Rank: New forum user 
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I'd like some opinions on storing small amounts of petrol.
We need to store small amounts of petrol on our clients sites in order to refuel the grounds maintenance equipment.
The quantity of fuel is 2 or 3 ten litre plastic UN approved "jerry cans". The guidance I have found states a petrol cabinet should have the following features:
• It should be secure and lockable.
• It needs to be completely made from steel, with a non combustible/flameproof construction.
• It should be fitted with warning / safety signage ’Highly flammable no naked flame’ and hazard triangle symbol.
• It should be well ventilated.
• It should have a spill tray or bund to capture any spilled petrol if a petrol container leaks.
• It should be located outdoors in a ‘safe’ location away from sources of ignition, occupied buildings etc.
We have a large walk in metal "shipping" container which would meet all of the above requirements, but is also used for storing the grounds equipment.
Is buying a FlamBank - Hazardous Storage Chest going over the top?
Thanks
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Rank: Super forum user 
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I did some work as aprt of my MSc last year and asked the H&S LA Advisor for clarification. We were in the exact same position with our storage being an old shipping container at the side of the cricket pitch.
They advised that in essence the shipping container itself was sufficient so long as it was locked etc and keys limited to relevant personnel. We sat the containers in a steel tray shoudl they ever leak, which prevented leakage out of the shipping container. We also removed the saw dust used on the pitch from the container for obvious reasons! The only issue was around ventilation - but was advised that given the doors were opened every other day and small openings between the doors were present, the risk was deemed low enough to justify not needing any other type of containment.
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Rank: Super forum user
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Rank: Forum user
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Do the risk assessment. Assume one of the containers has leaked. Where would the petrol go? Is there a conceivable way that the fumes could be ignited, e.g. cigarette or shorting electrics? If it did go up, who is nearby that could be affected? What equipment could be lost that might affect the organisation? All this will have a bearing on what is reasonable.
Flam cupboards to a few things well: they contain leaks and spills, they prevent sparks landing on containers of flammables and they warn people in the area of what is there effectively. When you carry out the assessment having one may not seem as over the top as you first think. Petrol is a highly dangerous inflammable and 30 litres is plenty enough to create a large explosion in a confined area like a container.
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Rank: New forum user
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Hi All,
Thanks for the feedback, all very useful. I've read HSG140 this has guided me to HSG51 which states:
208 A suitable separate outdoor store can be relatively cheaply obtained by modifying a freight container. The modifications would include the provision of ventilation at high and low level according to paragraph 61, and the construction of a simple sill to contain any spilt or leaked liquid.
However the guidance also states:
203 The storage area needs to be separated by distance from your boundary or other occupied buildings etc.
Based in this I'll assess the distance to the boundaries from the store in the shipping container. If is less than 2 metres I think the flam cupboard is needed, if it is more than 2 metres container should do the job (provided is has adequate ventilation, signage, bunding etc)
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Rank: Super forum user 
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Agree but with a caveat. There must be an absolute prohibition on anyone starting up the powered equipment within the container - even "just to see that it works".
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Rank: Forum user
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RRolfe9,
I take an entirely different view on this. A shipping container generally has only one exit, making it a confined space (unless it has an escape door). Most containers have a wooden floor, which would absorb any spillage and become a hazard in itself.
The decanting of petrol would no doubt take place within the container, to shelter from the elements.
I think you need an alternative means of storage. Although I am obviously in the minority.
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Rank: Super forum user
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some good sense noted herein
also add into the RA your security needs as most if not all grounds maintenance facilities are in places where there is a very high risk of burglary etc. so storage away from other things and boundaries may not be as feasibleas in other businesses and we always went for specialist metal storage albeit stored inside a strong container as U have discribed
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Rank: Forum user
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If using a shipping container, what about signage in the event of an arson attack? If there is insufficient signage and it did go up, the injured party (or possibly the deceased party's relatives) would be looking to sue the company.
Personally, I wouldn't use a shipping container.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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How are you going to get the full jerry cans to site ? Can it be carried from a central location ? http://www.hse.gov.uk/cd...ommonproblems/petrol.htmExtract from above The small load exemptions (Main Exemptions) will be applicable up to a total quantity of 333 litres (if other dangerous goods are carried the aggregation rules must be applied). The containers must be UN approved (see Packaging) and properly labelled (see Consignment Procedures). Typical 5 litre containers purchased from car accessory shops and garages may not be so approved. A typical case would be the carriage of two or three jerricans in a van. Providing those cans are UN approved, marked UN 1203 and labelled with the flammable diamond, the only requirements are • Driver training in accordance with ADR 1.3 • Carry 2 kg fire extinguisher • Stow the jerry cans correctly to avoid damage or loss from the vehicle
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Rank: Super forum user
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We use a shipping container with a lawn mower, chain saw, generator and a stihl saw inside. As well as 5 litres of petrol in a Jerry can. There is a Flammable Liquid sign on the door. The container is by the perimeter fence with the doors facing towards the building. Its about 60-70 ft away from the building. RA completed with the obvious things in it- no flames, equipment not to be started up in the immediate vicinity etc.
The location, and contents, are marked on our site plan. The plan has been given to the FRS.
Our insurers and the local Fire and Rescue Service are happy with what we have done.
Andy
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