When dealing with abandoned underground tanks, it's crucial to prioritize safety to prevent potential explosions and other hazards. If a decision is made not to use or dispose of an underground hazardous chemical storage system, WorCover Queensland emphasizes the responsibility of the person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) to ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, either its removal or that it poses no risks to health and safety.
An 'abandoned tank,' defined as an underground, partially underground, or fully mounded tank not used for two years or not intended for future use, poses inherent dangers. Notifying the work health and safety regulator through Form 72 – Notification of an abandoned tank is a mandatory step after abandonment.
Abandoned underground tanks, especially those storing flammable gases or liquids, may go unnoticed or misunderstood by business operators, creating substantial safety risks. Excavation work around these tanks can lead to hazardous situations due to residual flammable substances. Tar-like deposits and sludge within the tank may pose explosion risks when exposed to air or sunlight, requiring careful consideration during any work.
Responsibility for abandoned tanks lies with the PCBU at the workplace or, in non-workplace locations, the occupier of the premises. Timely notification to the regulator is essential to ensure proper documentation and adherence to safety standards. Compliance with section 366 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 involves making the tank safe, and duty holders must not defer necessary actions.
Whether through removal or decommissioning in situ, demonstrating compliance requires supporting evidence and statements from competent persons. The documentation should detail the method of removal or decommissioning, stability post-removal, and risk management efforts to eliminate or minimize health and safety risks.
WorCover Queensland stresses the importance of proactive risk management, including complying with relevant codes of practice. In cases where the tank cannot be reasonably removed, a clear explanation and a site sketch outlining the tank's position become crucial. The duty holder must continually prioritize safety, even if there's a change in ownership, by providing comprehensive information to the incoming duty holder about abandoned tanks and underground storage systems.