Petrol Storage in Domestic and non Workplace Premises.

Petrol is a dangerous substance. It is a highly flammable and when not handled safely has the potential to cause a serious fire and/or explosion.

If storing petrol at a domestic premises it must not be stored in your living accommodation. Containers should be stored in a garage or shed away from other buildings and the area should be well ventilated and containers stored away from sources of ignition, such as electrical equipment and naked flames.

Petrol should never be stored within a house or other living accommodation.

Containers must be labelled ‘PETROL’ or ‘HIGHLY FLAMMABLE’. They should be regularly checked to ensure they are in good condition and aren’t leaking.

The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 have provisions for licensing domestic and non-workplace premises when it is being stored for private use only. These requirements are covered in its Schedule 2 (gov.uk).

No Licence Required

No licence is required for up to 30 litres of petrol, but it MUST be stored in one of the following containers:

plastic containers storing up to 10 litres
metal containers storing up to 20 litres
demountable fuel tank up to 30 litres

Notification to PEA (Petroleum Enforcing Authority)

If you are storing between 30 - 275 litres, we, as the PEA, must be notified in writing with.

the name of the occupier,
address of the premises and
confirmation that the petrol is being stored in accordance with the regulations.

This information will be stored on our internal records and used in case of an incident at the address to assist our Community and Risk Response teams attending any incident.

Licence required and notification to PEA

A licence is required where over 275 litres are being stored. Licences can be issued for up to 3 years and then would need to be renewed. Licences are not transferable, and conditions may be attached to a licence in regard to how the petrol is stored.

To advise us of a domestic or non-workplace storage or to apply for a licence, please email firesafety1@northumberland.gov.uk

Further information can be found in the following HSE information

HSE website - If you store petrol at home, or at a club/association or similar premises

Portable petrol storage containers (PDF, 185KB)