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Chat Area => General Car Chat => Topic started by: Varche on 07 June 2012, 08:51:50

Title: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Varche on 07 June 2012, 08:51:50
I needed yet more unleaded for my chainsaw. Went to a different petrol station and out came the attendant.

Nice petrol can but it is made of metal. Can't (but will this once) let you put petrol in it!! next time you need a plastic can. A spark between filler nozzle and can could ignite fuel. Seemed reasonable enough.

I guess the law was changed at some time. I have had this green gallon Paddy Hopkirk can since 1972 I think. I remember buying it from Epic Accessories in Leicester so I have had my monies worth. I guess now it will have to go to a museum.  ;D ;D I wonder if a plastic one will last the same length of time?
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Lazydocker on 07 June 2012, 09:02:05
Still no issues with metal cans over here... I use them all the time :y
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: mantahatch on 07 June 2012, 09:05:20
I needed yet more unleaded for my chainsaw. Went to a different petrol station and out came the attendant.

Nice petrol can but it is made of metal. Can't (but will this once) let you put petrol in it!! next time you need a plastic can. A spark between filler nozzle and can could ignite fuel. Seemed reasonable enough.I guess the law was changed at some time. I have had this green gallon Paddy Hopkirk can since 1972 I think. I remember buying it from Epic Accessories in Leicester so I have had my monies worth. I guess now it will have to go to a museum.  ;D ;D I wonder if a plastic one will last the same length of time?



Hmmmm, what about a spark between the filler nozzle and the pipe on your petrol tamk in a car. Last time I checked they are all metal. Maybe a bit insulated, but after a few years of road dirt on them must be the same I would have thought. And no tyres will not insulate the car contrary to popular belief.
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: kev2b4 on 07 June 2012, 09:06:44
my metal can ended up self draining, so now use green for unleaded and diesel.
theoretically a spark will light the petrol , - but it all comes down to the fire triangle- ignition source, fuel, air -- so the vapour will have to be within its flaamability limits ( ruffly 4-9%- will chack later -as I'm supposed to know these things!),
having said that petrol tankers earth before transferring,
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: feeutfo on 07 June 2012, 11:01:45
Utter bollacts!  ....ahem...

Surely that can't be right?  :-X
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Raymienets on 07 June 2012, 11:11:44
As someone said on another thread. Everytime you start your car there is a spark.
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Kevin Wood on 07 June 2012, 11:13:02
If they think it's that much of an issue why don't they provide an earthing wire to connect before filling?

(as is the case when refuelling aircraft)

As said, if it's an issue with a can, it's much more of an issue with a car which, being larger, will store a much greater charge. ;D
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: YZ250 on 07 June 2012, 11:20:15
We regularly fill up the green metal jerry can for the MotoX bike. Nobody has ever said anything to us.  :-\

Actually, during the run up to the petrol strike, I saw loads of people on the news using the old jerry cans.  :-\
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: feeutfo on 07 June 2012, 11:26:51
Indeed. Been using them for years on track days.

In fact, I'd still say they are dangerous to use. But due to expansion and over filling, and spilages caused, rather than a spark.
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: aaronjb on 07 June 2012, 11:33:49
We regularly fill up the green metal jerry can for the MotoX bike. Nobody has ever said anything to us.  :-\

Actually, during the run up to the petrol strike, I saw loads of people on the news using the old jerry cans.  :-\

But were you doing it in Spain? ;)
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: YZ250 on 07 June 2012, 11:39:53
We regularly fill up the green metal jerry can for the MotoX bike. Nobody has ever said anything to us.  :-\

Actually, during the run up to the petrol strike, I saw loads of people on the news using the old jerry cans.  :-\

But were you doing it in Spain? ;)

Errrrr.................no.  ;) ;D ;D  Perhaps they are stricter over there, so fair point.  :y  Obviously with the seriousness involved, this is not something to take lightly.
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Varche on 07 June 2012, 12:58:06
Strange, as the Spanish are very laid back but here a lot of people buy small quantities of fuel at stations for generators and small farm machinery and so on. Presumably they have had spectacular accicdents in the past. Hence having some legislation. I dare say if they had an accident it might have been something other than a spark, ciggy maybe.? Mind you when we were kids our older neighbours party trick was to throw his tab end into his BSA500 petrol tank as he sat on the bike. It never once exploded. ;D
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: mantahatch on 07 June 2012, 13:06:07
Strange, as the Spanish are very laid back but here a lot of people buy small quantities of fuel at stations for generators and small farm machinery and so on. Presumably they have had spectacular accicdents in the past. Hence having some legislation. I dare say if they had an accident it might have been something other than a spark, ciggy maybe.? Mind you when we were kids our older neighbours party trick was to throw his tab end into his BSA500 petrol tank as he sat on the bike. It never once exploded. ;D

It is no trick, a lit cigarette is not hot enough to ignite petrol vapour, now the match or lighter is hot enough  ;D  Think that is why they say no smoking around fuel. Because average human can't tell the difference.

Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: kcl on 07 June 2012, 14:05:27
And making the light alloy (aluminium?) nozzle to spark  :-\ No way.

The material of the nozzles is for sure some non-sparking material so no matter what material your tank/container/whatever is there will not be any issues  :y
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: feeutfo on 07 June 2012, 15:04:59
I did wonder... Given the old fashioned self service... That an old fashioned steel nozel might be in use...?
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: big mel on 07 June 2012, 16:41:32
I aways thought the nozzles were made of alloy to, I had brass or alloy couplings when i had to deliver flammables & an earth cable.
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: TheBoy on 07 June 2012, 18:13:05
I thought the rule was its allowed to be plastic if less than 5l, but larger must be metal  :-\

In all cases, it must be designed and approved for the task.
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: aaronjb on 07 June 2012, 18:25:02
I thought the rule was its allowed to be plastic if less than 5l, but larger must be metal  :-\

In all cases, it must be designed and approved for the task.

In this country, yes  :y
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: TheBoy on 07 June 2012, 18:52:34
I thought the rule was its allowed to be plastic if less than 5l, but larger must be metal  :-\

In all cases, it must be designed and approved for the task.

In this country, yes  :y
Ah, my bad, didn't notice who the OP was. Bloody foreigners :P ;D
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Varche on 07 June 2012, 19:47:06
I thought the rule was its allowed to be plastic if less than 5l, but larger must be metal  :-\

In all cases, it must be designed and approved for the task.

In this country, yes  :y
Ah, my bad, didn't notice who the OP was. Bloody foreigners :P ;D

yes and if I live here another 30 years I will still be a foreigner. ;D ;D
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Omegatoy on 07 June 2012, 20:07:56
very strange!!

got 3 jerry cans all metal, all used to buy 20 litres for the genny, never had an issue at any station?
AND
especially when you fill them up in spain just before traversing rip off france, they are a must!!! :y
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: belldarr on 07 June 2012, 21:08:25
I can confirm that all Paddy Hopkirk petrol cans have alloy necks - I worked at the factory in Eaton Bray when I was a lot younger than I am now :) 

Darren
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: bootie on 08 June 2012, 21:01:40
Must be just that filling station Varche, I regularly use my metal can for 10 litres in any of the 5 stations we use, never once been approached like that, mind you I'm normally unshaved, scruffy and wearing working clothes, a proper unsavoury looking character!!!LOL   Graham, no comments from you either!!!
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Omegatoy on 08 June 2012, 21:42:43
Must be just that filling station Varche, I regularly use my metal can for 10 litres in any of the 5 stations we use, never once been approached like that, mind you I'm normally unshaved, scruffy and wearing working clothes, a proper unsavoury looking character!!!LOL   Graham, no comments from you either!!!

lol how did you know i was going to????
damn spoilt me fun!!
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: TheBoy on 08 June 2012, 21:51:44
mind you I'm normally unshaved, scruffy and wearing working clothes, a proper unsavoury looking character!!!LOL   Graham, no comments from you either!!!
Omegatoy can't comment, he's always like that as well ;D
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Omegatoy on 08 June 2012, 21:52:44
mind you I'm normally unshaved, scruffy and wearing working clothes, a proper unsavoury looking character!!!LOL   Graham, no comments from you either!!!
Omegatoy can't comment, he's always like that as well ;D

BITCHY!!! ;D
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Entwood on 08 June 2012, 22:26:34
Must be just that filling station Varche, I regularly use my metal can for 10 litres in any of the 5 stations we use, never once been approached like that, mind you I'm normally unshaved, scruffy and wearing working clothes, a proper unsavoury looking character!!!LOL   Graham, no comments from you either!!!

That's posh dress for spain IIRC ....   :)

T-shirt, Shorts, flip-flops being "normal"  .....  ?   :)
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Rods2 on 09 June 2012, 00:48:01
I needed yet more unleaded for my chainsaw. Went to a different petrol station and out came the attendant.

Nice petrol can but it is made of metal. Can't (but will this once) let you put petrol in it!! next time you need a plastic can. A spark between filler nozzle and can could ignite fuel. Seemed reasonable enough.

I guess the law was changed at some time. I have had this green gallon Paddy Hopkirk can since 1972 I think. I remember buying it from Epic Accessories in Leicester so I have had my monies worth. I guess now it will have to go to a museum.  ;D ;D I wonder if a plastic one will last the same length of time?

Obviously pump attendant is having a week off from the Shell station at Brackley, as he is brain dead from the neck up.  :o :o :o This gives the Government regulations which explains you can have a maximum of 2 metal and 2 plastic fuel storage containers with caps off next to your oven  :-[ on your premises, but they must be outside your home.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm (http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm)
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: waspy on 09 June 2012, 07:09:57
I store my petrol in a Wheelie Bin in the basement. Then wonder why the bin's melted & there's petrol everywhere ;D ;D Doh ??? ???
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: aaronjb on 09 June 2012, 12:12:58
I needed yet more unleaded for my chainsaw. Went to a different petrol station and out came the attendant.

