What Information Should Be Displayed On A Diesel Storage Tank?

Introduction

If you store diesel fuel on your property or worksite, Australian standards and WHS legislation require specific information to be clearly displayed on the tank. Getting this right protects your workers, satisfies regulators, and ensures emergency responders have the information they need in an incident.

This guide covers exactly what must be displayed on a diesel storage tank in Australia and which labels to use.

The Governing Standards

Diesel tank signage requirements in Australia are primarily governed by:

• AS1940:2017 — Storage and Handling of Flammable and Combustible Liquids
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 — placarding requirements for hazardous chemicals
• GHS (Globally Harmonised System) — hazard communication standards
• State-specific requirements from WorkSafe, SafeWork, or equivalent regulators

Required Information: The Complete Checklist

1. Product Identification Label

The most fundamental requirement — the tank must clearly state what it contains. For diesel storage, this means a clear "DIESEL" or "DIESEL FUEL" label in a size visible from the fill point and approach direction.

Our Diesel Fuel Tank Identification Label is printed on 7-year outdoor vinyl and sized for clear visibility on above-ground tanks.

2. Hazard Classification Diamond

Diesel is classified as a Class C1 Combustible Liquid under AS1940. The appropriate hazard diamond must be displayed on the tank. For tanks above placarding thresholds, a full GHS-compliant hazard label is required.

Our Flammable Liquid Class 3 Safety Label meets the requirements for diesel and other combustible liquid storage.

3. Tank Capacity Label

The storage capacity of the tank in litres must be clearly displayed. This information is critical for emergency responders calculating spill containment requirements and for compliance with placarding thresholds.

Our Safe Fill Capacity Label is available with custom litre capacity printed to your specification.

4. Function Identification Labels

Every access point on the tank must be clearly identified. This includes:

• Fill point — where fuel is added
• Dip point — for measuring fuel level
• Vent — pressure relief outlet
• Emergency shutoff — location of the isolation valve

Our Complete Tank Function Identification Label Set covers all access points in a single pack.

5. No Smoking / No Naked Flames Signage

Warning signage must be posted in the immediate vicinity of the tank prohibiting smoking and naked flames. This is a requirement under AS1940 and standard WHS practice for any flammable or combustible liquid storage area.

6. Do Not Weld or Drill Warning

For metal tanks, a warning against welding, drilling, or cutting must be displayed to prevent ignition of fuel vapours. Our Do Not Weld or Drill Safety Warning Label is a direct-apply vinyl sticker rated for outdoor industrial use.

7. Emergency Contact Information

For larger installations and worksites, emergency contact details — including the site emergency number and relevant spill response contacts — should be posted near the tank.

Label Placement Requirements

Labels must be:

• Visible from the normal approach direction to the tank
• Positioned at or near eye level where practical
• Not obscured by pipework, fittings, or bunding walls
• Replaced immediately if damaged, faded, or illegible

What Happens If Labels Are Missing?

Missing or illegible labels on a diesel storage tank can result in improvement notices, prohibition notices, and fines from WHS regulators. In the event of an incident, inadequate labelling can also increase legal liability for the business owner. See our full guide: What Happens If Fuel Tanks Aren't Labelled Properly?

Conclusion

A compliant diesel storage tank requires a minimum of six to seven clearly displayed labels covering product identification, hazard classification, capacity, access point functions, and safety warnings.

Browse our complete range of fuel tank identification labels — all printed on 7-year outdoor vinyl, UV-resistant and waterproof, made in Brisbane for Australian conditions.