ARIA 33414 Explosion in SOTTEVILLE-LES-ROUEN

Petrol stations are classified facilities presenting the unique characteristic of containing large quantities of hazardous materials while some of their equipment is available for direct use by customers, in accordance with concise information and instructions.

The storage and transfer of fuels in the presence of members of the general public and their vehicles is a potential source of accidental release, fire or explosion, and human exposure. Analysis of the circumstances behind the 270 incidents recorded in ARIA, and their main origins and causes, confirms how important it is for operators to step up preventive measures in technical terms, and especially on the organisational level.