Does Your Diesel Tank Comply with AS1940 Standards?

Does Your Diesel Tank Comply with AS1940 Standards?

Non-compliant fuel storage can cost you more than just money; it can shut down your operations.
Whether you’re running a farm, construction site, or industrial operation, ensuring your diesel tank complies with AS1940: The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids is not optional, it’s a legal and safety requirement.

At Durotank, we’re specialists in diesel storage solutions that meet Australian Standards and give you total peace of mind.

What Is AS1940?

AS1940 is the Australian Standard that outlines the minimum requirements for the safe storage, handling, and transfer of flammable and combustible liquids. For diesel fuel tanks, AS1940 governs:

  • Tank design and construction
  • Placement and installation
  • Ventilation and spill containment
  • Fire protection and safety signage
  • Regular inspection and maintenance

If your diesel tank doesn’t meet these criteria, you could face fines, safety hazards, or costly downtime.

Key Compliance Requirements for Diesel Tanks

Key Compliance Requirements for Diesel Tanks

Here’s what AS1940 requires for diesel fuel tanks:

Bunded (Double-Walled) Design

Tanks must include secondary containment, typically in the form of a bunded wall, to contain spills and prevent environmental contamination.

Correct Labelling & Signage

All diesel tanks must be clearly marked with the correct labels, placards, and hazard signage in accordance with AS1940.

Ventilation & Pressure Control

Tanks must have compliant venting systems to handle pressure buildup and prevent overflows or vapour accumulation.

Distance & Location Guidelines

Tanks must be installed at minimum distances from buildings, property boundaries, ignition sources, and other hazards.

Construction Materials

Tanks should be constructed from robust, corrosion-resistant materials suitable for long-term diesel storage.

Spill Management

Systems for spill capture, drainage, and cleanup must be in place as part of your overall site safety plan.

The Risks of Non-Compliance

Failing to comply with AS1940 can result in:

  • Hefty fines from regulatory bodies
  • Environmental contamination and cleanup costs
  • Fire and explosion hazards
  • Insurance policy voidance
  • Potential injury or death
  • Legal liability for damages

Don’t wait for an incident to find out your tank is non-compliant.

Durotank Tanks: Built to Meet and Exceed AS1940

Durotank Tanks: Built to Meet and Exceed AS1940

All Durotank diesel storage products are engineered and manufactured in Australia with full compliance in mind. Here’s why our tanks are trusted across farming, construction, mining, and industrial sectors:

  • Bunded designs for leak prevention
  • Lockable pump bays on selected tanks and secure access
  • Venting and overfill protection systems on selected tanks
  • Heavy-duty steel construction
  • Optional filtration systems
  • Fully transportable (on-road and off-road)

We also offer custom solutions to meet unique site requirements or industry-specific standards.

Need a Site Assessment or Compliance Check?

Durotank’s team can provide:

  • On-site inspections and tank audits
  • Guidance on AS1940 compliance for existing tanks
  • Recommendations for upgrades or replacements
  • Full installation and commissioning support
  • Documentation for workplace safety records

Whether you’re installing a new tank or auditing an old one, we’ll help you stay compliant and operational.

Why Choose Durotank?

Why Choose Durotank?

  • Australian Made
  • Built for Harsh Conditions
  • Nationwide Delivery
  • Backed by Industry Experts
  • AS1940 Compliant by Design

We don’t just sell tanks, we help you stay compliant, protected, and productive.

Get a Compliant Diesel Tank Today

If you’re unsure whether your current tank meets AS1940 requirements, now is the time to act. Contact Durotank for expert advice, compliant tank solutions, and reliable fuel storage that stands up to Australia’s toughest environments.

Call us on 1300 829 802

Or Request a Quote

Durotank – Safe, Compliant, and Built to Last.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is AS1940 compliance mandatory for diesel tanks?

Yes. Most above-ground diesel storage systems must meet AS1940 standards to stay legally compliant and safe.

What is the safe fill level under AS1940?

AS1940 sets the safe fill level at 95% to prevent overflows.

Do I need a bunded tank for diesel?

Yes. A bunded tank with 110% spill capacity is required under AS1940.

When is a high-level alarm required?

For diesel (combustible) tanks over 25,000L, and for flammable tanks over 5,000L.

What is GHS and why does it matter?

GHS is a global system for classifying chemicals. AS1940 aligns with it for safer fuel labelling and handling.

 

What AS1940 Means for Storing Diesel on Your Site

If you store diesel on a farm, a mine site, a civil project or a transport depot, AS1940 is the…

Why the steel certification in your fuel tank matters more than you think

When you are comparing steel fuel tanks, they can look remarkably similar on paper. They may have the same capacity,…

Self-Bunded or Single Wall? Which Diesel Tank You Actually Need

Search this question online and you will drown in British heating oil advice. OFTEC guidance, Environment Agency rules, Scottish EPA…

How to Choose the Right Diesel Storage Tank for Your Business

Buying a diesel tank looks simple until you start comparing them. Capacities range from a few hundred litres to six…

How to Store AdBlue Correctly (and Avoid Costly Contamination)

AdBlue has become a non-negotiable part of running a modern diesel fleet. Almost every truck, tractor, generator and piece of…

How Much Is Fuel Theft Costing Your Business and How to Stop It

Diesel prices in Australia have hit record levels in 2026. Geopolitical disruption has pushed per-litre costs to their highest point…

What Is Diesel Bug? How to Stop Fuel Contamination Ruining Your Equipment

When stored diesel is left unmanaged, the fuel sitting in your tank slowly changes. Water creeps in, sludge forms, and…

quote-01

My experience with Durotank was exceptional from start to completion.
Emily was patient with us from the start - we took a while to make our decision, but she was always ready to help. She proactively addressed all enquiries and offered comprehensive support. No pressure, just good service.

