PETROL

BE SAFE!

The IoM OFT is responsible for the enforcement of legislation relating to the storage of petrol at filling stations, in commercial and private can-stores and during motorsport events.

If you currently store or intend to store any petrol on the Island, even if the quantity of petrol concerned is very small, you should contact Trading Standards to ascertain whether or not you need a licence to do so.

It is an offence to store petrol in the Island unless you are licenced to do so - more information can be found on our Licensing page. An application form for a licence and a guide on the safe storage of petrol can be found on our Business Publications & Information pages.

WHY IS PETROL DANGEROUS?

• Petrol is a highly flammable liquid.
• Petrol gives off a flammable vapour at low temperatures. Flammable vapour will be present immediately after any petrol has been spilt within a tent or on a workshop floor.
• There is always a risk of fire or explosion if there is a source of ignition, e.g. someone smoking, having a barbecue or welding, in the presence of petrol or petrol vapour.
• A flammable atmosphere exists when the proportion of petrol vapour in the air is as little as 1%; it only needs a minute quantity, e.g. a teaspoonful, of petrol to create a flammable atmosphere.
• Petrol floats on the surface of water and may, therefore, increase the risk of fire or explosion well away from where it escapes by travelling long distances along a water course e.g. a drain.
• The presence of petrol vapour increases the risk of fire or explosion in places where there is little movement of air, e.g. within tents, inspection pits or enclosed spaces, as it does not disperse easily and tends to sink to the lowest possible level.
• Petrol vapour may increase the risk of fire or explosion well away from where it escapes by travelling long distances, e.g. between tents or across a workshop floor.
• A flammable atmosphere may be present in any empty vessel, e.g. a fuel tank or a jerry can, in which petrol has been kept.
• Petrol or petrol vapour may flash back over long distances to where it has escaped from, e.g. between tents or across a workshop floor.
• Contaminating clothing or anything else that is absorbent with petrol, e.g. rags, a towel or sand, increases the risk of fire or explosion.

Please note there is an age restriction on the sale of petrol.