinogens' in
this manual for further guidance).
Under COSHH 2002 a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is

required for all jobs carried out involving petrol. This may involve
emergency procedures (spillages or accidental ingestion), protective
clothing to prevent skin contact and precautions to control exposure by
inhalation.
PETROL - GENERAL SAFETY
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE: October 1997 ISSUE No: 4 RFN ISSUE DATE: May 2003
Where petrol might be used (e.g. mobile equipment, generators) or
workers exposed to other petrol fire/explosion risks (e.g. garage
workshops) an assessment needs to be carried out on the risks
involved to ensure that adequate control measures are taken. Leaflets
giving advice on petrol safety are available, covering safe
storage, carriage and use.
When draining petrol tanks, appropriate advice includes:

- Choose a level, well-ventilated area, preferably out of PETROL AND
doors. PETROL
- Never drain petrol over a pit. FILLING
- Keep all sources of ignition well away. STATIONS
- Use a proper fuel retriever or syphon
- If draining into a container, use a funnel
- Do not attempt hot work on petrol tanks
Ref: 60
ORIGINAL ISSUE DATE: October 1997 ISSUE No: 4 RFN ISSUE DATE: May2003
May 2003
CHECKLIST -
PETROL & PETROL FILLING STATIONS
PETROL AND
1. Have you carried out a COSHH assessment YES NO PETROL
regarding exposure to petrol? FILLING
STATIONS
2. As a premises dispensing petrol as a YES NO
fuel do you comply with the licence issued by
your Petroleum Licensing authority?
3. For other premises where petrol is used or YES NO

handled, have you carried out a risk
assessment for the activities concerned?
4. Have you implemented appropriate measures YES NO

to control the fire/explosion risks identified in
your risk assessment?
5. Have you informed or instructed employees YES NO

of the health and safety risks associated with
petrol and appropriate precautions that should
be taken?
REFERENCES/FURTHER DETAILS
*1. HS(G) 146: Dispensing petrol. Assessing and controlling
the risk of fire and explosion at sites where petrol is stored
and dispensed as a fuel. (HSE) ISBN 0-7176-1048-9
*2. Report by the Association of Forecourt Systems Contractors

- 'Working on Petrol Filling Stations Forecourts' (January
1993) (Copies from Mr. D. Fox, PO Box 64, Banstead,
Surrey, SM7 2QH).
*3. Guidance Note: Petrol at Retail Filling Stations - application

of COSHH Carcinogens ACoP. (UK Petroleum Industry
Association, 9 Kingsway, London, WC2B 6XF)
*4. Leaflet IND(G) 216L: Dispensing petrol as a fuel: health and

safety guidance for employees.(HSE)
www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg216.htm
*5. Leaflet IND(G) 50C: 'Safe use of petrol in garages' (HSE)

http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg331.pdf
*6. L133 Unloading petrol from road tankers. Dangerous

Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. Ref: 60
Approved Code of Practice and Guidance. HSE. ISBN 0 7176
2197 9. May 2003
* Available to view by prior arrangement at Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough
Council, Environmental Health Services, Council House, Coton Road, Nuneaton.
CV11 5AA
** Free copy available from Nuneaton and Bedworth Borough Council at the above
address.

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PETROL AND PETROL FILLING

PETROLEUM LICENSING - PETROL FILLING STATIONS

The keeping of petrol at these sites must be in accordance with

HS(G) 146 - Dispensing petrol. Assessing and controlling the

The petroleum licensing authority contact address is:

Tel: (01926) 414072

THE STORAGE OF PETROL

The main requirements of DSEAR are that employers must:

OTHER HEALTH AND SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

In addition to the general duties established under the Health and

PETROL AND COSHH 2002

Under COSHH 2002 a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is

PETROL - GENERAL SAFETY

When draining petrol tanks, appropriate advice includes:

3. For other premises where petrol is used or YES NO

4. Have you implemented appropriate measures YES NO

5. Have you informed or instructed employees YES NO

*2. Report by the Association of Forecourt Systems Contractors

*3. Guidance Note: Petrol at Retail Filling Stations - application

*4. Leaflet IND(G) 216L: Dispensing petrol as a fuel: health and

*5. Leaflet IND(G) 50C: 'Safe use of petrol in garages' (HSE)

*6. L133 Unloading petrol from road tankers. Dangerous

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