Furthermore, Durotank was highly accommodating when we requested custom signage. It turned out great and looked fantastic.

I highly recommend Durotank to any organisation seeking a seamless, efficient, and thoroughly professional supplier for diesel tank requirements.

quote-02
stars

Joe Valesini - AUS Inds Customer Relationship Manager Motion

quote-01

We had a great experience working with Durotank on our order for a 2,400L water cart trailer, set up for firefighting and tree watering. Their team was responsive throughout the process and delivered exactly what we needed on schedule, despite a very tight timeframe. The build quality is excellent - it’s clear a lot of care and expertise went into the manufacturing. We also value being able to support an Australian-made company and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Durotank for both their product quality and service.

quote-02stars

Joel Courtney – APMS Operations

quote-01

We considered many other brands of diesel tank but quickly settled on Durotank - they ticked all the boxes. An Australian-made, self bunded quality tank with the ability to load and transport on-site whilst full is a winner.

The team communicated professionally with us regarding modifications and build timing. We will certainly use Durotank again and would confidently recommend them to others.

quote-02stars

Andrew Reeves, Ethtec

quote-01

We had a great experience working with Durotank in purchasing our service trailer, from the enquiry stage to the delivery date the Durotank team were pleasant and very professional. Emily from the sales team answered any and all questions we had about specs and options, working with us to meet expectations and budget limitations. The production team kept us well informed of build schedule and approximate delivery dates. Overall we highly recommend the Durotank team if your looking for a service trailer, value for money is second to none and the quality is top notch.

quote-02stars

Aaron Asquith - Leading Hand - Rental Komatsu Australia, Truganina Branch VIC

quote-01

We purchased Durotank’s 2400 Litre poly water trailer with fire-fighter pump and hose reel, plus optional dribble bar and batter sprays attached.

Our property, Duxton Farm, borders the Kakadu National Park in the Northern Territory. Because of this, early season burning is extremely important to prevent uncontrollable bushfires later in the dry season. The trailer has been an invaluable asset to fire control – always full and ready to go when the call comes.

We’ve found it to be well balanced, empty or full, with the baffle ball system effectively controlling surge. We have had no issues with set-up, towing it with either a Landcruiser or Hilux.

Overall, we’re extremely happy with our purchase and the support from the Durotank team. We’ll be back. quote-02

stars

Bruce Connolly, Northern Regional Manager, Duxton Farms

quote-01

I purchased a Poly Tank Fuel Trailer from DUROTANK in April 2018. DUROTANK builds one of the best fuel trailers I have ever used. The build quality, engineering and attention to detail is unreal. The fuel trailer is rock solid, it tracks extremely well full of fuel at 100km/hr and its road worthy. All of the fittings are hoses are high quality hydraulic hose and crimped fittings so there are no leaks. The Durotank team is very easy to deal with and more than happy to help with any enquiries. The staff are friendly and it is a pleasure to do business with them. I’d buy another one in a heartbeat, that’s for sure quote-02

stars

Ben Harris – AB Contract Farming

quote-01

The Duro Cubes are going extremely well! My guys are very happy with them. Having them already saved us on oil transport on at least 2 occasions so far and has also allowed us to restructure our oil work days and use out of hours oil deliveries to make more efficient use of the time on site. quote-02

stars

Field Supervisor, Electricity Distributor (AUSGRID)

quote-01

The fuel trailer I purchased from DUROTANK is well designed to withstand the harsh mining environment I work in, with no compromise to efficient and reliable fast fuel delivery quote-02

stars

Brad Black – Hardrock Blasting Services

quote-01

I would like to recommend Durotank to anyone that is considering their products. From first enquiry to after the product was delivered the customer experience was flawless. quote-02

stars

Nick Dunlop – Kelton Rentals

quote-01

As a business owner I would highly recommend DUROTANK to any person who is serious about saving money, purchasing and storing their own fuel in bulk, particularly in today’s challenging economic times. DUROTANK supplied us an excellent quality Australian made fuel tank built to the specs that suited out business. Our staff love how easy it is to use and how much time it saves refuelling each week. We purchased the Smartfill System with it and its definitely a worthwhile investment both for use and fuel management. The aftersales service from DUROTANK has been outstanding.

quote-02stars

Tony Grace – Lachlan Valley

quote-01

The supply process from quotation to order placement, being kept informed of manufacturing process and delivery date and final delivery was seamless. I really appreciated the proactive approach to driving a positive Customer Experience. I couldn’t fault the product or service at all. quote-02
stars

Peter – Meadows Family Restaurants

quote-01

All our fuel trailers and on site tanks are supplied by Durotank which are built with strength and quality and always delivered on time, helpful and friendly staff, won’t get better.

quote-02stars

Harry Smith - Milbrae Quarries