DON'T ADD FUEL TO THE FIRE

PR98/00: 12 September 2000

London Fire Brigade today reassured Londoners that the fuel crisis would not affect attendance at 999 incidents. Fire Safety experts also warned people not to store petrol or any other flammable liquid in their homes.

As reports of petrol supply problems increased, the Brigade said non-essential duties would be curtailed at fire stations but that delivery of the frontline service to the public would not be compromised.

They also gave the following advice so Londoners do not put themselves at risk: -
• Do not store petrol in the home as it is highly flammable, toxic and potentially dangerous.
• Petrol, for use in petrol-engined machinery, may be stored in some circumstances. It is against the law to store more than 20 litres of petrol and this must be stored in no more than 2 x 10 litre proprietory petrol containers. These containers must be marked as "PETROL" and "HIGHLY FLAMMABLE".
• These containers may be kept in a garage or shed not attached to a building. If the garage or shed is attached to a buildng, such as a house, it must be protected by a self-closing fire resisting door - i.e. the door from a garage to the house.
• The storage area must be well ventilated and away from any naked flame or live electrical equipment.
• Fuel in lawn mowers and petrol cans should be checked regularly for leaks.
• If you smell petrol fumes, ventilate the area and ensure nobody smokes or turns electrical switches on or off as the slightest spark can cause an explosion.
• You must never keep petrol under the stairs.

 

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