Flammable and Combustible (F&C) liquids constitute, by far, the largest group of hazardous materials commonly used in Queensland. Because of their potential to cause, or exacerbate a fire, they are considered to present such a large risk that special provisions for their storage and handling are needed.

The Whitsunday Regional Council currently licence approximately 70 premises storing Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

• Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001
• What is a Flammable Liquid?
• What is a Combustible Liquid?
• Do I require a Licence?
• What are the Precautions for Minor Storage?
• What is the Licensing Process?

Flammable and Combustible (F&C) liquids constitute, by far, the largest group of hazardous materials commonly used in Queensland. Because of their potential to cause, or exacerbate a fire, they are considered to present such a large risk that special provisions for their storage and handling are needed.

The Whitsunday Regional Council currently licence approximately 70 premises storing Flammable and Combustible Liquids.

• Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001
• What is a Flammable Liquid?
• What is a Combustible Liquid?
• Do I require a Licence?
• What are the Precautions for Minor Storage?
• What is the Licensing Process?

The overall objective of the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001 (DGSM Act 2001); and its associated Regulations and Standards; is to protect the safety of persons, and prevent harm to property and the environment from hazardous materials. This Act at section 7 (1) and (2) establishes the requirements for;

• the safe storage and handling of dangerous goods and combustible liquids;
• the safe operation of major hazard facilities; and
• authorises the giving of advice and help in hazardous materials emergencies.

The duties of Authorised Officers under the DGSM Act have been devolved to Local Government Environmental Health Officers (EHO’s). Under the DGSM Act, Local Governments are legislated as the “Local Authority” responsible for licensing premises where flammable and combustible (F&C) liquids are stored and to set and enforce licence conditions.

An F&C licence maybe required for any premises storing Flammable and/or Combustible Liquids. To see if your property requires F&C licensing, please see the section titled “Do I require a Licence?”.

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The overall objective of the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Act 2001 (DGSM Act 2001); and its associated Regulations and Standards; is to protect the safety of persons, and prevent harm to property and the environment from hazardous materials. This Act at section 7 (1) and (2) establishes the requirements for;

• the safe storage and handling of dangerous goods and combustible liquids;
• the safe operation of major hazard facilities; and
• authorises the giving of advice and help in hazardous materials emergencies.

The duties of Authorised Officers under the DGSM Act have been devolved to Local Government Environmental Health Officers (EHO’s). Under the DGSM Act, Local Governments are legislated as the “Local Authority” responsible for licensing premises where flammable and combustible (F&C) liquids are stored and to set and enforce licence conditions.

An F&C licence maybe required for any premises storing Flammable and/or Combustible Liquids. To see if your property requires F&C licensing, please see the section titled “Do I require a Licence?”.

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A flammable liquid is a liquid which has the potential to ignite at temperatures below 62°C. The ignition temperature is commonly known as the liquids' flash point. In simple terms, the flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapour to ignite in the presence of a source of ignition, (the lower the flash point, the greater the risk of fire). A flammable liquid falls into a certain class according to specifications outlined in the Australian Standard for the Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids, referred to as AS1940-2004 "The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids".

The standard, AS1940-2004, details the categories of packaging groups for Flammable liquids. An example of a flammable liquid is Unleaded Petrol; which belongs to Packaging Group 2, generally denoted as PG II (refer to Table 1 - Defining a Flammable or Combustible Liquid by Class/Catergory).

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A flammable liquid is a liquid which has the potential to ignite at temperatures below 62°C. The ignition temperature is commonly known as the liquids' flash point. In simple terms, the flash point is the lowest temperature at which a liquid produces enough vapour to ignite in the presence of a source of ignition, (the lower the flash point, the greater the risk of fire). A flammable liquid falls into a certain class according to specifications outlined in the Australian Standard for the Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids, referred to as AS1940-2004 "The Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids".

