Motorists warned of the dangers of petrol storage

Zurich is advising motorists fearing demonstrations and nationwide pre-election blockades against storing petrol in their homes.

The hazards of storing fuel incorrectly can be devastating and fires or accidents arising from illegal petrol storage could also invalidate home insurance cover so it's important to be aware of how to safely and legally store fuel.

Petrol needs to be stored correctly as there has been instances of illegal plastic containers being used and then 'melting', causing petrol leakage into homes/neighbouring homes. It is against the law to store more than 20 litres of petrol and this must be stored in no more than 2 x 10 litre metal petrol containers. If plastic containers are used no more than 10 litres must be stored in 2x5 litre petrol containers. They should be marked as "PETROLEUM" and "HIGHLY FLAMMABLE". The containers must be of an approved type and any storage above these limits would require the approval of your Petroleum Licensing Authority.

Zurich offers the following tips and advice for those considering storing fuel:

* It is important not to store petrol in the home as it is it obviously a highly flammable and explosive substance.
* Petrol must only be transported in the fuel tank of a vehicle or in securely closed proprietory containers marked "HIGHLY FLAMMABLE" and"PETROLEUM".
* Care should be taken to secure the containers in the boot of the vehicle when being transported.
* Containers which have been used for petrol should be kept securely closed and stored in a safe place.
* Filling a vehicle tank from a container should only be carried out in the open air.
* These containers may be kept in a garage or shed, not attached to a building. If the garage or shed is attached to a building, such as a house, it must be protected by a self-closing fire resisting door - i.e. the door from a garage to the house.
* The storage area must be well ventilated and away from any naked flame or live electrical equipment.
* Fuel in petrol-driven lawn mowers and petrol cans should be checked regularly for leaks.
* If you smell petrol fumes, ventilate the area and ensure nobody smokes or turns electrical switches on or off as the slightest spark could cause an explosion.
* Illegal storage of petrol is punishable under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 by imprisonment for up to 2 years and an unlimited fine.

Mark Winlow, Managing Director of Zurich Personal Insurance Business comments: "Sheds and garages are often a target for deliberate fire setting and the very places where people are most likely to store fuel. Storing fuel obviously introduces enormous additional risk of fire and explosion whatever the container."