What are the dangers of avgas?

In brief

Avgas is highly flammable with a flash point far below normal temperatures, harmful if swallowed and it enters the airways, and toxic to aquatic life. The lead compound in 100LL is toxic and may damage fertility. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.

Fire and explosion risk of avgas

Avgas has a flash point about −40°C. Keep it away from flames, sparks, welding and hot surfaces, and store it in ventilated, bunded areas.

Avgas and the environment

Fuel is toxic to aquatic life and spreads across water. Remove ignition sources, keep people away, protect drains and report anything that could reach water: Environment Agency or SEPA on 0800 80 70 60, Natural Resources Wales on 0300 065 3000.

Avgas in practice

Jet fuel in a piston aircraft is a serious safety hazard, so any avgas that might contain jet fuel is quarantined and removed rather than used.

How City Fuel Services handles waste avgas

We collect waste avgas from cans and drums up to bulk tanks, across England, Wales and mainland Scotland, from our licensed site in Droylsden, Manchester. Terms, a rebate or a charge, are agreed before collection.

Terms used in this answer

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.
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.

Key facts
Density at 15°C	Typically about 690–720 kg/m³
Flash point	About −40°C
Colour	Blue (100LL)
Lead	Tetraethyl lead in 100LL
Ethanol	None
Fuel	Avgas
Also called	aviation gasoline, aviation spirit, Avgas 100LL
Waste code	13 07 02* (petrol)
Transport	UN1203, class 3, packing group II
Standard	ASTM D910 and DEF STAN 91-090 (Avgas 100LL); ASTM D7547 (UL91)