AS 1940 1993 the storage and handling of flammable and combu

A combustible liquid that is heated and kept above its flashpoint shall be treated as being This Standard is written from a viewpoint of commonly used flammable and combustibleliquids of

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AS 1940-1993 The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids

Licensed to LUU MINH LUAN on 25 Feb 2002

AS 1940—1993

Australian Standard R

The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids

Liquids It was approved on behalf of the Council of Standards Australia on 18 August 1993and published on 11 October 1993.

The following interests are represented on Committee ME/17:

Association of Australian Port and Marine AuthoritiesAustralian Chamber of Commerce and IndustryAustralian Fire Authorities Council

Australian Institute of PetroleumAustralian Paint Manufacturers FederationAustralian Steel Underground Tank Technical AssociationDepartment of Defence, Australia

Department of Housing and Local Government, QldDepartment of Labour, S.A

Occupational Health and Safety Authority, Vic

Department of Mines, Western AustraliaDepartment of Mines, Tas

Department of Urban Services, A.C.T

Insurance Council of AustraliaMetal Trades Industry Association of AustraliaRailways of Australia Committee

The WorkCover Authority, N.S.W

United Trades and Labor Council of South Australia

Review of Australian Standards To keep abreast of progress in industry, Australian Standards are subject to

periodic review and are kept up to date by the issue of amendments or new editions as necessary It is important therefore that Standards users ensure that they are in possession of the latest edition, and any amendments thereto Full details of all Australian Standards and related publications will be found in the Standards Australia Catalogue

of Publications; this information is supplemented each month by the magazine ‘The Australian Standard’, which subscribing members receive, and which gives details of new publications, new editions and amendments, and of withdrawn Standards.

Suggestions for improvements to Australian Standards, addressed to the head office of Standards Australia, are welcomed Notification of any inaccuracy or ambiguity found in an Australian Standard should be made without delay in order that the matter may be investigated and appropriate action taken.

This Standard was prepared by the Standards Australia Committee on Flammable and CombustibleLiquids to supersede AS 1940—1988 This new edition is the result of a comprehensive review of theStandard from cover to cover Aside from minor editorial changes and clarifications of intent, theprincipal areas of change from the previous edition are as follows:

(a) The overall structure of the Standard has been changed slightly by the rearrangement of theSections Certain requirements are common to various types of installation, i.e package stores,tank depots, service stations and the like Some of these had been grouped in Section 1 wherethey often went unnoticed, while others were scattered repetitively through the various Sections

To rationalize, a new Section 3 has been introduced Substantial rearrangements and theconsolidation of the general requirements of Sections 7, 8, and 9 are described later in thisPreface

(b) The scope, and particularly the exclusions, have been adjusted in detail The exclusion ofprocessing plant remains under debate Obviously major refining process plant has no place inthis Standard, being designed under specific controls Industrial processes that consume or useflammables under less expert control, while technically subject to analysis of hazardous zones,are to be a subject for future consideration

(c) The definitions of classes of flammable or combustible liquids have been reviewed in detail Thedecimal numerical system of subdividing Class 3 liquids could not be retained, because ofdifficulties in achieving alignment with national and international classification systems Somethought was given to returning to the original A, B, C and D system on the grounds of simplicityand independence, but the ultimate decision was to align the flammable classes with thepackaging–group system of the Australian Dangerous Goods Code Since combustible liquids arenot part of that system, they have an independent class identification, but this has advantages inthat it becomes easier to highlight the lower level of hazards and to make special provisions forthem

(d) The definitions of liquids and of manufactured products have been altered to cater more clearlyfor viscous liquids and pastes

(e) All previous editions have made a distinction between protected works, which are mainly off–siteuninvolved buildings, and those on–site facilities which include offices, workshops and the likeassociated with the activity To minimize misunderstanding, the distinction has been clarified bythe use of two specifically–defined terms, i.e ‘protected works’, and ‘on–site facilities’

(f) Minor storage has been thoroughly reviewed, and the quantities in Table 2.1 have been adjustedsubstantially In addition, manufactured products are treated as a separate class of goods

(g) Section 4 has been totally rewritten Much of this exercise has been editorial, i.e an attempt toexpress more clearly the principles already established However, there are a number of changes

to detail, and illustrations have been introduced to clarify the intent of separation distances.(h) The control of access, general site security and the provision of warning and exclusion notices,have been refined, with some attention being given to the distinction between the restriction of thepublic on one hand and the control of one’s own staff activities on the other As a consequence,security fences feature prominently in separation distance considerations

(i) A very large number of adjustments have been made throughout the Section on tank installations

to such things as height of firewalls, capacity of compounds, sub–divisions within compounds,drainage, and the use of tank chambers Of particular note, previous editions had permitted areduction of the catchment volume of a compound where only combustible liquids were stored.This concession has been withdrawn, so that all liquids, even those of low combustibility, requirefull bunding

incorporates a former separate Section that dealt with the heating of liquids, and which has beensubstantially trimmed of redundancies.

(k) Section 8 now deals with the loading of flammable liquids into tankers, a subject which was nottreated in sufficient detail in previous editions

(l) Section 9, Operations, has been totally restructured following a review of basic philosophy whichhas led to a fresh approach Procedures are seen as the key to all operations; it is essential toformulate them, to promulgate them, to train to them, to enforce and police them, and finally toensure that they are kept up–to–date

(m) The Fire Protection Section has been significantly revised

It is foreshadowed that the next revision of this Standard will—

(i) broaden the coverage to include potable liquids in containers over 20 L and with a strengthexceeding 24% V/V ethanol Organizations planning construction or expansion activities shouldtake due cognizance of this proposal;

(ii) increase the water supply duration of Clause 10.11.7 for cooling and hydrant water from 1.5 to

4 h; and(iii) consider limitations on tank farm layouts, including cluster tanks, to two rows from an accessroad

This Standard, as amended from time to time, reflects changes in technology, and incorporatesimprovements which are derived from operational experience and the lessons of accidents and nearmisses It also reflects control philosophies which have evolved and been proven in the interveningperiod since the last edition

Users of this Standard should recognize that it represents a significant improvement in loss controlover past editions and is intended to be applied in its entirety to new facilities built after the Standard’spublication date

The Committee encourages users of this Standard to critically reassess their sites, equipment andprocedures whenever a new edition is published and supports initiatives by users to adopt andimplement those parts which are practicable and which can improve overall site safety

The Committee does not suggest that any of the provisions of this Standard are retrospective; however,users should check with the relevant statutory authority where this Standard has been adopted throughlegislation

The terms ‘normative’ and ‘informative’ have been used in this Standard to define the application ofthe appendix to which they apply A ‘normative’ appendix is an integral part of a Standard, whereas an

‘informative’ appendix is only for information and guidance

E Copyright — STANDARDS AUSTRALIA Users of Standards are reminded that copyright subsists in all Standards Australia publications and software Except where the Copyright Act allows and except where provided for below no publications or software produced by Standards Australia may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system in any form

or transmitted by any means without prior permission in writing from Standards Australia Permission may be conditional on an appropriate royalty payment Requests for permission and information on commercial software royalties should be directed to the head office of Standards Australia Standards Australia will permit up to 10 percent of the technical content pages of a Standard to be copied for use exclusively in–house by purchasers of the Standard without payment of a royalty or advice to Standards Australia.

Standards Australia will also permit the inclusion of its copyright material in computer software programs for no royalty payment provided such programs are used exclusively in–house by the creators of the programs.

Care should be taken to ensure that material used is from the current edition of the Standard and that it is updated whenever the Standard is amended or revised The number and date of the Standard should therefore be clearly identified.

The use of material in print form or in computer software programs to be used commercially, with or without payment, or in commercial contracts is subject

to the payment of a royalty This policy may be varied by Standards Australia at any time.

