Fire safety legislation

The Fire Precautions (Designated Premises) (Jersey) Regulations 2012 law details what type of premises require a Fire Safety Certificate.  

Petrol is a highly flammable fuel and can give off vapour which can be set on fire. When not handled safely, it has the potential to cause a serious fire or explosion.

There is always a risk of a fire or an explosion if there is a source of ignition nearby such as a naked flame or an electrical spark.

​Storage of petroleum

The legal quantities of petroleum that can be stored at a property without having a petroleum licence is up to 25 litres. This may be stored in one approved metal container or no more than three approved plastic containers. These rules are set out under the Petroleum-Spirit (Storage) (Jersey) Regulations 2001.

​Transport of petroleum​​​​​

The legal quantities of petroleum that can be transported in a vehicle other than a fuel tanker without having a petroleum licence is up to 100 litres in closed and secure receptacles holding no more than 25 litres. Where five litre plastic receptacles are used no more than 50 litres may be conveyed. 

Containers, whether metal or plastic, must be approved and certified and be in good condition to prevent breakage and ensure they prevent leakage of liquid and vapour. 

These rules are set out under the Petroleum-Spirit (Carriage by road) (Jersey) Regulations 2001.

Applying for a petroleum licence

Petroleum licences are issued by the Fire Safety Department to allow premises to hold and dispense petrol safely. Your petroleum licence must be renewed annually on 1 August. If you hold a licence you'll be contacted automatically by the Fire Safety department.

Complete the Petroleum PA1 2025 application form below to apply for a new petroleum license or make amendments to your current license.

​Petroleum (Jersey) Law 1984 on Jersey Law

Standard conditions of licence for petroleum filling stations

If you have a petroleum filling station you must adhere to certain conditions of licence as detailed in the document below.​

Advice for domestic fuel storage

When domestically storing fuel make sure you:

• ​always store fuel cans in a well-ventilated outdoor area away from heat sources, ignition points, and living spaces to minimise the risk of vapour buildup and potential fire hazards
• ensure fuel cans are stored out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or tampering. Consider using lockable cabinets or storage containers for added safety
• only use approved fuel cans specifically designed for storing and transporting flammable liquids. Avoid repurposing containers such as food or beverage bottles, which may not be suitable for fuel storage
• never overfill fuel cans beyond their maximum capacity to prevent spills and leaks. Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion of the fuel
• when refuelling vehicles or equipment, use a funnel to prevent spills and minimise contact between fuel and skin or surfaces. Wipe up any spills immediately and dispose of cleaning materials safely
• always handle fuel cans with care, avoiding rough handling, dropping, or tipping over. Even small punctures or cracks in the container can lead to leaks and potential hazards
• never smoke or use open flames near fuel cans or during refuelling activities. Even minor sparks can ignite fuel vapours, leading to fires or explosions
• ground fuel cans by touching them to a grounded metal object before and during pouring to discharge static electricity and prevent sparks
• keep fuel in its original container with the proper label intact to ensure easy identification and safe handling. Avoid transferring fuel to makeshift containers that may not be suitable for storage
• dispose of unused fuel properly according to local regulations. Do not pour fuel down drains, sewers, or onto the ground. Consider recycling options or hazardous waste disposal facilities for the safe disposal of old or unused fuel

Following these safety tips when using fuel cans domestically can help: 

• ​prevent accidents
• protect individuals and property
• promote responsible fuel handling practices

The Explosives (Jersey) Law 1970 regulates the importation, manufacture, storage, use, conveyance, sale, purchase, transfer, acquisition and possession of explosives.

If you wish to sell fireworks, you must have a licence granted by the Connétable of the Parish in which the place from which the fireworks are to be sold is situated.

The licence costs £15, is valid for one year expiring on 31 December and is subject to certain conditions – in particular, the retail sale of fireworks is only permitted for a limited period, in the days leading up to 5 November, and the sale of certain types of fireworks is prohibited.

Every year many people are injured by fires that occur in the workplace – and the financial costs of a fire can be equally devastating. 

Risks to employees and the workplace can be reduced if your employees are aware of their responsibility to promptly report fire-related hazards and know what action to take if there is a fire.

The States of Jersey Fire and Rescue Service provides quality fire safety training which is specifically designed to help you, and your employees meet your obligations within current legislation, such as Health and Safety at Work (Jersey) Law 1989 and the Fire Precautions (Jersey) Law 1977.

Up until its ban in 2000, the toxic substance asbestos was used in many building materials and household items in Jersey. 

If your home or workplace was built before the year 2000, it could contain asbestos. Asbestos commonly found in the home includes:​​​

• cement (corrugated and flat sheets, ironing board rests, roof tiles, boiler flues)
• vinyl (plastic floor tiles, linoleum with paper backing)
• decorative plaster (artex on ceilings or walls, inside or outside)
• bitumen (pitch fibre pipes, toilet cisterns, sink pads, roofing felt)
• textiles (electrical flashguards, ironing board covers, fire blankets)
• insulating board (ceilings, walls, fire doors, soffits) 
• lagging (insulation on hot or cold water pipes)     
• loose fill insulation (lofts, wall cavities)​

Many asbestos materials have a modern replacement which does not contain asbestos. The replacement often looks identical to the original.

When asbestos-containing materials are exposed to fire, they can release toxic fibres into the air, posing serious health risks to anyone exposed. In particular, mesothelioma, a rare and aggressive cancer linked to asbestos exposure, has a high mortality rate. It is a devastating disease that can affect not only employees but also their families. It is crucial for people to avoid the area containing asbestos when evacuating the building, if possible.

If your building was constructed before the ban on asbestos, it’s important to have a comprehensive asbestos management plan in place. This may involve conducting asbestos surveys, implementing proper asbestos removal and abatement procedures, and providing regular training and education to employees about asbestos awareness and safety measures.

The occupier of a premises which has been issued with a Fire Certificate must keep a record of the testing and maintenance of fire protection equipment, and of staff training and fire drills in a Log Book which must be readily available for inspection as and when required.