Guide For Separation Distance Regulations For Fuel Storage Tanks

Guide For Separation Distance Regulations For Fuel Storage Tanks
  • Tank Placement Guide | Tank standard reference
  • Tank capacity regulations
  • Guide For Separation Distances From Storage Tanks To Buildings
  • Distances To Boundary Fences
  • Further Info On Storage Tanks
  • Definitions Of Various Common Liquids Stored In Tanks

Tank Placement Guide | Tank standard reference

The following Australian standards are used to regulate manufacturing and installation of fuel storage tanks.
AS 1692-2006 Tank design and construction detail requirements for manufacturing of steel horizontal, rectangular and vertical tanks used to store flammable and combustible liquids.
AS 1940-2017 Tank placement and guidelines for storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. Self-bunded tanks design requirements, size restriction and separation distances etc.
AS 1657-2018 Ladder + Platform regulations
AS/NZS 60079.10.1.2009 Hazardous | explosive zoning distance regulations for electrical wiring and dispensing equipment.
AS/NZS 1554.1.2014 Structure steel welding – steel structures.AS 1216 and AS 1319 - Signs and placards for tanks and pipework
Tank_Placement_Guide_Tank_standard_reference.jpg

Minor Storage Exemption

Minor storage allows exemption from other sections of AS 1940:2017 if liquids stored are under quantities noted except as required by this section. AS 1940-2017 2.1

Commercial buildings like factories, workshops warehouses and hospitals allows for 5,000 litres of diesel to be stored in a tank at least 1 Metre separation from the building. AS 1940-2017 Table 2.1

Construction sites can store 2,500 litres of petrol or 10,000 litres of diesel in steel self-bunded tanks. AS 1940-2017 Table 2.1

Open land having area greater than 2 hectare and used for agriculture use or a golf course or park allows for liquids to be kept at least 1 Mtr away from any boundary, workshop, dwelling or body of water AS 1940-2017 2.2.5.1(c) but recommendation is to follow the below as a guide.

Minor_storage_exemption.jpg

Guide For Separation Distances From Storage Tanks To Buildings

AS 1940-2017 Table 5.4
2,500 litres diesel – no separation required to building
10,000 litres diesel – 3 Mtr separation to buildings
20,000 litres diesel – 4 Mtr separation to buildings
40,000 litres diesel – 5 Mtr separation to buildings
70,000 litres diesel – 6 Mtr separation to buildings
100,000 litres diesel – 7 Mtr separation to buildings

Separation distances for flammable liquid storage tanks.

AS 1940-2017 Table 5.4
1,000 litres petrol - 3 Mtr separation to buildings
2,000 litres petrol - 4 Mtr separation to buildings
4,000 litres petrol - 5 Mtr separation to buildings
10,000 litres petrol - 7 Mtr separation to buildings
20,000 litres petrol - 9 Mtr separation to buildings
55,000 litres petrol - 14 Mtr separation to buildings

Guide_For_Separation_Distances_From_Storage_Tanks_To_Buildings.jpg

Distances To Boundary Fences

For diesel the width of tank or diameter which ever are greater dimension or at least 3 Metres to boundary fences. AS 1940-2017 Table 5.3

For flammable liquids at least 6 Metres but further distance may be required – As a guide refer to separation distances to buildings for petrol above 7,000 Litres capacity. AS 1940-2017 Table 5.3 and Table 5.4

Poly diesel tanks can be used up to maximum capacity of 10,000 Litres but must have minimum separation distance from buildings or boundary fences of 15 Mtrs. AS 1940-2017 2.2.5.2 (a & e )

Distances_To_Boundary_Fences.jpg

Further Info On Storage Tanks

Separation distance between horizontal tanks when installed together is a minimum of 600mm between such tanks but increases to at least 1 Meter for vertical tanks. AS 1940-2017 5.7.5 and 5.7.6

Tanks for combustible liquids can be stored inside buildings up to a maximum size of 1000 Litres. See further criteria to be met AS 1940-2017 5.6.3.1

Polyethylene diesel storage tanks must not be used on construction sites. AS 1940-2017 2.2.6

A minimum 3 Metre separation is required from a flammable self-bunded tank to any ignition source including the vehicle being refilled. AS 1940-2017 5.9.2 ( g )

Further regulations governing pumping equipment, dispensing points and ignition sources to storage tanks needs to be followed and can be found in AS 1940:2017

aboutus_3.jpg

Definitions Of Various Common Liquids Stored In Tanks

Diesel is a C1 combustible liquid.

Kerosene or JetA-1 as commonly used for Aircraft is a flammable liquid class 3 and comes under the Hazchem code regulations.

Petrol or (Gasoline - USA terminology) is a flammable liquid class 3.

Many varieties of petrol are available such as ULP, PULP and high octane fuels such as Avgas used in aeroplanes or race cars.

These are all flammable class 3 liquids

IMPORTANT NOTICE

Please note – all above for reference only and you must consult with your local authorities and fuel supplier for correct site-specific requirements.

All information is given as a guide only and full responsibility and interpretation of applicable standards rests solely with the owner of the tanks or property.

Ensure full consultation is done with local building regulations and your insurance provider.

Reference must be made to any updates to applicable standards at any time.

Equipco do not accept any liability or responsibility arising in any way from omissions or errors contained. E&OE.

Acknowledgements - all information is taken from AS 1940-2017 regarding tank sizes and separation distance requirements.

 



Related Products