1.1 SCOPE 7

1.2 APPLICATION 7

1.3 NEW DESIGNS AND INNOVATIONS 8

1.4 INTERPRETATIONS 8

1.5 CLASSIFICATION 8

1.6 EXCLUSIONS 8

1.7 REFERENCED DOCUMENTS 8

1.8 DEFINITIONS 8

SECTION 2 MINOR STORAGE 2.1 APPLICATION 14

2.2 PRECAUTIONS 14

2.3 STORAGE ON OPEN LAND 15

2.4 TANKS 15

SECTION 3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS 3.1 SCOPE OF SECTION 18

3.2 GENERAL DESIGN 18

3.3 FIREWALLS AND VAPOUR BARRIERS 21

3.4 SECURITY, SIGNS AND NOTICES 21

SECTION 4 PACKAGE STORAGE AND HANDLING AREAS 4.1 APPLICATION 23

4.2 LOCATION AND SEPARATION DISTANCES 23

4.3 CONSTRUCTION 24

4.4 VENTILATION 29

4.5 STORAGE CABINETS 31

SECTION 5 STORAGE IN TANKS 5.1 APPLICATION 32

5.2 GENERAL 33

5.3 STORAGE TANK FILL POINTS 33

5.4 TANK VEHICLE LOADING AREA 34

5.5 VENTING 34

5.6 EMERGENCY VENTING 37

5.7 LOCATION AND CAPACITY OF INDOOR TANKS 38

5.8 SEPARATION OF ABOVE–GROUND TANKS 39

5.9 BUNDS AND COMPOUNDS 41

5.10 INSTALLATION METHODS FOR ABOVE–GROUND TANKS 44

5.11 INSTALLATION METHODS FOR UNDERGROUND TANKS 44

SECTION 6 FUEL DISPENSING

6.1 SCOPE OF SECTION 48

6.2 GENERAL 48

6.3 DISPENSERS 48

6.4 DELIVERY HOSE AND NOZZLE 50

6.5 MARINE DISPENSERS 50

6.6 OPERATIONS 51

SECTION 7 SYSTEMS FOR PIPING, VALVES, PUMPS AND TANK HEATING 7.1 GENERAL DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION 53

7.2 PIPING 53

7.3 VALVES 54

7.4 PUMPS 55

7.5 HEATING OF LIQUIDS 55

SECTION 8 TANK VEHICLE LOADING FACILITIES 8.1 APPLICATION 57

8.2 GENERAL 57

8.3 TOP–FILLING INSTALLATIONS 59

8.4 BOTTOM LOADING 59

SECTION 9 OPERATIONS 9.1 SCOPE OF SECTION 61

9.2 ESTABLISHMENT OF PROCEDURES 61

9.3 TRAINING OF PERSONNEL 63

9.4 WORK ACTIVITIES AND SUPERVISION 64

9.5 COMPLIANCE WITH PROCEDURES 64

9.6 RECORDS 64

9.7 SPECIFIC OPERATING PROCEDURES 64

9.8 SPECIFIC CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE PROCEDURES 69 SECTION 10 FIRE PROTECTION FACILITIES 10.1 APPLICATION 76

10.2 GENERAL 76

10.3 FIRE EXTINGUISHERS 78

10.4 HOSE REELS 79

10.5 PRODUCT PUMPS, MANIFOLDS AND HOSE CONNECTION POINTS 79

10.6 PACKAGE STORAGE AND HANDLING AREAS 79

10.7 FUEL–DISPENSING INSTALLATIONS 81

10.8 TANKS UNDERGROUND OR IN CHAMBERS 81

10.9 ABOVE–GROUND TANK STORAGE—AGGREGATE CAPACITY LESS THAN 60 m3 81

10.10 ABOVE–GROUND TANK STORAGE—AGGREGATE CAPACITY 60 m3 TO 2000 m3 82

10.12 PIPING AND PUMPING SYSTEMS 86 .

10.13 FIXED FOAM SYSTEMS FOR TANKS 87

10.14 COOLING WATER 90

10.15 TANK VEHICLE TRANSFER LOCATIONS 90

APPENDICES A ADG CODE INFORMATION 92

B LIST OF REFERENCED DOCUMENTS 94

C POWER STATION AND GRID TRANSFORMERS 97

D TANK VENTING 98

E FIRE EXPOSURE PROTECTION 102

F COMBUSTION CHARACTERISTICS 106

G GAS–FREEING PRECAUTIONS AND PRINCIPLES 108

STANDARDS AUSTRALIA

Australian Standard The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids

S E C T I O N 1 S C O P E A N D G E N E R A L

operation of installations for the storage and handling of flammable and combustibleliquids in locations that are generally industrial, commercial or rural in nature It includesmatters relating to operations and management of emergencies

which are listed as Dangerous Goods Class 3, Flammable Liquids, in the Australian Codefor the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail (ADG Code) It applies equally

to Class 3 liquids which have a subsidiary risk assigned and it also applies to substances

of other classes which possess a subsidiary flammable liquid risk Flammable liquids aredefined in Clause 1.8.29.1

NOTE: Further details based on the 5th Edition of the ADG Code are provided in Appendix A

It also applies to combustible liquids which are liquids at the temperature at which theyare stored (see Clause 1.8.29) and meet the criteria given in Clause 1.8.29.2 It alsoapplies to a combustible liquid which is a dangerous good of another class as given in theADG Code In the event of contradictory requirements existing between the Standard, theCode or any other Standard the more onerous requirements shall apply

A combustible liquid that is heated and kept above its flashpoint shall be treated as being

This Standard is written from a viewpoint of commonly used flammable and combustibleliquids of the hydrocarbon or industrial solvent range For storage and handling facilitiesfor dangerous goods of another class that are flammable (have a subsidiary flammableliquid risk), this Standard is relevant to the flammability aspects

It is necessary to keep in mind that some flammable or combustible liquids may haveother physical or chemical attributes that may need additional precautions and designconsiderations, such as, but not limited to —

(a) being polymerizable liquids;

(b) needing inert gas blankets; or

(c) being heated liquids

requirements for implementation by reference in statutory regulations

NOTE: It should be noted that an installation may come under the jurisdiction of severalauthorities with differing areas of responsibility, and that an approval from one does notnecessarily constitute an approval from others Thus the construction and operation of any plantmay require separate approvals from authorities interested in flammable and combustibleliquids, factory or machinery safety, fire safety, electricity, gas, health, environment, watersupply, sewerage and drainage, or the training and licensing of personnel

1.3 NEW DESIGNS AND INNOVATIONS Any alternative materials, equipment,designs, methods of assembly or procedures, which do not comply with specificrequirements of this Standard or are not mentioned in it but which give equivalent results

to those specified, may be acceptable Under such conditions a State regulatory authoritycan give advice on the procedure for approval

Standard may be referred to Standards Australia

NOTE: Where the Standard is referenced by regulation, Standards Australia will provide advice

on interpretation However, that advice is not binding on the statutory authority

Class 3, i.e a flammable liquid, are stated in the ADG Code

NOTES:

1 A Committee (the ACTDG Competent Authorities Subcommittee), consisting of theDangerous Goods Statutory Authorities of each State and Territory, is available forclassifying substances which are not listed in the ADG Code

2 Responsibility for classification rests primarily with manufacturers, but in cases ofuncertainty, the relevant statutory authority should be consulted who will, if necessary,submit the matter to the Committee for decision

(a) Shipboard installations

(b) Residential-type heating oil installations comprising Category 1 tanks as defined in

AS 1692

pressure or refrigeration

(d) Fuel tanks on any mobile vehicle or equipment

together with any vessels which form an integral part of that processing equipment.The storages associated with processing plant fall within the scope of this Standard.NOTE: Refining, distilling and processing plants are generally purpose built and designed totake into account the associated risks and the activities proposed Risk assessments, hazardanalyses, operability studies, and safety studies may form part of the design criteria

(f) Potable liquids (Refer to Preface.)

