3C Advice - Storing Diesel

There are no specific legal requirements on how to store diesel or the quantity allowed either in workplaces or domestic premises. It is not, from a health and safety point of view, a particularly hazardous substance within the meaning of the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002 - its vapour flash point is high. Its vapour will not ignite at normal room temperatures.

However, there are some general issues you'll need to take into account when storing diesel:

• No hot-work should be performed near the tank, such as welding, unless it is emptied and purged of any remaining vapour.
• The tank should always be bunded.
• The tank should be positioned away from any source of direct heat.
• The tank should be located in an area where there is no risk of collision with vehicles, fork-lift trucks etc. (diesel splashing onto a hot engine will probably ignite).
• Any leaks and spills outside of the bund should be contained and mopped up quickly.
• Refilling and dispensing activities need to take account of manual handling issues.
• You should ensure that your site insurer is aware that diesel is being stored on site.

While diesel is not a particularly dangerous substance from a health and safety point of view, it is environmentally hazardous, with considerable clean-up costs if it should leak into a drain, watercourse or the soil. It is therefore recommended that you contact the Environment Agency for further information, should you be unsure.