Health & Safety News Brief Occupational Health & Safety Information Service
(OHSIS) November 2004

The safe recovery of petrol from end-of-life vehicles – HSE

This guidance note has been prepared by the HSE in association with the end-of-life vehicle (ELV) industry. It provides advice on the safe removal, storage and disposal of petrol from vehicles that are being disposed of in accordance with the End-of-Life Vehicle Directive.

The guidance deals with controlling fire and explosion hazards arising from the extraction and storage of petrol from ELV’s and it’s subsequent disposal. The guidance is mainly aimed at large-scale facilities. It must be noted that the guidance does not include measures to protect the environment nor is it aimed at protection from the hazards arising in the motor vehicle repair industry. The guidance will assist employers in complying with the following legislation:

• Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002
• Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999
• Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974

The main causes of accidents are lack of awareness of the properties of petrol, operator error, poor storage facilities, inadequate control of ignition sources, use of unsuitable electrical equipment, welding or burning, during decanting, when draining tanks, inadequate design installation or maintenance, fire, dismantling or disposing of containers, misuse and horseplay.

Risk Assessments are required to be undertaken to ensure that sufficient control measures are in place to control the risk to as a low level as possible.

Control measures must be introduced to reduce the risk of fire or explosion to as low as is reasonably practicable. The primary control measures should include:

1. reduce the quantity of petrol to a minimum
2. avoid or minimise releases of petrol or vapour
3. control releases of petrol at source
4. prevent the formation of flammable concentrations of vapour
5. collect, contain and remove any releases to a safe place
6. avoid ignition sources and other adverse conditions
7. segregate incompatible substances

• The second tier of controls should include:
• reduce the number of employees exposed to a minimum
• prevent fires and explosions from spreading to other plant and equipment
• provide means of control that can safely contain or suppress an explosion
• provide suitable personal protective equipment

Comprehensive, detailed information is given on hazardous areas, separation distances, storage facilities, vehicle de-pollution, the maintenance of equipment, information and training, and finally emergency procedures.