NOTE: State authorities may have specific requirements

(g) Temporary field storages and associated facilities in remote locations for AustralianDefence Force exercises or operations

Standard is given in Appendix B

prescribed standards of, the authority having jurisdiction

control of the installation

that on which the installation is included, whether fenced or unfenced

1.8.4 Bund—an embankment or wall which may form part or all of the perimeter of a

compound

the volume the tank will accept without leakage

NOTE: It is recognized that the available capacity of a tank will normally be less than the fullcapacity

(a) Category 1—tanks up to 1200 L capacity, for aboveground use, intended principally

for the storage of oil fuel in domestic type applications

NOTE: Category 1 tanks should not be used for the storage of flammable liquids as they donot incorporate a liquid seal

(b) Category 2—vertical or horizontal cylindrical tanks up to 2500 L capacity, for

above-ground use, intended principally for farms and similar open space locations

(c) Category 3—rectangular tanks and tanks of unconventional shapes, intended

principally for industrial use aboveground as either head tanks or storage tanks

(d) Category 4—horizontal cylindrical tanks up to 150 m3 capacity, for underground orabove-ground use, intended principally for industrial or service station use

(e) Category 5—vertical cylindrical tanks up to 150 m3 capacity, for above-ground use,intended for industrial use

(f) Category 6—vertical tanks up to any capacity, of a size and type that is usually

erected on site

professional rooms, consulting rooms, or the like

sufficiently impervious to retain spillage or leakage pending recovery (a pit or a tank may

be used to provide the same function)

(a) an explosion or fire;

(b) any occurrence resulting in the death of, or serious injury to, any person, or insubstantial damage to property; or

(c) any other occurrence involving imminent risk of explosion, fire, death, injury ordamage

adapted, or designed to be used for living purposes

of liquids from a storage tank to the fuel tank of a vehicle, boat, or light aircraft

tested according to the method set out in IP 36/84 published in the IP Methods, firstevolves vapour at a sufficient rate to sustain burning for at least 5 s after application ofthe test flame specified in the method

structure as determined in accordance with AS 1530.4 It consists of three numeralsrepresenting, in order, the period of resistance for—

(a) structural adequacy;

(b) integrity; and

(c) insulation

For example, 60/60/30 means 60 min of resistance for each of Items (a) and (b) and

30 min for Item (c)

recognized Standard incorporating a handle of fire resistance not inferior to the bodymaterial and having no brass or bronze internals

constructed and placed with the object of preventing the spread of fire

and associated fittings, used to prevent the passage of a flame

method set out in AS 2106 or other approved specifications, first evolves vapour in asufficient quantity to be ignited by the test flame specified in the method

foam may be used as a flame-smothering blanket, or to prevent the entry of air, or tosuppress vapour

which foam is generated

correct proportions for the generation of foam

(a) Ducted method—a method of conducting and applying foam gently to the liquid

surface without significant submergence of the foam or agitation of the surface.Examples are the foam trough, foam chute, slotted downpipe, or surface applicatorfed from below the liquid surface

(b) Non-ducted method—a method of conducting and applying foam to the liquid

surface which does not use internal conduits or other means of minimizing surfaceagitation or foam submergence

(c) Sub-surface injection method—a method of conducting and applying foam in which

the foam is discharged into the tank from below the liquid surface

be expected to be present, in quantities such as to require special precautions for theconstruction, installation and use of potential ignition sources

NOTE: A classification system for hazardous areas in relation to flammable liquids is given in

AS 2430

(a) Welding or flame cutting equipment

(b) Grinder, electric drill or other non-flameproof electrical equipment

(d) Spark ignition engines or non-approved compression ignition engines

(e) Match, naked light, cigarette, cigarette lighter, flame or spark

(f) Hand tools that may create a spark

(g) Non-flameproof electric cables, cords, switches, lights, connectors or fittings

(h) Any other thing which is likely to produce a source of ignition or be an ignitionsource

1.8.27 Ignition source—a source of energy sufficient to ignite a flammable atmosphere,

which may include naked flames, exposed incandescent material, electrical welding arcs,mechanical or static sparks, and electrical or mechanical equipment not approved for use

in hazardous locations

NOTES:

1 A vehicle may not be regarded as being an ignition source while it is entering or leaving thehazardous zone surrounding a fuel dispenser, or a bulk cargo transfer connection for thepurposes of refuelling or for loading or unloading bulk liquids However, it is treated as apotential ignition source during the period of bulk liquid transfer, and precautionaryprocedures are laid down elsewhere

2 A vehicle may not be regarded as being an ignition source while it enters or leaves thehazardous zone outside a package storage area for the purposes of loading or unloadingpackages provided the hazardous zone is not enclosed, or forms part of the package storagearea During loading or unloading the engine must be switched off and must not be started

A vehicle shall not enter the package storage area for the purposes of loading or unloadingpackages or for being loaded or unloaded unless it is suitable for the applicable zone asnominated in AS 2430

combustible liquids

Appendix A)

NOTE: The current edition of the ADG Code should be referenced

(refer to Appendix A) For the purposes of this Standard a Class 3 liquid is subdividedinto the following packaging groups:

PG — A Class 3 liquid of Packaging Group

PG — A Class 3 liquid of Packaging Group

PG — A Class 3 liquid of Packaging Group

A combustible liquid that is heated and kept above its flashpoint is treated as a PG

flammable liquid

flashpoint, and that has a firepoint less than its boiling point

For the purposes of this Standard, combustible liquids are divided into two classes asfollows:

Class C1—a combustible liquid that has a flashpoint of 150°C or less

Class C2—a combustible liquid that has a flashpoint exceeding 150°C

NOTE: The boiling point is taken to mean that point at which it is no longer possible to achievethe rate of temperature rise required by ASTM D92 for the firepoint test

NOTE: The current edition of the ADG Code should be referenced

implementation of the Standard

AS 1530.1

boundary, including offices, warehouses, manufacturing areas and amenities

NOTE: Clauses 4.2.2 and 4.3.2 provide additional information

1.8.34 Operations—all activities within a restricted area concerned with the routine

function of the installation including testing, operating, cleaning or maintaining, theequipment or facilities within the area

than 250 L

polymerize (combine or react with itself) so as to cause dangerous evolution of gas orheat

(a) a dwelling, place of worship, public building, school or college, hospital, theatre,and any building or open area in which persons are accustomed to assemble whether

it is within or outside the property boundary of the installation;

(b) a factory, workshop, office, store, warehouse, shop, or building where persons areemployed, that is outside the property boundary of the installation;

liquids, of a type and quantity sufficient to constitute a significant heat radiationhazard to the installation in the event of fire in those materials;

(d) a ship lying at permanent berthing facilities; or

installation

the public has a right to use and which includes a public road

NOTE: Commercial building parking areas are not considered to be public places

explosion and toxicity hazards associated with hot work in hazardous areas and adequatelytrained and experienced in the testing procedures and precautions necessary for theelimination of the risks involved

persons, and usually under specified conditions It may be an area within the boundaries

of premises used for the storage and handling of flammable or combustible liquids, or anarea designated for that specific purpose and used for other purposes, but excluding anyarea therein which has been designated as a safe area

word ‘should’ as advisory; ‘may’ implies the right to use discretion

1.8.43 Tank—a container other than a package, intended for the storage or transport of a

liquid Where a tank category is mentioned, it means the category specified in AS 1692 Atank may be one of the following types:

(a) Static storage tank—a tank of a type described in AS 1692, intended to remain

permanently in place once installed

(b) Portable tank—a tank intended for semi-permanent installation, but whichincorporates features to permit delivery or transfer to another site filled or partlyfilled

(c) Demountable delivery tank—a tank intended to be placed on a vehicle from time to

time to enable use as a temporary delivery tanker

(d) Tank container—a tank fitted with frames to international freight container

dimensions in accordance with AS 1727

(e) Intermediate bulk container (IBC)—a tank of capacity not exceeding 3 m3 intended

to be transported in the filled condition

NOTE: The ADG Code gives a more detailed definition of an IBC

(f) Underground tank — a static storage tank wholly or partially buried below the

surrounding ground gradient

(g) Above-ground tank — a static storage tank which is not an underground tank.

