Safe Operational Procedure:

Fuel Handling & Storage

Management Commitment & Approval: This Procedure has been approved and endorsed by the organisation
owner and Senior Management of XYZ Company. The signature of the authorised person in the footer (insert
name of organisation owner or person in senior management position) demonstrates a commitment to the
procedure.
Senior Management Sign-off: Date:
Foot Protection
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) AS 1319-1994 Safety signs for the occupational
environment reproduced with permission from SAI Global under licence 1210-c062. Standards may be purchased at
http://www.saiglobal.com

Hazards - What can cause harm?

• Inhalation of fuel vapours • Burns / death
• Fires and explosion • Manual handling (lifting /lowering, repetitive
• Contact with fuel skin/eyes/ingestion movements, twisting, bending and awkward positions)
• Asphyxiation
Precautions
Operator training should include: Fire Extinguisher use:
 Workplace induction
1. Only attempt to extinguish fire if it can be put out quickly. If
 Safe operating procedures
unsure EVACUATE
 Nature of hazards
2. Consider if electricity is involved (Do not use water)
 Correct use & fitting of PPE
3. Select the appropriate fire extinguisher for the material
 Manual handling
burning
 Housekeeping
4. Pull pin from handle
 First Aid
5. Quickly test by squeezing the handle
 Reporting procedures for incidents
6. Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire
 Ignition sources
7. Squeeze handle and move nozzle in a sweeping motion
 Correct storage, maintenance and
until fire is extinguished.
transport of fuel
 Maintenance/leak testing NOTE: Ignition sources can include the following:
 Emergency response (including how to Pilot lights, electrical equipment/motors, power points, battery
use a fire extinguisher) charging, fuse/switchboards, fans, air conditioners, sparks from
 Material/Safety Data Sheet (M/SDS). grinders, open flames, lit cigarettes, and mobile phones.

Pre-inspect fuel containers and refueling equipment:

• Inspect all containers for damage or corrosion – if detected – do not use
• Assemble/attach equipment as required – check connections are tight, and seals are clean
• Conduct leak testing. If leaking – check attachments and re-test. If still leaking – do not use
• Check no ignition sources close to work area
• Well ventilated area.

Storage:
 Storage and handling of flammable liquids should be in carried out in accordance with AS 1940 The
storage and handling of flammable and combustible liquids
 Flammable liquids must be identified with signage including quantities stored at the location
 All fueled stored will considered as having the same classification as the flammable liquid with the lowest
flashpoint
 Fuel should be kept in a cool, well-ventilated place, protected from weather and unauthorised access
wherever practicable
 All sources of ignition are to be eliminated from fuel storage areas.

Document Title: Xyz Company Fuel Handling - Storage SOP Authorised by:
Document #: Version #: 1 Issue Date: Revision Date:
© SafetyCulture All Rights Reserved Page 1 of 2
 Safe Operational Procedure:
Fuel Handling & Storage

Fuel Transport:
 All fuels must be transported in approved, sealed containers
 Ensure that containers are earthed to prevent static build up during transport
 Do not transport fuels in vehicle passenger cabins
 Ensure placarding requirements for transporting fuel in cans
 Label all containers clearly with the contents
 Fuel containers are to be secured from movement or accidental damage
 No smoking or ignition sources
 Provide adequate ventilation.

First Aid/PPE:
 Ensure operators have access to First aid equipment / wash up facilities and clean water
 Wear additional PPE when there is any risk of splashing:
o Chemical splash goggles, chemical resistant gloves/gauntlets, boots, and apron
 If clothing is splashed with fuel, change it immediately
 Avoid breathing vapours or contact with fuel
 Petroleum products contain amounts of aromatic hydrocarbons that can be smelled in the vapours
o Acute effects of hydrocarbon vapours may be dizziness, nausea, headache & vomiting:
o If this occurs remove yourself from the area and avoid driving a vehicle or operating machinery until
fully recovered
o If a severe case of hydrocarbon vapour occurs seek medical advice as soon as possible.
Do not eat, drink or smoke after handling fuel until hands are carefully washed. Shower and wash
immediately after work. Wash clothes in separate wash from other clothes.
Fuel use:
 Ensure filling/re-fueling is undertaken in well-ventilated areas
 Refueling equipment and tools are kept away from operating vehicles, machinery and equipment
 Suitable fire extinguishers located at refueling area
 Shut down machinery and allow to cool down before refueling
 Use funnel, nozzle to refuel, avoiding spills and overfilling
 Avoid contact with skin and eyes
 Eliminate all ignition sources from refueling area

Emergency response – fuel spill – no fire:
 Stop the source of the spill or leak or release
 If that is not possible & it is safe to do so - stop
the spill or release from spreading
 Turn off any ignition sources if safe to do so
 Evacuate all unnecessary personnel
 If possible, contain the spill
 Place inert, noncombustible, absorbent material
onto spillage
 Use clean non-sparking tools for material
collection; put into a labelled container
 Use gravel or other material to stop fuel
entering drains/water courses
 Clean up spill as required
 Dispose of as per SDS instructions & local
waste facility or following EPA directives.
Emergency response – fuel spill - Fire
 If safe to do so commence fire fighting
 call 000
 Evacuate all non-essential persons
 Do not attempt to extinguish flame If fire
appears to engulf fuel containers – evacuate
immediately
 If fire contained –Commence emergency
response plan.
NOTE: If in doubt – Evacuate immediately.
For large spills – contact Emergency Services
immediately (000).

Document Title: Xyz Company Fuel Handling - Storage SOP Authorised by:
Document #: Version #: 1 Issue Date: Revision Date:
© SafetyCulture All Rights Reserved Page 2 of 2