Fuel Storage Labels: Common Mistakes Businesses Make

Introduction

Fuel storage labelling mistakes are more common than most businesses realise. From farms and construction sites to transport depots and mining operations, incorrect or missing fuel tank labels are one of the most frequently cited compliance failures during WHS inspections in Australia.

The consequences range from improvement notices and fines to failed audits and — in the worst cases — serious workplace incidents. Here are the most common mistakes and how to fix them.

Mistake #1: No Product Identification Label

The most basic requirement — and the most commonly missed. Every fuel storage tank must clearly identify its contents. "DIESEL", "PETROL", or "AVGAS" must be displayed in a size visible from the normal approach direction.

A tank with no identification label is a compliance failure and a safety hazard. Workers and emergency responders cannot safely interact with an unidentified tank.

Fix: Apply a Diesel Fuel Tank Identification Label to every face of the tank visible from an approach direction.

Mistake #2: Using Paper Or Cheap Labels Outdoors

Paper labels and economy adhesive labels are not suitable for outdoor fuel tank use in Australia. They fade within months, peel in heat, and become illegible — creating a compliance failure even if they were correct when applied.

Fix: Use 7-year outdoor cast vinyl labels with UV-resistant laminate. All Stick-Dat fuel tank labels are rated for outdoor Australian conditions.

Mistake #3: Missing Hazard Classification

Many businesses display a product name but omit the hazard diamond. Under AS1940 and GHS requirements, the hazard classification must be displayed — not just the product name.

Diesel is a Class C1 Combustible Liquid. The appropriate hazard diamond must be visible on the tank.

Fix: Add a Flammable Liquid Class 3 Safety Label alongside the product identification label.

Mistake #4: No Capacity Label

Tank capacity in litres must be displayed. This is critical for emergency responders calculating containment requirements and for compliance with placarding thresholds under the WHS Regulation.

Fix: Apply a Safe Fill Capacity Label with your tank's specific litre capacity.

Mistake #5: Unlabelled Access Points

Fill points, dip points, vents, and emergency shutoffs must all be individually identified. Many businesses label the tank body but leave access points unmarked — creating confusion and compliance gaps.

Fix: Use a Complete Tank Function Identification Label Set to mark every access point clearly.

Mistake #6: Labels Placed Where They Can't Be Seen

Labels positioned behind pipework, inside bunding walls, or on the rear face of a tank away from the approach direction fail to meet the visibility requirements of AS1940. A label that can't be seen from the normal approach is effectively no label at all.

Fix: Place identification labels on every face of the tank that is visible from an approach direction. For bunded tanks, ensure labels are visible from outside the bund.

Mistake #7: Failing To Replace Faded Or Damaged Labels

Labels that were once compliant become non-compliant when they fade, peel, or become illegible. Many businesses apply correct labels initially but never replace them as they deteriorate.

Fix: Conduct a label audit annually — or after any major weather event or chemical spill. Replace any label that is not fully legible from 5 metres.

Mistake #8: No Pipe Identification On Connected Lines

Pipework connected to fuel storage must also be identified under AS1345. Many businesses label the tank correctly but leave connected pipelines unmarked.

Fix: Apply AS1345 compliant pipe markers to all pipework connected to fuel storage, including the Diesel Flow Direction Pipe Marker for diesel lines.

Mistake #9: No "Do Not Weld Or Drill" Warning

Metal fuel tanks that have contained fuel retain vapours that can ignite during welding or cutting. A warning label is required to prevent accidental ignition during maintenance or modification work.

Fix: Apply a Do Not Weld or Drill Safety Warning Label to any metal fuel tank.

Conclusion

Most fuel storage labelling mistakes are simple to fix and inexpensive to correct. The cost of a complete label set is a fraction of the cost of a WHS improvement notice — let alone a fine or incident.

Browse our complete range of fuel tank identification labels and get your storage compliant today. All labels are printed on 7-year outdoor vinyl, UV-resistant and waterproof, made in Brisbane for Australian conditions.