Standard which it superseded

of preventing the passage of vapour from any one place to another

modification or replacement of any facility within a restricted area, but does not includeroutine operations

within a restricted area may be carried out

S E C T I O N 2 M I N O R S T O R A G E

exceeding those listed in Table 2.1 shall be classified as being minor storage and areexempted from other Sections of this Standard unless otherwise specified The storage ofquantities in excess of minor storage shall comply with the requirements of other Sections

of this Standard as applicable

NOTES:

1 The underlying concept of this Section is that quantities below a certain level are so small,

or are so scattered and separated, that they present little real hazard, add little to abuilding’s fire load, and are generally unlikely to play a significant part in spreading a firefrom place to place The firefighting facilities required under normal building regulationsare expected to cope adequately

2 For certain industrial or commercial premises, workplace safety regulations or guidelinesmay apply even to quantities defined as minor in this Standard

storage within the scope of this Section:

(a) The storage shall not be in proximity to heating or an ignition source, e.g a stove,heating appliance, light switches, welders, or similar ignition sources

flammable liquid or decant from it should be carried out in a well-ventilated area,and away from any potential source of ignition

NOTE: Decanting and pouring of small quantities of flammable liquids can generate a staticspark of sufficient energy to ignite a flammable vapour-air mixture

(c) The transfer of flammable liquid from storage to the point of use shall be carriedout in a manner that minimizes the possibility of spillage or fire

building in the event of fire

hazards involved

(f) Any spillage shall be cleaned up immediately and the materials used in the clean-upshall be disposed of safely and in accordance with any relevant local regulations.(g) No combustible waste material or residues shall be permitted to remain in or aroundareas in which such liquids are stored or decanted

(h) Any materials that might interact dangerously if mixed shall be kept apart so thatthe possibility of interaction is minimized, e.g fuel and pool chlorine

(i) Packages used shall not be pressurized as a means to transfer the contents unlessspecifically designed for this duty

(j) For premises other than residences or farms, where flammable liquids in excess of

100 L total quantity are stored or used, a fire extinguisher and a warning signworded

DANGER—FLAMMABLE LIQUID—NO SMOKING—KEEP FIRE AWAY

shall be placed at an effective location adjacent to the storage

adequate stowage for packages on shelves, in cupboards, or the like

2.3 STORAGE ON OPEN LAND The quantities listed under open land in Table 2.1shall be treated as being minor storage only on condition that—

(a) such liquids are not intended for resale;

(b) any storage is on land which has an area exceeding 2 ha and is used or intended to

be used for agricultural, horticultural, floricultural and pastoral purposes inclusive

of golf courses, national parks and other approved areas;

(c) the ground around the storage is kept clear of combustible vegetation or refuse for adistance of not less than 3 m;

watercourse or property boundary by such means as the use of natural ground slope,

or the provision of a diversion channel, kerb or bund;

(e) any storage is separated from protected works and the boundary of the land by notless than 15 m; and

(f) where two or more storages are provided on the property, each may be treated as aseparate minor storage if the distance separating them is 100 m or more

combustible liquid shall comply with AS 1692 or equivalent A category 1 tank shall not

be used for flammable liquid

practices for the receiving, storage and handling of liquids are established and observed

established by the occupier and records kept

TABLE 2.1 MINOR STORAGE

Location

Class of liquid

Manufactured products

Residential buildings of any type

In a garage attached to a dwelling with a 60/60/60 FRL

rating separation wall

Outdoors, or in a shed or garage, separated from the

dwelling or any other building by 1 m space

Outdoors, uncovered, or in a shed or garage, separated

from the dwelling or any structure or boundary by either

3 m of space or a wall having an FRL of 180/180/180

A supply tank for domestic oil-fired appliances installed

in accordance with AS 1691 is excluded from any

calculation of the quantity stored on the premises

of floor space, but 5 L for any tenancy of less than

50 m 2

area

25 L per 50 m 2

of floor space, but 25 L for any tenancy less than 50 m 2

area

500 L total C1 and C2 per 50 m 2

of floor space but 500 L for any tenancy less than 50 m 2

area

The limit for any factured product is the same as for a liquid of the same class

of floor space

25 L per 50 m 2

of floor space

500 L total C1 and C2 per 50 m 2

of floor space

Educational establishments (excluding laboratories) 5 L per 50 m 2

of floor space

10 L per 50 m 2

of floor space

500 L total C1 and C2 per 50 m 2

of floor space

For storage outdoors, or in sheds or attachments, the

limits for the corresponding entry in residential buildings

shall apply

Laboratories (see Notes 1, 2 and 5) 50 L per 50 m 2

of floor space

100 L per 50 m 2

of floor space

(a) in attached outhouses or sheds if separated by a

partition having an FRL of 60/60/60; or

250 L As immediately above 2 500 L (b) outside, or in a detached shed or outhouse separated

from the factory or workshop by at least 1 m

As immediately above 1 400 L in tanks not over

700 L each, or in packages

5 000 L

(continued)

Warehouses As for factories and workshops (above) but no container for PG or PG liquid may

exceed 60 L capacity

Service stations 500 L total in packages 1 250 L total in tanks or

packages

3 000 L total C1 and C2 As for factories, workshops

Any packages kept in a sales area shall be unopened packages not over 20 L capacity

packages can be kept outdoors

Open land

3 It is permissible to store at the same time on the same area, the maximum permissible allowance for each or all of the other classes of liquids.

4 Where the maximum allowance is specified in terms of quantity per unit area, any arrangement which results in concentration at one point should be avoided Such aggregation contravenes the intent of minor storage, which is dispersal, and proper storage provisions as in Section 4 could be necessary.

5 Materials being analyzed, used, mixed, blended or reacted upon on laboratory benches or in fume cupboards are exempt from the limitations of Table 2.1.

S E C T I O N 3 G E N E R A L R E Q U I R E M E N T S

any package or tank storage other than those dealt with in Section 2, Minor Storage.Additional requirements that are specific to particular types of installation are given inother sections

and constructed as to be safe and suitable for the conditions of use Factors requiringconsideration shall include —

(a) working pressures, and structural stresses;

(b) heat, corrosion, or attack by the liquid being handled;

(c) site conditions such as topography, usage of adjoining areas, or the risk of naturaldisasters, e.g flood, earthquake;

accident risks and the possibility of errors or misunderstanding by staff;

(e) specific design for emergencies (see Clause 3.2.2), particularly firefighting facilities;(f) the need for identification of the function of every valve, switch or control actuator.The function of any remote switch or actuating device shall be clearly indicated;(g) safe entry to and exit from all working locations;

(h) avoidance of ignition sources;

(i) ventilation for vapour dispersal, taking into account the possible effect of nearbystructures, excavations, embankments, and the like;

controlled;

(k) identification of and attention to points of vapour relief;

(l) avoidance of contamination of soil and water; and

(m) approval of any relevant authority

management of an emergency, taking into account the nature and quantity of the liquidsstored, the layout of the storage area, access through or around walls or other barriers, thetype of construction of any buildings, and the type and means of operating any fireprotection system

transferred in such a manner that vapour is released, the ventilation, extraction, ordispersal provisions shall be sufficient to protect and maintain exposure levels belowestablished standards

boundary if it will encompass a fixed source of ignition on the adjacent property

sources and protected works by the distances applicable to each type of storage asprovided by Clauses 4.2 and 5.8 with the following qualifications:

