This article explores the growing trend of fuel storage in South African households during load shedding, highlighting the associated fire hazards and safety risks. Industry experts provide essential guidance on safe fuel storage practices to protect homes and ensure compliance with local regulations.
Image: File
Although South Africa is experiencing a period of relative electricity stability, the habits formed during years of load shedding continue to shape household behaviour, including the storage of petrol and diesel at home for generators and backup power systems.
Industry experts warn that this growing practice is creating a hidden fire and safety risk, particularly as concerns over fuel supply disruptions and rising fuel prices prompt some households to stockpile fuel without fully understanding the dangers involved.
A report by the National Fire Protection Association notes that fuel storage and generator use significantly increase fire hazards when safety standards are ignored. The organisation’s fire safety guidance warns that improperly stored fuel, fuel vapours and refuelling near hot generators can rapidly escalate residential fires.
Christelle Colman, CEO and founder of Ami Underwriting Managers, says the widespread adoption of generators during load shedding introduced a new category of household risk that many homeowners still underestimate.
“Back-up power solutions became essential during load-shedding, particularly among high-net-worth clients who tend to be early adopters. However, the risks associated with generators and especially fuel storage are often underestimated. Stored fuel can materially change the risk profile of a private home,” says Colman.
According to Colman, the danger extends beyond the generator itself. Fuel storage introduces additional risks including fire, explosions, environmental contamination, injuries and third-party liability.
The risk increases significantly when petrol or diesel is stored close to living spaces or ignition sources such as DB boards, gas bottles, braai areas, pool pumps, inverters or generators.
The National Fire Protection Association’s generator safety guidance similarly warns that fuel vapours and combustible fumes can ignite easily in poorly ventilated areas or near heat sources.
Colman says unsafe storage practices remain common, particularly when fuel is kept in unsuitable containers.
“Clients should not store fuel in old water or cooldrink bottles, food containers, paint buckets, open drums or unmarked plastic containers. These can split, leak, release vapour and be confused with harmless household items,” warns Colman.
She says approved fuel containers should comply with South African National Standards (SANS), remain clearly labelled and sealed, and be maintained to prevent leaks and vapour build-up.
Garages are also not automatically safe storage spaces, as they often contain vehicles, chemicals and other combustible materials that can intensify a fire.
International fire safety guidance notes that even small quantities of fuel can dramatically increase the intensity and spread of residential fires when exposed to heat or sparks.
Colman says the safest option is not to store fuel at home unless there is a legitimate operational need. Where fuel storage is unavoidable, it should be kept in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area away from living spaces and ignition points.
This includes keeping fuel away from:
children and pets
heat, direct sunlight and open flames
braai and smoking areas
electrical outlets, DB boards, generators and inverters
gas bottles and chemicals
drains and stormwater systems
“Ami’s position is that fuel stockpiling is not encouraged unless necessitated and that any fuel storage must be lawful, safe, disclosed where it changes the risk and compliant with the relevant by-laws, SANS requirements and policy conditions,” she says.
Colman notes that petrol poses a particularly serious risk because of its highly flammable vapours, while diesel can still ignite and cause environmental damage if spilled.
“From a claims point of view, stored fuel may affect the cause, spread and severity of the fire. The assessor will ask different questions after loss or damage. These will include how much petrol or diesel was stored, where and in what containers. Compliance with bylaws will also be investigated.”
There is no single national standard governing the amount of fuel that may legally be stored at home, as municipal by-laws differ across South Africa.
“Some municipalities use container rules of around 20 litres for extraction unless a sealed pump or tap is fitted. Others set thresholds for when a dedicated flammable store or certificate becomes necessary. This is why the local by-law must be checked.”
The insurance industry warns that improperly stored fuel can complicate insurance claims, especially if homeowners fail to disclose changes in risk exposure.
Fuel storage may affect claims assessments relating to:
whether storage complied with by-laws
whether approved containers were used
whether the fuel contributed to the loss
whether the insurer was informed of the increased risk
Colman says fuel leaks can also create serious environmental liabilities.
“Fuel leaks can contaminate soil, drainage systems and groundwater, potentially leading to costly clean-up operations and third-party liability claims. Cover for environmental damage is often limited.”
Colman says homeowners should notify brokers or insurers if generator installations or fuel storage arrangements materially change the risk profile of their property.
“The duty to disclose material does not end when the policy is issued. The message to brokers should be that clients must be encouraged to discuss generator installations and fuel storage before there is a claim. The message to consumers is simple and practical: if you store petrol or diesel at home, even for a generator, speak to your broker,” she says.
She stresses that fuel storage does not automatically invalidate insurance cover, but unsafe or undisclosed storage could affect the outcome of a claim.
“The point is that unsafe, unlawful or undiscussed storage can affect the assessment or claim.”
Colman says households that need to store fuel should keep only limited quantities for short-term use, use approved containers and avoid storing fuel near ignition sources or stormwater systems.
She also warns that generators and fuel storage should never be treated as separate risks.
“Backup power brings peace of mind. It, however, also introduces new risks. Managing those risks properly is crucial, not only to protect your home, but to ensure you are covered when it matters most.”
Colman says professionally installed and properly ventilated generators are essential for safety.
“Units should be professionally installed, properly ventilated and safely refuelled. Important to note is that the generator and fuel must be considered together. A compliant generator can still pose a risk if fuel is stored unsafely and vice versa. Your generator may keep the lights on, but the fuel next to it could leave you exposed,” she says.
Colman says households should carefully reconsider whether fuel storage is necessary at all.
“Do not store fuel unless there is a real need. If fuel must be stored, keep the quantity as low as possible and only for short-term use,” says Colman.
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