Guidance note
Temporary fuel storage at events
This Guidance note provides advice to employers and site occupiers about safely storing fuel at events.
May 2012
Background
Temporary fuel storage facilities are used for the duration of
an event and removed at the completion of the activities.
They should be erected and maintained with the same level
of safety as permanent structures.
• no eating, drinking or smoking is permitted within the
compound
• forklifts are verified as safe before they enter the compound
• personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and used
by all workers involved with the storage and handling of
dangerous goods. PPE must be maintained in good condition
• tanks and plant within the compound are manufactured,
installed, commissioned, operated, tested, maintained,
repaired and decommissioned to minimise risk
• tanks and containers are protected from impact from
vehicles
• absorbent materials and instructions for their use must
be provided within 15m of the storage compound. If needed,
provide facilities (eg oversized drums) that deal with leaks.
Control measures
Emergency management
Before an event starts, the risks associated with the event
must be identified and control measures put in place. The
following steps provide advice on how to manage the temporary
storage and handling of fuel.
Emergency procedures should be developed and implemented
to the satisfaction of the relevant fire authority. For further
information, see AS 3745 – 2012: Planning for emergencies
in facilities and the Code of Practice for the Storage and
handling of dangerous goods.
Bulk fuel is temporarily stored and transferred at events
such as motor races, powerboat shows, air shows, exhibitions
and cultural events. Refuelling cars, bikes, boats and aircraft
is a specialised activity that presents a number of risks.
Fuel vapour readily mixes with air, creating an explosive
atmosphere. Failure to control ignition sources can result in
a fire or explosion, putting workers and patrons at risk of
death or serious injury. The spread of fire could also damage
property and infrastructure.
General safety
The occupier of the site is responsible for the safe operation
of the temporary fuel storage. The occupier must ensure
event organisers, contractors, competitors, workers, volunteers
and associations are aware of, and have been trained in, the
specific duties in relation to the tasks performed.
When temporarily storing fuel, ensure:
• all fuel is stored in a designated area (compound) at least
10 metres from any pit garages, onsite buildings, adjoining
properties or groups of people
• access to and egress from the compound is kept clear at
all times
• an area of at least three metres radius, above and around
the compound, is kept clear of vegetation and any
combustible materials not associated with dispensing fuel
• only materials associated with storing dangerous goods
or dispensing fuels are located within the compound
• only compatible dangerous goods are stored within the
same compound
• there are two gates on the compound that open outwards
• no sources of ignition are permitted within six metres of
any flammable liquids
GUI0159/01/05.12
The emergency plan should be tailored to the risks associated
with the event and include:
• how to identify an emergency
• what to do during an emergency
• communication methods and procedures to use during
an emergency
• a warden structure stating who is responsible for
initiating, coordinating and implementing emergency
procedures.
Before the event starts, a system should be in place for how
incidents (eg fatalities, injuries, fires, explosions or near misses)
are notified to the relevant authorities, including WorkSafe.
Security
The security of the storage compound should include:
• a minimum 1.8m-high security fence complying with AS
1725 – 2003: Chain-link fabric security fences
• trained workers within the compound when the venue is
open to the public
• procedures to ensure only authorised workers are
permitted in the compound
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Guidance Note Temporary fuel storage at events
• fitted locks for when the compound is unattended
• supervision of visitors to the fuel compound.
Safety and emergency signage
The safety signage should be clearly visible, in a noticeable
location, separate from other signage and maintained in
good condition. Ensure there are:
• HAZCHEM and composite warning placards
• (if flammable liquids are stored) signs warning
‘FLAMMABLE LIQUIDS – NO SMOKING – NO FLAME’
• placarding on bulk tanks and packaged stores
• signs indicating ‘NO SOURCES OF IGNITION WITHIN 6
METRES’
• signs indicating the type of PPE that should be worn
• evacuation diagrams as discussed in AS 3745.
