Petrol Station Safety | Autoregulations

Petrol filling stations are particularly hazardous workplaces which require to be licensed by Local Authorities because they store and sell a highly flammable liquid.

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Further information on licensing and the Regulations applying to retail and private petroleum storage are available from the links on the left of this page.

A number of general hazards and control measures are discussed below.

Principle Risks and Control Measures at Petrol Stations
Main Types of Risk	Managing the Risk
Fuel Storage	Control Measures
The storage of petrol may pose several risks: Fire/explosion, environmental damage, health effects when handled by individuals.	Adherence to legislative requirements contained in the Dangerous Substances (Retail and Private Petroleum Stores) Regulations of 1979, S.I. 311 of 1979 and when appropriate other appropriate legislation following industry best practice. Ensure all staff are adequately trained (retain training records) Storage tanks and dispense pumps are adequately maintained and monitored Appropriate wet stock management procedures are used Identify hazardous areas and control all sources of ignition – use appropriate warning and hazard signs.
Vehicle Movement	Control Measures
There is considerable movement of cars and other vehicles on the forecourt which could lead to accidental collision with structures, people and other vehicles.	Devise a safe system of traffic movement, e.g. a one-way system for entering and exiting the forecourt. Display clear information/warning signs setting out the traffic control arrangements. Provide sufficient designated parking areas close to the shop and away from the pumps. Provide mechanical protection to vulnerable structures such as fuel tanks and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) storage areas.
Hazardous Substances	Control Measures
Some items of stock and chemicals used in the car wash and for general cleaning can be harmful. Exposure to them through use, accidental spillage or leaks, can cause respiratory problems, dermatitis or chemical burns.	Store all hazardous chemicals in their original containers. Obtain information on all substances stored and used in the premises from manufacturers hazard data sheets. Train staff and provide appropriate protective clothing
Manual Handling	Control Measures
The removal of access covers to storage tanks, moving LPG cylinders and positioning of large cleaning fluid containers may cause back injury or muscular strains	Eliminate all unnecessary manual handling. Train staff in proper lifting techniques. Provide suitable equipment e.g. keys for lifting manhole covers. Avoid lifting items which are too heavy – use a trolley or castors where possible.
Slips, trips and falls	Control Measures
In Winter, snow and ice on the forecourt can present a risk to pedestrians from falling and from skidding vehicles. Fuel and oil spillages on the forecourt can present a slipping hazard	Supplies of industrial salt mixed with fine gravel should be kept and spread on the forecourt during icy conditions and also used promptly to absorb and clean up any fuel or oil spill. Staff should be trained on how to deal with minor fuel spillages
Electricity	Control Measures
Accidents are mainly due to misuse of, or badly maintained, equipment and there is an increased risk of electric shock when using equipment externally in a wet environment e.g. commercial vacuums and car washes.	Electrical installation must be certified by a competent electrician every three years All electrical equipment used out of doors should be suitably insulated and should be supplied through a circuit protected by a 30 mA Residual Current Device. All electrical switchgear controlling machinery should be clearly labelled and readily accessible at all times. Ensure that the electrical installation used for mechanical car washes is suitable for a wet environment and has adequate protection from mechanical damage, considering the complexity of the moving parts. Fit a readily accessible emergency stop button to mechanical car washes.
Fire Risks	Control Measures
Obstructed exits e.g. by stock and/or accumulations of packaging can prevent escape and provide fuel for fires	Keep all escape routes and fire exits clear and make regular checks to ensure that this is the case. Clear rubbish regularly (remember sand used for cleaning or containing petrol spills will be flammable and should be disposed of safely, by a hazardous waste disposal company if necessary)
Violence to Staff	Control Measures
Robbery of goods or cash may place staff at risk of violence	Consider the use of closed circuit television, panic alarms and other security measures e.g. the use of pay windows at night.
Compressed Air Systems	Control Measures
The main risks arise from abuse of this equipment and from over inflation of vehicle tyres	Make sure that the air system is located within sight of the shop attendant to ensure constant supervision. Display clear information on the use of the air system e.g. the driver should check the correct tyre pressures. Train staff in the safe use of the equipment.