Licence to store petroleum
The London Fire Brigade is the licensing authority for the
storage of petroleum in London.
For more information regarding petroleum storage licences,
please refer to the London Fire
Brigade website.
Licence for petroleum
filling stations
The London Fire Brigade is also responsible for licences for
petroleum filling stations.
Petrol is a highly volatile liquid and gives off flammable
vapour even at very low temperatures. When this vapour is mixed
with air in proportions between one per cent and eight per cent, 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).
Petrol must be kept 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.
Other safety-related legislation is enforced by the local
councils or the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), dependent on the
main activity at the premises concerned.
For further information contact:
Tel: 020 7587 2000
For advice on other licensing matters, please contact:
Tower Hamlets Licensing Team
Mulberry Place (AH)
PO Box 55739
5 Clove Crescent
E14 1BY
Open: 9am to 5pm - Monday to Friday
Tel: 020 7364 5008
Fax: 020 7364 0863
Email: licensing@towerhamlets.gov.uk