To carry 2x10lt petrol in camper 'boot'

JJ, the following is from the WA Worksafe web site - it says 'it is not advisable'. I thought it was illegal in WA to carry them in car or boot, but cannot confirm this. We carry ours in a box on the caravan a-frame which is close to the gas bottles, but not near a naked flame.

Flammable liquids – A burning issue

A warning has been issued on the dangers of storing and handling flammable liquids, particularly petrol.
A serious accident involving a jerry can full of petrol renewed calls for caution in the handling and storage of flammable liquids.

A man was seriously burned after a jerry can containing petrol ignited while he was attempting to re-fuel a compressor in the rear of a utility.

The cause of ignition has not been established. The incident occurred without warning, and even after extensive investigations, no obvious cause has been identified. This shows how dangerous petrol can be.

WorkSafe Western Australia Chief Inspector Construction, Frank Keough, says people should be aware of the dangers, and take simple precautions to avoid accidents.

"We are concerned about people carrying around and using jerry cans and other containers of petrol, particularly during the hot summer months," Mr Keough said.

"Many people would not be aware that it's the vapours from the fuel which ignite. You obviously cannot see these vapours, and they can actually be trapped within confined areas such as the wells of utilities or vans, and in some cases, even clothing," he said.

Mr Keough advised that there were several ways of reducing the dangers associated with handling flammable liquids such as petrol.

Machinery should be taken away from the refuelling area before starting it, and refuelling should not be done in confined areas:

Machinery should not be refuelled while it is running;

Carrying jerry cans or containers in the boot of a car is not advisable, as shaking causes petrol to vaporise and expand, resulting in potential ignition when the cap is removed.

Container caps should always be removed slowly to release vapours, and the opening should be pointed away from the face and body.

Containers of fuel should never be left in the sun or near a flame or any other source of ignition, and there should be no smoking in the vicinity;

Containers should always be approved for carrying flammable liquids.

Further information on the storage and use of flammable liquids should be directed to WorkSafe Western Australia or the Explosives and Dangerous Goods branch of the Resources Safety division of the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection.

If it was illegal every 2nd c/trailer you see would be forced of the road.

It shouldn't be a problem as long as they are secure.

My olds have a Jayco offroad camper trailer and it has a factory fitted jerry can holder right next to the 9kg gas bottle. Both are mounted externally on the draw bar. Just my 2c worth.

Cheers
GASGQ

When I got my dangerous goods license (mid 90's) we where show a video of a firie in full suit, tipping fuel from steel container into a plastic container self ignite because of static electricity.
I think the mentality of keeping them separate is if something goes wrong with one,the other is well away.
Fuel really is a nasty thing if not given respect!
I don't know what laws are in place (answering you Q) how ever with dangerous goods we where able to place chemicals in what was called a segregation device on truck that had other chemicals that should not be near each other.
Typically these devices where able to withstand a significant "hit" and had to be approved by worksafe, so, If you can make the feul "safer"I would leave in in the front boot of the c/t

My thoughts,Shane

If you do put it in the boot make sure the boot is vented through the floor so vapouirs can escape - which it should be for gas.

You really are safer having them outside to prevent vapour build up, and on the front end of the ct to reduce risk of being hit.

Max