RESIDENTS storing petrol for their strimmers or lawnmowers are being reminded to take care.
Swindon Borough Council is responsible for petroleum storage and licensing and advises the public on petrol safety.
Robert Taylour, the group leader for public protection, said: "Petroleum spirit is highly flammable and therefore must be treated with the utmost care.
"Not only is petrol potentially very dangerous, but so is petrol vapour so it is essential that it is stored properly. There are strict controls on the amount of petrol that can be stored and how it should be stored. Apart from the dangers of fire and explosion, those caught storing more than the legal quantity are liable to a £5,000 fine."
People are advised only to use approved containers that comply with SI 1982/630, to limit storage to a maximum of two five-litre containers, to store containers away from sources of ignition and in a secure, well-ventilated place such as a garage or shed, and to ensure that cans are securely sealed after use and that they are not accessible to children.
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