The Ultimate Guide to Australian Diesel and Chemical Storage Regulations: Stay Compliant with The Tank Factory
Ensuring the safe storage of diesel and chemicals is crucial for Australian farmers and businesses across various industries. Compliance with national and state regulations not only safeguards the environment and public health but also protects organisations from legal liabilities. This guide provides a Birdseye overview of the legal requirements for storing diesel and chemicals in Australia today and how this can be easily and economically managed using The Tank Factory’s SmartBund™ range of extra heavy-duty tanks.
National Regulations
AS1940:2017 – The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids
AS1940:2017 is the primary Australian Standard governing the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids, including diesel. It outlines requirements for design, construction, and maintenance of storage facilities to ensure safety and environmental protection. Key provisions include:
• Design and Construction: Tanks must be constructed from materials suitable for the stored liquid, ensuring structural integrity and compatibility.
• Ventilation: Adequate ventilation is required to prevent the accumulation of flammable vapours.
• Spill Containment: Facilities must have measures in place to contain spills, such as bunding with a capacity of at least 110% of the largest tank.
• Separation Distances: Minimum separation distances between storage tanks and property boundaries or protected places are specified to reduce risk in case of incidents.
• Ignition Source Control: Measures must be implemented to prevent ignition sources near storage areas.
Compliance with AS1940:2017 is mandatory across all Australian states and territories.
Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations
Under the WHS framework, hazardous chemicals, including flammable and combustible liquids, must be managed to minimise health and safety risks. Requirements include:
• Risk Management: Identifying hazards, assessing risks, and implementing control measures.
• Emergency Planning: Developing and maintaining emergency plans for potential incidents involving hazardous chemicals.
• Training: Ensuring workers are trained in safe handling and emergency procedures related to hazardous chemicals.
These regulations are enforced by Safe Work Australia and corresponding state agencies.
State and Territory Regulations
While national standards provide a framework, each state and territory may have additional requirements or guidelines.
Queensland
In Queensland, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 incorporates AS1940:2017 and mandates compliance for the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. The state also provides specific guidelines for managing hazardous chemicals on farms, emphasising the importance of proper storage solutions to prevent environmental contamination and ensure safety.
Western Australia
Western Australia’s Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety offers guidance on the safe storage and handling of dangerous goods on farms. This includes adherence to AS1940:2017 and AS2507, which pertains to the storage and handling of agricultural and veterinary chemicals. Farmers are advised to implement appropriate storage solutions to mitigate risks associated with hazardous substances.
Victoria
Victoria’s Dangerous Goods (Storage and Handling) Regulations 2012 require businesses to manage risks associated with dangerous goods, including flammable and combustible liquids. Compliance with AS1940:2017 is essential, and additional state-specific requirements may apply, particularly concerning licensing and notification for large quantities of hazardous chemicals.
Industry-Specific Considerations
Different industries may face unique challenges and requirements for the safe storage of diesel and chemicals.
Agriculture
Farmers often store diesel for machinery and chemicals for crop management. It’s crucial to ensure that storage tanks are appropriately designed and located to prevent contamination of soil and water sources. Regular inspections and maintenance are essential to detect and address potential issues promptly.
Mining
The mining industry requires large volumes of diesel and chemicals, necessitating robust storage solutions that can withstand harsh environmental conditions. Compliance with AS1940:2017 and additional industry-specific guidelines is vital to ensure safety and environmental protection.
Healthcare
Hospitals and commercial laundries use various chemicals that must be stored safely to prevent exposure and contamination. Implementing compliant storage solutions and ensuring staff are trained in handling hazardous substances are key components of maintaining a safe healthcare environment.
The Water Tank Factory: Your Compliance Partner
Improper storage of diesel and chemicals can lead to environmental contamination, health hazards, and significant financial liabilities. Ensuring that these substances are stored in compliant and robust tanks mitigates risks associated with leaks, spills, and accidents. The Tank Factory’s storage tanks are designed to meet and exceed Australian standards, providing customers with peace of mind regarding compliance and safety. Features such as integrated bunding in the SmartBund™ range and the use of high-quality materials ensure that the tanks are robust, durable, and fit for purpose.
Benefits of Our Storage Solutions
• Compliance: Our tanks are designed to meet or exceed AS1940:2017 standards, ensuring adherence to legal requirements.
• Durability: Constructed from high-quality materials, our tanks are built to withstand Australia’s diverse environmental conditions.
• Safety Features: Features such as integrated bunding, spill containment, and ventilation are incorporated to enhance safety.
• Customisation: We offer a variety of tank sizes and configurations to suit different industry needs and site specifications.
Our Product Range
SmartBund™ Diesel & Chemical Storage Tanks
The SmartBund™ range features an extra heavy-duty inner tank encased within an integrated outer bund. This design eliminates the need for external concrete bunds, reducing installation costs and space requirements. The outer tank has 110% of the capacity of the inner tank, ensuring containment in the unlikely event of a leak. Capacities range from 700 to 20,000 litres, accommodating diverse storage needs.
Single-Skin Diesel, AdBlue™ & Chemical Storage Tanks
For applications where bunding is managed separately, The Tank Factory offers single-skin tanks. These tanks are engineered to store diesel, AdBlue™, and a wide array of chemicals. They are available in capacities ranging from 1,000 to 20,000 litres, providing flexibility for various operational requirements.
Industries We Serve
Our storage solutions are trusted by a diverse range of industries, including:
• Water Treatment Plants: Ensuring the safe storage of treatment chemicals to maintain water quality standards.
• Chemical Factories: Storing raw materials and finished products securely to prevent contamination and accidents.
• Council Depots: Managing fuels and chemicals used in municipal services and maintenance.
• Mining Applications: Providing robust storage solutions capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions.
• Commercial Laundries and Hospitals: Safely storing large volumes of detergents, disinfectants, and other cleaning agents.
• Fuel Depots: Offering secure storage for bulk fuel supplies, ensuring compliance with safety regulations.
• Farms and Rural Properties: Facilitating the storage of diesel and chemicals essential for agricultural operations.
• Bus and Truck Depots: Providing on-site fuel storage to streamline fleet operations.
• Civil Contractors’ Yards: Managing storage of various chemicals and fuels used in construction and infrastructure projects.
Conclusion
Proper storage of diesel and chemicals is a critical aspect of operational safety and environmental stewardship in Australia. The Tank Factory’s extensive range of storage solutions caters to various industries, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and promoting best practices in hazardous substance management. By investing in high-quality storage tanks from The Tank Factory, businesses and farmers can safeguard their operations, protect the environment, and adhere to Australia’s stringent safety standards.