(a) The separation distance to any property boundary shall be at least the separationdistance required by Table 4.2 or Table 5.3

(b) Where a protected works is located on the adjacent property, the separation distancerequired for protected works given in Table 4.1 or Table 5.4 shall apply as aminimum and may be measured across the boundary as if the boundary did not existprovided that —

(i) specific approval shall be obtained; and(ii) a covenant shall be signed by the parties involved to the effect that should

alterations on the adjoining property result in a breach of the requirementsfor separation distance, the installation will be modified or relocated torestore compliance or will be taken out of service

possible, the installation may be located in accordance with boundary separationdistance requirements, provided that requirements of Items 3.2.5(b)(i) and (ii) aresatisfied

NOTE: The use of the protected works distance measured to the boundary of the adjacentproperty is recommended to eliminate future problems, although its use is a commercialdecision

handling of flammable and combustible liquids and adjoin on a common boundary,the separation distances between tanks, package stores and buildings may bereduced to not less than those which would apply if both premises were under asingle occupancy, provided that—

(i) both parties enter into a written agreement covering the distances proposed;

and(ii) such agreement has the approval of the authority

If either installation were to be removed and the site redeveloped, Item 3.2.5(b)(ii)shall apply

for the possibility that either site may undergo alteration, redevelopment or change

of ownership and in any such case Item 3.2.5(b) shall apply

NOTE: The on-site storage of other classes of dangerous goods may require differingseparation distances as nominated by Australian Standards or legislation, or both In theabsence of such nomination the storage of other dangerous goods should be considered as anon-site facility

transit storage of flammable and combustible liquids shall be considered to be separateareas if apart from each other and from other storages by the separation distancesapplicable to on-site facilities as detailed in Clause 4.2.1 or 5.8.2, as appropriate

Flammable and combustible liquid held in transit for 12 h and up to three normal workingdays plus any intervening weekends and public holidays shall comply with the followingrequirements unless otherwise directed by the authority:

(a) The quantity of all flammable liquids held in each transit storage area shall notexceed 200 t Where flammable liquid is held in the one area with combustibleliquid or other dangerous good the aggregate quantity shall not exceed 200 t

(b) The segregation requirements of the ADG Code shall be observed

(c) Except when in freight containers, stacks of packages and IBCs in a transit storagearea shall —

(ii) be accessible from all sides; and(iii) be separated by at least 5 m

(d) Freight or tank containers containing packaged or bulk liquids in a transit storagearea shall —

provided access is available to both sides of a two container deep stack;

dangerous goods; and(iii) be separated from containers of other classes of dangerous goods by at least

3 m

handling at least 110% of the capacity of the largest tank, compartment or package

in the area

other loaded vehicles by at least 3 m, and from any other storage of dangerousgoods within the area by at least 5 m

(g) Access and escape routes shall be clearly defined and kept clear

(h) Specific facilities, which may include a designated area, shall be provided at the sitefor dealing with tanks or packages that are leaking or damaged and likely to leak as

a result of damage, and for any awaiting disposal

NOTE: Packages of flammable and combustible liquids which are leaking or otherwiseimpaired and may spill or leak should not be loaded on a vehicle

(i) The general safety precautions of Clause 2.2 shall be observed except that decanting

in the transit storage area shall only be carried out in emergencies

shall not contravene this Standard, nor cause the existing installation to contravene thisStandard or otherwise become hazardous

Any repairs shall be carried out to a standard not less than the standard of the originalinstallation

certified type, and installation shall comply with AS 3000

within hazardous zones:

operate in a hazardous zone may operate in zones for which it is certified withoutrestriction

NOTE: Requirements for electric lift trucks for use in hazardous zones are specified in

AS 1915

(b) A compression ignition engine which does not comply with (a) shall not be operated

in a Zone O or Zone 1 area and a spark ignition engine shall not be operated in anyhazardous zone unless approved by a duly authorized hotwork permit issued inaccordance with this Standard and AS 1674.1

approved by a work permit in accordance with this Standard or has been modified

so that —(i) any electrical equipment incorporated is suitable for use in a Zone 2 area;(ii) the air intake is either extended to outside the Zone, or is provided with a

strangler valve or equivalent in the manifold, in which case the engine shall

be attended when in use;

(iii) mechanical sparks cannot be produced in the engine compartment of the

appliance through the operation of the appliance; and(iv) the exhaust has a spark arrester in accordance with AS 1019 or is extended

to outside the Zone

provided at a level appropriate to the particular activity AS 1680 shall be used as thebasis for determining the adequacy of indoor illumination levels For locations involvingwalkways, fittings, gauges, couplings and emergency equipment, a minimum value of

50 lx is recommended

flammable or combustible liquids or both, unless all the following conditions apply:

(a) Specific approval has been given for the storage of other goods

(b) Such other products are compatible

(c) Any filling, decanting, cleaning and painting of packages is done under additionalspecific requirements

around the end of any vapour barrier which intervenes, provided that—

(a) for separation from on-site facilities or from protected works, such a vapour barriershall also be a firewall; and

(b) building walls may be treated as being firewalls or vapour barriers provided thatthey qualify as such

Firewalls and vapour barriers may be used to achieve the separation distance inTables 4.1, 4.2, 5.3 and 5.4 to boundaries, protected works and ignition sources

requirements:

(a) The fire resistance level shall be at least 240/240/240

(b) The firewall shall be impervious to vapour apart from around approved fire doors

(c) Any firewall that is freestanding shall be self-supporting and shall have adequatefoundations

(d) The height shall be sufficient to shield a protected works from heat radiation in theevent that a potential storage fire becomes a reality, and vice versa

following requirements:

tested in accordance with AS 1530.1

pertaining at the point as required in AS 2430

fence, or equivalent barrier to restrict public access The barrier may enclose either theentire site or only the storage area

The following are exempt from this requirement:

(a) A storage containing solely Class C2 liquid

(b) A storage containing 5000 L or less of Class C1 liquid

(c) A storage containing 2000 L or less of PG liquid.

(d) A temporary or mobile storage for the use of contractors on a construction site

other information intended for persons entering a restricted area shall be displayed onsigns and notices at each point of access

Such signs and notices shall include but not be limited to —

(b) a class label and subsidiary risk label;

installed), drainage system and ‘Emergency Stop’ switch

NOTE: Where two or more points of access are adjacent to each other so that a single set ofsigns and notices are clearly readable from each point of access, duplicate signs and notices arenot required

labels shall be a minimum of 250 mm square or as specified by Worksafe Australia

The remaining signs shall have lettering at least 20 mm high Composite signs orpictographs complying with the above requirement are acceptable

S E C T I O N 4 P A C K A G E S T O R A G E A N D

H A N D L I N G A R E A S

flammable or combustible liquids may be stored, or may be involved in filling, decanting,

or cleaning, in quantities in excess of minor storage as described in Section 2 Sections 3,

9 and 10 also contain requirements applicable to package storages

variations or combinations of them:

(a) Detached storages, being storages with or without a roof, or walls other than a bund(refer Figure 4.1(a)(i), (ii), (iii), (iv))

(b) Attached fire separated storage, being a storage attached to a building with outsideentry and no communication to the associated building

(c) Attached storage, sharing a wall or walls with the associated building and with acommunicating fire door between the store and the associated building (refer toFigure 4.1(b)(i), (ii))

wall with the building and communicating with the associated building (referFigure 4.1(c)(i), (ii))

adjacent storages (refer Figure 4.1(d))

outdoor storage

(g) Facilities for the holding of materials awaiting use in a process, machine or the like.Variations of types (a), (b), (c) or (d) above include storages with facilities for filling,decanting and cleaning of packages and storages either at ground level or on a platform,

or a combination of both

following requirements, as qualified in Section 3:

