When it comes to fuel storage and handling in Australia, one thing remains constant: compliance equals safety. Across industries and locations, properly storing fuel not only protects workers and the environment but also shields businesses from legal risk.
The Australian Standard AS1940:2017 – The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids – is the go-to compliance guide in this space. With recent updates, global alignment initiatives and new technologies shaping how organisations achieve and maintain compliance, now is the perfect time to revisit what AS1940 means for your business and how to ensure your business is achieving and maintaining compliance.
Why AS1940 Matters More Than Ever
AS1940 is more important than ever because it ensures the safe storage and handling of fuel, protecting workers, the environment, and communities. Beyond safety, it helps businesses meet legal obligations, avoid costly penalties, and improve operational efficiency. Compliance leads to safer operations, reduced environmental risks, better fuel efficiency, and longer-lasting assets.
Achieving and Maintaining Compliance: Your Action Plan
Step 1: Conduct a Site Audit
Start with a full audit to identify current compliance gaps.
✅Fuelfix offers expert-led site audits to identify compliance gaps and recommend tailored solutions.
Step 2: Upgrade Equipment
Ensure tanks, gauges, pipework and bunds meet AS1940 and GHS standards.
✅ Fuelfix supplies and installs AS1940- and GHS-compliant tanks, gauges, bunds, and pipework to modernise your infrastructure.
Step 3: Implement Preventative Maintenance
Schedule regular inspections and maintenance to keep your facility compliant long-term.
✅ Our scheduled servicing plans ensure your systems are regularly inspected and maintained to prevent issues before they arise.
Step 4: Train Your Staff
Fuelfix offers onsite and remote training to empower teams to handle emergencies and routine operations.
✅ We provide both onsite and remote training programs to equip your team with the knowledge to operate safely and respond to emergencies.
Step 5: Maintain Documentation
Keep records of all inspections, upgrades, training sessions and incident reports. These are critical during audits or investigations.
✅ Fuelfix helps you stay audit-ready by maintaining detailed records of inspections, upgrades, training, and incident reports.
Real-World Case Studies: How Fuelfix Delivers AS1940 Compliance
📍 Case Study 1: Mount Thorley Warkworth Mine – 10-Year Tank Inspection
A major commercial explosives provider required urgent upgrades at their NSW site. Challenges included:
- Non-compliant fuel infrastructure
- No hot work permitted on-site
- Tight timelines to avoid operational disruption
Fuelfix’s Solution:
- Removed tanks from the hazardous site and completed upgrades at our depot.
- Supplied exchange tanks to keep the operation running.
- Delivered inspections, respraying and flowmeter replacement with zero downtime.
Results: Fully compliant, refurbished tanks with improved safety and refuelling efficiency. Minimal disruption. Reduced costs.
Read More →
📍 Case Study 2: East Pilbara Mine – Operational Efficiency Overhaul
At a WA iron ore mine, Fuelfix partnered with a leading mining company to:
- Reduce fuel wastage and costs
- Eliminate unplanned downtime
- Align operations with AS1940
Our 4-Phase Solution:
- Optimised fuel train unloading
- Improved fuel quality
- Upgraded HV refuelling systems
- Established ongoing maintenance program
Impact: Best fuel unloading performance in years. Improved environmental safety and lower operational costs through strategic servicing and monitoring.
Read Full Case Study →
Future-Proofing Your Fuel Operations
Compliance with AS1940 is not optional – it’s essential. It keeps people safe, protects the environment, ensures smooth operations and gives your business the confidence to operate without worry.
At Fuelfix & Tanks2Go, we do more than just install tanks. We’re your full-service partner in fuel storage safety and efficiency – from site audits and ATG systems to bund upgrades and maintenance programs.
📞 Call 1300 734 764 or Contact Us Online to Book Your AS1940 Audit.
Let’s keep your fuel storage secure, compliant and future-ready.
