Storage of flammable substances

Having alternative heating sources and a gas or camp stove at home ensures that you can prepare food and keep warm during an emergency. Such equipment often requires flammable substances such as LPG (butane/propane) or kerosene. Here you can read about how to safely store flammable substances.
Published
Malin Husár/N. Älvsborgs Räddningstjänst

If you have flammable substances at home

  • Always store flammable liquids in their original packaging, in a safe place and out of reach of children.
  • Keep the smallest possible amounts of flammable liquids and gases at home.
  • Ensure you have a fire extinguisher and fire blanket at home in case of fire.

Flammable substances in apartment buildings

  • Inside of an apartment, LPG tanks are permitted with a maximum capacity of five litres. You should not have more LPG tanks at home than necessary. One tank in use and one in reserve is considered sufficient for normal household purposes. This also applies to glassed-in balconies. 
  • You may have a maximum of 60 litres of LPG at home. If you require more, you must apply for a permit from the municipality.
  • Inside of an apartment, you should have no more than ten litres of flammable liquid. This also applies to glassed-in balconies. 
  • On an open balcony, you may store larger LPG tanks containing a maximum of 30 litres each. It is also permitted to store max 25 litres of flammable liquids on the balcony. It is a good idea to store the tanks in a ventilated metal cabinet to protect them from the elements. 
  • The permitted flammable liquid limit is 100 degrees for liquids with a low flashpoint (below 30 degrees).
  • You may not store LPG, flammable liquids or individual spray cans in the attic or in basement storerooms.
  • It is forbidden to store LPG tanks in multi-household garages. It is also forbidden to store flammable liquids, but it is permitted to store vehicles with tanks, reserve tanks in the car and spray cans if no unauthorised person has access.
  • You may not store flammable substances in apartment building garages.

Flammable substances in detached homes, terraced houses and vacation homes

  • You may keep a maximum of two LPG tanks of less than 30 litres each inside a detached home, terraced house or vacation home without a permit from the municipality. These should be stored in a well-ventilated area. Keep the area free from materials that easily catch fire, such as fabric, paper and cardboard. 
  • You may have a maximum of 60 litres of LPG at home. If you require more, you must apply for a permit from the municipality.
  • Flammable liquids and spray cans must not be stored in the attic. If you have a well-ventilated basement, flammable liquids, flammable gases and spray cans may be stored there. 
  • You may store a maximum of two tanks of LPG of less than 30 litres in a storage area, separate from the dwelling, which is ventilated and has a fire rating of EI 30, which means that the structure is fireproof and insulating for at least 30 minutes.
  • You can keep a maximum of two LPG tanks of less than 30 litres each (without a permit), flammable liquids, spray cans and ten litres of other flammable gases, e.g., max five litres of acetylene, in a garage that is well-ventilated and separate from the dwelling per fire regulations.
  • If you store flammable substances in your garage, they must be protected against collision.