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 1999 (COSHH).
We are the licensing authority in Barking and Dagenham. We are responsible for ensuring safety at sites where petrol is delivered, stored and dispensed.
Keeping 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 local councils or the Health and Safety Executive, dependent on the main activity at the premises concerned.
Safety aspects of petroleum delivery, storage and dispensing are our responsibility. Council 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.
In addition to the general duties established under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (s.2, 3, 4, 7 and 8) the following legislation may also be of relevance in premises visited by local authority health and safety inspectors:
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.
Under COSHH 1999 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.
An assessment needs to be carried out on the risks involved where petrol might be used, for example in mobile equipment and generators, or where workers are exposed to other petrol fire and explosion risks, like garage workshops. The assessment will ensure that adequate control measures are taken.
When draining petrol tanks, appropriate advice includes:
The licensee must ensure that all petrol storage tanks, dipsticks, gauges, offset fills and vapour recovery pipes are clearly labelled.
The driver of the road tanker should then complete Part B of the Certificate.
This is an abbreviated form of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road Regulations 1996 Schedule 12.
Failure to comply with these regulations may lead to prosecution and a fine of up to £5,000.
Business Support Team
Environmental and Enforcement Services
Roycraft House
15 Linton Road
Barking
IG11 8HE
Supported by Barking and Dagenham Direct:
Tel: 020 8215 3007
Fax: 020 8227 5184
Textphone: 020 8227 5755
Email: 3000direct@lbbd.gov.uk|
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 8am - 8pm.
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© 2008 London Borough of Barking and Dagenham
Civic Centre
Rainham Road North, Dagenham, RM10 7BN
Telephone: 020 8215 3000
Fax: 020 8227 5184
Textphone: 020 8227 5755
Email: enquiries@lbbd.gov.uk|
Telephone: 020 8594 8356
Fax: 020 8227 3470