What are the hazards of transporting a container of petrol?
If petrol fumes vent from a container inside a vehicle, it can form an explosive fuel and air mixture. If there is an ignition source this mixture can then explode and injure, or even kill the driver and any passengers.
Ignition sources can include electrical equipment in the vehicle such as using a remote locking mechanism, or lighting a cigarette in or near the vehicle.
Ventilation is the key to reducing the risk of fire or explosion inside a vehicle.
Petrol classification details are as follows:
- Classification: Flammable Liquid Class 3
- UN No.: 1203
- flammability range: 1.4 to 7.6 per cent in air.
How do I safely transport containers of petrol?
Petrol should be transported in United Nations approved jerry cans that comply with Australian Standard AS 2906. The capacity of containers filled with petrol at service stations is limited to 25 litres.
Go to Standards Australia to search for the standard AS 2906 or look online for containers that comply with the standard.
Transport small containers of petrol (properly restrained) in a trailer or ute tray. If this is not possible, the following precautions will help you to transport the containers safely:
- avoid splashing when filling the containers
- ensure containers are tightly sealed and cannot leak during transport
- securely restrain containers in an upright position on the vehicle
- wind down the vehicle windows for cross-flow ventilation
- avoid transporting fertilisers and oxidising agents with containers of petrol
- do not smoke or vape in or near the vehicle.