Wednesday 06 March 2013
It has recently been brought to the attention of the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) that private individuals are seeking to import quantities of super unleaded petroleum spirit for their own private use and to sell to others, following the cessation of its import by the islands fuel suppliers.
The HSE believes that it is important to draw the attention of anyone who is considering importing super unleaded or any other type of petroleum spirit that it is illegal and an offence under the "Law relating to mineral oils or essences, or other substances of the same nature, 1924", to import and store petroleum products without a licence to do so.
This Law regulates the handling of such materials and the duties conferred on the duty holder, by this Law, apply to every place of storage, whether that is by private individuals in domestic premises or commercial activities and premises.
The only exceptions to these requirements under the Law are for storage of limited quantities in the following manner.
1. For domestic use, in an inhabited house or in a room directly communicating with an inhabited house in quantities not exceeding two gallons, provided that the petrol is kept in a proprietary petrol storage can.
2. For commercial, professional and private or machine use, but not for sale, in quantities not exceeding ten gallons, kept in proprietary petrol storage cans not exceeding 2 gallons in quantity and in properly ventilated and fire resistant building which is not an inhabited house.
3. In a motor-car, motor-cycle, motor-lorry or stationary-engine fuel tanks.
4. For uses other than for sale, in quantities not exceeding twenty-five gallons, provided that the petrol is kept in proprietary petrol storage cans, and in a building used exclusively for this storage, which building must be situated not less than twenty feet from any other building.
In conclusion, it is an offence to store Inflammable Oils for sale except under the terms of a Licence granted by the Board and under such conditions as may from time to time be prescribed by Ordinance.
Further information
Further information can be obtained by contacting Richard Brown, Chief Health & Safety, Commerce and Employment Department, Raymond Falla House, St Martin on 234567.
