By name: as-1940 description: "Technical reference for AS 1940:2017 (Storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids). Use this skill when the user asks about flammable liquid storage, combustible liquid handling, fuel dispensing, tank storage, bunding, fire protection for flammable liquids, or separation distances for dangerous goods stores — or when an action skill needs to verify or cite specific clauses of AS 1940:2017."
AS 1940:2017 — The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids — Complete Reference
Purpose
AS 1940:2017 sets out minimum acceptable safety requirements and recommendations for the safe storage and handling of flammable liquids (Class 3 dangerous goods) and combustible liquids, incorporating Amendments 1 and 2. The standard was prepared by Committee ME-017 (Flammable and Combustible Liquids) and published 1 August 2017, with amendments in August 2019 and June 2021.
The standard provides technical guidance to support risk management under WHS legislation and the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice for Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace. It addresses storage facilities, operating procedures, emergency planning, and fire protection for both commercial and industrial applications.
Critical Rules
When using this reference skill, follow these principles:
Citation accuracy — Only cite clauses that appear in the extracted section files. Format citations as "Clause X.Y" or "Clause X.Y.Z" (e.g. "Clause 5.8.1").
Clause verification — If a specific clause cannot be located in the section files, state this clearly rather than inferring or paraphrasing.
Factual, conservative language — Describe requirements and findings in neutral, factual terms. Avoid emotive language or speculation. Use "requires" or "provides" rather than "should" unless the standard uses "should".
Australian English — Use Australian English spelling throughout (e.g. analyse, minimise, centralise, realise).
Distinguish normative from informative — Normative appendices (not present in this standard) are integral; informative appendices (A through L) provide guidance only.
Distinguish standard from legislation — AS 1940 is a standard, not legislation. Note that legislation may impose additional or stricter requirements.
Text extraction limitations — This reference is based on OCR extraction from the published standard. If precision is critical (e.g. for regulatory compliance or design specification), consult the original published standard.
Regulatory standing — AS 1940 is a Category 4 (Advisory / Best Practice) standard referenced in the Model Code of Practice but not directly mandated by legislation. It represents current accepted practice; it is used to demonstrate compliance with the general duty of care under WHS legislation.
Section Index
| File | Section | Key Clauses | When to Read |
|---|---|---|---|
| section-01-scope-and-general.md | 1: Scope and General | 1.1–1.4 | Always start here; defines application, scope exceptions, and key definitions (flammable liquid, combustible liquid, flash point, Category of tank, etc.) |
| section-02-minor-storage.md | 2: Minor Storage | 2.1–2.4 | For quantities and precautions applying to minor storage (packaging, ventilation, construction); minor storage in tanks |
| section-03-general-requirements.md | 3: General Requirements | 3.1–3.11 | For design, construction, electrical, internal combustion engines, lighting, firewalls, security, ignition sources |
| section-04-package-storage-and-handling-areas.md | 4: Package Storage | 4.1–4.11 | For types of stores, separation distances, construction requirements, ventilation, storage cabinets, activities and offices within stores |
| section-05-storage-in-tanks.md | 5: Storage in Tanks | 5.1–5.14 | For tank design, fill points, venting (normal and emergency), indoor tanks, above-ground tank separation, bunds and compounds, secondary containment, tank containers, installation methods, service tanks |
| section-06-systems-for-piping-valves-pumps-and-tank-heating.md | 6: Piping, Valves, Pumps | 6.1–6.5 | For design and construction of piping systems, valve selection, pump requirements, tank heating |
| section-07-fuel-dispensing.md | 7: Fuel Dispensing | 7.1–7.6 | For dispensers, delivery hoses, nozzles, marine dispensers, and dispensing operations |
| section-08-tank-vehicle-loading-facilities.md | 8: Tank Vehicle Loading | 8.1–8.4 | For top-filling and bottom-loading facilities and operations |
