Test Certificates where fuel is stored at a farm

Any tank, drums or containers for petrol or diesel must:

  • comply with the design, construction and installation requirements; and
  • be at least 20 metres from dwellings or other buildings made of combustible materials; and
  • be at least 6 metres from other dangerous goods or combustible materials; and
  • be compounded (bunded) or located so that any spillage will not endanger any building, or flow into any natural water body.

For petrol, if this criteria are not met, a Location Test Certificate is required where more than 50 litres of petrol is stored. There is no similar limit for a Location Test Certificate for Diesel.

Test certificates required for Petrol on farms

Above Ground Tank Below Ground Tank Drums or containers
Up to 2,000 litres More than 2,000 litres Any capacity Up to 2,000 litres More than 2,000 litres
Location Test Certificate No Yes Yes No Yes
Up to 2,500 litres More than 2,500 litres Up to 5,000 litres More than 5,000 litres Not required
Stationary Container Test Certificate - New tanks No Yes Yes Yes
Stationary Container Test Certificate - Existing tanks1 No Yes No2 Yes

Test certificates required for Diesel on farms

Above Ground Tank Below Ground Tank Drums or containers
Location Test Certificate Not required
Up to 5,000 litres More than 5,000 litres Any capacity Not required
Stationary Container Test Certificate No Yes Yes
  1.   An Existing Tank is one installed and in use prior to 1 April 2004. Refer to Guidance for Storage of Petrol on Farms [pdf - 239kb]
  2.   The tank must comply with the Code of Practice for Existing Stationary Container Systems up to 60,000 litres Capacity [pdf - 387kb]. If in doubt check with a Test Certifier or competent person.