Special precautions need to be taken with fuel when you are dealing with machinery and vehicles this summer.

Since petrol vapour is heavier than air and can travel a long way from the fuel source, there should be no ignition sources within 15 metres of the storage tanks. Ignition sources include naked flame, smoking, electrical appliances, static electricity, running engines and sparks from tools.

Diesel is not as volatile and the required isolation distance is 8 metres. The distance is extremely important when the tank is either being filled or fuel is being removed.

Petrol contains a high amount of aromatic hydrocarbons that can be smelt in petrol vapours. Inhaling these vapours should be avoided. The effects of these toxic vapours are dizziness and nausea, similar to intoxication from alcohol. Anyone suffering from the effects of petrol vapours should avoid activities such as driving a car or operating machinery.

Avoid skin contact with fuel as this can allow absorption into the body that may cause rashes/dermatitis. If you do have skin contact, wash with soap. Long-term exposure is linked to permanent damage of the nervous system and an increased susceptibility to leukaemia.

You must take care to establish procedures to deal with emergency situations such as spillage, leak or fire.

A licence is required to store dangerous goods unless the following exemptions are met:

• The farm is 4 hectares or larger.

• Above-ground petrol tanks are no bigger than 2000 litres and above-ground diesel tanks are no bigger than 5000 litres.

• Tanks must be 20 metres from any protected work, i.e. dwellings or buildings and six metres from other dangerous goods.