FinchDeal

Petrol COSHH sheet

Also called unleaded, gasoline.

Grounds teams, garages and anyone running small engines handle petrol. This sheet classifies it as extremely flammable, fatal if swallowed and it enters the airways, a cause of cancer and genetic defects, and a suspected risk to the unborn child.

Taken from the Unleaded Gasoline with Ethanol safety data sheet from Rix Petroleum (made at the Phillips 66 Humber refinery), revision 8 September 2026. Open the data sheet. Formulas differ between products, so check against the sheet for the product you actually buy. This sheet, issued September 2026, does not state the octane or the ethanol content, so it may not match every pump grade. Page checked against the sheet on 14 November 2026.

Hazards on the data sheet

Signal word: Danger.

Precautions

Workplace exposure limit

EH40/2005 has no limit for petrol as a mixture. It does list components this sheet names: benzene 1 ppm (8-hour), toluene 50 ppm (8-hour) and 100 ppm (15-minute), n-hexane 20 ppm (8-hour), ethanol 1000 ppm (8-hour), and methanol 200 ppm (8-hour) and 250 ppm (15-minute).

PPE

EyesEye protection meeting or exceeding EN 166; close-fitting eye protection and a face shield may be necessary depending on use.
HandsGloves impervious to the material, complying with EN 374. Suggested material: nitrile rubber. No breakthrough time given; check with the glove manufacturer.
BreathingWhere airborne exposure may exceed the limit: approved air-purifying respirator with Type A (organic gases and vapour) filters; follow EN 529:2005.
SkinDepending on exposure: chemical resistant boots, aprons, arm covers, hoods, coveralls or encapsulated suits.

First aid

EyesIf irritation or redness develops, flush eyes with clean water. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
SkinRemove contaminated shoes and clothing and flush with large amounts of water; wash with mild soap and water. Seek medical attention if irritation develops or skin is damaged. Any injection under the skin needs immediate evaluation by a physician.
Breathed inMove to fresh air in a position comfortable for breathing. If breathing is difficult, oxygen or artificial respiration by qualified personnel. If symptoms persist, seek medical attention.
SwallowedAspiration hazard: do not induce vomiting or give anything by mouth. If drowsy or unconscious and vomiting, place on left side with head down. Seek medical attention.

Storage, spills and what to keep it away from

StorageKeep containers tightly closed and labelled in cool, dry, well-ventilated areas away from heat, direct sunlight, hot metal surfaces and all ignition sources. Approved containers only. Fill portable containers on the ground, never in or on a vehicle. Outdoor or detached storage preferred.
SpillsExtremely flammable: remove ignition sources, stay upwind, isolate area. Stop and contain if safe; keep out of sewers, drains and waterways; foam can reduce vapours. Absorb with inert material such as sand or vermiculite into containers.
Keep away fromAvoid contact with strong oxidizing agents and strong reducing agents.

What your assessment still has to cover

Record where cans are filled and stored, what ignition sources are nearby, and whether engines are refuelled hot or indoors. Note the vapour risk in enclosed spaces, since the sheet lists H336, and who decants it, because of the H350 and H340 classification.

Fill these in for your own workplace. HSE lists them as the points an assessment considers. For a full form, use the COSHH assessment template.

Workplace and location
Task and how the product is used
Who is exposed, including anyone more at risk
How often and for how long
Controls already in place
Further action needed, by whom and by when
Assessed by, and date
Review date

Other COSHH sheets

Opening soon at £19 a month

Unlimited assessments, cancel any time. The tool isn't open yet, so there is nothing to pay today.