| section-09-operational-and-personnel-safety.md | 9: Operational and Personnel Safety | 9.1–9.18 | For precautions, operating procedures, leak/spill management, liquid transfer, gas-freeing, personnel training, records, PPE, maintenance work, bulk transfer operations |
| section-10-emergency-management.md | 10: Emergency Management | 10.1–10.4 | For emergency planning, manifest requirements, placarding |
| section-11-fire-protection.md | 11: Fire Protection | 11.1–11.16 | For fire extinguishers, fixed systems, foam, cooling water; requirements by tank size and storage type |
| section-12-waste-storage-and-disposal.md | 12: Waste Storage and Disposal | 12.1–12.6 | For storage, management, disposal, and pre-disposal treatment of empty containers |
Appendix Index
| File | Appendix | Content | Type | When to Read |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| appendix-a-list-of-referenced-documents.md | A | List of Referenced Documents | Informative | For normative references (e.g. Australian Standards, international standards) |
| appendix-b-recommendations-for-the-design-and-construction-of-blending-plants.md | B | Blending Plants | Informative | For design and construction guidance specific to blending plants |
| appendix-c-use-of-fork-lift-trucks-and-vehicles-not-rated-for-hazardous-areas.md | C | Forklift Trucks | Informative | For use of non-rated forklifts and vehicles in flammable liquid stores |
| appendix-d-recommendations-for-the-storage-and-handling-of-packaged-flammable-liquids-in-coolrooms.md | D | Coolrooms | Informative | For storage and handling of packaged flammable liquids in refrigerated areas |
| appendix-e-issues-to-be-considered-in-a-risk-assessment.md | E | Risk Assessment | Informative | Checklist of issues to consider when conducting risk assessment for flammable/combustible liquid storage |
| appendix-f-storage-and-handling-of-potable-spirits-in-bulk.md | F | Potable Spirits | Informative | For storage and handling of ethanol and potable spirits in bulk |
| appendix-g-power-station-and-grid-transformers.md | G | Power Station Transformers | Informative | For considerations specific to transformer oil storage in power stations |
| appendix-h-tank-venting.md | H | Tank Venting | Informative | Technical guidance on tank venting systems and calculations |
| appendix-i-fire-exposure-protection.md | I | Fire Exposure Protection | Informative | For protection of tanks against external fire exposure |
| appendix-j-combustion-characteristics.md | J | Combustion Characteristics | Informative | Technical data on combustion properties of flammable/combustible liquids |
| appendix-k-gas-freeing-precautions-and-principles.md | K | Gas-Freeing | Informative | Precautions and principles for gas-freeing of tanks and packages |
| appendix-l-recommendations-for-batch-blending-of-flammable-liquids.md | L | Batch Blending | Informative | Recommendations for batch blending operations |
Regulatory Standing
AS 1940 is a Category 4 — Advisory / Best Practice Standard. It represents current accepted practice for the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. While not directly mandated by legislation, it is referenced in:
- Safe Work Australia's Model Code of Practice for Managing Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in the Workplace
- Various state and federal WHS legislation
The standard is commonly used to demonstrate compliance with the general duty of care under:
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and state equivalents
- Queensland: Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- NSW: Work Health and Safety Act 2011
- Victoria: Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
- WA: Work Health and Safety Act 2020
For full regulatory context, consult relevant state/territory WHS legislation and the Model Code of Practice.
Workflow
How to Use This Skill
User asks about flammable/combustible liquid storage or handling → Begin by reading Section 1 (Scope and General) to establish definitions and application.
Identify the specific topic — Use the Section Index above to find the relevant section(s).
Read the section file(s) — Read the complete section to understand the context and any notes or exceptions.
Cite specific clauses — If quoting requirements, cite the clause number (e.g. "Clause 5.8.2 requires that bunds be...").
Flag limitations — If critical precision is required, note that this is extracted text; recommend consulting the original standard.
Link to action skills — If an action skill needs verification of requirements, reference the appropriate clause.
