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Storage of flammable liquids and gases in residential buildings

Without endangering safety, apartments, including any connected balconies, terraces or similar spaces, can be used to store

  • up to a total of 25 litres of flammable liquids and aerosols (Category 1–2), and
  • up to 25 kg of LPG.

Flammable gases other than those mentioned above must not be stored in apartments.
In addition, a separate storage space belonging to a residential building may be used to store

  • up to a total of 50 litres of flammable liquids and aerosols (Category 1–2), and
  • up to 50 kg of LPG.

It is illegal to store LPG and other flammable gases heavier than air in basements, attics or similar premises in buildings. Flammable liquids and gases must not be stored in a common basement or attic space intended for the storage of apartment-specific household items in a building comprising more than one apartment. Alcoholic beverages do not count towards the maximum quantities set out above.

Storage of flammable liquids and gases in a garage

Flammable liquids and gases can be stored in a garage inside a fuel tank permanently fixed to the engine of a vehicle, non-road mobile machinery or a comparable piece of equipment in quantities determined by the volume of the fuel tank. In addition, a garage can be used to store

  • up to 60 litres of Category 1–3 (Category 1–2) flammable liquids or aerosols,
  • up to 200 litres of flammable liquids with a flash point of over 60 °C, and
  • up to 25 kg of LPG.

Do not store flammable gases other than those mentioned above in a garage.

LPG storage in specific cases

LPG-powered vehicles may contain LPG in quantities determined by the volume of the fixed fuel tank. It is illegal to store LPG indoors in vehicles, boats, mobile social premises or similar spaces where people stay overnight. Outside of the premise listed above, no more than 25 kg of LPG may be stored in such vehicles.

Storage of explosives and fireworks in apartments and associated storage units

An apartment can be used to store up to:

  • 2 kg of gunpowder,
  • 20,000 cartridges for firearms (including cartridges and primers used in tools and starter pistols), and
  • 5 kg of fireworks of categories F1, F2 and F3 and pyrotechnic articles of Category P1 in the short term.

Other premises controlled by the owner of the explosives can be used to store up to:

  • 5 kg of gunpowder,
  • 30,000 cartridges for firearms (including cartridges and primers used in tools and starter pistols), and
  • 25 kg of fireworks and pyrotechnical products of categories T1, T2, P1 and P2, as well as 5 kg of pyrotechnical products used in rescue equipment (lighting and signalling equipment, for example).

However, explosives or fireworks cannot be stored in attic premises or in the shared premises of apartments or in apartment-specific storage units intended for storing household items (such as storage cages in the cellar of an apartment building).

Read more:

Government Decree on the Control of the Handling and Storage of Dangerous Chemicals, Storage of flammable liquids and gases (In Finnish)
Government Decree on Control of the Manufacturing, Handling and Storage of Explosives, Storage in an apartment, workspace and other space (in Finnish)