Petrol (otherwise known as gasoline) is a Class 3 fuel that has powered businesses across the globe since the late 1800s. However, this fuel is classed as a dangerous good and must be handled and stored in the right way to reduce the risk of fire, explosion and human harm. In this post, we look at 10 simple tips for handling and storing petrol, so you can create a safer and healthier workplace.
1. Store your SDS
To improve flammable liquids safety at your site, it’s important that your staff understand how fuel should be handled and stored. And one of the first things that you should consider is the class, hazards and safety recommendations that are listed in your Safety Data Sheet (SDS).
Your fuel, just like any chemical onsite, has specific physical and chemical properties that will determine how it’s being used by your team. In your SDS, you’ll find detailed guidance on the GHS classification of the substance, it’s preparation and ingredients, the known hazards, first-aid measures and precautionary measures for its use, handling and storage. You will also be able to find your fuel’s flashpoint, which is the temperature required for sufficient flammable vapours to ignite.
Knowing this information, and implementing the appropriate safety measures in your workplace, allows you to actively reduce the likelihood and impact of an incident which may harm staff, property, the environment or the wider community.
Make sure your Safety Data Sheets are always available and updated no less than every 5 years. We suggest storing your SDS in a water-proof document holder that’s attached to your flammable liquids cabinet or outdoor Class 3 store. This way, your staff will always have fast and easy access to this information — and you’ll meet your WHS compliance obligations.
2. Transfer Petrol Safely
There are many seemingly simple accidents that can occur during refueling or fuel transfer that can result in serious workplace incidents. The biggest risks when refueling or transferring petrol include spills, vapour emission and petrol exposure causing harm to staff and other personnel.
There are also further concerns that result from mishaps during flammable liquids transfer, including:
- Environmental contamination
- Petrol reacting with incompatible substances or materials
- Flammable vapours meeting an ignition source
You can create a safer operation by ensuring your decanting or transfer equipment is in good condition and fit-for-purpose. It’s also a good idea to have a specific area in your workplace that is designated for any refueling or petrol transfer tasks. This will allow your staff to better control that environment and reduce the likelihood of ignition sources or incompatible substances being brought into the area.
IMPORTANT: When your petrol is not in use, make sure it’s stored in a chemically compatible container that has a tight fitting lid. Regularly wipe down your container and the shelf it’s sitting on, to reduce issues with chemical residue and flammable vapours.
3. Identify and Isolate Ignition Sources
Due to the flammability of this fuel and its low flashpoint, it’s crucial that you correctly identify and isolate any ignition sources in your workplace.
Some examples of ignition sources that could spark a fire including:
- Sparks
- Flames
- Mobile phones
- Welding equipment
- Power points
- Pilot lights
- Hot surfaces
- Static electricity
In addition to the static or fixed ignition sources, be aware that staff must be educated to avoid bringing ignition sources into the workplace. This can be achieved through onsite training, as well as the provision of Class 3 dangerous goods and hazard signage.
4. Choose Compliant Class 3 Storage
Whether you’re storing your petrol indoors or out, you must ensure that your storage meets the requirements of the Australian Standards.
The Standard that applies to petrol is AS 1940:2017 - The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. This document details the specific requirements for the design, construction and operation of flammable liquids stores.
Make sure your storage complies with the Australian Standard AS 1940.
Compliant cabinets and outdoor chemical storage containers provide a range of engineering controls that reduce the risks associated with flammable vapour emissions and spillage. While the requirements for indoor and outdoor storage of Class 3 liquids differ, there are some similar features including spill containment, non-combustible construction and the free movement of air to assist with the dispersion of flammable vapours.
REMEMBER: You’re obligated under WHS law to inspect and maintain your controls. We recommend developing a regular inspection, maintenance and cleaning checklist, so your cabinets and outdoor storage containers remain safe and compliant.
5. Chemical Segregation
Of the 9 classes of dangerous goods, most are incompatible with other chemical classes.
This means that your petrol (and other dangerous goods) must be stored and handled in a way that prohibits them from coming into contact with other incompatible substances.
After determining the DG class and the hazards associated with your chemicals, you must then ensure that your workplace is set up to allow for the safe segregation of substances.
Flammable liquids must be segregated from incompatible dangerous goods by a distance of at least 3 to 5 metres — depending on the substances that you have in your workplace.
However, if you’re short on space, compliant indoor storage cabinets act as a segregation barrier. The cabinets protect your chemicals from other incompatible substances stored in the workplace. Just be careful not to open your flammable cabinet — or handle substances — when another cabinet (holding another chemical class) is in use.