(a) The distance to any protected works shall be as specified in Table 4.1

(b) The distance to any on-site facility shall be as specified in Table 4.1, but need notexceed 15 m for flammable liquids, 7.5 m for Class C1 liquids, or 3 m for Class C2liquids

NOTE: Any small office within the storage area that is used for the direct supervision of thestorage is not considered an on-site facility

(c) The distance to any boundary, or potential ignition source, shall be as specified inTable 4.2

NOTE: See also Clauses 4.2.1(a) and 3.2.5(c)

(d) The distance to any tank storage shall be as specified in Section 5

(e) Separation distances shall be measured from the internal perimeter of the bund

(f) Where the internal storage has an in-built firewall or vapour barrier, separationdistances shall be measured from the nearest point of potential exit of vapour, e.g.the outlet of a natural vent or a door Where a fire door connects a storage area with

an associated working area the distance from the fire door to an ignition sourceshall be not less than as shown in Table 4.2 to a height in compliance with

AS 2430

Clause 4.3.3, the separation distances specified in Table 4.1 shall be determined andapplied as follows:

(i) For the storage area itself, the separation distances shall be measured from

the internal perimeter of the storage area

(ii) Any remote sump, compound or tank shall be treated as if it was a tank, of a

capacity equal to that required for the compound by Clause 4.3.3

(iii) For any open drainage channel, open tank or vent the separation distances

shall be the extent of the hazardous zone as determined in AS 2430.3

may be considered separately for the determination of separation distances, providedthat each pair of storages is mutually separated by the distances given in Table 4.1for the capacity of the greater of the two storages under consideration but in anycase not less than 5 m; otherwise the aggregate capacity of the two storages shall beused to determine the distances

This provision may be applied to storages under a single roof provided the shelterhas no walls

(i) Where flammable or combustible liquids of differing flashpoints are kept in the onestorage, the distances shall be those for the class with the lowest flashpoint present,but based on the aggregate quantity of all liquids stored Minor storage quantitiesare exempted from this requirement

(j) Adjacent storages separated by 240/240/240 firewalls and fitted with −/240/30 doorswith no access between compartments may be treated as individual storages without

Figure 4.1(d))

internal storages except in cabinets shall be located on the floor directly accessible fromstreet level or site roadway

NOTE: The building in which the internal storage is located is not considered an on-sitefacility

Because an internal storage is usually located within a building which would normally beconsidered an on-site facility, Clause 4.2.1(b) cannot validly be applied Clause 4.2.1(a)and (c) apply from any vent outlet or doorway A number of other provisions incorporated

in Section 4 are intended to protect both the building and the storage

constructed to be adequate for the purpose in accordance with the following requirements,

as appropriate:

masonry, concrete, or a structure sheeted with non-combustible material, except forany necessary skylights

NOTE: Non-combustible material on timber frames complies with these requirements

(b) Floors forming part of the spillage catchment system shall be impervious, not liable

to degradation or to incendive sparking when tested in accordance with AS 3584,Appendix D Suitable materials are concrete and masonry

barrier up to the deck height, extending the full length of the face, and returning atleast 1 m along the side at each end This requirement may be waived where theplatform is not more than 20 m2 in area and is used for storage of C2 liquid only

provided that adequate protection against weather, corrosion, and traffic damage isprovided

TABLE 4.1 SEPARATION DISTANCES FOR PROTECTED WORKS

Maximum capacity of liquid storage m 3

(kL)

Minimum distance Class of liquid stored

0.1 1 2

4 7 10

14 20 26

34 42 52

64 77 170

310 500 750

1 100

1 500

≥ 2 000

0.5 4 8

16 28 40

56 80 104

136 168 208

256 308 680

1 240

2 000

≥ 3 000

2.5 10 20

40 70 100

140 200 260

340 420 520

640 770

1 700

≥ 3 100

5 20 40

80 140 200

280 400 520

680 840

1 040

1 280

≥ 1 540

Unrestricted 3 4

5 6 7

8 9 10

11 12 13

14 15 20

25 30 35

40 45 50

FIGURE 4.1 (in part) TYPICAL PACKAGES STORAGE—TYPES AND LOCATIONS

(refer Clause 4.1)

FIGURE 4.1 (in part) TYPICAL PACKAGES STORAGES—TYPES AND LOCATIONS

(refer Clause 4.1)

TABLE 4.2 SEPARATION DISTANCES FOR BOUNDARIES AND IGNITION SOURCES

Separation from boundaries and ignition sources to:

Minimum distance, m Class of liquid stored

Opened packages (decanting, mixing, filling of

NOTE: Separation distances may be reduced by the use of firewalls and vapour barriers See Clause 3.3.

shares a common wall with a protected works or an on-site facility shall be constructed asfollows:

rating

(b) The floor shall be of reinforced concrete having a 180/180/180 FRL rating

are taken through the main roof to provide fire isolation

from it by a barrier having an FRL rating of at least 180/180/180

(e) Where the only means of access to an above-ground storage of flammable liquids isthrough an associated working area that is an on-site facility, the storage capacityshall be limited to 15 000 L, or 100 m2, unless an automatic fire suppression system

is provided to the flammable liquid storage

NOTE: This limitation is derived from potential difficulties in gaining access forfirefighting in such a storage

the packages, and to prevent it from contaminating surrounding soil or from entering anydrainage system other than one intended specifically for its drainage and collection

Control shall be by a compound or the equivalent, e.g via drainage channels to a separatecompound, a drainage tank, or pit Construction and drainage shall comply withClauses 5.9.3 and 5.9.6 Except as prescribed elsewhere in this Section, the capacity ofsuch a compound shall be not less than 100% of the largest package plus 25% of thestorage capacity up to 10 000 L, together with 10% of the storage capacity beyond

10 000 L

If an automatic or manual fire suppression system is installed the compound capacity shall

be increased by a volume equal to the output of the system over 20 min

Any drainage system shall be capable of carrying the output of the sprinkler system overthe assumed area of operation at the design density of discharge (refer to AS 2118).Any drainage system to outside the property shall incorporate an interceptor appropriate tothe product, readily accessible for inspection, located outside the compound, and soarranged to separate pollutants from the carrier liquid and prevent contamination ofdrains, natural watercourses and the sewer

NOTE: The compound should be designed to provide a minimum surface area for the storage

Where more than one storage is connected to a common compound, drainage tank or pitthe capacity of the compound shall be equal to the largest compound required for any onestorage plus 25% of the capacity of the compounds required for the other storagesconnected to it.

barrier where necessary to prevent blockage by stored packages

Where a vent passage passes through a wall which incorporates a cavity or is made ofbricks or blocks which incorporate cavities, a metal sleeve shall be provided to preventleakage of vapour into the cavities

from an on-site facility shall be provided with a door, which shall be a sliding or anoutward-swinging, automatic-closing fire door complying with AS 1905.1, and fitted with

a thermal-release operation The door shall have a minimum FRL rating of −/120/30

Where a fire door separates a storage and an associated work area it shall be a self-closingdoor unless it is fitted with a thermal link on the work area side Ignition-source distancesshall be observed outside the door and the door shall be kept closed when not in regularuse

the wall

NOTES:

1 AS 1288 and AS 1905.1 include information on the fire resistance rating of glass

2 Except in firewalls the quality of other doors and windows should be suitable for theintended purpose

in accordance with the following requirements:

vapour generated within the storage is diluted with and removed by air passingthrough the storage area

NOTE: Air dilution of the vapour should be sufficient to maintain the storage below lowerexplosive limits and recommended workplace exposure standards

(b) A natural ventilation system that complies with the conditions and the requirements

of Clause 4.4.3 shall be deemed to comply with Item (a)

(c) A mechanical ventilation system that complies with the requirements of Clause 4.4.4shall be deemed to comply with Item (a)

where filling, decanting or handling of open packages occurs, shall be provided withadditional ventilation where necessary to provide a safe working atmosphere under normaloperating conditions

NOTE: In determining what constitutes a safe atmosphere, consideration should be given toflammability and occupational health and safety considerations

following as appropriate to the design of the storage building:

(a) At least two walls completely open to outside atmosphere

NOTE: A wall of wire mesh, or of fixed louvres, lattice or the like having at least 50% ofits area as openings, would be considered to be completely open

(b) One wall completely open to outside atmosphere, with no other vents, provided thatthe distance to, and the length of, the opposite wall do not exceed the length of theopen wall

(c) Vents in one external wall, provided that such an external wall is not less than 6 mlong and the opposite wall is not more than 5 m distant from it.

