Fuel storage at public events

Types of events where fuel is stored

Fuel storage is a key part of many events involving vehicles. This includes motorsports and boating events. Fuel may also be stored at events for the operation of powered plant.

Fuel storage compounds

During events, temporary dangerous goods stores, such as fuel compounds, may be used. A fuel storage compound is a dedicated area for storing fuel. It is isolated from public areas of the event site.

If you are the occupier of a fuel storage compound you are responsible for its safe operation.

Under the Dangerous Goods Act 1985, an occupier includes a person who:

• is the owner of the premises
• exercises control at the premises under a mortgage, lease or franchise, or
• is normally or occasionally in charge of the premises or exercises control or supervision at the premises as a manager or employee or in any other capacity

At events, occupiers can include:

• persons responsible for event management
• venue management
• racing team operators
• vendors
• suppliers of dangerous goods

Fuel storage compounds are hazardous areas

A hazardous area is an area where there is an explosive atmosphere present or likely to be present. Hazardous areas are classified into zones by AS/NZS IEC 60079.10.1:2022 Explosive atmospheres, Part 10.1: Classification of areas — Explosive gas atmospheres. A fuel storage compound is likely to be classified as Zone 1 or Zone 2:

• Zone 1 is an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur occasionally in normal operation.
• Zone 2 is an area in which an explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation, but if it does occur, will exist for a short period only.

As an occupier or event organiser, you should refer to AS/NZS IEC 60079.10.1:2022 to determine if any fuel storage compounds are classified as a hazardous area.

As an occupier you must ensure there are no ignition sources in a hazardous area. Any hazardous areas should be:

• clearly marked
• fenced from public access, and
• display safety and warning signs such as 'No ignition sources'

Construction of fuel storage compounds

Maintaining safety at fuel storage compounds

To maintain a safe fuel compound, occupiers need to ensure:

• ignition sources, such as sparks, open flames and electrical equipment are kept 6 metres away from the flammable liquids
• any combustible materials or incompatible dangerous goods are not stored within the compound
• spill kits and their instructions for use are located within 15 meters of the compound and of any dispensing activities
• clear access and egress to the compound is maintained at all times
• unauthorised persons, including children, do not enter the compound
• eating, drinking, and smoking does not occur in the compound
• all vegetation and combustible materials within 3 metres of the compound are cleared.

No decanting or dispensing activities should occur in the compound. Enforcing a restriction on dispensing and decanting will help ensure the compound is a Zone 2 hazardous area, rather than Zone 1.

Where liquid quantities in a compound exceed 2000L a safety shower or equivalent needs to be available for use in an emergency.

Package fuel stores over minor quantities need to be provided with fire protection as outlined in Table 11.3 of AS 1940:2017 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. The firefighting equipment needs to be readily accessible and of the appropriate type and capacity for the package store. The fire protection system and equipment needs to be maintained in accordance with AS 1851-2012: Routine service of fire protections systems and equipment.

Bund capacity of fuel storage compounds

The bund capacity of a fuel storage compound up to 10 000 L needs to be at least 100% of the volume of the largest package plus 25% of the storage capacity (10 000 L).

The calculation for working out the correct bunding capacity is:

(Drum container size) 205 L + (25% x 10 000) = 2 705 L bund capacity.

A further 10% is also recommended for freeboard for rain and firefighting water.

Placards and safety signs at fuel storage compounds

Placards and safety signage need to be in place at fuel and gas compounds. The placarding and safety signs needed will depend on the dangerous goods being stored.

Examples of typical signage and placarding locations for dangerous goods storage compounds

Sign classification	Sign type	Location
Outer warning placards	HAZCHEM	At every entrance for road and vehicles to the premises.
Placard	Class placard (pictogram)	Fencing outside gas storage compound.
Fire protection and warning signs	FLAMMABLE GASES NO SMOKING PPE REQUIRED	Fencing outside the gas storage compound.
Security signs	AUTHORISED PERSONNEL ONLY	Fencing outside the gas storage compound.

