Domestic and non-workplace petrol storage
Private Petrol Storage
The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 set out requirements for the storage of petrol for private use at domestic and other non-workplace premises. The requirements depend on the quantity of petrol stored.
Storage of up to 30 litres
Notification Requirements
- no Petroleum Storage Certificate is required
- you do not need to notify the Council.
Approved Storage Methods
Petrol may be stored in:
- suitable portable metal or plastic containers
- one demountable fuel tank
- a combination of the above, provided that no more than 30 litres is kept.
Safety Requirements
The following requirements apply:
- petrol must not be stored in living accommodation
- petrol must not be dispensed at the storage place by manual or electrical pumping from a storage tank
- where the storage place is not in the open air, it must:
- have a direct exit to the open air
- be adequately ventilated.
- all reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent sources of ignition or heat that could ignite petrol or petrol vapour
- petrol must not be used within the storage place except:
- in the fuel tank of an internal combustion engine; or
- in quantities not exceeding 150 millilitres at any one time for cleaning or repair purposes.
Storage of more than 30 litres and up to 275 litres
Notification Requirements
You must notify us in writing and provide:
- the occupier's name
- the address of the storage premises.
Approved Storage Methods
Petrol may be stored in:
- suitable portable metal or plastic containers
- demountable fuel tanks
- a combination of these storage methods, provided that no more than 275 litres is kept.
Safety Requirements
The same safety requirements that apply to storage of up to 30 litres also apply to storage of more than 30 litres and up to 275 litres.
Storage of more than 275 litres
Petroleum Storage Certificate
If you wish to store more than 275 litres of petrol for private use, a Petroleum Storage Certificate is required. Fees are payable in accordance with the nationally prescribed fee structure.
Approved Storage Methods
Petrol must be stored:
- in suitable storage containers or tanks
- in accordance with any conditions attached to the Petroleum Storage Certificate.
Safety Requirements
The following requirements apply:
- petrol must not be stored in living accommodation
- petrol must not be dispensed at the storage place by manual or electrical pumping from a storage tank
- where the storage place is not in the open air, it must:
- have a direct exit to the open air
- be adequately ventilated
- all reasonable precautions must be taken to prevent sources of ignition or heat that could ignite petrol or petrol vapour
- petrol must not be used within the storage place except:
- in the fuel tank of an internal combustion engine; or
- in quantities not exceeding 150 millilitres at any one time for cleaning or repair purposes.
Filling Portable Petrol Containers
Number of Containers
The number of containers that may be filled depends on the circumstances and the control measures in place. As a general rule, filling no more than two containers at a time is considered a reasonable safety precaution on a petrol station forecourt and helps ensure compliance with non-workplace storage limits.
There is no specific legal limit on the number of containers that may be filled. Individual petrol filling stations may apply their own restrictions on the sale of petrol into portable containers.
Maximum Container Capacities
Portable petrol containers must not exceed:
- 10 litres for plastic containers
- 20 litres for metal containers.
Further information is available on the HSE website: Storing petrol at home or at non-workplace premises.
Filling More Than Two Containers
In certain circumstances, more than two containers may be filled. Where this is permitted:
- the purchaser and seller should agree appropriate control measures
- the arrangements must be understood and followed by all persons involved
- the agreement should specify:
- the number of people required to safely complete the activity
- the agreed time for filling the containers
- any additional safety measures necessary to manage the risks.
Further guidance on risk assessment and suitable control measures can be found in: Petrol Filling Stations: Guidance on Managing the Risks of Fire and Explosion (The Red Guide).