All retail stores which store flammable liquids and fuels for the purpose of sale or supply to the public and vehicles, must have a licence to operate, granted by the appropriate local authority.

On 1st April 2020, new regulations for service stations, oil distributors and others came into effect, with significant implications for Dangerous Substances Licences applications. While these regulations are expected to increase safety standards for employees, the general public and the environment, the licence application process is anticipated to become slightly more complicated and onerous for operators of these premises.

Under the new regulations a comprehensive risk assessment completed by a competent person is to be submitted with all new licence applications and licence renewals. These risk assessments must be carried out in accordance with several guidance documents outlined in the regulations and must indicate proposals to make the site as safe as practicable in line with industry standards.

The new regulations apply to:

  • Service stations
  • Diesel, Gas Oil or Kerosene retail outlets
  • Oil Depots
  • Premises with oil storage for supply to vehicles

We can help with the following aspects of Licence applications:

  • Risk assessment completed by a competent person
  • Drawings showing site layout, fuel installations and other details
  • Petrol vapour recovery certificate
  • Explosion Protection Document
  • Hazardous area drawing

Explosion Protection Document

Petrol is a highly flammable substance and has the potential to cause harm to people from fire or explosion. Diesel or Kerosene mists are also recognised as having the potential to create flammable atmospheres.

Employers under law must carry out a risk assessment of any work activities involving flammable substances and record the findings of the risk assessment in a document called the ‘Explosion Protection Document’ (EPD).

The risk assessment and the recording of its findings in the EPD will enable employers to demonstrate that they have followed a structured and thorough approach in considering the risks and the control measures required. It must be made available to the employees concerned.

The EPD must be accompanied by drawings showing the places where a flammable or explosive atmosphere are likely to occur and classify these places into hazardous zones in accordance with regulations.

For further information on licence applications contact us on info@keohane.ie