Petrol storage at domestic premises - the rules

In view of recent scare stories by the media and Her Majesty's Government petrol filling stations are experiencing high levels of demand. There has been some confusion as to the volume and method of storing petrol at domestic premises.

Here are the answers to your burning questions as supplied by The Health & Safety Executive:

Q. What is the limit of the amount of petrol I can store for domestic use?

The Petroleum Spirit (Motor Vehicle etc) Regulations 1929 and the Petroleum Spirit (Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982 limit the amount of petrol that can be kept in a domestic garage or within six metres of a building (e.g. most domestic driveways). The limit is a maximum of two suitable metal containers each of a maximum capacity of ten litres or two plastic containers (which have to be of an approved design) each of a maximum capacity of five litres. These limits also apply to any containers kept in a vehicle parked in the garage or on the driveway (but not in the internal fuel tank of the vehicle). The containers must be fitted with a screw cap or enclosure to prevent the leakage of liquid or vapour. Any storage place must be well away from living areas and be well ventilated.

Under no circumstances should petrol containers be stored in the house itself.

Q. How should I store diesel and what quantity am I allowed?

There are no specific legal requirements on how to store diesel or the quantity allowed in domestic premises. However, it is recommended to follow the limits for petrol.

While diesel is not a particularly dangerous substance from a health and safety point of view, it is an environmental hazard, with considerable clean-up costs if it should leak into a drain, watercourse or the soil. Contact the Environment Agency for further information.

Q. How many containers can I fill at a petrol station?

Petrol filling stations have their own internal policy on the types and numbers of containers they are prepared to fill - frequently one or two 5 litre plastic and/or one or two 10 litre metal cans. This is a decision made by the filling station operator and is not a legal requirement.

Q. What colour should my container be?

There are no legal restrictions on the colour. Normal practice is that green is used for unleaded and black for diesel.

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Your Say - "At least the government are being honest. The last lot told us not to panic which was far more scary." MG.