皇家华人

Fuel bowsers 鈥� what are the rules?

05 July 2023

A green John Dere tractor with a green fuel bowser attached to it.

Photograph: Alamy (Alan Barnes / LGPL)

Are you transporting fuel on your farm using fuel bowsers? Keep in the know and ensure you are using them safely.

There is no legal definition for fuel bowsers, but they are recognised as portable tanks moved on wheeled trailers that are used for movement of quantities of dangerous goods, such as diesel or kerosene. They are often transported by vans, 4x4 vehicles or tractors.聽

Diesel and Petrol fall under Class 3: Flammable Liquids of the Carriage of Dangerous Goods Manual.聽

Bowsers used must be:

  • Manufactured after 10 May 2004
  • Double skinned
  • 110% bunded as an IBC (Intermediate Bulk Containers)
  • Designed for mechanical handling
  • Safe and roadworthy

More guidance on Intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) from the Department for Transport can be found at:

Moving fuel bowsers

If you are using agricultural tractors to move fuel bowsers, the following conditions apply to ensure the combination is exempt from ADR (dangerous goods) regulations:

  • Both the tractor and bowser must be roadworthy
  • They must be limited to a maximum speed of 25 mph
  • The loaded weight of the bowser must not exceed 18.29 tonnes

If moving fuel in bowsers with a road vehicle such as a 4x4 and are exceeding speeds of 25mph, ADR regulations apply. This includes:聽

  • Basic dangerous goods training
  • Limited to a capacity of 1000 litres
  • A fire extinguisher must be carried in the car / driving cab and labelled accordingly
  • Compliant with all of the requirements set out above.

More guidance from the Health and Safety Executive on ADR and Dangerous Goods regulations can be found at:

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