Storing Fuel Correctly

Most farmers have some sort of fuel stored on their farm, whether it be for filling up the tractor or topping up the farm ute. Petrol and diesel are highly flammable substances that can catch on fire if they are exposed to static or another ignition source. Fuel also gives off a vapour which can travel far from its source. With plenty of different people coming onto farms, including fuel delivery drivers, it is essential fuel is stored correctly to avoid serious injury, illness or death.

OBJECTIVE

Learn how to store fuel safely on your farm

BEST PRACTICE 

  • If you store more than 250 litres of petrol or 1,000 litres of diesel, you must display warning signs on your property that are readable from 10 metres away
  • If you store any amount of fuel on your property, it is mandatory that you have safety data sheets on hand for each fuel type stored
  • If you store more than 1,000 litres of any fuel type in tanks, you must have an emergency response plan in place
  • If you store over 50 litres of petrol or 500 litres of diesel, you must have the correct number and types of fuel extinguishers located within 30 metres of the fuel, or on a vehicle towing a mobile tank
  • Trailer tanks carrying more than 450 litres of diesel must display class placards, emergency information panels, the proper shipping name and environmentally-hazardous substance information
  • If you have a tank of 2,000 litres or more in capacity, you must have secondary containment on hand that is able to hold 110% of the fuel tank’s capacity, or the largest fuel tank’s capacity if you store more than one tank together
  • It is recommended that your tank has a minimum three-metre clear zone from any rubbish, trip hazards and any other obstructions
  • For any above-ground fuel tanks, the fill point must not exceed the height of three metres from the ground
  • It is recommended that all fuel tanks are kept in good condition, for example have no bent or damaged legs and are free of bubbling rust