Wrappings

Drums need to be wrapped in anti-static wrap. The antistatic wrapping should comply with the recognised international standards for electrostatic discharge protected areas:

• ANSI/ESD S20.20:2021 Protection of Electrical and Electronic Parts, Assemblies and Equipment (Excluding Electrically Initiated Explosive Devices) and
• BS EN 61340-5-1:2007 Electrostatics - Protection of electronic devices from electrostatic phenomena. General requirements.

Racking with bunding

Any pallet racking used should be designed specifically for the size, shape and weight of the products being stored. The pallet racking needs to comply with AS AS4084: 2012 Steel storage racking and be installed by a suitably competent person and inspected for damage.

The preferred stacking method for package fuel is on bunded pallet racking. Using bunded pallet racking allows for ease of access for forklifts and prevents spills from dripping down onto other pallets. The bunding needs to be compatible with the liquid being stored.

Stacking of packages

Occupiers need to ensure drums are safely stacked. This includes ensuring:

• the condition of the drums and wrappings is checked daily
• drum stacks are shoulder height or below to avoid reaching above head
• packages on pallets (drums) are not stacked more than three high, unless purpose built racking or suitable restraint is provided
• when stacking packages, the load bearing ability of the bottom package is not exceeded
• packages are stacked to prevent falling or spillage outside the compound
• Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are not stacked more than two high, unless purpose-built racking is provided
• empty or partially empty packages remain closed and are treated as full unless they have been decontaminated, triple rinsed and certified as gas-free (vapour free)

Using plant in fuel storage compounds

Plant, such are forklifts and trolley jacks, are often used in fuel storage compounds. Occupiers need to ensure that any plant used in fuel storage compounds is fit for purpose. Consider using plant that is:

• intrinsically safe, or
• flameproof

Any plant used in a fuel storage compound must be regularly inspected and maintained. This helps ensure the risks associated with use in the fuel compound are controlled.

A pre-start inspection should occur:

• at the start of each shift
• before first daily use, or
• when there is a change of operator

AS 1940:2017 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids provides further information about using forklifts in hazardous areas.

More information on plant safety available in:

Electrical equipment in fuel storage compounds

Electrical equipment such as pumps, lighting and mobile phones may be required for use in fuel compounds. If a hazardous area is present, electrical equipment can cause ignition of a flammable atmosphere, leading to fire and serious injury. Occupiers must ensure ignition sources, such as electrical equipment, are not present in any hazardous area within the premises, so far as reasonably practicable. More information about using electrical equipment in fuel compounds is available in:

• AS/NZS 60079.14 Explosive atmospheres, Part 14: Design selection, erection and initial inspection.
• AS 1915-1992 Electrical equipment for explosive atmospheres – Battery-operated vehicles.

Bulk storage in temporary tanks

Bulk storage (over 500 L container) in temporary portable tanks may be utilised in conjunction with dispensing.

Only flammable materials should be stored in the fuel compound. Other dangerous goods in particular oxidising or flammable gases need to be:

• stored separately
• segregated by at least 3 metres from the compound for closed packaging
• separately bunded (liquids)

More information about gas storage is available in:

Bunding for bulk storage

Bulk tanks must be provided with spill containment, unless self-bunded. The bund needs to be:

• able to contain at least 110% of the largest tank, or
• 25% capacity of all tanks whichever is greater

More information about bulk storage and bunding available in:

Fuel handling and dispensing

Any dispensing of fuel should occur in well-ventilated areas only. Fuel bowsers and rigs need to be fitted with emergency stop devices. The emergency stop device must be readily accessible and clearly identified and labelled.

