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.
- Oil containers, plastic bottles and polythene containers must
not be used
- It is illegal to sell petrol in non-approved containers
See HSE guidance notes from the Health & Safety
Executive.
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.
