Petrol and petroleum products
What the Legislation Does
Licences and controls the storage and dispensing of petrol at petrol filling stations, farms and private estates etc.
The licensing and associated Codes of Practice focus on minimising the most common fire & explosive hazards associated with the unloading of road tankers, the storage & dispensing of petrol, the commissioning of new & redeveloped filling stations and taking storage tanks and equipment out of use (de-commissioning).
Age of person dispensing petrol is regulated - minimum 16 years of age.
Ancillary legislation has introduced
risk assessment requirements for licensees. ( A useful link from West Yorkshire Fire Authority). Storage & dispensing of Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG) at petrol stations is also covered.
Petrol must be dispensed either into a vehicle fuel tank or into a suitable, approved container.
See HSE guidance notes from the Health & Safety Executive.
- Oil containers, plastic bottles and polythene containers must not be used
- It is illegal to sell petrol in non-approved containers
Link to licence application & fees Enforcement
Carried out by regular visits to ensure that licensed premises are compliant with licensing conditions. Check that fire & explosion risks are properly managed. Check storage records. Ensure safety labelling, warning signs are clearly visible. Investigate complaints and incidents concerning petrol installations.
Special conditions apply to some sites, regulating the mode & situation of storage.
Improvement notices can be issued if necessary.
Additional powers are available where the petroleum licensing authority (Perth & Kinross Council) can make abandoned petrol tanks safe and recover the expenditure from the property owner.
Premises Affected
Retail and non retail petrol filling stations. A non retail petrol station is where petrol is not for sale but dispensed into internal combustion engines e.g. on farms, contractors premises and private estates.
Key Legislation
Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928
Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
Petroleum (Regulation) Acts 1928-1936
Petroleum (Transfer of Licences) Act 1936
Petroleum Spirit (Plastic Containers) Regulations 1982.
