Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002

This requires employers to protect workers and others “who may be affected by the work carried on by the employer” from risks to their safety from such activities which may involve petrol, LPG, and other dangerous and explosive substances (Regulation 4). A risk assessment (Regulation 5) must be carried out, ensuring “that risk is either eliminated or reduced so far as is reasonably practicable.” (Regulation 6)

Schedule 1 General Safety Measures identifies measures which are specified in Regulation 6.

Appropriate arrangements to deal with accidents, incidents and emergencies (Regulation 8) must be provided and “where a dangerous substance is present at the workplace, the employer shall provide his employees with— (a) suitable and sufficient information, instruction and training on the appropriate precautions and actions to be taken by the employee … “ (Regulation 9).

Containers for the transportation and storage of petrol is covered in The Petroleum (Consolidation) Regulations 2014. The HSE provides Guidance on the ‘Storage of Flammable Liquids in Containers’, which provides suggestions for fire-resisting cupboards and bins, with “the materials used to form the sides, top, bottom, door(s) and lid are capable of providing the required fire resistance (i.e. 30 minutes’ integrity) and reaction to fire (i.e. minimal risk);..”.

“The purpose of storing dangerous substances in cupboards and bins of appropriate construction and design is to provide a physical barrier to defer their involvement in a fire. If the dangerous substances become involved, limiting the passage of fire and hot gas should allow sufficient time for safe evacuation and for the implementation of your immediate emergency procedures.” (http://www.hse.gov.uk/pUbns/priced/hsg51.pdf, p40)