(d) One wall open to atmosphere as above, and vents in one opposite or adjacent wall.(e) Vents in opposite walls

(f) Any storage platform except a solid-filled type shall be provided with underdeckventilation by means of vent openings on opposite sides having an area of not lessthan 0.1 m2 for each 1.2 m of length

Where vents are prescribed, they shall consist of openings immediately above the upperlimit of the spillage compound, each having a net free area of at least 0.1 m2, or 0.15 m2where open packages are present, with an equal area of openings above the highestpackage, disposed to ensure effective movement of air

One of the low-level vents shall be located in each 3 m of length of wall, or in each 1.4 m

of length of external wall where there is only one external wall Where only one such vent

is required, it shall be central in the length of wall

An equivalent open area of ventilation may be approved, provided the required free areaper wall is maintained

following requirements:

draw-off ducts shall be immediately above the upper limit of the spillage compound,shall be on opposite walls and shall be of equal capacity The distance betweenregister centres shall not exceed 5 m

NOTES:

1 It is recommended that the registers be located along the longest side of the building tooptimize effectiveness

2 If a single fan system is adopted the fan should be in the exhaust duct

3 The supply duct may be in the form of natural ventilation in an external wall at lowlevel, meeting the requirements of Clause 4.4.3

(b) If the ventilation system incorporates fans on both the supply and exhaust ducts, thecapacities of the fans shall be so adjusted that the room is under negative pressure.(c) The system shall be capable of exhausting 0.3 m3 per square metre of floor area perminute or 5 m3/min, whichever is the greater, and the air velocity at the air entryregister shall exceed 300 m/min

(d) The system shall be provided with an airflow failure warning device

(e) Any intake or exhaust duct shall terminate in open air at least 2 m from any openinginto a building, or 4 m from the outlet of any chimney or flue and 3 m above theground The external termination of any inlet duct shall be at least 5 m from theexternal termination of any exhaust duct

constructed of or protected by material having an FRL rating of at least −/180/180

A common enclosure may be used for both intake and exhaust ducts

(g) The system shall be so designed that it either operates continuously or operateswhenever work is being carried out in the storage

potential for giving off sparks when struck

NOTE: Materials known to be unsatisfactory are steel with steel, or steel with aluminium oraluminium-magnesium alloys

4.5 STORAGE CABINETS

requirements of this Section and Clauses 4.5.2 to 4.5.8

combustible liquid shall be stored in any individual storage cabinet

the following requirements:

(a) The walls, floor, door and roof shall be of double-walled sheet steel construction,with a space not less than 40 mm between the walls, which may be either anairspace or filled with non-combustible insulation

(b) The cabinet bottom shall form a liquid-tight compound at least 150 mm deep

supporting the maximum possible load

(d) A cabinet door shall be self-closing, close-fitting, and held shut by catches at notless than two points

(e) The materials of any components that are critical to structural integrity shall notmelt at temperatures less than 850°C, seals or gaskets excepted

capacity to be kept in the cabinet (see Clause 4.5.2), a Class 3 dangerous goods label of at

in lettering of at least 50 mm height

connection to an external venting system—

(a) the design of any vent opening in the cabinet wall shall be such as to maintain thestructural strength of the cabinet;

venting is not required;

(c) a flash arrester shall be provided for use when the cabinet is to be vented; and

installation of the vent system

NOTE: External ventilation is not required for fire safety purposes, but it is recognized that afacility to connect a vent may be desirable to improve the general versatility of the cabinet, andpermit its use for toxic materials The purpose of this requirement is to ensure that any suchprovisions for adaptations do not compromise the integrity of the design Double-wallappliance-type flue pipe is considered adequate for vent ducts and, while extractor fans are notrequired, wind-assisted terminal fittings are recommended

(a) not more than 250 L is stored within any 250 m2of floor area; and

(b) not more than 250 L is stored in any 10 m of linear distance, and cabinets must not

be less than 5 m apart

in the event of fire the escape of persons will not be jeopardized

ignition, at least 1 m from any opening and at least 3 m above-ground

S E C T I O N 5 S T O R A G E I N T A N K S

tanks shall comply with the general requirements of Section 3 together with thoserequirements of this Section which are specifically applicable to the particular type ofinstallation, i.e indoors, outdoors, above-ground or underground

NOTES:

1 See Figure 5.1 for illustration of terms

2 Installations considered to be located in remote areas, may be exempt from some of therequirements of this Section subject to the approval of the authority

3 Spillage containment requirements for power station and grid transformers are described inAppendix C

FIGURE 5.1 ILLUSTRATIONS OF TERMS RELATING TO

VARIOUS TANK LOCATIONS

5.2 GENERAL

with AS 1692 or with a standard at least equivalent to AS 1692 for the category of tankappropriate to the application

A Category 1 tank shall not be used for flammable liquid

3 In some circumstances it may be necessary to use a pressure vessel which complies with

AS 1210

by individual identification numbers or letters as part of a system for verifying thecontents of each tank at any time and shall meet the following criteria:

(i) the markings shall be displayed on the outside walls of the tanks and shall be

not less than 500 mm in height for tanks having a diameter of 6 m or greater.For tanks of less than 6 m diameter the markings shall be not less than

150 mm in height;

any plant, equipment and piping on or above the bund;

(iii) where possible, the markings shall be clearly visible from main alternative

access points likely to be used by the relevant fire authority;

foam one such marking shall be clearly visible from that point or its closeproximity;

(v) where five or more vertical tanks of 6 m diameter or greater are grouped, the

tanks shall have similar markings affixed to the roof with the numerals 6 and

9 underbarred; and(vi) All markings shall be of a contrasting colour relevant to the colour scheme

of the tank and shall be maintained

(b) For underground tanks, the fill, dip and vapour recovery point for each tank shall bemarked to identify it as such unless this is immediately obvious Guidance isprovided in AIP CP5

requirements of this Standard applicable to the new contents shall apply

NOTE: In some states an approval to change tank contents is mandatory

vehicle shall incorporate a liquid-tight connection unless the fill-method employs ahand-held trigger nozzle with non-latching feature A cap or cover shall be provided forthe fill point (see also Clause 7.2.5)

tank vehicle shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) The fill point shall be readily accessible

(b) The fill point shall be protected from accidental damage.