The standard, AS1940-2004, details the categories of packaging groups for Flammable liquids. An example of a flammable liquid is Unleaded Petrol; which belongs to Packaging Group 2, generally denoted as PG II (refer to Table 1 - Defining a Flammable or Combustible Liquid by Class/Catergory).

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A combustible liquid is any liquid, other than a flammable liquid, that has a flash point that is less than its boiling point. A combustible liquid is one which has the potential to ignite or combust. The ‘flash point’ is the temperature at which the liquid will ignite. An example of a Combustible liquid is Distillate Fuel (Diesel).

Combustible liquids can be categorised into 2 classes as set out in AS 1940-2004, this standard details what packaging group the combustible liquids fall into.

TABLE 1 - Defining a Flammable or Combustible Liquid by Class/Category

A combustible liquid is any liquid, other than a flammable liquid, that has a flash point that is less than its boiling point. A combustible liquid is one which has the potential to ignite or combust. The ‘flash point’ is the temperature at which the liquid will ignite. An example of a Combustible liquid is Distillate Fuel (Diesel).

Combustible liquids can be categorised into 2 classes as set out in AS 1940-2004, this standard details what packaging group the combustible liquids fall into.

TABLE 1 - Defining a Flammable or Combustible Liquid by Class/Category

All places storing or handling Flammable or Combustible Liquids in excess of a Minor Storage as described by AS1940-2004 Section 2 “Minor Storage", require licensing by the local authority.

If your storage or handling of Flammable or Combustible Liquids is in quantities greater than that described as Minor Storage you will be required to meet special requirements such as safety signage, fire extinguishers, spillage provisions, etc.

A licence will be granted subject to compliance with the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulation 2001 (DGSM), AS1940-2004 and other relevant Australian Standards. The licence to store Flammable or Combustible Liquids can be varied or transferred to a new occupier, if and when the business is sold by use of an Amendment Application form.

Council’s Authorised DGSM Act Officers strongly recommended that you obtain a copy of the Australian Standard AS1940-2004 to fully understand the requirements for Flammable and Combustible Liquid storage and handling.

All places storing or handling Flammable or Combustible Liquids in excess of a Minor Storage as described by AS1940-2004 Section 2 “Minor Storage", require licensing by the local authority.

If your storage or handling of Flammable or Combustible Liquids is in quantities greater than that described as Minor Storage you will be required to meet special requirements such as safety signage, fire extinguishers, spillage provisions, etc.

A licence will be granted subject to compliance with the Dangerous Goods Safety Management Regulation 2001 (DGSM), AS1940-2004 and other relevant Australian Standards. The licence to store Flammable or Combustible Liquids can be varied or transferred to a new occupier, if and when the business is sold by use of an Amendment Application form.

Council’s Authorised DGSM Act Officers strongly recommended that you obtain a copy of the Australian Standard AS1940-2004 to fully understand the requirements for Flammable and Combustible Liquid storage and handling.

Quantities below the limits of Minor Storage do not require a licence provided the following precautionary measures listed below are complied with; otherwise a licence will be required:

(a) The storage shall not be in proximity to heating or an ignition source; i.e. light switch, welders, stove, heating appliance, or similar ignition source. (b) Packages shall be kept closed when not in use. Any action to open a package of Flammable liquid or decant from it should be carried out in a well-ventilated area and away from potential ignition sources; (c) The transfer of a Flammable liquid from storage to the point of use shall be carried out in a manner that minimises the possibility of spillage or fire; (d) Liquids shall not be stored or used where they may jeopardise escape from building in the event of fire; (e) Persons who handle Flammable and Combustible liquids shall be aware of the hazards involved;

(f) Any spillage shall be cleaned up immediately and the materials used in the clean up shall be disposed of safely and in accordance with DGSM Information Paper No. 10; (g) No combustible waste material or residues shall be permitted to remain in or around areas in which such liquids are stored or decanted; (h) Any materials that might interact dangerously if mixed shall be kept apart so that the possibility of interaction is minimised; • i.e. fuel and pool chlorine. (i) Packages used shall not be pressurised as a means to transfer the contents unless specifically designed for this duty. (j) For premises where Flammable liquids in excess of 100L total quantity are stored or used – • a fire extinguisher (9kg powder-type AB:E); and • a warning sign worded: "DANGER - FLAMMABLE LIQUID - NO SMOKING - KEEP FIRE AWAY" – shall be placed at an effective location adjacent to the storage. (k) Occupiers and operators are expected to optimise safety by providing and using adequate storage for packages on shelves, in cupboards, or the like. An example of a flammable liquids storage cupboard is shown on the right.

