The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014 retain the basic design safety features of previous legislation. Petrol containers that are or have been manufactured to this standard can continue to be sold for use in GB until 1 October 2016.
In addition, from 1 October 2014 petrol can also be stored in larger plastic/metal containers.
What are the requirements for manufacturing petrol containers?
The general principles for portable petrol storage containers are set out in the Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014. They must be designed and manufactured as follows:
- have a nominal capacity
- no greater than 10 litres if made of plastic
- no greater than 20 litres if made of metal
- have a total capacity between 10% and 15% more than the nominal capacity
- be made of either metal or plastic that is suitable and safe for the purpose and will not significantly degrade due to exposure to petrol or naturally occurring ultra-violet radiation
- be designed and constructed so that:
- it is reasonably robust and not liable to break under the normal conditions of use
- the escape of liquid or vapour is prevented
- petrol can be poured safely from it
- it is not unsteady when placed on a flat surface
- be marked or labelled in a legible and indelible form with:
- the words 'PETROL' and 'HIGHLY FLAMMABLE
- an appropriate hazard warning sign
- the nominal capacity in litres
- the manufacturer's name and the date and month of manufacture
Guidance on the design and manufacturing of portable petrol storage containers is available.