Special events, often drawing large crowds in densely-populated areas, necessitate a thorough management of risks associated with hazardous chemicals. In the context of temporary fuel storage and handling systems at short-term events, workplaces, represented by WorkCover Queensland, are obligated to prudently mitigate these risks for the well-being of workers and attendees.

Risk Management: Identify and manage risks associated with chemicals, covering transport, storage, use, and disposal. Refer to Queensland's Managing risks of hazardous chemicals in the workplace code of practice 2021 for guidelines on safe storage and handling, including fuels.

Flammable Vapors: Recognize the potential for explosive atmospheres caused by vapors from flammable fuels. Failure to control ignition sources, such as naked flames or sparks, poses serious risks to the safety of workers and event attendees, leading to potential injury, property damage, or fire.

Standards Compliance: Adhere to Australian Standards like AS60079: Part 10.1 for identifying explosive atmospheres and AS1940 for safe fuel storage and handling methods.

General Controls: Maintain a readily available register of safety data sheets (SDSs) for fuels used at events. Ensure fuel compounds have proper entry/exit points, and equipment is designed for its intended purpose. Limit temporary fuel tank capacity to 50,000L and package stores to 10,000L.

Separation Distances: Implement separation distances for aboveground bulk tanks and package stores, as outlined in relevant standards, to minimize fire escalation. For instance, stand-alone bulk fuel tanks should be separated by more than 1m.

Control of Ignition Sources: Exercise control over ignition sources and prevent static electricity accumulation in temporary fuel systems. Identify hazardous areas around fuel storage and display appropriate signage. Ensure certified electrical equipment is used within hazardous zones.

Spill Containment: Construct spill compounds from non-combustible materials and ensure they can contain spills adequately. Differentiate spill compound requirements for bulk tanks and package stores based on their capacity.

Fuel Dispensing: Follow AS1940 guidelines for fuel dispensers and restrict dispensing to trained workers only. Workers conducting fuel dispensing should have access to a spill kit.

Firefighting Equipment: Equip package stores and dispensers with appropriate firefighting equipment within specified distances. Bulk tanks with capacities over 10,000L should have additional firefighting measures in place.

Administrative Controls: Prohibit the filling of bulk tanks or IBCs without proper vents. Provide comprehensive information, training, and instructions about hazards and controls to workers. Ensure proper placarding and notification to authorities for manifest quantity workplaces.

Emergency Response: Document and communicate emergency response and evacuation procedures, providing the information to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) before events. Display a manifest at event entrances and provide one to QFES if they are present.

Glossary

ADG Code: the Australian Code for the Transport of Dangerous Goods by Road and Rail.

Bulk tank: a fuel storage tank with a water capacity >500L designed to be connected to a decanting or dispensing system and includes an IBC connected to a decanting system.

Fire-risk dangerous goods: includes classes 2.1, 4 or 5.

IBC: an intermediate bulk container approved under the ADG Code.

Isotainer: a portable bulk tank approved under the ADG Code to transport fuel.

Minor storage: are those quantities less than Table 2.1 of AS1940.

Package: a portable container or drum approved under the ADG Code.

Package store: an area where fuel packages and/or sealed IBCs are group together in quantities greater than minor storage.

Road tanker: a tank vehicle approved under the ADG Code to transport fuel.

SDS: Safety data sheet for a hazardous chemical.

Further information

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland Find out more on work health and safety legislation, hazardous chemical safety, how to notify as a manifest quality workplace or call 1300 362 128.
For any enquiries call (07) 3874 7579 or email hicb@oir.qld.gov.au.

Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Read more information for Manifest quantity workplaces on emergency evacuation and response procedures, including how to write and send a plan to QFES.

Standards Australia Search for and buy Australian Standards such AS1940, AS1692 and AS/NZS60079:10.1.

Consultants and industry associations Further information on the installation, maintenance and repair of fuel storage and handling systems are available from:

• Australasian Institute of Dangerous Goods Consultants (AIDGC).
• Fuel suppliers and local distributors may be able to provide technical assistance regarding their products, including the provision of an SDS.