The hidden dangers of petrol vapours

Even if you only use small amounts of petrol in gardening equipment and other tools, you should never take its explosive power for granted.

Petrol is highly flammable as a liquid and also very flammable in vapour form.

Petrol vapours do not easily disperse and can accumulate in areas that are not well ventilated where they remain flammable even when there is no liquid fuel present.

Vapours can also travel along the ground and become ignited far from the original fuel source – even the pilot light in a hot water system is a potential ignition source.

When refuelling any machinery or equipment at home, consider the vicinity of potential ignition sources. Stay well away from hot water systems, electrical equipment and tools that can create sparks or flames.

You should refill machinery outdoors in a well-ventilated area. Always refill with the engine off and make sure the machinery has cooled down beforehand. Avoid getting petrol on your skin.

Petrol must only be stored in containers that are specifically designed for fuel storage. Some containers are susceptible to static buildup and the discharge of static electricity can ignite flammable vapours.

When refilling portable fuel containers at a fuel station, make sure the container is out of your vehicle and on the ground to avoid the possibility of a static electricity discharge.

Store it in a cool, well-ventilated place, and only store a small quantity at any one time.