AS 1940-2017 (2019) PDF

Full title and description

AS 1940:2017 (reprint 2019) — The storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids. This Australian Standard specifies requirements for the safe storage, handling, and transfer of flammable and combustible liquids in drums, tanks and other storage systems used in industrial, commercial and some institutional settings to minimize fire and safety risks.

Abstract

AS 1940:2017 provides comprehensive guidance and mandatory requirements for categorizing liquids by flash point and hazard, designing and siting storage facilities, providing spill containment, ventilation, fire protection, electrical classification, transfer and dispensing arrangements, and safe operating practices. The standard supports risk reduction through engineering, administrative controls and emergency planning, addressing both bulk and packaged storage up to defined capacities.

General information

• Status: Current (AS 1940:2017; reprinted 2019)
• Publication date: 2017 (formal reprint or corrigenda issued 2019)
• Publisher: Standards Australia
• ICS / categories: 13.220 (Fire safety), 13.280 (Occupational safety), 75.160 (Petroleum and related technologies)
• Edition / version: Edition 3 (AS 1940:2017)
• Number of pages: Approximately 104 pages (typical published length)

Scope

AS 1940:2017 applies to the storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids in aboveground and underground storage, in fixed tanks, mobile tanks, drum storage and intermediate bulk containers where those activities are carried out within industrial, commercial and some institutional premises. It covers classification of liquids, storage location and separation distances, containment and bunding, ventilation, fire protection and emergency planning. It does not cover specific product formulations, retail service station forecourts (which are addressed by related guidance), nor transportation by road, rail or marine except where this interfaces with on-site storage and transfer.

Key topics and requirements

• Classification of liquids by flash point and boiling point to determine hazard category.
• Design and construction requirements for tanks, bunds, pits and secondary containment.
• Site layout, minimum separation distances and segregation of incompatible substances.
• Ventilation, vapor control and safe transfer systems to limit vapor accumulation and ignition sources.
• Electrical protection, bonding and grounding for tanks and transfer equipment to prevent static ignition.
• Fire protection provisions including firefighting access, extinguishing systems and alarm arrangements.
• Operational controls: signage, procedures for filling/dispensing, hot work permits, storage of drums and labelled containers.
• Inspection, testing, maintenance and emergency response planning, including spill and leak management.

Typical use and users

Organisations that design, construct, operate or manage facilities storing or handling flammable and combustible liquids use AS 1940:2017. Typical users include chemical and petroleum storage facilities, manufacturing plants, warehousing and logistics operators, facilities managers, safety engineers, fire protection designers, consultants, and regulatory inspectors. The standard is used to develop site procedures, design specifications, compliance documentation and emergency response plans.

Related standards

AS 1940:2017 is commonly used alongside other Australian and international standards and codes, including standards for fire safety engineering, hazardous area electrical installations, transport of dangerous goods, tank design and construction, and workplace health and safety regulations. Examples include standards for electrical equipment in hazardous areas, storage tank design, and relevant state/territory fire and environmental regulations.

Keywords

AS 1940, flammable liquids, combustible liquids, storage, handling, bunding, containment, ventilation, fire protection, spill control, hazardous areas, safety management

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: AS 1940:2017 is the Australian Standard that sets out requirements for the safe storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids to reduce fire, explosion and environmental risks.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers classification of liquids, design and siting of storage systems, containment and bunding, ventilation, electrical protection and grounding, fire protection, operational controls, inspection and emergency planning for both bulk and packaged storage on industrial and commercial sites.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Engineers, facility operators, safety managers, fire protection designers, consultants, regulators and emergency planners who are responsible for the design, operation or inspection of sites storing flammable and combustible liquids.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: AS 1940:2017 is the current edition issued in 2017; a reprint or corrigenda was issued in 2019. Users should check for any amendments or more recent revisions when ensuring compliance.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: AS 1940 works alongside a suite of Australian Standards and codes addressing hazardous areas, fire safety, tank construction, environmental protection and transport of dangerous goods; it complements other standards rather than forming a numbered series specific to a single topic.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Flammable liquids, combustible liquids, storage, bunding, containment, ventilation, fire protection, hazardous areas, spill control, AS 1940.