Every premise that stores over 15 litres of petrol, whether it is for sale or for their own private use, must be licensed and comply with the rules for the safe storage of petrol.
(There are one or two minor exceptions).

Did you know that you only need about 1 - 1.5% of petrol vapour (lower explosive limit) in the air to have an explosive atmosphere! One cup of petrol will produce about 5 litres of pure vapour and this will produce about 300 litres of explosive mixture at the lower explosive limit!

This is very dangerous product we regularly put into our cars!

We inspect petrol stations ensuring that retailers keep an accurate record of their deliveries and sales. We check that the amounts in the tanks matches what their records say they should have.

This process ensures that leaking tanks and lines are spotted promptly, to protect people from the danger explosion, highly explosive fumes and the environment from the damage the leaked fuel can cause. Officers also inspect the chambers above the tanks for signs of fuel spillage, look for water in the chambers and check for correct labelling (so the tanker driver knows he's putting the right grade of fuel in the right tank).The condition of the vent pipes and the dispensers are examined and the Officer ensures that notices and instructions are present which inform the public where the emergency switch is located, how to use the pumps, not to smoke or use mobile phones etc.

We are also required to monitor any new petrol sites that are built or refurbished to ensure that they comply with current safety legislation and guidance.

When new tanks are being installed, a large hole is dug for the tanks; even so there is not much room to spare around the tanks, when installed there can be as little as 300mm between the tanks. The concrete base is prepared, with straps being woven through a steel mesh grid set into the concrete. As soon as the concrete has set, a base of pea gravel is laid.