Nice petrol can but it is made of metal. Can't (but will this once) let you put petrol in it!! next time you need a plastic can. A spark between filler nozzle and can could ignite fuel. Seemed reasonable enough.

I guess the law was changed at some time. I have had this green gallon Paddy Hopkirk can since 1972 I think. I remember buying it from Epic Accessories in Leicester so I have had my monies worth. I guess now it will have to go to a museum.  ;D ;D I wonder if a plastic one will last the same length of time?

Obviously pump attendant is having a week off from the Shell station at Brackley, as he is brain dead from the neck up.  :o :o :o This gives the Government regulations which explains you can have a maximum of 2 metal and 2 plastic fuel storage containers with caps off next to your oven  :-[ on your premises, but they must be outside your home.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm (http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm)

But when did our government regulations apply to Spain? ;)

I don't think they were ever a colony (despite the numbers of ex-pats hiding from the law living down there ;D)).. :)
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Varche on 09 June 2012, 12:45:04
I needed yet more unleaded for my chainsaw. Went to a different petrol station and out came the attendant.

Nice petrol can but it is made of metal. Can't (but will this once) let you put petrol in it!! next time you need a plastic can. A spark between filler nozzle and can could ignite fuel. Seemed reasonable enough.

I guess the law was changed at some time. I have had this green gallon Paddy Hopkirk can since 1972 I think. I remember buying it from Epic Accessories in Leicester so I have had my monies worth. I guess now it will have to go to a museum.  ;D ;D I wonder if a plastic one will last the same length of time?

Obviously pump attendant is having a week off from the Shell station at Brackley, as he is brain dead from the neck up.  :o :o :o This gives the Government regulations which explains you can have a maximum of 2 metal and 2 plastic fuel storage containers with caps off next to your oven  :-[ on your premises, but they must be outside your home.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm (http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm)

But when did our government regulations apply to Spain? ;)

I don't think they were ever a colony (despite the numbers of ex-pats hiding from the law living down there ;D)).. :)

Witness protection programme mate. You get a ruin so far from civilisation even the locals don't know you live there, a useless farm and an old Omega :y

Bootie - Did I see you outside Lidl the other day with a can? :o
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: bootie on 09 June 2012, 18:08:49
Lidl in Labuan?  Yes!!! ;D
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Omegatoy on 09 June 2012, 19:42:02
Must be just that filling station Varche, I regularly use my metal can for 10 litres in any of the 5 stations we use, never once been approached like that, mind you I'm normally unshaved, scruffy and wearing working clothes, a proper unsavoury looking character!!!LOL   Graham, no comments from you either!!!

That's posh dress for spain IIRC ....   :)

T-shirt, Shorts, flip-flops being "normal"  .....  ?   :)

true but you forgot the silly hat!!! :y
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: Rods2 on 09 June 2012, 21:36:04
I needed yet more unleaded for my chainsaw. Went to a different petrol station and out came the attendant.

Nice petrol can but it is made of metal. Can't (but will this once) let you put petrol in it!! next time you need a plastic can. A spark between filler nozzle and can could ignite fuel. Seemed reasonable enough.

I guess the law was changed at some time. I have had this green gallon Paddy Hopkirk can since 1972 I think. I remember buying it from Epic Accessories in Leicester so I have had my monies worth. I guess now it will have to go to a museum.  ;D ;D I wonder if a plastic one will last the same length of time?

Obviously pump attendant is having a week off from the Shell station at Brackley, as he is brain dead from the neck up.  :o :o :o This gives the Government regulations which explains you can have a maximum of 2 metal and 2 plastic fuel storage containers with caps off next to your oven  :-[ on your premises, but they must be outside your home.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm (http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm)

But when did our government regulations apply to Spain? ;)

I don't think they were ever a colony (despite the numbers of ex-pats hiding from the law living down there ;D)).. :)

Would have thought it would be covered by an EU Directive?
Title: Re: Ooops metal petrol can
Post by: aaronjb on 09 June 2012, 22:27:57
I needed yet more unleaded for my chainsaw. Went to a different petrol station and out came the attendant.

Nice petrol can but it is made of metal. Can't (but will this once) let you put petrol in it!! next time you need a plastic can. A spark between filler nozzle and can could ignite fuel. Seemed reasonable enough.

I guess the law was changed at some time. I have had this green gallon Paddy Hopkirk can since 1972 I think. I remember buying it from Epic Accessories in Leicester so I have had my monies worth. I guess now it will have to go to a museum.  ;D ;D I wonder if a plastic one will last the same length of time?

Obviously pump attendant is having a week off from the Shell station at Brackley, as he is brain dead from the neck up.  :o :o :o This gives the Government regulations which explains you can have a maximum of 2 metal and 2 plastic fuel storage containers with caps off next to your oven  :-[ on your premises, but they must be outside your home.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm (http://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/petroleum-faqs.htm)

But when did our government regulations apply to Spain? ;)

I don't think they were ever a colony (despite the numbers of ex-pats hiding from the law living down there ;D)).. :)

Would have thought it would be covered by an EU Directive?

Good point! Probably..