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Quantities below the limits of Minor Storage do not require a licence provided the following precautionary measures listed below are complied with; otherwise a licence will be required:

(a) The storage shall not be in proximity to heating or an ignition source; i.e. light switch, welders, stove, heating appliance, or similar ignition source. (b) Packages shall be kept closed when not in use. Any action to open a package of Flammable liquid or decant from it should be carried out in a well-ventilated area and away from potential ignition sources; (c) The transfer of a Flammable liquid from storage to the point of use shall be carried out in a manner that minimises the possibility of spillage or fire; (d) Liquids shall not be stored or used where they may jeopardise escape from building in the event of fire; (e) Persons who handle Flammable and Combustible liquids shall be aware of the hazards involved;

(f) Any spillage shall be cleaned up immediately and the materials used in the clean up shall be disposed of safely and in accordance with DGSM Information Paper No. 10; (g) No combustible waste material or residues shall be permitted to remain in or around areas in which such liquids are stored or decanted; (h) Any materials that might interact dangerously if mixed shall be kept apart so that the possibility of interaction is minimised; • i.e. fuel and pool chlorine. (i) Packages used shall not be pressurised as a means to transfer the contents unless specifically designed for this duty. (j) For premises where Flammable liquids in excess of 100L total quantity are stored or used – • a fire extinguisher (9kg powder-type AB:E); and • a warning sign worded: "DANGER - FLAMMABLE LIQUID - NO SMOKING - KEEP FIRE AWAY" – shall be placed at an effective location adjacent to the storage. (k) Occupiers and operators are expected to optimise safety by providing and using adequate storage for packages on shelves, in cupboards, or the like. An example of a flammable liquids storage cupboard is shown on the right.

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Section 1 – Proposed Installations and Variations to an Existing Licence
This section applies to proposed new installations and variations of an existing licence (i.e. change in the storage quantities or products, or installation of a new pump or tank).

NOTE: You will need to complete the necessary application forms and pay the required fee(s) when lodging your plans.


Stage 1: Approval to Proceed - Plan Approval
Step 1: Town Planning Approval
Contact the Council's Planning Department to seek advice as to whether your proposal is an allowable development under the Shire’s Town Planning Scheme for that particular area/zone.


Step 2: IDAS (Integrated Development Assessment System) - Planning and Development Approval
Contact the Council's Planning Department (07)4945 0249 to seek advice for application requirements for approval under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 and Environmental Protection Act 1994.

Considerations: Environmental Protection Approval: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, businesses that have the potential to pollute the environment are called Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERA’s). If you are conducting an ERA, you must obtain a licence (Environmental Authority) or approval to operate. Premises storing petroleum products in tanks or containers having a combined total storage capacity of 10,000 to 500,000 Litres are required to obtain approval under the Act.
For further information, please contact Environment and Compliance on (07) 4945 0200 (Southern Office) or (07) 4761 3633 (Northern Office).


Step 3: Environmental Health Unit Approval - Completing Application to Construct and Lodging Your Plans
Complete and lodge the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Plan Approval Application Form together with plans and the appropriate fee to Whitsunday Shire’s Environmental Health Unit at the council’s Customer Service centre at Proserpine.

