FUEL STORAGE AND TRANSPORT 

This guide/initiative is to support good advice and safe practices in the current global fuel shortage 

Controls and Constraints: Tools of Trade and Recreational Purposes 

Containers 

Petrol: 

  • AS/NZS 2906:2001: Portable fuel containers made of metal or plastic. 
  • Maximum volume per container is 25 litres. 
  • Ensure containers are clearly identified with the UN number (UN 1203), proper shipping name (PETROL) and HAZARD CLASS (Class 3). 

Diesel: 

  • AS/NZS 2906:2001: Portable fuel containers made of metal or plastic. 
  • Maximum container volume 25 litres. 
  • Maximum container volume 450 litres for DG qualified vehicle operators with a D endorsed drivers’ licence. 
  • Diesel fuel transport requires drums (5-450 litres) to be robust, UN approved and clearly marked, Class 9 UN 3082 Environmentally Hazardous Liquid (Diesel). Containers must be securely sealed to prevent leakage, typically made of steel or approved HDPE, with labels placed on the side, away from bungs. 

Site Signage – Storage 

Petrol 250 litres or more requires HAZCHEM signage. 
Diesel 1,000 litres or more requires HAZCHEM signage. 

Fire Extinguishers required 1 x 40B Type 

Petrol 50 litres or more 
Diesel 500 litres or more 

Emergency Response Plan for the Site 

Petrol 100 litres or more 
Diesel 1,000 litres or more 

Storage Volume prior to triggering a Location Compliance Certificate 

Petrol: 

  • Up to 50 litres can be stored without special certification in any settings. 
  • Larger quantities require a Location Compliance Certificate (LCC). 

Diesel: 

No legal requirement for a LCC when storing Diesel. However, because several controls mentioned earlier must be in place at relatively low quantities, it is good practice to adopt a LCC if holding more than 500 litres of Diesel. This enables a regular check regime of the required controls.

Transport of: 

Petrol: 

  • Aggregate maximum quantity of 250 litres. 
  • In approved, purpose-built portable containers with a maximum individual capacity of 25 litres. Containers must be designed for fuel, feature a screwcap or secure closure to prevent leaks, and include a carry handle. 
  • Plastic containers should be no more than five years old. 
  • Ensure containers are clearly identified with the UN number – UN 1203 Flammable Liquid (PETROL), and hazard class (Class 3). 

Diesel: 

  • Aggregate maximum quantity of 250 litres. 
  • Maximum container volume 25 litres. 
  • Maximum container volume 450 litres if the vehicle operator is a DG qualified vehicle operator with a D endorsed drivers’ licence. 
  • Diesel fuel transport requires drums (5-450 litres) to be robust, UN approved and clearly marked, Class 9 UN 3082 Environmentally Hazardous Liquid (Diesel). Containers must be securely sealed to prevent leakage, typically made of steel or approved HDPE, with labels placed on the side, away from bungs. 

Summary 

Anyone intending to, or currently transporting and stocking up fuel, using larger containers, holding/storing volumes in excess of the figures presented above, without certification or licencing, is in breach of at least one of the following: 

  • DG Rule 
  • HSW Hazardous Substances Regulations 
  • EPA Hazardous Properties Controls Notice.