Occupiers must ensure that the fuel handling and dispensing activities are performed safely. Occupiers need to ensure that:

• fuel dispensing equipment is tested and complies with AS/NZS 2229-2004 Fuel dispensing equipment for explosive atmospheres
• the fuel dispensing areas and bowsers have impact protection from vehicles, this could include implementing speed limits and controls on vehicles entering refuelling areas and impact protection for fuel dispensers
• the area surrounding fuel dispensing activities is kept free of combustible materials and residues
• liquids are transferred and moved in a manner that reduces the likelihood of spillage and vapour escape or fire
• PPE is accessible to all persons engaged in dangerous goods storage and handling activities and is in good working order
• first aid equipment is provided and accessible to all persons engaged in dangerous goods storage and handling activities
• fire protection such as extinguishers are available and accessible

Further information about PPE, first aid equipment, safety showers and eyewashes:

Zone 1 hazardous area requirements

Fuel dispensing areas are Zone 1 hazardous areas, and need to be:

• well-ventilated allowing free air movement and dispersal of vapours from refuelling
• kept free of combustible materials and residues

When ventilation is designed the effect of vapour dispersal on nearby structures is to be considered.

Transferring or dispensing fuels

When transferring or dispensing fuels, electrical continuity needs to be provided. Both the hose and nozzle need to be capable of dissipating any static electricity charge generated during filling.

Using absorbent antistatic mats when refuelling or uncoupling hoses is strongly recommended. These mats help catch leaks and drips and dissipate static charges, which can ignite flammable vapours.

Dispensing must only be carried out by suitably trained persons.

Filling of packages with flammable liquids

Filling, mixing, or decanting flammable liquids from one container into another can cause a flammable or explosive atmosphere. This occurs when liquids form flammable vapour when exposed to the air.

When filling, mixing, and decanting flammable liquids, occupiers need to ensure:

• the container's capacity is less than 25 L
• the container is UN approved and complies with Part 6 of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code 7.7
• the container is bonded and earthed
• the container is filled on the ground, not in a car boot or the back of a vehicle
• the area is free of ignition sources and is not the storage area, and
• spills and leaks are cleaned up immediately with an appropriate spill kit and the waste is disposed of safely in accordance with environmental legislation

Drink bottles or plastic oil containers are not designed for the storage of fuel and should not be used.

Do not fill containers in the back of a vehicle or a boot as this can cause static electricity to build up. Static electricity can ignite fuel vapours in the neck of the container.

Handling fuel in pits and paddocks

At motorsport events, the amount of fuel to be stored in pits should be minimised. If refuelling in pits occurs, the pit areas are recommended to store only one 205 L fuel drum or equivalent for use in the pit area at any time.

Pit areas may also store lubricants and other fuels such as C1 combustible and these quantities also need to be reduced so as far as is reasonably practicable.

Pit areas are generally classified as Zone 2 hazardous areas, unless refuelling activities are occurring. Zone 2 is an area where explosive gas atmosphere is not likely to occur in normal operation and, if it occurs, will only exist for a short time. When refuelling activities are occurring the area in the immediate vicinity is classified as Zone 1. Zone 1 is an area where an explosive gas atmosphere is likely to occur in normal operation.

For more information about hazardous areas see, AS/NZS IEC 60079.10.1:2022 Explosive atmospheres, Part 10.1: Classification of areas - Explosive gas atmospheres

Safety equipment for package opening

In areas where packages are opened, safety equipment needs be provided by the occupiers. This includes:

• spill response kits adequate to deal with the largest foreseeable spill capacity (for example 205 L) which contain instructions, as well as the equipment and PPE necessary to clean up a spill
• eyewash bottles
• clean water for hand washing
• at least one portable fire extinguisher of the correct type that is readily accessible to each pit area where fuel is being stored and handled

Empty fuel drums

Empty fuel drums can be a hazard due to increased fuel vapour and should be removed to a safe area for disposal as soon as possible. Empty fuel drums are to remain labelled and need to be reclosed unless they have been triple rinsed and deemed free of dangerous goods.

Empty packages containing any residue of dangerous good must be transported as dangerous goods packages unless they are deemed to be ‘free of dangerous goods'.