Every premises 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.

Each year we visit places like petrol filling stations, and occasionally private properties (eg farms and aerodromes), to inspect their storage facilities.

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, which protects people from the danger of explosion, and from highly explosive fumes. It also protects 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 of the dispensers, is examined, and the officer ensures that the notices and instructions which inform the public where the emergency switch is, how to use the pumps, not to smoke or use mobile phones etc, are present.

New petrol sites

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

Our officer will check outside of the petrol storage tanks before they are lowered into the ground to ensure that the protective coating has not been damaged in transit, and the whole site is inspected for compliance before it can be licensed to store petrol. The firms can then arrange for the delivery of their first load of petrol, allowing them to test the accuracy of the dispensers.

If you require any advice, please contact the Environmental Protection and Prevention Team.