MAG Ireland On Petrol Pumps

MAG Ireland has sought clarification on forecourt rules as they have been made aware of a number of cases where riders were denied petrol at filling stations unless/until they dismount.

At Right To Ride we are aware of this situation and letter writing by motorcyclists here in Northern Ireland, however MAG Ireland reports that the HSA (Health and Safety Authority a body who has overall responsibility for the administration and enforcement of health and safety at work in Ireland) have responded to the effect that they do not have a policy which requires riders to dismount before filling up..

The HSA referred to guidance published by the Petroleum Enforcement Liaison Group (PELG) in the UK (click here for PELG website). This guidance document is just that – a guidance document.

It does not have a statutory basis.

Known as “The Red Guide” its official title is “Petrol Filling Stations Guidance on Managing The Risks Of Fire & Explosion”.

You will find a copy of it online: Click Here

Pages 71 of that guidance document states “motor cyclists and their passengers should dismount from their machines”  to ensure that petrol is dispensed safely.  It appears that this is the basis on which this rule stands.

The PELG is a UK organisation, and it would appear that this guidance is being pushed in Ireland by fuel companies via UK head offices.

MAG Ireland says, “Clearly, this advice precludes fully refuelling motorcycles which are supplied with only a side stand.

Custom and practice has long been for the rider to sit astride the machine in an upright position to allow him/her to fully refuel before dismounting to pay. MAG Ireland’s research officer is now following up this issue with PELG to see whether they are open to amending the advice in their guidance document.”

If this advice is being circulated by a UK organisation to fuel companies via their head offices then this advice is most likely being pushed here in Northern Ireland as well.

Our thanks to MAG Ireland for its investigation of an issue of interest for a lot of riders.

We will watch for any further development from MAG Ireland.
Note: If you wish to make a comment as regards to having to remove helmets in petrol stations or other premises such as Supermarkets, please “head over” to this page – Helmets Off! – Click Here

MAG Ireland On Petrol Pumps seeks clarification on forecourt rules

30th July 2012

MAG Ireland has recently been made aware of a number of cases where riders were denied petrol at filling stations unless/until they dismount. Different justifications were put forward for this by forecourt staff when asked the reason why such a rule is in force. It appears many were under the impression that this was as a result of an EU Directive, or other statutory regulation.

MAG Ireland’s research officer asked the HSA (Health and Safety Authority) to clarify, and they have responded to the effect that they do not have a policy which requires riders to dismount before filling up.

The HSA referred to guidance published by the Petroleum Enforcement Liaison Group (PELG) in the UK (click here for PELG website). This guidance document is just that – a guidance document. It does not have a statutory basis. Known as “The Red Guide” it’s official title is “Petrol Filling Stations Guidance on Managing The Risks Of Fire & Explosion”. You will find a copy of it online here: http://www.energyinst.org/documents/1317

Pages 71 of that guidance document says “motor cyclists and their passengers should dismount from their machines”  to ensure that petrol is dispensed safely and it appears that this is the basis on which this rule stands. The PELG is a UK organisation, and it would appear that this guidance is being pushed out here by fuel companies via UK head offices.

Clearly, this advice precludes fully refueling motorcycles which are supplied with only a side stand.

Custom and practice has long been for the rider to sit astride the machine in an upright position to allow him/her to fully refuel before dismounting to pay. MAG Ireland’s research officer is now following up this issue with PELG to see whether they are open to amending the advice in their guidance document.

Original Source – MAG Ireland – Click Here

 

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  1. Having seem a petrol spill on a hot bike ignite, sitting in a pool of spilled petrol emolliating yourself isn’t something I’d want.
    Though of course there is the other reason, to help stop ‘ride-away’ petrol thefts…

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