Example Query Routing
| User Query | Start with | Then Read |
|---|---|---|
| "How should we store flammable liquids in drums?" | Section 1 | Section 4 (Package Storage), then Section 9 (Operational Safety) |
| "What are separation distance requirements?" | Section 1, then Section 4.3 | Section 4 (tables and clauses) |
| "Can we store combustible liquids?" | Section 1, Clause 1.4.9 (definition) | Section 4 or 5 depending on storage type |
| "What bunding requirements apply?" | Section 5.8 | Section 5 (Bunds and Compounds) |
| "How should we handle tank venting?" | Section 5.4–5.5 | Section 5 and Appendix H |
| "What fire protection do we need?" | Section 11.1–11.2 | Relevant Section 11 subsection by tank size/type |
| "What training requirements apply?" | Section 9.10 | Section 9 (Personnel Training and Records) |
| "How do we gas-free a tank safely?" | Section 9.9 | Section 9 and Appendix K |
Common Query Routing
| Topic | Relevant Sections | Key Clauses |
|---|---|---|
| Flammable liquid classification | 1 | 1.4.28, 1.4.29 (flash point, flammable liquid definition) |
| Combustible liquid classification | 1 | 1.4.9 (C1/C2 definition), Appendix J |
| Minor storage quantities | 2 | 2.1–2.4 |
| Electrical safety | 3 | 3.4, 3.4.1–3.4.4 |
| Ignition sources | 3 | 3.11 |
| Package storage types | 4 | 4.2, 4.3 (separation distances) |
| Ventilation requirements | 4 | 4.5 |
| Storage cabinets | 4 | 4.9 |
| Tank design and construction | 5 | 5.2–5.3 |
| Tank venting | 5 | 5.4–5.5, Appendix H |
| Bunding requirements | 5 | 5.8–5.9 |
| Piping and valves | 6 | 6.1–6.3 |
| Tank heating | 6 | 6.5 |
| Fuel dispensing | 7 | 7.2–7.6 |
| Tank vehicle loading | 8 | 8.2–8.4 |
| Personnel precautions | 9 | 9.2–9.6 |
| Training and competency | 9 | 9.10 |
| Spill management | 9 | 9.4 |
| Gas-freeing | 9 | 9.9, Appendix K |
| Emergency planning | 10 | 10.2–10.4 |
| Fire extinguishers | 11 | 11.4, 11.6–11.9 |
| Fixed fire protection systems | 11 | 11.5 |
| Foam systems | 11 | 11.16, Appendix I |
| Tank size and fire protection | 11 | 11.8–11.13 (by capacity) |
| Waste disposal | 12 | 12.2–12.6 |
| Blending plants | Appendix B | Specific design guidance |
| Coolroom storage | Appendix D | Refrigerated storage guidance |
| Risk assessment | Appendix E | Checklist of risk considerations |
| Potable spirits (ethanol) | Appendix F | Bulk ethanol storage |
| Tank venting calculations | Appendix H | Breathing/venting formulae |
| Batch blending | Appendix L | Operational guidance |
Version Information
- Standard: AS 1940:2017
- Full Title: The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
- Incorporating: Amendment Nos 1 (August 2019) and 2 (June 2021)
- Prepared by: Standards Australia Committee ME-017, Flammable and Combustible Liquids
- Published: 1 August 2017
- Edition: Sixth edition (previous edition: AS 1940–2004)
- Source: Licensed copy; text extracted from .docx conversion
Key Definitions (Quick Reference)
From Clause 1.4:
Flammable liquid (1.4.28) — Liquids that give off flammable vapour at temperatures not more than 60°C (closed cup test, flash point). Includes liquids stored/handled at or above their flash point.
Combustible liquid (1.4.9) — Any liquid (other than flammable) with a flash point and a fire point less than its boiling point. Divided into:
- C1 combustible — Flash point > 60°C and ≤ 93°C
- C2 combustible — Flash point > 93°C, or excluded from flammable by sustained combustion criteria
Flash point (1.4.29) — Lowest temperature at which application of a test flame causes vapour to ignite (closed-cup method per AS/NZS 2106).
Fire point (1.4.23) — Temperature at which vapour evolves at sufficient rate to sustain burning for 5+ seconds (ISO 2592).
Category of tank (1.4.7) — Classification per AS 1692:
- Category 1: ≤1200 L, domestic/residential heating oil (not for flammable)
- Category 2: ≤2500 L, cylindrical, farm/open space
- Category 3: Rectangular/unconventional, industrial
- Category 4: ≤150 m³, horizontal cylindrical
- Category 5: ≤150 m³, vertical cylindrical
- Category 6: Any capacity, site-erected
Bund (1.4.5) — Embankment or wall forming part or all of compound perimeter.
Compound (1.4.12) — Area bounded by ground contours or bund, intended to retain spillage/leakage.
Firewall (1.4.26) — Wall or barrier with specified FRL, constructed to prevent spread of fire.
To begin reference work, see the Section Index above and read the appropriate section file(s) in the sections/ directory.