(c) The fill point for any tank containing a flammable liquid shall be in open air at least

2 m from any opening into a building and at least 3 m from any ignition source.(d) Where practical the fill point for any tank containing a combustible liquid shall beoutside If approved it may be inside and shall be not more than 2 m from abuilding entrance useable by a tank vehicle, and shall not be in a boiler room,furnace room, or an elevated temperature area

(e) The fill point for a tank shall be located so that a tank vehicle is not required toenter the tank compound to make a delivery

(f) For any tank containing a flammable liquid, the location shall be such that the tankvehicle can stand wholly off any public roadway except where specifically exempted

by the statutory authority

For restrictions on loading vehicles, see Clause 9.7.3.4

liquid in the tank or piping system, the fill connection shall be a dry-break type inaccordance with AS 3664, incorporating a manual shut-off valve immediately upstream ofthe coupling Where the fill point is beyond the security fence around the installation, anon-return valve shall be incorporated in the piping system at the security fence

NOTE: An end-of-line assembly comprising a non-return valve, manual shut-off valve and capwith witness hole may be used in lieu of a dry-break coupling

liquid in any tank intended to receive a delivery This gauge or monitor shall also showthe safe fill capacity of the tank

Any tank filled by gravity shall be fitted with an automatic flow limiting device whichreduces the flow rate into the tank by 98% when the safe fill level of the tank has beenattained

A remote contents gauge or monitoring device together with an overfill alarm shall beprovided at the fill point in the following circumstances:

(a) Where the tank is located within a building or under a building and the dip point ismore than 8 m from the entrance to the building or otherwise inaccessible

(b) Where the tank is in a tank chamber and access to the dip point is prevented

NOTE: The statutory authority may require additional liquid level indication as described in thisClause for tanks other than tanks inside buildings where the tank is out of sight of the attendantmonitoring the filling flow controls

with the requirements of Section 8

NOTE: A tank manufacturer will not normally be able to finalize the design and size of the ventprovision without consultation concerning the conditions of installation, filling, and operation,and the type of product stored

(c) Vapours shall be safely discharged outdoors unless recovery and treatment of thevapours is otherwise required.

(d) The vents shall be separate from the filling pipe except for a Category 1 tank

TABLE 5.1 FREE VENT SIZE FOR ABOVE-GROUND

CATEGORY 4 TANKS

Liquid flow rate

Minimum vent diameter, mm

L/min Filling Withdrawing Filling Withdrawing

250 500 750

32 32 32

32 37 42

32 32 32

32 37 42

1 000

1 500

2 000

32 32 34

46 54 60

32 32 32

46 54 60

2 500

3 000

38 41

66 71

32 32

66 71

NOTES:

1 The diameters specified in this Table are the minimum allowable internal diameters, as derived from API 2000, assuming a maximum tank pressure of 17.5 kPa and a vacuum 0.5 kPa below ambient pressure.

2 To use the Table, check the minimum permitted diameter for both the filling and withdrawing rates for the particular installation and use a pipe which will give

at least the larger of the two resultant diameters.

that pressure or vacuum resulting from filling, emptying, or atmospheric temperaturechange will not cause the maximum allowable stress for the tank to be exceeded, nor thetank to collapse These requirements may be met as follows:

AS 1692 shall be deemed to be suitable for the types of installations for which thetanks are intended (see Note 1)

(b) The vent size for a Category 3, 4, 5 or 6 tank installed above-ground shall complywith the relevant requirements of API 2000, except that the vent size of aCategory 4 above-ground tank may be in accordance with Table 5.1 (see Note 2)

specified in Table 5.2

NOTES:

1 Tanks of Categories 1 or 2 are intended for specific applications; the former for oil supply

to domestic heaters, the latter for minor storage in open-space locations Neither is intendedfor industrial use, and their vent provisions could be inadequate for the filling and draw-offrates likely to be met in such usage

2 API 2000 is the basis for the requirements of this Clause 5.5 Appendix D of this Standardprovides, for convenience, a metric version of parts of API 2000, but in cases of dispute theoriginal Standard in imperial units will be the basis for decision

3 Classification of tanks are in accordance with AS 1692 Refer to Clause 1.8.6 of thisStandard

5.5.3 Vent piping Any vent piping between the tank vent connection and the dischargepoint shall comply with the following requirements:

(a) The vent pipe should fall consistently back to the tank at a slope of at least 1 in100

concrete which is part of other building construction Joints in vents that passthrough cavity walls, ceilings or other enclosed spaces shall be located to minimizethe possibility of accumulations of or transfer of any leaking vapour to cavities orenclosed spaces

(c) An underground vent pipe may be either embedded in a concrete slab or laid in theearth

If the vent pipe is laid in the earth, it shall be—

(iii) suitably protected if the area is subject to vehicular traffic; and(iv) designed and installed to provide flexibility to accommodate settlement.(d) The vent pipe and terminal shall be located or protected so that they are not liable

to damage resulting from normal activities

(e) Joints in vent piping shall be sealed to prevent liquid or vapour release and tested to

a minimum hydrostatic pressure of 35 kPa or the operating pressure of the vent unit,whichever is the greater

the area of any common vent line shall be not less than the sum of thecross-sectional areas required for the individual vents connected to it, and thatcross-contamination will not affect adversely the use of the contents of either tank.Flashback arresters shall be incorporated in each leg of common venting systemsexcept for underground tanks

NOTE: Additional requirements may be necessary where vapour recovery is adopted

following requirements:

(a) The vent discharge point shall be located laterally at least 4 m for flammable liquidsand 2 m for combustible liquids from any opening into a building, e.g., window,door, ventilator, air conditioner or a mechanical vent intake to reduce the possibility

of the entry of nuisance vapour The vent shall be located such that the opening into

a building shall be outside the hazardous zone nominated in AS 2430

(b) The vent for any above-ground tank may discharge at a point at least 150 mm abovethe top of the tank, provided that other requirements for tank and vent locations aremet

(c) The vent discharge point shall be located at least 4 m above ground level except fordirect-vented tanks of Categories 1 or 2

discharge point for the tank shall be at least 4 m above ground level at the fill pointand in all circumstances shall be higher than the tank vehicle

(e) Where a Category 1 to 5 tank is to be filled by pumping from a tank vehicle:

(i) the vent pipe shall terminate in view of the filling operator; or

operator

Notwithstanding other requirements in this Clause, a vent provision may be connected to avapour recovery or collection system.

NOTE: When filling rates are high, the velocity of the discharging vapour may be high enough

to carry it a considerable distance In such cases, particular attention should be paid to direction

of discharge, to vapour diffusion and to potential ignition sources, especially for flammableliquid

foreign material with a protective cage or fitting Where a tank contains flammable liquidand the vapour within the ullage space of the tank is within explosive limits, a flamearrester incorporating a bronze or stainless steel wire mesh having openings not greaterthan 600 µm or other approved means shall be fitted Any such protective cage or flamearrester or other means shall not reduce the required effective vent area or create undueback-pressure within the tank

used on any tank in Categories 1, 2 or 3, unless the tank has been specifically designedand tested as prescribed in AS 1692 for use with such a vent

A pressure-vacuum vent shall not be fitted to any Category 4 underground tank

shall be such that the pressure and vacuum limits, as given in the Standard to which thetank has been designed and tested, are not exceeded For tanks in Categories 4 or 5designed and tested in accordance with AS 1692, the pressure setting shall be such thatthe test pressure of the tank is not exceeded under maximum normal venting conditions.The vacuum setting shall be such that the internal pressure does not fall below a pressure

of −0.5 kPa gauge

The setting of the pressure-vacuum vent shall be more than 7 kPa below the emergencyvent

Category 4, 5 or 6 above-ground tank containing a flammable liquid or which, though itcontains a combustible liquid, is in the same compound as a tank containing a flammableliquid

This Clause shall not apply to:

(a) Any open top tank with pontoon, floating or lifter roof

equal or greater area than that required for emergency venting

with API 2000 (see Appendix D of this Standard) For a vertical tank 4 m or less indiameter, a weak roof-to-shell joint shall not be regarded as being an acceptablealternative to an emergency vent If the emergency vent is of a simple construction such

as a manhole cover with long bolts or equivalent, its size may be determined by reference

to Appendix D For more complex emergency vents, the capacity data supplied by themanufacturer shall be used in the selection of the vent

under maximum emergency venting conditions the pressure in the tank shall not exceedthe limits given in the Standard to which the tank has been designed

NOTE: Where both an emergency vent and a pressure-vacuum vent are required, there should

be sufficient difference between the pressure settings of the two vents to ensure that theemergency vent will open only under emergency conditions when the normal venting provisionshave been exceeded