Storage of Flammable Materials

There are special requirements for storing flammable materials laid down in the Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations 1972.

The basic standards apply other than to suitable small closed containers containing not more than 500 cc of highly flammable liquid and that all flammable liquids must be stored in suitable fixed storage tanks in safe positions; or in suitable closed containers:

• in a safe position in the open air (protected where necessary against direct sunlight); or
• in a storeroom which is in a safe position or is a fire-resisting structure (half-hour fire resistance); or
• in a workroom in a suitably placed cupboard or bin which is a fire-resisting structure (half-hour fire resistance), subject to a maximum quantity of 50 litres.

Storerooms should be adequately ventilated and should have means to contain any spillage, eg sills or drainage to a safe place. Storage of petroleum spirit and mixtures is controlled separately through a licensing system.

The Highly Flammable Liquids and Liquefied Petroleum Gases Regulations 1972 also set standards for the storage of LPG. Generally the Regulations require that all LPG not in use must be stored:

1. in suitable underground reservoirs or storage tanks in safe positions in the open air;
2. in pipe-lines, pumps or other appliances forming part of a totally enclosed pipeline system; or
3. in suitable cylinders kept in safe positions in the open air, or where this is not reasonably practicable, in a storeroom constructed of non-combustible material.

Storerooms should be adequately vented and either be in a safe position or a fire resisting structure.