Petrol stations store hazardous substances that demand rigorous safety oversight. Because flammable liquids like petrol and diesel create a high fire risk, strict compliance with the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 is mandatory. The responsible person, typically the owner or employer, must legally protect employees and the public by managing the specific dangers of fuel storage and dispensing.
Legal framework and duties
The primary legislation governing fire safety in non-domestic premises in England and Wales is the RRO 2005. In Scotland, similar provisions exist under the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005. The RRO 2005 requires the responsible person to carry out a suitable and sufficient fire risk assessment. This assessment must identify fire hazards and evaluate the risk to people on the premises. Additionally, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA 1974) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR 1999) require employers to assess risks to health and safety, which includes fire risks arising from work activities. For petrol stations, the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 (DSEAR) also apply, specifically controlling risks from flammable vapours.
Identifying fire hazards on the forecourt
A fire risk assessment for a petrol station must focus on the specific hazards present. The primary hazard is the storage and dispensing of flammable liquids. Petrol releases flammable vapours which can ignite at relatively low temperatures. Sources of ignition include vehicle engines, static electricity, smoking materials, and electrical equipment not rated for hazardous areas. When conducting an assessment, you should consider:
- Fuel storage and dispensing: Underground tanks, pipework, pumps, and hoses.
- Vehicle movements: Cars, vans, and tankers entering and leaving the site.
- Ignition sources: Electrical equipment in the forecourt shop, lighting, and potential static discharge during refuelling.
- Shop and kiosk: Storage of combustible goods, cooking appliances (if food is prepared), and electrical faults.
Guidance such as PAS 79:2012 (Fire risk assessment – Practical application) provides a structured methodology for assessing these risks. Furthermore, design and installation standards like BS EN 13617 cover the requirements for petrol filling stations, ensuring that equipment is constructed and installed to minimise risk.
Evaluating and mitigating risks
Once hazards are identified, you must evaluate the risk and determine if existing control measures are adequate. The goal is to eliminate or reduce the risk as far as is reasonably practicable. For a petrol station, this involves ensuring that safety distances are maintained between fuel storage and site boundaries or public areas. You must ensure that pumps are fitted with emergency stop devices that are easily accessible.
Control measures often include:
- Signage: Clear prohibition of smoking, no naked flames, and switching off engines.
- Spillage control: Adequate drainage and spill kits to manage fuel leaks promptly.
- Static electricity: Measures to prevent static discharge during refuelling, such as earthing.
- Maintenance: Regular inspection and testing of electrical systems and mechanical equipment to prevent faults that could act as ignition sources.
The assessment should also consider the layout of the forecourt to ensure that fire appliances can access the site in an emergency.
Emergency planning and training
The RRO 2005 requires the responsible person to establish an appropriate fire safety plan. This includes procedures for raising the alarm, evacuating the forecourt and shop, and contacting the emergency services. Given the speed at which petrol fires can develop, evacuation procedures must be clear and practicable.
Staff training is a vital component. Employees must understand the specific risks associated with the fuels they handle. They should be trained in:
- Operating emergency shut-off valves.
- Using fire extinguishers safely (typically foam or dry powder for flammable liquid fires).
- Managing customer behaviour during an incident.
- Evacuation routes and assembly points.
Training records should be kept, and refresher training provided regularly. The frequency should be determined by the level of risk, but regular updates ensure new staff are competent.
Maintenance and review
A fire risk assessment is not a one-time document. It must be reviewed regularly and updated if there is a significant change to the premises. This includes changes to the layout of the forecourt, introduction of new fuel types (such as electric vehicle charging points), or alterations to the shop structure. Under the RRO 2005, if a change introduces new hazards, the assessment must be updated immediately.
Regular maintenance of fire safety equipment is also a legal requirement. This includes checking that fire extinguishers are fully charged and accessible, emergency lighting functions correctly, and any fire detection systems are operational. Defects identified during these checks must be rectified promptly.
Professional compliance support
Ensuring compliance with the RRO 2005, DSEAR, and relevant British Standards requires technical knowledge. While a responsible person can conduct an assessment, the complexity of a petrol station often warrants professional input. At HawkSwift, we provide specialist fire risk assessments tailored to high-risk environments. Our NEBOSH-qualified assessors understand the specific requirements of forecourts and fuel storage. We offer clear, jargon-free reports delivered within 48 hours, with prices starting from £199 + VAT. To ensure your petrol station meets its legal obligations and keeps people safe, book a fire risk assessment today.
This article is for general guidance only and does not constitute formal legal advice. For specific legal queries regarding your premises, consult a qualified professional.
Quick answers
Q: Who is responsible for fire safety at a petrol station?
The "responsible person," typically the site owner, operator, or employer, holds the legal duty to ensure the safety of employees, customers, and anyone affected by a fire on the premises under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005).
Q: What legislation governs fire risk assessments for petrol stations in the UK?
The primary legislation is the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (RRO 2005) in England and Wales, and the Fire (Scotland) Act 2005 in Scotland. Additionally, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA 1974) and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 (MHSWR 1999) require employers to assess fire risks associated with work activities.
Q: What specific hazards must a fire risk assessment for a petrol station address?
The assessment must focus on the storage and dispensing of flammable liquids like petrol and diesel, which release flammable vapours. It is also vital to identify ignition sources such as vehicle engines, static electricity, smoking materials, and electrical equipment not rated for hazardous areas.
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