Vital advice on petrol storage

AS PEOPLE in Suffolk consider how to respond to the potential fuel strike, Suffolk Fire and Rescue Service and Trading Standards have issued a joint safety message on the dangers of storing petrol at home.

Whilst any industrial action will not have an effect on frontline services, the county council is urging Suffolk residents to remain aware of the serious fire risks that surround the storage of fuels in domestic premises.

Petrol can be kept in a domestic garage or outbuilding, but there are restrictions on the amount that can be stored. Only the following combinations of two approved* containers are permitted:

• One suitable 10 litre metal container and one 5 litre approved plastic containers (totalling 15 litres), or
• Two 5 litre approved plastic containers (note only 10 litres can be kept, if 2 plastic containers are used)

The containers used must be robust, marked with their contents and have tight fitting lids to prevent leakage of liquid or vapour. They must also be stored securely – ideally they should be locked up and kept away from any combustible material. Under no circumstances should petrol be stored in the home.

Councillor Colin Spence, Suffolk County Council’s Portfolio Holder for Public Protection said; “We strongly advise against the bulk buying and storage of petrol. It is an incredibly dangerous substance which should never be kept in the home – it is not worth the risk to you, your family and your loved ones. It is also against the law.

“There are regulations about how and where it is kept, and we would advise people to take note of these. Petrol vapour is largely invisible and leakages can travel significant distances to find a source of ignition. We are advising people to conserve current fuel stocks by avoiding unnecessary journeys.”

* – If plastic, containers must comply with Petroleum Spirit container regulations established in 1982: Statutory Instrument 1982/630 http://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/1982/630/contents/made