Is diesel flammable?
In brief
Yes. Diesel has a flash point above 55°C. It is harder to ignite than petrol at normal temperatures, but it burns fiercely once alight and its vapour can ignite when heated. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
Fire risk from diesel at work
At work, DSEAR requires a risk assessment and controls for flammable substances such as diesel: ventilation, no ignition sources, suitable containers and safe transfer.
Diesel hazards
Typical safety data sheets class diesel as a flammable liquid that is harmful if swallowed and enters the airways, irritating to skin, suspected of causing cancer and toxic to aquatic life with long-lasting effects.
Diesel in practice
Since April 2022 most former red diesel users in Great Britain must use full-duty diesel, so far more off-road machines now hold road diesel than before.
How City Fuel Services handles waste diesel
Send us the five details: business and postcode, roughly how much waste diesel there is, what it is and any contamination, how it is stored and reached, and whether you need one collection or regular ones. We assess it, confirm a rebate or a collection charge, and collect on a consignment note.
Terms used in this answer
- Flash point
- The lowest temperature at which a liquid gives off enough vapour to catch light. Petrol's is around minus 40 °C; diesel's is above 55 °C.
- DSEAR
- The Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations 2002. They require employers to assess and control fire and explosion risks from substances such as petrol.
| Density at 15°C | 820–845 kg/m³ (BS EN 590 limits) |
|---|---|
| Flash point | Above 55°C (BS EN 590 minimum) |
| Distillation | 95% recovered by 360°C |
| Cetane number | At least 51 |
| Sulphur | 10 mg/kg maximum |
| Biodiesel content | Up to 7% FAME (B7) |
| Colour | Clear to pale straw, undyed |
| Fuel | Diesel (DERV) |
| Also called | DERV (diesel engine road vehicle), road diesel, white diesel |
| Waste code | 13 07 01* (fuel oil and diesel) |
| Transport | UN1202, class 3, packing group III |
| Standard | BS EN 590 |
Related questions
- What containers can waste diesel be collected from?
- How do I work out how much diesel I have?
- What does diesel look like?
- How is waste diesel transported?
- What are the dangers of diesel?
- What rules apply to waste diesel?
- Does City Fuel Services buy waste diesel?
- What happens if water gets into diesel?
Official guidance: GOV.UK: hazardous waste.