Petroleum Spirit
Petroleum spirit is a potentially hazardous substance which must be stored in an appropriate container. Apart from the legal restrictions which apply, the public are advised to consider the safety implications and to avoid taking unnecessary risks when using or storing petroleum spirit.
General
A major concern associated with the storage of petroleum spirit is the risk of fire and explosion. Petroleum spirit is a highly volatile liquid, and gives off flammable vapour even at very low temperatures. When mixed with air, this vapour can burn fiercely if a source of ignition is present. A discharge of static electricity with a duration of a few thousandths of a second coming into contact with a few molecules of vapour/air mixture can result in an explosion.
Petrol vapour can also give rise to acute or chronic health problems if inhaled. Even at concentrations as low as 500-1000 parts per million, it can cause headaches, nausea, dizziness, mental confusion and irritation of the respiratory tract. Prolonged exposure may result in loss of consciousness and damage to the nervous system. When it comes into contact with the skin, petrol can cause dermatitis, and prolonged exposure may result in chemical burns.
Petroleum spirit is a highly corrosive substance. Plastic containers which have not been specifically designed for the storage of petrol should never be used for this purpose, since they may dissolve on contact and leak or permit the escape of petrol vapour.
Vehicles
Motor manufacturers try to ensure that the fuel tanks of cars are afforded some degree of protection during collision. In general, they will only rupture during severe impacts. Containers of petrol stored in the boot of a car may not be adequately protected against accident damage. Any person who transports containers of petroleum spirit in a vehicle without taking suitable precautions may be risking their own life and the lives of other road users. They may also be endangering the live of those who work for the emergency services.
If you decant petrol from a container into a car or other vehicle, the following basic health and safety precautions should be observed.
- No smoking and no naked lights in the vicinity.
- Decant in the open air, not in a garage.
- Use a pouring spout or funnel.
- If clothing is splashed with petrol, change it immediately.
Domestic Storage
The Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928 requires that any person who wishes to store large quantities of petroleum spirit must first apply to the local Petroleum Licensing Authority (PLA) for a licence.
The storage of petroleum spirit on domestic premises should be avoided, since this may increase the risk of injury in the event of a fire. In addition, it may invalidate some insurance policies.
The Petroleum Spirit (Motor Vehicles) Regulations 1929 and The Petroleum Spirit (Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982 specify conditions where petrol can be kept without a license in two ten litre metal containers or two five litre plastic containers respectively, in a garage or other structure which is separated from living accommodation by a fire-resisting barrier, e.g. a garage or party wall.
Where petroleum is stored, the following conditions should be observed.
- Containers must be specifically designed for the storage of petroleum spirit, and must be constructed so as prevent leakage of vapour.
- All containers must be clearly marked "Petroleum Spirit - Highly Flammable".
- A maximum of two 10 litre metal containers or two 5 litre plastic containers may be kept within a motorised vehicle.
- Containers must not be stored within any building in a room adjacent to any living accommodation, under a staircase or under any other means of escape from the building, unless the room is separated by a solid wall, floor or partition of fire resisting material.
- Any place used for the storage of containers must be properly ventilated, provided with suitable fire extinguishers, and must have a means of exit which give direct access to the exterior of the building.
- Any person who stores quantities of petroleum spirit in contravention of these requirements may be guilty of a criminal offence and could be prosecuted.