The following must be taken into consideration when having plans drawn:
• You are required to submit three (3) copies of detailed plans (drawn to scale) and have them approved before construction, renovations or alterations, of installations can occur.
• Plans are required to include site and floor plans, sections and elevations.
• The following minimum scales should be used on plans:
o Site Plan 1:200(showing the location of the proposed installation in relation to on-site facilities, protected works and boundaries);
o Floor Plan 1:100; Sectional Elevations 1:50; and
o Mechanical Ventilation Plans 1:50 (for indoor storage facility).


Step 4: Decision of Plan Assessment
When consent has been granted from the relevant sections of Council, your plan will be approved and you will be provided with written confirmation of your approval to proceed in the form of a Development Application Decision Notice.

If additional information is required, or the application has not received clearance from other sections, you will also be notified.
Be aware that you are not permitted to construct or alter a premise without prior approval.


Stage 2: Approval to Operate - Obtaining a Licence to Store Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Step 5: Arranging the Final Assessment
When the installation, construction or alteration is completed and is ready for operation, you are required to contact Whitsunday Regional Council’s Environment and Compliance on (07) 4945 0200 (Southern Office) or (07) 4761 3633 (Northern Office) to arrange a suitable time for an Environmental Health Officer to inspect the installation before being commissioned for operation.

Section 1 – Proposed Installations and Variations to an Existing Licence
This section applies to proposed new installations and variations of an existing licence (i.e. change in the storage quantities or products, or installation of a new pump or tank).

NOTE: You will need to complete the necessary application forms and pay the required fee(s) when lodging your plans.


Stage 1: Approval to Proceed - Plan Approval
Step 1: Town Planning Approval
Contact the Council's Planning Department to seek advice as to whether your proposal is an allowable development under the Shire’s Town Planning Scheme for that particular area/zone.


Step 2: IDAS (Integrated Development Assessment System) - Planning and Development Approval
Contact the Council's Planning Department (07)4945 0249 to seek advice for application requirements for approval under the Integrated Planning Act 1997 and Environmental Protection Act 1994.

Considerations: Environmental Protection Approval: Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, businesses that have the potential to pollute the environment are called Environmentally Relevant Activities (ERA’s). If you are conducting an ERA, you must obtain a licence (Environmental Authority) or approval to operate. Premises storing petroleum products in tanks or containers having a combined total storage capacity of 10,000 to 500,000 Litres are required to obtain approval under the Act.
For further information, please contact Environment and Compliance on (07) 4945 0200 (Southern Office) or (07) 4761 3633 (Northern Office).


Step 3: Environmental Health Unit Approval - Completing Application to Construct and Lodging Your Plans
Complete and lodge the Flammable and Combustible Liquids Plan Approval Application Form together with plans and the appropriate fee to Whitsunday Shire’s Environmental Health Unit at the council’s Customer Service centre at Proserpine.

The following must be taken into consideration when having plans drawn:
• You are required to submit three (3) copies of detailed plans (drawn to scale) and have them approved before construction, renovations or alterations, of installations can occur.
• Plans are required to include site and floor plans, sections and elevations.
• The following minimum scales should be used on plans:
o Site Plan 1:200(showing the location of the proposed installation in relation to on-site facilities, protected works and boundaries);
o Floor Plan 1:100; Sectional Elevations 1:50; and
o Mechanical Ventilation Plans 1:50 (for indoor storage facility).


Step 4: Decision of Plan Assessment
When consent has been granted from the relevant sections of Council, your plan will be approved and you will be provided with written confirmation of your approval to proceed in the form of a Development Application Decision Notice.

If additional information is required, or the application has not received clearance from other sections, you will also be notified.
Be aware that you are not permitted to construct or alter a premise without prior approval.


Stage 2: Approval to Operate - Obtaining a Licence to Store Flammable and Combustible Liquids
Step 5: Arranging the Final Assessment
When the installation, construction or alteration is completed and is ready for operation, you are required to contact Whitsunday Regional Council’s Environment and Compliance on (07) 4945 0200 (Southern Office) or (07) 4761 3633 (Northern Office) to arrange a suitable time for an Environmental Health Officer to inspect the installation before being commissioned for operation.