6. Control Static Electricity
Static electricity can be caused by a range of practices, whether it’s filling up a jerry can or transferring drums around the worksite.
Just as you would identify and isolate an ignition source, such as a cigarette lighter, it’s just as important to understand how you control static electricity when working with a substance such as petrol.
Fires and explosions can be started when static electricity ignites flammable vapours. Many materials subject to friction can create static electricity. These include dry skin, nylon and nickel, just to name a few.
Therefore, when working with petrol and other flammable liquids, you must reduce the likelihood of static charge. This may include using self-closing metal taps or dispensing pumps, to reduce petrol splashing, spilling or causing flammable vapours to escape. You should also bond your equipment, such as pumps, tanks, nozzles and containers, as per the specifications of the Australian Standard.
REMEMBER: Refer to the Australian Standard AS 1940 for all requirements regarding ignition sources, static electricity, bonding and earthing.
7. Clean Out Your Bund
While your indoor cabinet or outdoor flammable liquids store is designed to catch and contain leaks and spills, it can’t provide adequate protection for your business if you’re allowing the fuel to sit in the bund.
Ensure that your stores are regularly inspected for leaks and spills, with diligent housekeeping practices cleaning out the bunds – as well as wiping down shelving, walls, doors and other flammable containers within the store.
Residue and small leaks can still produce vapours, and therefore, must be cleaned up promptly to ensure flammable liquids safety at your site.
8. Know How To Use Your Spill Kit
In busy workplaces, spills and leaks happen. Whether it’s a split container that’s been delivered to your loading dock or a mishap during decanting, you have to be prepared to deal with petrol spills.
There are three types of spill kits that are compatible with this class of chemical.
These include:
- Chemical spill kit: which is able to be used with a wide range of substances, including petrol
- Oil & fuel spill kit: otherwise known as a hydrocarbon spill kit, this kit is specifically designed for oil and fuel spills in a wet or aquatic environment
- Marine spill kit: this kit can be used on boats and marine vessels, to clean up a range of chemical leaks and spills
Training staff on how to use a spill kit is an important part of flammable liquids safety, however, it’s best to designate a small group of workers who will become your dedicated Spill Response Team. Cleaning up petrol spills, or any chemical spill for that matter, comes with its fair share of risks, so make sure that your team are equipped with the materials and the knowledge to contain and clean-up the spill in the safest way possible.
Spills can happen anywhere that petrol is used, handled, transferred or stored.
9. Wear PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) is necessary when handling dangerous goods. Without the appropriate PPE, staff may be exposed to harm through inhalation, ingestion or contact with the eyes or skin.
Your Safety Data Sheet will detail the exposure controls and personal protection needed in Section 8. Due to the hazards associated with using, handling and transferring petrol, there are a range of controls that you can implement to improve workplace safety.
Some PPE that may be specified in your Safety Data Sheet could include:
- Respiratory protection – approved respirator with replacable vapour/mist filter
- Eye protection – safety glasses with side shields, chemical goggles or full-face shields
- Hand protection – gloves constructed from an impervious material, such as neoprene or PVC
- Body protection – Chemical resistant apron, protective workwear and footwear
Always refer to your Safety Data Sheet, as well as your own onsite risk assessment to determine the appropriate PPE and handling procedures.
10. Ensure Adequate Ventilation
We all know how overpowering the smell of fuel can be when you’re simply stopping in at the local service station to fill up your tank. Exposure to petrol fumes can harm human health, which is why ensuring a well-ventilated workspace is so important.
Exposure to these toxic petrol fumes can result in nausea, vomiting, confusion, headaches and serious health issues, including coma and death.
If you’re using or decanting petrol, make sure it’s always done in a well-ventilated environment —ideally outdoors.
There may also be a need to consider mechanical ventilation systems if the level of flammable vapours remains at unsafe levels.
While ensuring compliant storage, clean bunds, secure containers and safe decanting practices can reduce the risks associated with petrol vapours, your own risk assessment may still highlight the need for a mechanical ventilation system.
Mechanical ventilation may be appropriate for your work areas, or your indoor flammable liquids cabinets. Refer to your Safety Data Sheet, your risk assessment and the workplace exposure standards to determine your need for further ventilation methods.
Handling and Storing Petrol?
If you’d like to learn more about the safe handling and storage of petrol (and other flammable liquids), why not check out our free eBook. Our guide will lead you through our 4-step risk management methodology and offer a variety of ways in which you can improve flammable liquids safety and compliance at your site.
