Petrol stations are surrounded by dangerous substances and therefore the risk of fire is increased. There are many regulations and codes of practices that petrol forecourts must adhere to and failure to comply to these can come with a fine and potential imprisonment.
What does a fire risk assessment involve?
Completing a fire risk assessment must include the following steps to ensure all requirements are covered:
- Identify all potential combustibles and possible sources of fire
- Consider all relevant individuals, especially those at greatest risk
- Reduce and/or remove the risks of fire as much as possible
- Prepare for an emergency by providing training with the fire safety equipment and having a plan that everyone is aware of
- Record all findings and regularly review the assessment to ensure it is kept up to date
Once a risk assessment has been completed it is important to write up all the findings and actions to be taken. Although this is technically only required if you employ more than 5 people, it is still strongly recommended as proof of fulfilling an employer’s duty of care.
Spotting fire hazards
The main hazards on a petrol forecourt are of course the petrol and diesel with the real risk being the dispensing of the fuel. It is important to ensure the pumps are well maintained and serviced, with any issues resolved as a matter of urgency.
There are strict rules in place regarding smoking and other forms of open flame and heat, and it is critical to ensure any spillages are dealt with swiftly. To burn, a fire needs oxygen, fuel and heat so removing at least one of those elements reduces the chances of a fire starting considerably.
Identify those at risk
Another part of the fire risk assessment on the forecourt is to consider all the people who could be adversely affected by a fire. Staff and customers are those who are most often at risk, as well as delivery drivers, contractors, engineers etc. Provisions need to be put in place for those who are likely to need help escaping a fire for example, children, the elderly and the disabled.
Evaluate and act
Having completed the fire risk assessment, the relevant action in limiting risks and providing the appropriate precautions is needed.
On the forecourt, the best option is multiple 9kg Powder Extinguishers.  As these are suitable for Class A, B and C fires, they’ll tackle majority of fires that are likely to be encountered.
When it comes to spillages on the forecourt, you need something that will cover up the area and soak the fuel safely with fire-retardant properties. Traditionally people use sand however, other absorbent compounds are much superior, for example Flamezorb
Our Firechief Premium Fire Point is also ideal for forecourts, it is made of rotationally moulded plastic making it the most robust and hard-wearing mobile fire point on the market. It will hold x2 up to 6kg extinguishers and also a fire bucket.
The Firechief range includes high-performance fire extinguishers, fire blankets, first aid kits, lithium-ion fire extinguishers for your home and leisure time. For more information, call us on +44 (0)330 999 0019 or email sales@firechiefglobal.com.
The information contained within this blog is provided solely for general informational and educational purposes and is not intended as a substitute for professional advice. Before taking any actions based upon this information, we advise the reader to consult any and all relevant statutory or regulatory guidance and where felt necessary to consult a qualified fire or industry regulation professional. The use or reliance on any information contained herein is solely at the reader’s risk.