Training
All workers associated with the storage and handling of
dangerous goods should be trained in:
• safe handling of dangerous goods
• risks associated with dangerous goods
• safe use of fire fighting equipment
• correct use of PPE
• procedures for notifying emergency services in the event
of an incident
• evacuation procedures as outlined in AS 3745.
Preventing fuel spillage
To prevent spillage of flammable liquids, ensure:
• there is a spill containment area at least the volume of
the largest compartment on the tanker
• above-ground tanks have a spill containment capacity to
store at least the amount of the largest tank
• construction of the tanks comply with AS1940 – 2004:
The storage and handling of flammable and combustible
liquids (eg not made of a combustible product and able
to hold the liquid and not leak).
Dispensing fuel
Fuel should not be dispensed from a road tanker unless:
• the road tanker has a system for dispensing fuel (eg a
bowser with cut-off facilities)
• fuel is filled into a package approved by the competent
authority
• static electricity is minimised during fuel transfer
• a suitably competent person is present during the transfer.
Fire protection
To increase fire protection if a road tanker or above-ground
storage tank is used, ensure:
• a trained attendant is present
• there is one foam-equipped hose reel that complies with
AS 1221 – 1991: Fire hose reels and AS 2441 – 2005:
Installation of fire hose reels or a 40kg wheeled foam
extinguisher
• there are two powder-type fire extinguishers, with ratings
of at least 2A80B(E), that comply with AS1851 – 2005:
Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.
It is recommended the relevant fire authority is at the venue
during the event.
If a fire-fighting vehicle with alcohol-type foam concentrate
and a minimum 2000-litre water tank is at the event, the
foam requirements listed above are not needed. The vehicle
and crew must remain on site for the duration of the event.
If a packaged flammable liquid storage area less than 2000
litres is used, ensure a trained attendant is present and
there are two powder-type fire extinguishers with rating of
at least 2A80B(E), that comply with AS1851 – 2005:
Maintenance of fire protection systems and equipment.
Reports and registers
The site occupier must:
• complete hazard identification and risk assessments, and
implement appropriate risk controls
• store a manifest, where required, on the premises and
ensure it is readily accessible to the emergency services
authority. Notify the relevant authority if dangerous goods
are stored and handled in quantities that exceed manifest
quantity
• ensure current material safety data sheets are readily
accessible to emergency services and workers (including
contractors and volunteers)
• keep and maintain a register of dangerous goods stored
and handled
• (in an emergency) ensure immediate action is taken to
assess and control any risk associated with the emergency.
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Guidance Note Temporary fuel storage at events
Note: This guidance material has been prepared using the best information
available to the Victorian WorkCover Authority and should be used for general
use only. Any information about legislative obligations or responsibilities
included in this material is only applicable to the circumstances described in
the material. You should always check the legislation referred to in this material
and make your own judgement about what action you may need to take to
ensure you have complied with the law. Accordingly, the Victorian WorkCover
Authority cannot be held responsible and extends no warranties as to the
suitability of the information for your specific circumstances; or actions taken
by third parties as a result of information contained in the guidance material.
WorkSafe Victoria is a trading name of the Victorian WorkCover Authority.
Copyright WorkSafe Victoria 2012
Further information
Contact the WorkSafe Victoria Advisory Service on
1800 136 089 or go to worksafe.vic.gov.au
Australian Code for the Transport of dangerous goods by
road and rail.
Australian Standards
AS 1725.1-2010: Chain link fabric fencing - Security
fences and gates - General requirements
AS 1851-2012: Routine service of fire protection
systems and equipment
AS 1940 – 2004: The storage and handling of
flammable and combustible liquids
AS 2809.1 – 2008: Road tank vehicles for dangerous
goods Part 1: General requirements for all road tank
vehicles
AS 2809.2 –2008: Road tank vehicles for dangerous
goods Part 2: Road tank vehicles for flammable liquids
AS/NZS 2906:2001: Fuel containers - Portable-plastic
and metal
AS 3745-2010: Planning for emergencies in facilities
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