Unleaded petrol is a class 3 flammable liquid but if you’re carrying small quantities to fuel a genie or top up the petrol-powered fourbie you don’t need a special licence. It must be loaded, secured, segregated, transported and unloaded safely though. To help you achieve this any portable container storing unleaded fuel must be considered fit for transferring dangerous goods, unaltered and in good condition, which is where the humble AS/NZS-approved jerry fits in.

The Importance of the AS/NZS 2906:2001 Standard

Jerry cans must withstand a lot. Thankfully, AS / NZS 2906:2001 Fuel Containers – Portable – Plastic and Metal really puts them through their paces. It is recognised in Australian legislation governing the safe storage and transport of fuel and is the only one covering the manufacture of plastic fuel jerries. Jerry cans meeting this standard are labelled by fuel type and include vital hazard and safety advice recognised globally.

How Jerry Cans Are Tested for Safety and Durability

To meet the standard, manufacturers subject samples to a testing regime, assessing their strength and handle integrity, ensuring they seal safely without tools, that they’re leak-proof under pressure or upside down, meet gasket design specifications, can withstand a fall and maintain their integrity for a certain period when exposed to flames. The standard also stipulates things like outlet dimensions and breather location for easier pouring.

Why Are Unleaded Petrol Jerry Cans Red?

Although AS / NZS 2906:2001 compliant jerry cans are designated by fuel types, some manufacturers also adopt colour-coded systems like the one created by the Australasian Fire and Emergency Services Authority Council (AFAC) to help you identify the right jerry for your needs. For unleaded petrol jerries, that colour is usually red.

Best Practices for Storing and Transporting Jerry Cans

Travellers must transport unleaded fuel safely, but how that looks for camper trailers isn’t spelt out. You want to prevent fuel vapours from congregating, especially in a passenger-carrying cabin. So think separate and ventilate. Secure your jerry cans, on a tray if possible. A well-ventilated external storage locker away from ignition sources is also ideal. Just keep in mind your vehicle weights.

Rules and Safety Tips for Filling Jerry Cans at the Servo

Generally speaking, travellers carrying unleaded in portable containers for personal use can store up to 250L. In some states, that figure maybe higher, or may also include diesel as with Queensland. But there is a catch. Service station pumps cannot dispense unleaded into portable containers greater than 25L, which is different for diesel. Static electricity is the risk here, which is why we fuel jerry cans earthed on the ground. Holding the jerry can will reduce the risk further. There are limits to what you can store at home depending, too, on where you store it and what you store it with. For unleaded, in a garage attached to your house, that’s 25L. But that’s plenty for a long and cosy camp off-grid.