What are the dangers of diesel?
In brief
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. Call 07950 582635 or send an enquiry.
Fire and explosion risk of diesel
Diesel has a flash point above 55°C. Keep it away from flames, sparks, welding and hot surfaces, and store it in ventilated, bunded areas.
Diesel and the environment
Fuel is toxic to aquatic life and spreads across water. Stop the source if it is safe, keep it out of drains with absorbents or a drain cover, and report anything that could reach a drain or watercourse: Environment Agency or SEPA on 0800 80 70 60, Natural Resources Wales on 0300 065 3000. Used absorbents are hazardous waste.
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
We collect waste diesel 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
- 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 |
| 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 rules apply to waste diesel?
- Does City Fuel Services buy waste diesel?
- How many litres of diesel are in a tonne?
- What is the flash point of diesel?
- What is the density of diesel?
- What is the boiling range of diesel?
- How many carbon atoms are in diesel?
- What happens if water gets into diesel?
Official guidance: GOV.UK: hazardous waste.