Yes, when it is a suitable portable petrol container. HSE guidance for domestic storage permits plastic containers up to 10 litres and metal containers up to 20 litres, within the applicable total limits.
Approved Portable Containers for Fuel Handling
Fuel Cans provide purpose-made portable storage and controlled pouring for compatible fuels when the can meets the applicable requirements. MacBlair groups this range within buckets, bins and specialist containers, making it easier to match the product to the wider task. Choose by fuel type, approved capacity, material, closure and spout arrangement. In UK domestic storage, HSE guidance permits suitable plastic petrol containers up to 10 litres and suitable metal containers up to 20 litres, subject to total storage limits and conditions.
Check approval markings, label the fuel clearly and inspect the cap, seal, body and spout before filling. Place the can on the ground at the filling station and leave the required expansion space. For the next stage, buckets, bins and specialist containers can support a related part of the job. Fill and decant outdoors away from buildings, ignition sources and hot engines, keeping the opening controlled and wiping spills by the approved method.
Fuel Cans should be used with the surface, material and working conditions in mind. Petrol is highly flammable and its vapour can ignite. Never use drink bottles, ordinary buckets or damaged cans, never siphon by mouth, and keep full or apparently empty cans out of living accommodation and away from children. site health and safety products may also be useful where the task extends beyond this category.
Close the cap securely, keep the outside clean and store the can upright in a cool, ventilated place that meets the relevant rules. Check labels, fixings, working parts or material condition before reuse, and remove damaged items from service. refuse sacks for non-fuel clean-up waste helps complete the surrounding work without substituting one product for another. Treat an empty petrol can as hazardous because vapour remains, and replace it if the body, cap or seal is damaged.
Fuel Cans FAQs
HSE guidance states up to 30 litres can be stored at home or non-workplace premises without notifying the local Petroleum Enforcement Authority, provided suitable containers and storage conditions are used.
Place the can on the ground at the filling station, follow site instructions and keep ignition sources away. Do not fill a can while it remains inside a vehicle or on a trailer.
Do not store it in living accommodation. Petrol vapour can remain in an apparently empty can, so close it securely and apply the same safe-storage precautions.
Replace it if the body is cracked, corroded or distorted, or if the cap, seal, spout or approval marking is damaged. Never improvise a closure or repair.