Co-operation with partners and regulators will improve safety in SA’s fuels industry, says Liesl Esau, HSE&C Senior Manager at bp Southern Africa (bpSA), a Silver Sponsor of the Fuel Industry Imbizo 2026 taking place from 10-11 June at the Sandton Convention Centre.
South Africa has world-class safety and environmental legislation, but workable solutions are needed to apply it to complex businesses such as fuel import, transport and supply. Moving fuel from port to pump, whether by pipeline or truck, requires the greatest attention to safety and the environment.
Accidents involving the transport and handling of petrol and diesel can cause fatalities and costly property damage. The product, the equipment, the processing and the people handling it must all follow very strict procedures and aim to exceed minimum regulatory requirements.
Partnering to improve understanding and practice
The main acts in South Africa that govern safety standards for handling fuel are the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its Regulations, overseen by the Department of Employment and Labour; and the National Environmental Management Act, overseen by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment. All this legislation covers safety, health, the environment and sustainability. There are also relevant industry standards.
For fuel retailers and franchisees, complying with regulations entails selecting partners with the right mindset and preparing them to operate the fuel stations with an adequate understanding of the potential risks and the correct way to manage them. Training and information-sharing ensure compliance and encourage franchisees to learn how to apply regulations to a fuel station and to seek assistance and share any concerns.
Greater enforcement will improve safety
“We at bpSA invest significant resources to ensure that our stakeholders – whether contractors, franchisees, or staff – comply with all safety regulations. While South Africa can be proud of its world-class legislation on safety and the environment, more robust and uniform enforcement would help to raise compliance across the industry,” Liesl Esau concludes.
bpSA is a Silver Sponsor of the Fuel Industry Imbizo 2026, taking place from 10-11 June at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. To register, click here.
