Petrol Petrol Filling Stations

Wilkins Safety Group
H & S Guidance - Petrol and Petrol Filling

Stations
INTRODUCTION
Petrol is a highly flammable liquid and gives off flammable vapour
even at very low temperatures. When this vapour is mixed with air
in proportions between 1% and 8% a risk of fire or explosion
exists. Petrol vapour is heavier than air and does not disperse
easily in still conditions. It tends to sink to the 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).
The petroleum licensing authority are responsible for ensuring

safety at sites where petrol is delivered, stored and dispensed.
The keeping of petrol 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.
Other safety-related legislation is enforced by district councils or

the HSE, dependent on the main activity at the premises
concerned.
Safety aspects of petroleum delivery, storage and dispensing are

the responsibility of the licensing authority's Petroleum Officers.
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.
Underhill Farm, Low Ham, Langport, Somerset TA10 9DP

Tel: 01458 253682 [email protected]
L 133 ACoPUnloading Petrol from Road Tankers, Dangerous

Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
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 (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

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 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

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 doors.

 Never drain petrol over a pit.
 Keep all sources of ignition well away.
 Use a proper fuel retriever or syphon
 If draining into a container, use a funnel
 Do not attempt hot work on petrol tanks
CHECKLIST -
PETROL & PETROL FILLING STATIONS

1 Have you carried out a COSHH assessment regarding Yes No
exposure to petrol?
2 As a premises storing/dispensing petrol as a fuel do you Yes No
comply with the licence issued by your Petroleum
Licensing authority?
3 For other premises where petrol is used or handled, have Yes No
you carried out a risk assessment for the activities
concerned?
4 Have you implemented appropriate measures to control Yes No
the fire/explosion risks identified in your risk assessment?
5 Have you informed or instructed employees of the health Yes No
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) 331: 'Safe use of petrol in garages' (HSE)


Petrol Petrol Filling Stations

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Petrol Petrol Filling Stations

Uploaded by

Document Information

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Petrol Petrol Filling Stations

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Wilkins Safety Group

H & S Guidance - Petrol and Petrol Filling

Petrol vapour can have acute or chronic effects if inhaled and

The petroleum licensing authority are responsible for ensuring

The keeping of petrol must be in accordance with conditions

Other safety-related legislation is enforced by district councils or

Safety aspects of petroleum delivery, storage and dispensing are

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

Underhill Farm, Low Ham, Langport, Somerset TA10 9DP

L 133 ACoPUnloading Petrol from Road Tankers, Dangerous

OTHER HEALTH AND SAFETY

(i)Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.

(ii)COSHH (assessment and control of risks arising from

(iii)Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences

(iv)Electricity at Work Regulations 1989

(v)Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

PETROL AND COSHH

Under COSHH a suitable and sufficient risk assessment is required

Underhill Farm, Low Ham, Langport, Somerset TA10 9DP

PETROL - GENERAL SAFETY

When draining petrol tanks, appropriate advice includes:

 Choose a level, well-ventilated area, preferably out of doors.

PETROL & PETROL FILLING STATIONS

Underhill Farm, Low Ham, Langport, Somerset TA10 9DP

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

2.Report by the Association of Forecourt Systems Contractors -

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

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

5.Leaflet IND(G) 331: 'Safe use of petrol in garages' (HSE)

Underhill Farm, Low Ham, Langport, Somerset TA10 9DP

You might also like