Australian Standard 1940 (Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids) is the primary standard for service stations, bulk fuel facilities, and many other sites where flammable and combustible liquids are used.

AS1940 was formally updated on 1st August 2017, and some of the important amendments from AS1940-2004 version are noted below.

Please be aware, that AS1940-2017 applies to both new and existing sites, meaning that some sites designed under earlier versions of AS1940 may require upgrades to achieve compliance.  If you suspect your site falls into this category, don’t hesitate to contact Atomic DG to discuss further!

Fire Protection in Package Stores

1. Fire protection requirements for package stores of flammable and combustible liquids (including IBCs stored as packages) have been increased.
2. One of the main changes is the need for a fire hydrant with 10L/s water supply.

Self Bunded Tanks

The maximum capacity of self bunded tanks has been increased to 200,000L for combustible liquids on mine sites.  This may result in more economical storage of diesel fuel on mines.

Tank Bunds

1. Previously, a spill containment bund needed to be at least 100% of the largest tank; this has been increased to 110%.
2. The use of buried polyethylene liners in earthen bunds is now explicitly allowed, which may be a cost saver for remote sites.
3. Greater detail is provided for control joints and penetrations in concrete bunds; joint fillers must be fire resistant and have metal waterstops.

Liquid Levels in Tanks

1. AS1940 now limits a tank’s Safe Fill Level to be no greater than 95% of the tank capacity.
2. For above ground flammable liquid tanks over 5000L (25,000L for combustible liquid), a high level alarm is now required. In some cases, an independent high-high alarm is also required.

Plastic Tanks for Minor Storage

Polyethylene and other composite materials can now be used to store combustible liquids in minor storage quantities (except on construction sites).

GHS Alignment

1. The classification of chemicals using Globally Harmonised System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) has been incorporated into AS1940.
2. Importantly, a comparison of the classification of flammable liquids using the Australian Dangerous Goods Code and GHS is provided.
3. Also, the upper flashpoint for C1 combustible Liquid is 93C (instead of 150C), thereby reducing the fire protection and separation distance requirements for some liquids.

For Western Australian sites, the DG Regulations still prevent the use of AS1940-2017 Section 11.2, which allows remote sites to reduce their fire protection requirements “if a destructive fire will not endanger property or the environment”.