Petroleum filling stations
Information about the unloading of petroleum spirit at petrol filling stations and other licensed premises.
Advice and support for consumers in Solihull is now provided by Consumer Direct.
Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities in The West Midlands and by Government.
Consumer Direct works in partnership with Local Authority Trading Standards Advice Services offering first level advice and information on a wide range of consumer issues. More complex problems, or complaints requiring further investigation or assistance are referred to Trading Standards or other advice services
To speak to a Consumer Direct adviser, please call 08454 04 05 06. Opening hours are 8.00 a.m. and 6.30p.m. Monday - Friday or 9.00a.m. to 1p.m. on Saturdays. (Minicom users should call on 08451 28 13 84). To e-mail Consumer Direct, please Contact us via the Consumer Direct website.
A wide range of consumer information and advice is also available online from the Consumer Direct website at http://www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/
Quantity and Price of Fuel
Trading Standards check that the quantity petrol pumps deliver and the price that is displayed is correct. Petrol pumps are tested, by trading standards officers, before being used by the public and sealed to prevent them being tampered with. Trading Standards will also investigate any complaints of alleged short measure. For more information regarding these matters pleases contact us (see contact details below).
Petroleum Licences
Petrol is a highly flammable liquid and gives off flammable vapour even at very low temperatures. When this vapour is mixed with air in proportions between 1% and 8% a risk of fire or explosion exists. Petrol vapour is heavier than air and does not disperse easily in still conditions. It tends to sink to the lowest possible level of its surroundings and may accumulate in tanks, cavities, drains, pits or other depressions.
Flammable atmospheres may also exist where clothing or other absorbent material or substances are contaminated with petrol. Petrol vapour can have acute or chronic effects if inhaled and therefore should be considered in the assessment required under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1999 (COSHH).
The keeping of petrol must be in accordance with conditions attached to a licence issued under the Petroleum (Consolidation) Act 1928. When an Inspector appointed by the licensing authority visits a petrol filling station the aim is to ensure the observance, maintenance and, where necessary, the improvement of safety standards.
The petroleum licensing authority is West Midlands Fire Service. They are responsible for ensuring safety at sites where petrol is delivered, stored and dispensed.
Officers work to, and are able to give advice on, nationally produced guidance
Contact Details
For further information or advice, please see contact West Midlands Fire Service:
Website: West Midlands Fire Service
Or contact the
Solihull Fire Safety Centre
Speedwell Road,
Hay Mills,
Birmingham
B25 8HH.
Tel: 0121 753 1313
Fax: 0121 753 1334
E-mail contact@wmfs.net
For more information please contact
Consumer Advice and Information in Solihull, is now provided by our partners at Consumer Direct West Midlands. Consumer Direct is a telephone and online consumer advice service, which is supported by local authorities (Trading Standards) and Central Government. If you do need support or assistance from Trading Standards, you will of course be referred to them by Consumer Direct.